Il Ritorno

The best Italian restaurant in St. Petersburg. Tremendous team, high quality service, incredible dishes. Consistently great! Our last meal there was the Chef’s Table experience and just wow! The food, the wines, dessert…just one amazing course after another.

The service was top notch. Our server described dishes we inquired about perfectly and made some wonderful recommendations. All the dishes we ordered were a piece of art and tasted phenomenal. Chef David Benstock and his entire staff have created a wonderful dining experience. We highly recommend this restaurant and will definitely be coming back

Chefs table experience was incredible! The Chef de Cuisine Sheridan Scott was so informative and every dish was delicious and unique

The service was extraordinary! They must go through so much silverware. The charcuterie board was very generous and enough for four people to share. The chorizo was the star, and the grilled bread was amazing. The bucatini was a simple and delicious way to enjoy their fresh pasta. The Wagyu ribeye cap was sous vide to medium rare and then grilled to medium. The crème fraîche gelato was smooth, light, and creamy, and we would highly recommend it.

Our 50th wedding anniversary dinner was perfect. Christian, our primary server was friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive. The food preparation was complex and delicious. This was our third dining experience at Il Ritorno and each visit has been more enjoyable than the the previous one! Thanks for a lovely evening.

My wife and I came out for a birthday dinner while we were on vacation and had an unbelievable experience here last weekend for dinner. Service was impeccable and the food and drink was better than we could have expected. We had the dry aged porterhouse and it was cooked perfectly and the presentation was amazing. It was cut up and portioned when it came it with different sauces and toppings on the side that only added to the experience. The steak was perfect on its own, but all the additions were great as well. Our server spent time asking us which types of wine we liked and we settled on a bottle that we both really enjoyed. If you want an amazing dinner with a great atmosphere and exceptional service, this is the place.

Top-notch service and an exceptional menu featuring seasonal ingredients. We truly enjoyed celebrating a birthday dinner at Il Ritorno. The menu was so thoughtfully curated that we wished we could try everything. Our waiter was incredibly attentive, and his enthusiasm and deep knowledge of the dishes made the experience even more enjoyable—you can tell he’s genuinely passionate about the food they serve. Every dish was beautifully executed, with seasonal ingredients that paired perfectly with classic Italian flavors, all elevated with a modern twist. The complimentary birthday gelato, complete with a handwritten message from the chef, was the perfect way to end the meal. In our opinion, Il Ritorno surpasses some Michelin-starred restaurants we’ve tried in the past. We’ll definitely be back soon.

First timers: We reserved the spring tasting for our anniversary. Absolutely delicious food! We can’t wait to go back. Loved the variety and the rhubarb sorbet was outstanding.

Beautiful meal and (not so) hidden gem in St Pete! This modern Italian restaurant (with some Asian fusion) is absolutely delicious! We've heard great things but never got to try this place out. It is in a very unassuming spot but is very upscale once you step foot inside. We were told the chef owns a butcher shop next door and pastas were made in house. So we were expecting some amazing dishes! To start we had the tuna belly tartare and the smoked meatballs - surprisingly we were more blown away by the tuna belly with hints of beet puree. The meatballs were good but need more sauce. Both our pasta dishes were superb. Loved the duck tortellini, the sauce was deep in flavor and duck was moist! The Taleggio agnolottis were delicious and sprinkled with crispy lamb belly! For dessert we got a yuzu orange sorbet which was refreshing and could have been a palate cleanser with each course! The apple tarte was amazing - fall in every bite and perfect amount of saltiness from the miso. What a gem! Highly recommend this place to anyone who loves Italian

An absolutely fantastic dining experience. It's hard to pick my favorite part because everything was perfect. From the taste and presentation of the food, down to the service and crumbing of the tables, every detail, was spot on. Our server, Alyssa, was 5 star as well and made the night extra special! I highly recommend this spot.

We were very pleased with the chef tasting all the way around. The establishment is just the perfect size to wear they can be busy without being overwhelmed. Loved the look and feel of the place. The staff was amazing and super welcoming. We will be back to try the regular menu for sure. Highly recommend.

Absolutely delicious!!! Every dish has such complex and delicious flavors. The service was impeccable and ambiance was romantic and cozy. Highly recommend.

Il Ritorno - Downtown St. Pete Tonight, I decided to indulge in a craving for a delightful Italian dinner, and Il Ritorno in Downtown St. Pete was the perfect spot. This was my first visit, and I was pleasantly surprised by the entire experience. The atmosphere was intimate, the service was exceptional, and the food was some of the best Italian I've had in a long time. We started with the Cheese and Charcuterie Board - a Chef's Selection with crafted accompaniments that set the tone for the meal. The flavors were well-curated, making for an excellent beginning. For drinks, I enjoyed a Negroni Boulevard - made with Barr Hill Tom Cat Gin, Carpano Antica Sweet Vermouth, Barolo Chinato, Campari, and bitters aged in-house. This was followed by an Il Ritorno Old Fashioned - featuring Whistlepig Piggyback Bourbon, Demerara Sugar, Angostura and Orange Bitters, with a hint of salt and smoke. Both were expertly crafted and complemented the meal perfectly. For my entrée, I chose the Pork Campanelle - fresh house-made pasta cooked to perfection. The Italian sausage had great spice and a touch of heat, the crispy pig ears added a satisfying texture, and the lime provided just the right amount of acidity. It was a beautifully balanced dish. To cap off the meal, I enjoyed an Affogato - Vanilla Gelato with a Chocolate Dome Espresso. Paired with an Amaro Montenegro, it was the perfect way to end the evening. Il Ritorno has earned a spot on my list of favorite dining spots, and I highly recommend adding it to your date night rotation. I'll definitely back.

First time trying this gem & my goodness I was impressed with their food & service! The parking was street parking, you'll have to pay the meter. Inside, it's very quaint & intimate. I don't think I'd bring small kids IMO. We had the mussels & the burrata to start off with. The table bread is addictive. Our meals consisted of The Raviolo, and two other dishes which I cannot name but don't let that define their amazing taste.l profile! Our server Shay was a doll. She knew her menu, made great recommendations & was so sweet! The only reason I didn't give the restaurant 5 stars is because the plates are a bit small for the price, and bc 5 stars is where they should aim to be 10/10 recommend for your next dinner adventure

Il Ritorno During our recent visit to St. Petersburg, we had two dinners at Il Ritorno. Our first dinner was a test of the restaurant and the second dinner was with our large group in their private dining room. The service was prompt and the menu is typically Italian. We had a variety of starters and main courses. Everyone was extremely pleased with all our dishes. I had the octopus as a starter and the angel hair pasta with caviar. Both were amazing. Feedback from all my colleagues was excellent. The restaurant has an extensive wine list with domestic and old-world options. Kat was our server both nights. She was excellent. Overall, highly recommended.

I've wanted to try Il Ritorno for a couple of years now, and I finally got to try it the other night for a date night. I heard of Il Ritorno because I saw the chef had beat Bobby Flay, so I knew the food had to be good. Il Ritorno is quaintly located in Downtown St. Pete. It is simply decorated on the inside with a view of the kitchen. Our server was very attentive and polite. For an appetizer, we tried the 'Frutti Di Mare' which was a raw scallop tartare, rock shrimp, Manila clams, Avocado charred tomatillo, and clam brodetto. It had so much flavor in it. We could've eaten a whole bowl of it. It was perfectly flavorful, light, and refreshing. I highly recommend this appetizer. For my entree I had to try the infamous 'Short Rib Mezzaluna' which is paired with truffle fonduta, concentrated tomatoes, piave, and chives. I can see why the chef beat Bobby Flay with this dish. It was so delicious. The truffle wasn't over powering and paired nicely with the dish. I really enjoyed the tomato sauce. Their pasta is made fresh and it made the dish even more delicious. My fiancé tried their 'Lobster Tortellini' which came with black trumpet mushrooms, sea beans, asparagus, and lobster brodetto. The lobster was perfectly stuffed inside the pasta and was beautifully presented. My fiancé really enjoyed his dish. For dessert, we tried one of their newest desserts it was a guava cake paired with chili, mango, lime sauce. It was so interesting and had a whole world of flavor going on. It's definitely worth trying. It was plenty to share for two people! We really enjoyed our dinner here. If we lived in St. Pete, I'd definitely want to come back again.

TL; DR version: an absolute gem of a restaurant, delivering creative & delicious food and exquisite service. Longer version: You will love this place. If it's your first time, DO THE TASTING MENU. We did, and it was spectacular. Sat at the bar and Chandler was terrific. Joe, manager, went out of his way to make it a special night. I'm still dreaming of the agnolotti. The A-5 Wagyu and accoutrements were just perfect. This was such an amazing experience. Starters, main, desserts, beverages, service, vibe...you cannot do better than this in St. Petersburg!

Another outstanding menu put out for this season. Highly recommend the Spanish octopus, which was grilled to perfection and was nicely balanced with tarragon and fennel. I would have appreciated a more generous serving of fresh artichoke heart pieces sprinkled throughout the dish because they were so delicious and quite frankly could have been the star of this or any dish...yum! The lamb garganelli was fantastic. This was a handmade, green pasta, which was perfectly al dente and the lamb was similar to what you may expect to see in a pulled pork preparation. It was bursting with flavor...smack your lips good. For dessert, the ricotta zeppole were a very shareable portion. Prepared with toasted hazelnuts and a Nutella sauce, they were exquisite...the creamy ricotta battered center melts in your mouth and is not sweet -- which paired nicely with the sweet sauce. Service was outstanding...the only thing that would bring it to the next level would be if management organized a training class for servers on proper pronunciation of the pasta dishes (e.g. tagliatelle...the 'g' is silent!)

The food was spectacular. Perfectly portioned and delicious. The service was impeccable, we never felt rushed. The closest dining experience we have had to our European dining experiences. Highly recommend.

Nothing but good things to say here. My husband and I live in an Italian neighborhood in the east and when we came here we were blown away. This has become our favorite restaurant in st Pete for more upscale meal. Service was wonderful, food was fresh and high quality, and the best part, they actually wrap your food for you instead of putting the service on the customer!

All great things are here.....Service was amazing and the quality of the chefs work was astounding. The 9 course dinner tasting is a must for foodies near and far. Each dish was creatively presented and the attention to detail blew me away. The dining room is intimate and cozy. The 9 course dinner is highly recommended for a special occasion or date night. The dinner tasting and the daily menu changes quarterly. There is street parking but no valet. My favorites from the tasting were The Torched Japanese Scallop, The Waygu Beef, Branzino, Squid Ink Lump Crab Pasta and The Olive Oil Salted Crème Fraiche Gelato.

***Summer Series Review*** I want to rate this higher. I've been here a dozen times and each time would have been a 5/5 rating. But holy moly this experience was actually so terrible. We did a 10 year anniversary dinner. Absolutely nowhere did it state it was a communal table. That we would crammed into a table of ten strangers, forced to share space, conversation, and dinner for THREE. HUNDRED. DOLLARS. We asked the table and they didn't know as well. If you're paying $300 a person to have a communal table and you do not disclose that, it is an absolute miss. Clearly a lot of the patrons thought they were on a romantic date night only to have that come crashing down when directed to the table. To start we show up and they try to seat us at a name/spot that isn't ours. Then we have to wait twenty mins to be seated because they didn't have a spot for us. We finally get seated snd they take drink orders. Everything takes longer because it's an entire table ordering and receiving. The food finally gets started. When the course is being introduced the my did it on the opposite side of the table so we couldn't hear it. The next course wasn't even introduced. The third course they started doing it on both sides but one after the other so it was odd and disjointed. The food was good, but I've actually had some of their tasting menus that I thought were better. On the way out the manager asked our feedback which we shared as outlined above. To be honest, the most disappointing part was him saying that they had gotten similar feedback on the communal table. So not only did you get the feedback and choose to keep that format but you didn't think to update your website with a disclosure around that? Especially in such an economically and politically charged climate we're in. Just take a second to imagine what some of the conversation you may have had to endure was. A full refund wouldn't even be enough to undo how terrible this experience was.

Another lovely evening at Il Ritorno. We did the Grand tasting menu which included a variety of dishes from tartare and ceviche to wagyu and pasta. 8 courses in total with courses 7 and 8 both dessert. Both were phenomenal. The service was great. We were well taken care of all night.

4.5 stars from me Great upscale modern Italian place with unique ambiance. Service was very good and attentive. Place is on a pricier side. They have fancy beef cuts and caviar. I do not eat beef so didn't matter to me. They had only two mocktail options: ginger and orange. I hate ginger, so got orange, so I had one option for me. My husband hates ginger as well. So he didn't have any drinks. The start with a complimentary focaccia bread. It was fresh and good but focaccia is our least favorite bread. Again, nothing wrong with it just not our preference. We had octopus and fall salad to start- octopus was cooked to perfection. Fall salad was very unique to the point that my husband refused to eat it. I loved it, but it's very non ordinary so make sure you read ingredients before ordering. For the main I had squid ink pasta and my hubby had pork bolognese (had some Italian name), both were great but very very heavy. We could tell it was cooked very well and had unique flavors but was to heavy for my taste. Not many vegetarian options, I wish it would have more of vegetarian options, and more greens vs everything with pork (that I don't eat). You can ask to remove pork from the dishes though. They gave us free dessert due to my birthday and it was Nutella gelato. It was good. Overall good experience. I don't think we will be back very soon since we just didn't feel it was our style of food but still was a good experience.

A year later this is still the best restaurant in all of Tampa Bay and it isn't even close. The $35 Short Rib Mezzaluna and the $35 Pork Campanelle are two of the best food items that you can get at any restaurant that I've ever been to around the world. My Valentine loved the $44 fish eggs & chips and the $74 Caviar Cappellini. She thought there were better than any of the places she's eaten at in NYC. Also, be sure to order the $53 8oz American Wagyu Ribeye Cap and the $52 Branzino. This is the absolute best date spot if you want fine dining. Don't be fooled by the appearance of the restaurant from the street. Be sure to make a reservation on Tock app. I've never spent $485.35 on a meal for 2 until I came here. The food is so freaking amazing!

This restaurant is a hidden gem! My friends took me here while I was visiting St. Pete and they know I love some good Italian dining and this place is it! I ordered the charred octopus from the antipasti menu and it was perfectly crisp and flavorful. The best I've tasted. I enjoyed the short rib mezzaluna from the primi menu and was tempted to order a second one because it was just THAT good. For dessert, I had the lemon gelato. This was my favorite part of the dining experience. Something so simple was the standout for me. They dressed the gelato with olive oil and salt. It was so simple and the combination was a delightful surprise! My friends and I stayed quite a long time and the service wasn't as responsive since we didn't exactly follow ordering rules. We ordered something that stood out as interesting to us that we could all sample every time the server came back to the table. We wanted to sample as much as we could from the menu, so we could try things collectively. We just like to make the most of our dining experiences. I don't think they liked that though.

Finally got to experience the full chef's tasting! I had originally visited with the intention of trying some of their new spring menu items, but seeing that all of these items were on their chef's tasting for the evening, decided to just try them all at once lol -Harbison cheese with beets and asparagus vichyssoise: I substituted this for the "fish eggs and chips" dish, and was so glad I did! The combination of creamy vichyssoise, slightly sweetened beets, and salty cheese foam was irresistible  -Oyster and tartare duo: Such a fun presentation! Oysters three ways: beet and yuzu, fermented fresno and pineapple, and cucumber lime granita. The hiramasa tartare was substituted with tuna belly tonight, which gave it extra richness that was perfectly complimented by the grapefruit foam and yuzu-infused olive oil -Morels: Perhaps my favorite dish of the night, with asparagus mousse, orange dashi gel, lemon thyme foam, and delicious tatami iwashi (think perfectly seasoned sardine chips!) -Lobster carpaccio: Warm butter-poached lobster with crispy, salty red dulce, watermelon radish, and fava citronette. Decadent and beautifully presented -English pea spirale: This was the only dish I wasn't thrilled with. The goat milk crisps were visually impressive, but I found the texture a bit off-putting. I do like the spirale pasta though, a much more satisfactory filling-to-pasta ratio than your traditional agnolotti! -Foie gras lasagna: Layers of housemade pasta, duck confit, and parmesan cream, paired with asparagus and rhubarb and finished off with a lovely tableside foie gras "snow"! I think I liked this better than the foie gras carbonara on their winter menu, the tartness of the rhubarb helped balance out the richness of the foie gras -A5 wagyu ribeye cap with fava citronette, black truffle creme fraiche, and trumpet mushrooms: Just wow, one of the best steaks I've ever eaten!  -Sponge cake with poached rhubarb, raspberry sorbet, goat's milk custard, and pine nut crumble: Maybe my favorite dessert here (yes, better than the zeppoles!), so refreshing and perfect for spring! The custard was rich and creamy without being too heavy, and perfectly balanced by the fruity sorbet SO impressed by this experience! I'm going to have to make this a recurring visit for each of their new seasonal menus . . .

There is a reason Chef David Benstock beat Bobby Flay on his TV program. He is the best chef in St. Pete and possibly the Tampa Bay area. His presentations, food pairings, and quality are outstanding. The homemade Foccacia was served with a pesto and whipped butter with beef tallow. It was mouthwatering. It was included with the meal. His Spanish Octopus was charred perfectly and so tender you could cut it with the side of a fork. It was plated with fennel crostini and artichoke heart pieces. The burrata sala, a perfect size, was a testament to the freshness and quality of the ingredients. It was accompanied by a scrumptious balsamic dressing, English peas, tiny radishes, and cucumbers, all bursting with flavor. The spring salad, with its rhubarb, charred asparagus and a black garlic vinegarette dressing, was wonderful. There was a delightful mix of textures topped with tiny crispy potatoes. The side of dry-aged meatballs were charred and crusty on the outside and tender inside. The simple tomato sauce with it was a tad too salty but otherwise perfect. All of the pasta is fresh, and we did not order any dishes. However, we had the short rib mezzaluna on a prior visit, and it, too, was delectable. By the way, this dish was the one he cooked to beat Bobby Flay. We had creme fraiche gelato for dessert. We could not ask for a better meal. Yes, it is expensive, and yes, it is worth it.

My wife and I dined here last night for Mother's Day, and it was a true experience. The room is just lovely, simple but elegant and Italy-like. Comfortable seating with plenty of room between tables, and a perfect noise level even on a busy night. Our server, Todd, was exceptional. Caring, pleasant, attentive in the perfect amount, and his colleagues were also just wonderful. But the food, oh my, the food. The burrata salad was to die for, and the Wagyu steak tartare was incredible. It came with delectable grilled shashito mushrooms filled with, you guessed it, the tartare. Oh, my. My short rib mezzaluna was delightful, my wife's lamb garganelli fabulous, and goat cheese panna cotta perfection. All in all, just an outstanding experience. Thank you to Danni (the sous chef), and of course, Todd. (Or Tog. Perhaps Croy, not really sure. :-)

I can't say enough about how much I enjoyed these dishes. The portion sizes were perfect and the flavors were absolutely incredible. The award winning Short Rib Mezzaluna is definitely a must try... it's now probably one of my top recommended pasta dishes. The cheesy flavors are unlike anything I've tastedjust heavenly. This is the dish that beat Bobby Flay's in the Food Network show, Beat Bobby Flay. The Bucatini Pomodoro was delicious too and is a great vegetarian option. If you're vegetarian, they have an entire second menu featuring meatless versions of all their pasta. I loved everything we tried so I also recommend the meatballs! They were very unique; crispy on the outside, deliciously seasoned on the inside and sitting in bed of some of the tastiest sauce.

Incredible meal. Service is Michelin star worthy as are the food options. Don't miss the mezzaluna, once you try it you'll see why he beat Bobby Flay. In a city with lots of Italian restaurants, this is the only one worth going to. The octopus appetizer was the best I've ever had and the A12 wagyu was incredible. There is no better meal in St Pete. The ambiance is casual as if the atmosphere, the kitchen is open to be restaurant so be sure you have a seat to watch David at work. We have come before and will be back many more times, especially for a restaurant that knows how to make a quality Vesper martini.

Great Italian spot in downtown St Pete! All the pastas are freshly made too and a fun fact, apparently the chef beat Bobby Flay on his show. Great service and selection of wine to choose from as well. I was a fan of their espresso martinis! I did like everything I ordered but I would skip the squid ink pasta, it didn't do it for me ha! But the short rib mezzaluna was good but it was a bit too cheesy for me which was the dish the chef made that beat Bobby Flay. My favorite pasta was Bucatini Pomodoro. Things I ordered: - Crudo: Scallops, Yuzu, Warmed Carabinero Shrimp, Crispy Scallop, Ramp Oil - Charred Octopus Smoked Cannellini Bean, Radish, Chervil, Capers, Black Garlic - Short Rib Mezzaluna: Truffle Fonduta, Concentrated Tomatoes, Piave, Garlic Chives - Bucatini Pomodoro: Fresh Basil, Ligurian Olive Oil, Burrata - Squid Ink Pasta

This place was a great experience! The waitress walked us through the menu giving us a background behind the favorite dishes. The meal started herb delicious bread paired with a house made butter and pesto sauce that was to die for. I ordered the pear and apple cocktail (can't remember the exact name) but it was a cocktail with 6 or 7 different flavors mixed together to make a fabulous cocktail. Some of the ingredients were apple cider, mint, cinnamon and ginger beer. So good I had two of them! We did a assortment of appetizers including a charcuterie board, meatballs, grilled octopus and an 70 day aged steak. The charcuterie was set up with items next to each other pairing well together. Great flavor and would recommend! The meatballs were savory and had a cheese filling inside. I personally have never had octopus and liked it - accept for this time, it wasn't chewy and had a nice grill charred flavor to it. The aged steak was definitely the star of the course - we got it medium rare and everyone at the table loved it! The steak was flavorful, tender and had a unique flavor from being aged - definitely something to try out if you haven't before! My main dish was the short rib mezzaluna. I have NEVER had a pasta that good before! The ravioli was filled with tender short rib and the cheese sauce was amazing - very filling too! My boyfriend has the wagyu steak medium and he loved it. The meat was tender and perfectly cooked - the sauce added a great flavor. Overall this was an amazing experience, great service and I learned so much about the menu and tried so many new things. Five stars for sure and a night I won't forget!

The best Italian fine dining locally. All ingredients are super fresh and the menu is carefully crafted with amazing pairings and accents. The kumquats in the Stracciatella appetizer were a beautiful accent to compliment the cheese. But I did think the charred bread was too overpowering for the delicate flavor of the cheese. Their charred octopus is the best octopus in the Tampa Bay Area- and I've tried it at least a dozen restaurants here- hands down, they win- on both presentation and flavor. The way they cook the octopus is different than most other places and it leaves it with a perfect smooth buttery texture- not chewy at all, and full of flavor. The short rib mezzaluna is to die for- the chef beat Bobby Flay with this dish. Everything here is well thought out and carefully crafted with love. This chef should be a James Beard winner.

A true gem in St Pete. We love this place. Always perfect service and the food is amazing.

An incredible meal at Il Ritorno! The unassuming exterior leads you into a warm and charming restaurant with an open kitchen,which made for a great ambiance. While technically an Italian restaurant, it's more like a culinary experience (get your chicken parm, pizza, and seafood soup somewhere else) with a seasonal menu. One of the pricier meals in St. Petersburg, but definitely worth it. Starting from the end of the meal: 1.) Branzino, which I normally find boring, was amazing. Honestly don't love burre blanc, because the underlying meat should (and did!) shine on its own, but the fish eggs made it more fun. 2.) My husband got the American Wagyu ribeye cap, possibly some of the best steak I've ever stolen bites of--plus great white asparagus. 3.) I got fiddlehead ferns as my side, so fun, even if a bit bitter. It's like a better broccoli rabe. Next time I'll probably try the brussels sprouts for variety, the table next to ours got them and they looked awesome. 4.) Our pasta dish (definitely will be back to try others) was oxtail malfade with goat cheese, meyer lemon aioli, and toasted herb crumble. Very rich but so unique and tasty. Neither of us had ever had a pasta with a flavor profile like this before. Each bite went a long way and was fantastic. We already are discussing which pasta we'll get next time! (Probably the short rib one that beat Bobby Flay.) 5.) We started with steamed mussels with lamb nduja, caramelized onions, and Calabrese chilis. Awesome broth (along with the olive oil bread to soak it up) really made this an especially delicious appetizer. While I love seafood, usually mussels aren't my first choice, but I'd absolutely get these again. 6.) Uppn seating, we were given amazing fresh foccacia bread with homemade pesto and whipped beef tallow butter. SO GOOD. All of this was accompanied by unique Italian wines. I loved the Tuscan vermentino as my white (crisp, fresh, too easy to drink with a touch of sweetness but still dry) and the valpolicella ripasso as my red (full bodied, fruit forward). Last but not least, the SERVICE! I think we had at least three waiters attend to us for the evening? If you couldn't tell from the food, you could tell from the service: this is clearly a top-notch restaurant. Worth the high price tag. Without a doubt one of the most unique and flavorful meals in St. Pete. We rolled home and will be back! There are so many great things on this innovative menu, so we might even splurge on the tasting next time.

Came out here on a beautiful Friday evening with my new puppy to show her DTSP. Made a reservation so we can eat al fresco here. This was actually one of those places that have been on my bucket list for a long time because 1) Italian cuisine, my favorite 2) DTSP area--my stomping ground. I had been wondering why I haven't checked them out for so long. Well, the prices for one are rather steep, so I wanted to wait until I had a good, solid stash of money to really go to town and enjoy it with. I do recommend reservations when coming out here. Apparently, they are very popular, and when 5pm at the clock hit, there was already a gathering of people who were waiting to get it. I waited outside patiently until my server would notice me and seat me for me outside table per my reservation. This is one of those higher up, modern Italian places. No generic mountains of pasta with even more mountains of sauce here! I would imagine the food here would be a little closer to what you would get in Italy from looking at the dishes they serve there (By the way, I'll be going in August, so I'll really have a verdict by then). The first thing they serve, is a square of fresh baked foccacia bread. It was served with two different dipping sauces (both of which I used) and was delicious and soft. Because I love bread so much, I wish they gave me more, but knowing me, I'd just over stuff myself with bread and leave room for nothing else. I had so many pasta dishes to choose from. Again, price is certainly something I take into consideration when I make my selection, but I also want it to be something I will love. Seeing all the pics of this one dish, and knowing that it is something I would like too, I went ahead and got the short rib mezzaluna with the mushrooms on the side (what can I say? I love mushrooms!) Wow, was it not disappointed and I can see now why it's so popular. The portion size was just enough to fill you up, but small enough not to leave you overly full. This was nothing like any other Italian place I've been to. The sauce is rather light, and is coated with a lot. The short rib inside the ravioli was tender and flavorful. My server told me a fun fact that THIS was the dish that the cook entered "Beat Bobby Flay" on and won. Well, I'm certainly not surprised. She also told me that the meat comes from The Butcher just mere door down from where I sat and that all the ingredients are locally sourced. This was rather impressive. I got the mushrooms to finish off and round off my meal, which were pretty good, though I wish they were sliced thinner. Oh well. Didn't do dessert today because I was hoping for panna cotta (which I've never had) and already had cake prior to coming. Oh well, next time, and trust me, there WILL BE a next time.

THE very best service, atmosphere, vibe and food we've had in years. We were in town for the St Petersburg boat show a couple weeks ago for several days. We didn't have a reservation but the fabulous hostess recommended we come and try to get a seat at the bar as they were booked and it was too cold that weekend to sit outdoors. We had a Manhattan while waiting and got a seat at the bar. Wow! The bartender, I think his name was Matthew, was outstanding in every way. The energy in this restaurant feels like you're at a gathering with friends. We ate a lot. Started with the bread of course, octopus, the short rib mezzaluna and so much more. My husband and I spent a couple hours there and had the best time we've had at a restaurant since Covid. I'm telling you, don't miss this gem. Vibe, food, drinks and exceptional staff made for a perfect evening.

Had an amazing chef bar tasting menu from Il Ritorno. Chef Sheridan was awesome. The food was great. Joe provided great service. He was knowledgeable and friendly. We enjoy tasting menus, and the type and order of courses at Il Ritorno were innovative, tasty, and had a nice build up. Very much enjoyed and will be back again!

This is one of the best experiences! Their reputation gave me high expectations. And wow, did they not disappoint! I have a gluten allergy and they were so accommodating and reassuring. Their food was not only delicious but the presentation and service were the best I've experienced in St. Pete! Can we talk about the wine list?! So well thought out and diverse. I wasn't sure what to order with my meal, our server was so knowledgeable and the parings they suggested were just perfect. I had the Caviar Capellini( with the gluten free pasta of course) and my husband had the Crab Spaghetti. For desert we opted to share the Coconut Panna cotta. To drink, the house made lemon cello. The best I've ever had! My hubby and I just went for a weekend date night but we absolutely plan on being back soon for their tasting menu!

We went here for the grand tasting after hearing amazing things from so many people. I think it was course 4 before we got anything Italian. There was "creativity" in each dish but nothing overwhelming or wonderful. I'd go back for something on their regular menu but for over $400, I absolutely did not get my money's worth on the tasting menu.

Walked in for appetizers at the bar and stayed for a full meal because of the service we had from Joe. He made our martinis exactly how we ordered and then offered wonderful suggestions and pairings for our meal. As bar walk-ins we were treated like we were there for chef's tasting menu. Enough can't be said about the great service. It was not our first visit but was certainly our best. We'll be back for chef's tasting menu and requesting Joe's pairings. Thank you!!!!

Exceptional! Love the food ! And everyone is so knowledgeable and friendly . We coming to this restaurant. Never a disappointment.

I really wish I had good things to say about this restaurant, but I don't. I thought the wait staff was just OK, the ambience just OK, the food not even close. I had a gluten-free pasta dish that was okay, but they couldn't add any vegetables/mushrooms or grilled chicken and it was just mediocre. My boyfriend also had a lobster ravioli dish that he said had no flavor. And was more like a broth because they poured broth over it, but it was pasta, so it just became a soupy dish. The prices are high, for this kind of food and service. You would expect more. My wine was very good. Cannot recommend. Also, their website makes it sound like they can accommodate a gluten-free allergy and I guess they think that because they have gluten-free pasta that makes it true, but if they really want to be gluten-free forward, try finding a good bread or popover and add options for grilled chicken, or some kind of vegetable to make a pasta dish seem filling and interesting.

One of the absolute top restaurants in St. Petersburg, Fl! Our last visit was January 2022...so this is a delayed review. Wishing I could attach videos of our meal. It's made for foodies! The service here is always on point! The food is even better! Their dishes are always thoughtfully plated. TIP: Tuesdays 5pm - 7pm are 50% off all PASTA dishes (nothing else on the menu is discounted) If you are on a budget, then this is for you! This offer is DINE IN ONLY. No take out. My absolute favorite dish (and a lot of other diners' favorite) on their menu is their Short Rib Mezzaluna. Truffle Fonduta, Concentrated Tomatoes, Piave, Garlic Chives I could eat two or three plates of this pasta. That being said, all of their other pasta is just as spectacular. Everything is made fresh on site. Every meal begins with their focaccia bread, fresh basil pesto, and the last time I was there their butter had some beef tallow mixed in with it, which gave it a subtle, yet distinct flavor palette. (not sure if this is new or if I had not noticed before) It was SOOO GOOD! I am generally a gluten-free & dairy-free person that being said....when I dine at Il Ritorno I throw all caution to the wind! It's worth it! I LOVE when food hits you with all the feels. It's a visual and taste experience. They have a vegan and vegetarian menu. Metered Street Parking Gender Neutral Bathrooms I suggest calling ahead for reservations. I have eaten at the bar area before when there was no seating and thoroughly enjoyed it. The service at the bar was great! I had the Wagu Tatar appetizer that day...it was amazing! Guests may make reservations for dining up to 3 months in advance They offer indoor and outdoor seating. Outdoor seating is on the sidewalk, so there will be a lot of foot traffic passing by. Some homeless people, but they don't bother you. I suggest asking for inside seating if people checking out your amazing food bothers you. I'm always looking at what people ordered when I am passing by...I just can't help myself :) Dress Code: The appropriate attire at IL Ritorno is business casual. We ask that no beach attire, sports jerseys, athletic shorts, tennis shoes, or flip-flops be worn. Feel free to contact us with any questio

The service was very professional and the bartender was both easy to talk to and extremely knowledgeable. We received some bread which was slightly stale and was disappointing. I ordered the Short Rib Mezzaluna with a side of meatballs. The meatballs, super tasty. I loved the sauce thay came with them. The short rib pasta, while unique, didn't seem worth the price. I really hoped the food would be on another level and blow me away. The restaurant is very noisy as the atmosphere consists mostly of hard floors and walls around a bar causing sounds to echo very easily. I found it hard to hear my partner sitting next to me let alone the music that was playing.

My wife and I had an amazing experience here. The food and service were exceptional, and we dined outside on a nice evening.

A while back, I rated il ritorno a 4/5 stars. I can't really explain the reason other than maybe I was hangry... let's not dwell on that now. Many times I'm sure, a Yelp reviewer has ONE good experience at a restaurant, and they get a coveted 5 star review. Since that hangry day, pre pandemic at least 2 years ago more like 3, I have returned to Il ritorno at least 5 times. Now I have not strictly eaten at il ritorno. I live 35 minutes away in Tampa. So I've had many experiences to compare it to. Nothing compares to il ritorno. Every other time I have visited it has been a 5 star experience. The severs are professionals, Attentive and knowledgeable. Many of them have been there for years. Not sure what wine to get? Just ask. They will always have a recommendation. The vibe is laid back, but romantic, chic, but somewhat casual. And the food---if you don't know by now the head chef was on Beat Bobby Flay... and beat him. The Meza Luna ravioli is the dish of legends and the chefs signature. I tell everyone about it. The flavor is incredible. We took TWO home tonight as takeout. This is the best thing restaurant in St Pete hands down. It delivers on every level. Shame on me for giving 4 stars 3 years ago. It's 5 all the way.

My initial review of ilRitorno started with " If you were going to have your last meal, this would be the place to have it... " I have been several times. My experience last night makes me happy that I waited for a couple of experiences to finish my reviews. Let's start at the beginning with the reservation process. The young woman that answered the phone was very hesitant to give us a later reservation, stating that they were just full. We arrived at our designated reservation time. The restaurant was fairly empty. It stayed empty until we left at seven. There was six tables or so occupied, many empty tables, but we couldn't get a reservation later than 5:45 and that was a push. The server was nice enough. Not amazing service but adequate for a nice restaurant. The evening began after carefully looking at the menu and asking the server where are the salads were, and she and our assistant server both looked at the menu and said "oh well we're between seasons on the menu and we don't have any salads until our spring menu comes out." I remarked "this is the best time in Florida for produce, I can't imagine that you don't have any salads." I realize that was my warning sign. Now that I should have encouraged my party to get up and leave and go somewhere else for dinner. I thought it was a one off. No one else bothered to check on our meal when we opted to not take any leftovers, except for a completely uneaten bowl of soup. One of our friends was not feeling well and didn't eat any of her soup that she had ordered. Thank goodness for small favors, as we took her there to impress her with our fine dining establishments in St. Petersburg. She comes from a much larger city, that is well known for wonderful restaurants. The mushrooms which I have had before tasted like rubber, they seemed old, overdone, and as though they were cooked with bacon. They were on the vegetarian menu, and very greasy, The brussel sprouts were greasy and hard to cut. I ordered a special that was on the menu that I hadn't seen before with kabocha squash. I was surprised that one little thin piece of pasta came. The sauce was poured in and it was undercooked, but since we were there with some out-of-town guests I didn't want to send the food back. It was not up to the standard of the food that I have had there before. The food that I had raved about to everyone. Also at our table, the truffle pasta was ordered. I tasted it and the truffle was great. You can't really complain about the wonderful taste truffle but the price, $85 was a little high for what you got. And the pasta, although the server assured us that it was made in house, did not have the consistency, flavor or density of freshly made pasta. It tasted like something from a box. It was flimsy like when you overcook pasta at home. We had a birthday at the table so we have been given what was supposed to be gelato. It tasted more like ice cream and not a good vanilla one at that. On my way out. I asked one of the staff if they had changed chefs, and he said no we have the same chef. Personally, if somebody asked me that question, I would've said no we haven't why do you ask but there was no concern. No concern about us leaving uneaten dishes on the table to be dumped in the trash. Completely disappointed. And what's even more disappointing is we have another set of out-of-town guests that we had planned to bring in and do the tasting menu with. My suggestion, would be to make another choice. There are so many good options in this town and the surrounding towns that have more energy and better food.

Great experience, even better food! Found IL Ritorno while watch Beat Bobby Flay and fully understand how Chef Benstock won! His passion and attention to detail was evident with everything we ordered. Not pictured: the mussels - absolutely recommend

IL Ritorno has an exceptional vegan menu! There were only two of us dining tonight. However, a variety of people with different dietary needs can eat here, which would be good for groups. I was on the fence about a cocktail or red wine. I started with Pea Shoots, Pea Scores. I highly recommend this drink for Mezcal lovers or anyone who likes a smoky flavor. The drink had such a great balance of flavors. I opted for a red wine when my main entree came because nothing better than pasta paired with red wine. The food all came out with steam rolling off of the dishes. I feel like this is a lost art when dining out, so it was nice to see it still exists. The server was very attentive and helpful guiding us through the drink and food menus.

As someone who used to train wait staff for fine dining for Marriott corporation. I appreciate good service and recognize it when I see it. It doesn't matter the date we had dinner. It doesn't matter how busy they were. The service is always in impeccable. The food is on another level. It's just astonishing. You can't go wrong with anything.

Great addition to downtown St Pete. My wife and I ate here recently and were impressed with their menu and food quality. This was our first visit, so can only comment on our meal. No pasta consumed this trip, but planning to come back and try some. We started with a cocktail, and the bar staff could not have been more accommodating. Oh, and they make great craft drinks as well. I had an old fashioned with a 1792 store pick bourbon. It was traditional and amazing. Wife is kinda boring when it comes to drinks, Tito's, soda, and some OJ. That too was solid and the OJ was fresh squeezed. On to the food... the let down of the meal was the app - we had pork belly, which I usually love. Their offering is sous vied (to death) and served with bland sauce and a few mandarin orange slices. The fat that makes pork belly so amazing was completely rendered out which made the pork dry. It also lacked sweet that pairs so well with savory. Swing and a miss for 20+$. We did not complain or send it back, as it's not something I do. On to the main - we split a 32 oz prime ribeye that was dry aged in house for 60 days. You get your choice of 2 sides with that (and should for 170$). We opted for mushrooms and smashed then fried potatoes. The steak was prob the best beef I've ever eaten. Cooked to perfection, sliced and served in a cast iron pan. The smashed pots were also amazing and perfectly cooked. The shrooms were actually a bit bland and desperately in need of some sauce to liven them up. But I cannot over state the steak quality - amazing and highly recommend it ! The cast iron treatment then finished in the oven was perfection. Other items to comment on. Staff - outstanding and could not have been better. Decor - beautiful and I love the open kitchen concept. Restroom - meh - and lacked any water pressure or hot water. Overall this place is awesome and plan to return soon to try some of the pasta, which look great.

When friends wanted to try this place I was apprehensive, the menu and food photos seemed like a place trying to be upscale and falling short. The appetizers reinforced that assumption. They were yummy, but overpriced and trying too hard. But I got to see the potential of this kitchen in its entrees and desserts. Incredibly well-balanced entrees and innovative desserts had my friends mocking my critiques during the appetizer course. While I may not be rushing back myself, I wouldn't be upset if friends asked to go again sometime.

Excellent food and service Food: every Tuesday is half price pasta night. I tried the short rib mezzaluna. A creamy truffle pasta topped with shaved parmigiana stuffed with short rib. 10/10 My date got the lamb ($40) 3 tender pieces and the homemade honey mustard complimented it nicely. It also came with carrots and baby potatoes. 10/10 Drink: bottle of cabernet sauvignon perfect pairing All meals are served with Italian bread Very quiet and romantic atmosphere. Recommend for date night.

I had the realization recently that I've never eaten in a "fancy" restaurant. Sure, I've had a birthday dinner at Olive Garden and have visited the Cheesecake Factory few times - but I've never been to a restaurant where you felt rich~ in. You know what I mean? I'm talking about restaurants with a dress code. No flip-flops, shirt required type of deal. Anyhow, as Valentine's Day was approaching, I was lucky enough to receive an invite from a fine honey to Il Ritorno for an upscale, allegedly vegan dinner. Upon gazing over the menu on the website each day for the two weeks prior, I didn't really see much that was vegan - you know how it be. Would I settle for a side of potatoes, salad and a glass of wine? You bet. But, when I arrived, I was in complete shock as the server handed me a menu and stated, "here's the full vegan menu!" What do you mean... a full... vegan... menu? As in, I don't have to eat lettuce and french fries? "WE LOVE VEGANS!" he screamed. (Kidding, but they do love vegans if they offer a WHOLE FRICKEN VEGAN MENU!!!!!) Ambiance? Perfect. Dimly lit, not too big or overwhelming. Our server was amazing, and this was truly a one of a kind experience. I had the mushroom spaghetti, which you could tell was very fresh and made in house. The potatoes were also delicious. There were so many options for the main course, which was extremely refreshing and exciting! But let me tell you what the star of the show was... the Brussel sprouts. They were out of this world, absolutely intergalactic. Full disclosure, I love b-sprouts, but now I only love THESE b-sprouts. They were crispy, tangy, garlicky, perfect. I regret not getting the rigatoni as my main dish, because you already know what comes on that thing! Ended the date with a shot of espresso, and I cannot wait to go back. 5 stars for a beautiful experience from start to finish.

IL Rotorno is an upscale Italian Restaurant in Downtown St Pete off Central. The name IL Ritorno translates to "The Return" in Italian and marks the homecoming of Owner and Executive Chef, David Benstock. IL Ritorno creates modern Italian dishes for the discerning palate, introducing new and interesting flavor combinations that add elegance to a traditionally rustic cuisine. The upscale dress code of business casual is strictly enforced with no beach attire, sports jerseys, athletic shorts, tennis shoes, or flip-flops allowed. Reservations are highly recommended as this place books up quick! The Chef's 6 Course Tasting is $115 per person. The Chef's Grand Tasting Menu is $185 per person. The Tasting Menu Wine Pairings are $55 per person. The Roasted Bone Marrow came with Uni Toast, Citrus, Fermented Fresno Peppers, Fall Blooms. 8/10 The Short Rib Mezzaluna came with Truffle Fonduta, Concentrated Tomatoes, Piave, Garlic Chives 9/10 The Pork Campanelle came with Italian Sausage, Shishito Bolognese, Crispy Pig Ears, Lime 8/10 The Capellini alle Vongole came with Littleneck Clams, Jalapeno, Zucchini, Lemon 8/10 The Smoked Meatballs came with Smoked Pomodoro, Piave, Chianti, Fresh Basil 10/10 The Steak Tartare came with horseradish foam, grana crisp, toast, tomato oil, & garbanzo. 8/10 The Seared Diver Scallops came with 3 scallops, black trumpet mushrooms, spring onions, artichoke, & watercress. 8/10 Chefs Cast Iron Steak came with charred baby zucchini, Confit tomato, black garlic, roasted garlic, & truffles. 9/10 Raspberry sponge cake with vanilla & raspberry ice cream & fresh rapsberries. 7/10 The Tiramisu Ice Cream Dessert came with a scoop of chocolate ice cream. 7/10 If you're looking to sample a lot of different kinds of Italian Food in Downtown St Pete in an upscale atmosphere, I recommend you give IL Rotorno a try! Portion sizes are on the small side. If you get a lot of the small plates it will definitely cost ya! If you're really hungry, get the Chefs Cast Iron Steak or The Capellini alle Vongole as those 2 dishes had the biggest portion sizes!