I don’t know how I’ve lived in Tampa Bay for 13 years and haven’t been to Donatello Italian Restaurant, but I finally rectified that problem. For my last work dinner at Teladoc Health, I took one of my favorite customers and my most favorite boss I’ve ever had to Donatello.
I’ve driven by hundreds of times but I never noticed they had valet. I was super thankful because Tampa/St Pete has gotten super annoying to find parking.
I immediately fell in love with the old world Italian feel inside. It was low lit, plush, red, and made me feel cozy and fancy at the same time.
The wine list was 11 pages, front and back, and had some bottles to rival Bern’s. I opted for a Super Tuscan, one of my favorites, but unfortunately not the $1,2oo bottle.
I ordered the penne puttanesca. It had penne in tomato sauce with capers, olives and anchovies and it was so good. I’ll do anything for fresh pasta with capers and anchovies.
Both of the people I was with ordered the veal Piccata Al Limone. It had veal scaloppini in a light sauce of lemon and butter. It doesn’t come with pasta but a side of angel hair was the perfect addition to the dish. I don’t eat veal so I didn’t try it, but they both loved it.
We ordered chocolate cake and a lemon tart for dessert, with an espresso for me and a cappuccino for them. Both desserts were so good, so decadent, and perfect for sharing. I ordered the espresso because I was told you don’t drink coffee with milk after lunch in Italy.
The service was incredible, almost too fast. The drinks and food came out in what seemed like minutes after ordering. We were worried that they were going to try and turn over the table quickly, and we had business to discuss, but they weren’t pushy at all. They were truly just attentive and ready to serve us.
When you’re ready to leave, they give the ladies a red rose. Normally that would seem a little cheesy but I really loved it. It was the perfect end to a delightful dinner.
If you live in Tampa Bay and are an idiot like me and haven’t been to Donatello, make a reservation now! It was such a great experience.