Hello dear
Welcome to Il Ritorno
At Il Ritorno, located in vibrant St. Petersburg, FL, culinary passion and exceptional service converge to create an unforgettable dining experience. This modern Italian eatery emphasizes seasonal ingredients, beautifully presented in dishes that showcase a blend of classic flavors and contemporary techniques. From the exquisite white asparagus to the perfectly seared branzino, each plate sings with creativity and care. Guests rave about the attentive staff, who go above and beyond, enhancing every meal with personal touches. Delight in a dynamic menu that promises both warmth and innovation—Il Ritorno is a must-visit destination for food lovers seeking an extraordinary adventure.
Today's Suggestions
Explore the featured selections!
House Salad
Wild Boar Salami
Chefs Cast Iron Steak
Robiola
About
Il Ritorno
Welcome to Il Ritorno, an exquisite culinary gem nestled in the heart of St. Petersburg, Florida. Located at 449 Central Ave N #101st, this restaurant offers a sophisticated dining experience where modern Italian flavors meet exceptional hospitality.
From the moment you step into Il Ritorno, you’ll feel the warmth of a team dedicated to providing unforgettable moments. Guests have raved about the attentiveness of the staff, who not only deliver top-notch service but also share their deep knowledge and passion for the menu, enhancing your dining experience to new heights.
The menu, a celebration of seasonal ingredients, features a carefully curated selection of dishes. Start your culinary journey with an enticing Antipasti such as the House Salad, adorned with pea shoots and heirloom tomatoes, or indulge in the tantalizing Steak Tartare topped with horseradish foam. These vibrant offerings set the stage for a dining experience that tantalizes your taste buds.
As you move on to the Primi, you'll find gems like the Short Rib Mezzaluna—a delightful blend of truffle fonduta and concentrated tomatoes—or the Pork Campanelle, featuring a rich bolognese sauce garnished with crispy pig ear. Each dish bursts with flavor and showcases a masterful blend of techniques and textures.
Reviews from patrons echo themes of exquisite taste and thoughtful presentation. David Leviev highlights the standout White Asparagus and Seared Branzino, praising their artful combination of flavors. Jacob Sperounes notes the genuine hospitality, emphasizing the unexpected delights, including complimentary desserts and sample dishes. Jessie W's birthday celebration exemplifies the attention to detail, from the personalized gelato to the beautifully executed plates that surpasses many Michelin-starred dining experiences.
The attention to each element of the meal is not just about the food; it’s about the experience. Il Ritorno invites guests to explore their culinary curiosities, as each dish is a work of art crafted with carefully selected local ingredients. The reviews from diners reflect a shared sentiment of awe and delight; it's not merely a meal, it’s a celebration of food and good company.
Whether you’re enjoying a casual evening or celebrating a special occasion, Il Ritorno stands out as a must-visit restaurant. Allow yourself to revel in an unforgettable evening of Italian-inspired cuisine where every bite tells a story, leaving you eagerly anticipating your next visit. For reservations or inquiries, call +1 727-897-5900.
People talk
Our Guestbook
“ Dinner was excellent and Shay, our waitress was informative, charming, and offered a wealth of personal recommendations that went above and beyond. We ordered: White Asparagus- the highlight of the dinner. Mix of flavors and different taste pallets that paired incredibly together. Torched Hamachi- fantastic fresh fish. Branzino- the best entree dish of the table by far. Seared to perfection. Lamb Agliotti - tasty but I'm not a big fan of lamb. Short Rib pasta - really nice! Sides- mushrooms which is a must! As well as the meatballs. We received free warm bread to start the meal as well as a free dessert because we couldn't decide between two. Wonderful experience and a repeat restaurant for sure! ”
“ We had a great experience last night at Il Ritorno. From the moment we arrived, the hospitality stood out in a really genuine way. The kitchen was running a little behind, but without us mentioning anything, one of the staff members came over to apologize and offered us free dessert. They even brought out a couple of extra dishes for us to try, which was a really thoughtful touch. The food itself was excellent. You can tell there’s a lot of care and attention put into each dish. We decided to give Il Ritorno a try after close friends of ours recommended it — their family member is a chef there — and it definitely lived up to what we were told. If you’re looking for good food and great service, Il Ritorno is definitely worth visiting. We’ll be back for sure. ”
“ Top-notch service and an exceptional menu featuring seasonal ingredients. We truly enjoyed celebrating a birthday dinner at Il Ritorno. The menu was so thoughtfully curated that we wished we could try everything. Our waiter was incredibly attentive, and his enthusiasm and deep knowledge of the dishes made the experience even more enjoyable—you can tell he’s genuinely passionate about the food they serve. Every dish was beautifully executed, with seasonal ingredients that paired perfectly with classic Italian flavors, all elevated with a modern twist. The complimentary birthday gelato, complete with a handwritten message from the chef, was the perfect way to end the meal. In our opinion, Il Ritorno surpasses some Michelin-starred restaurants we’ve tried in the past. We’ll definitely be back soon. ”
“ The service was extraordinary! They must go through so much silverware. The charcuterie board was very generous and enough for four people to share. The chorizo was the star, and the grilled bread was amazing. The bucatini was a simple and delicious way to enjoy their fresh pasta. The Wagyu ribeye cap was sous vide to medium rare and then grilled to medium. The creme fraiche gelato was smooth, light, and creamy, and we would highly recommend it. ”
“ This was hands down one of the best dining experiences I’ve ever had! I celebrated my birthday there, and I’m still in awe of how incredible the food was. Each dish was a work of art—I’ve never seen anything like it before. ”
“ We just ate here last night, and im dying to go back. Everything we had was AMAZING. We sat at the bar, and man, did the bartender know his ish(food and drinks)!! He was making drinks solo and was pounding them out with perfection. We even got 2 deserts, and WOW, my favorite this is the best around since we have been here. I love the open kitchen. They were on it. Im from PA, and this quality of food would have gone for double back at home. Our bill was very cheap compared to what we received. We are foodies. Wish I had taken more photos, but it was all eaten before I even thought to. ”
“ The service was top notch. Our server described dishes we inquired about perfectly and made some wonderful recommendations. All the dishes we ordered were a piece of art and tasted phenomenal. Chef David Benstock and his entire staff have created a wonderful dining experience. We highly recommend this restaurant and will definitely be coming back ”
“ This is one of the few restaurants I’ve been to that left a long lasting impression on me. I was in St. Pete for work for a week and went here twice. The bartender was a passionate young guy who was incredibly enthusiastic and guided me through the meal- I ended up getting this agnolotti with goat cheese and crispy lamb belly on top - one of the most absolutely sensational bites of food I’ve ever had. I ended up coming back to St. Pete for New Years Weekend JUST for il Ritorno to have the tasting menu with the wine pairing. It was a true experience that I will appreciate forever. (This was in summer and winter of 2023). P.S. the tallow butter and bread alone is worth the meal! ”