Donatello Italian Restaurant
1 / 10

Donatello Italian Restaurant

4.6
·491k reviews·,

Experience timeless Italian elegance with tuxedo-clad waiters, live jazz, and authentic Northern Italian cuisine.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

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Donatello Italian Restaurant

Donatello Italian Restaurant

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience timeless Italian elegance with tuxedo-clad waiters, live jazz, and authentic Northern Italian cuisine.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"An endearingly attentive dining experience with outstanding service and classic Italian dishes."

TIP

Make Reservations

Book ahead for special occasions or busy nights to ensure prompt seating and a smooth dining experience.

Ask About Specials

Inquire about the daily dinner specials for unique culinary creations and seasonal offerings.

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Quick Facts

Closed·Opens 5PM

Cuisine

Italian

Price

$$$

Phone

(813) 875-6660

Address

232 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33609, USA

Insta-Factor

High

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Old-School Italian Ambiance

Old-School Italian Ambiance

Experience timeless charm with tuxedo-clad waiters, stucco arches, and live music. A true taste of Italy.

17 Can’t-Miss Restaurants in Tampa BayThe 8 Best Italian Restaurants in Tampa 2025
Authentic Northern Italian Cuisine

Authentic Northern Italian Cuisine

Savor classic dishes like Seafood Risotto and Cannelloni, prepared with fresh ingredients and time-honored recipes.

17 Can’t-Miss Restaurants in Tampa Bay8 of our favorite Tampa Bay spots for pasta
Live Music & Entertainment

Live Music & Entertainment

Enjoy live jazz in the bar room on Saturdays, adding a vibrant soundtrack to your dining experience.

TikTok17 Can’t-Miss Restaurants in Tampa Bay
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#donatellotampa #tampaeats #italianrestaurant ##itsmesheba #queenofshebav
@queenofshebav
12 likes • 412 views

Make Reservations

Book ahead for special occasions or busy nights to ensure prompt seating and a smooth dining experience.

Ask About Specials

Inquire about the daily dinner specials for unique culinary creations and seasonal offerings.

The food was DELICIOUS at Donatello in Tampa, FL! My pasta was sooo good 🍝😋 #tampa #tampaflorida #dinner #donatello #restaurantreview #goodfood #pasta #italianfood #foodtiktok #fyp
@kalynsnipes
32 likes • 1K views
💃🏻🌹 #fyp #donatello #southtampa #restaurantlife #popjazz
@inesmow
69 likes • 568 views

Dress Code

Elegant casual is the recommended dress code, not overly formal but stylish.

Corkage Fee

There is a $50 corkage fee if you bring your own bottle of wine.

La Dolce Vita! Dinner & a show 🫶🏼 I have so much respect and adoration for performers, who without hesitation can bless us with their beautiful voice! #Donatello #tampa #opera #aria #solo #singer #813 #italian
@starkcare
18 likes • 1.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Make Reservations

Book ahead for special occasions or busy nights to ensure prompt seating and a smooth dining experience.

Ask About Specials

Inquire about the daily dinner specials for unique culinary creations and seasonal offerings.

Dress Code

Elegant casual is the recommended dress code, not overly formal but stylish.

Corkage Fee

There is a $50 corkage fee if you bring your own bottle of wine.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Donatello Italian Restaurant offers a classic upscale dining experience with attentive service and a charming, old-school ambiance. While many praise the impeccable service and inviting atmosphere, some find the food to be good but not exceptional for the price point. The live music and traditional Italian dishes are definite draws for a memorable evening out.

"A Dining Experience Like No Other

From the moment you arrive at Donatello Italian Restaurant, the experience is exceptional. The respectful and courteous valet team sets the tone, followed by a warm and welcoming greeting as you step inside.

The ambiance is inviting, and the service is second to none—attentive, friendly, and genuinely dedicated to ensuring a memorable meal. As for the food, it’s simply outstanding. Every dish I’ve tried has been a testament to their commitment to quality and consistency. The flavors are rich, the ingredients fresh, and the presentation flawless.

I’ve been fortunate to visit several times, and each experience has been just as incredible as the last. Their lobster linguine, in particular, is a must-try—delicate, flavorful, and cooked to perfection.

Donatello sets a high standard for Italian cuisine, and I can confidently say it’s unmatched in every way. A true 10/10 dining destination!"

Nick

"For appetizers, we had the Carpaccio Di Filetto: Thinly sliced raw beef tenderloin with parmesan cheese, onions & capers. (Can get it served as a roll!)

For dinner, we had the daily dinner specials:

Fettuccine Katerina: Homemade fettuccine with prosciutto crudo, peas, and mushrooms in a princess sauce

Scampi Alla Veneziana: Jumbo prawns pan seared in a white wine butter-lemon sauce with capers and diced tomato

The prawns were giant and the sauce was incredible. The fettuccine was just right, super flavorful.

As others have mentioned, the service was impeccable!

We brought our own bottle of wine and there is a $50 corkage fee but when celebrating a special occasion and you own bottles of wine that are super meaningful to you, it's worth it to create an unforgettable experience.

It's great that everyone was celebrating their birthdays that evening (lots of birthday songs to go around). We were pretty much the only table not celebrating a birthday!"

Tyrone

"food was absolutely amazing! the staff was very attentive. very romantic atmosphere, live jazz music is played in the adjacent room. sometimes they have opera singers as well. a but pricey, but it is expected for an upscale restaurant. elegant casual would be dress code, not super elegant. i would not recommend bringing kids here though."

Karina Arbelaez

What People Like

Impeccable, attentive service
Old-school Italian ambiance and live music
Classic pasta dishes and desserts

What People Dislike

Food can be overpriced for the quality
Occasional long waits for seating
Inconsistent food temperature

Frequently Asked Questions

The dress code is elegant casual. While not overly formal, guests are encouraged to dress stylishly.

Google Review

Yes, live jazz music is often featured in the bar room, particularly on Saturdays, adding to the sophisticated atmosphere.

TikTok17 Can’t-Miss Restaurants in Tampa Bay

It's generally not recommended for bringing young children, as the atmosphere is geared more towards romantic evenings and adult celebrations.

Google Review

Signature dishes include Seafood Risotto, Pollo Alla Milanese, Linguini Al Granchio, and the Cannelloni Donatello.

8 of our favorite Tampa Bay spots for pastaGoogle Review

There is a $50 corkage fee for guests who bring their own bottle of wine.

Google Review

Yes, valet parking is available, and street parking can also be found.

Google Review+1

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With tuxedo-clad waiters at the ready and timeless Italian osteria charm, this upmarket classic has been a consistent hit for the past 38 years. From the moment you open the front door until you receive your complimentary red rose upon signing the check, the dining experience is endearingly attentive. Set to a score of live jazz performances and (most likely) an obligatory Frank Sinatra cover or two, fill your table with Northern Italian-influenced favorites like Seafood Risotto, Grilled Lamb Chops, or traditional Tomato-Basil Sauce over Angel Hair Pasta.

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Donatello has been around since 1984, and nobody in Tampa does old-school Italian food better. Start with the bruschetta and then get at least a couple of pastas like fettuccine tossed with bolognese or the cream-coated tortellini stuffed with sausage and ricotta. Beyond the classic red-sauce dishes, the fun atmosphere is a total time capsule and a reason to come here itself: everybody eating here gets a free rose, and servers in tuxedos whisk around plates of osso bucco and chilled calamari while live jazz echoes in the dining room.

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Nestled in Hyde Park, this Italian restaurant exudes a classic charm with its white tablecloths, soft lighting, and live piano music. The Tiozzo family has run Donatello for over 38 years, a history shown on its walls featuring frescoes and pictures of famous regulars of the past, providing a charming and unique experience. This Italian restaurant offers an extensive menu featuring dishes from every corner of Italy.

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Step inside Donatello, and you’re instantly transported to a world of vintage glamour and fine dining. The moment you walk through the doors, you’re wrapped in an atmosphere rich with history, elegance, and an undeniable passion for Italian cuisine. The staff, dressed in classic tuxedos, provide top-tier service while you soak in the sounds of live jazz from the San Marco Lounge.

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