Fantastic little Italian place. Owner is the cook, everything we've tried has been amazing. Come early for room, or expect a wait. On the weekends they have classical acoustic guitar.
(5)
Gigi S.
Had such a great time at the Yelp event here that we headed back for more with a small clan in tow. After some weirdness with the service telling us we'd have to move on because of another reservation, we got an apology, got over it, and ordered assuring our friends that they would enjoy the remainder of the meal. Unfortunatley that didn't happen for us. Luckily, it's pretty far away, so I can claim it's just too far. I'm stoked that Pinellas Park loves their Italian joint, and they can keep it too.
(3)
Deborah S.
My wife and I tried this little hole in the wall about a month ago. We've been back 4 times since. Awesome food, great service, wonderful atmosphere.. Forget the Big chain restaurants, this is the real deal.
(5)
Marvin Z.
To put it clearly, I am actually a fan. The three stars is because of one thing... there was just a pound of sauce on top of my pasta (Pappardelle Mamma Angela). It was like a soup, it was delicious but it was annoying and weird. It totally overpowered my pasta. I would go here again but I would definitely not order the same thing. It seemed to me that it was extremely popular. Maybe I am just not used to having a pound of sauce on my pasta.
(3)
John L.
+ welcoming tone by male who took called-in reservation for 5 pm.. + warmly greeted by hostess at 4:45pm - even though 2 of us were seated and awaiting 2 guests, we were not asked if we wanted to order drinks until we ordered antipasto, which included cho
(2)
Kerry B.
I am italian, and from philadelphia where homemade pasta and sauces are a must, Da Sesto Fit the bill! I had the chicken marsala with homemade linguini, and my husband had the osso bucco and risotto (yes, it's for two, but that didn't stop him from eating it all). This was literally as good if not better than some of the BEST italian restaurants in philadelphia. The prices were GREAT and we got a half off coupon out of a local paper! You cannot beat that. We WILL go back again and again. We have traveled to the St. pete area for six years. All the italian restaurants i visited were a distant second to opening a bottle of Prego and a box of barilla... and i DO NOT eat jarred spaghetti sauce. Da Sesto changed all that.
(5)
Joshua S.
What a hidden gem this place is! My wife and I ate here for the first time this evening and I have to say it was a pleasant surprise all the way around. Great food, cozy atmosphere, and excellent service. We'll go back on a weekend next time though, when there's a classical guitarist playing. All in all it was a great experience. Recommended.
The Lobstah Ravioli was the bomb.com . Great Italian food and very welcoming staff. It doesn't look like much from the outside located in a small plaza but this place is a hidden gem.
(5)
K T.
3rd time here and tonight I'm very disappointed. Ordered my pasta same way, my way, the same 3 times I have been here. Tonight I made sure I specified. "I would like. Penne in your white cream sauce with chicken and shrimp with onions, mushrooms and capers". Done deal... So I thought: mind you, my cousin ordered the same: so once our plate arrived....! SHOCKED. We had other toppings that were not asked for. Sooo, as I explained to our waiter who was very nice mind you. He gathered my plate and took it away. Still hungry I asked for more bruschetta which is omg. The best. It came bread hot and ready to eat. They took care of my main dish and the 2nd, yes, 2nd order of bruschetta on the house as well as my 3rd glass of Chianti. Thank you! I will return!
(3)
Melissa Z.
I can't believe how good this Italian food is here! If it wasn't for Yelp and the reviews, I would likely not have tried this place only because it's in a very small strip mall out of the way for us in Pinellas Park. If You blink, you will miss this place driving by. I ordered the eggplant parmigiana, my standard entree. My boyfriend ordered the chicken parm, his favorite. We both loved our meals. Since my move to Florida, this stands out as one of the best parmigiana meals I have had. It's a thinly sliced eggplant, breaded and baked. It's not dried out and it's not mushie either. It was also loaded with cheese, which makes everything better. The fact that they hand make their own pasta in house gets high praise from me. And You can tell the difference in texture. The other bonus that sets this place apart is the sauce: rich, thick, hearty and savory. I can't tell you how many meals I've had where the pasta sauce was just oil and chunky tomatoes. The sauce was so fresh- it tastes like the tomatoes were crushed and cooked that afternoon. There are so many pasta options, meat and vegetarian, and sauce combinations that we are eager to come back and try something else on the menu. You can order a pasta dish and add grilled eggplant if you want a healthier option! I was surprised and disappointed to see other reviewers experience poor customer service. Even though we were one of the last tables of the night ( we came in around 9ish) we were not rushed. Since this was our first time dining here I don't know how service is in general, but our server Eric was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable about how the entrees are prepared. Eric said he's been with this restaurant for 6 years so I would request him as your server.
(5)
Megan B.
This was my first Yelp event. I went with a friend who has been pestering me to write reviews and get involved with Yelp for a long time. When we got there they had very nice hors d'oeuvres sitting out on a table for everyone to partake in. They had several different types of wine that we could taste. And then later they had four different kinds of pasta for us to try and later a dessert tray that had cannolis and Italian cookies. The only thing I did not like was trying to fit so many people in a small space that it was hard to navigate around the chairs and tables. I definitely want to go back and see what is on the dinner menu but I will go with a small group or on a date. However the owner was very kind and seem to be truly happy to have so many people try his restaurant.
(5)
Alyssa S.
Stopped in for lunch today after a classmate raved about this cute little Italian restaurant. It is small but the food was great. They have $6.95 lunch specials where you can have a pasta or half pasta and a salad or soup. They offer bread with pesto and oil, I always love a good Bread to kick things off. My salad was a nice spring might with tomatoes, olives, cucumber they didn't skimp on the salad. I ordered angel hair pasta with pesto and pine nuts. It was simple but great. Next time I will definitely ordered a meat in it. My boyfriend ordered half and half of today's specials which was gorgonzola tortellini and a shell pasta with mushrooms chicken and tomato sauce. Both were even better than mine so I stole some off his plate! There were only two servers but offered great service. They were attentive and quick. I will definitely be back.
(5)
Jason R.
By far the best meal that I've had on my vacation. Everything that we got was amazing. From the pasta ala vodka to the gnocchi, everything was excellent. So much on the menu that I wanted to try but couldn't fit it in with one visit. Will definitely be back!
(5)
Dick V.
Gorgonzola and pear... Brie and raspberries... and a waiter who loves his job and wine more than that. perfect.
(5)
Brett N.
Why 5 stars? Because this is some of the best Italian food I've ever had. --- --- --- I'm so happy to have discovered Da Sesto. It was an accident really, but it turned out really well for me (and other Yelpers.) We had a couple Italian vendors on board for our annual Yelper Party back in May, until in the same day, both of the backed out. I didn't really know who else to ask, so I went to Yelp and looked for Italian restaurants that had good reviews. Da Sesto had phenomenal ratings, so I just went to his website and sent him a generic email from the contact page. Lucky for me, Sesto responded quickly. He killed it at the Yelper Party, and then killed it again at our recent Elite event. But in between those two, I decided to pop in and see what all the fuss was about. FUSS = WORTHY I have been disappointed with Italian food more than I've been happy with it over time, but Da Sesto just simply serves amazing food. My go-to is lobster ravioli, and I was not disappointed. My girlfriend had the Capelli D'angelo with scallops It was also wonderful. Da Sesto is easily my favorite restaurant in Pinellas County.
(5)
Trish I.
Best intimate Italian meal around. Everything was fresh, hot, and delicious. Seafood is particularly fabulous.
(5)
Todd B.
Melissa and I finally made it back to Da Sesto after the great 2014 yelp event they hosted a number of months back. We knew after that event that we had to come back, so to all of you business owners out there that have rejected hosting a yelp event, let this be a lesson to you! Moving on. We arrived kind of late. Tried to make a reservation, but open table or yelp or whichever system we used said they didn't have any available reservations until 10:00 (a bit weird since they close at 10). However, upon arriving, they sat us right away at one of a few open tables (so take note, they may leave tables open for walk-ins, or perhaps they just had a couple of no-shows because the patrons couldn't find the restaurant - seriously, it isn't easy to find if you aren't looking). If I can add on to something Melissa said, some reviewers may have had some bad service, but that was not our experience at all. From the moment we walked in, everyone was friendly and gracious (everyone being the hostess and server). They had some specials that sounded great, but I was really in the mood for my old standby - chix parm. They have a spicy tomato sauce they use in a couple of pasta dishes and they were willing to substitute the standard sauce on the parm and the side of pasta with the spicy sauce. Well worth it. Trust me, if you're getting tomato sauce, ask for the spicy. Deliciouso (that's my best Italian). They also have a whole wheat pasta that you can substitute for your side of pasta. The menu was really great, too. Besides your standards, they also have a list of all of their handmade pastas and include a bunch of things you can add to it - from chicken and sausage to eggplant and peppers. Obviously, there's a charge for each thing you add, but it's a build your own dish so that whatever you're craving, you can probably get it here. We also each got a glass of wine - I got their house pinot grigio which wasn't the best, but I got a cheap glass of wine, so what could I expect. Finally, the yelp check-in comes with a small cannolli (I can't be bothered to look up how to spell that, sorry). The cream was great, though I didn't love the pastry. The funniest part was how thrilled the server was that we were getting something for free. Went on and on about how much management loves when there's evidence people are using yelp. Special recognition to our server Eric who was fantastic, and a special nod to Melissa, who remembered our server's name was Eric when she wrote her review. Thanks babe! Anyway, except for the constant touching of my shoulder when he came by the table (made me a bit uncomfortable and Melissa a bit jealous), he was one of the best servers we've experienced outside of a fine dining restaurant. Knew everything, timed everything perfectly, and was very warm and welcoming (maybe a bit too welcoming). We shall be back.
(5)
Mark H.
7 of us made 5:30 reservations at Da Sesto for my son's 15th birthday last night. When we were seated, the hostess told my brother, "This table is reserved for 7:30, just so you know." This obviously rubbed us all the wrong way, and honestly, I considered walking out. A few moments later, the chef came over and apologized for the confusion and let us know that a different table was reserved for 7:30, and not ours. Either way, the incident happened, and could not be undone. I ordered the Penne al Sesto (add chicken) with a side Caesar salad. The salad was great, no complaints there. I loved it's gorgonzola twist. My main course was equally as good. There is just something special about fresh pasta. The Penne al Sesto was definitely a smart choice considering the dishes the rest of my party ordered. While I enjoyed mine, no one else seemed overly happy about what they ordered. In fact, for the price of the dishes, I think everyone looked a bit let down. I talked this place up to my fam based on samples from the Yelp Around the World Party, and cited the great reviews on Yelp, and I fear my credibility with them might now be on the fritz. To reiterate, the Penne al Sesto was good, but it wasn't drive 45 minutes to Pinellas Park good. I can get eqaully as good Italian dishes in my neighborhood without the long drive. Laslty, our servers made us feel rushed. One of them tried to take my plate before I was done, and another grabbed the dessert menu from my mother before she even had a chance to fully look it over. So because of the service flops and the underwhelming Italian dishes, I have to painfully go against the Yelp grain here with a 2 star rating. We have a Yelp event here in a few weeks, so I hope that they throw out some samples that convince us to try it again.
(2)
Joseph D.
Where do I start? Greeted promptly by the hostess. Ask what we were celebrating. Wife's retirement! We were taken to a cozy table for two, given menus and wine list and told our waitress Ally would be with us shortly. Ally was an excellent waitress. Told us about of the evenings specials and since it was our first time gave us a brief history of the owner as well as the restaurant. Started with the Bruschetta Romano. Bread was toasted just right. Not too hard and the topping came in a self serve bowl. The chopped tomatoes garlic and olive oil was fresh tasting without being overpowering. Wife ordered the Melanzane (eggplant) Parmiggiana. It came with a salad and a side of linguini Her words. "Melted in my mouth. Outstanding!. I had the Spaghetti Aglio E Olio. I asked if they could add a few anchovy fillets which they did. Mine was also served with a salad. All of the pastas are freshly made and you can really tell the difference. Portions are very good sized and wife and I brought enough home for a midnight snack. Had cheesecake for desert. Overall a wonderful meal. What made it 5 stars for us was the attention given to us by all of the staff. From the hostess to our waitress. From the owner to the chef. We will definitely be back. 8/8/2014 We went back for lunch today. Another outstanding visit. I had Linguini Aglio E Olio w/ sausage. My wife had a chicken panini. Both we great and the service was outstanding. Thanks
(5)
Vasilios P.
If you are not eating Italian food here, you're missing out. If you are not eating here, you're missing out period. Great food, incredible service and atmosphere. Amazing intimate restaraunt. Eat here now.
I have now been to Da Sesto about 6-7 times and I consider it my favorite restaurant. While I do not love everything here (more on that in a moment), I do love the majority of the dishes that I have tried here. I can honestly say that several of them are the best that I have ever had. I consider this the best Italian restaurant that I have dined at (hence the 5 stars despite a few things that I have disliked). For an appetizer make sure you order the spinach, cheese and artichoke dip. It is hands down the best artichoke dip I have ever tasted. It's warm, full of artichokes and spinach and served with amazing cheese-baked crisps. So delicious. I must warn you that you will be incredibly full if you order this app and you will probably take home most your dinner. It is worth it though, trust me. For dinner I really love their Arrabiata sauce, Penne Alla Sesto, Sweet Potato Ravioli with Butter Sage Sauce and Fettuccine Alfredo. Now for the two things I have had and didn't care for: their meatballs (this may just be a cultural thing. I am definitely realizing I like "American" style meatballs in my pasta more so than Italian). The second thing was the Gnocchi Gorgonzola. The Gorgonzola sauce is WAY too rich and overpowering. It killed the perfectly cooked gnocchi. I have had the gnocchi here in a spicy tomato sauce and I much preferred that version of it. If you want gnocchi, ask for different sauce. Service is always outstanding. The unlimited freshly baked bread is so good that it is hard not to fill up on it before your meal comes. The Minestrone soup that is an option before your meal is intensely flavorful and will have you licking your spoon. There isn't much not to like about Da Sesto. I still highly recommend it!
(5)
P M.
Everything is fresh and homemade. The spinach artichoke mushroom appetizer is one the best things I have eaten. The chicken/veal Marsala is impeccable. They even have pasta and sauces you can purchase to make at home. Small but cozy. The owner and staff are wonderful.
(5)
Carolyn R.
Great Italian food in Pinellas Park! It's located in a strip mall and doesn't look like much from the outside, but it is cozy and comfortable. I always order the Gamberoni Michelina and it never disappoints. My husband usually orders one of the specials, most recently it was the Pork Osso Buca which was to die for! Good food and the staff and hostess are very welcoming as well!
(4)
Angela M.
I was a plus one at a Yelp Elite event and returned because the food was outstanding! All of the pasta is made fresh. The atmosphere is romantic. Dim lights and acoustic guitar nightly. You can select the pasta, sauce and toppings of your choice in addition to the many items the have on their menu. The bruschetta is the best I have EVER had! I created my own dish based on a special they were having, took off the meat and added vegetables. It didn't taste quite right. The server noticed I wasn't enjoying it and offered to replace my meal. I was pleasantly surprised (half embarrassed too). I then chose a simple fettuccine Alfredo with spinach. It simply could not have been better. Their mini cannoli's are amazing. They do not add the cream until it is being served. Locals are lucky to have his hidden Italian gem! Staff is excellent! The owner is the chef and will guarantee satisfaction! Tip: if you want the "full experience" visit anytime other than 5:30-7:30 Fridays and Saturdays as that is their busiest time.
(5)
Sharon D.
This is a very special place. The Chef is excellent. Came out to the table twice to see how we liked everything. Food and service were fabulous. Live music was perfect not too loud just right for dinner. We will certainly go back.
(5)
Justina G.
I have been going to this restaurant for years and they have GREAT Italian food. This visit we had the worst service I have ever encountered from the staff.. Our waitress was very overwhelmed. The wait staff argued in front of customers on what tables they were going to service. We had reservations for 6:30 all of party arrived on time but one person who was 10 minutes late (6 people) . The waitress basically ignored us. When she finally came over to take our order she was rude. Our food did not arrive at our table until 8:30. The place is small but they were busy on the night we were there. The only pleasant and happy staff member was the hostess. I would recommend the management provide the staff with more customer service training. Not sure I will go back again....GREAT food GREAT atmosphere.... Terrible customer service.
(2)
James K.
They have Fresh homemade pastas like lobster ravioli to take out. Very reasonable for the quality. Service and food are very good. Wines are reasonable and the veal Marsala is generous and very well prepared. I've been back now three times and will go again.
(4)
Jon H.
Amazing Italian Food and Atmosphere. A little piece of Italy in PInellas Park. After several visits I continue to be amazed and the superior dishes, fresh pasta and sauces and succulent sides. Make sure to try the hand made stuffed olives which are something special! Customize your own italian dish, choose from one of their Delicious menu items or really treat yourself and try one of the Chef Specials! The red Sangria keeps my wife happy and the Cap & Cannoli after dinner really finishes off a perfect meal. Try this place if you haven't already!
(5)
Ragan U.
Update on original review below: Everyone goes on about the pasta being made in house. Well, it may be but it isn't good. All the sauces I tasted (Alfredo, Vodka, Red Sauce, Red Meat Sauce) were bland. Extremely forgetful and blah. They bring you a lot of sub par food that you hate to waste a go box on so you leave enough food on the table to feed a whole other family. If they'd eat it. Skip this place. Open a jar of Ragu and save your money. Update: Owner messaged me and apologized. Said they had an off night and someone forgot to add the spices into the sauces on the night I came. Ok. Fair enough, but he has no clue on what night I came. I never write reviews of places until a few days later. Nice try, though.
(1)
Tiffany S.
Excellent! True Italian food finally found! Small place so make sure to make reservations, but a great experience overall. We will definitely be back!
(5)
Melina W.
YUMMY! Food, service, and atmosphere couldn't have been better! I ordered escargot for an appetizer. I thought I'd get the standard 6 to 8 that you normally get. I got 16! Yes, I counted. All in a pastry dish with olive oil and garlic. They served Italian crusty bread to dip with. What a treat! I ordered mussels and clams with tomato sauce as my entree. The pasta was al dente. I like spicy food so the waitress gave me this pepper oil to put in my sauce. It was delicious. They also had this man playing a guitar, softly singing in the background. It was a really nice evening with my family. The ambiance was perfecto!
(5)
Gwen R.
Fresh pasta, great wine, good service. Call ahead for reservation. Daily specials are good. You can taste the freshness in the tomato gravy. Bread served with pesto and roasted tomato oils, yummy. Mini cannoli were perfect ending to wonderful meal. Did I mention the live music which adds to an authentic ambiance? April was our server and very attentive.
(5)
Lori S.
Great food!! Definitely need to call ahead or arrive early. Smaller restaurant. Great for lunch too
(4)
Wayne S.
You wouldn't know it to look at it from the street, but the chintzy, Godfather-esque facade belies the best Italian fare in Saint Petersburg. Fresh, homemade pasta, delicious sauces, yum! It fills up fast so consider making reservations.
(4)
Marge M.
Terribly over-priced mediocre food and the worst imaginable service. Forget it!!!!!
(1)
Mike S.
Clearly the best Italian, and one of the best overall in Pinellas. Just south of Park/Gandy in a strip mall.. Very small but tasteful, and nice classical guitar playing european tunes. Service was very professional and helpful. Wide array of pasta dishes, and price ranges with several specials. The pasta was fresh made and delicious, from sampling lasagna, gnocci and ravioli. The antipasto was the best I have had anywhere, allowing guests to select contents, so we had 2 cheeses, capicolla, prosciutto, mixed olives, gardinieri, peppers and mixed greens. Minestrone was fine along with all entrees. Good list of desserts but we were stuffed...so we passed.....this time.
(4)
Jasan A.
The place is very cozy, at least at night. Don'ts: House Wine and Cheesecake Do: Baked Potato with Truffles and Pastas Service: Really good, fast and knowledgeable. Overall: Highly recommended. Not pricey for the quality.
(4)
Wendy P.
Good (to great) food - love the Pasta Sesto. Salad was also good. Small and loud and crowded and harried waiter. That being said - we will be back!
(4)
Scott M.
A storefront Pizza eatery with okay to good Italian food. A Tampa Times top 50 choice ? Atmosphere 70 Storefront restaurants always leave alittle to be desired Service 80 Businesslike but okay Food 75 I have had better Value 80 Food and service make this worthwhile As a known, I would visit again. However, the bet would be that every third pizzeria has as good food. Worth the visit if you are in the area, otherwise try something local.
(3)
Rene O.
My husband and I love this place! But I am not a fan of Italian food but there is something about this place that is just amazing! The gnocchi and spinach and artichoke dip is just to die for! The gelato is amazing as well. Everything I have just melts in your mouth. My husband and I even had our reception there five years ago! The owner made everything himself and it was a great day! We try to go back every year to celebrate on our anniversary. The food is amazing the people are great and the decorations are great as well. I so recommend this restaurant to as many people as possible and everyone that has gone has LOVED it!!!!! Go go go! You will not regret it I promise.
(5)
Lynne L.
Amazing! Five stars on food, service, atmosphere, wine list! The Gorgonzola Gnocchi is ridiculously good as was everything. Will definitely be back when we visit St Pete again.
(5)
Dani I.
My boyfriend took me here for a surprise birthday dinner and did this place wow me. The food and service is amazing. I had the butter nut squash ravioli and soup. Total food explosion in my mouth. We went again last week and I had the chicken spinach salad and it was delicious. Def recommend this place for anyone that wants to try something else rather than Carabbas.
We have eaten at DaSesto several times. The food is always wonderfully prepared and the portions are generous. The restaurant can get crowded on a Friday or Saturday night so make reservations or plan to wait. If you can get a table on the side it can sometimes be a bit quieter as the room can get noisy when the resturant is full. On most Saturday's when we visit Boris is playing the guitar and singing which just adds to the enjoyment.
(5)
Allen U.
This is flavorless, less than mediocre Italian food. The reviews that rave are baffling. The red sauce tastes exactly like it is from a metal can. The vodka sauce has no pizazz. It is extremely blah. The house salad dressing is delicious. The wait staff makes you feel like you are about to receive the best Italian food ever. They bring out food that is not as good as chain Italian. Head to Carrabba's. Really. Do.
(2)
Chelsea S.
Okay. This place is quite the treasure. Not only were they super accommodating and pet friendly, they went above and beyond to bring my dog water in a kitchen dish since they didn't have dog bowls. The hostess and waiter both had impeccable service and were polite as well as friendly; and the food very delicious. What a find, I'm glad to have found such this unsuspecting spot! Definitely will come back here.
(5)
Jennifer P.
My family and I have been coming here for years. Sesto really knows his stuff and works tirelessly at making this restaurant great. I highly recommend the Penne Alla Sesto. It is super creamy with wonderful pieces of mushroom, onion and sun-dried tomato. You can't go wrong. My family also likes to get the Gorgonzola gnocchi as an appetizer. It can be a little rich for a main portion, but is perfect for sharing. Don't worry, it's not too heavy on the Gorgonzola, but it is a wonderful creamy sauce. This place is a true gem, don't be fooled by the strip mall location. The inside is nicely decorated without being too fancy. Also, did I mention that Sesto makes all his own noodles? If you haven't tried this place, please do. You won't be sorry.
(5)
Thomas J.
Very small interior, in my opinion the tables are crammed too closely together - a togetherness akin to a commune or prison. Service was good, although not outstanding. Food overall good, but inconsistent. Last time there the cream sauce in my pasta dish had seperated, and the best the waiter could offer was that "it happens ". To be fair, other meals there have been good to excellent.
(3)
Jessica W.
The food is wonderful! I've loved every thing I've had so far, their pasta is phenomenal, the bread is great and so are the dipping oil/spices. The only reasons it didn't get 5 stars is because for one thing it's very cramped, so I'd love to see them upgrade their facilities. Another thing is that even though the staff are all very friendly, the service can be slow, even when it's not busy. However I will let that slide because the food is that good.
(4)
Stacia S.
What a find! Thank you yelp! Excellent service, fresh pasta and smiling patrons! What a find. Thank you yelp!
(5)
Audrey V.
Hands down BEST Italian meal in the area!! We've been going here for a few years and have had nothing but the best service and food. Be prepared to have a slow and relaxing dinner with your family.
(5)
N P.
Excellent food and absolutely loved our server April! she made us feel like we were back home in New York!! She explained everything and helped us make our choices. love love love this place & definitely recommend if you like authentic Italian cooking!!!!
(5)
Gary H.
Every time I'm even close to the Tampa/ Pinellas Park area, I swing by here. The homemade meat sauce is the best I've ever had....I think the bruschetta is as well. Don't put it on your list of places to go....go now.
(5)
Thomas W.
There are places you pass by every day because you just don't see them; this is one of those places. It's unfortunately tucked into a shopping center with small signage on a busy street and cramped parking lot. Thankfully, yelpers braved this location before and rated it so well that my hand (and fork) was forced into trying it. TO THE LUNCH BUS! 4 of us entered this place and were pleasantly surprised by the atmosphere. It's simple, it's quaint, and it's inviting. Oh, and look at that specials menu. Here we go... I had the sandwich special: Ham, Roast Pork, LTO, RR Pepper, Mayo on Focaccia bread. (PICTURED) - side bar...how does a place rated so well and food so damn awesome not have any pics before me?! The sandwich was amazing..i mean just look at the pic and tell me your mouth isn't watering. Every bite had so many flavors interacting, like an Italian-style Cuban on steroids. Everything about this sandwich worked and was firing on all cylinders. 2 of my friends both got the Gnocchi and one got it w/ chicken added (pictured!). They both raved about it...and are still talking about it a week later. My other friend got the meatball sub and was surprised just how good the obviously homemade meatballs were. He did say that b/c the meatballs were so big, maybe don't get the roll toasted as it made it a bit difficult to eat. (pictured!) We all got outta there for around $10 for lunch w/ tip. All-in-all just go there.
(5)
Jennifer M.
What a hidden gem this place is! I met a friend for lunch here. It's small inside with scattered tables and can get a bit noisy, but it's still a very quaint bistro. The wait staff is great, but the food was fabulous, especially for the price. Huge portions, great spices and very authentic. Warm bread with dipping sauces were served. Salads are huge! There's also a mini market for some of their home made pastas, like ravioli. Definitely recommend this place if you're in the mood for very good italian food!
(5)
Bea S.
Wow! I moved to Tampa about 1.5 years ago from Pennsylvania and I just haven't found that authentic Italian restaurant like those we have in the north. I came here for dinner on a Friday night when my boyfriend had a 2 hour break at work and they were able to accommodate us once I told them he had to be back to work by 9. We had a younger gentleman as our server who was extremely helpful and suggestive. The soups were excellent, my boyfriends cream of broccoli was sooo good! I got the minestrone and it was good too but I ended up wanting his. We got puttanesca and vodka sauce and both were great! This place is a hidden gem!
(5)
Shawna E.
AMAZING! Delicious and the best Italian food I have ever had. My favorite restaurant I have ever been to as well. I almost don't wanna write this review in fear the place will get to busy. But they deserve the best business. I do a countdown every time I am planning to come in.
(5)
Joseph Z.
Awesome experience! Found this place on Yelp from other users. Great wine..recc the Pinot. Sausage peppers and onions excellent to start off the night along with meatballs! Had the lasagna for the main course which was fantastic! Overall highly recommended.
(5)
Sherri W.
So my favorite Italian restaurant was a bit off tonight! Our waiter Eric was once again exceptional, but what happened tonight? was it not enough I had my mother in law in town and wanted to take her to a nice dinner, wasn't that painful enough, oh no, the service for the food was so slow tonight, our dinner took almost an hour and a half to be served, did no one hear me that I was with my mother in law from out of town! They ran out of her fettuccine noodles, but she was happy with the linguine, thank you pasta gods...then a waitress dropped an entire glass of red wine at the table next to us and soaked my 12 year old daughter, I guess I expected them to at least give her a free dessert, but it wasn't offered up! So, yes I will go there again, after all it's my favorite. But not sure what was up tonight but they Need to step it up, lots of people in a very small space, and they need to keep their regular customers happy, or at least offer a free glass of wine for the inconveniences, we experienced..
(3)
De M.
Good things It was nice and cosy, they have wine, food is good for the price, they caught a mistake when they forgot an ingredient in the pasta. Bad things Waitress treated us like 5 year olds, They forgot an ingredient in the pasta but brought it out later. The soul was pure salt.
(3)
Katie M.
Love love love this place! It's hard to find excellent, authentic Italian, but this place has got it. It's very small so I suggest reservations...especially if you're going on the weekend. The atmosphere is quaint and nice although from the outside it almost looks like a mob hangout with the blackened windows and Godfather like logo. I've been here twice now and the service both times has been excellent. The servers are funny, friendly and attentive. Now the food...all the pasta is fresh. It's made by the Florida Pasta Company and they even have a fridge of pasta so you can take some home. The first time I went our group had the bruschetta, which was the best bruschetta I've ever had. The bread was fresh and had a nice mixture of soft and crunchy. Very flavorful. As an entree I had the pappardelle with ham, pancetta and sausage. It was delicious and had a wonderful white wine cream sauce. On my second trip I had the eggplant parmigiana, which was also excellent. Extremely flavorful and not too breaded. I can't wait to come back here again and again. If you're in search of authentic and delicious Italian food you need to try this place. It will become a new favorite!
(5)
Jessica B.
Loved the atmosphere! Food was amazing and great service! Totally recommend this place.
(5)
Ryan Z.
Hands down. The best Italian restaurant in Pinellas county. Very low-key and in a weird plaza but the food, atmosphere and service are amazing. Everyone is genuine and knowledgeable about the food. Fresh Pasta, Semi Italian looking man playing italian music, far away from the usual location. It really is a true gem of pinellas county.
(5)
Randy S.
What a hidden gem ! After driving past this place for years, my wife and I decided to check it out this past Fri. evening. Wow, have we been missing out. Nice intimate atmosphere. Attentive staff. Light guitar background music by a LIVE musician. But the star of the show was the food. Fresh home made pasta, a bruschetta to die for and a veal piccata like I've never had. The wife had veal parm. that see could not stop raving about. It was probably the best meal at a restaurant that we have had in, like, forever. A homemade cannoli with a cappuccino for dessert and I was in 7th heaven. The server, Karen, was great. Knowledgeable, friendly and accommodating. We can't wait to check out the rest of the menu !
(5)
Michael R.
Very nice and quiet, great atmosphere of a small Bistro. We had The steak salad and meat lasagna.The food and service were spot on.
(4)
Scott S.
We went with friends on a Saturday night. Good thing we made a reservation or the wait would have been significant. Waiter very helpful and considerate in explaining the menu to our friends, their first visit. I had the Vitello al Nonno Vincenzo which was excellent and cooked to perfection. My wife's Misto di Pesce al "Jimmy V" con Fettuccine Integrale has wheat pasta which seemed very slightly over cooked. Seafood was fresh and excellent. Wine selection is very good; especially for those of us who like Italian wine. Dessert portions are generous. We all split a chocolate cake and enjoyed in thoroughly.
(5)
Alice B.
Used to be our favorite Italian restaurant. Took some friends after they remodeled. It used to be a cozy, intimate Italian restaurant, now it's just a big room with lots of tables on top of each other. The night we were there, there was a problem with the AC and the computer. Waited a long time for drinks and appetizers and they didn't even bring bread until we asked for it. The dinner portions were skimpy and ho hum at best. We were there over 2 hrs. And we were embarrassed after bragging to our friends how good it was. The waiter could tell we were upset but never offered a complimentary dessert or a glass of wine. We will not be back. P.S. they should never have "remodeled". It was much warmer and nicer before. You could see all they wanted to do was squeeze more tables in a small space so everyone was on top of each other. Too bad!
(2)
Wesley H.
Only thing i can say is pure excellence. Food and service were the best I have experienced in a long time. Definitely will return.
(5)
Kristen T.
This place is a gem! The food is real Italian, never disappoints & the prices are affordable. Like all the other reviews say, it's one of those places you just drive by b/c it's in a strip mall in P Park! But, the food makes up for it.
(5)
Shawn H.
We tried Da Sesto last night since our other favorite Italian restaurant, Italia Mia, is closed on Mondays. We were not disappointed! We ordered a "Build Your Own" Antipasto which was very good. The antipasto is sold per person, but the waiter was kind enough to warn us that the portion would be too large if we paid for two and suggested that we just order it for one. There are several meats, cheeses, and vegetable accompaniments to choose from so you can get the flavors you'd like. Everything was fresh and tasty. The minestrone soup was descent. It was my least favorite part of the dinner but still good - just nothing to write home about. The bread that was served with dinner was very good. (I still like Italia Mia's rolls better, but very few restaurants serve bread as good as Italia Mia does!). We both ordered pasta and this is where Da Sesto shined very brightly. The Puttanesca Alla Fancesca was absolutely amazing. The pasta was cooked to a perfect al dente and the sauce was definitely home made with the perfect blend of everything. Perfect amount of olives, capers, garlic, roasted red peppers, and even the anchovies were just the right amount. The other dish was Spaghetti Bolognese with a side of Meatballs. The meat sauce was to die for! The meat balls got a mixed review at our table. I absolutely loved them, but the person I was with didn't think they were that good. I think the difference of opinion came from the fact that they were made with a beef and veal blend. I think the veal threw the other person off on them, but my opinion is that they were 5 star meatballs! We didn't make it to dessert and both of us left with doggie bags. They also have an extensive wine list and quite a few dessert choices. I can't comment on the wine or desserts specifically because neither of us ordered any, but if the rest of the food is any indication, the desserts are likely to be very good as well. As I started this review, I had filled in 4 stars because I still like Italia Mia very much and was thinking that they couldn't possibly get as high of a rating as them. But, Italia Mia is more basic. I like them better for certain things, but Da Sesto is a step up in quality, price, and ambiance, so they get five stars! I will definitely be back!!!
(5)
S S.
This is hands down the best Italian Restaurant in the area. Every thing we have eaten here has been amazing, fresh and memorable. They make all their own pastas which is evident the second you bite into it, and they have a great assortment of different items to meet even the pickiest eaters. Their house salad dressing is addicting, and you will want to save your bread to dip on the plate once finished with the salad. But the most important and amazing thing you MUST eat here is the Tiramisu. I dream of this Tiramisu all week after I have had it. It is award winning and home-made by one of the waiters there, Rich, who is absolutely awesome. I am not a coffee drinker...at all...but I am literally addicted to this cake. I don't know how he does it, but the quality and flavor is consistent every single time. Its light, fluffy and so flavorful that my mouth is watering as i speak of it. He is also really fun to have as your waiter, so definitely ask for him if you are trying this place out. My recommendations for the food are the Manicotti, any of the ravioli, the Chicken Picatta, and Lasagna Bolognese. I am dieing to try their Osso Bucco, but hubby isn't into that cut of meat and the portion is for 2 :( I highly recommend you try this place if you are looking for an intimate and memorable meal.
(5)
D N.
We had reservations for four, on a Saturday evening. Due to the packed crowd in their small space there was no place to move upon entering, but we were seated within a few minutes. The live music is a nice addition and provides a soft buffer to the noise. This was our third visit. We love their home made pasta! We all ordered the chef specials. One item was a whole baked yellow tailed snapper deboned table side. Our waiter was attentive, but the wait time was considerable. Added to that, when the entrees finally did arrive, the waiter surprisingly discovered that both fish were not fully cooked. Back to the kitchen for an additional 20 minutes. We all agreed it would have been nice for the kitchen to have had the timing of that special figured out. Once served the snapper was fresh and flavorful. My gnocchi with gorgonzola sauce is a regular menu item, but the sauce was bland with too much cream and not enough cheese taste.The special included a fillet of beef with it. The medium rare beef could have been more tender for a fillet. Our third veal dish was very good. Our group has traveled through northern and southern Italy. Da Sesto's food is an Americanized version of both regions. The kitchen over reached with their specials on a very busy week end, but we will return during the week and order items from their regular menu. Their portions are generous, so save room for one of their yummy desserts. They also have an excellent wine selection, or bring your own for a reasonable $10.00 cork fee.
(3)
Tina F.
Loved everything from the food to the atmosphere with a live guitar musician in the background. We made reservations at 8, and the place was packed when we arrived. It was well worth the 15 min wait. The wait staff and owner provided excellent service. Will definitely recommend to friends and family, and we will be back!
(5)
Christine S.
Surprisingly good for a little place in a strip mall in Pinellas Park. I have been here twice and had two good experiences. I would say that the flavors in the food are not overly complex, but simple preparations and large portions, along with a very affordable wine list make this a great choice. Skip the chain "Italian" restaurants and come here - you will be happy you did. Ask about the specials of the day - and hope you get there before they sell out!
(4)
Mimi K.
We ate here based on Yelp reviews. There were 6 of us at the table. We ordered the fried calamari and garlic bread with cheese for appetizers. They were very good but the sauce the bread was served with was outstanding. We were hopeful that the sauce for our main dishes would be as good. I ordered the bolognese. The sauce on that dish was not the same base as what came with the appetizers and was over seasoned. The meatballs were also seasoned pretty strongly. I didn't care for the bolognese. Someone at my table ordered pasta with seafood and loved it. This place makes its own pasta so you can mix & match sauces and pastas. You can also purchase the pasta to cook at home. I recommend that you tell your server if you prefer your pasta al dente. I didn't tell my server and my pasta was slightly over cooked. We really enjoyed the atmosphere and the service was great. We all liked the Italian music playing in the background. We ordered dessert and coffee. Both were VERY GOOD. I ordered the tiramisu. It was perfect. The filling was light and airy and the 'cake' part was moist but not soaked. Try it! The coffee was very good too. I would definitely try this place again next time I am on the area. They have music on the weekends so call ahead for reservations.
(3)
Tom M.
We love Yelp and we love Da Sesto's. Four of us went to dinner last night (we were visiting St Pete for a wedding). The first thing you notice is the friendliness of the staff. Place was very busy and we did not have reservations - but were seated immediately. If you do go, ask for Richard. I'm sure all the servers are good but Richard was outstanding. His recommendation for wine was spot on - and for $24 a bottle, very reasonable. Every course was perfect from the salads to the stuffed pork chop and gnocchi for me to the tiramisu for desert. It was a perfect meal. And to top things off, a Russian classical guitarist (I don't remember his name) serenaded us all evening. This was a great dinner. Thank you Da Sesto's.
(5)
John C.
WOW great food loved the bolognese and panni for lunch today ended with cappuccino and a lemon torte the decor is the real feel of Italiano ristorante.Ciao
(5)
Ben T.
We stopped in at De Sesto because of an advertisement coupon in a non-profit-fundraiser's coupon book (buy one get one free entree) on a Saturday night, 8:00 PM or so. We were seated immediately upon arrival, the place was bustling and noisy, but not packed. Service seemed a bit frantic and we felt rushed to order, then we waited a long while for our entrees. My companion was not enthusiastic about his Linguine Alfredo (very thin) with added chicken and my La Parmiggiana with Chicken was fine, nothing special. The red sauce served with my pasta seemed young and acidic, while I prefer mine to be cooked longer and savory. We were never offered refills on our beverages. When we presented our coupon, we were told that the coupon was not accepted on Friday or Saturday night (not stated on the coupon) and that there was a sign in the lobby (again, we were seated immediately, so had not been given time to look around the lobby). We were offered half-off one meal, instead, which was taken off Alfredo, but the chicken addition was still full price. As we left, we looked for "the sign" which was 10+ feet from the door, amidst other various signs/notices. Not particularly noticeable nor conveniently located. We have found other Italian restaurants throughout St. Petersburg that we have found more delicious and worthy of our patronage.
(2)
Darren L.
Nice little place with great food, but weird location in strip mall, I believe the pasta is homeade and they sell it frozen as well.
(4)
Sharon D.
Went there for a business lunch in February and have been back for dinner at least 8 times since great food and all staff personnel very friendly. Highly recommend
(5)
BPF x.
I dined here for an early dinner in April of 2011 when I was in the area. We were the only table there, but it wasn't an awkward experience. It is a very intimate dining location, with only 50 or so seats. I had the spaghetti and their red sauce was amazing. It wasn't spicy, but instead was quite sweet. In fact, they sell their sauces and a number of their food products. The service was great, amazing table maintenance, and left nothing to be desired. The location of this place is so random and easily missed, but it's a great experience.
(4)
Felix T.
My favorite cheap Italian lunch spot in the area! It is about as authentic Italian as you can get in Pinellas Park/Seminole/far north St.Pete, and that's saying a lot! The Lunch special is $6.70, pretty awesome for getting filled up. The special comes with two rotating daily pasta specials, usually one filled pasta and one noodle-and-sauce dish. The special also comes with soup or salad and bread. They get all their pasta fresh as the owners wife runs a local fresh pasta maker and distributor. Dinner is not as cheap but still reasonable with pastas ($8.50-15), meat/poultry dishes ($13-24.5) and seafood ($16-21), all tasty. The service is always friendly but the timing is a little off, I have waited any where from 15-35 minutes to get my food from the time I sit down at lunch. The Dress is a little more classy for dinner than the very casual lunch, so beware.
(4)
Stephen S.
Wow. I was not expecting food that good. The wine was excellent.That Pasta was yummmy. It was very clean. Go there... You will love it too...
(5)
Andreas A.
nearly like in italy. we had pasta. all really delicious. we come again.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street, Private Lot Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Intimate Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Dogs Allowed : No 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.
Brian S.
Fantastic little Italian place. Owner is the cook, everything we've tried has been amazing. Come early for room, or expect a wait. On the weekends they have classical acoustic guitar.
(5)Gigi S.
Had such a great time at the Yelp event here that we headed back for more with a small clan in tow. After some weirdness with the service telling us we'd have to move on because of another reservation, we got an apology, got over it, and ordered assuring our friends that they would enjoy the remainder of the meal. Unfortunatley that didn't happen for us. Luckily, it's pretty far away, so I can claim it's just too far. I'm stoked that Pinellas Park loves their Italian joint, and they can keep it too.
(3)Deborah S.
My wife and I tried this little hole in the wall about a month ago. We've been back 4 times since. Awesome food, great service, wonderful atmosphere.. Forget the Big chain restaurants, this is the real deal.
(5)Marvin Z.
To put it clearly, I am actually a fan. The three stars is because of one thing... there was just a pound of sauce on top of my pasta (Pappardelle Mamma Angela). It was like a soup, it was delicious but it was annoying and weird. It totally overpowered my pasta. I would go here again but I would definitely not order the same thing. It seemed to me that it was extremely popular. Maybe I am just not used to having a pound of sauce on my pasta.
(3)John L.
+ welcoming tone by male who took called-in reservation for 5 pm.. + warmly greeted by hostess at 4:45pm - even though 2 of us were seated and awaiting 2 guests, we were not asked if we wanted to order drinks until we ordered antipasto, which included cho
(2)Kerry B.
I am italian, and from philadelphia where homemade pasta and sauces are a must, Da Sesto Fit the bill! I had the chicken marsala with homemade linguini, and my husband had the osso bucco and risotto (yes, it's for two, but that didn't stop him from eating it all). This was literally as good if not better than some of the BEST italian restaurants in philadelphia. The prices were GREAT and we got a half off coupon out of a local paper! You cannot beat that. We WILL go back again and again. We have traveled to the St. pete area for six years. All the italian restaurants i visited were a distant second to opening a bottle of Prego and a box of barilla... and i DO NOT eat jarred spaghetti sauce. Da Sesto changed all that.
(5)Joshua S.
What a hidden gem this place is! My wife and I ate here for the first time this evening and I have to say it was a pleasant surprise all the way around. Great food, cozy atmosphere, and excellent service. We'll go back on a weekend next time though, when there's a classical guitarist playing. All in all it was a great experience. Recommended.
(4)Andrea R.
Amazing Italian dining experience. After attending the Yelp Tampa Bay event a couple of weeks ago and sampling some food from Da Sesto I instantly bookmarked it to try more later. I am so glad I did, After this meal I will never eat Italian food any where else. Tucked into a strip mall in Pinellas Park Da Sesto is a charming little place with limited seating but much ambiance. The only slight annoyance was the initial lack of hostess in sight or acknowledgement but we were eventually greeted and seated after a couple of minutes standing in the doorway. Eric was our waiter for the evening and he was very happy to explain everything, and make recommendations. I also watched him do a correct wine presentation and pour at another table which I appreciated. We ordered the create your own antipasto platter which came with Prosecco. We decided on Prosciutto, roast pork, Asiago, parm, marinated veggies and sun dried tomatoes. What an amazing flavor experience. I will totally order this again. We also ordered the sautéed spinach and pancetta appetizer that my dinner companion ate most of because she loved it so much. We were wanting to leave without the aid of a flatbed so we decided to split an entrée. We decided on the lobster ravioli with scallops in an asiago cream sauce which came with a Cesar salad. What a delightful meal! the ravioli was tender and flavorful and the scallops were cooked perfectly. The Caesar salad was also amazing as the dressing is made in house. Thanks to my Yelp check in I had an offer for a free mini cannoli for dessert. I am so glad they were mini cannoli, because while they were absolutely delicious, I could not have put anything more in my mouth than one mini cannoli. I can't wait to go back and try more menu items, and will request Eric as a server. A top notch experience.
(5)Nate W.
The Lobstah Ravioli was the bomb.com . Great Italian food and very welcoming staff. It doesn't look like much from the outside located in a small plaza but this place is a hidden gem.
(5)K T.
3rd time here and tonight I'm very disappointed. Ordered my pasta same way, my way, the same 3 times I have been here. Tonight I made sure I specified. "I would like. Penne in your white cream sauce with chicken and shrimp with onions, mushrooms and capers". Done deal... So I thought: mind you, my cousin ordered the same: so once our plate arrived....! SHOCKED. We had other toppings that were not asked for. Sooo, as I explained to our waiter who was very nice mind you. He gathered my plate and took it away. Still hungry I asked for more bruschetta which is omg. The best. It came bread hot and ready to eat. They took care of my main dish and the 2nd, yes, 2nd order of bruschetta on the house as well as my 3rd glass of Chianti. Thank you! I will return!
(3)Melissa Z.
I can't believe how good this Italian food is here! If it wasn't for Yelp and the reviews, I would likely not have tried this place only because it's in a very small strip mall out of the way for us in Pinellas Park. If You blink, you will miss this place driving by. I ordered the eggplant parmigiana, my standard entree. My boyfriend ordered the chicken parm, his favorite. We both loved our meals. Since my move to Florida, this stands out as one of the best parmigiana meals I have had. It's a thinly sliced eggplant, breaded and baked. It's not dried out and it's not mushie either. It was also loaded with cheese, which makes everything better. The fact that they hand make their own pasta in house gets high praise from me. And You can tell the difference in texture. The other bonus that sets this place apart is the sauce: rich, thick, hearty and savory. I can't tell you how many meals I've had where the pasta sauce was just oil and chunky tomatoes. The sauce was so fresh- it tastes like the tomatoes were crushed and cooked that afternoon. There are so many pasta options, meat and vegetarian, and sauce combinations that we are eager to come back and try something else on the menu. You can order a pasta dish and add grilled eggplant if you want a healthier option! I was surprised and disappointed to see other reviewers experience poor customer service. Even though we were one of the last tables of the night ( we came in around 9ish) we were not rushed. Since this was our first time dining here I don't know how service is in general, but our server Eric was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable about how the entrees are prepared. Eric said he's been with this restaurant for 6 years so I would request him as your server.
(5)Megan B.
This was my first Yelp event. I went with a friend who has been pestering me to write reviews and get involved with Yelp for a long time. When we got there they had very nice hors d'oeuvres sitting out on a table for everyone to partake in. They had several different types of wine that we could taste. And then later they had four different kinds of pasta for us to try and later a dessert tray that had cannolis and Italian cookies. The only thing I did not like was trying to fit so many people in a small space that it was hard to navigate around the chairs and tables. I definitely want to go back and see what is on the dinner menu but I will go with a small group or on a date. However the owner was very kind and seem to be truly happy to have so many people try his restaurant.
(5)Alyssa S.
Stopped in for lunch today after a classmate raved about this cute little Italian restaurant. It is small but the food was great. They have $6.95 lunch specials where you can have a pasta or half pasta and a salad or soup. They offer bread with pesto and oil, I always love a good Bread to kick things off. My salad was a nice spring might with tomatoes, olives, cucumber they didn't skimp on the salad. I ordered angel hair pasta with pesto and pine nuts. It was simple but great. Next time I will definitely ordered a meat in it. My boyfriend ordered half and half of today's specials which was gorgonzola tortellini and a shell pasta with mushrooms chicken and tomato sauce. Both were even better than mine so I stole some off his plate! There were only two servers but offered great service. They were attentive and quick. I will definitely be back.
(5)Jason R.
By far the best meal that I've had on my vacation. Everything that we got was amazing. From the pasta ala vodka to the gnocchi, everything was excellent. So much on the menu that I wanted to try but couldn't fit it in with one visit. Will definitely be back!
(5)Dick V.
Gorgonzola and pear... Brie and raspberries... and a waiter who loves his job and wine more than that. perfect.
(5)Brett N.
Why 5 stars? Because this is some of the best Italian food I've ever had. --- --- --- I'm so happy to have discovered Da Sesto. It was an accident really, but it turned out really well for me (and other Yelpers.) We had a couple Italian vendors on board for our annual Yelper Party back in May, until in the same day, both of the backed out. I didn't really know who else to ask, so I went to Yelp and looked for Italian restaurants that had good reviews. Da Sesto had phenomenal ratings, so I just went to his website and sent him a generic email from the contact page. Lucky for me, Sesto responded quickly. He killed it at the Yelper Party, and then killed it again at our recent Elite event. But in between those two, I decided to pop in and see what all the fuss was about. FUSS = WORTHY I have been disappointed with Italian food more than I've been happy with it over time, but Da Sesto just simply serves amazing food. My go-to is lobster ravioli, and I was not disappointed. My girlfriend had the Capelli D'angelo with scallops It was also wonderful. Da Sesto is easily my favorite restaurant in Pinellas County.
(5)Trish I.
Best intimate Italian meal around. Everything was fresh, hot, and delicious. Seafood is particularly fabulous.
(5)Todd B.
Melissa and I finally made it back to Da Sesto after the great 2014 yelp event they hosted a number of months back. We knew after that event that we had to come back, so to all of you business owners out there that have rejected hosting a yelp event, let this be a lesson to you! Moving on. We arrived kind of late. Tried to make a reservation, but open table or yelp or whichever system we used said they didn't have any available reservations until 10:00 (a bit weird since they close at 10). However, upon arriving, they sat us right away at one of a few open tables (so take note, they may leave tables open for walk-ins, or perhaps they just had a couple of no-shows because the patrons couldn't find the restaurant - seriously, it isn't easy to find if you aren't looking). If I can add on to something Melissa said, some reviewers may have had some bad service, but that was not our experience at all. From the moment we walked in, everyone was friendly and gracious (everyone being the hostess and server). They had some specials that sounded great, but I was really in the mood for my old standby - chix parm. They have a spicy tomato sauce they use in a couple of pasta dishes and they were willing to substitute the standard sauce on the parm and the side of pasta with the spicy sauce. Well worth it. Trust me, if you're getting tomato sauce, ask for the spicy. Deliciouso (that's my best Italian). They also have a whole wheat pasta that you can substitute for your side of pasta. The menu was really great, too. Besides your standards, they also have a list of all of their handmade pastas and include a bunch of things you can add to it - from chicken and sausage to eggplant and peppers. Obviously, there's a charge for each thing you add, but it's a build your own dish so that whatever you're craving, you can probably get it here. We also each got a glass of wine - I got their house pinot grigio which wasn't the best, but I got a cheap glass of wine, so what could I expect. Finally, the yelp check-in comes with a small cannolli (I can't be bothered to look up how to spell that, sorry). The cream was great, though I didn't love the pastry. The funniest part was how thrilled the server was that we were getting something for free. Went on and on about how much management loves when there's evidence people are using yelp. Special recognition to our server Eric who was fantastic, and a special nod to Melissa, who remembered our server's name was Eric when she wrote her review. Thanks babe! Anyway, except for the constant touching of my shoulder when he came by the table (made me a bit uncomfortable and Melissa a bit jealous), he was one of the best servers we've experienced outside of a fine dining restaurant. Knew everything, timed everything perfectly, and was very warm and welcoming (maybe a bit too welcoming). We shall be back.
(5)Mark H.
7 of us made 5:30 reservations at Da Sesto for my son's 15th birthday last night. When we were seated, the hostess told my brother, "This table is reserved for 7:30, just so you know." This obviously rubbed us all the wrong way, and honestly, I considered walking out. A few moments later, the chef came over and apologized for the confusion and let us know that a different table was reserved for 7:30, and not ours. Either way, the incident happened, and could not be undone. I ordered the Penne al Sesto (add chicken) with a side Caesar salad. The salad was great, no complaints there. I loved it's gorgonzola twist. My main course was equally as good. There is just something special about fresh pasta. The Penne al Sesto was definitely a smart choice considering the dishes the rest of my party ordered. While I enjoyed mine, no one else seemed overly happy about what they ordered. In fact, for the price of the dishes, I think everyone looked a bit let down. I talked this place up to my fam based on samples from the Yelp Around the World Party, and cited the great reviews on Yelp, and I fear my credibility with them might now be on the fritz. To reiterate, the Penne al Sesto was good, but it wasn't drive 45 minutes to Pinellas Park good. I can get eqaully as good Italian dishes in my neighborhood without the long drive. Laslty, our servers made us feel rushed. One of them tried to take my plate before I was done, and another grabbed the dessert menu from my mother before she even had a chance to fully look it over. So because of the service flops and the underwhelming Italian dishes, I have to painfully go against the Yelp grain here with a 2 star rating. We have a Yelp event here in a few weeks, so I hope that they throw out some samples that convince us to try it again.
(2)Joseph D.
Where do I start? Greeted promptly by the hostess. Ask what we were celebrating. Wife's retirement! We were taken to a cozy table for two, given menus and wine list and told our waitress Ally would be with us shortly. Ally was an excellent waitress. Told us about of the evenings specials and since it was our first time gave us a brief history of the owner as well as the restaurant. Started with the Bruschetta Romano. Bread was toasted just right. Not too hard and the topping came in a self serve bowl. The chopped tomatoes garlic and olive oil was fresh tasting without being overpowering. Wife ordered the Melanzane (eggplant) Parmiggiana. It came with a salad and a side of linguini Her words. "Melted in my mouth. Outstanding!. I had the Spaghetti Aglio E Olio. I asked if they could add a few anchovy fillets which they did. Mine was also served with a salad. All of the pastas are freshly made and you can really tell the difference. Portions are very good sized and wife and I brought enough home for a midnight snack. Had cheesecake for desert. Overall a wonderful meal. What made it 5 stars for us was the attention given to us by all of the staff. From the hostess to our waitress. From the owner to the chef. We will definitely be back. 8/8/2014 We went back for lunch today. Another outstanding visit. I had Linguini Aglio E Olio w/ sausage. My wife had a chicken panini. Both we great and the service was outstanding. Thanks
(5)Vasilios P.
If you are not eating Italian food here, you're missing out. If you are not eating here, you're missing out period. Great food, incredible service and atmosphere. Amazing intimate restaraunt. Eat here now.
(5)Kelleigh M.
Located in an unassuming strip center, you'll find DeSesto. I decided upon trying them for lunch, since I missed the Yelp event earlier in the week. This restaurant is small and intimate-it smelled of fresh sautéing garlic upon entering and I knew from there on out I was in store for a treat. They had 2 pasta specials that I couldn't decide between. In order to eliminate my dilemma, the server suggested I get a half order of both! Why, I don't mind if I do. The first was a half moon ravioli stuffed with chicken and spinach and finished off with Alfredo-so fresh and all homemade. The other one was an orrichette pasta with sliced sausage, onions and green tomatoes. The tastes were completely different and was a good balance to the plate. I also added on a side Ceasar salad for only $2 more. My meal came with bread and dipping sauce. All in all, it was less than $10 and full of flavor. I would definitely return to DeSesto to try more of their menu.
(4)Crystal H.
I have now been to Da Sesto about 6-7 times and I consider it my favorite restaurant. While I do not love everything here (more on that in a moment), I do love the majority of the dishes that I have tried here. I can honestly say that several of them are the best that I have ever had. I consider this the best Italian restaurant that I have dined at (hence the 5 stars despite a few things that I have disliked). For an appetizer make sure you order the spinach, cheese and artichoke dip. It is hands down the best artichoke dip I have ever tasted. It's warm, full of artichokes and spinach and served with amazing cheese-baked crisps. So delicious. I must warn you that you will be incredibly full if you order this app and you will probably take home most your dinner. It is worth it though, trust me. For dinner I really love their Arrabiata sauce, Penne Alla Sesto, Sweet Potato Ravioli with Butter Sage Sauce and Fettuccine Alfredo. Now for the two things I have had and didn't care for: their meatballs (this may just be a cultural thing. I am definitely realizing I like "American" style meatballs in my pasta more so than Italian). The second thing was the Gnocchi Gorgonzola. The Gorgonzola sauce is WAY too rich and overpowering. It killed the perfectly cooked gnocchi. I have had the gnocchi here in a spicy tomato sauce and I much preferred that version of it. If you want gnocchi, ask for different sauce. Service is always outstanding. The unlimited freshly baked bread is so good that it is hard not to fill up on it before your meal comes. The Minestrone soup that is an option before your meal is intensely flavorful and will have you licking your spoon. There isn't much not to like about Da Sesto. I still highly recommend it!
(5)P M.
Everything is fresh and homemade. The spinach artichoke mushroom appetizer is one the best things I have eaten. The chicken/veal Marsala is impeccable. They even have pasta and sauces you can purchase to make at home. Small but cozy. The owner and staff are wonderful.
(5)Carolyn R.
Great Italian food in Pinellas Park! It's located in a strip mall and doesn't look like much from the outside, but it is cozy and comfortable. I always order the Gamberoni Michelina and it never disappoints. My husband usually orders one of the specials, most recently it was the Pork Osso Buca which was to die for! Good food and the staff and hostess are very welcoming as well!
(4)Angela M.
I was a plus one at a Yelp Elite event and returned because the food was outstanding! All of the pasta is made fresh. The atmosphere is romantic. Dim lights and acoustic guitar nightly. You can select the pasta, sauce and toppings of your choice in addition to the many items the have on their menu. The bruschetta is the best I have EVER had! I created my own dish based on a special they were having, took off the meat and added vegetables. It didn't taste quite right. The server noticed I wasn't enjoying it and offered to replace my meal. I was pleasantly surprised (half embarrassed too). I then chose a simple fettuccine Alfredo with spinach. It simply could not have been better. Their mini cannoli's are amazing. They do not add the cream until it is being served. Locals are lucky to have his hidden Italian gem! Staff is excellent! The owner is the chef and will guarantee satisfaction! Tip: if you want the "full experience" visit anytime other than 5:30-7:30 Fridays and Saturdays as that is their busiest time.
(5)Sharon D.
This is a very special place. The Chef is excellent. Came out to the table twice to see how we liked everything. Food and service were fabulous. Live music was perfect not too loud just right for dinner. We will certainly go back.
(5)Justina G.
I have been going to this restaurant for years and they have GREAT Italian food. This visit we had the worst service I have ever encountered from the staff.. Our waitress was very overwhelmed. The wait staff argued in front of customers on what tables they were going to service. We had reservations for 6:30 all of party arrived on time but one person who was 10 minutes late (6 people) . The waitress basically ignored us. When she finally came over to take our order she was rude. Our food did not arrive at our table until 8:30. The place is small but they were busy on the night we were there. The only pleasant and happy staff member was the hostess. I would recommend the management provide the staff with more customer service training. Not sure I will go back again....GREAT food GREAT atmosphere.... Terrible customer service.
(2)James K.
They have Fresh homemade pastas like lobster ravioli to take out. Very reasonable for the quality. Service and food are very good. Wines are reasonable and the veal Marsala is generous and very well prepared. I've been back now three times and will go again.
(4)Jon H.
Amazing Italian Food and Atmosphere. A little piece of Italy in PInellas Park. After several visits I continue to be amazed and the superior dishes, fresh pasta and sauces and succulent sides. Make sure to try the hand made stuffed olives which are something special! Customize your own italian dish, choose from one of their Delicious menu items or really treat yourself and try one of the Chef Specials! The red Sangria keeps my wife happy and the Cap & Cannoli after dinner really finishes off a perfect meal. Try this place if you haven't already!
(5)Ragan U.
Update on original review below: Everyone goes on about the pasta being made in house. Well, it may be but it isn't good. All the sauces I tasted (Alfredo, Vodka, Red Sauce, Red Meat Sauce) were bland. Extremely forgetful and blah. They bring you a lot of sub par food that you hate to waste a go box on so you leave enough food on the table to feed a whole other family. If they'd eat it. Skip this place. Open a jar of Ragu and save your money. Update: Owner messaged me and apologized. Said they had an off night and someone forgot to add the spices into the sauces on the night I came. Ok. Fair enough, but he has no clue on what night I came. I never write reviews of places until a few days later. Nice try, though.
(1)Tiffany S.
Excellent! True Italian food finally found! Small place so make sure to make reservations, but a great experience overall. We will definitely be back!
(5)Melina W.
YUMMY! Food, service, and atmosphere couldn't have been better! I ordered escargot for an appetizer. I thought I'd get the standard 6 to 8 that you normally get. I got 16! Yes, I counted. All in a pastry dish with olive oil and garlic. They served Italian crusty bread to dip with. What a treat! I ordered mussels and clams with tomato sauce as my entree. The pasta was al dente. I like spicy food so the waitress gave me this pepper oil to put in my sauce. It was delicious. They also had this man playing a guitar, softly singing in the background. It was a really nice evening with my family. The ambiance was perfecto!
(5)Gwen R.
Fresh pasta, great wine, good service. Call ahead for reservation. Daily specials are good. You can taste the freshness in the tomato gravy. Bread served with pesto and roasted tomato oils, yummy. Mini cannoli were perfect ending to wonderful meal. Did I mention the live music which adds to an authentic ambiance? April was our server and very attentive.
(5)Lori S.
Great food!! Definitely need to call ahead or arrive early. Smaller restaurant. Great for lunch too
(4)Wayne S.
You wouldn't know it to look at it from the street, but the chintzy, Godfather-esque facade belies the best Italian fare in Saint Petersburg. Fresh, homemade pasta, delicious sauces, yum! It fills up fast so consider making reservations.
(4)Marge M.
Terribly over-priced mediocre food and the worst imaginable service. Forget it!!!!!
(1)Mike S.
Clearly the best Italian, and one of the best overall in Pinellas. Just south of Park/Gandy in a strip mall.. Very small but tasteful, and nice classical guitar playing european tunes. Service was very professional and helpful. Wide array of pasta dishes, and price ranges with several specials. The pasta was fresh made and delicious, from sampling lasagna, gnocci and ravioli. The antipasto was the best I have had anywhere, allowing guests to select contents, so we had 2 cheeses, capicolla, prosciutto, mixed olives, gardinieri, peppers and mixed greens. Minestrone was fine along with all entrees. Good list of desserts but we were stuffed...so we passed.....this time.
(4)Jasan A.
The place is very cozy, at least at night. Don'ts: House Wine and Cheesecake Do: Baked Potato with Truffles and Pastas Service: Really good, fast and knowledgeable. Overall: Highly recommended. Not pricey for the quality.
(4)Wendy P.
Good (to great) food - love the Pasta Sesto. Salad was also good. Small and loud and crowded and harried waiter. That being said - we will be back!
(4)Scott M.
A storefront Pizza eatery with okay to good Italian food. A Tampa Times top 50 choice ? Atmosphere 70 Storefront restaurants always leave alittle to be desired Service 80 Businesslike but okay Food 75 I have had better Value 80 Food and service make this worthwhile As a known, I would visit again. However, the bet would be that every third pizzeria has as good food. Worth the visit if you are in the area, otherwise try something local.
(3)Rene O.
My husband and I love this place! But I am not a fan of Italian food but there is something about this place that is just amazing! The gnocchi and spinach and artichoke dip is just to die for! The gelato is amazing as well. Everything I have just melts in your mouth. My husband and I even had our reception there five years ago! The owner made everything himself and it was a great day! We try to go back every year to celebrate on our anniversary. The food is amazing the people are great and the decorations are great as well. I so recommend this restaurant to as many people as possible and everyone that has gone has LOVED it!!!!! Go go go! You will not regret it I promise.
(5)Lynne L.
Amazing! Five stars on food, service, atmosphere, wine list! The Gorgonzola Gnocchi is ridiculously good as was everything. Will definitely be back when we visit St Pete again.
(5)Dani I.
My boyfriend took me here for a surprise birthday dinner and did this place wow me. The food and service is amazing. I had the butter nut squash ravioli and soup. Total food explosion in my mouth. We went again last week and I had the chicken spinach salad and it was delicious. Def recommend this place for anyone that wants to try something else rather than Carabbas.
(5)Roxi A.
Preface - I am half italian and raised by 3 generations of superb italian chefs..they successfully owned restaurants, worked in food service/hotel management and our family dinner table and home is never empty - always tons of family and friends over for italian food. I shouldn't go out for italian, but mom was moving down here and we needed to find her an alternative for when she didn't wanna cook. Atmosphere: cute, very quaint, a little romantic, very NYC italian restaurant atmosphere. Floors were greasy/slippery though.. Food: bread was ok. Should've been warm though. Moms side caesar was amazing! My side house salad with balsamic was sooo boring - I really think they just threw some evoo and pepper on spring mix and called it balsamic. Dinner - Chicken parmigiana and Veal parmigiana. Generous portions, definitely! BUT the meat was definitely frozen at some point, breadcrumbs with generic and lacked italian flavored. There are ITALIAN BREADCRUMBS for a reason!!! SAUCE - which is the main hit or miss with me. MISS! Totally lacked the italian garlic and herb flavors. It literally tasted like they puréed tomatoes......that's it. Service: our server was kind of arrogant and we were ignored most of the time and everything took forever!!!! He totally forgot about us. We were NEVER asked if we wanted cheese. Are you serious?! An Italian restaurant forgot the cheese! These 2 thoughts should never create a compound sentence. We couldn't even find anyone to flag down for some cheese...not even a busser! Also, we were never asked if we wanted more wine..there goes their extra $20! The table next to us was dissatisfied too. The girl was complaining left and right..
(2)jeffrey c.
We have eaten at DaSesto several times. The food is always wonderfully prepared and the portions are generous. The restaurant can get crowded on a Friday or Saturday night so make reservations or plan to wait. If you can get a table on the side it can sometimes be a bit quieter as the room can get noisy when the resturant is full. On most Saturday's when we visit Boris is playing the guitar and singing which just adds to the enjoyment.
(5)Allen U.
This is flavorless, less than mediocre Italian food. The reviews that rave are baffling. The red sauce tastes exactly like it is from a metal can. The vodka sauce has no pizazz. It is extremely blah. The house salad dressing is delicious. The wait staff makes you feel like you are about to receive the best Italian food ever. They bring out food that is not as good as chain Italian. Head to Carrabba's. Really. Do.
(2)Chelsea S.
Okay. This place is quite the treasure. Not only were they super accommodating and pet friendly, they went above and beyond to bring my dog water in a kitchen dish since they didn't have dog bowls. The hostess and waiter both had impeccable service and were polite as well as friendly; and the food very delicious. What a find, I'm glad to have found such this unsuspecting spot! Definitely will come back here.
(5)Jennifer P.
My family and I have been coming here for years. Sesto really knows his stuff and works tirelessly at making this restaurant great. I highly recommend the Penne Alla Sesto. It is super creamy with wonderful pieces of mushroom, onion and sun-dried tomato. You can't go wrong. My family also likes to get the Gorgonzola gnocchi as an appetizer. It can be a little rich for a main portion, but is perfect for sharing. Don't worry, it's not too heavy on the Gorgonzola, but it is a wonderful creamy sauce. This place is a true gem, don't be fooled by the strip mall location. The inside is nicely decorated without being too fancy. Also, did I mention that Sesto makes all his own noodles? If you haven't tried this place, please do. You won't be sorry.
(5)Thomas J.
Very small interior, in my opinion the tables are crammed too closely together - a togetherness akin to a commune or prison. Service was good, although not outstanding. Food overall good, but inconsistent. Last time there the cream sauce in my pasta dish had seperated, and the best the waiter could offer was that "it happens ". To be fair, other meals there have been good to excellent.
(3)Jessica W.
The food is wonderful! I've loved every thing I've had so far, their pasta is phenomenal, the bread is great and so are the dipping oil/spices. The only reasons it didn't get 5 stars is because for one thing it's very cramped, so I'd love to see them upgrade their facilities. Another thing is that even though the staff are all very friendly, the service can be slow, even when it's not busy. However I will let that slide because the food is that good.
(4)Stacia S.
What a find! Thank you yelp! Excellent service, fresh pasta and smiling patrons! What a find. Thank you yelp!
(5)Audrey V.
Hands down BEST Italian meal in the area!! We've been going here for a few years and have had nothing but the best service and food. Be prepared to have a slow and relaxing dinner with your family.
(5)N P.
Excellent food and absolutely loved our server April! she made us feel like we were back home in New York!! She explained everything and helped us make our choices. love love love this place & definitely recommend if you like authentic Italian cooking!!!!
(5)Gary H.
Every time I'm even close to the Tampa/ Pinellas Park area, I swing by here. The homemade meat sauce is the best I've ever had....I think the bruschetta is as well. Don't put it on your list of places to go....go now.
(5)Thomas W.
There are places you pass by every day because you just don't see them; this is one of those places. It's unfortunately tucked into a shopping center with small signage on a busy street and cramped parking lot. Thankfully, yelpers braved this location before and rated it so well that my hand (and fork) was forced into trying it. TO THE LUNCH BUS! 4 of us entered this place and were pleasantly surprised by the atmosphere. It's simple, it's quaint, and it's inviting. Oh, and look at that specials menu. Here we go... I had the sandwich special: Ham, Roast Pork, LTO, RR Pepper, Mayo on Focaccia bread. (PICTURED) - side bar...how does a place rated so well and food so damn awesome not have any pics before me?! The sandwich was amazing..i mean just look at the pic and tell me your mouth isn't watering. Every bite had so many flavors interacting, like an Italian-style Cuban on steroids. Everything about this sandwich worked and was firing on all cylinders. 2 of my friends both got the Gnocchi and one got it w/ chicken added (pictured!). They both raved about it...and are still talking about it a week later. My other friend got the meatball sub and was surprised just how good the obviously homemade meatballs were. He did say that b/c the meatballs were so big, maybe don't get the roll toasted as it made it a bit difficult to eat. (pictured!) We all got outta there for around $10 for lunch w/ tip. All-in-all just go there.
(5)Jennifer M.
What a hidden gem this place is! I met a friend for lunch here. It's small inside with scattered tables and can get a bit noisy, but it's still a very quaint bistro. The wait staff is great, but the food was fabulous, especially for the price. Huge portions, great spices and very authentic. Warm bread with dipping sauces were served. Salads are huge! There's also a mini market for some of their home made pastas, like ravioli. Definitely recommend this place if you're in the mood for very good italian food!
(5)Bea S.
Wow! I moved to Tampa about 1.5 years ago from Pennsylvania and I just haven't found that authentic Italian restaurant like those we have in the north. I came here for dinner on a Friday night when my boyfriend had a 2 hour break at work and they were able to accommodate us once I told them he had to be back to work by 9. We had a younger gentleman as our server who was extremely helpful and suggestive. The soups were excellent, my boyfriends cream of broccoli was sooo good! I got the minestrone and it was good too but I ended up wanting his. We got puttanesca and vodka sauce and both were great! This place is a hidden gem!
(5)Shawna E.
AMAZING! Delicious and the best Italian food I have ever had. My favorite restaurant I have ever been to as well. I almost don't wanna write this review in fear the place will get to busy. But they deserve the best business. I do a countdown every time I am planning to come in.
(5)Joseph Z.
Awesome experience! Found this place on Yelp from other users. Great wine..recc the Pinot. Sausage peppers and onions excellent to start off the night along with meatballs! Had the lasagna for the main course which was fantastic! Overall highly recommended.
(5)Sherri W.
So my favorite Italian restaurant was a bit off tonight! Our waiter Eric was once again exceptional, but what happened tonight? was it not enough I had my mother in law in town and wanted to take her to a nice dinner, wasn't that painful enough, oh no, the service for the food was so slow tonight, our dinner took almost an hour and a half to be served, did no one hear me that I was with my mother in law from out of town! They ran out of her fettuccine noodles, but she was happy with the linguine, thank you pasta gods...then a waitress dropped an entire glass of red wine at the table next to us and soaked my 12 year old daughter, I guess I expected them to at least give her a free dessert, but it wasn't offered up! So, yes I will go there again, after all it's my favorite. But not sure what was up tonight but they Need to step it up, lots of people in a very small space, and they need to keep their regular customers happy, or at least offer a free glass of wine for the inconveniences, we experienced..
(3)De M.
Good things It was nice and cosy, they have wine, food is good for the price, they caught a mistake when they forgot an ingredient in the pasta. Bad things Waitress treated us like 5 year olds, They forgot an ingredient in the pasta but brought it out later. The soul was pure salt.
(3)Katie M.
Love love love this place! It's hard to find excellent, authentic Italian, but this place has got it. It's very small so I suggest reservations...especially if you're going on the weekend. The atmosphere is quaint and nice although from the outside it almost looks like a mob hangout with the blackened windows and Godfather like logo. I've been here twice now and the service both times has been excellent. The servers are funny, friendly and attentive. Now the food...all the pasta is fresh. It's made by the Florida Pasta Company and they even have a fridge of pasta so you can take some home. The first time I went our group had the bruschetta, which was the best bruschetta I've ever had. The bread was fresh and had a nice mixture of soft and crunchy. Very flavorful. As an entree I had the pappardelle with ham, pancetta and sausage. It was delicious and had a wonderful white wine cream sauce. On my second trip I had the eggplant parmigiana, which was also excellent. Extremely flavorful and not too breaded. I can't wait to come back here again and again. If you're in search of authentic and delicious Italian food you need to try this place. It will become a new favorite!
(5)Jessica B.
Loved the atmosphere! Food was amazing and great service! Totally recommend this place.
(5)Ryan Z.
Hands down. The best Italian restaurant in Pinellas county. Very low-key and in a weird plaza but the food, atmosphere and service are amazing. Everyone is genuine and knowledgeable about the food. Fresh Pasta, Semi Italian looking man playing italian music, far away from the usual location. It really is a true gem of pinellas county.
(5)Randy S.
What a hidden gem ! After driving past this place for years, my wife and I decided to check it out this past Fri. evening. Wow, have we been missing out. Nice intimate atmosphere. Attentive staff. Light guitar background music by a LIVE musician. But the star of the show was the food. Fresh home made pasta, a bruschetta to die for and a veal piccata like I've never had. The wife had veal parm. that see could not stop raving about. It was probably the best meal at a restaurant that we have had in, like, forever. A homemade cannoli with a cappuccino for dessert and I was in 7th heaven. The server, Karen, was great. Knowledgeable, friendly and accommodating. We can't wait to check out the rest of the menu !
(5)Michael R.
Very nice and quiet, great atmosphere of a small Bistro. We had The steak salad and meat lasagna.The food and service were spot on.
(4)Scott S.
We went with friends on a Saturday night. Good thing we made a reservation or the wait would have been significant. Waiter very helpful and considerate in explaining the menu to our friends, their first visit. I had the Vitello al Nonno Vincenzo which was excellent and cooked to perfection. My wife's Misto di Pesce al "Jimmy V" con Fettuccine Integrale has wheat pasta which seemed very slightly over cooked. Seafood was fresh and excellent. Wine selection is very good; especially for those of us who like Italian wine. Dessert portions are generous. We all split a chocolate cake and enjoyed in thoroughly.
(5)Alice B.
Used to be our favorite Italian restaurant. Took some friends after they remodeled. It used to be a cozy, intimate Italian restaurant, now it's just a big room with lots of tables on top of each other. The night we were there, there was a problem with the AC and the computer. Waited a long time for drinks and appetizers and they didn't even bring bread until we asked for it. The dinner portions were skimpy and ho hum at best. We were there over 2 hrs. And we were embarrassed after bragging to our friends how good it was. The waiter could tell we were upset but never offered a complimentary dessert or a glass of wine. We will not be back. P.S. they should never have "remodeled". It was much warmer and nicer before. You could see all they wanted to do was squeeze more tables in a small space so everyone was on top of each other. Too bad!
(2)Wesley H.
Only thing i can say is pure excellence. Food and service were the best I have experienced in a long time. Definitely will return.
(5)Kristen T.
This place is a gem! The food is real Italian, never disappoints & the prices are affordable. Like all the other reviews say, it's one of those places you just drive by b/c it's in a strip mall in P Park! But, the food makes up for it.
(5)Shawn H.
We tried Da Sesto last night since our other favorite Italian restaurant, Italia Mia, is closed on Mondays. We were not disappointed! We ordered a "Build Your Own" Antipasto which was very good. The antipasto is sold per person, but the waiter was kind enough to warn us that the portion would be too large if we paid for two and suggested that we just order it for one. There are several meats, cheeses, and vegetable accompaniments to choose from so you can get the flavors you'd like. Everything was fresh and tasty. The minestrone soup was descent. It was my least favorite part of the dinner but still good - just nothing to write home about. The bread that was served with dinner was very good. (I still like Italia Mia's rolls better, but very few restaurants serve bread as good as Italia Mia does!). We both ordered pasta and this is where Da Sesto shined very brightly. The Puttanesca Alla Fancesca was absolutely amazing. The pasta was cooked to a perfect al dente and the sauce was definitely home made with the perfect blend of everything. Perfect amount of olives, capers, garlic, roasted red peppers, and even the anchovies were just the right amount. The other dish was Spaghetti Bolognese with a side of Meatballs. The meat sauce was to die for! The meat balls got a mixed review at our table. I absolutely loved them, but the person I was with didn't think they were that good. I think the difference of opinion came from the fact that they were made with a beef and veal blend. I think the veal threw the other person off on them, but my opinion is that they were 5 star meatballs! We didn't make it to dessert and both of us left with doggie bags. They also have an extensive wine list and quite a few dessert choices. I can't comment on the wine or desserts specifically because neither of us ordered any, but if the rest of the food is any indication, the desserts are likely to be very good as well. As I started this review, I had filled in 4 stars because I still like Italia Mia very much and was thinking that they couldn't possibly get as high of a rating as them. But, Italia Mia is more basic. I like them better for certain things, but Da Sesto is a step up in quality, price, and ambiance, so they get five stars! I will definitely be back!!!
(5)S S.
This is hands down the best Italian Restaurant in the area. Every thing we have eaten here has been amazing, fresh and memorable. They make all their own pastas which is evident the second you bite into it, and they have a great assortment of different items to meet even the pickiest eaters. Their house salad dressing is addicting, and you will want to save your bread to dip on the plate once finished with the salad. But the most important and amazing thing you MUST eat here is the Tiramisu. I dream of this Tiramisu all week after I have had it. It is award winning and home-made by one of the waiters there, Rich, who is absolutely awesome. I am not a coffee drinker...at all...but I am literally addicted to this cake. I don't know how he does it, but the quality and flavor is consistent every single time. Its light, fluffy and so flavorful that my mouth is watering as i speak of it. He is also really fun to have as your waiter, so definitely ask for him if you are trying this place out. My recommendations for the food are the Manicotti, any of the ravioli, the Chicken Picatta, and Lasagna Bolognese. I am dieing to try their Osso Bucco, but hubby isn't into that cut of meat and the portion is for 2 :( I highly recommend you try this place if you are looking for an intimate and memorable meal.
(5)D N.
We had reservations for four, on a Saturday evening. Due to the packed crowd in their small space there was no place to move upon entering, but we were seated within a few minutes. The live music is a nice addition and provides a soft buffer to the noise. This was our third visit. We love their home made pasta! We all ordered the chef specials. One item was a whole baked yellow tailed snapper deboned table side. Our waiter was attentive, but the wait time was considerable. Added to that, when the entrees finally did arrive, the waiter surprisingly discovered that both fish were not fully cooked. Back to the kitchen for an additional 20 minutes. We all agreed it would have been nice for the kitchen to have had the timing of that special figured out. Once served the snapper was fresh and flavorful. My gnocchi with gorgonzola sauce is a regular menu item, but the sauce was bland with too much cream and not enough cheese taste.The special included a fillet of beef with it. The medium rare beef could have been more tender for a fillet. Our third veal dish was very good. Our group has traveled through northern and southern Italy. Da Sesto's food is an Americanized version of both regions. The kitchen over reached with their specials on a very busy week end, but we will return during the week and order items from their regular menu. Their portions are generous, so save room for one of their yummy desserts. They also have an excellent wine selection, or bring your own for a reasonable $10.00 cork fee.
(3)Tina F.
Loved everything from the food to the atmosphere with a live guitar musician in the background. We made reservations at 8, and the place was packed when we arrived. It was well worth the 15 min wait. The wait staff and owner provided excellent service. Will definitely recommend to friends and family, and we will be back!
(5)Christine S.
Surprisingly good for a little place in a strip mall in Pinellas Park. I have been here twice and had two good experiences. I would say that the flavors in the food are not overly complex, but simple preparations and large portions, along with a very affordable wine list make this a great choice. Skip the chain "Italian" restaurants and come here - you will be happy you did. Ask about the specials of the day - and hope you get there before they sell out!
(4)Mimi K.
We ate here based on Yelp reviews. There were 6 of us at the table. We ordered the fried calamari and garlic bread with cheese for appetizers. They were very good but the sauce the bread was served with was outstanding. We were hopeful that the sauce for our main dishes would be as good. I ordered the bolognese. The sauce on that dish was not the same base as what came with the appetizers and was over seasoned. The meatballs were also seasoned pretty strongly. I didn't care for the bolognese. Someone at my table ordered pasta with seafood and loved it. This place makes its own pasta so you can mix & match sauces and pastas. You can also purchase the pasta to cook at home. I recommend that you tell your server if you prefer your pasta al dente. I didn't tell my server and my pasta was slightly over cooked. We really enjoyed the atmosphere and the service was great. We all liked the Italian music playing in the background. We ordered dessert and coffee. Both were VERY GOOD. I ordered the tiramisu. It was perfect. The filling was light and airy and the 'cake' part was moist but not soaked. Try it! The coffee was very good too. I would definitely try this place again next time I am on the area. They have music on the weekends so call ahead for reservations.
(3)Tom M.
We love Yelp and we love Da Sesto's. Four of us went to dinner last night (we were visiting St Pete for a wedding). The first thing you notice is the friendliness of the staff. Place was very busy and we did not have reservations - but were seated immediately. If you do go, ask for Richard. I'm sure all the servers are good but Richard was outstanding. His recommendation for wine was spot on - and for $24 a bottle, very reasonable. Every course was perfect from the salads to the stuffed pork chop and gnocchi for me to the tiramisu for desert. It was a perfect meal. And to top things off, a Russian classical guitarist (I don't remember his name) serenaded us all evening. This was a great dinner. Thank you Da Sesto's.
(5)John C.
WOW great food loved the bolognese and panni for lunch today ended with cappuccino and a lemon torte the decor is the real feel of Italiano ristorante.Ciao
(5)Ben T.
We stopped in at De Sesto because of an advertisement coupon in a non-profit-fundraiser's coupon book (buy one get one free entree) on a Saturday night, 8:00 PM or so. We were seated immediately upon arrival, the place was bustling and noisy, but not packed. Service seemed a bit frantic and we felt rushed to order, then we waited a long while for our entrees. My companion was not enthusiastic about his Linguine Alfredo (very thin) with added chicken and my La Parmiggiana with Chicken was fine, nothing special. The red sauce served with my pasta seemed young and acidic, while I prefer mine to be cooked longer and savory. We were never offered refills on our beverages. When we presented our coupon, we were told that the coupon was not accepted on Friday or Saturday night (not stated on the coupon) and that there was a sign in the lobby (again, we were seated immediately, so had not been given time to look around the lobby). We were offered half-off one meal, instead, which was taken off Alfredo, but the chicken addition was still full price. As we left, we looked for "the sign" which was 10+ feet from the door, amidst other various signs/notices. Not particularly noticeable nor conveniently located. We have found other Italian restaurants throughout St. Petersburg that we have found more delicious and worthy of our patronage.
(2)Darren L.
Nice little place with great food, but weird location in strip mall, I believe the pasta is homeade and they sell it frozen as well.
(4)Sharon D.
Went there for a business lunch in February and have been back for dinner at least 8 times since great food and all staff personnel very friendly. Highly recommend
(5)BPF x.
I dined here for an early dinner in April of 2011 when I was in the area. We were the only table there, but it wasn't an awkward experience. It is a very intimate dining location, with only 50 or so seats. I had the spaghetti and their red sauce was amazing. It wasn't spicy, but instead was quite sweet. In fact, they sell their sauces and a number of their food products. The service was great, amazing table maintenance, and left nothing to be desired. The location of this place is so random and easily missed, but it's a great experience.
(4)Felix T.
My favorite cheap Italian lunch spot in the area! It is about as authentic Italian as you can get in Pinellas Park/Seminole/far north St.Pete, and that's saying a lot! The Lunch special is $6.70, pretty awesome for getting filled up. The special comes with two rotating daily pasta specials, usually one filled pasta and one noodle-and-sauce dish. The special also comes with soup or salad and bread. They get all their pasta fresh as the owners wife runs a local fresh pasta maker and distributor. Dinner is not as cheap but still reasonable with pastas ($8.50-15), meat/poultry dishes ($13-24.5) and seafood ($16-21), all tasty. The service is always friendly but the timing is a little off, I have waited any where from 15-35 minutes to get my food from the time I sit down at lunch. The Dress is a little more classy for dinner than the very casual lunch, so beware.
(4)Stephen S.
Wow. I was not expecting food that good. The wine was excellent.That Pasta was yummmy. It was very clean. Go there... You will love it too...
(5)Andreas A.
nearly like in italy. we had pasta. all really delicious. we come again.
(5)