
Il Ritorno
A rustic-industrial Italian restaurant in St. Petersburg offering contemporary, artful dishes with fresh, seasonal ingredients and genuine hospitality...

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

Il Ritorno

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A rustic-industrial Italian restaurant in St. Petersburg offering contemporary, artful dishes with fresh, seasonal ingredients and genuine hospitality.
"The food is not only delicious, but it's also pleasing to the eyes. [^M1]"
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended to secure a table at this popular spot.
Consider the Tasting Menu
Opt for the tasting menu for a comprehensive and immersive culinary journey.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Modern Italian
Price
$$$
Phone
(727) 897-5900
Address
449 Central Ave N #101st, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, USA
Website
ilritornodowntown.com/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Artfully Crafted Italian Cuisine
Experience contemporary Italian dishes that are described as edible works of art, using seasonal ingredients for modern twists.

Genuine Hospitality and Service
Diners consistently praise the top-notch service, attentive staff, and warm, genuine hospitality that elevates the dining experience.

Unique & Creative Menu
From homemade gluten-free pasta to intriguing options like short rib mezzaluna and oxtail, the menu offers unique, flavorful creations.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended to secure a table at this popular spot.
Consider the Tasting Menu
Opt for the tasting menu for a comprehensive and immersive culinary journey.
Ask for Server Recommendations
Leverage the knowledgeable staff for excellent dish and wine suggestions.
Weekday Dining
Visit during weekdays for a more relaxed and potentially less crowded atmosphere.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ahead
Reservations are highly recommended to secure a table at this popular spot.
Consider the Tasting Menu
Opt for the tasting menu for a comprehensive and immersive culinary journey.
Ask for Server Recommendations
Leverage the knowledgeable staff for excellent dish and wine suggestions.
Weekday Dining
Visit during weekdays for a more relaxed and potentially less crowded atmosphere.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Il Ritorno is widely praised for its exceptionally crafted Italian cuisine, described as artful and delicious, complemented by genuine hospitality and attentive service. While many rave about unique dishes and the overall dining experience, a few diners have felt the meals were average and the service rushed, with some finding portions small for the price.
"The service was top notch. Our server described dishes we inquired about perfectly and made some wonderful recommendations. All the dishes we ordered were a piece of art and tasted phenomenal. Chef David Benstock and his entire staff have created a wonderful dining experience. We highly recommend this restaurant and will definitely be coming back"
D Enscoe
"This Italian restaurant was an absolute gem. The homemade gluten-free pasta was the best I’ve ever had—fresh, flavorful, and it instantly took me back to Italy.
Service was flawless. The staff was attentive without being intrusive, taking time to walk us through the menu and share their passion for the dishes.
The steaks were perfectly cooked, the wine selection was top notch, and the ambience was warm and romantic—ideal for date night or just a special evening out.
Highly recommend to anyone who appreciates authentic flavors, impeccable service, and a memorable dining experience."
Jody Ifill
"The best Italian restaurant in St. Petersburg. Tremendous team, high quality service, incredible dishes. Consistently great! Our last meal there was the Chef’s Table experience and just wow! The food, the wines, dessert…just one amazing course after another."
Fritz Eichelberger
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Il Ritorno is highly recommended for date nights, with its intimate atmosphere and sophisticated modern Italian cuisine. [^M2][^M6]
Popular favorites include the Short Rib Mezzaluna, homemade pastas like bucatini, and unique items like caviar doughnuts. [^M8]
Yes, Il Ritorno offers a tasting menu for a comprehensive culinary experience, recommended by diners. [^data][^M4]
Il Ritorno suggests a business casual dress code, fitting for its upscale yet relaxed ambiance. [^M10]
Il Ritorno offers excellent gluten-free pasta options, with reviewers highlighting it as the best they've ever had.
Service is consistently praised as top-notch, with staff described as attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely hospitable.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
These are the 10 best restaurants in St. Petersburg
Conveniently located in downtown St Petersburg just steps from some of the city's stellar attractions, Il Ritorno has been offering discerning foodies a new twist to Italian fare since 2014. The food is not only delicious, but it's also pleasing to the eyes, garnering this bistro a spot on Tampa Bay Times' "Top 10 Restaurants in Tampa Bay 2019." Drawing on his philosophy that, "food should be fresh, exciting, textural and an all-around memorable experience for everyone," owner-Chef David Benstock has created a very appealing menu, always highlighting seasonal ingredients. Menus are printed daily with unique selections boasting a host of fresh choices from antipasti (people rave about the octopus Puttanesca), pancetta spiced duck breast and much more.
Date Night: Fine-Dining Restaurants
Sophisticated Italian fare, exposed brick walls and a business-casual dress code elevate your date night at this popular small downtown St. Pete spot on bustling Central Avenue. Il Ritorno owner and executive chef David Benstock strives to create rustic dishes with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Dishes, all plated elegantly, include a Spanish octopus appetizer with pickled cauliflower, charred romesca and smoked celery root, and such entrees as a short rib mezzaluna featuring truffle fonduta, concentrated tomatoes, piave and chives.
Best Italian Restaurants in St. Petersburg FL 2024
Chef David Benstock and his wife Erica are the sole proprietors of the restaurant aptly named “The Return” in Italian. Chef David grew up in St. Petersburg and after high school he attended and graduated from The Culinary Arts School at Johnson & Wales University in Denver, Colorado and then went onto to hone and perfect his craft, cooking in kitchens in Colorado, New York, Italy, Miami and Tampa before “returning” to his hometown and opening IL Ritorno.
Fine Dining Date Night Restaurants in St. Pete, FL
With the open kitchen tucked just beyond the bar and candlelight stretching across polished wood, Il Ritorno sets the tone for a more intimate and romantic kind of date night. The menu at this Michelin-recommended restaurant leans modern Italian. With housemade pastas and seasonal ingredients, you can order à la carte or go all in on the tasting menu for a full run of the kitchen’s current favorites.
15 Best Restaurants in St. Petersburg
For authentic Italian cuisine with a modern twist, look no further than Il Ritorno. This intimate eatery, located in the heart of downtown St. Pete, is renowned for its innovative approach to classic Italian dishes. From house-made pasta and wood-fired pizzas to inventive small plates, each dish at Il Ritorno is expertly crafted to highlight the flavors of the season.
9 Amazing Romantic Restaurants in St. Pete 2025
If you’re in the mood to indulge in some seriously delicious Italian food with a modern twist, Il Ritorno is where you want to be. This intimate, upscale spot in St. Pete will definitely win your heart and impress your date with its creative, seasonal menu. From homemade pasta that’ll have you swooning to beautifully presented seafood entrees, this place is top-tier.
Fine dining spots worth the splurge in St. Pete
Nestled in the heart of Central Avenue, Il Ritorno stands as a beacon of modern Italian cuisine. Here, Chef Benstock and his team craft dishes that are a nod to Italian tradition yet infused with innovative flavor combinations. The menu is ever evolving with the seasons, though right now, you can pair their Spanish octopus with truffle risotto or the filet mignon.
The Best Food In St. Pete (From A Local): 17 Must-Try Restaurants
Il Ritorno is one of St. Pete’s longest-standing high-end restaurants. Owner and Executive Chef, David Benstock, was somewhat of a celebrity chef after beating Bobby Flay with his Short Rib Mezzaluna. This dish, which can be found on the menu along with other beautifully crafted handmade pasta and incredible steaks, is an homage to upscale Italian cuisine.
6 Best Italian Restaurants in St. Pete
If you’re looking for a contemporary meal instead of the Italian classics, then Il Ritorno is the place for you!. With industrial decor and a rustic inspired menu, we love Il Ritorno’s spin on Italian food!. Executive Chef David Benstock is super creative with their menu, introducing new flavor combinations to rustic Italian food.
The 25 essential Central Ave restaurants in St. Petersburg | Tampa
’ Well, at Il Ritorno, you need to dress for the meal you want. This high-falutin Italian eatery has a business casual dress code. Il Ritorno Owner and Executive Chef, David Benstock takes a modern and refined approach to traditional Italian cuisine, appealing to discerning palates from Il Ritorno’s chic space.
Downtown St. Pete’s Most Romantic Restaurants
IL Ritorno: IL Ritorno has an intimate setting with rustic brick walls and a view of the new/temporary park across the street. The setting and the amazing food remind us of being in Manhattan. The service is impeccable and you won’t find food like this anywhere else.
Farm to Table Dining in Central West Florida
Il Ritorno, St. Petersburg – Sleek, modern locale serving elegant takes on traditional Italian fare. The food menu changes according to seasonally available ingredients. A Chef’s Bar provides a front-row seat to the open kitchen and a tasting menu with a wine pairing.
St. Pete Has One Of The ‘Best Brunch Spots In America’
Chef David Benstock appeared on the popular cable network show “Beat Bobby Flay,” in 2019 and did just that. His episode ended up airing way later thanks to the pandemic. You can try his delicious Italian cuisine at Il Ritorno in St. Pete.
21 Best Downtown St. Pete Restaurants 2025: A Local's Guide
The vibe is a cool mix of rustic and modern, and the food is next level!. It’s Italian with a creative twist that makes every dish stand out. We started with the octopus, which was insanely tender and packed with flavor.
St. Petersburg Dining Guide
Il Ritorno brings a new taste of fresh Italian cuisine to the community by. introducing new, interesting flavors and combinations. Open for dinner Tuesday-Saturday, closed Sunday and Monday.
Central Avenue in St. Pete/Clearwater from Sunrise to Sunset
For a fine dining experience, head to Il Ritorno where owner and executive chef, David Benstock, builds the menu based on in-season products.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit