Donatello Italian Restaurant

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.

If you’re looking for the newest, latest, greatest, most up to the minute, fashionable place….this is the opposite. Valet parking, waiters in tuxedos, a rose for the ladies, amazing food. This is iconic not trendy. The atmosphere is elegant, classy, spacious and comfortable. Service was terrific and on point, the food was delicious. I had fried calamari as an appetizer. It was light and tender with a very nice fried batter, not chewy or heavy at all. The Veal Pulcinella with a side of Angel Hair Pasta was perfect. So happy to have enjoyed this place for the first time with friends and family, it really did meet all of the expectations based off of the previous reviews. You aren’t here this long with this reputation without a good reason.

Don’t let the older building and setting deter you, this place is fantastic. You will be greeted at the door with a warm smile and handshake and you will be presented with a fresh red rose when you leave. The food is incredible and the pictures do not do it justice. The service is exceptional and the staff is well dressed and professional. You should experience this old family restaurant.

Had a totally enchanting evening for my sister in laws birthday. Opera Tampa was there making the night charged with excitement along with a phenomenal pianist. Food and wine were fabulous. The singers sang Happy Birthday at our table for a night to be always remembered. Beautiful decor with roses on the tables. Charming Gino handing us roses made for a perfect end to an exquisite night. ❤️🌹

We celebrated a friend’s birthday tonight, table of 13. It’s an interesting place, the decor has Asian vibes in the side room while the main dining had red low lights at each table w/ Italian ish paintings. The waiters are dressed in tuxedos, white tablecloths, more on the ‘fancy’ side yet there’s no dress code which is strange for the over priced menu(btw, it’s a guessing game on costs until you sit down) which is fine but not for a mediocre experience. Our waiter was semi attentive at first, then he was seated two large parties so it started to dwindle, so much that we had to walk to find him to return for drink order. My husband and I ordered the zucchini frites to start which were light and crisp. $17.95. I had the homemade sausage stuffed tortellini w/ prosciutto(very floppy, a little crispy would’ve been perfect) and peas, sadly the cream sauce was broken and gritty w/ canned peas? I definitely would’ve added frozen/fresh peas for brightness and texture instead. $37. Luckily my husband traded his chicken Milanese w/ me, also subpar…think a giant chicken nugget w/o any seasoning. It was served w/ large chunks of tomatoes, raw onions and lemon(thankfully for a little moisture). $40. I’d skip dessert, the table shared a few things, tiramisu was one that I tried and though it had the usual espresso taste, more chocolate forward. It was deconstructed and extra moist w/ an odd texture. Our bill was $154 plus tip which included 2 beers and 2 glasses of wine. I do not recommend. I honestly don’t know why people rave about this local restaurant?

Our friend recommended this place. I have to admit. The restaurant, food, drinks, servers the whole staff did not disappoint wow! They were so nice and greeted us with warm smiles.They weren't kidding when they said they treat you like family. Carmelo our server was awesome, gave me and my friend some really good food recommendations. My meal was simple, but very good. I can't wait to bring my bf back to have him try it. -Ciao

Beautiful, romantic place great for special occasions. The food is cooked close to table in several hot cooking stations. Doesn't get much fresher than that! Prices are even higher than anticipated, though. $39.99 was the least expensive dish I had seen. Just rather steep for some pasta and sausage. The service lacked after our order came as we had to flag someone down to get the chicken for pasta that the Mrs. ordered. Drinks were good and free bread thankfully was yummy.

Overall a good Italian restaurant in the area. Calamari was really good, great breading ratio and the marinara it comes with is as good as it gets. Got the fettecuni bolognese and a stuffed pasta dish, both good portions and flavor but pricy at 40 a plate. Definitely old style ambiance inside but that's what it's known for, and upper management greets you at the door which was more homey feel which I can appreciate!