Donatello Italian Restaurant

Italian restaurant · Tampa

Donatello Italian Restaurant

Italian restaurant · Tampa

2

232 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33609

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Donatello Italian Restaurant by null
Donatello Italian Restaurant by null
Donatello Italian Restaurant by null
Donatello Italian Restaurant by null
Donatello Italian Restaurant by null
Donatello Italian Restaurant by null
Donatello Italian Restaurant by null
Donatello Italian Restaurant by null
Donatello Italian Restaurant by null
Donatello Italian Restaurant by null
Donatello Italian Restaurant by null
Donatello Italian Restaurant by null
Donatello Italian Restaurant by null
Donatello Italian Restaurant by null
Donatello Italian Restaurant by null
Donatello Italian Restaurant by null
Donatello Italian Restaurant by null
Donatello Italian Restaurant by null
Donatello Italian Restaurant by null
Donatello Italian Restaurant by null
Donatello Italian Restaurant by null
Donatello Italian Restaurant by null
Donatello Italian Restaurant by null
Donatello Italian Restaurant by null
Donatello Italian Restaurant by null
Donatello Italian Restaurant by null
Donatello Italian Restaurant by null
Donatello Italian Restaurant by null
Donatello Italian Restaurant by null
Donatello Italian Restaurant by null
Donatello Italian Restaurant by null
Donatello Italian Restaurant by null
Donatello Italian Restaurant by null
Donatello Italian Restaurant by null
Donatello Italian Restaurant by null
Donatello Italian Restaurant by null
Donatello Italian Restaurant by null
Donatello Italian Restaurant by null
Donatello Italian Restaurant by null
Donatello Italian Restaurant by null
Donatello Italian Restaurant by null
Donatello Italian Restaurant by null

Highlights

Upscale Italian dining with live jazz, tuxedoed waiters, roses  

Featured in The Infatuation
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232 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33609 Get directions

donatellotampa.com
@donatellotampa

$50–100 · Menu

Reserve

Information

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232 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33609 Get directions

+1 813 875 6660
donatellotampa.com
@donatellotampa
𝕏
@DonatelloTampa

$50–100 · Menu

Reserve

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Last updated

Aug 22, 2025

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@infatuation

The 17 Best Restaurants In Tampa

"Donatello has been around since 1984, and nobody in Tampa does old-school Italian food better. Start with the bruschetta and then get at least a couple of pastas like fettuccine tossed with bolognese or the cream-coated tortellini stuffed with sausage and ricotta. Beyond the classic red-sauce dishes, the fun atmosphere is a total time capsule and a reason to come here itself: everybody eating here gets a free rose, and servers in tuxedos whisk around plates of osso bucco and chilled calamari while live jazz echoes in the dining room. Always end the meal with the silky tiramisu and a little limoncello." - cheryl rodewig

https://www.theinfatuation.com/tampa/guides/best-restaurants-tampa
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@infatuation

Donatello Italian Restaurant Review - Midtown - Tampa - The Infatuation

"Donatello has been around since 1984, and nobody in Tampa does old-school Italian food better. Start with the bruschetta and then get at least a couple of pastas like fettuccine tossed with bolognese or the cream-coated tortellini stuffed with sausage and ricotta. Beyond the classic red-sauce dishes, the fun atmosphere is a total time capsule and a reason to come here itself: everybody eating here gets a free rose, and servers in tuxedos whisk around plates of osso bucco and chilled calamari while live jazz echoes in the dining room. Always end the meal with the silky tiramisu and a little limoncello." - Cheryl Rodewig

https://www.theinfatuation.com/tampa/reviews/donatello-italian-restaurant
View Postcard for Donatello Italian Restaurant

Tyrone

Google
For appetizers, we had the Carpaccio Di Filetto: Thinly sliced raw beef tenderloin with parmesan cheese, onions & capers. (Can get it served as a roll!) For dinner, we had the daily dinner specials: Fettuccine Katerina: Homemade fettuccine with prosciutto crudo, peas, and mushrooms in a princess sauce Scampi Alla Veneziana: Jumbo prawns pan seared in a white wine butter-lemon sauce with capers and diced tomato The prawns were giant and the sauce was incredible. The fettuccine was just right, super flavorful. As others have mentioned, the service was impeccable! We brought our own bottle of wine and there is a $50 corkage fee but when celebrating a special occasion and you own bottles of wine that are super meaningful to you, it's worth it to create an unforgettable experience. It's great that everyone was celebrating their birthdays that evening (lots of birthday songs to go around). We were pretty much the only table not celebrating a birthday!

George O'krepkie

Google
Atmosphere and staff 5 stars. Truly unique old school Italian Restaurant. The food was good but not 4 or 5. The desserts/drinks/cappuccino awesome.It's a fun experience.

Nick

Google
A Dining Experience Like No Other From the moment you arrive at Donatello Italian Restaurant, the experience is exceptional. The respectful and courteous valet team sets the tone, followed by a warm and welcoming greeting as you step inside. The ambiance is inviting, and the service is second to none—attentive, friendly, and genuinely dedicated to ensuring a memorable meal. As for the food, it’s simply outstanding. Every dish I’ve tried has been a testament to their commitment to quality and consistency. The flavors are rich, the ingredients fresh, and the presentation flawless. I’ve been fortunate to visit several times, and each experience has been just as incredible as the last. Their lobster linguine, in particular, is a must-try—delicate, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. Donatello sets a high standard for Italian cuisine, and I can confidently say it’s unmatched in every way. A true 10/10 dining destination!

JENNA QUAGLIANA

Google
Visited last night for my birthday for the very first time. I have always wanted to try donatellos out being an Italian, I've always heard great things. We had reservations at 8:15pm & we were not seated for over an hour after. We were skipped multiple times which was extremely dissapointing. The hostess was very apologetic but very aware that he did mess up & skip us. Once seated we really loved the ambiance of the restaurant & the warmth of the staff. We were served bread immediately and ordered the calamari which was to DIE for. The sauce that was paired with it was out of this world delicious. For dinner I ordered the claim linguine and it did not dissapoint. Our food came out pretty quick too which made up for the long wait. At the end we were given a complimentary dessert and that was also incredible. I still recommend donatellos but be prepared for a wait. Definrelt eat something light before visiting.

Karina Arbelaez

Google
food was absolutely amazing! the staff was very attentive. very romantic atmosphere, live jazz music is played in the adjacent room. sometimes they have opera singers as well. a but pricey, but it is expected for an upscale restaurant. elegant casual would be dress code, not super elegant. i would not recommend bringing kids here though.

Matthew Landon Heller

Google
Iconic must eat at Tampa Italian institution. The ONLY thing finer than the amazingly prepared cuisine is the ABSURDLY incredible service from the most attentive and professional wait staff and management. There’s a reason the musician Drake eats here. World class service, spectacular flavors, and a one of a kind Tampa dining experience. The lounge is remarkable, they sometimes have live music, the dining room is as romantic as it gets. The mood is always perfect. Some dishes are prepared/finished table side, the food is all super fresh. My go-to’s are the salmon and shrimp with asparagus in this delightful white sauce, or the filet with pate on top of it. Can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. Thank you Gino and your family for the lifetime of unforgettable experiences.

Alexander & Theresa Spots

Google
We visited to celebrate my wife’s birthday, and it was an unforgettable experience from start to finish. Our waiter gave excellent recommendations for both wine and food, and everything was spot on. The dishes arrived quickly, and the service couldn’t have been better. The ambiance was romantic and intimate, perfect for the occasion. While the prices are on the higher side, the quality makes it absolutely worth it. I ordered the Cannelloni Donatello, and I’m still thinking about how perfectly cooked it was, right down to the sauce. My wife had the Carnia Alla Livornese, and she loved every bite. To finish, we shared the Mousse Cake, which was unbelievably fresh and decadent—easily one of the best desserts I’ve ever had. This place exceeded all expectations. I’ll definitely be coming back with my family and even using it for business meetings.

Eric Mathers

Google
Old school hospitality at its finest! Although my first time there I was greeted like a long lost friend! Thank you Tatiana. Kaley at the bar and waiter Gomez only added to the entire experience. The Calamari Amalfitana just might become my new go to meal! Thank you
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Katie F.

Yelp
A quintessential old school Italian restaurant! Think moody lighting, low ceilings and live jazz music. The atmosphere is so cozy and classy. The menu is large with all of the authentic classics. All of our meals were delicious and you could tell extremely fresh and served right out the kitchen. The portions are also very large. What makes the meal here is the service. All of our waiters were attentive and kind, we never had an empty glass or dirty plate sitting on the table. Be warned the prices are steep, but a great spot for a special occasion.
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Luisa J.

Yelp
Loved this restaurant ! It was very nice to experience this place and the amazing food. The service was amazing and friendly. The pasta I ordered was amazing and I loved that I was able to modify it. I ordered the crab linguini pasta and asked for their truffle cream sauce and it was delicious. If I come here again I will order a pasta with fettuccini because those noodles were amazing that I tried off my bfs plate. The tiramisu was also delicious, one of the best !
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Marina C.

Yelp
This was one of the most disappointing meals I've had in a long time. We decided to attend the Mardi Gras event, and upon arrival, we were greeted and offered Mardi Gras face masks, which was a nice touch. However, the experience quickly went downhill. After being seated, the first thing our waiter asked was if we wanted a drink, but I wasn't given a wine list or drink menu--I had to ask for it. That should have been the first red flag. When I finally saw the selection, I was disappointed with the available cabernets and chose not to order any wine. For appetizers, we ordered the tortellini soup and mussels in red sauce. Instead, we were served two orders of mussels in white sauce. I had to send them back. When the correct appetizers finally arrived, I was shocked by what was placed in front of us. The tortellini soup was essentially salt water with five tortellini floating in it--completely underwhelming. The mussels, fortunately, were good, but the server attempted to take my plate away twice, making me feel rushed. For our entrées, we ordered linguini with clams in white wine sauce and the cannelloni Donatello. The cannelloni came out looking more like enchiladas than an Italian dish. My linguini, at least, was decent. As for the entertainment, I thought it was enjoyable--live music and performers going around added to the atmosphere. However, the overall dining experience was subpar. Between the service mishaps, disappointing food, and rushed atmosphere, I won't be returning.
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Greg E.

Yelp
Atmosphere - Great! This is a quintessential, Old World Italian restaurant. Having said this, if you don't like the color pink, it may not be for you. When you enter the restaurant you will be warmly greeted by two gentlemen who make you feel like a special guest. The only ding that prevents a 5 star rating is that the tables are a bit too tight and the room can be quite noisy. The servers as dressed to the "Nines" and they are very friendly, but professional. Service- Very Good. As mentioned above, the restaurant is staffed with high quality, professional servers. Food - Excellent! As my entree, I had Veal Scaloppini sautéed with prosciutto and fontina cheese. The veal was extremely tender and the combination of the prosciutto and cheese in the sautéed sauce was delicious. My wife and I shared the Zucchini Fritti, which also very good. The breading was light and it was deep fried perfectly. Overall Value - Very Good. This is , in my opinion, one of the best Italian restaurants in the Tampa Bay Area
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Beth E.

Yelp
We arrived early for our reservation so we could have a drink at the bar. The bar area is very nice and my lemon drop martini was a great size and was good. We were then taken into the dining room, which is huge. For a Sunday night, it was packed!!! The servers are all super efficient and everything moves along quickly, but you don't feel rushed. The menu is extensive. My husband and I shared the fried zucchini which is served with a marinara sauce. Although I took pictures, you can't really tell what they are because of the pink lights at the tables. The zucchini was a large portion and was great. For my entree I had the cannelloni which was stuffed with sausage and cheese. Again, good flavor. The best of all was that they heated the food right in the restaurant, so my food was piping hot, which I love. We had a wonderful evening and I would highly recommend coming here.
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Hannah A.

Yelp
What an amazing experience! One of the best restaurants I've been to in Tampa - the vibes, atmosphere, service and food were absolutely the best of the best. They make feel very special from the moment you walk in by shaking your hand and greeting you. The photos of all the celebs & VIPs who have visited hung up in the lobby is also a fun touch. The food was delicious! We had the melon and prosciutto for an appetizer which threw me off guard at first but actually paired very well together. For entrees we had a lobster pasta, but my favorite was the veal. Our server brought us a dessert sampler since they were out of the napoleon which was such a nice treat :) Can't wait to return!!

Buster B.

Yelp
Moved from Los Angeles. First timers and was recommended by a few locals for our engagement. We walked to our table and upon being seated the staff knocked over the roses that were in a vase full of water. He tried to clean up the water, offered to move to another table that was not as intimate so we declined. We got a bread basket - as my partner was eating, he pulled out a string of hair that the bread was wrapped around. We understand things happen but nothing was going our way. Food was mediocre. Then they brought out a moose "cake"with a candle and said congratulations before I proposed! We got our bill and there was no compensation for anything - not that we needed it, but the gesture of even a comped drink would have let us know they were aware of the experience we had. I wouldn't go back, even though the waiter was great.
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Karlynn H.

Yelp
Step into a feeling of old world Italy with music and delicious dishes from Antipasti to pasta and meat and seafood dishes. This was my first visit and on a Saturday night, they offer valet parking only (so don't forget the cash to tip!). Entering the restaurant we were greeted warmly by "Gino" and about a hundred photos of celebrities all over the walls. From Frankie Valli to Kevin Sorbo and government leaders, for 40 years you can see this was no ordinary restaurant and has its own place in history. We made a reservation - highly recommend - and all of the tables were in a dimly lit dining room that gave you a nostalgic of grandma's kitchen, but with a bit more formality. People were dressed from casual to fancy dress and everything seemed appropriate. The lounge on the opposite side had a band playing all kids of oldies and lounge-style pop songs, that I would not have classified as "jazz" as the website said, but enjoyable nonetheless. We heard so many tables sung Happy Birthday in Italian, you can tell this was a locals favorite for special occasions. I ordered a start Caesar salad which was delicious and made table side. It was a large starter and the dressing had the perfect balance of anchovy and pepper - two ingredients some places cannot get right. My main dish was angel hair pasta with tomato and basil. It was light, tomatoes tasted fresh and they do not skimp on portion size. Everything was delicious, and service impeccable. My only criticism is the prices were a bit steep for Italian food. I'm sure you were paying for the privilege to be in this elite, family history. As we exited, ladies received a beautiful single, long-stem red rose. A romantic gesture that made you forget the bill. Definitely a lovely place for a great meal on special occasions.
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Don M.

Yelp
Still an excellent Italian restaurant, and it was a very busy night-Valentines Day- but the service has slipped below their 40-year standard. One dirty fork. Could only get one bottle of sparkling water because they did not have enough bottles chilled. Late with the bread. Late with the sugar for the cappuccino. Mistake/ overcharge on bill. Still, my veal chop was excellent, as were the dinner salads and deserts. But at this price point, we expect near flawless service which was sadly lacking.
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Blake H.

Yelp
Been here a couple times now and there is simply just other Italian places to go besides here. The ambiance is probably the nicest part. Very romantic red lighting in a spacious, low ceiling dining room. The bar has live jazz every night. The maitre'd is very polite and welcoming. Service and food is definitely lacking though. As far as food, it all just looks and tastes very bland. I had caprese and carpaccio to start and finished off with the New York strip on special. It was all so bland, lacked flavor, and had no real presentation. I ate 25% of my steak which I'm pretty sure came off a Sysco truck and still was charged $79.99 for it despite telling my server I didn't like it. (When you're with a big group, you don't wanna cause a fuss and demand it get taken off. But when more than half of a meal isn't eaten maybe you should take it off?) As far as service, our server seemed good at first when he took our 1st course order but after that there was never any checking in to see how it was going. When I asked for a wine list, the order didn't get taken until our entrees were practically at the table already. Wine glasses should be set and wine should be tried before entrees get to the table. At first I thought he was just really busy but at several points I saw him just standing around and talking to coworkers. Would've been nice to have a 5 minute check-in because I would've asked to send my steak back then probably. All in all, I'd go to Bella's, Piccola, even Rocca before coming back here.
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Marina F.

Yelp
What an unforgettable meal and dining experience at Donatello Restaurant! It's an iconic, fine dining Italian restaurant. You see photos of celebrities who dined there covering the walls upon entering. The dining room is so elegant and each table has 3 fresh roses. Here's what we ordered: ~Avocado and shrimp- avocado pear with jumbo shrimp and a European cocktail sauce. The avocado was perfectly ripe, shrimp were jumbo and fresh, and I like this cocktail sauce much more than the traditional red kind. ~Lumache farcite- snails baked in mushroom caps with parsley and garlic butter. This melted in my mouth. They were very enjoyable, and I loved the addition of the mushroom as well. ~Caesar salad -let me just say, the Parmesan ratio was ON POINT! You have to be a cheese lover for this! ~Risotto Principessa-creamy Italian risotto with scallops and lobster meat. We were blown away by the generous amount of scallops and lobster in this risotto. Also, the risotto portion was very generous too! It was creamy and the perfect dish for seafood lovers! This dish was unforgettable. The sauce was very similar to lobster bisque in flavor. ~Veal Chop Colombo- porterhouse veal chop topped with mixed mushrooms and brandy cream sauce. The sauce was creamy and delicious and I loved the mushrooms in it. It also came with some mixed veggies which were the perfect texture. Donatello is the perfect place to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, graduation, or to go for a special and romantic date night. The service is flawless, atmosphere is beautiful, food delicious, and every woman walks out the door with a fresh red rose, which is a beautiful touch I've never seen before.
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Felicia C.

Yelp
I have tried Italian food at a number of places but let me be CLEAR. Donatello's delivers authentic Italian Food within a great backdrop filled with great service, music, and total ambiance. The food had me making noises while savoring each bite. The portions were great and I was still full the next morning. Full transparency moment. For me. It's a special occasion place, but it's well worth the trip. My pictures are a little dark but just trust me on this one. Thank me later
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Uriel M.

Yelp
Donatello did not disappoint! The osso buco was absolutely excellent--tender, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. The carpaccio was equally impressive: fresh, delicate, and delicious. Classic atmosphere and attentive service made for a memorable evening.
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Heather F.

Yelp
We came here for my birthday dinner just my husband and I. I've been wanting to try this place for a while and it was the perfect time. It is very romantic inside with the dim red lighting and the booths. The service here is great. I could hear a lot of the staff speaking Italian so it felt really authentic. One thing I liked is that they are preparing the pasta in front of you. They have nice selection of wine as well. I ended up getting the salmon alla Stromboli and it was delicious. I wish there was more shrimp on it though! Because it was my birthday they sang happy birthday to me in Italian and gave me some cake! The cake was delicious and they gave me a rose at the end of the meal. Definitely a great experience for a special occasion.
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Amber W.

Yelp
Three years later, and three years of experiencing other Tampa Bay Italian restaurants, but Donatello still stands out amongst them all. So authentic that the waiters hardly speak English. The dining room is romantic, but lively enough that it's also perfect for a fun night out with friends. The bar and lounge area always has great live music. Our favorites are the Veal Canniloni and Ossobucco. There's an appetizer of cantaloupe wrapped in incredible prosciutto, which sounds strange but totally works. You can tell everyone truly enjoys their work, the food they're serving, and the people they work with.
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Erkenesh S.

Yelp
Sometimes Date Night calls for roses and red lighting. You'll certainly appreciate it more if you come at night. We had a 5:30 reservation and didn't get the full effect due to the daylight coming through the windows. I noticed the waiters pushed ordering drinks on patrons. The Sicilian Spritzer was heavy on the Vodka. I murdered my Fettuccine Mare Monti! 10/10. The snails were delicious and ate all 6 since my date chickened out. No room left for dessert this time, but would consider coming back to explore the menu.
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Jenn L.

Yelp
I've been to Donatello twice and it never disappoints as they're also known for having live jazz entertainment seven nights a week in their piano bar. I do love the ambiance which has a romantic dim red/pinkish lighting and of course, the food and service were spot on! What I ordered: - Capelli D'Angelo Amalfi: Angel hair pasta with tomato and basil - Linguini Al Granchio: Linguini with jumbo crab meat in a white wine (MUST GET!!) - Cannelloni Donatello: Rolled fresh pasta stuffed with veal, mozzarella, glazed with besciamella and tomato sauce (MUST GET!!) - Caesar Salad - Ricotta Cheese cake (w/ fruit of the season) - Tiramisù
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Dan M.

Yelp
I returned here for another great meal. For starters, I had the carpacio di filetto. This was a thinly raw beef tenderloin with parmesan, capers, and onions. This was very tasty. The beef was very thin with just enough flavor. The parmesan was the key here. I just thought there were too many onions present. I also tried the prosciutto and melon. It was solid as well. I also had the escargot again and same thoughts apply as of my previous visit. For dinner, I split the ossobuco alla Milanese (see previous review for similar thoughts, however, this was just a tad tougher than I remember) and tortellini pana prosciutto piselli. The tortellini was homemade and stuffed with sausage and ricotta in a cream sauce with prosciutto and peas. This was great. The tortellini was cooked al dente and the filing was ideal. The sauce was perfection and the prosciutto as well as the peas just enhanced the overall flavor. It was one of the better pasta dishes I had in a long time. I also tried the risotto special that came with pesto and scallops. The scallops were cooked to perfection and the risotto with pesto was a great combination. I also tried the linguini with lobster in a light tomato sauce. This was okay, just a little fishy. For dessert, the lemon tartufo was once again ordered (see previous review for similar thoughts).
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Jay G.

Yelp
Excellent service and great food. 4 1/2 stars. The only issue is the noise level and the crowds on the weekend. We had the Cannelloni as recommended which was good but the Linguini in Red Clam sauce was excellent as was the spinach in garlic that was outstanding. The best part is the service, which made the experience excellent even overcoming the noisy environment.
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Samantha S.

Yelp
Classic old school Italian restaurant in Tampa. Food is great. Service is great. Ambiance is awesome. If you are looking for some good old school Italian this is your spot.
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Courtney C.

Yelp
I pass by this place so often and have been recommended to come here by so many. It was okay to me. Not saying, i won't be back but ehhh. We had reservations but we were directed to go to the bar for a drink bc we would have to wait another 20-25 mins . We were on time btw. There were no seats at the bar but we were able to find a table for 2 off to the side while we waited . Unfortunately, our waiter didn't check on us AT ALL but there was another waiter who filled up our water. My food was really bland and i noticed all the tables had salt but no pepper. My husband got got the crab and scallop risotto & his dish didn't have any flavor at all either . The ambiance is romantic. The parking lot is VERY VERY small & we lucked up on a spot . They do offer valet parking .
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Jaime P.

Yelp
Este lugar es el más caro de Tampa , pero aún así ni el servicio ni la comida son buenos , las pastas con camarones horrible , crudo lo tuve que regresar , ambiente viejo y poco agradable
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Marquese C.

Yelp
The ambiance of Donatellos is amazing for date night. The food was really tasty and the portions were fulfilling. The service was top notch. Donatello's is a must visit establishment in the 813!
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Don R.

Yelp
Great service! Very attentive and food was excellent. Maybe have Valet come in from main road and exit to side street for safety. I will be back.
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Lauren G.

Yelp
The Basics: Donatello is an old school, Italian restaurant in Tampa and one of the most well-know restaurants in town since it opened in the 1980s. The lights in the restaurant are low and the interior is welcoming and has retained its classic feel over the years. Things I like: The food at Donatello is delicious and the service was great as well. I loved that the menu had classic Italian items like Prosciutto with Melon and the Insalata Caprese was delicious as well. I ordered the Linguini Alle Vongole in white sauce and loved it. Castelvetrano Olives were also put on the table to enjoy. Things I didn't like: Nothing! I highly recommend visiting Donatello! Overall, a famous Tampa restaurant and a must for a no fuss, classic Italian feel.

Alicia A.

Yelp
This was one of the most overrated and underwhelming experiences I've had in Tampa. The food is so bland it's unreal. I feel like they worry too much about the aesthetics and not the food. The food was actually terrible. I'm not woahed about service either. Parking is difficult you must valet. Drinks are very basic, my dirty martini was basically all olive juice. We got chicken Milanese, which had so much oil you could taste it. My friend got a $40 clam pasta and she said it was very gritty like there was sand in it. My other friend got a tortellini or a ravioli with prosciutto on top, but it looks like ham chunks and it had peas and she said it was disgusting. All of our food was really really really disappointing and super overpriced. I would not return even if someone else was buying.
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Daniel B.

Yelp
One of the best spots in tampa to celebrate. It could be a new job promotion, birthday, date night anything. The ambiance is to die for and the fact every female gets a rose is a special touch. The food clearly divine with their Italian menu.
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Michelle M.

Yelp
My husband brought me to Donatello for the first time in 2003 to celebrate my 21st birthday. At the time this was probably the nicest restaurant I had ever eaten at and I remember being super impressed at the time. Over two decades later I am not so impressed. The decor is very outdated and a bit tacky and the food really isn't as good as it should be. I can name three Italian restaurants in Tampa that have better Italian food for at least half of the price. I have been to Donatello on three separate occasions over the years and each time I am less impressed. If you are seeking a romantic fine dining experience there are better restaurant options in Tampa.
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Libby T.

Yelp
A romantic, authentic Italian restaurant that has been well-established through the years. Celebrities have visited the place; a solid reputation from friendly owners/workers to exceptional food! It was a bustling evening when we went, but that didn't delay service at all. Wine tasted flavorful. The food was fresh and seasoned well. Highly recommend this place to anyone celebrating a special occasion or craving authentic, mouth-watering Italian food!
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Mike G.

Yelp
My family and I found this restaurant on Yelp. We're from North Jersey and used to great Italian food. This place didn't disappoint at all. From the Bruschetta to the meals, top notch. I highly recommend this restaurant as all the food was phenomenal. The staff were fantastic as well!!
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Veronica R.

Yelp
I was disappointed in the service considering how long they have been in business. My husband and I had dinner to celebrate our 5th anniversary. We waited for a very long time for someone to come and see if we needed anything once we received our entrees. Typically at any other restaurant the server returns to see if we were satisfied with our food choice. Or to see if we needed anything else. Then once someone came to remove our plates after eating it took along time for someone to see if we needed desert. There was a server who came to the table, I asked him if he could get our server. I told the server that we were wondering where he was. He preceded to tell me he was busy. My husband is a business owner and we are aware of who you treat customers and it's definitely not with excuses. Very disappointed and we will not be returning.

Marisabel D.

Yelp
Service was amazing food was amazing!!!! Good family gathering place or simply an intimate place to eat.

Mike C.

Yelp
Pasta vongole was delicious, superb service with genuine authentic ambiance , a Tampa landmark
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Scot L.

Yelp
Very nice Italian place. Loved the tableside cooking and preparation of food and the upscale atmosphere. Nicking them one star as on the night we were there they were totally out of veal chops, even the one on the nightly special menu. Ordered the Ossco Bucco instead and it was 70% fat and bone....very little actual meat. Escargot was great and their pasta sauce was great.
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Amy P.

Yelp
This classic Tampa staple is always a good time, I feel like I'm in GoodFellas when I eat here. I went 5 months ago and I still haven't forgot the experience. Everything is authentic and the service is top notch. I love the red lighting. It gives the place such a romantic and dark ambience. We got a pasta trio as an appetizer and everything was fresh & had decent portions. The lamb chops were juicy and had big chunk s of garlic that i really loved. The rigatoni bolognese was absolutely delicious. I'd come back over and over again for that. Lastly, the espresso martini was the best I've had. I will def come back for that as well. My favorite part is that every female gets a rose. I think it's a beautiful tradition that they continue to keep alive.

Alice R.

Yelp
Again, we couldn't find a more romantic spot with food from heaven and service from Mount Olympus!

Michelle S.

Yelp
Very good classic Italian . We all loved our apps and meals , really nice staff . Easy to park . We will be going back
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Jeremy F.

Yelp
Just an absolutely wonderful meal. Incredible staff. I arrived as the kitchen was closing but they were nice enough to still seat me. Caesar salad was one of the top 3 I've had in my life. Cannelloni was exquisite.
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David J.

Yelp
We decided to try this restaurant on the recommendation of a friend. Let's just say he has good taste. We made a fairly early dinner reservation, so the restaurant was not crowded when we arrived when you enter the dining room it has the feel of an Italian restaurant that you have seen in a movie. I have to say that the waiters speaking to each other in Italian was a nice touch. This restaurant is on the higher end pricewise so I would recommend you take a look at their menu and prices before you make your reservation. We started with a couple drinks and an order of oysters that were topped with (real) crab meat. My wife had the grouper and I had the 14 ounce New York strip. We both enjoyed our meals very much. The host and the staff were amazing and super nice. The red light gives the dining room a unique ambiance (and makes you pics come out red) We will definitely visit this restaurant again.
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Paige A.

Yelp
Ambience is amazing in here came for an anniversary dinner. The food was OUTSTANDING. I ordered a special of risotto with cream sauce, lobster, and scallops and it was possibly the most delicious meal I've ever had. My boyfriend got veal, I honestly can't say which meal he got exactly because he couldn't decide between several choices and asked the server to pick for him. He loved it (and he's extremely picky)! There was a huge selection of wine. Dessert was a lemon tart with pecans, amazing. Service was perfect, with all staff checking in often. Staff were kind, helpful, and amazing! It was an absolute pleasure to eat here and we will be back.
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Victoria P.

Yelp
This place is a staple of Tampa. The girls get roses handed to them at the end of dinner which makes it feel so special. Food is impeccable. Definitely a cute date night spot!
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Kristin A.

Yelp
The service did not disappoint here! Our waiter had given all the best recommendations, I felt like I was legitimately in Italy. The ambiance and red lights truly set the tone of the entire restaurant, it was so romantic and I loved how they gave roses to everyone! Definitely recommend the espresso martini and pasta with crab!
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Steve D.

Yelp
Always a wonderful experience! Donatello makes one feel appreciated as a customer. Great food, even better, top flight service. The way dining out should be, always.

Chris J.

Yelp
This place is an absolute gem. I was there with a friend for over three hours, we had appetizers, drinks, wine, and desert - just amazing food and even more amazing service. I had the Bolognese with homemade fettuccine noodle. Delicious!
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Andy W.

Yelp
What an amazing evening it was! Classic 1950's Rat Pack vibe with the lamp shades casting a red hue over the entire space. Photos of the owners with the rich and famous who have dined here greet you as you walk in. The Maître d' showed us to the table in a full 3 piece suit and entire wait staff was dressed up for the affair as well. The table setting was set with fresh roses which gave us the fine dining touches we were looking for this evening. We had the most amazing time and the everything from the wine list to the rye selections were top notch. This experience was the perfect setting for a special occasion and everyone's meals were perfectly presented and absolutely fresh. The attention to every detail and guest need was taken. If you are looking for a top notch meal with fresh ingredients and old school Italian recipes this is the place. Only wish that some of the other patrons dressed the part as there were some who came here dressed like it was a commercial chain restaurant but that's on them not the restaurant.
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Sheri R.

Yelp
We had a very nice time at this restaurant. Food was very good... We had the oysters with spinach - AMAZING... The Pugi (not sure) salad - delicious! The mixed seafood pasta - great flavor, homemade noodles, too heavy on the calamari though. For dessert, we had the crème brûlée which was excellent. The service was very nice and the atmosphere was very family oriented. Despite all of the people, the noise was at an acceptable level in which we could hear ourselves speak. That was nice. They do have a jazz band that plays in the bar on the weekends. If you're looking for live music, this is the place! The owner stands at the door and greet you when you walk in, which was a very classy touch. The price was reasonable for the food that they served.
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Sami U.

Yelp
I was visiting family in Florida when we decided to try Donatello! We had our reservation for 9 pm but we were running late and arrived to the restaurant at 9:15. Upon arrival we learned the kitchen was closing at 9:30 pm! so we were rushing to order food but the manager and the waiting staff were very kind and asked us not to rush and take our time which was very generous of them. The dinning area is very very romantic - with pink lights and fresh roses on each table so definitely recommend this place for date night. We received fresh bread and butter to start off the dinner which was as good as bread and butter get. We ordered Calamari and Bruschetta for our appetizers and I was surprised because each one of us received a separate plate with equally distributed pieces instead of having everything on one plate. Drinks were amazing as well - appealing to the eye and flavorful. For my entree I ordered the Agnolotti Freschi Alla Crema from the pasta menu because I always want to try pasta whenever I am at any Italian restaurant and it was really yummy! My cousins ordered the Medaglioni Di Manzo Alla Pizzaiola and it was cooked to perfection as well. For dessert we ordered the Chocolate Mousse Cake and the Tiramisu - the chocolate cake was average but the Tiramisu was so amazing I had wished to order another! To end the night me and one my cousins ordered a single shot of espresso but it was very bitter so I wouldn't recommend espresso from here. Overall a very great experience and even better hospitality from the restaurant which is why I am rating this place a 5/5. Definitely recommend trying this place if your in the mood for Italian.

Robert P.

Yelp
Great authentic Italian food. The service and ambiance make for a great dining experience.
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Isaura D.

Yelp
What an amazing place. I cante believe it took me so long to try. It is quality food, fresh and delicious. Beautiful place to go with your family or even a romantic night out. They have valet available but if you have an early reservation self parking is also available. Spot go quick though.