Valentino Ristorante Italiano

I visited Valentino’s yesterday, and I can confidently say this is hands down the best restaurant in Clearwater. The food was absolutely superb. We ordered a feast: the bruschetta “oh the BRUSCHETTA” no words can describe, the lobster ravioli “actual lobster pieces, literally hand stuffed, the filet “melts in your mouth “, and even a cocktail served in a literal gold birdcage (A+ for presentation!). Now, let’s talk prices: It is a bit pricey for Italian, I won't sugarcoat it. But in a world of overpriced mediocrity, this place is actually worth it. You get what you pay for: outstanding service, high-quality ingredients, and perfect execution. Daniel, the manager, was incredibly welcoming and informative. I also learned that the chef is an architect, which makes total sense, he is doing an amazing job building a masterpiece of a restaurant. His recipes are true treasures that are pleasant to both the eyes and the palate. I have traveled the world and eaten at some of the most exclusive restaurants globally, so for me to give a 10 out of 10 is very rare, but this place literally became my favorite spot. I’m writing this review right now just dreaming about how wonderful the food was. Do not skip dessert; leaving without it would be a crime! The table side pistachios tiramisu was absolutely delicious and one if a it’s kind experience. This restaurant has several private dining rooms and an incredible wine list. A huge bar and outdoor dining. Like I said: it worth every single penny!!!!!! You will not regret!!!

A Luxurious Italian Dining Experience in the Heart of Clearwater – Valentino Restaurant. I celebrated my birthday last night at Valentino, a stunning Italian restaurant located right in the heart of Clearwater, and it was an absolutely flawless experience from start to finish. From the moment you arrive, you’re greeted with a red carpet entrance that makes you feel like a VIP, followed by an interior that is beautifully designed, elegant, and impeccably maintained — every corner exudes sophistication and style. The service was outstanding. Our waiter, Oscar, together with his assistant Yamileth, delivered impeccable, detail-oriented attention throughout the evening. Oscar’s recommendations were spot-on, and even the chef came to our table to personally greet us — such a gracious touch that reflects the restaurant’s commitment to excellence. For my starter, I enjoyed a Caesar salad with a light, delicate dressing that was perfectly balanced. My main course was the Ravioli Valentino — fresh pasta filled with succulent Canadian lobster, accompanied by shrimp and a half lobster tail in a rich, flavorful sauce. My cousin ordered the Saccottini Ciro, delicate pasta pouches filled with ricotta, mozzarella, Parmigiano, Pecorino, and black truffle, bathed in a heavenly sauce that was pure perfection. To accompany my meal, I had a beautifully presented cocktail, served in a whimsical floral cage — as refreshing as it was visually stunning. For dessert, a decadent mousse provided the perfect sweet ending to an unforgettable evening. In short, Valentino is not just a restaurant…it’s a full sensory experience, where refined Italian cuisine meets an atmosphere of true luxury and impeccable service. Without a doubt, one of the finest places in Clearwater to celebrate a special occasion. ✨ Thank you, Valentino, for turning my birthday into an unforgettable night 🎂

Dinner | $100+ This restaurant is everything we were looking for to celebrate our wedding night. From the complementary wine to the complementary desert our waiter Andrea was attentive, knowledgeable, and very friendly. He made us feel very special on a special night. The service was top notch and the food was even better! We tried some fried seaweed and it was amazing. There wasn’t a single thing we didn’t like about our evening. 10/10 would recommend and we will be coming back for all over our special occasions.

So excited to find this place! Incredible meal and experience. Happy to. Food and drinks were great. Everything from the hosts, to waiters was top notch. It feels like a restaurant that should be on Water street in Tampa. Great to not have to leave Pinellas to get a dining experience like this!!

My hunny and I celebrated our 10-year anniversary at Valentino’s, and it was truly a beautiful experience. The ambiance, the service, and the food were absolutely exquisite. Andrea, our server, gave us an unforgettable dining experience. He was incredibly knowledgeable, and we trusted all of his recommendations, they did not disappoint. You can truly taste the passion, love, and culture in every bite of Chef Mancini’s creations. It’s clear he takes great pride in his craft. We had a wonderful evening and can’t wait to return.

The place was beautiful and the private room was a delight. The food came fast and the service was great and accommodating. In the other hand the prices were very high. $370 for 2 witch it would have been fine if my order was completed. We had one entry to eat at the restaurant and the second to go. When we got home realized that surf and turf was missing the surf and the second meal leftovers was not pack at all. Meaning that we paid a lot for food we didn't get. I left a message for them in their voicemail and haven't received a call back. 😔

This was my first time dining at Valentino, and it exceeded all expectations. I went by myself and was so impressed that I immediately recommended it to my friends. Having been to Italy twice, I can honestly say this meal brought me right back especially the linguine with clams, which was absolutely delicious. The interior is impeccable, upscale, and beautifully designed, making it an excellent choice for both date nights and solo dining. This restaurant truly deserves a Michelin star. 10/10 ⭐️ experience. Thank you very much Valentino I will be back again but next time with a group!

My incredible boyfriend planned a fabulous birthday dinner (❤️) with the requested best waiter, Valerio. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was pure elegance! romantic lighting, beautiful music, and an upscale & welcoming feel. Valerio made the entire evening exceptional, balancing professionalism with warmth and perfect timing! The food was absolutely divine, the Ravioli Valentino was rich and flavorful, and the Vitello Amore melted in my mouth. Every dish felt thoughtfully crafted, and the complimentary prosecco and birthday dessert were such special touches ✨✨ we ordered a bottle of Grattamacco Super Tuscan 2023 wine — worth every sip. We left feeling completely taken care of and celebrated. If you’re looking for a true fine-dining experience in Clearwater or Tampa Bay, this is the place. Thank you, Valerio and team, for making my birthday unforgettable! 💫🍝🍷

beautiful restaurant. food was delicious. Roberto our waiter was incredible and would go back just to hangout with him. lights could have been a bit more dim and music a tad louder. will come back !

We made our first visit here before a Saturday night show at Ruth Eckerd hall, so it was an earlier dinner. The building is aesthetically pleasing inside and out and they had the outside grounds set up for a wedding reception and it was beautiful. We were promptly seated at a tiny two top booth with velvet seat covers. The tables are beautifully set. Our server, Zach, appeared instantly and was just the right amount of attentive throughout our meal. Everything we had was delicious. The olive tapenade and bread, followed by the mussels appetizer made an excellent start. The mussels were in a lovely, light broth. Our entrees came with a side, I had the Minestrone and my partner had a Cesar salad. The Minestrone was hearty with nice flavor. Then I had the Sacottini Ciro which was incredible. My partner had the Ravioli Valentino which is lobster ravioli with shrimp and a half lobster tail in a light vodka sauce. Very delicious and the presentation of these dishes was impeccable. We shared the COPPA MASCARPONE which was also wonderful. The service was excellent, the pace was near perfect (our meals came a little too soon), and everything was delicious. It's a higher end experience and the prices reflect that, but it's in line and delivers. We've had more expressive meals at other restaurants and had a lesser experience. We will definitely be back.

My friends and I came here for a birthday. We made reservations for 6 and the birthday girl was coming all the way from Wesley Chapel so she was running a little late so we all sat at the bar waiting for her to arrive. She arrived around 6:10 and we let the hostess know that we were all there and she said that she would grab us when the table was ready. Mind you, it was not busy at all. While we were at the bar, we asked the bartender, Todd for some of Valentina's most popular cocktails and he was not personable nor friendly at all. Rather than BS-ing us he hit us with "I'm sure my taste is different from yours" and "popular drinks change every day". Needless to say we thought our dining experience here would be just as disappointing as the bar experience. We ended up waiting for 35 minutes until the table was finally "ready". Thankfully, when we finally sat down, Enrique and Robert approached us and from that moment on, it was fabulous service. Those two know hospitality and we really loved them. We ordered a ton of items to share and honestly everything was delicious. The standout items were: RAVIOLI VALENTINO, SACCOTTINI VETURIA, POLPO ALL GRIGLIA, and the COSTATA FIORENTINA. And if the servers bring you some ZEPPOLE, please ask for more! These were so incredibly delicious. Overall, it started off rocky. The bar and arrival experience was off-putting, but the food and the DINING service made the night take a complete 180 that we would be inclined to come back.

The food was an 8.5/10. The wine was bold but paired perfectly with the ribeye I shared with a friend. I definitely want to try the baked oysters next time--they looked great, but we didn't get to them. It wasn't too busy for a Friday night, either.

First thing is it's valet: pulled up to a red carpet to walk you into a high class Italian villa. Very clean and very new. The room we were sat in was very green but beautiful with comfortable seating. Our server didn't really explain any of the menu or the experience but was very attentive. The appetizers were very good but bruschetta while tasty was underwhelming in design or plating. The main course was delicious but our steaks were not correct. He ordered medium-rare and got very rare and I ordered medium and got mostly rare barely medium - rare. No complaints. The vegetables weren't special simply a side of sautéed veggies and some homemade mash potatoes. The truffle sauce was delicious and a huge addition to my meal. My partner got the Gorgonzola inspired sauce and it was equally as amazing. The tiramisu was killer and the drinks were amazing.

hidden gem! Was able to try this place out for a rep dinner and absolutely loved the experience. complimentary valet parking in the front. Service is very attentive. The main entrees were the stars of the show. The chicken picatta was perfectly cooked and extremely flavorful. It really brought high class dining to life and felt upscale.

The food wasn't as good as it used to. The waiters were fantastic with the group and everything was beautiful. I decided to order my food to go because I was too busy taking pictures and videos to seat down and eat. Our bill for 2 was $380 set menu and 2 drinks. When I got home I noticed that my surf and turf was missing the lobster . The group had the veil, surf and turf, fish and chicken. We all expected a bit better flavors since we read good reviews but I also noticed they were not very recent. I'm not sure if the food doesn't reheat well but the vegetables and mashed potatoes were very greasy. I also decided to contact the restaurant about the missing food and was told I was going to get a call back and I'm still waiting There's too many good restaurants around to over pay for not so great food. They lost all of our business.

I'm surprised this place has such low reviews! It's possible they were figuring things out when they first opened, but from my experience, everything was fantastic. I came here for Christmas Eve dinner, and both the food and service were excellent. The pasta was FRESH and the octopus was absolutely delicious (MUST ORDER!). I also loved the ambiance--the holiday decor made it feel so festive and cozy. It's a very trendy spot, and the location is super convenient, just about 20 minutes from Tampa (Westshore). The only small downside was the drinks being a bit slow, but honestly, everything else made up for it. Highly recommend! What I ordered: - POLPO ALLA GRIGLIA: Grilled European octopus paired with Chef's three-cheese sauce, and grilled cherry tomatoes, all enhanced by the Chef's signature dressing, resulting in a simple, textured experience. - OSTRICHE CRUDE: Fresh oysters served on ice offer a briny, oceanic delight, perfectly complemented by a zesty Champagne Mignonette and the umami nuances of ponzu, creating a refreshing and sophisticated tasting experience. - FETTUCCINE AL TARTUFO: Savor a Prime filet mignon bathed in a rich truffled butter, elegantly finished with imported sliced black truffle. This exquisite dish is paired with truffled whipped potato and seasonal vegetables. - RAVIOLI VALENTINO: Indulge in homemade ravioli bursting with succulent Canadian lobster, elegantly accompanied by shrimp and a half lobster tail, all enveloped in a light, creamy pink vodka sauce that perfectly balances the richness of the seafood.

Beautiful atmosphere. A step into Italia. I ordered the TAGLIOLINI SORENTO wich A mix of the distinctive black color of "Nero di Seppia" (squid ink) tossed with a medley of baby clams, calamari, mussels, and shrimp in a subtle briny seafood flavor. Personally, the seafood was way over cooked and very chewy. I sent it back & ordered soup instead which was good. Service was excellent and speedy. I will have to return before I can rate the food better. This experience was not so good.

I went for Brunch for a friends Birthday and we all had the best time! We sat in a special room just for the party which added to the elegant ambiance. I was excited to find out that they also do the full menu at brunch! A friend that lives further away that couldn't come surprised us with some champagne which was so sweet and I was glad they were able to coordinate for her so easily. We all got cocktails to start and they were delicious! I got the Deja Vu Elixir and everyone really liked mine and a lot said it was the best! I also got the Bruschetta with added cheese and it was so good! It wasn't like many of the other bruschetta bites I had because the tomatoes weren't as finely chopped. It was very tasty and I am glad I got the version with cheese! For my meal I got the Fettucine Al Tartufo. It was soooooo good! The pasta was so fresh and the truffle flavor was perfect! Our waiter Oscar did such a good job steering us to would we would like the best. He was not wrong and I loved everything! I wish I had saved enough room for dessert! I guess I will have to go back!

Obviously, given my namesake, I had to come here. I went on my birthday and let me tell you it did not disappoint. The ambience is classy, subtle, and a bit demure. The weight staff is extremely attentive in personal. The bartender STEVEN himself even came out and asked how the drink was. Which was a chocolate espresso martini. Which I have known to drink many different places and this is by far the best one I have ever had. I'M SORRY, I CANNOT REMEMBER ALL THE NAMES AS THEY WERE ALL VERY UNIQUE. BUT I WILL CONTINUE ON WITH THE FOOD. THE MENU TAKES A BIT OF PERUSING BECAUSE OF COURSE IT IS WRITTEN IN ITALIAN. THEY OFFER A LOT OF SEAFOOD VARIETIES, WHICH ISN'T OF COURSE THE BEST FOR ME WHO IS A VEGETARIAN, HOWEVER I ENDED UP WITH THE BRUSCHETTA as a starter. The BRUSCHETTA or four little sliced pieces of bread served on the most delicious and authentic olive oil, combined with little cherry tomatoes of different varieties. And then opted for the sautéed spinach with pinenuts, raisins, topped with Gorgonzola and it was incredible ! IT HAD JUST THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF SALTINES COMBINED WITH THE SWEETNESS OF THE RAISINS. By then we had had several visits from the chef CINO himself who was just an absolute delight . Even picking the Chardonnay that I had never heard of was absolutely flavorful and delicious . We went on a Thursday at around 7pm and it wasn't too busy. I would however, recommend reservations. Everything was made with love to every last detail. And you could tell both the chef and the bartender put all their love and pride into their creations. This was absolute art. I cannot wait to come back again.

Loved everything about this place. Food was stellar and cooked to our liking avoiding allergens. Personal service and a great experience overall!

Went to Valentinos on Sunday 09/28/2025 6pm reservation for 40 anniversary. Went to the web site which suggested upscale attire. We arrived at the restaurant early (15 Minutes) , and was instructed to wait at the Bar as the table was not ready. We were the only customers in the restaurant meeting the suggest attire. Wife had a Smoked Old Fashion and I had a cocktail. The old Fashion was presented in a marvelous box full of smoke outstanding presentation. As we were being seated I noticed 90% of the tables were empty. We were place in a cramped booth next to the kitchen, even though the main dinning area which was empty, except for a table of 6 or 7. We placed our order which included appetizers. The waiter could not even set the the plates down, as the table was so small there was no room. The food was great, the service was good. Paid my bill by credit card with a 22+% for a tip. Reviewed my statement to find an additional 35 dollars was added to the bill. Still waiting for my credit card bill to be adjusted after contacting them about the error. So this is a mixed review. Horrible table provided in a nearly empty restaurant. Adding 35 dollars to my bill. Not a high end dinning establishment as advertised.

DON'T GO!!! Terrible restaurant, weird atmosphere, terrible service, mediocre food. Location is awful! Decor is tacky. It was a waste of time and money. And also, ridiculously expensive. It's an actual joke.

Chef Ciro and the staff have a delicious upscale Italian restaurant food was delicious and service was wonderful Beautifully decorated and wonderful staff a definite return

We came here after we eloped. Romantic for the two of us! Oscar, our waiter was very attentive to our needs and requests. We had the mussels, champagne, Gypsy dream cocktail, arugula salad, salmon, lobster ravioli, and lemon dessert. All memorable and flavorful. Will come back.

Excellent new place! Food was great, I got the pasta and I am very picky. Service was very nice and intuitive. Clean and modern decor. Excited to come back again

Is your familiar with the area, you'll know this building has been several different restaurants in the past 2 decades. Valentinos is definitely the most upscale dining to date. Most all aspects of the inside and outside are very eye catching and lovely. We visited as a group of 8 ladies for a Birthday dinner and were definitely treated like Queens. The ambiance is elegant and upper scale and beautiful. The layout is divided into 2 floors and several spaces. 3 private rooms upstairs, large 2 sided bar and dining rooms with another smaller private room/ wine storage on the main floor. We sat in this smaller private room and it was very impressive. Beautifully decorated, music, lovely place settings and fresh flowers on our table and throughout the restaurant which is definitely a nice touch. Our server Daniel was patient but simple things like water took a while and we sat for over an hour before getting our first bar drink. Complimentary bread and a tasty fried item was enjoyed and the menu offered a wide variety of Italian dishes. Seafood, steak, pork, chicken variety of appetizers like octopus and calamari were enjoyed as well as good size side salads. All our meals had a good portion size and tasted very fresh and well seasoned. I enjoyed the spinach, chicken and cheese filled ravilio and was very satisfied. I am used to finer dining and feel the prices especially on their wine was a little over priced and this would be my main hesitation on returning. As a Mom myself, I do not find this restaurant appropriate for kids. It is a great choice for a special occasion dinner or evening. Outside dining was available and had a lovely setting as well but being directly next to Gulf to Bay Blvd can see how that could be noisy. All staff I encountered was pleasant and professional and it was a nice touch for the Chef to greet us at our table.

Magnificent. The best of the best Italian, hospitality, and ambiance. I celebrated my birthday dinner and wow was it everything and more. The elegance and history the building itself holds on top of adding top-notch cuisine is an experience you will not forget. While waiting for our table, we sat at the bar and enjoyed a cocktail while listening to the live performer sing holiday songs. Once the table was ready, we were sat and offered still or sparkling water and housemade bread. Our server was nothing short of amazing. Any question we had he did his best to answer. We ordered calamari, pulpo, veal, grouper, and tiramisu as my birthday treat. Every single item was carefully curated and plated. The veal was fall off the bone tender, the calamari was crisp, pasta cooked al dente, and the grouper was flaky. If there is time, ask about the haunted areas in the building and you might be able to get a tour!

Thank you Daniel for making our first time a great time service was 10/10 and the food was a 10/10 definitely worth the money.

This is an amazing place to bring friends and family to have truly authentic Italian food. If you're looking for a great place for their business or personal, I highly recommend this one of a kind restaurant.

First time visit, and loved the place. Rosie has followed the chef for a while, and, the wait was worth it. Beautiful interior, very elegant. Cocktails by Steve were delicious , and he was excellent in taking care of us. Food was out of this world, the lamb chops were perfect!

Lots of potential, but needs to make some changes to really reach it. Pulling up, the free valet parking is a nice touch and well done. Walking inside they have the greeting station in a good location and staff was attentive and spot on. We went into the bar for a drink, and the bartender delivered some quality crafted cocktails quickly. We had a couple of espresso martinis followed by traditional dirty martinis. Both were excellent. They had live music in the bar which was a nice touch. You'll hear a reoccurring theme from me re lighting throughout my review. The restaurant is simply too bright inside. This is the situation from the bar to our dinner seat. And I've never commented in such a way. It's dreadfully bright. This must change to improve their ambiance. On to dinner - started with the bruschetta. It was beautifully plated with 4 toast points surrounded by arugula (which I despise). The points had multi colored grape tomatoes - looked stunning. Sadly it did not deliver on taste. The tomatoes were hard and not ripe enough. Also the lacked any salt or balsamic. Both of which would have helped... maybe some additional fresh basil would have also helped. Sadly this Italian staple was a flop on taste. They need to address this. On to mains - I had pollo piccata. The lemon butter sauce was outstanding. Chicken was a bit tough, but not bad. This came with 2 sides - mash pots and sautéed veggies. Both very good. My dish was a hit. Wife had Saccottini Veturia, which was homemade pasta purses filled with cheese, black truffle, and had a rich sauce made with Remy Martin. Wife loved it, but this dish had truffle oil in it, which is off putting to me. Real black truffles have a different smell and taste. The 45$ pasta dish was good, but no mention of truffle oil in description and should not be used in such a dish. Again - wife loved it tho. Service and management team were outstanding all night. The place has such potential with a few touches - turn down the damn lighting, and focus on food taste, not just presentation. They're charging premium prices and need to deliver on complex flavors. Especially on staples like Bruschetta. We r anxious to see how this place develops.

This place was a culinary catastrophe! I walked in hoping for a taste of magic, but what I got was more like a food crime scene--overpriced and underwhelming. Honestly, this restaurant sucks harder than a vacuum cleaner in a tornado. If you're looking to spend a small fortune on food that tastes like it was seasoned with regret, then this is your spot! Seriously, they need a crash course on how to use basil and garlic--maybe even a YouTube tutorial. At this point, I'd rather roll the dice on street food in India. At least there, the risk of food poisoning comes with the thrill of an adventure!

Came here with a group of friends. Pasta dishes ranging $30-$50? Decent. Server gives specials.. ok we will go with the recommended special, the pappardelle truffle fonduta dish. Bill comes .. ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY dollar plate. Yes, $180. Not a single item on the menu (including the most expensive being a $160 tomahawk steak) touches that price point. Don't mind paying for expensive plates, but absolute robbery.

My girlfriend and I went to Valentinos Ristorante Italiano last Saturday on one of our monthly dates and it couldn't have been a better dinner experience. Roberto introduced himself to us as soon as we walked through the door and our waiter Steven was exceptionally attentive to us and everyone else in our section.I highly recommend The Ravioli Romo and be sure to ask for Steven's area for the best service ever. Thank you all, we will be back. Jimmy Crouch Pinellas Park

Good Food but So Loud Valentino is in a building that has housed had a few different restaurants--most recently Harold Seltzer's Steakhouse. Valentino has obviously pumped a lot of money into the building and it's very beautiful inside and out. I was dining solo and was seated in the bar area, first at a high-top. The stool and the table skirting made it very awkward to comfortably sit there. Right above me was a speaker playing recorded standards. After a while a live singer began his repertoire. The two sources turned into noise. I asked if the recorded music could be turned off and, instead, was escorted to a different table that had another speaker nearby. Furthermore, the entire bar area has marble floors and hard walls that reverberated the two sources of music and all the bar chatter into an uncomfortable din. My server, Daniel, was very personable and friendly. Unfortunately, in the middle of my dinner, my server got a very large group of diners in another room. Around the same time the entire place got very busy and the wheels came off any organization that might have existed and everything slowed to a crawl. Even though I sat down at 6:00pm, I had to beg for a check so I could make an 8:00pm curtain at nearby Ruth Eckerd Hall. Now to the food and drink. I started with a cocktail from their house list. Online the cocktail menu had most drinks priced in the mid-$20s--ouch! The prices on the cocktail menu at the restaurant had wisely been repriced into the mid-teens--much more reasonable. Food prices are still on the high side. Fortunately, it was all very good. My eggplant appetizer was delicious and large enough to be shared by 4 diners or it could be an entrée for one diner. The Pollo Saltimbocca entrée was also very good and, again, a large portion. I didn't have time for dessert. I'll probably go back, but I'll sit in a dining room away from the bar.

We went to celebrate a graduation. From the time we were greeted by the valet parking attendant to our waiter Oscar, this night rounded out our day. We have been to Italy and know that there, it is a dining experience, not how fast you get your meal and your out the door. Valentino's did just that. They provided a dining experience and exceptional food. We will be returning to this fine establishment!

Great service and the food was delicious! The ambience is nice and the food was fresh!

Excellent meal and service in a lovely restaurant. The bartender mixes delicious cocktails and my sister and I thoroughly enjoyed the entire experience. We each had Caesar salads, which were very good. We were not offered fresh ground Would have enjoyed, but the salad was nevertheless, fresh and tasty. The linguine vongole was very good. Bread was not automatically delivered to our table, which required that we ask for it, but once we did, it was immediately brought over. Just a couple slips from the weight staff. Nothing major, and nothing that took away from the evening. There was an excellent male singer singing throughout the evening. He was, very good and added a nice touch to the ambience. We did not try desert, but will try to save room for dessert next time. They had many good selection on the menu. We will be back.!

My Experience at Valentino's - Clearwater, FL I don't normally write reviews like this, but I felt it was important to share my experience for anyone considering working at Valentino's. I was hired as a server and told I would start training right away to be fully prepared by Mother's Day weekend -- a notoriously busy time for restaurants. I was excited and committed, even leaving another serving job based on the offer I received. During my third training shift, the owner, Gabby, pulled me aside and said, " Based off some feedback, we think you should run food this Mother's Day weekend to get a better look at the plates." I took that in good faith, assuming it was part of the training process -- that I'd get the full picture and then move into serving tables like we had discussed. But I remember thinking: how could there be any feedback at all, when I was still in training and had been strictly told to only observe during the two days prior? I had followed instructions exactly and hadn't even had the chance to actually do anything yet. From that point forward, I was never actually trained to be a server. I was used as support staff all weekend -- running food, folding linens, and helping on the floor -- doing tipped work for a flat $13/hour training wage. There was no one-on-one service training, no chance to learn the POS, and no shadowing of a full serving section. Just general support. After the weekend was over, I was told that I wasn't "ready" to serve and that my only options were to stay on as a food runner or reapply for the server position in the future. I was completely blindsided -- how could I be expected to be "ready" for a job I was never trained for? I brought this up respectfully to Dana and Roderick explaining that I wasn't actually trained -- just asked to help. The response I got was essentially: We're not going to pay for any more training. This left me in a really difficult position. I had already quit a previous serving job to take this opportunity, trusting what I had been promised. Now I'm stuck with a position that pays much less, is over an hour away, and doesn't cover my basic expenses. Management was aware of my situation -- I was upfront about my need for steady income -- but they showed no concern for how their actions affected me. It honestly felt like I was brought in just to help them through their busiest weekend of the year, with no intention of ever letting me serve. I'm not sharing this to be negative -- I'm sharing it because I wish someone had told me what to expect. Job opportunities should come with honesty and follow-through. Unfortunately, that wasn't my experience here. If you're considering working at Valentino's, just be cautious and make sure you're truly being set up for success -- not just used to get through a busy weekend. Respectfully, I'll continue to update this review over time so it doesn't get lost, in case others find themselves in a similar situation. People deserve to be informed and treated fairly.

We have frequented Valentinos on several occasions in the past few months. The ambiance is quiet luxury, with thoughtful creativity in the details throughout the restaurant. The wine and food are always delicious. The service is very professional. Another highlight of our evenings was listening to Dino Vito performing in the Lounge area, an inspired choice.

Gave another chance, horrible experience. 45 min after ordering waiter told my girlfriend that they had ran out of what she ordered, our food was delivered. Why they couldn't tell us this before not sure. Ended up splitting my meal. The chef came out and was extremely rude. You won't see us going there ever again.

The short and sweet review is: back of house is awesome; front of house needs a major upgrade in staff training before they can consider themselves fine dining. Despite them charging for it. They charge the absolute top rate for their food and the food tastes good, but there were many problems with the check in experience, server knowledge of the menu/bar offerings, and overall service which I will explain, but first. The lighting. No good interior designer would suggest putting 5000k lighting (chandeliers) nest to 3000k lighting (sconces/others) it looks mismatched. Now as we arrive, and they know in advance that this dinner is for my father's 60th birthday. They did absolutely no prep for our arrival. Our reservation was set for 7 and we arrived at 6:52 to a nearly empty house, then were made to stand around for the full 8 minutes before they sat us at a corner table in a completely empty dining room. Why did we wait? Why did you ask ahead if it's a special event to only do absolutely nothing for our arrival. For reference, when I've eaten at a place that's ~$150-$200 per person before and mentioned something like "oh it's my gf's birthday" when making the reservation. They have started us with a complimentary glass of champagne at our arrival. It's so easy and cost efficient yet makes the experience x50 better from the start. Then throughout the meal there were multiple instances of the wait staff not knowing what liquor they carry, what the ingredients were on the menu. For instance I ordered a piccata sauce for my veal and the waitress thought I had wanted to sub my veal for chicken bc she didn't know the difference between piccata and pollo. I also asked if they could make an affogato and was told yes, only to realize that when she said she had gelato, what she actually had was Italian ice. Irreconcilably different. So did they remove it from the bill?? Well idk because they didn't give me an itemized receipt, what I got was a grand total and that's it. I paid and gave enough of a tip to regret it later (also didn't want to take money from the many people who rely on those tips) but I will not be returning to this restaurant. No shot. If their prices were 20% lower I wouldn't have walked away offended.

My wife and I celebrated our 23rd anniversary at Valentino's Saturday and the dining experience was superb with a big hats-off to Oscar who was phenomenal. The chef came over to say hi and actually treated us to a glass of champagne and a delicious tiramisu after dinner. My wife's steak was delicious and so were my wagyu meatballs and pasta with a tasty gravy with a "just so perfect" tartness. What a delicious meal and fabulous service Can't wait to go back.

What an amazing experience From walking through the door and seeing the elegance on display to an amazing visit from Chef Ciro. The calamari appetizer was tender and delish! Our main entrees were better than anticipated...if you are looking for upscale treatment from start to finish this is a must try

We went to Valentino's to celebrate our 29th Anniversary and made reservations more than a month ahead of time. So needless to say we're very disappointed with our table seating being in a hallway next to the exit door with a curtain covering it and the exit sign blaring in my face the whole evening. Next, we ordered drinks and the Prosecco seemed like it was old and didn't have any fizz to it. Was the worst Prosecco I ever had and I only took a few sips of it and left it there. Was surprised the waiter didn't ask if it was ok. I ordered lasagna which came to table with warm and cold areas in the lasagna. I had to ask for grated cheese to be added to the lasagna and also had to ask for the proper fork to eat it as I was given a cocktail fork originally. My husband ordered the ravioli with lobster and the sauce was at room temperature and the ravioli barely warm. We had to ask for the water to be filled a few times. Not hardly the 5 star experience we were hoping for to celebrate our anniversary. Also, the speaker for the music was just above my husband's head and he could not hear me talk at all the whole evening. The entire visit was a disappointment from the food and drink as well as atmosphere. Hopefully, you take this as constructive criticism and learn from my experience and train your staff so that you can one day achieve the 5 star status you are looking to achieve.

Really overpriced and pasta is not made in-house. There are way better Italian restaurants around that don't come close to these prices.

Everything about this place was outstanding -- from the delicious food to the friendly staff and inviting atmosphere. Gabrielle, our waitress, was wonderful, kind, fun, and truly elevated an already amazing experience. Highly recommend!

The building and decor are beautiful. My husband and I both had the ribeye and it was perfectly cooked. Everything was delicious. Service was excellent. We were so happy to find this place so close to home. We usually have to go into Tampa to find a top notch restaurant like this.

Never!!!! Are they crazy . Too expensive. I can go to my favorite Italian restaurant and pay 1/4 the price. I'm 100 percent Italian my friends.

Party of 10 and was there for 3.5 hours. Each bill had 20% gratuity even though service was less than average. Ran out of desserts we wanted. (Cannolis) Will not be going back even!

Food was slow and mediocre at best. Staff were inattentive. When we were finally acknowledged, we were offered a free meal on our next visit by the manager to make up for the experience . Never given a voucher and ignored when we tried to speak to him again.

Our first impression was amazing. The remodel from all of the past restaurants that have occupied this space is beautiful and elegant. We had looked at the menu beforehand and knew the price point. The atmosphere matched that number. However, the food did not live up to expectations and in some cases was an absolute fail. Our $30 calamari appetizer was tough and almost inedible. The $30 Bruschette Caprese app was delicious but way overpriced. We were a party of 6 and the waiter suggested we also order one of the evening's specials as an app, the Paradelle Martina. It was barely enough for each person to get a taste and when the bill came it was $50! My entree, the Tortelloni Liguria was delicious, but although it was supposed to be filled with three different meats, there was no evidence of any meat at all. But even worse, I only received 6 average sized tortelloni for $40. I must say though, the Marsala wine sauce was amazing. My husband ordered the Linguini Capri which was flavorless and the seafood was tough. For dessert we ordered a $15 "Cioccolato Soufflé" which was delicious but very tiny. We had a lovely evening with great friends, but sadly we won't return and cannot recommend this restaurant. There are so many better options for a pricy, elegant evening where either the pricing is right-sized to the food or the food quality is right-sized to the pricing.

Place is beautiful but it smell of sewage and they are burning candles everywhere to cover it. Service is terrible ! I was there for 45 minutes before I could get a glass of wine. Food is good but very pricey. Will not be back !

My husband and I recently ate at Valentino Ristorante Italiano and it was exceptional. My husband got the Scaloppine (Marsala) and I got the Cernia Livornese (Grouper in a tomato sauce). We both enjoyed our meals. We haven't had a great Italian meal like this in years. The desserts were just as good too. Please come and support a local restaurant, you will thank me.

If you are thinking about trying this place.... Don't. I was so excited to indulge and the menu was so promising, unfortunately we didn't even make it to the first course. We had reservations for 6:30 and showed up at 6:20 and we were asked to wait at the bar. Mind you the place was empty. We glad fully obliged as we were taking in the beautiful aesthetic. The place smelled like they were having a sewer issues. While we were sitting at the bar what seemed to be a manager was gathering the staff discussing their distress with their paychecks not matching their hours... we tried to tune out and just enjoy the time..,, we were then called to be seated and brought back to the main room which again had about 4 tables out of the 10 filled. They sat us right on top of another party which was awkward to being with. We then sat for 12min and were never greeted by anyone and it was at this point that we decided to get up and leave. For $110 for a steak and $30 a drink we realized quickly that the service was not going to match. I wish the best to those that try but for someone who was so excited they epically failed.