Donatello, 232 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, FL 813.875.6660
Donatello, a personal favorite for 30 years continues to deliver some of the best Italian cuisine in the states, and a consistently excellent dining experience unlike any other. The reason for this long lasting success is the very high standards of excellence established by owner Guido Tiozzo when he opened this now legendary restaurant in 1984. Today, Guido and son Gino Tiozzo continue to deliver exactly what has made Donatello such an extraordinary restaurant for over 3 decades: legendary Old World hospitality, outstanding quality food, and authentic preparation of Italian specialties from all over Italy, excellent, polished, white glove, Old World service (tuxedoed waiters with Italian accents, and a rose for every lady), lovely ambience (salmon-colored tablecloths, gold leaf ceilings, soft pink lighting), an elegant piano bar, authentic Venetian artwork by artist Simone Bolla and Venetian masks, reflecting Guido’s Venetian heritage, table side preparations, and an outstanding wine list (a perennial recipient of Wine Spectator’s Grand Award of Excellence). Donatello has recently been awarded the Fred Bollaci Enterprises Golden Palate Certificate of Excellence®! Come enjoy some of the finest Italian food, excellent service and one of the best overall dining experiences anywhere!
Guido learned by working at the best establishments in Italy, Switzerland, and in London before coming to Tampa in 1984 to open Donatello, the area’s finest Italian restaurant. Celebrating 30 years in Tampa, Fred Bollaci is pleased to report that thankfully nothing has changed at this landmark that introduced authentic Old World hospitality and authentic Italian cuisine to Florida’s West Coast.
Owners Gino and Guido Tiozzo, renowned for legendary Old World service and gracious hospitality.
Update: Sadly, Guido passed away in 2019, but his legacy lives on in the capable hands of his son Gino, who is ready to welcome you.
Caprese Salad
Calamari Amalfitana (lemon, garlic, extra-virgin olive oil dressing).
Excellent Bruschetta
Classic Caesar Salad
Oysters “Fiorentina” in the style of Florence, baked with a little spinach, béchamel, and sprinkle of freshly-grated Parmesan, great to share as an appetizer for a group.
Donatello’s signature pasta dish, “Tagliatelle alla Kathy” features exquisitely fresh and light house-made spinach pasta tossed in a light, velvety tomato sauce with sautéed ham and mushrooms, topped with freshly grated Parmesan. It is worth traveling to Tampa to try this, and if you are trying to watch your diet, try a half portion or get one for the table, take a twirl (or two), and pass it along! It is one of the best pasta dishes anywhere.
Succulent Ossobuco with saffron risotto milanese.
Nodino di Vitello with Brandy & Mushrooms
Caparzo, 2009, a delicious Brunello di Montalcino we enjoyed on a recent visit.
Donatello is one place worth saving room for dessert, or at least sampling their famous Napoleon with fresh cream and strawberry sauce.
After 30 successful years, Donatello remains at the top, a testament to the dedication of owners Guido and Gino and their caring staff. Auguri!!!
Fred Bollaci with Guido Tiozzo of Donatello, a legend in Old-World hospitality.
When in Tampa, Donatello is a MUST, please tell them Fred Bollaci sent you!
