I am overdue to write a 5 star review of our favorite, local Italian restaurant, Tony & Nello's!…read more My wife and I live close by and dine here frequently. More importantly, the quality is such that we frequently bring our house guests here for dinner and they constantly love the experience. The entire wait staff have been with the restaurant for a long time and are all very service oriented and friendly. The portions are HUGE! Warning - we routinely get 3 servings out of a single dish, so order accordingly ;-D Their Pizza is amazing and the Chicken/Veal Parmesan is a consistent winner. We also love the Scampi & Pasta dishes. The Sausage and Peppers appetizers is a particular standout and the bread that accompanies the meals is simply amazing! If you are anywhere near Tierra Verde, do yourself a favor and break bread at Tony & Nello's - you'll become a return customer too!

If you are anywhere near Tierra Verde or St. Pete and haven't eaten at Tony & Nello's, what are you…read moreeven doing with your life? I walked in expecting a standard Italian dinner and left feeling like I needed to be baptized in marinara. Let's talk about the **Bruschetta**. First of all, the tomatoes on this thing are so fresh I'm entirely convinced Tony (or Nello) was out back growing them in the Florida humidity while I was ordering. They are *really* fresh tomatoes. But the true star of the show? The garlic. There are literal whole garlic cloves to just crunch right into. Paired with that fresh basil, it's a flavor explosion that doubles as the ultimate vampire repellent. I could breathe on a *Twilight* convention and wipe them all out. Then came the **Gamberi Fra Diavola** (the Diablo Shrimp). I chase a spicy flavor profile like it's a competitive sport, and Tony & Nello did not disappoint. The shrimp were swimming in a spicy, fresh tomato marinara that actually had some real, beautiful malice to it. It was exactly the kind of fiery kick you desperately want but rarely ever get at an Italian joint. My sinuses are perfectly clear, my soul has been purified, and my tastebuds are drafting a formal thank-you note. Do yourself a favor: get down here, crunch on the garlic, sweat out the Diablo sauce, and thank me later. 10/10.

Just the real deal Italian food !! and as always with the very best places, the owners are…read moreactually there. That's what makes the difference in my opinion.

It was not so much the food as it was the service ‼. I was alone,and evidently single people do…read morenot rate bread. The waitress did not ask if I wanted water, I asked for soda which I received. Placed my order and ordered a side salad, she asked if I wanted it first I said yes please. It was not busy time passed,when she brought the salad within 3 minutes she brought my entree, never asked if I was all set‼. When she reappeared I asked for some Parmesan cheese: the other waitresses brought it to me. My waitress decided half way through, I might need a steak knife for my chicken Marsala, totally amazing The meal itself was just okay, the "Pancetta " was cut in very large thick chunks I ate one and put the rest aside. Later I will try the pizza and let you know

It was fantastic . I am not a mac and cheese guy and it was outstanding . The shrimp scampi was…read morevery good also and sautéed calamari . Busy place in beautiful gulfport Service was good she was on top of my tea even though it was very busy !!

The food at Pia's is nothing short of spectacular, and once you take a bite you understand why…read morethere are endless crowds of people hovered outside their doors hoping to snag a seat. You'll also understand that their food and vibes are so great that they take up two lots of real estate, right across the street from each other, as one restaurant space wasn't enough to contain the masses. The atmosphere is a perfect mix of upscale and quirky in the best way, with mismatched tablecloths lining the outdoor tables and stunning landscaping that truly combines Florida with a traditional Italian trattoria feel. My table ordered (almost) one of everything on the menu and we got to try each others meals, pleased with every dish that hit the table. The homemade pasta was amazing and you definitely can't leave without dessert! My one wish was that portion sizes were larger, as we all felt a bit disappointed once our food was finished, wishing there were more to satiate our hunger. This is such a great spot on the cutest street, and if you're in search of a cute date night spot in St Pete this should be on your list!

Amazing food and staff. We love stopping here to eat when in St. Pete…read more Brussels Sprouts dish is amazing.

I wanted to love this place not only to help out a local business but also because it came…read morerecommended. However, it fell short yesterday afternoon for us first-timers. Arrived to about a 1/2 full restaurant which was smaller than we expected. Seated promptly, menus presented, water ordered as my husband wanted to have time to look at the drink menu. We settled on the lunch menu with an order of bolognese and the meatball appetizer that we would share since Italian food is usually plentiful and filling. My husband also later ordered a glass of wine. Shortly after we were delivered bread to our table and we were confused because it looked like garlic knots. My husband said something to our waitress and I questioned maybe this bread goes with our lunch entree with the waitress standing right there and agreeing with me. We are not normally bread eaters and the more we looked at it, we thought it was a mistake. We flagged our waitress again as she was walking by and asked again. This time she said, "you did not order garlic knots?" and we said no, we ordered the meatball appetizer. She promptly takes the bread, goes back to the kitchen area and I thought I heard her say "lunch" to the chef, I assume. Not sure why this was confusing as my husband literally pointed at the lunch menu as he was ordering and saying we were going to split. Not a big deal at this point but then it seems like moments later she is back with the meatballs and the bolognese. We look at the dishes and we were literally shocked. We had never seen such small meatballs (2) for an appetizer for $9. I thought the meatballs would be redundant since we ordered bolognese but there was so little meat in the dish (maybe 2-3 teaspoons at the most) and so little pasta (think small salad bowl or plate size) that it was not redundant at all. A side of bread was brought with dipping oil as well. It was mid afternoon and we were very hungry at this point so we started eating.. Sadly the meatballs and bolognese were brought to us luke warm as if they had been warmed up. We certainly did not have a long wait so they were not sitting cooling down anywhere. We just ate our meal and ended up eating the bread (which was excellent) because it was not enough food for us. The waitress checked on us towards the end of our meal and finally brought my husband's 1/2 glass of $10 wine (we thought she had forgotten). We did not mention the temperature of the food because at that point we had already eaten it most of it. Looking at other reviews now I see some people did mention luke warm food and the owner did not seem to believe them. We know what was presented to us and yes, it was luke warm. We thought the food was pricey for what you get and the luke warm food on top of it makes us have no inclination to try this restaurant again. Overall we were not wowed by the quality of the food except the bread which we normally never eat.

PARENT'S WEEKEND ADVENTURE!!!…read more Let me start with we have had the pizza and calzones from this place with the kids and the food was Awesome!!! Check out my 1st review for details!!! This time we got to sit down and have a truly enjoyable Adult Italian Dinner!!! The Ambiance/Decor is old world Italian style and very comfortable. It takes you somewhere that makes you feel like the beach isn't less than a mile away. We love it!!! Oh my word the Food was so flavorful and worth every penny!!! Food to Value ration: WORTH EVERY PENNY!!! Yes I said it twice, lol!!! We ordered a reserve Chianti and Wifey LOVED IT!!! As an app, we got the Eggplant Rollatini and it did not disappoint. It was ooey gooey Great!!! We both upgraded to the Caesar Salad and I'm not sure how the house salad would have been, but the 2$ up charge was well worth it. Tasted way better than most Cesar salads at other establishments. We ordered our entrees from the Chef's Specialty menu. Wifey got the short rib ravioli. Portion size was good and taste was so fresh they tasted like they were made fresh when ordered!!! I got the Salmon dish and holy succulent Salmon. Cooked to perfection!!! The brandy risotto w/asparagus was a nice complement to the Salmon. We were so full we didn't even have desert, but we cannot wait to try the house made tiramisu next time!!! If you get the chance to try this place. Do yourselves a favor and stop in. We will always make this place a stop on our visits to the area!!! AS ALWAYS TRY IT FOR YOURSELF!!!

Got excited when I drove by this place and saw the parking lot packed. Walked in and it smelled…read morereally good. Had high hopes until the really forgettable chicken Parmesan sub arrived. And if I order fries at a restaurant, unless I'm getting a happy meal, I don't wanna have to tear open little ketchup packets. This place really is just a diner disguised as an Italian restaurant. When the waitress asked how's my "sammidge" that kind of said it all.

Four of us came for dinner. Our first time at Gratzzi Italian Grille. The restaurant is quaint and…read morecrowded. We had reservations and were seated immediately. Our friends decided we should start with the Cavatelli Bada Bing entree as a shareable appetizer. It is prepared table-side. Whatch out for the flame! Everything about this is entirely phenomenal. The padana parmesan, vodka sauce, and Cavatelli, created a creamy masterpiece of a flavorful meal. Bravo! For my entree I ordered the Rigatonnaci Alla Vodka. Another perfect blend of flavors. I am not one for spicy food and was happy the sausage mild. The pancetta added a nice savory touch. The vodka sauce was just the right amount and consistency. A winner for me. DH ordered the Pappardelle Alfredo with Chicken. Another chart topping mix of flavors. Just looking at the plate you know you're in for a great experience. Chicken was seasoned exceptionally well and perfectly cooked. Pasta was just right too. Everything about it was delicious. Our friends both ordered the Chicken Parmigiana. Both were extremely pleased saying the chicken was juicy and tender. This is their favorite meal. This just might be our go to Italian restaurant.

Wow- Hidden Gem in Downtown St Pete! The bar was full,…read moreeveryone eating at the bar and I got to watch how he handled the rush- Awesomeness! Efficient and non flappable even though the ladies next to me were having a " My man... complaining session" Ok back to the food - I had the Veal Chop Saltimbocca and the way it was laying on a layer of fresh spinach allowing the juices to drip was delicious!!!!! Fresh cut Veggies ( Zucchini & Squash) perfectly cooked! The Espresso Martini was a great night cap!

When it comes to Italian food in St Petersburg, there is always a place to go. Just march down…read moreCentral Avenue and you can find a few places on one block. It depends on what you want. And the competition is there since many will claim to be home-made and fresh. Each will have their own style and recommendations. Nothing is formal. This is casual. And, depending on the time of day you go, the crowd will be different. As for Matteo you cannot miss it. It is on the corner of a block right next to a bar and clubs called Cock Tail...It is hard to miss. That place is open to everyone no matter what you might think. And the drinks are good. So, it is no surprise that rights next to it is Matteo. And that is a good thing to know. Make your reservation and you can get in (or sit outside) and have a good Italian meal. I tis everything you might imagine and nothing fancy or over done. The place to start is with an appetizer. There is a good variety to have. As for dinner, we selected several options and decided to share what we each had. Very typical of Italians if you ate at someone's house. You share your meals while having an extensive conversation. (Of course, a glass of wine does help.) It was a delightful meal. The team there is perfect. They can answer questions and make suggestions. The food is fresh and freshly made. As for the price, it is fine and as you would suggest. Overall, I will go back and bring some friends. It is a good place to have a good dinner and experience the crowd that are there. Best, after dinner, just step next door and get an evening cocktail (literally). You do not have to go far to have a good evening. Ciao...

Tucked along Central Ave, Matteo Trattoria & Pizzeria delivers the kind of cozy Italian experience…read morethat feels both neighborhood-casual and quietly impressive. The atmosphere immediately sets the tone. Warm lighting, the aroma of simmering tomato sauce, and the hum of conversation make the space feel lively without being overwhelming. It's the type of place where you can settle in for a long dinner and a glass of wine without feeling rushed. The real highlight, though, is the food. The pasta tasted unmistakably fresh, with that perfect tender bite you only get from house-made noodles. The sauce was rich and balanced, clinging to every fold of pasta and finished with a generous dusting of parmesan that brought everything together beautifully. Service was attentive and welcoming throughout the meal, striking that ideal balance of being present without hovering. St. Pete has no shortage of Italian spots, but Matteo manages to stand out with its combination of authentic flavors, comforting ambiance, and genuinely well-executed dishes. If you're craving fresh pasta and a relaxed dinner on Central, this is absolutely a place worth visiting.

The pasta all vodka was amazing. I added shrimp for some protein (it was only about 3). For…read moreappetizers we had the bruschetta toast and the mushroom arancini, both equally as amazing. Appetizers came out fairly quickly but the main course took a little bit...but we were a huge group so it was to be expected. Overall I would highly recommend, the entire place had a great vibe including the staff.

This spot was absolutely fantastic! I loved the ambiance: charming, cozy, and perfect for a night…read moreout. We sat outside, and with the weather being just right, it couldn't have been better. We started with the calamari and beef carpaccio...both were outstanding, but the beef carpaccio completely stole the show. I'm already planning to come back just for that! For my main course, I had the vodka pasta, and wow... it was a solid 10/10. So flavorful and perfectly cooked. Service was great as well, our waitress was super helpful and nice. I was enjoying myself so much that I barely took any photos--but that just means I'll have to return soon!

If you're in St. Petersburg and looking for a place to celebrate, look no further than IL Ritorno…read more The service is impeccable and the food is outstanding. The ambiance strikes a perfect balance for fine dining--elegant without feeling stuffy, which is a rare find. The staff is warm and attentive, and the menu feels modern without being intimidating or overly complex. Portions are thoughtfully sized, especially for a restaurant delivering this level of quality--you definitely won't leave hungry. Although not pictured, someone in my party ordered the Koji-aged NY strip, and it was easily one of the best steaks I've ever tasted. Even the complimentary bread service is exceptional. Highly recommend this restaurant--you won't be disappointed. And if you are... well, you might just be a moron.

Service was quite good. Ambiance was okay, though the atmosphere would have been improved by some…read moreshades to reduce the glare from outside. Cocktails were pretty good. However, the food was mostly unimpressive. The octopus appetizer tasted little of octopus and more of char and palm hearts, with soft texture or flavor to the octopus, and the sauce didn't add much; no comparison to the octopus up the road at Keegan's. The pork campanelle was good, but not outstanding. Halibut was fishy tasting and overcooked. And the Brussels sprouts were pretty standard. Overall, my wife and I were quite disappointed with the meal, and it certainly didn't justify the prices charged. We won't be back.

We were given recommendations to check out this restaurant and it did not disappoint!! There was…read moreplenty of parking. I made a reservations at the bar. Our seats were pleasantly awaiting us. The ambience was amazing, slightly dark, romantic, Frank Sinatra playing overhead, with really cool decor. Karen, the floor manager, greeted us as soon as we walked in. All the staff was super friendly and accommodating. Mitch and Tordy were our bartenders/waiters at the bar and they were amazing and super attentive. They helped us with the menu! They have a full bar. I had the house cab, which was very good, and my husband had Ron Zacapa Centenario Edicion Negra Rum - which he loves and is very hard to find out, at a bar. It was a pleasant surprise!! My husband was disappointed because they were out of the pork chop because they had not received their scheduled meat shipment. But their whole menu does not disappoint!! We started with warm Italian bread in the bag and butter. It was amazing. I ordered the pasta bolognese which was so good! My husband had the 10 oz filet, cooked perfectly medium with a char on it. It was delicious and tender with green beans. The mashed potatoes were in a cast iron dish, super hot and caramelized, so good! Everything was amazing. Nick, the general manager, came by and checked on us. He was super nice. They have 1 bathroom and it was very clean. The restaurant was small and quaint. Great for a date night. I would recommend making a reservation. The whole experience was very easy, very relaxing, and we had a great time and meal experience!! We will be back, when we come back to visit St. Petersburg.

BEWARE. I was craving steak & my best friend Sheila H. that I was with recommended this place…read more She's been here few times prior. Our server Mitch was great. Offered us wine at happy hour prices well after happy hour ended 30 mins after when we still had full glasses of wine, however, the hostess told we had to leave our table. We were told we had to pack up our food. I thought it was a joke since our server had just dropped off more glasses of wine. Since we were being kicked out of our table, we had our food boxed up (side note: my Ribeye steak was not cooked thoroughly it was raw in the middle when I ordered medium so I couldn't eat it anyways I just eat the edges & thought I could just cook it at home... I didn't want to complain.). The brussel sprouts were burnt & tasted like it was tossed in pancake syrup. Since we still had a full glass of wine, we moved to the bar when seats opened up, the bar that was across from our table. There were very nice old married men at the bar that were persistent & offered to buy us desserts and more drinks. It was random & I thought that was strange. My friend that I was with took them up on the offer & I took photos of them together at the bar. The same hostess came up to us 30 minutes later when we didn't even get our desserts yet and told us that our time was up at the bar that we had to leave. So I had asked her what her problem was & I told her I had spent over $100 on steak at my table where I was actually kicked out of the table shorty after the steak arrived. She just rolled her eyes at me and left. A different young lady had come up to us and apologized for her. The owners Beau & Mo (never introduced themselves to us, were told by patrons next to us who they were) were there immaturely huffing & puffing in front of us the entire time at the bar behind the counter. After finishing our dessert & more drinks that the guys next to us bought us, my friend was talking to her neighbors that arrived, & then we left on our own. The next day including the several days afterwards, my friend & I received stalking phone calls, msgs stating the owners are affiliated with the people that could physically hurt us & to seriously watch our backs. I assume it was Beau & Mo that sent us the msgs. The language sounded like them under fake names. The owners had others harass & stalk us. I had to disconnect my phone# due to harassment. My friend was very scared for her life. They were watching her every move & calling her out even on her name change saying they saw it. She's in St Pete & frequently volunteers for St Pete community Depts & works for Pinellas County, so her local friends/coworkers in the St Pete community had contacted her the morning of and stated that Beau & Mo posted lies on St Pete Industry group pages & told the public to find us & harass/stalk us. Her friends sent her screenshots of every single Beau & Mo posting of lies/asking the community to stalk us/do harm by posting her contact info & where she lives/works. She went thru over a month of emotional agony from the threats. We did nothing wrong to deserve this poor treatment. I spent over $100 alone on myself. We were kicked out of our table within 56 mins at the table & told to leave the bar after 30 mins at the bar. I assume they were trying to turn tables (did we not spend enough?), however, we noticed they didn't ask anyone else to leave. This was my 1st time here. Def won't be back. ****The owners banned/harassed/stalked us due to our 1 star reviews (also, see review by my best friend Sheila H.).**** My friend & I reported all this to the police & the Pinellas county offices. I don't live in St Pete so a little tougher to maneuver, however, my boyfriend is a managing partner of his law firm in FL & luckily talking to him about it has lessened the terrifying experience after leaving this restaurant. My friend filed a report with the police in person to the police since she was scared for her life. She had stated the officer advised her to take legal action due to the info she showed of what Beau & Mo posted online about her. Side note, my boyfriend (he never dined here before) had made a resy for us a few months back since my good friend (the girl I was with during this horrible dining experience) recommended this place, however, we needed to cancel & he cancelled several days in advance knowing there's a no-show charge & short notice cancel fee. The restaurant still charged anyway. Other reviews said they had to leave a VM too to cancel days in advance & was still charged $50. He didn't make a big stink or try to get a refund from these scammers. Looking back, we never should have OK'd glasses of wine offered at HH prices. Stuck to our plan on leaving after our current glass of wine, we would have never had to deal with this insanity. We won't be recommending. The food we were served were similar to 1 star reviews which highlighted high # of likes for a 1star. That says A LOT.