Il Ritorno - SAINT PETERSBURG

Get the chefs special (5 course meal). The pasta is probably the best I 've ever had. The seafood brodetto is beyond 'tasty '. The filet main course is 'good ' but everything else is top shelf. However, the dessert is reason enough to go a deconstructed cheesecake and Nutella gelato...words alone can 't describe how amazing it was. Don 't go there without ordering that dessert. I give them 5 starts only because I can 't figure out how to give them 6.

Went, not knowing what to expect. I was thrilled with the service and the food! I wasn't sure what to order, and our server, Dayna, made me feel comfortable and more confident about my options. The food was to die for. I had the short rib mezzaluna, and he had the grouper. Both superb dishes. Will definitely be back, and will recommend to friends.

This was the first time I had the pleasure of dining at Il Ritorno, but I hope it will be the first of many. Chef David and the entire staff are incredibly warm and welcoming and extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the food and wine they serve. This was reflected in the lovingly prepared and beautifully presented meal we enjoyed. Each course was better than the next. I particularly enjoyed the short rib mezzaluna and the lobster Garganelli. The chocolate zeppole and a French pressed coffee were a lovely way to round off a transcendent meal.

I am a vegetarian and have dinner here about every 10 days. Meals and wine pairings can be truly excellent. Vegetarian tasting menu is often outstanding — well beyond anything else I’ve found in St Pete. Unfortunately kitchen will not serve some a vegetarian and others a non vegetarian tasting menu in one party — a silly inflexible policy. Reserve two tables next to one another.

We were delighted to get a reservation at this well-reviewed restaurant and what a deliciously, delightful experience. Waitperson Dayna was very on top of everything. Hubby enjoyed having a seat where he could readily watch the kitchen staff work headed by Chef-Owner David Benstock. Benstock in May had been on the Beat Bobby Flay TV show. We started with a Hendrick 's gimlet for him and the house 's gin cocktail for me, both perfect for each of us. The focaccia bread was served with an herb oil and a tallow butter. Our appetizer was a lacy looking tomato burrata, such a great combination of crunch tomato herbs: Beautiful presentation as the dressing was poured around it. Both of us had wine, a Super Tuscan for me and Toscana Rosso for him to go with the melt-in-your-mouth short rib mezzaluna pasta. Our last course was the pork saltimbocca, also so tasty. For dessert we had a simple affogato made with their house gelato. So looking forward to returning and one day sampling the chef 's tasting.