Down right AMAZING! The food was simply delicious, we started out with a wild game appetizer, kangaroo, lama, & elk. Talk about awesome! The kangaroo was a tuff in comparison but great flavor! Oh and yes it might be white bread garlic bread but damn is it good with roasted garlic that you can spread, YUM! My wife ended up having the veal and I had the Easter special Lamb both tender and full of flavor, cooked to perfection. A real treat to have food prepared smartly without a great deal of salt. Desert was very good as well, Kumquat Pie a spin in a whipped pie light and flavorful. The wife had a traditional chocolate brownie and she was very pleased. Service was very attentive from several waiters and managers, a great team effort to provide excellent service! Yes will go back!
(5)
Bob V.
Been coming here for years and keep trying it out. Sadly they continue to disappoint. The chicken Parmesan was good but the spaghetti was room temperature. Let that sink in. The pasta was room temperature at an Italian restaurant. Their chicken fingers were over done. That alone is hard for me to understand. If the pricing was more in line with the food quality I wouldn't have issue but they position themselves as high end Italian. The ambiance was a little challenging as there was a guy talking loudly on his phone for our entire time of dinner. Granted they couldn't control but it speaks to some of my challenges I run into here. Men's Bathroom is run down but functional. If you are over 60 you may enjoy this place. All in all, I will continue to pass on this place. I think the potential is there but I can't ride it out.
(2)
Rick D.
*********BUYER BEWARE********** My girlfriend and I wanted to try something new, so we went here based off the good yelp reviews. We ordered the Mozzarella Caprese Salad and the 10 inch pizza to go. Picked up the order 15min later. The pizza was bland and lifeless. Do not recommend. The Mozzarella Caprese Salad which was $16, thinking it would be worth the price. BOY WAS I WRONG! Drenched to a sog from the dressing with bitter lettuce. Tomatoes seemed old and mushy. No quality here. Mozzarella seemed stale, and just ehh... Rolls came free, but are nothing to talk about. Spoke to management, He comped the entire bill and offered a gift card.. May....may give it a second chance one day. Just seems like the place needs fresher ingredients....
(1)
eg s.
Very fun atmosphere, on Sunday night live music! Feels like in New England, tons of Sinatra pics on walls. We got mussels w red sauce, which was delicious and thick- perfect to accompany their warm garlic bread and chick parm, which was good too. But the fish was overcooked with just a couple of burned veggies. That dish was about35$, not worth it. I'll be back, but will stay away from fish meals.
(4)
Tammy H.
Loved it! Great food, excellent service, nice ambiance and delightful music. Gluten and dairy free choices with no hassles; most accommodating. We will definitely return.
(4)
E S.
Not only was the food microwaved/not fresh/ill prepared, I literally poured over a cup of oil and water from my Pasta Primavera. It was, sadly, one of the worst I've ever had. Pity, too, as the ambiance of the place is nice, with a dude on a piano playing all evening.
(1)
Darryl F.
Thanks for another great night out on Friday. We thought we would share our very happy son's picture on his 17th Birthday. The grouper bianco was amazing!
(5)
Ashley D.
Aside from the amazing food, Toby, our server, made the experience unforgettable. Thank you, Toby, for a wonderful evening!
(5)
Sarah P.
Horrible! The house dressing tastes like grease. The piano is loud and obnoxious. Ridiculously overpriced.
(1)
Maria S.
Chef Ben is amazing ... Their pizza is delicious My family has other dishes and they were all amazing
(4)
Joe M.
Great mussels and fantastic fish entree. Excellent waiter! Really enjoyed the entire dining experience.
(5)
Liz I.
I have eaten in Benedetto's for years. The food is authentic and not stale. Chef Ben stays on top of the "Today's Italian", while keeping with tradition. My Dad was a Chef and I have an appreciation for good quality. Chef Ben, thank you for the premium food products. The entertainment is always nice and the wait staff are excellent. If you are in the area, you must try Benedetto's. DO NOT SKIP DESERT here :)
(5)
Eliza R.
Absolutely love this place. As you sit there and eat the amazing food, you actually forget you are still in Land O Lakes. Excellent service, atmosphere and delicious Sangria!! One of my favorite date night restaurants!!
(5)
Stuart D.
One course was better than the next. We were seated graciously, our server was informative, smiling and was happy to be there. Big selection, reasonable pricing, a chef who has a vested interest in the restaurant, Chef Ben owns the place, Mrs. Ben at the hostess stand. Would recommend Benedetto's every day of the week. The food was as good or better than Little Italy in New York. Give it a try. You will not be disappointed!!!
(5)
Greg W.
Food is very good. However it is quite over priced and the atmosphere is often a little old. Make sure you don't go when the piano players are out unless you like that torture.
(3)
Jim H.
Honestly what great food The only 4.5 aspects of this place, the seating was a little cramped and the piano player was a little cheesy. Pros (the 5 star heck the 6 stars): Spectacular food. really the best I have had in some time. The appetizers were great, the selection was outstanding, the presentation was first rate. I cannot imagine a bad meal here. This is certainly worth your time and the prices were very reasonable for the quality and quantity
(5)
Vicki T.
Love this place!!!! Brain was OUTSTANDING AS OUR SERVER, the food & staff are all excellent , but the food is so fresh and makes you feel like your home. Love this Restaurant!!!! We have been there a few times but tonight was beyond infinity!!! Gracie por tutto!!!
(5)
Scott G.
Have been a few times with family. The only higher end restaurant in the area when visiting family. Oysters are always super fresh and they have a few variations raw and cooked. The house salad is free with a meal and most people don't think about it but the salad is amazing nice mix of greens and house dressing is fantastic. I've had grouper entree, wild game & osso bucco. Everything was very good, isn't the cheapest place but portions and quality make it worth it.
(4)
Jill S.
MMMM where to start. Oh...perfect spot for a nice get away with your significant other or another couple. It's very couples friendly later in the evening and the piano just makes for a wonderful night. This is not the lowest priced option in the area, however the cuisine is good. Typically we feel the price is a bit on the high side however it also helps to keep out others you may not enjoy the company of. The bar is fun neat and semi tucked away, the bartenders are always fun and friendly. It's a great place to grab a few drinks to start off the evening and then move back in the corner near the piano. The desserts are always good as well but often you are too full. Maybe a late night dessert diner would be something to try?
(5)
Steve C.
Love the setting here. Pleasant staff. A little too cozy (read: tables a little close) for romantic dinners, but the ambiance overall makes it fairly romantic. Chose the gamey stuff. Elk, kangaroo, llama were different.... I liked it. Kangaroo a lttle fatty and gamey compared to the others. The venison entree was fantastic, I didn't care for the marrow, but at least I tried it. The gf had salmon dish which was good. Enjoyed it, but was a little pricey....... Which is due to the game food rarity
(4)
Ron B.
Just moved to the area and I was initially very pleased with this restaurant. The atmosphere was pleasant, the food was also good although very pricey. I don't mind paying for good food, however, when the portion size of the entree is the size of a lunch portion or an appetizer it's disappointing. It's greedy actually. The last draw for me was my most recent experience. We had a friend visiting in town and we wanted her to have an amazing meal while here so we ordered to go. 3 people, $100 for take out. When we got home to open our meals we opened the container to find the SMALLEST portion size I've ever seen, one tiny chicken breast for a $25 dollar entree. Also almost no sauce at all, very dry. I called the restaurant to express my disappointment and left my number for the owner who was too busy to take my call. I was told he would call me the next day and guess what? No one called!! That speaks volumes to me... Benedetto's does NOT care about there customers!! I will never return.
(1)
Gigi S.
Ola Benedetto's my longtime friend! I recently brought my boyfriend there to show him a place I really liked. The outcome was a far cry, and when he ran to Yelp to share his experiences with the consumer, he was called "stupid" and chastized. I could write about the onion soup, the chicken, the salad I used to love, but in the end, it's no longer the best in the resteraunt-sparse area of Lutz/LandO' Lakes, so I'll never be dealing with Benedetto's again unless it's for a glass of wine. You can't mess that up. Please don't prove me wrong about that, too. haahaa
(1)
Mark H.
Benedetto's is all about the atmosphere, one previous review reads, and I couldn't agree more. Great piano playing in the background, nice dim-lit restaurant and a quaint bar up in the front. This place really is warm and welcoming. The staff treated me and La Chica as if we were old friends, and I liked that. Down the road in Lutz, there is another well-known Italian joint called Villagio. I went there recently, and ordered the Chicken Villagio--chicken in a white sauce. I wanted to compare the two restaurants effectively, so I found a chicken dish in a white sauce on the Benedetto's menu; it's called Polo Tuscany. Fresh chicken breast lightly breaded then pan fried and topped with ricotta, prosciutto, red and yellow peppers and mozzarella cheese, served in white truffle cream sauce over angel hair pasta. Sounds good, huh? Well, it had better fantastic and served on a silver platter for $25. That's what I was thinking. While I waited for that to be prepared, I ordered an eggplant tomato caprese salad, which came out almost as quickly as it was ordered. It sort of made me wonder if they had several already made, sitting in a refrigerator in the back. But, it was delicious, so it's origins quickly became of no concern to me. Next up, and before we could finish the appetizer, my Caesar salad came out. It looked delicious and creamy, but fell short of my expectations when I bit into the store-bought crouton. I mean, this place is supposed to be top-notch and chef-owned, right? Why the hell am I eating Pepperidge Farms croutons in my salad? I also suspect that the Caesar dressing was not homemade. If so, it was the blandest I'd ever had. I couldn't help but long for my Aldi brand Caesar dressing at home while eating that salad. I just pushed it to the side after eating less than half of it. Lastly, the Polo Tuscany came out within 10 minutes of ordering it. Lightning fast considering the description. Again, it made me think my dish was pre-made and just heated up once ordered. While it was pretty good, I just didn't get the sense that the food here was "made-to-order" as the waiter stated. The chicken was luke warm in the middle, not hot and the breading was a bit mushy. Didn't seem pan fried at all. Also, it was just one chicken breast. Normally, these high-priced chicken dishes at Italian restaurants come with two breasts, so the portion was a little disappointing. $25 for one chicken breast is a bit much to ask. I don't care what kind of damn sauce you serve is up with. I really enjoyed the vibe at Benedetto's, but ultimately, it's the food that's most important to me. Because of this, I'm going with 2 stars on the food and adding one more star for service and atmosphere. However, if I'm ever craving Italian food again while out in the Lutz / Land 'O Lakes area, I'm going to Villagio instead. A few days after posting my review, I got this message from someone named Jo P., presumably a kitchen worker at the restaurant. It's a straight copy and paste. The grammatical errors are sadder than the fact someone actually attacked my experience so defensively. Enjoy! "Hey bud read up on chicken villagio , it's 100% different than polo Tuscany . Chicken breast mushrooms, prosciutto , mozzarella in a white lemon butter. Ours Polo Tuscany, chicken breast breaded topped with impasata ricotta, prosciutto, mozzarella , red and yellow holland bell peppers, white truffles, green onions, shallots, over angel hair, and Alfredo. How is that anywhere close to chick villagio. Before u compare make sure u know what your talking about. You look pretty stupid. You have no idea the cost of any of our dishes or villagios. You say our food comes out to fast? Let me tell you we plate nothing ahead time, everything is made to order. If u don't believe it then I welcome u in my kitchen. We don't lie, we can't lie , to many people like yourself think u know and u really are just assuming because honestly don't know. So thanks for the screwed comparison with chic ken villagio. U look like the idiot. Thanks again U can also watch us make the ceaser dressing chef! High priced. .... Haaaa" But wait! There's more! I forwarded the above message to Ben Pumo, the chef and owner because I figured he would want to know that he has a rogue employee attacking customers, and this was the response I got. "You really look ridiculous , both of our menus are on line and anyone can see your review is not true. And by the way the ceaser is made in house, if u don't like it that's fine, but once again u assumed. Enjoy your reviewing restaurants , looks like your a self-proclaimed foodie, that doesn't do there homework. Shame on you!" Wow.
(3)
Harriette S.
Best in the area, quaint. Excellent date spot. Love piano serenade food is fresh And very tasty!
(5)
Fran A.
This place is amazing! We had a reservation, and even though we were 10 minutes late, they were able to accommodate us accordingly! Let's start off with the free bread-- delicious! I recommend any of the chicken dishes for your main meal. Portions were big, so you will have leftovers! It was my sister in laws birthday and their birthday tradition is so cute! They sang to her and took her picture. Before we left they gave us her picture developed and signed by the chef! Thanks BEN! The piano player was great. I will definitely be back. Thank you for the great service!
(5)
George P.
We go here at least 1 time a month. The service is awesome. The decor is reminiscent of the sinatra era with real piano entertainment. White table cloths with reasonable pricing. The food is incredible forget the other Italian places this is the real thing. It's a real GEM and we are greatful that it's right here in our back yard. In our opinion this is the best Italian food with the best trained, friendly & helpful atmosphere at the best price anywhere. Our favorite is the lasagna and the chicken parm. GP
(5)
Laura D.
I can't figure this place out. The food is good, really good. I had the stuffed eggplant which was so cheesy (in a good way). My husband had a snapper special which he raved about. Dessert was fantastic-tiramisu was perfect. There was good wine and a nice piano player. But the atmosphere just feels cheesy (and not in a good way). The mannequins in bikinis out front is tacky. The decor is not at all romantic. The membership cards, the neon lights, the hostess in a hoodie, the chef's pants...I'm not a fan. But my Italian in-laws know their food and if they say it's good, it's good. So we will be back. I'll just keep my eyes closed.
(4)
Heidi J.
I'm not sure where you received your information from, But we did not complain about the prices before we sat down. You do have menu outside, therefore we new exactly what to expect as far as price is concerned. Further more we ordered a cheese flight and wine so price is never a concern of ours. The only concern we ever have is quality and the only way that salad was local is that it came from the "local" Walmart. I would also recommend that you stop making it a practice of insulting your customers on yelp, it is a very small community here in Land O' Lakes and word gets around fast. I was not raised on "chain food" as you put it, I was raised here in Florida where I Catch "FRESH" grouper myself clean it and eat it. So I usually only get grouper when a restaurant "claims" to have fresh caught which yours certainly was not. I'm very sorry you are "so" offended by my review that you feel you must lie and belittle me, but it would be wise for you to better your restaurant, update and listen to your potential customers. Because the fact is that we need great restaurants in the area and you have the potential to be great if only you be honest with yourself and listen to your patrons.
(1)
Nicholas P.
Being from the tri state area and growing up in an Italian family I have high expectations that are hard to be met by anyone especially a so called Italian restaurant. The only good thing about the entire expirence was are server who was excellent but that's about it. It all started with calamari that was like chewing gum then followed by so called homemade clam chowder that was at best canned soup. Then came the main course which was even more disappointing the veal dish was over pounded to a point where it was crumbling in pieces and the second dish was an extremely over priced veal chop. The sad part is they are suppose to be a true Italian eatery when at best they are a dingy frank Sinatra shrine. So if u want crappy food with a bunch of junk hanging on every wall and a bathroom that is in shambles then this is you place but as for me I'll never be back even if they paid for my meal.
(4)
Michael A.
Amazing. There are not enough words in the English language to describe how wonderful our meals tasted. The white truffle sauce is to die for. The ambiance was very nice as well. I recommend for a great meal.
(5)
Aj W.
Awesome made fresh food. Good drinks. Place has an interesting feel. It's hard to explain. It's a must try, you will not be sorry if you do.
(5)
J L.
Traveling from out of town and found this place from searching yelp. And they advertise a special for $5 off dessert/app if you check in---- DON'T FALL FOR THIS! we went to this location just for this special on yelp and they didn't honor it. Stating that it expired back in August....I guess I'm more disappointed In the fact that they advertise it and they are no longer running the special. They should remove it so others are not going to this place and checking in thinking they will get this deal. On to the food.... I will say that you can tell they do cook everything in house. Calm chowder was delicious- my husband loved it. I ordered the wild game special. It was interesting and I like the kangaroo :-) it was cool to try it. But it's not so spectacular that I would order again. For entrees. We had lasagna and the walu... Both delicious. The only thing is the my Walu came out and it wasn't hot. The free bread they give you before your meals are very delicious. Soaked in olive oil/butter and comes with garlic. YUM! For dessert, we ordered kumquat pie. My husband loved it and I thought it was on the too sweet side. But they have a huge selection of desserts to chose from. I would recommend this place for people traveling through. They have a cozy ambience and a piano bar inside as well. Oh and the service was good, our waitress Amanda was very nice
(3)
Chris G.
Just moved from ny, so we decided to check this restaurant out. What a gem ! Food is amazing and service not notch! Alex was amazing!
(5)
Kim O.
This is a nice little restaurant. We had a very patient and knowledgeable server. We started with a cheese flight that was amazing. It had some really great combos of cheeses, nuts, and spreads. My entree was just ok. I ordered the shrimp linguini in white sauce. It was kind of bland but the shrimp was very good. I took most of it home and doctored it up the next day and it was fantastic. My dad had one of the restaurant's specialties. I can't remember the name of it but it was delicious. Mr. O got probably the best lasagna I have ever had. Yum! Overall it was a great dinner.
Went back this past Saturday for the first time in several years. The food, presentation and service were all 4 stars! HOWEVER the music was way too loud and honestly not any good at all. Worst part was when some totally tone deaf patron who thinks she has a voice got the microphone and sang...twice. I'll go back for the food, but not unless they get rid of the music.
What a treat! This was our first visit here. We were expecting a nice Italian meal, but we had no idea how fantastic Benedetto's truly is! The food is fantastic, even the rolls that come with the table (along with carmelized garlic). I ordered the Benedetto's Grouper. It is easily now one of my favorite grouper meals. The staff were all so welcoming and friendly. The hostess, manager, and two servers all came to our table multiple times to make sure everything was up to our satisfaction. At one point, my husband left the table, and while he was gone, the server brought a lid and placed it over his plate to keep his meal warm--that is how attentive they were! The only thing I wish I could change is that I should have saved room for dessert--the dessert tray looked fantastic! This is now one of our favorite date night spots!
(5)
Michelle P.
I love this place. We are from Chicago, and my Husband is Sicilian and Neapolitan. His Mother was from Naples and ran her own restaurant for thirty-five years. She literally made the best pizza I ever had in my entire life! I must say Chef Ben comes close, and that is a huge complement, believe me!! We have a home in a Land O Lakes now, and good Italian food was hard to come by... until we discovered Benedetto's right in our own town! My Husband is INCREDIBLY fussy about Italian food and almost never likes other Italian Restaurants. Well, he likes THIS Restaurant! I keep meaning to try other things, but the pizza is so good and I get pizza so seldom, mostly due to being married to the Pizza Snob, that I order it every time we go! I know the rest of the food is good also, my Husband has always been very happy with his meals. I'm up North right now, but I'm coming in for my pizza fix as soon as I get back! Thank you, Chef Ben, for understanding that a delicious pizza crust is VERY important! Most restaurants just don't get that. Your wait staff is wonderful, very attentive. They always treat us like special guests. I can't wait to get back!
(5)
Karen S.
After being new to the area, we decided to give this place a try. We got there pretty early and had no problems getting a table. But it sure did fill up. We all enjoyed our meals. It would be a place that we would frequent more if there prices were a little better. Because of that alone, we won't go back. Thanks for taking down those two mannequins that were trashing up the place. I was thinking it changed into a strip club.
(3)
Jarrett Z.
Very authentic and comfortable atmosphere, feels like one of those old school Italian ristorante hole in the walls. Food was delicious. Would definitely recommend!
(4)
Ryan B.
This restaurant is mediocre at best... It used to be a good place however I've noticed that the last few times my wife and I have gone the portion sizes over the course of a year have shrank My wife and I spent around $100 for the two of us with a each of us getting a glass of wine and an appetizer. Needless to say the price we paid it was not worth the money I could have went to Ocean Prime or Texas de Brazil for that and had more ambiance and a better meal.
(3)
James S.
Ladies and Gentlemen....This place is kick butt (can I say @ss on TV?). I love it, delicious and everyone that I've taken here loves it. EVERYTHING is good, meat, sea food, BEN DIP, you name it. The staff is awesome, while I miss some of the original staff I was able to meet the new staff is fun as well. Classy and fun in Land O Lakes is great, the patrons are friendly, plenty to see and plenty of new friends that you just have not met here, sure it's cozy inside but what better way to meet new friends. I can say that no matter what you will meet new friends on a Saturday night. If you are looking for a fun place to go in North Tampa this is the place. Thanks Ben...Love the grub.
(5)
Becca M.
The food is excellent-if you are feeling adventurous, try one of the exotic meat dishes. The boar sausage appetizer was delicious. Great service. Do try to make a reservation as it can be a long wait (up to an hour) for a table.
(5)
Teresa V.
A bit pricey but the food is good. The portion size is large and the service was good. The waiter was personable and made great recommendations.
(4)
Leonard H.
After reading many horrible reviews about this place, I checked Yelp and the reviews were much better so my wife and I gave it a try. The staff was friendly. My wife had the veal marsala and I had the lasagna. Toby our waiter was very friendly. My wife said her veal was very good as was her salad. I had pasta fagioli and it was pretty good, although I have never had pasta fagioli as good as Olive Garden. The lasagna portion was 16ozs which was way too much for me but it was good and the rolls were very good. And I could tell by the others eating there that they were enjoying themselves. We felt very welcome and I find many of the other reviews out of line. We have all had bad experiences eating out but except for 1 restaurant in Utah, the restaurant has always tried to make up for any shortcomings I may have had. We will return in the future and I want to thank the staff and the owner for an enjoyable experience.
(4)
Kathy S.
We recently arrived in Lutz for the winter. We are enjoying the company of our friends whom love this restaurant. They invited us to eat here just before New Year's. It was delicious! I ordered the chicken freshes and loved it. We all loved the food and service so well that night, that we made reservations for New Year's Eve. The only table left was outside @ 5:30 pm. Hey, the place gets busy! We took it. Later that day, we got a call. The sweetest lady offered us a table inside @ 7:30 pm. We were thrilled. Once again, that night, the service was amazing. Moreover, the food was just awesome. So fresh. Made with care. Just delicious. I can honestly say this is the best Italian food I have ever eaten. And the staff strives to give a wonderful dining experience. We'll be back over and over again.
(5)
Matthew B.
This is the best Italian cuisine you will ever find in Tampa. It has the ambiance you would find in a small local Italian restaurant in Little Italy New York. The live entertainment is fantastic and the fresh seafood is to die for. Highly recommend it.
(5)
Brendan H.
The chicken parmesan was incredible, the service was great, and the atmosphere divine. What more could you ask for?
Took the kids here for a family dinner out. Had a great time! The piano guy was playing so it was a nice cozy atmosphere. Very small so the tables were close, but it was ok. Everyone was having their own conversations so it didn't feel awkward. There was a birthday party right next to us and I noticed before the party came, the hostess wrote on the glass table top a message to the bday person. What a great touch! Our server was fun and very knowledgable. Explained the menu to us and also let us know that in occasion the chef will get exotic meats like ostrich, venison, buffalo and types a fish you don't see in any other restaurants. Thought was neat. We ended up with the calamari app. Very tender and not chewy at all! The hubby and I shared the Grouper Bianco with 2 glasses of Chianti recommended by the server. Heavenly! My daughter had Baked Ziti and my son had the mound of mussels. They both raved about theirs! We finished with all sharing the Tiramisu. It was good, but not spectacular. Overall a wonderful meal! It was pricy so I'm not sure we'd go back again with the kids. If we did, we'd pass on the app and dessert and have only water to drink.
(4)
Angela Maria Y.
If you are looking for "authentic Italian food" Benedetto's is THE place to go. The food is outstanding, the service also makes the experience great! The wait staff are wonderful! You will truly love dining here! I recommend the chicken marsala, the chicken parm, and the meatballs! They are made with ground filet mignon and taste fabulous!!!
(5)
Amy D.
This place goes out of their way to make your experience there one to remember. We have all our special occasions here. We love this place!
(5)
Richard G.
Extremely pleased to find real Italian food in Florida. I had low expectations until the food started to come out. All dishes in my 20 person group were excellent. We would definitely come back again.
(5)
Bret A.
Wonderful food, terrific service! A real stand out in North Tampa. The restaurant is located on SR54 in an outbuilding of a strip plaza but be ready for a surprise! Eclectic interior with a piano bar. Seating is cozy/tighter like in South Tampa. Huge portions of excellent steak and seafood with other specialty options as well. Plan on an elegant dinner with a personal touch - very non-franchise! Highly recommend this place - the word is out: I travel for work and am always running into people in other cities and states who have been here and love it! $30-50 per person depending on drinks, desserts, etc. Well worth it!
(5)
Nick G.
This is one of the best restaurants that I have eaten at since I moved here from New York. Great food, clean, and great service. I would recommend this to anyone that I know or anyone who asks where to get great food in the area.
(5)
Melissa M.
Went with the fam right before Christmas. We had a really nice meal and the atmosphere was great. Little table off of a piano with a little musical act. Our waiter was a younger guy - he was great! Interacted with the kids, very patient and made great suggestions. We are not big seafood eaters (lots of seafood on the menu) so had a couple of chicken dishes. Awesome! The kids had spaghetti and meatballs. I tried the meatballs and they were very good, sauce was good as well. We indulged a bit in bread . It is fresh baked and comes with roasted garlic cloves (whole). Dessert was out of control yummy. Brownie a la mode, ricotta cheese cake... Save room! House table wine wasn't bad and was reasonably priced as well. I agree it was not the cheapest meal we have had out, but I feel we got what we paid for. Really good meals, great service and the luxury of not driving down into Tampa for something a little special.
(4)
Shannon M.
Great Service, fun atmosphere, live piano player. A little too loud for a dinner date, but it was a Friday night at 7. Around 8, families with younger kids were done with dinner and it was a lot more quiet. We had the clams casino appitizer, def a must have! Awesome flavor. I had the shrimp primavera dish, a must as well, my boyfriend had the eggplant parmesan. Great portions. A little pricey but worth it! The presecco champagne also a must Yummm Yummm!
(4)
Frank Q.
Food quality has declined over the past year. We will not be going back. The food looked great but tasted like the precooked food from Publix . We received an email from them advertising a party for new years. We set a reservation but when we arrived they had no idea what we were talking about so we ate out horrible meal and left.
(3)
Todd P.
Had a wonderful dinner and night with friends. The atmosphere is terrific and the food is fabulous. Always a great selection of Italian favorites with something new each time. The staff is always professional and focused on making your night wonderful. Looking forward to our next visit.
(4)
Traci H.
Incredible experience and wonderful food! I have driven past the place for years and never considered it as it does not look like much on the outside. We were looking for somewhere to eat Friday night and the Yelp reviews were good. Our server was knowledgeable and attentive. The menu carries traditional italian dishes, New England Seafood, as well as exotic game specials. We were told the wait would be 30-40 minutes, but our table was ready in 15. The menu has some high priced items, but the portions were ample. Our bill was under $200 for a party of 4 which included a bottle of wine, as well as appetizers and desserts. My wife and I split the Ben's famous dip, a decadent, bubbling lobster and crab dip dripping with melted cheese, and accompanied by homemade garlic crostini. There were garlic rolls with a side of roasted garlic as well. My only complaint was my Caesar salad which had generic bread crumbs and no anchovies which was not up to par with the rest of the meal. I will make a reservation next time as the waiting and bar area are small. We will definitely return!
(5)
Sandra H.
The wait service was first rate. The young man who served us was knowledgeable and attentive. The atmosphere very nice, I especially liked the piano player. The main course, lobster risotto was good. Everything else left a lot to be desired. The tomatoes on the Bruschetta were very fresh, otherwise it would have been inedible since the bread was overdone and tasteless. The Caesar salad flat. And the carrot cake too dry.
(2)
Jackie S.
The service was excellent. The food was fantastic. This place belongs in Manhattan - and we should know...we are from NY. We got the chicken parm, shrimp parm, manicotti, and steak and mushroom special. For dessert - blueberry cobbler, brownie, and cheesecake. Can't wait to get back there again. Definitely the "best kept secret." Highly recommend. Even beautiful outdoor seating. Chef owned and he grows his herbs in the garden outside.
(5)
Debborah C.
We actually enjoyed the food very much and our waiter was very good. The complaint comes the next day when we realized we didn't get our debit card back when we paid the bill. My husband called Benedetto's in the morning and told them he left his card there. Later that afternoon, Ben, the owner called my husband and told him he had our card and could pick up in the evening when they are open. We went there last night to pick up the card. My husband went in and asked for it. The employees searched and didn't find it. Then Ben said "I must have put it in my pocket and took it home this afternoon and now I don't have it. I'm pretty sure its at home". My husband was quite upset and said "what am I supposed to do without my card? I am never coming back to the restaurant." Ben then cursed out my husband and said, "F...y.. etc" in a loud voice. Many people were shocked at Ben's behavior. Why didn't Ben put it in the safe? Why did he put it in his pocket? Why did he remove the card from the restaurant? My husband left and called the sheriff and reported the incident. There were witnesses to how terribly rude and disrespectful Ben was about the situation. Supposedly, Ben went home to get the card after my husband left. The sheriff went to Benedetto's and picked up the card. We will never return to that restaurant. Ben the owner was an A..hole.
(1)
B A.
ladies and Gentlemen, this place is not good. the food is below average, over salted overpriced.... and the service and owners are unprofessional. We went there on a Saturday night. they did not have the 2 things on the menu that we ordered... However the waiter did not know that, and returned 20 minutes after each border to let us know they were out of each item. The owner records both audio and video on 32 cameras which is posted outside the restaurant. He then threatens to expose your dinner conversation when you give an unfavorable review. this place is overpriced for below average food.
(1)
Brett E.
High quality tasty food in Land O Lakes. If you are from New York or Chicago you will really appreciate the quality ingredients used here that are seldom found in Florida, the land of chain restaurants. Of course you can order the standard Italian favorites including a delicious lasagna made with pillowy soft fresh pasta sheets but try the seafood or steaks and you will be pleasantly surprised as well. I wish they had lunch more than just a couple months of the year but I understand Land O Lakes isn't much of a lunch area. In regards to the comments about the Chef/owner, I admit he can be a colorful guy but he is also a throwback to another generation when restaurants were family businesses and not spit and polished corporate facades. I for one appreciate the "family" quality of the atmosphere.
(5)
Laurie K.
I'm not really sure why this place has horrible reviews. We almost decided not to come here bc I usually trust yelpers and what they have to say. This place is the exception and we had a wonderful experience, don't let the crappy reviews scary you. We are down visiting my parents for the week in Land o Lakes and decided to get some Italian for dinner. We didn't have a reservation on a Friday night but we really didn't need one, it was very busy but we only waited about 5 mins. Our waiter, I think his name was Sean, was very nice, he was attentive and explained all the specials and seemed to really like his job, we never went without an empty drink. We had 3 appetizers which included the "liquid gold" dip, the mussels and caprese stack, all were delicious! Our dinners included the special pounded chicken with cream sauce and peppers, the lasagna, a clam and seafood fettuccine and some type of fish that husband had which he much enjoyed. Be warned everything comes in super large portions but that's ok for us, we love left overs. I will def be returned on our next vacation!
(4)
Dan R.
I don't understand all the bad reviews - they contradict my one and only experience there. We had a party of 9 and everyone was pleased. We had 4 or 5 appetizers to go along with our entrees and every plate was polished off. Everyone in our party is well-traveled and are accustomed to good food and good service - no push overs. Then again, they are not budget shoppers which seems to be the narrative of the poor reviews. To me, there are not a lot of choices in that area as good as this one. If you want a lot of food for your dollar go to Olive Garden or Red Lobster.
(4)
Rachel F.
The last time I visited, it was less than impressive. This time, it was great. The only negative was the waitress. I ordered the Veal Marsala and requested extra lemon slices. She brought one out on a plate more than once until I asked the head chef, who visited our table, if he wouldn't mind bringing more, at one time, and he had someone do so. The dish was great. One of my friends had lobster and was impressed with the salty, New England, traditional as-it-should-be taste. The escargot is always awesome and consistent. It is a crime where my family is from to needle a steak. The restaurant has steaks on hand for those who don't like this style. Thank you, Chef Ben! My daughter appreciated it. My other daughter and the hubby enjoyed the grouper.
(4)
Scott M.
This place sets a new low. Bad food, mediocre service andthe worst raving lunatic owner I have even seen in all my years. You have been warned. Beware. The first time I was in the restaurant many years ago, I was at their tiny little bar and overheard someone speaking very badly and very loudly about one of the customers. To my suprise, it was the owner himself! I was rather shocked. The meal that night was so-so and I did not return for a long time. My wife went with her friend for dinner a year of so later and told me that she ordered the special. The special was a sauteed chicken breast with tricolor bell peppers. Because the special was given to her verbally by the waiter, she did not get the price. Chicken breast? Hmm.....should be reasonably price right? Nope, ynot even close.......$26.95!! Everything about this place is over priced. Drinks, wine and and the mediocre at best food. Ok, so the last time we decided to try Benedeto's (I go by the "three strikes your out" rule since I feel it is unfair to be hard on a restaurant for one or maybe even true fails) we were coming from a funeral in the Trinity area, so i thought it would be nice to stop for dinner there so we would not have to cook. Well this was time was the last straw. (Final strike....Yourrreee Oooouttt) Weird overbearing service, overpriced wine, a sauteed veal dish that had no flavor, no quality and was priced around $30.00. I left feeling worse than when I went in and felt like I had been held up by a robber. It is too funny when i read about all of the confrontations that the owner has been in with customers. This make me think back to my first time sitting at the bar when I (and everyone else in earshot) overheard him speaking badly about one of his customers. I should have known at that time that Benedetos was not worth another visit and a pile of my hard earned cash. You have been warned. Please don't make me tell you "I told you so!"
(1)
Victoria B.
My husband and I come here every year for our anniversary, we used to go to Ruth's Chris, but after I was told by numerous people about how excellent bennedettos was we tried it and it fast became my favorite restaurant! The food is amazing. (I was raised by two gourmet cooks) my dad was a chef. The chicken Franches at bennedettos is just like my parents made it, so this restaurant is special to me. Since finding this gem years ago, we started celebrating our anniversary here and just when I thought it couldn't get better the way they make it so special is incredible. We make our reservation and when we get there they take us to our table and its decked out with hearts and rose pedals and they write happy anniversary on the table. The service as well as the atmosphere is fantastic. At the end of our meal they always take a picture of us, print it out and frame it in a card, that the chef signs, this time his little girl brought it to us and said happy anniversary, as parents of 2 that was so cute and she was so sweet. Great touch to a great dinner! Thank you for a wonderful dining tradition chef Ben and you have a wonderful family, great food and great staff!
(5)
Nikki S.
Awesome food! Love everything about it!
(5)
Sherri C.
My family planned a birthday party there that consisted of about 16 people, some of which hadn't even arrived before owner/chef Ben Pumo I think his name is, caught a major attitude with us. We obviously made reservations for our large party, and discussed cork fees. When we arrived the fees changed and we were squeezed between two rows of tables, way too close for comfort. We agreed to the higher cork fee, wanting to ensure a great birhtday dinner. When the waiter left a few of us discussed privately how we were never coming back here, being crammed, the cork fee..etc. All of a sudden Chef Pumo comes storming to our table telling us he can hear what we are saying and get out of his restaurant, he called my Father in Law an A-Hole and caused so many people an uncomfortable setting. Other patrons couldn't believe their eyes. He looked like he completely "LOST IT"!!! He kept yelling he has cameras in his office and he could hear us. What is that all about? Someone sounds paranoid! If you look on trip advisor you will see many similar stories where he has BLOWN UP on people. I have eaten there once before, OK but VERY OILY, and the prices high.
(1)
Dianne B.
This was my first time. It was around 8pm on Wednesday night so the place had a few guest. I was very pleased with the piano player and the people singing with him. It was a slower night around 8pm with only a few other couples so that made for a nicer atmosphere. Our waiter AJ was wonderful. I loved the uniforms the staff had.... then we asked about reserving a table for our wedding rehearsal which AJ took all our information and was pleased... then the owner came out.... What an odd approach to us. He did introduce himself and asked about up coming for the rehearsal but his approach was cold and he was dressed like a tennis or golf player. Not the type of Chef/owner introduction you would find in a nicer place. We ordered the specials, fish and Maryland Crab ravioli. I am from Maryland and they butchered the flavor of the crab. The fish dish was wonderful but both plates cost $25.00. I don't think so. This restaurant is no Villagio's and way over priced.
(2)
Denice M.
Having parents off the boat from Italy, I grew up with delicious food always hitting the dinner table. So when people say they love the Olive Garden or other want to be Italian dining I think it's pretty good but not knock your socks off great. We moved to Tampa last year and found two outstanding Italian dinning areas that offer exception food at a great price. This is one o f them, the other is Villa Verdi in Spring Hill. I love that the servers are so educated on each dish as well as on top of every need, the food has been outstanding each time we dine and the chef usually comes out to chat with guests which says "I am proud of the food I create." this is a must try!
(5)
Denise P.
Just moved to the area and this is a great restaurant. Has a piano bar and a really nice atmosphere. The food is excellent. It's great!
(5)
Christie M.
Benedetto's was one of my favorite restaurants until Thanksgiving Weekend. Last Easter, we brought are family from NYC to the restaurant. When we dine, we don't make decisions based on cost. We enjoy great wine to compliment whatever the Chef's Feature dinners are for the evening. I am sure for 9 people are bill was quiet high. Our family loved it so much, we went back. Because we had an 18 month old with us we had to eat early. We called around 4pm to leave the reservation for 5pm on a Saturday. We didn't hear back so we drove to the restaurant. The hostess said they didnt except reservations an hour before needed. There was no place nor time that stated that rule. in addition, the restaurant was dead, maybe ten people in the whole place at 5 pm. She took us into a room that was ice cold and farthest from anyone. The baby was cold so we asked if we could move. She didn't like it yet we were going to be paying for a good dinner and we wanted to eat in comfort. It was a 6 top and there were 7 adults and a child. Originally we had sat chairs at the end of the table. Then moved them in tight so there was no one at the end of the table. The baby sat on the mothers lap. The manager came over and again, more unwelcoming service as he said that a table was coming in at 5:30pm and they needed to have enough room. Then sited fire code. First, in order for there to be a problem the people at the table would have had to be 500 pounds. Second, why couldn't the manager figure out how to make the customer happy rather than upset. My family was so upset by the hostess then manager that we ended up leaving. Had we stayed our experience would have been tainted by the unwelcomness of the service. On the way home, the owner called me. He tried to explain fire code and the service. I was over it and just wanted to put the experience behind us. My company wrote a review of the experience as is her right. Without understanding that we had been there before, or don't really fret about prices, he insulted her in a written format. However, not only insulting her but insulting the entire city of NYC by saying they think their S***t doesn't stink. How incredibly unprofessional can you be! We dined at least twice a month with five people and haven't sent many people into there. I honestly expect better service. Apparently customer loyalty means nothing at Benedetto's. So maybe we are just one family and you don't need our money, or maybe there is a reason for so many poor reviews on your social media channels. Good food only goes so far! There is an amazing little Italian Restaurant in Spring Hill called Villa Verdi where the chef is from Italy that I am going to start promoting. His food is amazing and the service is just like being in my grandma's house and the prices are much better.
(1)
Rob F.
Great restaurant. We went for our anniversary and it was really nice. We are going back for my birthday tonight.
(5)
BEN AND RITA D.
We had guests in from out of town and once again we took them to Benedettos. The food was fantastic as always, and we appreciated the visit from chef Ben P., and the majician. Our guests were overwhelmed by the food and the atmosphere. Once again thank you for an enjoyable dinner and entertainment. You will not regret your experience here!!
(5)
Gail L.
I wish I could give no stars. We had a reservation but they had us sit in the bar before we were seated in an almost empty dining. Why did we have to sit in the bar? I had 20+ years in restaurant industry and felt this was ploy to have us spend money at the bar. Service had always been good but this our third and last visit due to rude and arrogant owner/ chef. My husband wanted the pasta with seafood. He asked if the chef would put in an assortment of seafood for an upcharge. The apologetic waiter came back and said it would be $40.00. are you kidding me? This is a little restaurant in front of a half deserted strip mall in Land oLakes. Really??? Well he ordered something else but was so angry that we decided that this was it. In a bad economy to insult patrons you deserve to go out of business. Don't waste your money here. Over priced mediocre food and rude arrogant owner.
(1)
Michele S.
This place is Great! Best Italian around! don't know where my last review went to but I love this place and will be back soon. Michele
(5)
Gondul V.
Went on a whim and reservations are *highly* recommended. We got lucky when someone didn't show up. The food is certainly very good and you get what you pay for...seating is tight and makes for a crowded experience.
(4)
Gary P.
Although this is my first review on Benedetto's, I have eaten here many times and had some really good meals. Not so the case last night. We haven't eaten here in some time, but i was craving some veal. Our escargot served on mushroom caps was good but I would have enjoyed more garlic. The garlic bread served was very good and served with roasted garlic on the side. A great addition to the bread, one I will use at home. Back to the veal. I ordered the Veal Francese, which traditionally is dipped in an egg wash and quickly pan sauteed to have a nice crunchy exterior and served with a white wine, caper and butter sauce, Well the veal had a soggy exterior and was drenched in the butter sauce. Very disappointing. It was as if the veal had been dredged in flour and let sit. Not good! Server was attentive and efficient. I was disappointed with last nights meal, but I'll give them another try. Maybe during the week.
(2)
Sarah K.
This 5 star rating is based mostly on service. Brian was knowledgeable and friendly. We had just driven three days and were happy to be at our destination. Then the food started arriving. We opted for only entrees but ate a ridiculous amount of bread. Delicious warm bread with spreadable roasted garlic. The four of us each got a special, melt in your mouth veal tortallini, tender salmon in key lime sauce, an off menu chicken dish to die for, and grouper covered in shell fish. No one left disappointed. We took our dessert to go because the portions here are giant. And the value was great. Four people, two bottles of wine, great food, great dessert, less than 200 - total win win!
(5)
Stacie D.
Benedetto's is an excellent restaurant and I feel lucky to have it in my town. Chef Ben is a genius with sauces! We've been going since it first opened and have yet to have a negative experience. I recommend it to everybody who wants a fantastic meal.
(5)
John P.
Yo, this place is to die for, if you live out that way. Great food, yeah, the real stuff. Good service, always. You won't find much better Italian food for the money in Tampa.
(5)
Mike P.
Best dining option in the area by far. You would expect to find this place in South Tampa, great food, unique twists on traditional dishes, always a good time. Very helpful waitstaff as well. My wife and I go here when we can afford it. :)
(4)
Mike F.
A great find north of Tampa. A surprising location in front of the local Walmart. Great Italian food and lots of characters there. It has the world's smallest bar so don't come early to hang out. It is packed on weekends.
(4)
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Address :21529 Village Lake Shopping Center Dr
Land O' Lakes, FL, 34639
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Classy Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
Matthew P.
Down right AMAZING! The food was simply delicious, we started out with a wild game appetizer, kangaroo, lama, & elk. Talk about awesome! The kangaroo was a tuff in comparison but great flavor! Oh and yes it might be white bread garlic bread but damn is it good with roasted garlic that you can spread, YUM! My wife ended up having the veal and I had the Easter special Lamb both tender and full of flavor, cooked to perfection. A real treat to have food prepared smartly without a great deal of salt. Desert was very good as well, Kumquat Pie a spin in a whipped pie light and flavorful. The wife had a traditional chocolate brownie and she was very pleased. Service was very attentive from several waiters and managers, a great team effort to provide excellent service! Yes will go back!
(5)Bob V.
Been coming here for years and keep trying it out. Sadly they continue to disappoint. The chicken Parmesan was good but the spaghetti was room temperature. Let that sink in. The pasta was room temperature at an Italian restaurant. Their chicken fingers were over done. That alone is hard for me to understand. If the pricing was more in line with the food quality I wouldn't have issue but they position themselves as high end Italian. The ambiance was a little challenging as there was a guy talking loudly on his phone for our entire time of dinner. Granted they couldn't control but it speaks to some of my challenges I run into here. Men's Bathroom is run down but functional. If you are over 60 you may enjoy this place. All in all, I will continue to pass on this place. I think the potential is there but I can't ride it out.
(2)Rick D.
*********BUYER BEWARE********** My girlfriend and I wanted to try something new, so we went here based off the good yelp reviews. We ordered the Mozzarella Caprese Salad and the 10 inch pizza to go. Picked up the order 15min later. The pizza was bland and lifeless. Do not recommend. The Mozzarella Caprese Salad which was $16, thinking it would be worth the price. BOY WAS I WRONG! Drenched to a sog from the dressing with bitter lettuce. Tomatoes seemed old and mushy. No quality here. Mozzarella seemed stale, and just ehh... Rolls came free, but are nothing to talk about. Spoke to management, He comped the entire bill and offered a gift card.. May....may give it a second chance one day. Just seems like the place needs fresher ingredients....
(1)eg s.
Very fun atmosphere, on Sunday night live music! Feels like in New England, tons of Sinatra pics on walls. We got mussels w red sauce, which was delicious and thick- perfect to accompany their warm garlic bread and chick parm, which was good too. But the fish was overcooked with just a couple of burned veggies. That dish was about35$, not worth it. I'll be back, but will stay away from fish meals.
(4)Tammy H.
Loved it! Great food, excellent service, nice ambiance and delightful music. Gluten and dairy free choices with no hassles; most accommodating. We will definitely return.
(4)E S.
Not only was the food microwaved/not fresh/ill prepared, I literally poured over a cup of oil and water from my Pasta Primavera. It was, sadly, one of the worst I've ever had. Pity, too, as the ambiance of the place is nice, with a dude on a piano playing all evening.
(1)Darryl F.
Thanks for another great night out on Friday. We thought we would share our very happy son's picture on his 17th Birthday. The grouper bianco was amazing!
(5)Ashley D.
Aside from the amazing food, Toby, our server, made the experience unforgettable. Thank you, Toby, for a wonderful evening!
(5)Sarah P.
Horrible! The house dressing tastes like grease. The piano is loud and obnoxious. Ridiculously overpriced.
(1)Maria S.
Chef Ben is amazing ... Their pizza is delicious My family has other dishes and they were all amazing
(4)Joe M.
Great mussels and fantastic fish entree. Excellent waiter! Really enjoyed the entire dining experience.
(5)Liz I.
I have eaten in Benedetto's for years. The food is authentic and not stale. Chef Ben stays on top of the "Today's Italian", while keeping with tradition. My Dad was a Chef and I have an appreciation for good quality. Chef Ben, thank you for the premium food products. The entertainment is always nice and the wait staff are excellent. If you are in the area, you must try Benedetto's. DO NOT SKIP DESERT here :)
(5)Eliza R.
Absolutely love this place. As you sit there and eat the amazing food, you actually forget you are still in Land O Lakes. Excellent service, atmosphere and delicious Sangria!! One of my favorite date night restaurants!!
(5)Stuart D.
One course was better than the next. We were seated graciously, our server was informative, smiling and was happy to be there. Big selection, reasonable pricing, a chef who has a vested interest in the restaurant, Chef Ben owns the place, Mrs. Ben at the hostess stand. Would recommend Benedetto's every day of the week. The food was as good or better than Little Italy in New York. Give it a try. You will not be disappointed!!!
(5)Greg W.
Food is very good. However it is quite over priced and the atmosphere is often a little old. Make sure you don't go when the piano players are out unless you like that torture.
(3)Jim H.
Honestly what great food The only 4.5 aspects of this place, the seating was a little cramped and the piano player was a little cheesy. Pros (the 5 star heck the 6 stars): Spectacular food. really the best I have had in some time. The appetizers were great, the selection was outstanding, the presentation was first rate. I cannot imagine a bad meal here. This is certainly worth your time and the prices were very reasonable for the quality and quantity
(5)Vicki T.
Love this place!!!! Brain was OUTSTANDING AS OUR SERVER, the food & staff are all excellent , but the food is so fresh and makes you feel like your home. Love this Restaurant!!!! We have been there a few times but tonight was beyond infinity!!! Gracie por tutto!!!
(5)Scott G.
Have been a few times with family. The only higher end restaurant in the area when visiting family. Oysters are always super fresh and they have a few variations raw and cooked. The house salad is free with a meal and most people don't think about it but the salad is amazing nice mix of greens and house dressing is fantastic. I've had grouper entree, wild game & osso bucco. Everything was very good, isn't the cheapest place but portions and quality make it worth it.
(4)Jill S.
MMMM where to start. Oh...perfect spot for a nice get away with your significant other or another couple. It's very couples friendly later in the evening and the piano just makes for a wonderful night. This is not the lowest priced option in the area, however the cuisine is good. Typically we feel the price is a bit on the high side however it also helps to keep out others you may not enjoy the company of. The bar is fun neat and semi tucked away, the bartenders are always fun and friendly. It's a great place to grab a few drinks to start off the evening and then move back in the corner near the piano. The desserts are always good as well but often you are too full. Maybe a late night dessert diner would be something to try?
(5)Steve C.
Love the setting here. Pleasant staff. A little too cozy (read: tables a little close) for romantic dinners, but the ambiance overall makes it fairly romantic. Chose the gamey stuff. Elk, kangaroo, llama were different.... I liked it. Kangaroo a lttle fatty and gamey compared to the others. The venison entree was fantastic, I didn't care for the marrow, but at least I tried it. The gf had salmon dish which was good. Enjoyed it, but was a little pricey....... Which is due to the game food rarity
(4)Ron B.
Just moved to the area and I was initially very pleased with this restaurant. The atmosphere was pleasant, the food was also good although very pricey. I don't mind paying for good food, however, when the portion size of the entree is the size of a lunch portion or an appetizer it's disappointing. It's greedy actually. The last draw for me was my most recent experience. We had a friend visiting in town and we wanted her to have an amazing meal while here so we ordered to go. 3 people, $100 for take out. When we got home to open our meals we opened the container to find the SMALLEST portion size I've ever seen, one tiny chicken breast for a $25 dollar entree. Also almost no sauce at all, very dry. I called the restaurant to express my disappointment and left my number for the owner who was too busy to take my call. I was told he would call me the next day and guess what? No one called!! That speaks volumes to me... Benedetto's does NOT care about there customers!! I will never return.
(1)Gigi S.
Ola Benedetto's my longtime friend! I recently brought my boyfriend there to show him a place I really liked. The outcome was a far cry, and when he ran to Yelp to share his experiences with the consumer, he was called "stupid" and chastized. I could write about the onion soup, the chicken, the salad I used to love, but in the end, it's no longer the best in the resteraunt-sparse area of Lutz/LandO' Lakes, so I'll never be dealing with Benedetto's again unless it's for a glass of wine. You can't mess that up. Please don't prove me wrong about that, too. haahaa
(1)Mark H.
Benedetto's is all about the atmosphere, one previous review reads, and I couldn't agree more. Great piano playing in the background, nice dim-lit restaurant and a quaint bar up in the front. This place really is warm and welcoming. The staff treated me and La Chica as if we were old friends, and I liked that. Down the road in Lutz, there is another well-known Italian joint called Villagio. I went there recently, and ordered the Chicken Villagio--chicken in a white sauce. I wanted to compare the two restaurants effectively, so I found a chicken dish in a white sauce on the Benedetto's menu; it's called Polo Tuscany. Fresh chicken breast lightly breaded then pan fried and topped with ricotta, prosciutto, red and yellow peppers and mozzarella cheese, served in white truffle cream sauce over angel hair pasta. Sounds good, huh? Well, it had better fantastic and served on a silver platter for $25. That's what I was thinking. While I waited for that to be prepared, I ordered an eggplant tomato caprese salad, which came out almost as quickly as it was ordered. It sort of made me wonder if they had several already made, sitting in a refrigerator in the back. But, it was delicious, so it's origins quickly became of no concern to me. Next up, and before we could finish the appetizer, my Caesar salad came out. It looked delicious and creamy, but fell short of my expectations when I bit into the store-bought crouton. I mean, this place is supposed to be top-notch and chef-owned, right? Why the hell am I eating Pepperidge Farms croutons in my salad? I also suspect that the Caesar dressing was not homemade. If so, it was the blandest I'd ever had. I couldn't help but long for my Aldi brand Caesar dressing at home while eating that salad. I just pushed it to the side after eating less than half of it. Lastly, the Polo Tuscany came out within 10 minutes of ordering it. Lightning fast considering the description. Again, it made me think my dish was pre-made and just heated up once ordered. While it was pretty good, I just didn't get the sense that the food here was "made-to-order" as the waiter stated. The chicken was luke warm in the middle, not hot and the breading was a bit mushy. Didn't seem pan fried at all. Also, it was just one chicken breast. Normally, these high-priced chicken dishes at Italian restaurants come with two breasts, so the portion was a little disappointing. $25 for one chicken breast is a bit much to ask. I don't care what kind of damn sauce you serve is up with. I really enjoyed the vibe at Benedetto's, but ultimately, it's the food that's most important to me. Because of this, I'm going with 2 stars on the food and adding one more star for service and atmosphere. However, if I'm ever craving Italian food again while out in the Lutz / Land 'O Lakes area, I'm going to Villagio instead. A few days after posting my review, I got this message from someone named Jo P., presumably a kitchen worker at the restaurant. It's a straight copy and paste. The grammatical errors are sadder than the fact someone actually attacked my experience so defensively. Enjoy! "Hey bud read up on chicken villagio , it's 100% different than polo Tuscany . Chicken breast mushrooms, prosciutto , mozzarella in a white lemon butter. Ours Polo Tuscany, chicken breast breaded topped with impasata ricotta, prosciutto, mozzarella , red and yellow holland bell peppers, white truffles, green onions, shallots, over angel hair, and Alfredo. How is that anywhere close to chick villagio. Before u compare make sure u know what your talking about. You look pretty stupid. You have no idea the cost of any of our dishes or villagios. You say our food comes out to fast? Let me tell you we plate nothing ahead time, everything is made to order. If u don't believe it then I welcome u in my kitchen. We don't lie, we can't lie , to many people like yourself think u know and u really are just assuming because honestly don't know. So thanks for the screwed comparison with chic ken villagio. U look like the idiot. Thanks again U can also watch us make the ceaser dressing chef! High priced. .... Haaaa" But wait! There's more! I forwarded the above message to Ben Pumo, the chef and owner because I figured he would want to know that he has a rogue employee attacking customers, and this was the response I got. "You really look ridiculous , both of our menus are on line and anyone can see your review is not true. And by the way the ceaser is made in house, if u don't like it that's fine, but once again u assumed. Enjoy your reviewing restaurants , looks like your a self-proclaimed foodie, that doesn't do there homework. Shame on you!" Wow.
(3)Harriette S.
Best in the area, quaint. Excellent date spot. Love piano serenade food is fresh And very tasty!
(5)Fran A.
This place is amazing! We had a reservation, and even though we were 10 minutes late, they were able to accommodate us accordingly! Let's start off with the free bread-- delicious! I recommend any of the chicken dishes for your main meal. Portions were big, so you will have leftovers! It was my sister in laws birthday and their birthday tradition is so cute! They sang to her and took her picture. Before we left they gave us her picture developed and signed by the chef! Thanks BEN! The piano player was great. I will definitely be back. Thank you for the great service!
(5)George P.
We go here at least 1 time a month. The service is awesome. The decor is reminiscent of the sinatra era with real piano entertainment. White table cloths with reasonable pricing. The food is incredible forget the other Italian places this is the real thing. It's a real GEM and we are greatful that it's right here in our back yard. In our opinion this is the best Italian food with the best trained, friendly & helpful atmosphere at the best price anywhere. Our favorite is the lasagna and the chicken parm. GP
(5)Laura D.
I can't figure this place out. The food is good, really good. I had the stuffed eggplant which was so cheesy (in a good way). My husband had a snapper special which he raved about. Dessert was fantastic-tiramisu was perfect. There was good wine and a nice piano player. But the atmosphere just feels cheesy (and not in a good way). The mannequins in bikinis out front is tacky. The decor is not at all romantic. The membership cards, the neon lights, the hostess in a hoodie, the chef's pants...I'm not a fan. But my Italian in-laws know their food and if they say it's good, it's good. So we will be back. I'll just keep my eyes closed.
(4)Heidi J.
I'm not sure where you received your information from, But we did not complain about the prices before we sat down. You do have menu outside, therefore we new exactly what to expect as far as price is concerned. Further more we ordered a cheese flight and wine so price is never a concern of ours. The only concern we ever have is quality and the only way that salad was local is that it came from the "local" Walmart. I would also recommend that you stop making it a practice of insulting your customers on yelp, it is a very small community here in Land O' Lakes and word gets around fast. I was not raised on "chain food" as you put it, I was raised here in Florida where I Catch "FRESH" grouper myself clean it and eat it. So I usually only get grouper when a restaurant "claims" to have fresh caught which yours certainly was not. I'm very sorry you are "so" offended by my review that you feel you must lie and belittle me, but it would be wise for you to better your restaurant, update and listen to your potential customers. Because the fact is that we need great restaurants in the area and you have the potential to be great if only you be honest with yourself and listen to your patrons.
(1)Nicholas P.
Being from the tri state area and growing up in an Italian family I have high expectations that are hard to be met by anyone especially a so called Italian restaurant. The only good thing about the entire expirence was are server who was excellent but that's about it. It all started with calamari that was like chewing gum then followed by so called homemade clam chowder that was at best canned soup. Then came the main course which was even more disappointing the veal dish was over pounded to a point where it was crumbling in pieces and the second dish was an extremely over priced veal chop. The sad part is they are suppose to be a true Italian eatery when at best they are a dingy frank Sinatra shrine. So if u want crappy food with a bunch of junk hanging on every wall and a bathroom that is in shambles then this is you place but as for me I'll never be back even if they paid for my meal.
(4)Michael A.
Amazing. There are not enough words in the English language to describe how wonderful our meals tasted. The white truffle sauce is to die for. The ambiance was very nice as well. I recommend for a great meal.
(5)Aj W.
Awesome made fresh food. Good drinks. Place has an interesting feel. It's hard to explain. It's a must try, you will not be sorry if you do.
(5)J L.
Traveling from out of town and found this place from searching yelp. And they advertise a special for $5 off dessert/app if you check in---- DON'T FALL FOR THIS! we went to this location just for this special on yelp and they didn't honor it. Stating that it expired back in August....I guess I'm more disappointed In the fact that they advertise it and they are no longer running the special. They should remove it so others are not going to this place and checking in thinking they will get this deal. On to the food.... I will say that you can tell they do cook everything in house. Calm chowder was delicious- my husband loved it. I ordered the wild game special. It was interesting and I like the kangaroo :-) it was cool to try it. But it's not so spectacular that I would order again. For entrees. We had lasagna and the walu... Both delicious. The only thing is the my Walu came out and it wasn't hot. The free bread they give you before your meals are very delicious. Soaked in olive oil/butter and comes with garlic. YUM! For dessert, we ordered kumquat pie. My husband loved it and I thought it was on the too sweet side. But they have a huge selection of desserts to chose from. I would recommend this place for people traveling through. They have a cozy ambience and a piano bar inside as well. Oh and the service was good, our waitress Amanda was very nice
(3)Chris G.
Just moved from ny, so we decided to check this restaurant out. What a gem ! Food is amazing and service not notch! Alex was amazing!
(5)Kim O.
This is a nice little restaurant. We had a very patient and knowledgeable server. We started with a cheese flight that was amazing. It had some really great combos of cheeses, nuts, and spreads. My entree was just ok. I ordered the shrimp linguini in white sauce. It was kind of bland but the shrimp was very good. I took most of it home and doctored it up the next day and it was fantastic. My dad had one of the restaurant's specialties. I can't remember the name of it but it was delicious. Mr. O got probably the best lasagna I have ever had. Yum! Overall it was a great dinner.
(4)Deacon Harold B.
I was told that this was an excellent restaurant but was a little weary because of some of the reviews here. However, I had an excellent experience. The robust menu featured an array of Northern and Southern Italian cuisine, as well as some interesting specials. My brother and I ordered two appetizer specials: the cheese plate and the stuffed risotto. Both items were quite good. For entrées, I ordered the Hawaiian sea bass special which was topped with crabmeat and a lemon and caper reduction sauce. My brother ordered to Tuscany chicken with angel hair pasta. Both dishes were outstanding! Our waiter was very friendly and extremely knowledgeable. There was also a piano player and a drummer who added a very nice atmosphere to the dining area. Overall, I had a wonderful experience and would definitely go back again. Highly recommended!
(5)Walt A.
Went back this past Saturday for the first time in several years. The food, presentation and service were all 4 stars! HOWEVER the music was way too loud and honestly not any good at all. Worst part was when some totally tone deaf patron who thinks she has a voice got the microphone and sang...twice. I'll go back for the food, but not unless they get rid of the music.
(4)Kevin M.
We had dinner here this evening for Mother's Day. We had a party of 7 people with us. My fiancée and I have never eaten here before, but a family member recommended here as they said the food was fabulous. That was later to be determined. My first impression when we walked in was that it seemed very crowded and small inside. The ceiling tiles were dirty and dis colored. Also, the floor by the bar was sticky and dirty. I ordered French onion soup, and it never made it to the table. I had to remind the server 25 minutes after I ordered it, and I ended up telling him to just forget about it. We were supposed to get bread for the table, which we never got and had to remind the server about. The manager ended up bringing us bread at the end of our meal. The pasta that I ordered was not cooked all the way and the chicken was 3/4 bread crumbs and 1/4 chicken. My sisters order was messed up twice in a row. They brought her the wrong kind of pasta and then when they brought out the right one they forgot the meatballs that came with it. The food was extremely overpriced and definitely not worth it. Needless to say because of all the errors that were made we got our entire order on the house. Unfortunately I will not be dining here again.
(2)Lydia L.
Love Benedetto's. Their food is delicious
(5)Julie P.
What a treat! This was our first visit here. We were expecting a nice Italian meal, but we had no idea how fantastic Benedetto's truly is! The food is fantastic, even the rolls that come with the table (along with carmelized garlic). I ordered the Benedetto's Grouper. It is easily now one of my favorite grouper meals. The staff were all so welcoming and friendly. The hostess, manager, and two servers all came to our table multiple times to make sure everything was up to our satisfaction. At one point, my husband left the table, and while he was gone, the server brought a lid and placed it over his plate to keep his meal warm--that is how attentive they were! The only thing I wish I could change is that I should have saved room for dessert--the dessert tray looked fantastic! This is now one of our favorite date night spots!
(5)Michelle P.
I love this place. We are from Chicago, and my Husband is Sicilian and Neapolitan. His Mother was from Naples and ran her own restaurant for thirty-five years. She literally made the best pizza I ever had in my entire life! I must say Chef Ben comes close, and that is a huge complement, believe me!! We have a home in a Land O Lakes now, and good Italian food was hard to come by... until we discovered Benedetto's right in our own town! My Husband is INCREDIBLY fussy about Italian food and almost never likes other Italian Restaurants. Well, he likes THIS Restaurant! I keep meaning to try other things, but the pizza is so good and I get pizza so seldom, mostly due to being married to the Pizza Snob, that I order it every time we go! I know the rest of the food is good also, my Husband has always been very happy with his meals. I'm up North right now, but I'm coming in for my pizza fix as soon as I get back! Thank you, Chef Ben, for understanding that a delicious pizza crust is VERY important! Most restaurants just don't get that. Your wait staff is wonderful, very attentive. They always treat us like special guests. I can't wait to get back!
(5)Karen S.
After being new to the area, we decided to give this place a try. We got there pretty early and had no problems getting a table. But it sure did fill up. We all enjoyed our meals. It would be a place that we would frequent more if there prices were a little better. Because of that alone, we won't go back. Thanks for taking down those two mannequins that were trashing up the place. I was thinking it changed into a strip club.
(3)Jarrett Z.
Very authentic and comfortable atmosphere, feels like one of those old school Italian ristorante hole in the walls. Food was delicious. Would definitely recommend!
(4)Ryan B.
This restaurant is mediocre at best... It used to be a good place however I've noticed that the last few times my wife and I have gone the portion sizes over the course of a year have shrank My wife and I spent around $100 for the two of us with a each of us getting a glass of wine and an appetizer. Needless to say the price we paid it was not worth the money I could have went to Ocean Prime or Texas de Brazil for that and had more ambiance and a better meal.
(3)James S.
Ladies and Gentlemen....This place is kick butt (can I say @ss on TV?). I love it, delicious and everyone that I've taken here loves it. EVERYTHING is good, meat, sea food, BEN DIP, you name it. The staff is awesome, while I miss some of the original staff I was able to meet the new staff is fun as well. Classy and fun in Land O Lakes is great, the patrons are friendly, plenty to see and plenty of new friends that you just have not met here, sure it's cozy inside but what better way to meet new friends. I can say that no matter what you will meet new friends on a Saturday night. If you are looking for a fun place to go in North Tampa this is the place. Thanks Ben...Love the grub.
(5)Becca M.
The food is excellent-if you are feeling adventurous, try one of the exotic meat dishes. The boar sausage appetizer was delicious. Great service. Do try to make a reservation as it can be a long wait (up to an hour) for a table.
(5)Teresa V.
A bit pricey but the food is good. The portion size is large and the service was good. The waiter was personable and made great recommendations.
(4)Leonard H.
After reading many horrible reviews about this place, I checked Yelp and the reviews were much better so my wife and I gave it a try. The staff was friendly. My wife had the veal marsala and I had the lasagna. Toby our waiter was very friendly. My wife said her veal was very good as was her salad. I had pasta fagioli and it was pretty good, although I have never had pasta fagioli as good as Olive Garden. The lasagna portion was 16ozs which was way too much for me but it was good and the rolls were very good. And I could tell by the others eating there that they were enjoying themselves. We felt very welcome and I find many of the other reviews out of line. We have all had bad experiences eating out but except for 1 restaurant in Utah, the restaurant has always tried to make up for any shortcomings I may have had. We will return in the future and I want to thank the staff and the owner for an enjoyable experience.
(4)Kathy S.
We recently arrived in Lutz for the winter. We are enjoying the company of our friends whom love this restaurant. They invited us to eat here just before New Year's. It was delicious! I ordered the chicken freshes and loved it. We all loved the food and service so well that night, that we made reservations for New Year's Eve. The only table left was outside @ 5:30 pm. Hey, the place gets busy! We took it. Later that day, we got a call. The sweetest lady offered us a table inside @ 7:30 pm. We were thrilled. Once again, that night, the service was amazing. Moreover, the food was just awesome. So fresh. Made with care. Just delicious. I can honestly say this is the best Italian food I have ever eaten. And the staff strives to give a wonderful dining experience. We'll be back over and over again.
(5)Matthew B.
This is the best Italian cuisine you will ever find in Tampa. It has the ambiance you would find in a small local Italian restaurant in Little Italy New York. The live entertainment is fantastic and the fresh seafood is to die for. Highly recommend it.
(5)Brendan H.
The chicken parmesan was incredible, the service was great, and the atmosphere divine. What more could you ask for?
(5)Scott K.
As my brother-in-law put it, the lasagna is "stupid delicious." The bread with the sautéed garlic is wonderful... I can't wait to come back and try something new next week!
(5)Jenny M.
Took the kids here for a family dinner out. Had a great time! The piano guy was playing so it was a nice cozy atmosphere. Very small so the tables were close, but it was ok. Everyone was having their own conversations so it didn't feel awkward. There was a birthday party right next to us and I noticed before the party came, the hostess wrote on the glass table top a message to the bday person. What a great touch! Our server was fun and very knowledgable. Explained the menu to us and also let us know that in occasion the chef will get exotic meats like ostrich, venison, buffalo and types a fish you don't see in any other restaurants. Thought was neat. We ended up with the calamari app. Very tender and not chewy at all! The hubby and I shared the Grouper Bianco with 2 glasses of Chianti recommended by the server. Heavenly! My daughter had Baked Ziti and my son had the mound of mussels. They both raved about theirs! We finished with all sharing the Tiramisu. It was good, but not spectacular. Overall a wonderful meal! It was pricy so I'm not sure we'd go back again with the kids. If we did, we'd pass on the app and dessert and have only water to drink.
(4)Angela Maria Y.
If you are looking for "authentic Italian food" Benedetto's is THE place to go. The food is outstanding, the service also makes the experience great! The wait staff are wonderful! You will truly love dining here! I recommend the chicken marsala, the chicken parm, and the meatballs! They are made with ground filet mignon and taste fabulous!!!
(5)Amy D.
This place goes out of their way to make your experience there one to remember. We have all our special occasions here. We love this place!
(5)Richard G.
Extremely pleased to find real Italian food in Florida. I had low expectations until the food started to come out. All dishes in my 20 person group were excellent. We would definitely come back again.
(5)Bret A.
Wonderful food, terrific service! A real stand out in North Tampa. The restaurant is located on SR54 in an outbuilding of a strip plaza but be ready for a surprise! Eclectic interior with a piano bar. Seating is cozy/tighter like in South Tampa. Huge portions of excellent steak and seafood with other specialty options as well. Plan on an elegant dinner with a personal touch - very non-franchise! Highly recommend this place - the word is out: I travel for work and am always running into people in other cities and states who have been here and love it! $30-50 per person depending on drinks, desserts, etc. Well worth it!
(5)Nick G.
This is one of the best restaurants that I have eaten at since I moved here from New York. Great food, clean, and great service. I would recommend this to anyone that I know or anyone who asks where to get great food in the area.
(5)Melissa M.
Went with the fam right before Christmas. We had a really nice meal and the atmosphere was great. Little table off of a piano with a little musical act. Our waiter was a younger guy - he was great! Interacted with the kids, very patient and made great suggestions. We are not big seafood eaters (lots of seafood on the menu) so had a couple of chicken dishes. Awesome! The kids had spaghetti and meatballs. I tried the meatballs and they were very good, sauce was good as well. We indulged a bit in bread . It is fresh baked and comes with roasted garlic cloves (whole). Dessert was out of control yummy. Brownie a la mode, ricotta cheese cake... Save room! House table wine wasn't bad and was reasonably priced as well. I agree it was not the cheapest meal we have had out, but I feel we got what we paid for. Really good meals, great service and the luxury of not driving down into Tampa for something a little special.
(4)Shannon M.
Great Service, fun atmosphere, live piano player. A little too loud for a dinner date, but it was a Friday night at 7. Around 8, families with younger kids were done with dinner and it was a lot more quiet. We had the clams casino appitizer, def a must have! Awesome flavor. I had the shrimp primavera dish, a must as well, my boyfriend had the eggplant parmesan. Great portions. A little pricey but worth it! The presecco champagne also a must Yummm Yummm!
(4)Frank Q.
Food quality has declined over the past year. We will not be going back. The food looked great but tasted like the precooked food from Publix . We received an email from them advertising a party for new years. We set a reservation but when we arrived they had no idea what we were talking about so we ate out horrible meal and left.
(3)Todd P.
Had a wonderful dinner and night with friends. The atmosphere is terrific and the food is fabulous. Always a great selection of Italian favorites with something new each time. The staff is always professional and focused on making your night wonderful. Looking forward to our next visit.
(4)Traci H.
Incredible experience and wonderful food! I have driven past the place for years and never considered it as it does not look like much on the outside. We were looking for somewhere to eat Friday night and the Yelp reviews were good. Our server was knowledgeable and attentive. The menu carries traditional italian dishes, New England Seafood, as well as exotic game specials. We were told the wait would be 30-40 minutes, but our table was ready in 15. The menu has some high priced items, but the portions were ample. Our bill was under $200 for a party of 4 which included a bottle of wine, as well as appetizers and desserts. My wife and I split the Ben's famous dip, a decadent, bubbling lobster and crab dip dripping with melted cheese, and accompanied by homemade garlic crostini. There were garlic rolls with a side of roasted garlic as well. My only complaint was my Caesar salad which had generic bread crumbs and no anchovies which was not up to par with the rest of the meal. I will make a reservation next time as the waiting and bar area are small. We will definitely return!
(5)Sandra H.
The wait service was first rate. The young man who served us was knowledgeable and attentive. The atmosphere very nice, I especially liked the piano player. The main course, lobster risotto was good. Everything else left a lot to be desired. The tomatoes on the Bruschetta were very fresh, otherwise it would have been inedible since the bread was overdone and tasteless. The Caesar salad flat. And the carrot cake too dry.
(2)Jackie S.
The service was excellent. The food was fantastic. This place belongs in Manhattan - and we should know...we are from NY. We got the chicken parm, shrimp parm, manicotti, and steak and mushroom special. For dessert - blueberry cobbler, brownie, and cheesecake. Can't wait to get back there again. Definitely the "best kept secret." Highly recommend. Even beautiful outdoor seating. Chef owned and he grows his herbs in the garden outside.
(5)Debborah C.
We actually enjoyed the food very much and our waiter was very good. The complaint comes the next day when we realized we didn't get our debit card back when we paid the bill. My husband called Benedetto's in the morning and told them he left his card there. Later that afternoon, Ben, the owner called my husband and told him he had our card and could pick up in the evening when they are open. We went there last night to pick up the card. My husband went in and asked for it. The employees searched and didn't find it. Then Ben said "I must have put it in my pocket and took it home this afternoon and now I don't have it. I'm pretty sure its at home". My husband was quite upset and said "what am I supposed to do without my card? I am never coming back to the restaurant." Ben then cursed out my husband and said, "F...y.. etc" in a loud voice. Many people were shocked at Ben's behavior. Why didn't Ben put it in the safe? Why did he put it in his pocket? Why did he remove the card from the restaurant? My husband left and called the sheriff and reported the incident. There were witnesses to how terribly rude and disrespectful Ben was about the situation. Supposedly, Ben went home to get the card after my husband left. The sheriff went to Benedetto's and picked up the card. We will never return to that restaurant. Ben the owner was an A..hole.
(1)B A.
ladies and Gentlemen, this place is not good. the food is below average, over salted overpriced.... and the service and owners are unprofessional. We went there on a Saturday night. they did not have the 2 things on the menu that we ordered... However the waiter did not know that, and returned 20 minutes after each border to let us know they were out of each item. The owner records both audio and video on 32 cameras which is posted outside the restaurant. He then threatens to expose your dinner conversation when you give an unfavorable review. this place is overpriced for below average food.
(1)Brett E.
High quality tasty food in Land O Lakes. If you are from New York or Chicago you will really appreciate the quality ingredients used here that are seldom found in Florida, the land of chain restaurants. Of course you can order the standard Italian favorites including a delicious lasagna made with pillowy soft fresh pasta sheets but try the seafood or steaks and you will be pleasantly surprised as well. I wish they had lunch more than just a couple months of the year but I understand Land O Lakes isn't much of a lunch area. In regards to the comments about the Chef/owner, I admit he can be a colorful guy but he is also a throwback to another generation when restaurants were family businesses and not spit and polished corporate facades. I for one appreciate the "family" quality of the atmosphere.
(5)Laurie K.
I'm not really sure why this place has horrible reviews. We almost decided not to come here bc I usually trust yelpers and what they have to say. This place is the exception and we had a wonderful experience, don't let the crappy reviews scary you. We are down visiting my parents for the week in Land o Lakes and decided to get some Italian for dinner. We didn't have a reservation on a Friday night but we really didn't need one, it was very busy but we only waited about 5 mins. Our waiter, I think his name was Sean, was very nice, he was attentive and explained all the specials and seemed to really like his job, we never went without an empty drink. We had 3 appetizers which included the "liquid gold" dip, the mussels and caprese stack, all were delicious! Our dinners included the special pounded chicken with cream sauce and peppers, the lasagna, a clam and seafood fettuccine and some type of fish that husband had which he much enjoyed. Be warned everything comes in super large portions but that's ok for us, we love left overs. I will def be returned on our next vacation!
(4)Dan R.
I don't understand all the bad reviews - they contradict my one and only experience there. We had a party of 9 and everyone was pleased. We had 4 or 5 appetizers to go along with our entrees and every plate was polished off. Everyone in our party is well-traveled and are accustomed to good food and good service - no push overs. Then again, they are not budget shoppers which seems to be the narrative of the poor reviews. To me, there are not a lot of choices in that area as good as this one. If you want a lot of food for your dollar go to Olive Garden or Red Lobster.
(4)Rachel F.
The last time I visited, it was less than impressive. This time, it was great. The only negative was the waitress. I ordered the Veal Marsala and requested extra lemon slices. She brought one out on a plate more than once until I asked the head chef, who visited our table, if he wouldn't mind bringing more, at one time, and he had someone do so. The dish was great. One of my friends had lobster and was impressed with the salty, New England, traditional as-it-should-be taste. The escargot is always awesome and consistent. It is a crime where my family is from to needle a steak. The restaurant has steaks on hand for those who don't like this style. Thank you, Chef Ben! My daughter appreciated it. My other daughter and the hubby enjoyed the grouper.
(4)Scott M.
This place sets a new low. Bad food, mediocre service andthe worst raving lunatic owner I have even seen in all my years. You have been warned. Beware. The first time I was in the restaurant many years ago, I was at their tiny little bar and overheard someone speaking very badly and very loudly about one of the customers. To my suprise, it was the owner himself! I was rather shocked. The meal that night was so-so and I did not return for a long time. My wife went with her friend for dinner a year of so later and told me that she ordered the special. The special was a sauteed chicken breast with tricolor bell peppers. Because the special was given to her verbally by the waiter, she did not get the price. Chicken breast? Hmm.....should be reasonably price right? Nope, ynot even close.......$26.95!! Everything about this place is over priced. Drinks, wine and and the mediocre at best food. Ok, so the last time we decided to try Benedeto's (I go by the "three strikes your out" rule since I feel it is unfair to be hard on a restaurant for one or maybe even true fails) we were coming from a funeral in the Trinity area, so i thought it would be nice to stop for dinner there so we would not have to cook. Well this was time was the last straw. (Final strike....Yourrreee Oooouttt) Weird overbearing service, overpriced wine, a sauteed veal dish that had no flavor, no quality and was priced around $30.00. I left feeling worse than when I went in and felt like I had been held up by a robber. It is too funny when i read about all of the confrontations that the owner has been in with customers. This make me think back to my first time sitting at the bar when I (and everyone else in earshot) overheard him speaking badly about one of his customers. I should have known at that time that Benedetos was not worth another visit and a pile of my hard earned cash. You have been warned. Please don't make me tell you "I told you so!"
(1)Victoria B.
My husband and I come here every year for our anniversary, we used to go to Ruth's Chris, but after I was told by numerous people about how excellent bennedettos was we tried it and it fast became my favorite restaurant! The food is amazing. (I was raised by two gourmet cooks) my dad was a chef. The chicken Franches at bennedettos is just like my parents made it, so this restaurant is special to me. Since finding this gem years ago, we started celebrating our anniversary here and just when I thought it couldn't get better the way they make it so special is incredible. We make our reservation and when we get there they take us to our table and its decked out with hearts and rose pedals and they write happy anniversary on the table. The service as well as the atmosphere is fantastic. At the end of our meal they always take a picture of us, print it out and frame it in a card, that the chef signs, this time his little girl brought it to us and said happy anniversary, as parents of 2 that was so cute and she was so sweet. Great touch to a great dinner! Thank you for a wonderful dining tradition chef Ben and you have a wonderful family, great food and great staff!
(5)Nikki S.
Awesome food! Love everything about it!
(5)Sherri C.
My family planned a birthday party there that consisted of about 16 people, some of which hadn't even arrived before owner/chef Ben Pumo I think his name is, caught a major attitude with us. We obviously made reservations for our large party, and discussed cork fees. When we arrived the fees changed and we were squeezed between two rows of tables, way too close for comfort. We agreed to the higher cork fee, wanting to ensure a great birhtday dinner. When the waiter left a few of us discussed privately how we were never coming back here, being crammed, the cork fee..etc. All of a sudden Chef Pumo comes storming to our table telling us he can hear what we are saying and get out of his restaurant, he called my Father in Law an A-Hole and caused so many people an uncomfortable setting. Other patrons couldn't believe their eyes. He looked like he completely "LOST IT"!!! He kept yelling he has cameras in his office and he could hear us. What is that all about? Someone sounds paranoid! If you look on trip advisor you will see many similar stories where he has BLOWN UP on people. I have eaten there once before, OK but VERY OILY, and the prices high.
(1)Dianne B.
This was my first time. It was around 8pm on Wednesday night so the place had a few guest. I was very pleased with the piano player and the people singing with him. It was a slower night around 8pm with only a few other couples so that made for a nicer atmosphere. Our waiter AJ was wonderful. I loved the uniforms the staff had.... then we asked about reserving a table for our wedding rehearsal which AJ took all our information and was pleased... then the owner came out.... What an odd approach to us. He did introduce himself and asked about up coming for the rehearsal but his approach was cold and he was dressed like a tennis or golf player. Not the type of Chef/owner introduction you would find in a nicer place. We ordered the specials, fish and Maryland Crab ravioli. I am from Maryland and they butchered the flavor of the crab. The fish dish was wonderful but both plates cost $25.00. I don't think so. This restaurant is no Villagio's and way over priced.
(2)Denice M.
Having parents off the boat from Italy, I grew up with delicious food always hitting the dinner table. So when people say they love the Olive Garden or other want to be Italian dining I think it's pretty good but not knock your socks off great. We moved to Tampa last year and found two outstanding Italian dinning areas that offer exception food at a great price. This is one o f them, the other is Villa Verdi in Spring Hill. I love that the servers are so educated on each dish as well as on top of every need, the food has been outstanding each time we dine and the chef usually comes out to chat with guests which says "I am proud of the food I create." this is a must try!
(5)Denise P.
Just moved to the area and this is a great restaurant. Has a piano bar and a really nice atmosphere. The food is excellent. It's great!
(5)Christie M.
Benedetto's was one of my favorite restaurants until Thanksgiving Weekend. Last Easter, we brought are family from NYC to the restaurant. When we dine, we don't make decisions based on cost. We enjoy great wine to compliment whatever the Chef's Feature dinners are for the evening. I am sure for 9 people are bill was quiet high. Our family loved it so much, we went back. Because we had an 18 month old with us we had to eat early. We called around 4pm to leave the reservation for 5pm on a Saturday. We didn't hear back so we drove to the restaurant. The hostess said they didnt except reservations an hour before needed. There was no place nor time that stated that rule. in addition, the restaurant was dead, maybe ten people in the whole place at 5 pm. She took us into a room that was ice cold and farthest from anyone. The baby was cold so we asked if we could move. She didn't like it yet we were going to be paying for a good dinner and we wanted to eat in comfort. It was a 6 top and there were 7 adults and a child. Originally we had sat chairs at the end of the table. Then moved them in tight so there was no one at the end of the table. The baby sat on the mothers lap. The manager came over and again, more unwelcoming service as he said that a table was coming in at 5:30pm and they needed to have enough room. Then sited fire code. First, in order for there to be a problem the people at the table would have had to be 500 pounds. Second, why couldn't the manager figure out how to make the customer happy rather than upset. My family was so upset by the hostess then manager that we ended up leaving. Had we stayed our experience would have been tainted by the unwelcomness of the service. On the way home, the owner called me. He tried to explain fire code and the service. I was over it and just wanted to put the experience behind us. My company wrote a review of the experience as is her right. Without understanding that we had been there before, or don't really fret about prices, he insulted her in a written format. However, not only insulting her but insulting the entire city of NYC by saying they think their S***t doesn't stink. How incredibly unprofessional can you be! We dined at least twice a month with five people and haven't sent many people into there. I honestly expect better service. Apparently customer loyalty means nothing at Benedetto's. So maybe we are just one family and you don't need our money, or maybe there is a reason for so many poor reviews on your social media channels. Good food only goes so far! There is an amazing little Italian Restaurant in Spring Hill called Villa Verdi where the chef is from Italy that I am going to start promoting. His food is amazing and the service is just like being in my grandma's house and the prices are much better.
(1)Rob F.
Great restaurant. We went for our anniversary and it was really nice. We are going back for my birthday tonight.
(5)BEN AND RITA D.
We had guests in from out of town and once again we took them to Benedettos. The food was fantastic as always, and we appreciated the visit from chef Ben P., and the majician. Our guests were overwhelmed by the food and the atmosphere. Once again thank you for an enjoyable dinner and entertainment. You will not regret your experience here!!
(5)Gail L.
I wish I could give no stars. We had a reservation but they had us sit in the bar before we were seated in an almost empty dining. Why did we have to sit in the bar? I had 20+ years in restaurant industry and felt this was ploy to have us spend money at the bar. Service had always been good but this our third and last visit due to rude and arrogant owner/ chef. My husband wanted the pasta with seafood. He asked if the chef would put in an assortment of seafood for an upcharge. The apologetic waiter came back and said it would be $40.00. are you kidding me? This is a little restaurant in front of a half deserted strip mall in Land oLakes. Really??? Well he ordered something else but was so angry that we decided that this was it. In a bad economy to insult patrons you deserve to go out of business. Don't waste your money here. Over priced mediocre food and rude arrogant owner.
(1)Michele S.
This place is Great! Best Italian around! don't know where my last review went to but I love this place and will be back soon. Michele
(5)Gondul V.
Went on a whim and reservations are *highly* recommended. We got lucky when someone didn't show up. The food is certainly very good and you get what you pay for...seating is tight and makes for a crowded experience.
(4)Gary P.
Although this is my first review on Benedetto's, I have eaten here many times and had some really good meals. Not so the case last night. We haven't eaten here in some time, but i was craving some veal. Our escargot served on mushroom caps was good but I would have enjoyed more garlic. The garlic bread served was very good and served with roasted garlic on the side. A great addition to the bread, one I will use at home. Back to the veal. I ordered the Veal Francese, which traditionally is dipped in an egg wash and quickly pan sauteed to have a nice crunchy exterior and served with a white wine, caper and butter sauce, Well the veal had a soggy exterior and was drenched in the butter sauce. Very disappointing. It was as if the veal had been dredged in flour and let sit. Not good! Server was attentive and efficient. I was disappointed with last nights meal, but I'll give them another try. Maybe during the week.
(2)Sarah K.
This 5 star rating is based mostly on service. Brian was knowledgeable and friendly. We had just driven three days and were happy to be at our destination. Then the food started arriving. We opted for only entrees but ate a ridiculous amount of bread. Delicious warm bread with spreadable roasted garlic. The four of us each got a special, melt in your mouth veal tortallini, tender salmon in key lime sauce, an off menu chicken dish to die for, and grouper covered in shell fish. No one left disappointed. We took our dessert to go because the portions here are giant. And the value was great. Four people, two bottles of wine, great food, great dessert, less than 200 - total win win!
(5)Stacie D.
Benedetto's is an excellent restaurant and I feel lucky to have it in my town. Chef Ben is a genius with sauces! We've been going since it first opened and have yet to have a negative experience. I recommend it to everybody who wants a fantastic meal.
(5)John P.
Yo, this place is to die for, if you live out that way. Great food, yeah, the real stuff. Good service, always. You won't find much better Italian food for the money in Tampa.
(5)Mike P.
Best dining option in the area by far. You would expect to find this place in South Tampa, great food, unique twists on traditional dishes, always a good time. Very helpful waitstaff as well. My wife and I go here when we can afford it. :)
(4)Mike F.
A great find north of Tampa. A surprising location in front of the local Walmart. Great Italian food and lots of characters there. It has the world's smallest bar so don't come early to hang out. It is packed on weekends.
(4)