FORLINI&#x27;S RESTAURANT

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Family‑owned since 1981, Forlini’s pairs classic dishes—think lobster Sinatra and osso buco—with a deep wine cellar. A white‑tablecloth beach standby that continues to draw regulars and visiting oenophiles.

Italian Restaurants in Clearwater (2025)

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20,018 Postcards · 1,278 Cities

A family‑owned Italian institution on the beach since 1981, known for house pastas, chops and a deep cellar with hundreds of labels. Often recommended by seasoned locals for classic service and generous portions before or after a beach stroll.

Best Restaurants in Clearwater (2025)

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madelyn Walters

Google

I had been wanting to go here for a while, so we had my birthday as well as my sons so we decided to go here. It wasn’t that busy when we got there but took a while to get drinks and forever to get food! We had to ask several times about drinks and food. The food was good but for the price not worth it! We were so ready to get out bc we were sitting for so long! We will definitely not be going back. I was looking forward to a nice evening out but wasn’t so good..

Eddie Oakie

Google

Went to Forlini’s for the first time and it was fabulous! From the atmosphere, service, food, everything was great! Our server, Deanna, was very friendly and helpful with our order. They also serve a hot roll and olive oil before the meal. I had the Chicken Parmesan and Kris had the Shrimp with pasta. We both ordered a Caesar salad and it was all served on time and was delicious! We will definitely return! Reservations, especially on weekends and holidays is recommended!

Jewls Letternet

Google

We love dining with family on special trips but don't be surprised like we were. Portion sizes are very small and the pricing? Wow, prices were a shock. Don't waste your money guys. We were shocked when our KiDS pasta bowls were priced at 17$ each!! Not one place locally here charges this much. The secret though is they dont have a kids menu and the forced 20% gratuity is definitely a surprise. WE WENT to another location here Frenchy South Beach Cafe, they served our kids big bowls of pasta with Alfredo and slice of bread for only 5.50$! Please Forlini, fix your pricing on food.

Nathan

Google

Decided to try Forlini’s while visiting for work from Texas. Looks like this is more a place where locals go and I can see why. The food was amazing!! I sat at the bar and Luke was my bartender and he was awesome. He made a perfect martini and was just all around great at his job! I also tried some house made orange-cello and it was so good! I mentioned this spot the following day to one of my colleagues who said they go way back with some of the people who work there and they had great things to say about Forlini’s as well.

Samantha Thompson

Google

Absolutely loved our experience at Forlini’s! The food was incredible, every dish was full of flavor and cooked to perfection. You can really taste the quality and care in every bite. But what made the night truly special was the amazing service. Our server, Julia, was so warm, attentive, and kind. She made us feel welcome from the moment we sat down and went above and beyond to make sure we had everything we needed. It’s rare to find a place where both the food and the service are this good. We’ll definitely be coming back!

Geovani Rodriguez

Google

I absolutely loved this restaurant! Our server, Allie, was incredible—friendly, attentive, and incredibly knowledgeable about the menu. The food? Absolutely amazing. Everything was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. The entire place was spotless, and I felt completely comfortable dining in. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, and I truly felt at home. I 100% recommend this place to anyone looking for a great dining experience. I’ll definitely be back!

Hannah Gillett

Google

The food was divine!! Very classy and delicious!!! The waitress was very attentive and hospitable. Glad we drove to this lovely restaurant!!

Melonie Gill-Carreon

Google

Food was good but the portions were small. The Chicken Parm was good. Spaghetti was good. Server was great. Bartender was so slow on our drinks and we didn’t like them at all. I can’t remember the name of the drink but it was orange creamsicle or something along those lines. We did not like it at all. Spending $30+ each, the portions should have been larger.

Dug S.

Yelp

Looking for a great Italian restaurant, good food, good service, casual relaxing atmosphere, this is the spot. Wasn't crowded but it was a Wednesday evening. Server said on weekends make a reservation. We are visiting from California, walked from our hotel. Quick service, and fresh ingredients. I had the sausage and peppers. Very good. Wife had a seafood pasta also very good. Extensive wine list. Nice bar area. All locals were there we could tell, yet we were treated as if we were locals. Not ignored. Fresh baked bread was delicious. Music was soft, place is clean. Great spot for a family or a romantic dinner.

Joe B.

Yelp

Great service and food! Luke and his team never disappoint, the sausage and peppers are a staple!

Amanda W.

Yelp

Made a reservation but totally not needed. Place was empty, even during spring break. Waited forever for bread. Food was good but really pricey. Waitress seemed annoyed. Would not recommend.

Bridget O.

Yelp

Food was delicious and made to order...we loved getting to know the history and family..Accommodating and fun experience...wish we would have found this place our first night in town.

Joe A.

Yelp

Great ambiance, great food, great service. 4 people four different dinners, one better than the other Never would've thought of veal cutlet unbreaded, but it was especially good. Luke recommended a great bottle of wine that was reasonably priced. Overall 5stars *****

Will T.

Yelp

Came in late on a Saturday night with some friends for dinner. Our server was fantastic but the food is subpar and overpriced. I ordered the chicken parm thinking it would be like any other Italian restaurant, it was 4 chicken tenders covered in cheese. Should have known this was a tourist trap since we were the only group in the building.

Shelley G.

Yelp

food was mediocre at best, and terribly, terribly overpriced! Service was slow and poor. A $32 plate of lasagna did not even come with a small salad. Bread was minimal.

Nina L.

Yelp

The place was bad overall. The scallops had so much sand in them that I eventually gave up eating them. The pasta was lack luster and hardly had any flavor. I took the left overs home, attempted to reheat the pasta, and just threw it away. Everyone else's meal with mediocre at best. Even the bread and oil were terrible. The prices are outrageous for food that 100% tastes frozen. This place is definitely a tourist trap. Stay off the strip.

David M.

Yelp

I had the short rib special which was as good as any I have ever had. My wife and I sat at the bar where we enjoyed lively conversation and Luke, the bartender, took great care of us. This is a family owned business and long time staple on Clearwater Beach.

Oscar M.

Yelp

Great food for the beach. They are a bit local minded to customers, I suggest going at least twice. The owners and bar manger are nice once you get to know them. Had a bit of everything. Meatballs were great.

Kristen P.

Yelp

Walked in at 5:09 this evening. The place was empty. Three employees standing at the bar prepping for the evening. We stood there several minutes and no one even greeted us at all. We were looking forward to trying this place. We walked out.

Anis P.

Yelp

Food and service was great but the reason for 2 starts is then charging us extra $10 per plate for sharing, even though there is no mention of that on their menu.

Claudia C.

Yelp

I really wanted to love this place. Italian restaurant on the beach - could have been so perfect! The good - the staff were all very kind, welcoming and friendly. We went on Valentine's Day without a reservation and were graciously seated. The atmosphere is lovely and the restaurant is clean. The not so good - the food. I had the penne bolognese and it was in the bottom 25% of all similar dishes I've tried at Italian restaurants (and we visit many since I'm actually Italian). My husband had the Chicken Parmesan and the chicken tasted like it was previously frozen. Sadly, the best part of the meal was the bread and my husband's soda. Lots of potential here, but the food sadly falls very short.

CA P.

Yelp

Negatives: Service was poor with a waiter who did not check on us at all; we sat 25 minutes at table without any bread service; food was average; overcooked mushy pasta and chicken parm was not good quality chicken; made with tenders. Positives: Good red sauce and friendly hostess but the rest of the dining experience is only 3 stars.

Stef T.

Yelp

Love Love Love the Management, staff and food! Friendly and accommodating the moment you walk in, as opposed to next door neighboring business... IYKYK. Large delicious portions and made to order. If they dimmed the lights, put some candles on the tables put in some overstuffed booths and reconfigured the sound system, I would have scored it 5 stars. Thanks Forlinis! My new go to place for Italian!

Michael G.

Yelp

Our family had a wonderful dining experience. Thank you Deana for the excellent service.

Elijah H.

Yelp

Clearwater local here. Doubled their prices for Valentine's Day with no warning or notice. Scummy thing to do. Food was extremely average as well. Could've made a better meal for myself with $7 at Walmart. Would recommend many other places in Clearwater above Folini's. Definitely won't be eating here again.

Lenny K.

Yelp

Looks, feels, and tastes like a NY Italian restaurant. While my recollection of what we ate is limited by the passage of time (almost two months ago) I do remember that the 4 of us had several dishes that we all enjoyed. Also, the bar had my favorite brand of flavored vodka; Van Dyke's Espresso.

Tracy C.

Yelp

Steak was raw, potatoes were hard, cold little home fries. Two little pieces of hard cold broccoli. Dont waste your time or money!!

E D.

Yelp

Cool ambiance and was craving Italian. We got a cool booth by the window, perfect for sunset. It took our server, Bobbi, about 25 minutes until she came over. She didn't apologize or anything. Food was average.

Phil S.

Yelp

Great service and fantastic family Italian food! Also several fish related dishes. Plus. Bread/rolls are amazing!

Chris D.

Yelp

Awesome ambiance, food, and service. We there for a company dinner after meetings all week. Clearwater Beach, FL has a hidden gem Great Italian food with an upscale atmosphere. Must take the time and enjoy the food.

Paul T.

Yelp

I order veal piccata. The veal was tasteless and it was severed with fried potatoes, not pasta. My wife had spaghetti and meatballs which were ok. The Italian dressing was a big disappointment as well. For the price, it was a huge disappointment. I recommend selecting a different restaurant.

Dina B.

Yelp

We have walked by Forlini's on every previous trip to Clearwater Beach, and we wish we had learned of it sooner. We called for a reservation on a Friday and they were able to accommodate a party of 4. They do not take online reservations. The place is well known to regulars. We had two of the specials - veal chop parmigiana and the chicken saltimbocca. Everything was delicious. The hot rolls out of the oven were amazing. The waiter was personable and was so nice to get to know. We enjoyed Forlini's very much.

Emily W.

Yelp

Went for dinner on a really crowded night in Clearwater. The restaurant was relatively empty and quiet. Our server was really nice and brought out fresh warm bread immediately after sitting down. We really enjoyed the sausage appetizer. Shrimp sobo, lasagna, and caprese were all pretty average but no complaints. Seems to me that this place use to be super busy but has lost popularity over the years.

Joseph R.

Yelp

Had a great Birthday meal there last night, awsome ! Like atthe Bar and Danna was our table server ! they are the very best, loved the seafood and drinks, hope to return very soon ! great job ! Joe and Elyse

Alan B.

Yelp

Wow. We have been to Clearwater Beach a number of times and walked past this place without ever trying it. Our loss. The food and the service were fantastic. I had a filet veal chop served Parmesan style and it was delicious. The chicken saltimbocca was a different preparation which was also great. The chicken Parm was good as was the shrimp dish my son ate. The server was fantastic giving us places we should visit during our stay. I will definitely go back and highly recommend this place. What a treat.

Sheri M.

Yelp

Unfortunately I don't have much positive to say. My husband orders chicken parmigiana with meatballs. I asked for breaded chicken cutlet like you get in chicken parmigiana with no cheese or sauce, just olive oil and garlic on the pasta. Steve the waiter looked at me like I had three heads. He brought me a plain broiled chicken on the pasta. I asked for the chicken cutlet like you use in parmigiana and he said they can't do that and just brought me the plain pasta again. Didn't ask if he could get me anything else just no. I've never been to an Italian restaurant that can not serve me a chicken cutlet with out the cheese and sauce unless it's all pre-made which is another reason to avoid. To top it off he charged $27 for the plain pasta. I don't mind paying for good food and service but this was neither. The wine was good and my husband said the meatballs were ok (although the sauce was like soup). That's it.

Miranda H.

Yelp

Sweet baby Jesus this place is amazing. My BF and I discovered this place in 2020 and my family and I were back in town and went tonight. It was absolutely delicious! It's all authentic and homemade. I highly suggest this on your bucket list. My hubs and I had the special which was shrimp and scallops in a homemade vodka cream sauce with capers and fresh tomatoes, chefs kiss. My son had the chicken parm and his GF had the spaghetti carbonara.

Ralph J.

Yelp

Diner was perfect . The bread was not just warm but Hot out of the oven . We Ordered lasagna and pasta carbonara both were delicious . The pasta tasted homemade , sauce and flavor perfect . Wine was good as well and priced fair . Waiter a tad slow refilling water. Would definitely go back next time craving Itialian .

Trent W.

Yelp

Bad service and wait staff. Hostes is not very nice/customer service friendly. Better have a reservation or go somewhere else. Lots of better options on the island.

Nicco T.

Yelp

I love this restaurant, the food, servers, and the ambiance. I really loved the bread especially with the garlic, the potato fries, chicken parmesan, and mostly the meatballs. My family and I had a waiter named Yani serving us on her 3rd day and she was amazingly nice. This place is amazing and anyone that is reading this review should give this place a try.

K T.

Yelp

I had a bad experience at a different restaurant down the street so I walked to Fortini's and was greeted with a smile. The food and drink were terrific and I had a very pleasant and friendly evening. This place has been around for years and the family and neighborhood feeling still exists.

Rachel W.

Yelp

We had a fantastic experience for dinner. Peter was our server, gave us the history of the restaurant and the family who both owns and still works in the place. We had 4 different meals and loved every one of them was superb. Service was impeccable for the entire experience. We would go back every time we are in town. I have no idea how there are several negative reviews about the service or food.

Marina J Z.

Yelp

Very nice staff and the food was very good and the selection was great! The prices were very reasonable.

Heather G.

Yelp

I would feel more positive about my experience here if the prices were reasonable and reflected the quality of the food; however, I can't stomach $27 for a plate of 5-6 ravioli with runny, tasteless sauce. My husband did enjoy his Veal Parm, but I was deeply disappointed by the quality of food for a $100 meal for two. I'd rather eat at a chain like Carrabba's and get a better value. I'm willing to pay more for Excellent food and service, but this wasn't it.

Jennifer O.

Yelp

Even with staff shortages (the situation EVERYWHERE these days) Forlini's makes it a priority to make dining there a distinctly pleasurable experience. Hostess was gracious (we had a reservation), our waiter was fabulous, the food was sublime. We simply LOVE this place and make a point of returning every time we are visiting Clearwater Beach!

A. C.

Yelp

My husband and I have been coming to Forlini's ever since it opened- either the two of us or with friends. We just love the delicious food and specials and the extraordinarily deep wine list. This is not your average "red sauce" Italian restaurant- the menu items are varied: the meats and fish are fresh, and the chef will happily make substitutions. The service is pleasant, helpful, and professional. We love the subdued lighting which gives the restaurant an elegant atmosphere. We've eaten in great and disappointing Italian restaurants when we lived in NYC and Forlini's is definitely up there with the greats!

Alan D.

Yelp

People's bad reviews is very surprising to me. Rather eat at a chain restaurant than an authentic family owned restaurant. We look forward to eating here as much as we look forward to coming to the beach and relaxing from everyday life. Carrabbas has literally the most tasteless bland sauce and if that's your thing to save a cpl dollars than I probably don't want to be associated with you. I will say this is the best Italian food I've eaten anywhere from Cleveland Ohio to Clearwater Florida. Making my reservation as we speak. -Alan D.

Annick R.

Yelp

Absolute best Italian restaurant in Clearwater Beach. Family run, friendly service. Oh, and the carbonara, it is soooo good. I LOVE Forlini's! Never had a bad meal. Everything has always been EXCELLENT. Every single time I have been there. Classy, upscale. You will not be disappointed.

Stacy C.

Yelp

Not impressed. To start off, the waitress told us we could not add a protein to the pasta dishes because "the owner was cooking because he is short staffed and he doesn't want any crazy tickets." So... ok. The Coke was in a can and $3 each refill. I asked for a side of Cesar dressing for my salad and the cup was maybe 1/4 full (I don't know why she bothered). We asked for a roll and more pesto when the waitress brought out our meal. She brought two rolls as we were finishing. She said she had to help with the "ancient system" but really she forgot. The portions were rather small for the price of the meals. The atmosphere was nice and clean but for $87 for a dinner for 2 for just salad, pasta and one roll, we probably wouldn't go back.

Emily V.

Yelp

My family and I were quite excited to try this restaurant. We chose to dine early to beat the rush. We were immediately put off by an older male waiter who wore his mask as a neck decoration while openly touching his face and fist pumping random customers in between serving meals. We ordered two appetizers and four entrees that were mediocre at best for the $180 bill that applied. I actually ordered the chicken parm which appeared to be made of frozen chicken fingers; "Disgusting" is the best description. There was also a loud and rowdy party in the restaurant that flitted between their table and the bar without their masks on. If you love Covid roulette and drunk people, this is the place for you. Cheers to fine dining. A restaurant that falls under $$$ price category is expected to put more effort in the preparation and presentation of their food. !Epic Fail!

Stephen K.

Yelp

Great service! The special were outstanding, braised short rib and shrimp and scallops! Great flavors! Atmosphere was very nice.

Roly P.

Yelp

The service is amazing starting with the hostess that greeted us, Jake that always helps us with our wine selection is one of the main reasons we always make this a stop for us while we are in town. The food is full of flavor, the dinner specials are well proportioned as the chef has a vested interest with his ownership. If your looking for a place with good service and food look no further than Forlini's.

Glen T.

Yelp

Place was cool. I love the old school red sauce joints. Bread was great. Pasta was below average. Over cooked and mushy. All the dishes.

Slava S.

Yelp

Classic, old school Italian restaurant, with a white cloth on the tables and waitresses wearing white shirts with ties. We had a wonderful dinner there. My mamas lasagna was tasty, rich and creamy. The other food that we ordered was very tasty as well.

Nepa F.

Yelp

The food was very good. We visited here on a family vacation and are a party of seven. Our drink and appetizer order was taken quickly and grab hot bread was brought out to our table. We ordered calamari which came out hot and well seasoned. I also thought it was cooler perfectly. I ordered the gnocchi and found it to be very light, like my grandmother used to make them! Almost all the pasta is homemade and the sauce was fresh. Our waiter, Peter, was phenomenal and we me the owner Luke. Great atmosphere and food! I'd definitely recommend this restaurant.

Anna K.

Yelp

I thought it was meh. Walked in a little after opening, place like a ghost town, but we get a seat by the window. Server was lovely, very attentive and kind. Bread was delicious but was disappointed by entree.

Paul A.

Yelp

Another evening spent dining at Forlinis Restaurant. Changed entrees and appetizers. My friends ordered lobster Sinatra, veal Parmigiano and I had the same special Linguini with meat sauce and meatballs. Everything served as ordered and piping hot. I also had the Escargo which was garlicky and delicious. As a matter of fact all items ordered were delicious. The wait staff are always ready to please and serve. And they're terrific. Hats off to Forlinis., Will dine again before we Leave . recommended. By the way..the soup is lacking taste .go with the salad..

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Italian Restaurants in Clearwater (2025)

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20,018 Postcards · 1,278 Cities

Best Restaurants in Clearwater (2025)

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