Best Authentic Restaurants in Pinellas Park

It was our first time dining at Valentino Ristorante Italiano but it will certainly not be our last time. We were warmly greeted the moment we stepped inside the understated yet elegant interior. We immediately knew this was not going to be a “typical” Italian dining experience. Once seated, the staff were abundant, attentive, accommodating and genuinely friendly. In fact, after expressing our delight over the vongole appetizer (clams), our server brought the chef, Ciro Mancini, to our table so we could share our thoughts and compliments with him directly. With so many delicious options on the menu, we were challenged to make a selection. We opted for the Fettucine Bolognese to enjoy as an appetizer (along with the clams) and felt satisfied we had made an excellent choice. The fresh pasta was al dente and the sauce was complex and rich enhancing,but not overpowering, the wagyu beef. We followed up with Zuppa Di Pesce, served in a bowl loaded with a fresh assortment of seafood. Thankfully it came with crostini to absorb the delicious broth and because it was so tasty we moved on to dipping in with the bread we were served upon being seated. Our server recommended the Veal Marsala and it did not disappoint. The sauce was full bodied and the mushrooms were firm and flavorful. Perhaps the best we’ve ever had! The dessert menu was limited and if we hadn’t overindulged on the other dishes we had ordered, we might have opted to try one. Perhaps on our next visit we will better pace ourselves, if possible, so we can sample their sweet offerings. Overall, we had a wonderful meal in a tastefully elegant setting with great service. Now that’s AMORE!

The service and food was excellent. We started with the Cauliflower sharable and the flavor was amazing. The cocktails were outstanding and they have a full service bar with real liquor and not the "well" drinks so many tourist focused restaurants have for our visitors. The steak and chicken entrees were similarly very well prepared and savory. The restaurant was packed with large groups celebrating as well as couples having their date night. The background music was contemporary and not too loud, which allowed for conversation, but it also was a good fit for the positive fun energy of the surroundings. We were there to celebrate a birthday and we couldn't have picked a better restaurant.

Food was very good. Great flavors. Pretty pricey though. And the only food issue I had was that the steak filet needed more salt but otherwise, the meat was very tender and juicy.

Thank you Campanella’s will be back again. Chicken Alfredo and Chicken Marsala excellent!