We were greeted at the door by a "smokin' hot babe" (my male companions expression), who seated us at a nice booth. We were glad that we made our reservation for 5 PM because the place was packed by six. The attentive waiter brought us hot Italian bread with a olive oil, garlic and basil dipping sauce that was to die for. The entrees were very expensive so we decided to share the Osso Bucco. I have never had better and that says a lot because I've tried it in various restaurants in Italy, on cruise ships, several places in the USA, plus I make it myself. The meat was buttery tender and the bone marrow was huge. The sauce was seasoned just right. All in all we had a wonderful time.
(5)
Joseph O.
Food was fantastic. Atmosphere was also acceptable. Very good Italian food to have while on your beach vacation. Food enjoyed: fra diavlo and spaghetti carbonara. Cheesy proscuitto goodness!!
(4)
Aaron B.
Great food and great service. Wife had an excellent off menu chicken parm. Perfectly done and way too much to eat! I had the grouper with asparagus. Just fantastic. The owner stopped by are table a couple of times to check on us and talked us into a delectable tiramisu to cap off a great meal.
(5)
Paul M L.
Ok I know this place is on the beach so you would automatically think it's a tourist type place like I did , but when I read the yelp reviews I decided to give it a try, and I'm glade I did. This a a place worth driving to. We had Veal Marsala , the Veal could be cut with a fork it was that tender, the sauce was light and tasty with a lot of tasty mushrooms. The vegetables were fresh and cooked perfectly, not mush like so many places do, and the dinners were NOT SALTY ! Which seems to be a problem in so many places. We had chicken and egg plant that was prepared perfectly. We had a desert recommended by our waiter that was a perfect ending to our meal. We will be back
(4)
Cecilia A.
This place is off the hook amazing. I'm from San Diego and have lived in FL about 4 years, def consider myself a foodie, Caesars is by far the best Italian food I've had in FL
(5)
Bird R.
We were in Clearwater for a weekend getaway and stumbled upon this restaurant via Yelp. We purchased a Groupon and went for dinner on a whim... AND LOVED IT. This is a small restaurant where the owner will greet you at the door and make sure you have an excellent table. The service was very good and the food was fantastic! The pasta is so good and everything was obviously made fresh. We really loved it and would definitely recommend it to friends.
(5)
Candace H.
Our waiter last night was totally great. He was quick, attentive, and got our questions answered from the chef. Unfortunately, the food and atmosphere was underwhelming. My husband got mushroom risotto, but there were so many crunchy (undercooked) onions that it took away from the really nice mushroom flavor. I had the spaghetti carbonara, whick was really creamy but missing that rich flavor I expect of this traditional dish (missing the egg? Or the parm cheese maybe? ) The tiramisu was soggy, and definitely not worth the eight bucks. On top of it all, we got to watch the bus boy do dishes throughout the meal... Especially for the price, would not go here again.
(3)
Shayla Z.
I visited Tampa with my family in August and just happened to stumble upon this wonderful restaurant. I would honestly visit Tampa again just to eat at this place. The food was delicious, the service was excellent, and the cost was pricey but definitely worth it. The only con is the lack of parking, especially when the restaurant is so popular. There IS parking in the back of the building but is truly annoying when there's a thunderstorm passing by. Overall, IN LOVE with the restaurant. There's a dish for every type of eater! TIP: You MUST make a reservation before coming to the restaurant. It's usually always jam-packed during the evening.
(5)
Ada C.
Found this gem via Groupon, and it was amazing! Service was top notch, and food was even better! The bread was hot and came with really tasty oil and pesto for dipping. I had mussels and my husband had a salad to start. Both were delish! The mussels were a generous portion - there were options to have it with marinara sauce or garlic wine sauce. Garlic wine sauce was to die for! And dipping the bread in it was ridiculously good. Then I had fettuccine alfredo (and added 3 jumbo shrimps). The shrimps were so succulent, pasta was so fresh, and the alfredo sauce was so creamy... YUMMM!! My husband had lasagne verdi, and the meat sauce and homemade pasta were perfection. We ordered a cannoli to share - it was really good but had a lot of filling... made it a tad messy to eat. I would say this restaurant has upscale food in a casual setting. Perfect spot for a laid back date night. There were a few families dining as well... a great option for all :). There was outdoor patio seating available with heaters. It was only a short walk from the nearby Hyatt. The plaza has lots of parking available.
(5)
Taraneh A.
Great food, fantastic service (thanks Nicholas). All the marks for a fine dining experience, but located in a strip mall. Guest range from dressy to flip flops. Highly recommend the Penne Terra e Mare! It was delicious :)
(4)
Duane D.
I like this place a lot. It reminds me of a small mom and pop Italian restaurant in New York City that was been relocated to the beach. Great, high quality food with a diverse menu. Service is very attentive. Prices are quite reasonable for what you get. Try the Tartuffo desert - it's hard to find and very good here.
(5)
Justin P.
Excellent food, excellent service. You must get the Veal Frank Sinatra-- it's the best! Worth skipping the other Clearwater tourist traps and getting an authentic Italian meal.
(5)
Greg R.
Made a reservation for 5 people at this restaurant and when we got there they placed us at a table for 4. While our 5th person was a baby, they still take up physical space and a square table does not leave enough room for a highchair!! When we asked if we could have a bigger table we were told that only people with reservations could have those - hmm, what is our reservation?? Maybe they don't consider babies people? After discussing this we decided this table just wouldn't work and told the manager this on the way out the door . We explained the situation and told him we wouldn't be able to eat at their restaurant. As we were heading to our car he told us that suddenly there was a cancellation and we could have a table that could fit our party. When I stated I refuse to eat at his restaurant due to the rudeness of the staff and the inflexibility to accommodate the reservation we made he asked me why we were so upset over the situation. Really? You treat us poorly, basically tell us that our comfort at your restaurant isn't a concern to you, and don't give in to helping us until we are in the parking lot and you aren't sure why we were upset?? My recommendation to everyone would be to avoid this restaurant unless you like to be treated rudely.
(1)
Charlie G.
I took my girlfriend out for the rare Italian dinner...rare since neither of us is crazy about pasta. So I usually cook Italian at home, and maximize the proteins and veggies. I had heard good things about Cesare's and decided to give it a go. We arrived a bit early, and were seated immediately. Very friendly and attentive staff here... without being bothersome. The location is ok... limited free parking, and a bit noisy from traffic if you sit outside as we did. But the view is ok... and it was nice and cool, very pleasant. Now on to the food! Fresh HOT bread, very crusty... and almost too hot to eat! YUM! A shared Caesar salad, that was very good. I have sung the praises of Escargot to my girlfriend several times, and usually just got a "gross", or "yuck"! Tonight she was feeling adventurous, and said "yes, please"! :) They were nicely served... six large critters each swimming in it's own little pool of butter... very tasty! No grit either... unlike some lesser establishments I have been to. She enjoyed them, and was shocked at how yummy they were! Highly recommended! I will often order for both of us as I often know the menus better than she does, and I love to introduce her to new food to love. For her... I ordered the Cernia Mediterranea (Grouper with Crab, Shrimp cooked in a wonderful Mediterranean type sauce with Capers and Kalamata Olives). She loved it, and said it was some of the best grouper she had ever had. I had the Veal SaltimBocca all Romana (veal with proscuitto in a nice demi-glaze sauce) very tender and flavorful... I would definitely order it again! Both were served with roasted potatoes and some nicely steamed mixed veggies... nice portions, and very fresh. Alas... my lovely girlfriend is allergic to alchohol... and I don't drink at all when I am driving... so I had to pass on what looked like an excellent wine selection! Next time she drives! ;) We have not been indulging in desserts lately (a love of good food is hard on the waistline) but I was jonesing for a Creme Brule.... and she wanted some Chocolate Mousse. So we got them, with some wonderful fresh coffee... black, of course. My creme brule was excellent, wonderfully sweet with a thick layer of carmelized sugar on top...Delicious!... and I will savor it in memory often (and go back just for desert if necessary, lol!). She said her Mousse was very good... nicely chocolaty, and not too sweet. So all in all, a wonderful dinner! Not the least expensive place to eat... plan on around $50-55 per person if you do it like we did. but well worth it! Afterwards we went for a nice walk on the beach (further south, since Clearwater Beach is a ZOO!) and had a wonderful sunset... all romantic and stuff! And that is all I am going to say!
(5)
Cassie C.
Way over priced!!! Our portions were small, service was subpar, and food wasn't any better than Olive Garden. You don't even get a salad with your $30 pasta dish that may include all of 5 raviolis. Waiter acted put out when we even asked for more bread. Top it off, the wait staff was complaining about the place and the owner's poor management?! Awkward! We won't be back.
(2)
Thomas J.
Ambience very nice. Tables nicely spaced. Service good to excellent. Food outstanding, although a bit pricey. Can get very busy, so make a reservation. Seafood prepared perfectly. Would not recommend outdoor seating - loud due to parking lot and busy street.
(4)
Christina C.
Definitely worth checking out, but make a reservation, because it gets busy! We made 8 p.m. reservations for a Friday. However, it turned out to be colder that day than we expected so we called to see if we could come earlier, since we were anxious to leave the beach. It was about 7:15 p.m. and they said although they might not be able to seat us right away it wouldn't take long. Luckily they were able to seat us right away, but when we left there were a good number of people waiting! Even though there was a lot of times open on opentable, it is misleading, because this is a popular place! Cesare himself was checking people in. It is a really nice touch to have the owner walking around working in the restaurant. It gives it a great family feel. I appreciate how laid back the atmosphere is. We sat outside and the tables were pretty bare without table cloth. When you're covered in sun screen and have sand everywhere, you appreciate not being surrounded by finery. They bring out warm bread with pesto to start. It was good and it helps tide over ravenous beach goers like ourselves. I looked over the menu before we came, and I'm glad I did, because there are so many options. My husband did not, so I had to wait for him to read through everything. I knew I wanted to try the pasta, because it is homemade. My husband chose one dish, but when he heard the specials he decided on the chicken parmesan. I decided on the ravioli with crabmeat and ricotta. The dishes came in a good amount of time. I loved my ravioli. The pink sauce was amazing and I stole some of my husband's pasta to dip in it. I could definitely tell that the ravioli was homemade. The chicken parmesan was good too. It wasn't the best we ever had, but it was pretty good. I bet if we both stuck with just pasta dishes I would have given this place 5 stars. If you are at Clearwater Beach you should come here. Yes it is a little off the beaten path, but that also means there is an abundance of free parking on the side streets. Definitely check this place out.
(4)
Margaret K.
Not impressed. Just ordered appetizers - calamari and tuna. Calamari rings were good and tender but then over half of order was those crunchy mini octipus. Marinara tasted bottled spaghetti sauce. The tuna was really rare and the only flavor was the herb crust which was very peppery.
(1)
Jenna M.
I know I keep giving 5 stars but they do what they do flawlessly. Each dish is a masterpiece and the service is exceptional. Wine list one of the best on the beach.
(5)
Jeff C.
Yesterday Mary and I celebrated our 31st anniversary here with dinner. The Mozzarella Caprese as an appetizer was nice. I had the Veal Picata ( slice thin with a lemon butter sauce with capers, veggies and potatoes) and Mary had the Ravioli Al Granchio ( homemade pasta, stuffed with crabmeat, ricotta cheese with a pink sauce ). Both were delicious. For dessert we also enjoyed the Tartufo Al Limoncello ( lemon ice cream with a soft limoncello liqueur center with crushed lemon meringue). The ambiance was pleasant. The staff was very attentive and polite. Although we may possibly would have the same or similar meal in NYC for less money, it was good to find a understated classy place with a variety of good Italian dishes in Clearwater Beach, Florida.
(4)
Amber D.
Last table there last night and still received amazing service. We had a scallop and shrimp pasta dish and the most delicious lasagna either of us had ever had. Very light for such a wonderful meat sauce. The wine list was okay, was hoping for a good Italian white or rose, but our Napa valley wine worked! This is a must stop in Clearwater if you want fresh seafood and pasta!
(5)
Christian J.
By far one of my favorite restaurants I had the pleasure of dining at this vacation. OK hands down, its situation, decor, etc is not why you come here, but the traditional awesome Italian food is why. I suggest you have some kind of small appetizer and have a pasta, because any of the ones here are fantastic! As soon as I had my first bite - (actually as soon as I stepped into the restaurant for the first time the smell reminded me of good Italian food) - I was thrown back into childhood, remembering all the great Italian food I was exposed to back then. Their antipasti, & and pasta I can swear for, I did not try any of the carne platters. Great first-class service, with energetic young servers keeps this place in my favorites of all time.
(5)
Andea A.
Very bland food... Nothing special. Dining room very small and tables too close together.
(2)
Frank F.
Found on Groupon. Service was great, food was as well. I had pasta (angel hair?) with Diablo sauce and scallops. Very good. Its pricey.....but worth it.
(5)
Sherri M.
Hands down the BEST Italian restaurant in Tampa Bay. Sitting on a strip mall at the foot (Clearwater Beach side) of the Sand Key Bridge, Cesar's is a lovely restaurant with exceptionally prepared and served food. Service: management is always front of the house and it shows. Someone will always pass by your table to ask if everything is ok and how you are enjoying your meal. If you are lucky enough to get Nick as your service you will have a fantastic evening. All of the servers are well-versed in the menu and carefully explain the specials of the day. Food: agnolitti! These small soft pasta pillows stuffed with spinach and a little cheese are my favorite (I want mine with Alfredo sauce). It's rare to find them on a menu anywhere, but especially in Tampa Bay and Cesar's rivals the best I had at Tiberio, a 5 star restaurant in Washington DC some years ago. I have ordered this dish so often that it was finally suggested I try something else! I don't usually order lasagna but was encouraged to try theirs and am I glad I did. It was the best lasagna I have ever had, light and full of flavor. I can also recommend the calamari as an appetizer, the Caesar salad which is prepared properly, and the Chilean sea bass. They have a variety of daily specials which are outstanding. They serve beer and wine only and there is a small bar with a few hi-tops if you don't want to eat in the dining room. Go. Enjoy. If you like good Italian food you will not be disappointed.
(5)
Jenna T.
I went to this restaurant with my boyfriend while we were on vacation, and we both were very impressed! The food was delicious, and we did not have to wait long for our food. I ordered the seafood pasta dish and highly recommend it to anybody that is a seafood fan. Next time I am in Florida, I definitely will be stopping back!
(5)
Matteo N.
Service was unacceptable. Waited forever got the appetizers & took over a hour and 10 minutes for them to bring out 3 pasta dinners & 1 veal dinner. I'm sorry but that is a insult to the patrons of the establishment. The server told me "sorry they were busy" -Sure on a Wednesday night. The food was good but nothing to write home about. I won't be returning.
(2)
John P.
Great restaurant on the South end of beach at foot of Sand Key Bridge. Great service and high quality Italian food
(5)
Michelle J.
Delicious homemade pasta, great bread and good service. It isn't right on the beach, but located on the main drag within walking distance. Ragu is wonderful! The ambiance is not as nice as one might expect for the price and quality of food, but very friendly, clean, and I think that's fine in a high-traffic tourist area.
(5)
Jay R.
Casual Italian with a big flavor. Cesare's is the real deal, Italian how it should be served a fantastic menu that includes all the great Italian basics and some nice specialty dishes. Being from Chicago there is a lot of Italian around if this place was in my city I would leave the cooking up to them, and shelf my pots and pans. After a drive through the beach area of Clearwater we ended up at Cesare's the first thing you will notice is it has a nice little outside, walking inside its a cute atmosphere with room around the tables and lots of windows. The food was nothing short of spectacular, most everything seems homemade especially the pasta which has a great texture. We Started with a few appetizers The Burrata with chopped tomatoes which I think was a special that day. Burrata is super creamy buttery home made mozzarella sp creamy and melt in your mouth it was awesome. We had this dish in Italy and it was just as good here at Cesare's. We also had the seared tuna with herb crust, this was the only slight miss the entire meal the tuna was fresh and seared perfect but the crust was to peppery for my liking and hid the tuna flavor. I ended up scrapping a good portion of ithe crust off so I could taste the tuna. For entrees we had the Mediterranean Mahi Mahi which was a fresh perfectly cooked piece of fish with a flavorful not over powering sauce. I had the fettuccine bolognese with a side of meatballs and sausage. The paste and sauce where fantastic the pasta was cooked al dente and a nice big portion. Now the meatballs and sausage some of the best I have had, the meatballs were packed with flavor not heavy or dense and the sausage was the same it all came on a pate with sauce, meatballs and sausage are a great barometer of a Italian restaurants skills, this dish proved they know their stuff. We finished with ricotta cheesecake a great consistency and nice sweet creamy flavor this is the Italian style cheesecake. There was a place I loved we use to go to growing up that served it like this, I am glad I found somewhere to get it again even if I have to drive 18 hours to have it. Some of the best Italian I have had anywhere,it's worth the trip even from as far away as Chicago.
(5)
Melissa U.
Food was good, but for the price I've definitely experienced better. Service was good, but I was expecting a nice dinner for the price and the ambiance outdoors was awful. Patio style furniture and a parking lot and highway for the view. The restaurant is in strip mall. It may have been better if people weren't coming outside often to smoke which carried over to where we were seated, and if a family who was waiting to dine wasn't loud and obnoxious. I know they can't control unruly guests but the atmosphere was definitely poor for a $110 meal for two.
(2)
Kelly R.
Really awesome authentic Italian food! The lasagna was perfectly done and the pasta trio was equally delicious! This is the second best Italian we have ever had. The warm bread with homemade pesto dipping was phenomenal as well! We really enjoyed our meals! The only opportunity for improvement is the service. If it was a tad more attentive, 5 stars for sure!
(4)
rach l.
Wow. Amazing Italian cuisine. Didn't know what to expect at first being in a shopping plaza... but Hello, pastis!! Bueno!! Had the carpacio and buratta to start. Dinner was a pasta, mix grille of seafood and Lamb shank. Amazing! Done tix perfection. Atmosphere was chill. We watched the Pens Playoff game! Can not wait to go back sometime soon.
(5)
Barbara S.
Came here for a 3 year anniversary. Was looking for someplace special and Italian so we called here and were a bit misled. Despite the name of the restaurant and asking for a water view and being told "sure!" there really isn't a water view. This place is across the street from the beach, and you'll just enjoy the sound and sight of cars. The food and hospitality mostly made up for it. Our dishes were fantastic, Cesare kindly greeted us at the door, and our waiter was fantastic. Clean and decorated place. Great menu. Seafood was delicious! Bread and olive oil dip before your food comes - yum. As a few other people have stated the bruschetta was just ok. It wasn't a terrible taste in your mouth, but the look and taste just didn't match the upscale feel of the place. It reminded me of toasted bread with melted shredded mozzarella out of a Wal-Mart bag. While the food was good, I wouldn't recommended it as a spot for a special occasion. The location made it weird, but my boyfriend doesn't have to know that.
(4)
Jim C.
Was recommended from a friend from ny. It was very good! We were at the height of their busiest time, we had a reservation for 8:15 pm on a sat night during spring break. Had to wait just a few minutes which wasn't a big deal at all. Nick the server was really professional and his suggestions were spot on. Liked how he said on one entree, " if we weren't so busy this would be great. It takes time and I am concerned with how busy the kitchen is, it wouldn't represent our norm". So we went w another option (veal special) and it was delicious. Will be back for sure.
(4)
Lauren B.
Visited Cesare's twice last week and had the best experience both times! Our server Nico was knowledge about the menu and specials and was extremely professional and friendly. When we returned for our second visit, he even remembered the wine we had ordered on the first visit without asking. - very cool. Food was equally as impressive - had the Beef Carpaccio, Calamari for apps and Pollo Cesare Augusto for an entree, all were delicious. I will definitely be back to Cesare's next time I'm in town!
(5)
Hungry S.
what a gem. excellent service. for an extra $5, they'll split your entree -- trust me, that's enough food. we went with a groupon, went early, they filled up. gentile, great place to really sit and have a beautiful conversation.
(4)
Kelsey L.
The service was great, pasta was amazing. The chicken was average, but the nice atmosphere made up for it. Loved the heaters on with the outside seating. Could see the pretty cruise ships go by without being chilly!
(4)
Oliver P.
Good experience overall. We were surprised to find that Cesare's is located in a strip mall, as none of the reviews really mentioned that. Service was attentive but slow. There was easily more than a half hour between our salads and our dinners. I had the lobster bisque and a mahi special w primavera sauce. Bisque was on par with others I have had. Mahi was tasty but not special. My wife had salad and the beef tenderloin. The beef was done perfectly.
(4)
Kimberly P.
Firstly, let me say that I've had pasta in most of the major US cities and northern Italy. We ordered the pesto pasta. A dish that should be $7-$12 was not only overpriced, but missing so much basil. I make homemade pasta myself, and missed the basil! Felt they tried to stretch the sauce with tons of garlic. Bleh.
(2)
Mary S.
We purchased a Groupon from this place after reading great reviews. We were not disappointed. The employees at Caesars take their food seriously. Our waiter gave great recommendations as the menu is extensive. I had the lasagna that he explained in salivating detail. It was delicious. My family had spaghetti and meatballs, veal, and a chicken dish. We argued over whose was best! I do recommend reservations here. Outdoor seating is not that great as its on the corner of a strip mall facing a parking lot. Normally I prefer it but in this case would skip it. I would go there again without hesitation. What's not to love about homemade pasta?
(4)
Laura S.
Had the calamari which was excellent, tender and not overcooked. We shared the Cesare salad which was good but unremarkable. Hubby had the sea bass entree and I had the grouper francese. Both were excellent but the grouper was best. Word of warning - if you want a cocktail, go somewhere else. They only serve beer and wine which is different from what is listed on Yelp's more info page.
(4)
trisha g.
Loved the food and great customer service . My hubby and I went here for the last night of our vacation . We walked in without a reservation and were warmly greeted by the owner. He didn't have a table available but cleared a spot and got us a table in the bar area. The food was so good , wish I lived closer !!!!
(5)
Allison Q.
Absolutely amazing meal with wonderful service. Food was amazing, traditional italian. Worth every penny.
(5)
Rafael P.
This is a 5 star restaurant in terms of service and food. The food was amazing and the portions are hearty and filling. Our waiter was awesome. The appetizers he recommended were outstanding, and his main course recommendations were unreal. Great place!
(5)
Lynne K.
Definitely the best Italian in Clearwater beach.. We had calamari to start delish. We all had different pasta dishes and all were excellent. Service was outstanding will be back on our next trip to Clearwater. Very very expensive
(4)
Caroline B.
We came on Sunday of Memorial Day weekend, and thankfully we had a reservation, they had to turn away families who didn't. My tip-make a reservation just in case because it's so worth it. We arrived early and was happily greeted by the owner. We waited for only a few minutes and he sat us promptly. Our waiter was very pleasant and made a few recommendations. They had a lovely wine selection, both by the bottle and glass, and we went with a bottle of prosecco. We ordered a caprese salad and a Cesar salad, the caprese has fresh mozzarella, delicious tomatoes, and the perfect amount of balsamic. The caesar was fresh, and I'm pretty sure the dressing was home made. I recommend both. For our meal, we ordered the Cernia Mediterranea and the Spaghetti Carbonara. The grouper was cooked the traditional Italian way, and was plucked out of the ocean that morning; soft, buttery, and flakey. My carbonara was also made the traditional way, and was out of this world good. I highly recommend both, but I feel everything on the menu probably knocks it out of the park. To end out meal, we got the tiramisu. It was tasty, but I was sad they were out of the chocolate mousse cake (my favorite dessert). The entire meal the owner was walking around the restaurant checking in on patrons, filling empty glasses, and talking. He came to our table and talked for a minute. A very pleasant man, with good taste in food and who knows how to run a restaurant! Overall, this place is on my list to visit over and over again. We loved it, it's hard to imagine a bad meal here!
(4)
Sach D.
We were in town for a mini break. Made dinner reservations at this place. Restaurant is small, but very busy. We were seated right away. Service was very prompt after seated. Waiter was very knowledgeable. Food tasted good, but thought it was over priced. I ordered the gnocchi, which was tasted good, but thought is was way overpriced compared to other restaurants I've been too. But I guess being in a "tourist" area, restaurants will be over priced. Overall, great experience.
(4)
Katherine R.
My husband and I had the best dinner of our entire vacation stay tonight . We started with the lobster bisque and the soup if the day ( it was cream of potato soup ) the bisque was rich with flavor and my 15 month old savored the soup of the day . Next was the most amazing downright heavenly lasagna I've ever had . It was well prepared and melted in my mouth. The perfect combination of beshamel sauce and bolognese sauce . I couldn't resist finishing the very generous portion given to me . My husband ordered seafood pasta and he was absolutely delighted with it . My 15 month old had buttered penne pasta with fresh Parmesan lightly sprinkled on top along with a few bites of my lasagna . I've never seen my daughter enjoy food from a restaurant . She is the toughest critic I know. Tonight she enjoyed the food just as much as we did Our waiter was smooth and gave us phenomenal service . The entire staff was friendly. Everyone met our eyes with a smile. The restaurant is a gem . We will be back
(5)
Susan R.
2nd visit and again, Caesars hit a home run! Enjoyed an excellent Caesar salad, dressed spectacularly with croutons and anchovies. Our server, Nicholas, was friendly, knowledgeable, and efficient. We both chose one of the described daily specials: veal parmesan for spouse and sacchetini for me (a knot of stuffed pasta, served w a vodka sauce embellished w wild mushrooms and pancetta). Both entrees were outstanding (as was the Brigaldara valpolicella)! Took home leftovers, but still had no room for dessert. Hopefully next time.
(5)
Rob W.
These folks know how to fix Italian food. The ingredients are high quality, as is the preparation and presentation. Pasta and seafood are my favorites here, along with the homemade deserts.
(4)
Diane H.
It was a Groupon that brought me to this place, otherwise I never would have found it. It is tucked away in the furthest Southern corner of Clearwater Beach. It was mouth watering delicious. I had the Chicken with eggplant & mozzarella in a pink sauce. I wanted to lick the plate clean it was so good. My husband had the Filet Mignon in a mushroom gravy he said was fantastic. I was so full but had to squeeze a dessert in. I love tiramisu but this one was just off a bit. I don't think it had a real coffee liqueur in it. But everything else was great and I will eat here again. But if you are on a budget, walk on by, it's not cheap.
(5)
Corrine C.
We bought a groupon to try somewhere new on vacation and we were not disappointed. We started with the bruschetta and a bottle of super Tuscan (both were delicious), I had the pasta special in a vodka sauce and it was awesome and my boyfriend had the veal frank Sinatra which he said was delicious! The service was great from start to finish. The only unfortunate thing is their location( it's not in the heart of the strip) and that's really only unfortunate for the business. Def take the trolley or the free cab ride service to have a nice dinner.
(5)
Matt L.
Lobster Bisque, veal Frank Sinatra & a tiramisu and latte to finish. I cannot complain about a single thing. Service, food /and atmosphere all were great. We will be back.
(5)
Anne-Marie T.
I'm a local and had wanted to try this place for a while so made reservations for 7:30PM Friday evening. It was packed! Arrived at 7:15 and was assured would be seated at 7:30. After inquiring about being seated at 7:45, we were finally seated at 8:05PM. Though knowledgeable, our server was very rushed which put us on edge. The manager did buy us a round of drinks as an apology for the delay in being seated and while the food was pretty good, as a local, there are other places to eat around here where the food is as good but the service far more attentive. I go out to dinner to relax and enjoy...not be aggravated and then pay for the aggravation.
(2)
Drew C.
Overall this place was okay, but if you have a favorite Italian place, don't expect it to match up. My wife an I went here because we saw a deal for it and thought the menu sounded great. Don't get me wrong. The food was not bad, but for the prices I don't think it was worth it. The service was decent, although considering we were there when there were only two other small groups (2-4 people) I would have expected service to be better. Can't say it was the food here or not, but after eating here both my wife and I had stomach aches for a while to the point where we rushed back to our hotel and were in for the night.
(3)
Steve A.
Bought groupon and went last night while on vacation in FLORIDA, food and service was excellent
(5)
Nichole M.
The food was amazing! Make sure to hear the specials for the day, because we ended up ordering 2 that were delicious! The piece of veal in the Veal Parmigian was as big as my head! Huge servings, so sharing is a must! Staff was friendly and very attentive! We will be back!
(5)
Becca R.
The food here was excellent. I had the lasagna and my husband had the seafood pasta. It was the best lasagna I've had since my last trip to Italy. The service was top notch as well.
(5)
Tasha S.
The service and ambiance were great, and the food was amazing. We had lasagna, chicken parmesan and veal piccata and each one was the best of its type we had ever tried. Highly recommend!
(5)
R G.
While in town for a technical conference, took my business guest for dinner. Grouper was prepared very well. Service was good. Low key ambiance is good.
(4)
Gerard M.
We have been eating here several times a year whenever we are in Clearwater Beach. We have never been disappointed. The homemade pastas are always fantastic. The seafood fresh and perfectly cooked. The menu has a wide selection and everything we tried was first class. One of my favorite restaurants on the beach.
(5)
Carly H.
I am not aware what the local allure is, but from the bares and bones restaurant appearance, I feel the this place has inflated reviews and people should be made more aware of what to expect when dining here. I made the mistake of dining here for a special occasion and was sorely left unsatisfied! I had the fettuccine frutti Di mare which had really dried scallops and chewy calamari - otherwise the dish was great, it absolutely had redeeming qualities such as an excellent white sauce and yummy clams and mussels. My husband had the veal Sinatra which came out great! The veal was super tender and scallops were juicy - the only thing to note was that it is a little bit on the tart side. The house prosecco - zoni from Italy was really tasty and refreshing. I definitely recommend it. The atmosphere is more casual and not really meant for fine dining, anniversaries or birthdays. It's really meant for low-key get togethers. I was actually surprised to find the restaurant located in a strip mall. The sign and location should have warned me to turn around and find a place that would be fit to celebrate my special occasion. I will say that this was my only visit and probably will be my last. I don't advise to completely write off this restaurant, just to expect a very informal service and a very very casual setting for a nice restaurant.
(2)
Mary Jo P.
There is not a full bar and you pay for the location. But overall good and a pleasant evening. They made chicken piccatta for me which was not on the menu. The grouper was light and tasty. Excellent service.
(4)
Carolyn M.
I love this place. It's good food, great service, and the owners are so nice. I don't know that you could really ask for more. Wonderful spot for both locals and visitors.
(5)
Jacqueline G.
We sat outside on the patio and it was awesome. Great food and after we went right across the bridge to the park and watched the most spectacular sunset. Would highly recommend.
(4)
John H.
Many people are not going to believe what I write. I've traveled throughout the USA , Italy, abroad.......Many of my friends are great chefs......I've been in a kitchen with Jose Andre when he was catering for the president of Spain....I was in the hills of Chianti this past summer, Florence, Cremona, Milan......this place is the best Italian food in the United States....the owner is a genius.....the food is simple, pure, perfect.......how they make the basics , Alfredo, Lasagna,( because everyone I've had in the USA is awful), pesto.....how do they make these dishes superior to restaurants everywhere else in the USA?...I don't know....the service is perfect.....the food is as good as the very best restaurants in Milan, Florence, or Rome......I would give it 8 stars if I could.........its in a small strip mall......the owner is a perfectionist and loves his employees........I think this is one of the best restaurants for food in the USA.......shocking.....order the Alfredo, Pesto, Vodka sauce....tiramisu is excellent.........WOW
(5)
Bill K.
Ate in the bar area and service was great! Would like more wine options by the glass, very limited. Food very fresh and very good!
(4)
Alison S.
I went here because of Groupon. When I read the menu I didn't see much that really got me excited. HOWEVER!!!! I finally decided to order the pasta trio. WONDERFUL!!!! The menu says it consists of homemade ravioli, agnoletti ?( a homemade pasta stuffed with spinach in an Alfredo sauce) and a "surprise". The surprise turned out to be fettuccine with meat sauce. I am not a fan of cream sauces, but when I tasted their Alfredo sauce I'm sure I moaned with delight. It was sooo good and I loved the pasta stuffed with spinach. It looked like ravioli. Everything was very tasty. The only thing that could have made this better would be if it came with a salad. Wouldn't mind eating here another time if I ever visit Clearwater Beach again.
(5)
Dave W.
Excellent food and service. Not a lot of places left where the owner is so attentive
(5)
Laith A.
Great Italian place with superb service and excellent menu. The only thing is that the steak didn't "taste" much but then again I'm spoiled from when I've been in Italy.
(4)
Barry S.
Having vacationed in Sand Key 5 times we never realized this awesome Italian restaurant was so close. After a couple recomendations we decided to have our last dinner of our honeymoon there. When I first try an Italian restaurant I try either the lasagna or the parmigiana. Seeing the lasagna was recommended I ordered that. My wife ordered the crabmeat stuffed ravioli. As an appetizer we had the caprese salad. I thought it was a 5 star dish. The only thing my wife found an issue with is she prefers room temp tomatoes and these were cold (the way I like them!). The bread was also great for me - a perfect crusty Italian. Once again my wife, not liking a crusty bread, wasn't totally thrilled but managed a couple pieces. The meals were both fantastic. From the homemade pasta, to the creamy sauce, melt in your mouth cheese and just right amount of meats, I have to say the lasagna was the best I have had. My wife felt the same about the ravioli - fantastico! We ended the meal with the chocolate mousse. It was very rich and creamy and had a dark chocolate flavor. A perfect ending to a perfect meal. Even the coffee was just right. Needless to say, we will be back every trip to Sand Key.
(5)
Rich D.
While I had driven by Cesare's for several years while living on Sand Key, I hadn't stopped by until I found a Groupon for a meal here. The interior here is very nice in an understated way, and the service was extremely prompt and attentive. I had the lobster bisque which was full of seafood flavor and tasted. I also chose the pasta amatriciana which was quite good as well. I'll definitely be returning to Cesare's.
(4)
Alex A.
My girlfriend bought the groupon not too long ago. The name is misleading, it's across the street from the inlet. And when I say across the street, not only you can't see it, there's a parking lot between the two as well. It's located at the end of a strip mall. Location wasn't at all what we were expecting. The restaurant itself is small and clean. It's your basic traditional Italian restaurant. I had the lasagna and it wasn't bad. But it had a very distinctive foreign taste to it. Again, not what we were expecting. If you don't want to leave Clearwater beach and you absolutely have to have Italian, you might give it a try. I've heard there's another Italian restaurant on the north end of the beach you might also look at. We won't be back here again.
(3)
Bella R.
Came here with the family for dinner. We sat outside. I ordered the sea bass primadonna (whitefish) with ONLY tomatoes and olives (a request by me) and it was amazing. We also ordered the soup of the day which was chicken and veggies and it was great! The 2 year old devoured the soup! The lobster bisque was ALRIGHT. However, the grouper was horrible. The crab ravioli wasn't too great. The spaghetti was good. The veal chops sucked! Our appetizers were pretty good. We got calamari but that wasn't that great. The mozzarella caprese was good! As well as the mozzarella sticks (which we ordered off the kids menu as an appetizer) was good. This restaurant was good but not great. VERY PRICY! VERY PRICY! VERY PRICY! Over $300 for only 5 And 2 kids who shared. Atmosphere isn't too great either. You probably will listen to all the other great reviews but DONT. because that's what we did and were far disappointed. Try Clearwater Wine Bar and Bistro because that place is AMAZING. This place isn't.
(5)
John H.
The food was great the service was good. The lazana was some of the best I have had.
(4)
Jon U.
Stay far away from this place! The manager is rude and overbearing and kept staring at us for no reason. He then came over and tried to fight the people in my party asking to "talk outside" to the point we got up and left. They need to learn customer service 101 and respect your paying customers. Very bad business practices here.
(1)
D M.
Poor customer service , even before I stepped foot in the place...receptionist so rude regarding reservation. I asked for 6:30 when a left a message, they called back and left a message saying either 6 or 8 is available. This was at 5:43...called back 3 minutes later to be told the 6 was gone. Tone, approach, and attitude given to me in spades for even asking for an explanation. AVOID!
(1)
Giovanni G.
Bravissimo!!!! Believe me when it comes to Italian food I don't say that often. Having grown up in Sicilian/Italian famiglia across the river from NYC let me just say besides in Italia I've had some of the best Italian in the world. Ciccio (hopefully I got that right) and his team make some of the best Italian food ya are gonna find around here as well as making you feel like part of the famiglia! And if ya are lucky you'll get to hear him sing some opera.. The man has a voice! Bravissimo!!!!
(4)
J. A.
Took my mother there and she agreed that the food was as good as in Italy. She is Italian and cannot eat anything not authentic. This place definitely is a go.
(5)
Jac D.
This place was not what we expected at all! On our last night in town (stayed at a nearby hotel), Cesare's At The Beach was the perfect way to end our vacation. The service, the food, and the atmosphere were absolutely perfect. Our table ordered an gnocchi dish and two chicken dishes and they were all phenomenal. Don't let the "mini-mall" feel of the location drive you away - Cesare's has delicious food!
(5)
Nicole B.
Discovered this place from Off of Trip Advisor. Love the service! So nice to go out to eat at an authentic Italian restaurants and actually get served by a staff of authentic Italians! :) We dined on the following: Bruschetta Carpaccio Pasta Trio Carbonara Everything was so amazing! Each plate was perfectly prepared. Half way through the meal my husband and I switched plates!
(5)
Ross W.
Coming from Chicago & the best Italian, this place stacks up to Chicago Italian restaurants.
I've been eating here at Cesare's nearly every Sunday since they opened. The Italian Food is Authentic. Our family favorites are the Osso Bucco, Grouper Franchez, Veal Chop & all the pasta dishes. The Staff is very friendly and accomadating
(4)
Bob S.
Best Italian food in the area. Waitstaff very attentive. Owner stopped at each table. The restaurant is well managed and everyone is in a good mood! Homade pasta was delish!!!
(5)
Fred W.
A true gem on the beach!! As a local I try to always be on the lookout for new restaurants! Ceasars has been located in a discreet retail center at the south end of Clearwater beach and has been there for some time and is a treat every time I go. Anyone can make linguini and clam sauce. Ceasar's makes it as well as any I've ever had...maybe better! His veal, fish dishes are excellent. And the wine list offers many choices in a variety of price range. I like to bring out of town guest and my kids insist on it when they visit. If you're looking for Italian food and a great environment- Ceasar's is the place!
(5)
Nat W.
I was in the mood for some good Italian food and we just came across this restaurant at Clearwater beach. We ordered Calamari, Lobster Bisque, Lasagna and Creme Brulee. The only thing we loved was Lobster Bisque. It is a must try. The rest was just mediocre and overpriced. The waiter gave me that look when I told him I am not ordering an entree. And for some reason he rushed us even though the restaurant was almost empty. I give this place a 2-star for the Lobster Bisque and the interior/atmosphere.
(2)
Sarah Z.
Great Italian place on the beach. Went with a date the other night and loved it. Service was wonderful, they recommended a really tasty sparkling wine that went perfectly with our salmon, scallops, and shrimp. Tiramisu was fantastic and Cesare is such a sweet guy, was cool to actually meet the owner. We will definitely be back :)
(5)
Laura W.
Really enjoyed a romantic night with hubby. Eggplant parm was absolutely divine!!
(4)
Rebecca A.
Best Italian I've had in a long time...had the Veal Parm, it was so tender I cut it with a fork. Great food, great service! Only downfall is that it is a bit pricey.
(4)
Darcy S.
Delicious. This is a hidden gem in a mostly deserted strip mall on Clearwater Beach. We started with the lobster bisque and mozzarella caprese. The bisque was outstanding, it is a must have. The caprese was ok, nothing to rave about. The bread with olive oil dipping sauce was a perfect compliment to the appetizers and dinner. For dinner my husband had the gnocchi and I had the pollo cesare augusto. My husband really enjoyed his gnocchi and I am still raving about my pollo cesare augusto. The chicken was cooked perfectly with a layer of eggplant and mushrooms, covered with a delicious pink sauce. If you are looking for some good Italian...make this one of your stops!
(5)
Mark S.
Ceasar's has been a constant italian fix of ours for the last two years. It's convent location at the end of the Clearwater-Sandkey bridge makes it easily accessible from our condo in Sandkey. The attire is a little more up-scale beachwear, but I don't feel uncomfortable wearing shorts, flip-flops and hawaiian shirt. I would highly recommend the calamari appetizer, which is lightly breaded and fried along with the carpaccio with shaved parmiggiano. For dinner I usually get the veal saltimbocca or veal piccata which is always very tender. If i'm in the mood for pasta I highly recommend the pasta molognese and my wife really enjoys the salmone norvegese (she skips the scallops). For dessert I'm never disappointed by the tiramisu... Ceasar and his wife are always on hand to make sure your meal was enjoyable and they make us a welcome addition to their restaurant every time we see them!
(4)
Ramon P.
An excellent neighborhood Italian bistro with outstanding food and service. Family friendly and cozy.
(4)
Keith B.
Cesare's is the kind of Italian place that you like to go back to again and again. The food is delicious. The menu is big enough to explore yet small enough to execute well. The staff is friendly and welcoming yet still professional. The owner is usually on hand to meet and greet and ensure that all is going smoothly--and he might even sing a bit of opera. Especially good items are the eggplant rollatini appetizer, the pasta e fagioli soup, the veal saltimbocca entree, and the crème brulee dessert. I do wish that the wine list was a little broader with some more less expensive options. Also, the menu is a little on the pricey side, but the portions are large and the quality very good.
(4)
Joe S.
We had passed Cesare's many times but this time decided to try it. Everything was excellent. Bread and dipping sauce excellent. Caprese salad excellent. Entrees excellent. Cannoli very good. Pricey but very, very good food and service.
(5)
Susan D.
This place was crowded on a weeknight at 10:00 pm so we thought it must be good. Service was fast. The prices were low for the the quality and amount of food. My husband would give it 5 stars but my pasta was a little overcooked. The meatballs were delicious. Will go back again when we are in the area.
(4)
Anthony P.
Food is always FANTASTIC & service is generally good.
(5)
Philip G.
We got great service from a knowledgeable waiter. The kitchen was more than happy to make things that weren't on the menu. The pasta entrees (we had five different ones) were all excellent. The house salad was good though not inspiring. We didn't love the desserts. Before we went in we asked a family how they were enjoying their meal and they responded enthusiastically (they had a steak special that looked excellent, though we didn't get any of the meat dishes). So... I would recommend going here for pasta and wine and then getting ice cream somewhere else for dessert.
(4)
Lidia L.
Had dinner here with a Groupon $20 for $40. I have to admit the food was rather tasty, I'm from NJ and first generation italian, my dad is a italian chef as well as many other family members. And the food was good compared to other italian places I have eaten at. It is pricey almost a bit too pricey, I pay the same for a meal at Carmine's in NYC that I did here. Portions were ok, for the price you pay for a spaghetti puttanesca dish ($19.50) you are barely getting what you think you should be getting. Also the meat dinners were also not portioned with regards to the price. I had a chicken with red peppers, mushrooms, onions and kalamata olives ($22) and it was 2 pieces of very thin chicken with a ton of sauce and then no offer of pasta on side, just some potatoes and veggies. They should offer it with pasta for the price you are paying for a thin piece of chicken. They said they have chicken and veal parm but it's not on the menu and they didnt offer a price so I was weary to order. If they just offered a bit more food for the price this place would be a 5 star no prob. Also be weary of the bread it's odd definitely not cibatta or what you would expect from high end italian restaurant.
(4)
Rebecca B.
Excellent!
(5)
Andrew P.
The best Italian food and by far the best service we had in Clearwater. The grouper francaise was a highlight, and my wife said the lobster bisque is the best she's ever had, anywhere
(5)
Jessica S.
Amazing Gnocchi and Grouper! Best italian food I had in a while.
(5)
Cori R.
Definitely a nice place. My boyfriend & I were able to walk from our hotel. We took the advice of other yelpers, saw the good reviews and tried this place out one of our three nights in Clearwater Beach. We started with bruschetta that was so delicious with melted mozzarella cheese on top. 4 pieces. We each had 2 and it was gone in less than 5 minutes. I had the shrimp and scallop fra diavolo ...shrimp and scallops were huge and cooked very well.. The sauce was not too spicy at all. My boyfriend had a veal dish which he enjoyed with a side of potatoes and veggies. Veal was not hot but he enjoys cold food! I contemplated dessert and settled with a cannoli... The only complaint I have about the whole meal... Maybe it's just not what I was used to but I couldn't eat it. Service was awesome though and very nice and quick. Soft drinks were $3+ (free refills) so wish I went with a glass of wine!
(4)
Brittany P.
Me and my mother stopped here on the way back from Dunedin. The decor is interesting. The booths and chairs don't really match the bar or floor and kind of remind me of something you'd see in a diner. Which is fine, but when your spending $10 for a bowl of pasta fagoile, and $20 for a modest amount of fettucini Alfredo, and the waiters are wearing tuxedo vests, I would just expect the restaurant to look a little more upscale. We had a ceasar salad, the fettucini ceasar and a grouper picatta dish. The ceaser salad was not very good. The parm was not good quality, the dressing bland, and the greens were browned. The fettucini was delicious, although I wished they offered freshly grated cheese for it. It's so much better than generic grated parm. My moms fish was awesome. Loved the picatta sauce, and it was perfectly cooked. The service was attentive, maybe a little too. I don't know if they pool tips, but 3 different servers took care of us, and didn't really communicate with another, and were constantly asking if we needed pepper or refills, ect, it was just kind of intrusive. Bottom line, the food is good, but you can find better Italian food, that's a lot less expensive.
(3)
B L.
Food and atmosphere were fantastic! Really great!
(5)
Alex N.
Good food, good service, good location, and wonderful variety on the menu. Highly recommend.
(5)
Jenny S.
My dad is right off the boat from Italy and thinks the food is really good at Caesars... i was shocked he doesnt like food from restuarants LOL .... That says a lot for me bc i know how picky he is when it comes to food from the old country! The Gnocci was amazing!!!! and the waiters will always keep your glass full!!! Nice owners too...always walking around checking on people. A+ place in Florida!
(5)
Boston Italian Girl O.
This place was yummy and had excellent service! Wished it was in a location overlooking the water, but the decor and ambiance were so nice that it didn't even matter. The bread and dipping oil that is served first is amazing. We had the bruschetta as an appetizer, which was flavorful and plenty big. It was not the best bruschetta we've ever had but still good. My husband got spaghetti carbonarra which was absolutely declicious! I ordered fettuccine alfredo w/shrimp which was superb. My family is straight off the boat from Italy so it's hard to impress when it comes to Italian, but this place was fantastic. You can tell the pasta is either hand made or very high quality and everything is made from scratch. Server was attentive and knowledgeable as were all other wait staff, it seems they all pitch in and help each other out as several servers came by to refill water, offer cheese/ground pepper, check on our meals, etc. Great place!
Good Italian food. The waiter was a tad overwhelmed with the number of tables he had. The owner, Cesare Tini, broke into song twice while we were there-singing some amazing Italian opera songs. Unexpected nightly entertainment.
(4)
Judith A.
We were greeted at the door by a "smokin' hot babe" (my male companions expression), who seated us at a nice booth. We were glad that we made our reservation for 5 PM because the place was packed by six. The attentive waiter brought us hot Italian bread with a olive oil, garlic and basil dipping sauce that was to die for. The entrees were very expensive so we decided to share the Osso Bucco. I have never had better and that says a lot because I've tried it in various restaurants in Italy, on cruise ships, several places in the USA, plus I make it myself. The meat was buttery tender and the bone marrow was huge. The sauce was seasoned just right. All in all we had a wonderful time.
(5)
Joseph O.
Food was fantastic. Atmosphere was also acceptable. Very good Italian food to have while on your beach vacation. Food enjoyed: fra diavlo and spaghetti carbonara. Cheesy proscuitto goodness!!
(4)
Aaron B.
Great food and great service. Wife had an excellent off menu chicken parm. Perfectly done and way too much to eat! I had the grouper with asparagus. Just fantastic. The owner stopped by are table a couple of times to check on us and talked us into a delectable tiramisu to cap off a great meal.
(5)
Stacy B.
Great food! Nice place! Friendly staff! We like to take out-of-town guests here. They have a large menu and the food is always consistent. Need to make reservations.
(5)
Chris B.
This place is very good. Never had a bad meal here. The wait staff is very professional and highly attentive. The menu is very large and covers just about anything you could want.
(5)
Paul M L.
Ok I know this place is on the beach so you would automatically think it's a tourist type place like I did , but when I read the yelp reviews I decided to give it a try, and I'm glade I did. This a a place worth driving to. We had Veal Marsala , the Veal could be cut with a fork it was that tender, the sauce was light and tasty with a lot of tasty mushrooms. The vegetables were fresh and cooked perfectly, not mush like so many places do, and the dinners were NOT SALTY ! Which seems to be a problem in so many places. We had chicken and egg plant that was prepared perfectly. We had a desert recommended by our waiter that was a perfect ending to our meal. We will be back
(4)
Cecilia A.
This place is off the hook amazing. I'm from San Diego and have lived in FL about 4 years, def consider myself a foodie, Caesars is by far the best Italian food I've had in FL
(5)
Bird R.
We were in Clearwater for a weekend getaway and stumbled upon this restaurant via Yelp. We purchased a Groupon and went for dinner on a whim... AND LOVED IT. This is a small restaurant where the owner will greet you at the door and make sure you have an excellent table. The service was very good and the food was fantastic! The pasta is so good and everything was obviously made fresh. We really loved it and would definitely recommend it to friends.
(5)
Candace H.
Our waiter last night was totally great. He was quick, attentive, and got our questions answered from the chef. Unfortunately, the food and atmosphere was underwhelming. My husband got mushroom risotto, but there were so many crunchy (undercooked) onions that it took away from the really nice mushroom flavor. I had the spaghetti carbonara, whick was really creamy but missing that rich flavor I expect of this traditional dish (missing the egg? Or the parm cheese maybe? ) The tiramisu was soggy, and definitely not worth the eight bucks. On top of it all, we got to watch the bus boy do dishes throughout the meal... Especially for the price, would not go here again.
(3)
Ada C.
Found this gem via Groupon, and it was amazing! Service was top notch, and food was even better! The bread was hot and came with really tasty oil and pesto for dipping. I had mussels and my husband had a salad to start. Both were delish! The mussels were a generous portion - there were options to have it with marinara sauce or garlic wine sauce. Garlic wine sauce was to die for! And dipping the bread in it was ridiculously good. Then I had fettuccine alfredo (and added 3 jumbo shrimps). The shrimps were so succulent, pasta was so fresh, and the alfredo sauce was so creamy... YUMMM!! My husband had lasagne verdi, and the meat sauce and homemade pasta were perfection. We ordered a cannoli to share - it was really good but had a lot of filling... made it a tad messy to eat. I would say this restaurant has upscale food in a casual setting. Perfect spot for a laid back date night. There were a few families dining as well... a great option for all :). There was outdoor patio seating available with heaters. It was only a short walk from the nearby Hyatt. The plaza has lots of parking available.
(5)
Taraneh A.
Great food, fantastic service (thanks Nicholas). All the marks for a fine dining experience, but located in a strip mall. Guest range from dressy to flip flops. Highly recommend the Penne Terra e Mare! It was delicious :)
(4)
Shayla Z.
I visited Tampa with my family in August and just happened to stumble upon this wonderful restaurant. I would honestly visit Tampa again just to eat at this place. The food was delicious, the service was excellent, and the cost was pricey but definitely worth it. The only con is the lack of parking, especially when the restaurant is so popular. There IS parking in the back of the building but is truly annoying when there's a thunderstorm passing by. Overall, IN LOVE with the restaurant. There's a dish for every type of eater! TIP: You MUST make a reservation before coming to the restaurant. It's usually always jam-packed during the evening.
(5)
Duane D.
I like this place a lot. It reminds me of a small mom and pop Italian restaurant in New York City that was been relocated to the beach. Great, high quality food with a diverse menu. Service is very attentive. Prices are quite reasonable for what you get. Try the Tartuffo desert - it's hard to find and very good here.
(5)
Justin P.
Excellent food, excellent service. You must get the Veal Frank Sinatra-- it's the best! Worth skipping the other Clearwater tourist traps and getting an authentic Italian meal.
(5)
Greg R.
Made a reservation for 5 people at this restaurant and when we got there they placed us at a table for 4. While our 5th person was a baby, they still take up physical space and a square table does not leave enough room for a highchair!! When we asked if we could have a bigger table we were told that only people with reservations could have those - hmm, what is our reservation?? Maybe they don't consider babies people? After discussing this we decided this table just wouldn't work and told the manager this on the way out the door . We explained the situation and told him we wouldn't be able to eat at their restaurant. As we were heading to our car he told us that suddenly there was a cancellation and we could have a table that could fit our party. When I stated I refuse to eat at his restaurant due to the rudeness of the staff and the inflexibility to accommodate the reservation we made he asked me why we were so upset over the situation. Really? You treat us poorly, basically tell us that our comfort at your restaurant isn't a concern to you, and don't give in to helping us until we are in the parking lot and you aren't sure why we were upset?? My recommendation to everyone would be to avoid this restaurant unless you like to be treated rudely.
(1)
Amber D.
Last table there last night and still received amazing service. We had a scallop and shrimp pasta dish and the most delicious lasagna either of us had ever had. Very light for such a wonderful meat sauce. The wine list was okay, was hoping for a good Italian white or rose, but our Napa valley wine worked! This is a must stop in Clearwater if you want fresh seafood and pasta!
(5)
Charlie G.
I took my girlfriend out for the rare Italian dinner...rare since neither of us is crazy about pasta. So I usually cook Italian at home, and maximize the proteins and veggies. I had heard good things about Cesare's and decided to give it a go. We arrived a bit early, and were seated immediately. Very friendly and attentive staff here... without being bothersome. The location is ok... limited free parking, and a bit noisy from traffic if you sit outside as we did. But the view is ok... and it was nice and cool, very pleasant. Now on to the food! Fresh HOT bread, very crusty... and almost too hot to eat! YUM! A shared Caesar salad, that was very good. I have sung the praises of Escargot to my girlfriend several times, and usually just got a "gross", or "yuck"! Tonight she was feeling adventurous, and said "yes, please"! :) They were nicely served... six large critters each swimming in it's own little pool of butter... very tasty! No grit either... unlike some lesser establishments I have been to. She enjoyed them, and was shocked at how yummy they were! Highly recommended! I will often order for both of us as I often know the menus better than she does, and I love to introduce her to new food to love. For her... I ordered the Cernia Mediterranea (Grouper with Crab, Shrimp cooked in a wonderful Mediterranean type sauce with Capers and Kalamata Olives). She loved it, and said it was some of the best grouper she had ever had. I had the Veal SaltimBocca all Romana (veal with proscuitto in a nice demi-glaze sauce) very tender and flavorful... I would definitely order it again! Both were served with roasted potatoes and some nicely steamed mixed veggies... nice portions, and very fresh. Alas... my lovely girlfriend is allergic to alchohol... and I don't drink at all when I am driving... so I had to pass on what looked like an excellent wine selection! Next time she drives! ;) We have not been indulging in desserts lately (a love of good food is hard on the waistline) but I was jonesing for a Creme Brule.... and she wanted some Chocolate Mousse. So we got them, with some wonderful fresh coffee... black, of course. My creme brule was excellent, wonderfully sweet with a thick layer of carmelized sugar on top...Delicious!... and I will savor it in memory often (and go back just for desert if necessary, lol!). She said her Mousse was very good... nicely chocolaty, and not too sweet. So all in all, a wonderful dinner! Not the least expensive place to eat... plan on around $50-55 per person if you do it like we did. but well worth it! Afterwards we went for a nice walk on the beach (further south, since Clearwater Beach is a ZOO!) and had a wonderful sunset... all romantic and stuff! And that is all I am going to say!
(5)
Cassie C.
Way over priced!!! Our portions were small, service was subpar, and food wasn't any better than Olive Garden. You don't even get a salad with your $30 pasta dish that may include all of 5 raviolis. Waiter acted put out when we even asked for more bread. Top it off, the wait staff was complaining about the place and the owner's poor management?! Awkward! We won't be back.
(2)
Thomas J.
Ambience very nice. Tables nicely spaced. Service good to excellent. Food outstanding, although a bit pricey. Can get very busy, so make a reservation. Seafood prepared perfectly. Would not recommend outdoor seating - loud due to parking lot and busy street.
(4)
Christina C.
Definitely worth checking out, but make a reservation, because it gets busy! We made 8 p.m. reservations for a Friday. However, it turned out to be colder that day than we expected so we called to see if we could come earlier, since we were anxious to leave the beach. It was about 7:15 p.m. and they said although they might not be able to seat us right away it wouldn't take long. Luckily they were able to seat us right away, but when we left there were a good number of people waiting! Even though there was a lot of times open on opentable, it is misleading, because this is a popular place! Cesare himself was checking people in. It is a really nice touch to have the owner walking around working in the restaurant. It gives it a great family feel. I appreciate how laid back the atmosphere is. We sat outside and the tables were pretty bare without table cloth. When you're covered in sun screen and have sand everywhere, you appreciate not being surrounded by finery. They bring out warm bread with pesto to start. It was good and it helps tide over ravenous beach goers like ourselves. I looked over the menu before we came, and I'm glad I did, because there are so many options. My husband did not, so I had to wait for him to read through everything. I knew I wanted to try the pasta, because it is homemade. My husband chose one dish, but when he heard the specials he decided on the chicken parmesan. I decided on the ravioli with crabmeat and ricotta. The dishes came in a good amount of time. I loved my ravioli. The pink sauce was amazing and I stole some of my husband's pasta to dip in it. I could definitely tell that the ravioli was homemade. The chicken parmesan was good too. It wasn't the best we ever had, but it was pretty good. I bet if we both stuck with just pasta dishes I would have given this place 5 stars. If you are at Clearwater Beach you should come here. Yes it is a little off the beaten path, but that also means there is an abundance of free parking on the side streets. Definitely check this place out.
(4)
Margaret K.
Not impressed. Just ordered appetizers - calamari and tuna. Calamari rings were good and tender but then over half of order was those crunchy mini octipus. Marinara tasted bottled spaghetti sauce. The tuna was really rare and the only flavor was the herb crust which was very peppery.
(1)
Jenna M.
I know I keep giving 5 stars but they do what they do flawlessly. Each dish is a masterpiece and the service is exceptional. Wine list one of the best on the beach.
(5)
Jeff C.
Yesterday Mary and I celebrated our 31st anniversary here with dinner. The Mozzarella Caprese as an appetizer was nice. I had the Veal Picata ( slice thin with a lemon butter sauce with capers, veggies and potatoes) and Mary had the Ravioli Al Granchio ( homemade pasta, stuffed with crabmeat, ricotta cheese with a pink sauce ). Both were delicious. For dessert we also enjoyed the Tartufo Al Limoncello ( lemon ice cream with a soft limoncello liqueur center with crushed lemon meringue). The ambiance was pleasant. The staff was very attentive and polite. Although we may possibly would have the same or similar meal in NYC for less money, it was good to find a understated classy place with a variety of good Italian dishes in Clearwater Beach, Florida.
(4)
Christian J.
By far one of my favorite restaurants I had the pleasure of dining at this vacation. OK hands down, its situation, decor, etc is not why you come here, but the traditional awesome Italian food is why. I suggest you have some kind of small appetizer and have a pasta, because any of the ones here are fantastic! As soon as I had my first bite - (actually as soon as I stepped into the restaurant for the first time the smell reminded me of good Italian food) - I was thrown back into childhood, remembering all the great Italian food I was exposed to back then. Their antipasti, & and pasta I can swear for, I did not try any of the carne platters. Great first-class service, with energetic young servers keeps this place in my favorites of all time.
(5)
Andea A.
Very bland food... Nothing special. Dining room very small and tables too close together.
(2)
Frank F.
Found on Groupon. Service was great, food was as well. I had pasta (angel hair?) with Diablo sauce and scallops. Very good. Its pricey.....but worth it.
(5)
Sherri M.
Hands down the BEST Italian restaurant in Tampa Bay. Sitting on a strip mall at the foot (Clearwater Beach side) of the Sand Key Bridge, Cesar's is a lovely restaurant with exceptionally prepared and served food. Service: management is always front of the house and it shows. Someone will always pass by your table to ask if everything is ok and how you are enjoying your meal. If you are lucky enough to get Nick as your service you will have a fantastic evening. All of the servers are well-versed in the menu and carefully explain the specials of the day. Food: agnolitti! These small soft pasta pillows stuffed with spinach and a little cheese are my favorite (I want mine with Alfredo sauce). It's rare to find them on a menu anywhere, but especially in Tampa Bay and Cesar's rivals the best I had at Tiberio, a 5 star restaurant in Washington DC some years ago. I have ordered this dish so often that it was finally suggested I try something else! I don't usually order lasagna but was encouraged to try theirs and am I glad I did. It was the best lasagna I have ever had, light and full of flavor. I can also recommend the calamari as an appetizer, the Caesar salad which is prepared properly, and the Chilean sea bass. They have a variety of daily specials which are outstanding. They serve beer and wine only and there is a small bar with a few hi-tops if you don't want to eat in the dining room. Go. Enjoy. If you like good Italian food you will not be disappointed.
(5)
Jenna T.
I went to this restaurant with my boyfriend while we were on vacation, and we both were very impressed! The food was delicious, and we did not have to wait long for our food. I ordered the seafood pasta dish and highly recommend it to anybody that is a seafood fan. Next time I am in Florida, I definitely will be stopping back!
(5)
Matteo N.
Service was unacceptable. Waited forever got the appetizers & took over a hour and 10 minutes for them to bring out 3 pasta dinners & 1 veal dinner. I'm sorry but that is a insult to the patrons of the establishment. The server told me "sorry they were busy" -Sure on a Wednesday night. The food was good but nothing to write home about. I won't be returning.
(2)
John P.
Great restaurant on the South end of beach at foot of Sand Key Bridge. Great service and high quality Italian food
(5)
Michelle J.
Delicious homemade pasta, great bread and good service. It isn't right on the beach, but located on the main drag within walking distance. Ragu is wonderful! The ambiance is not as nice as one might expect for the price and quality of food, but very friendly, clean, and I think that's fine in a high-traffic tourist area.
(5)
Jay R.
Casual Italian with a big flavor. Cesare's is the real deal, Italian how it should be served a fantastic menu that includes all the great Italian basics and some nice specialty dishes. Being from Chicago there is a lot of Italian around if this place was in my city I would leave the cooking up to them, and shelf my pots and pans. After a drive through the beach area of Clearwater we ended up at Cesare's the first thing you will notice is it has a nice little outside, walking inside its a cute atmosphere with room around the tables and lots of windows. The food was nothing short of spectacular, most everything seems homemade especially the pasta which has a great texture. We Started with a few appetizers The Burrata with chopped tomatoes which I think was a special that day. Burrata is super creamy buttery home made mozzarella sp creamy and melt in your mouth it was awesome. We had this dish in Italy and it was just as good here at Cesare's. We also had the seared tuna with herb crust, this was the only slight miss the entire meal the tuna was fresh and seared perfect but the crust was to peppery for my liking and hid the tuna flavor. I ended up scrapping a good portion of ithe crust off so I could taste the tuna. For entrees we had the Mediterranean Mahi Mahi which was a fresh perfectly cooked piece of fish with a flavorful not over powering sauce. I had the fettuccine bolognese with a side of meatballs and sausage. The paste and sauce where fantastic the pasta was cooked al dente and a nice big portion. Now the meatballs and sausage some of the best I have had, the meatballs were packed with flavor not heavy or dense and the sausage was the same it all came on a pate with sauce, meatballs and sausage are a great barometer of a Italian restaurants skills, this dish proved they know their stuff. We finished with ricotta cheesecake a great consistency and nice sweet creamy flavor this is the Italian style cheesecake. There was a place I loved we use to go to growing up that served it like this, I am glad I found somewhere to get it again even if I have to drive 18 hours to have it. Some of the best Italian I have had anywhere,it's worth the trip even from as far away as Chicago.
(5)
Melissa U.
Food was good, but for the price I've definitely experienced better. Service was good, but I was expecting a nice dinner for the price and the ambiance outdoors was awful. Patio style furniture and a parking lot and highway for the view. The restaurant is in strip mall. It may have been better if people weren't coming outside often to smoke which carried over to where we were seated, and if a family who was waiting to dine wasn't loud and obnoxious. I know they can't control unruly guests but the atmosphere was definitely poor for a $110 meal for two.
(2)
Kelly R.
Really awesome authentic Italian food! The lasagna was perfectly done and the pasta trio was equally delicious! This is the second best Italian we have ever had. The warm bread with homemade pesto dipping was phenomenal as well! We really enjoyed our meals! The only opportunity for improvement is the service. If it was a tad more attentive, 5 stars for sure!
(4)
rach l.
Wow. Amazing Italian cuisine. Didn't know what to expect at first being in a shopping plaza... but Hello, pastis!! Bueno!! Had the carpacio and buratta to start. Dinner was a pasta, mix grille of seafood and Lamb shank. Amazing! Done tix perfection. Atmosphere was chill. We watched the Pens Playoff game! Can not wait to go back sometime soon.
(5)
Barbara S.
Came here for a 3 year anniversary. Was looking for someplace special and Italian so we called here and were a bit misled. Despite the name of the restaurant and asking for a water view and being told "sure!" there really isn't a water view. This place is across the street from the beach, and you'll just enjoy the sound and sight of cars. The food and hospitality mostly made up for it. Our dishes were fantastic, Cesare kindly greeted us at the door, and our waiter was fantastic. Clean and decorated place. Great menu. Seafood was delicious! Bread and olive oil dip before your food comes - yum. As a few other people have stated the bruschetta was just ok. It wasn't a terrible taste in your mouth, but the look and taste just didn't match the upscale feel of the place. It reminded me of toasted bread with melted shredded mozzarella out of a Wal-Mart bag. While the food was good, I wouldn't recommended it as a spot for a special occasion. The location made it weird, but my boyfriend doesn't have to know that.
(4)
Jim C.
Was recommended from a friend from ny. It was very good! We were at the height of their busiest time, we had a reservation for 8:15 pm on a sat night during spring break. Had to wait just a few minutes which wasn't a big deal at all. Nick the server was really professional and his suggestions were spot on. Liked how he said on one entree, " if we weren't so busy this would be great. It takes time and I am concerned with how busy the kitchen is, it wouldn't represent our norm". So we went w another option (veal special) and it was delicious. Will be back for sure.
(4)
Lauren B.
Visited Cesare's twice last week and had the best experience both times! Our server Nico was knowledge about the menu and specials and was extremely professional and friendly. When we returned for our second visit, he even remembered the wine we had ordered on the first visit without asking. - very cool. Food was equally as impressive - had the Beef Carpaccio, Calamari for apps and Pollo Cesare Augusto for an entree, all were delicious. I will definitely be back to Cesare's next time I'm in town!
(5)
Hungry S.
what a gem. excellent service. for an extra $5, they'll split your entree -- trust me, that's enough food. we went with a groupon, went early, they filled up. gentile, great place to really sit and have a beautiful conversation.
(4)
Kelsey L.
The service was great, pasta was amazing. The chicken was average, but the nice atmosphere made up for it. Loved the heaters on with the outside seating. Could see the pretty cruise ships go by without being chilly!
(4)
Oliver P.
Good experience overall. We were surprised to find that Cesare's is located in a strip mall, as none of the reviews really mentioned that. Service was attentive but slow. There was easily more than a half hour between our salads and our dinners. I had the lobster bisque and a mahi special w primavera sauce. Bisque was on par with others I have had. Mahi was tasty but not special. My wife had salad and the beef tenderloin. The beef was done perfectly.
(4)
Kimberly P.
Firstly, let me say that I've had pasta in most of the major US cities and northern Italy. We ordered the pesto pasta. A dish that should be $7-$12 was not only overpriced, but missing so much basil. I make homemade pasta myself, and missed the basil! Felt they tried to stretch the sauce with tons of garlic. Bleh.
(2)
Mary S.
We purchased a Groupon from this place after reading great reviews. We were not disappointed. The employees at Caesars take their food seriously. Our waiter gave great recommendations as the menu is extensive. I had the lasagna that he explained in salivating detail. It was delicious. My family had spaghetti and meatballs, veal, and a chicken dish. We argued over whose was best! I do recommend reservations here. Outdoor seating is not that great as its on the corner of a strip mall facing a parking lot. Normally I prefer it but in this case would skip it. I would go there again without hesitation. What's not to love about homemade pasta?
(4)
Laura S.
Had the calamari which was excellent, tender and not overcooked. We shared the Cesare salad which was good but unremarkable. Hubby had the sea bass entree and I had the grouper francese. Both were excellent but the grouper was best. Word of warning - if you want a cocktail, go somewhere else. They only serve beer and wine which is different from what is listed on Yelp's more info page.
(4)
trisha g.
Loved the food and great customer service . My hubby and I went here for the last night of our vacation . We walked in without a reservation and were warmly greeted by the owner. He didn't have a table available but cleared a spot and got us a table in the bar area. The food was so good , wish I lived closer !!!!
(5)
Allison Q.
Absolutely amazing meal with wonderful service. Food was amazing, traditional italian. Worth every penny.
(5)
Rafael P.
This is a 5 star restaurant in terms of service and food. The food was amazing and the portions are hearty and filling. Our waiter was awesome. The appetizers he recommended were outstanding, and his main course recommendations were unreal. Great place!
(5)
Lynne K.
Definitely the best Italian in Clearwater beach.. We had calamari to start delish. We all had different pasta dishes and all were excellent. Service was outstanding will be back on our next trip to Clearwater. Very very expensive
(4)
Caroline B.
We came on Sunday of Memorial Day weekend, and thankfully we had a reservation, they had to turn away families who didn't. My tip-make a reservation just in case because it's so worth it. We arrived early and was happily greeted by the owner. We waited for only a few minutes and he sat us promptly. Our waiter was very pleasant and made a few recommendations. They had a lovely wine selection, both by the bottle and glass, and we went with a bottle of prosecco. We ordered a caprese salad and a Cesar salad, the caprese has fresh mozzarella, delicious tomatoes, and the perfect amount of balsamic. The caesar was fresh, and I'm pretty sure the dressing was home made. I recommend both. For our meal, we ordered the Cernia Mediterranea and the Spaghetti Carbonara. The grouper was cooked the traditional Italian way, and was plucked out of the ocean that morning; soft, buttery, and flakey. My carbonara was also made the traditional way, and was out of this world good. I highly recommend both, but I feel everything on the menu probably knocks it out of the park. To end out meal, we got the tiramisu. It was tasty, but I was sad they were out of the chocolate mousse cake (my favorite dessert). The entire meal the owner was walking around the restaurant checking in on patrons, filling empty glasses, and talking. He came to our table and talked for a minute. A very pleasant man, with good taste in food and who knows how to run a restaurant! Overall, this place is on my list to visit over and over again. We loved it, it's hard to imagine a bad meal here!
(4)
Sach D.
We were in town for a mini break. Made dinner reservations at this place. Restaurant is small, but very busy. We were seated right away. Service was very prompt after seated. Waiter was very knowledgeable. Food tasted good, but thought it was over priced. I ordered the gnocchi, which was tasted good, but thought is was way overpriced compared to other restaurants I've been too. But I guess being in a "tourist" area, restaurants will be over priced. Overall, great experience.
(4)
Katherine R.
My husband and I had the best dinner of our entire vacation stay tonight . We started with the lobster bisque and the soup if the day ( it was cream of potato soup ) the bisque was rich with flavor and my 15 month old savored the soup of the day . Next was the most amazing downright heavenly lasagna I've ever had . It was well prepared and melted in my mouth. The perfect combination of beshamel sauce and bolognese sauce . I couldn't resist finishing the very generous portion given to me . My husband ordered seafood pasta and he was absolutely delighted with it . My 15 month old had buttered penne pasta with fresh Parmesan lightly sprinkled on top along with a few bites of my lasagna . I've never seen my daughter enjoy food from a restaurant . She is the toughest critic I know. Tonight she enjoyed the food just as much as we did Our waiter was smooth and gave us phenomenal service . The entire staff was friendly. Everyone met our eyes with a smile. The restaurant is a gem . We will be back
(5)
Susan R.
2nd visit and again, Caesars hit a home run! Enjoyed an excellent Caesar salad, dressed spectacularly with croutons and anchovies. Our server, Nicholas, was friendly, knowledgeable, and efficient. We both chose one of the described daily specials: veal parmesan for spouse and sacchetini for me (a knot of stuffed pasta, served w a vodka sauce embellished w wild mushrooms and pancetta). Both entrees were outstanding (as was the Brigaldara valpolicella)! Took home leftovers, but still had no room for dessert. Hopefully next time.
(5)
Rob W.
These folks know how to fix Italian food. The ingredients are high quality, as is the preparation and presentation. Pasta and seafood are my favorites here, along with the homemade deserts.
(4)
Diane H.
It was a Groupon that brought me to this place, otherwise I never would have found it. It is tucked away in the furthest Southern corner of Clearwater Beach. It was mouth watering delicious. I had the Chicken with eggplant & mozzarella in a pink sauce. I wanted to lick the plate clean it was so good. My husband had the Filet Mignon in a mushroom gravy he said was fantastic. I was so full but had to squeeze a dessert in. I love tiramisu but this one was just off a bit. I don't think it had a real coffee liqueur in it. But everything else was great and I will eat here again. But if you are on a budget, walk on by, it's not cheap.
(5)
Corrine C.
We bought a groupon to try somewhere new on vacation and we were not disappointed. We started with the bruschetta and a bottle of super Tuscan (both were delicious), I had the pasta special in a vodka sauce and it was awesome and my boyfriend had the veal frank Sinatra which he said was delicious! The service was great from start to finish. The only unfortunate thing is their location( it's not in the heart of the strip) and that's really only unfortunate for the business. Def take the trolley or the free cab ride service to have a nice dinner.
(5)
Matt L.
Lobster Bisque, veal Frank Sinatra & a tiramisu and latte to finish. I cannot complain about a single thing. Service, food /and atmosphere all were great. We will be back.
(5)
Anne-Marie T.
I'm a local and had wanted to try this place for a while so made reservations for 7:30PM Friday evening. It was packed! Arrived at 7:15 and was assured would be seated at 7:30. After inquiring about being seated at 7:45, we were finally seated at 8:05PM. Though knowledgeable, our server was very rushed which put us on edge. The manager did buy us a round of drinks as an apology for the delay in being seated and while the food was pretty good, as a local, there are other places to eat around here where the food is as good but the service far more attentive. I go out to dinner to relax and enjoy...not be aggravated and then pay for the aggravation.
(2)
Drew C.
Overall this place was okay, but if you have a favorite Italian place, don't expect it to match up. My wife an I went here because we saw a deal for it and thought the menu sounded great. Don't get me wrong. The food was not bad, but for the prices I don't think it was worth it. The service was decent, although considering we were there when there were only two other small groups (2-4 people) I would have expected service to be better. Can't say it was the food here or not, but after eating here both my wife and I had stomach aches for a while to the point where we rushed back to our hotel and were in for the night.
(3)
Steve A.
Bought groupon and went last night while on vacation in FLORIDA, food and service was excellent
(5)
Nichole M.
The food was amazing! Make sure to hear the specials for the day, because we ended up ordering 2 that were delicious! The piece of veal in the Veal Parmigian was as big as my head! Huge servings, so sharing is a must! Staff was friendly and very attentive! We will be back!
(5)
Becca R.
The food here was excellent. I had the lasagna and my husband had the seafood pasta. It was the best lasagna I've had since my last trip to Italy. The service was top notch as well.
(5)
Tasha S.
The service and ambiance were great, and the food was amazing. We had lasagna, chicken parmesan and veal piccata and each one was the best of its type we had ever tried. Highly recommend!
(5)
R G.
While in town for a technical conference, took my business guest for dinner. Grouper was prepared very well. Service was good. Low key ambiance is good.
(4)
Carly H.
I am not aware what the local allure is, but from the bares and bones restaurant appearance, I feel the this place has inflated reviews and people should be made more aware of what to expect when dining here. I made the mistake of dining here for a special occasion and was sorely left unsatisfied! I had the fettuccine frutti Di mare which had really dried scallops and chewy calamari - otherwise the dish was great, it absolutely had redeeming qualities such as an excellent white sauce and yummy clams and mussels. My husband had the veal Sinatra which came out great! The veal was super tender and scallops were juicy - the only thing to note was that it is a little bit on the tart side. The house prosecco - zoni from Italy was really tasty and refreshing. I definitely recommend it. The atmosphere is more casual and not really meant for fine dining, anniversaries or birthdays. It's really meant for low-key get togethers. I was actually surprised to find the restaurant located in a strip mall. The sign and location should have warned me to turn around and find a place that would be fit to celebrate my special occasion. I will say that this was my only visit and probably will be my last. I don't advise to completely write off this restaurant, just to expect a very informal service and a very very casual setting for a nice restaurant.
(2)
Mary Jo P.
There is not a full bar and you pay for the location. But overall good and a pleasant evening. They made chicken piccatta for me which was not on the menu. The grouper was light and tasty. Excellent service.
(4)
Carolyn M.
I love this place. It's good food, great service, and the owners are so nice. I don't know that you could really ask for more. Wonderful spot for both locals and visitors.
(5)
Jacqueline G.
We sat outside on the patio and it was awesome. Great food and after we went right across the bridge to the park and watched the most spectacular sunset. Would highly recommend.
(4)
John H.
Many people are not going to believe what I write. I've traveled throughout the USA , Italy, abroad.......Many of my friends are great chefs......I've been in a kitchen with Jose Andre when he was catering for the president of Spain....I was in the hills of Chianti this past summer, Florence, Cremona, Milan......this place is the best Italian food in the United States....the owner is a genius.....the food is simple, pure, perfect.......how they make the basics , Alfredo, Lasagna,( because everyone I've had in the USA is awful), pesto.....how do they make these dishes superior to restaurants everywhere else in the USA?...I don't know....the service is perfect.....the food is as good as the very best restaurants in Milan, Florence, or Rome......I would give it 8 stars if I could.........its in a small strip mall......the owner is a perfectionist and loves his employees........I think this is one of the best restaurants for food in the USA.......shocking.....order the Alfredo, Pesto, Vodka sauce....tiramisu is excellent.........WOW
(5)
Bill K.
Ate in the bar area and service was great! Would like more wine options by the glass, very limited. Food very fresh and very good!
(4)
Gerard M.
We have been eating here several times a year whenever we are in Clearwater Beach. We have never been disappointed. The homemade pastas are always fantastic. The seafood fresh and perfectly cooked. The menu has a wide selection and everything we tried was first class. One of my favorite restaurants on the beach.
(5)
Alison S.
I went here because of Groupon. When I read the menu I didn't see much that really got me excited. HOWEVER!!!! I finally decided to order the pasta trio. WONDERFUL!!!! The menu says it consists of homemade ravioli, agnoletti ?( a homemade pasta stuffed with spinach in an Alfredo sauce) and a "surprise". The surprise turned out to be fettuccine with meat sauce. I am not a fan of cream sauces, but when I tasted their Alfredo sauce I'm sure I moaned with delight. It was sooo good and I loved the pasta stuffed with spinach. It looked like ravioli. Everything was very tasty. The only thing that could have made this better would be if it came with a salad. Wouldn't mind eating here another time if I ever visit Clearwater Beach again.
(5)
Dave W.
Excellent food and service. Not a lot of places left where the owner is so attentive
(5)
Laith A.
Great Italian place with superb service and excellent menu. The only thing is that the steak didn't "taste" much but then again I'm spoiled from when I've been in Italy.
(4)
Barry S.
Having vacationed in Sand Key 5 times we never realized this awesome Italian restaurant was so close. After a couple recomendations we decided to have our last dinner of our honeymoon there. When I first try an Italian restaurant I try either the lasagna or the parmigiana. Seeing the lasagna was recommended I ordered that. My wife ordered the crabmeat stuffed ravioli. As an appetizer we had the caprese salad. I thought it was a 5 star dish. The only thing my wife found an issue with is she prefers room temp tomatoes and these were cold (the way I like them!). The bread was also great for me - a perfect crusty Italian. Once again my wife, not liking a crusty bread, wasn't totally thrilled but managed a couple pieces. The meals were both fantastic. From the homemade pasta, to the creamy sauce, melt in your mouth cheese and just right amount of meats, I have to say the lasagna was the best I have had. My wife felt the same about the ravioli - fantastico! We ended the meal with the chocolate mousse. It was very rich and creamy and had a dark chocolate flavor. A perfect ending to a perfect meal. Even the coffee was just right. Needless to say, we will be back every trip to Sand Key.
(5)
Rich D.
While I had driven by Cesare's for several years while living on Sand Key, I hadn't stopped by until I found a Groupon for a meal here. The interior here is very nice in an understated way, and the service was extremely prompt and attentive. I had the lobster bisque which was full of seafood flavor and tasted. I also chose the pasta amatriciana which was quite good as well. I'll definitely be returning to Cesare's.
(4)
Alex A.
My girlfriend bought the groupon not too long ago. The name is misleading, it's across the street from the inlet. And when I say across the street, not only you can't see it, there's a parking lot between the two as well. It's located at the end of a strip mall. Location wasn't at all what we were expecting. The restaurant itself is small and clean. It's your basic traditional Italian restaurant. I had the lasagna and it wasn't bad. But it had a very distinctive foreign taste to it. Again, not what we were expecting. If you don't want to leave Clearwater beach and you absolutely have to have Italian, you might give it a try. I've heard there's another Italian restaurant on the north end of the beach you might also look at. We won't be back here again.
(3)
Nicole B.
Discovered this place from Off of Trip Advisor. Love the service! So nice to go out to eat at an authentic Italian restaurants and actually get served by a staff of authentic Italians! :) We dined on the following: Bruschetta Carpaccio Pasta Trio Carbonara Everything was so amazing! Each plate was perfectly prepared. Half way through the meal my husband and I switched plates!
(5)
Ross W.
Coming from Chicago & the best Italian, this place stacks up to Chicago Italian restaurants.
(4)
Bella R.
Came here with the family for dinner. We sat outside. I ordered the sea bass primadonna (whitefish) with ONLY tomatoes and olives (a request by me) and it was amazing. We also ordered the soup of the day which was chicken and veggies and it was great! The 2 year old devoured the soup! The lobster bisque was ALRIGHT. However, the grouper was horrible. The crab ravioli wasn't too great. The spaghetti was good. The veal chops sucked! Our appetizers were pretty good. We got calamari but that wasn't that great. The mozzarella caprese was good! As well as the mozzarella sticks (which we ordered off the kids menu as an appetizer) was good. This restaurant was good but not great. VERY PRICY! VERY PRICY! VERY PRICY! Over $300 for only 5 And 2 kids who shared. Atmosphere isn't too great either. You probably will listen to all the other great reviews but DONT. because that's what we did and were far disappointed. Try Clearwater Wine Bar and Bistro because that place is AMAZING. This place isn't.
(5)
John H.
The food was great the service was good. The lazana was some of the best I have had.
(4)
Jon U.
Stay far away from this place! The manager is rude and overbearing and kept staring at us for no reason. He then came over and tried to fight the people in my party asking to "talk outside" to the point we got up and left. They need to learn customer service 101 and respect your paying customers. Very bad business practices here.
(1)
D M.
Poor customer service , even before I stepped foot in the place...receptionist so rude regarding reservation. I asked for 6:30 when a left a message, they called back and left a message saying either 6 or 8 is available. This was at 5:43...called back 3 minutes later to be told the 6 was gone. Tone, approach, and attitude given to me in spades for even asking for an explanation. AVOID!
(1)
Giovanni G.
Bravissimo!!!! Believe me when it comes to Italian food I don't say that often. Having grown up in Sicilian/Italian famiglia across the river from NYC let me just say besides in Italia I've had some of the best Italian in the world. Ciccio (hopefully I got that right) and his team make some of the best Italian food ya are gonna find around here as well as making you feel like part of the famiglia! And if ya are lucky you'll get to hear him sing some opera.. The man has a voice! Bravissimo!!!!
(4)
J. A.
Took my mother there and she agreed that the food was as good as in Italy. She is Italian and cannot eat anything not authentic. This place definitely is a go.
(5)
Jac D.
This place was not what we expected at all! On our last night in town (stayed at a nearby hotel), Cesare's At The Beach was the perfect way to end our vacation. The service, the food, and the atmosphere were absolutely perfect. Our table ordered an gnocchi dish and two chicken dishes and they were all phenomenal. Don't let the "mini-mall" feel of the location drive you away - Cesare's has delicious food!
I've been eating here at Cesare's nearly every Sunday since they opened. The Italian Food is Authentic. Our family favorites are the Osso Bucco, Grouper Franchez, Veal Chop & all the pasta dishes. The Staff is very friendly and accomadating
(4)
Bob S.
Best Italian food in the area. Waitstaff very attentive. Owner stopped at each table. The restaurant is well managed and everyone is in a good mood! Homade pasta was delish!!!
(5)
Fred W.
A true gem on the beach!! As a local I try to always be on the lookout for new restaurants! Ceasars has been located in a discreet retail center at the south end of Clearwater beach and has been there for some time and is a treat every time I go. Anyone can make linguini and clam sauce. Ceasar's makes it as well as any I've ever had...maybe better! His veal, fish dishes are excellent. And the wine list offers many choices in a variety of price range. I like to bring out of town guest and my kids insist on it when they visit. If you're looking for Italian food and a great environment- Ceasar's is the place!
(5)
Nat W.
I was in the mood for some good Italian food and we just came across this restaurant at Clearwater beach. We ordered Calamari, Lobster Bisque, Lasagna and Creme Brulee. The only thing we loved was Lobster Bisque. It is a must try. The rest was just mediocre and overpriced. The waiter gave me that look when I told him I am not ordering an entree. And for some reason he rushed us even though the restaurant was almost empty. I give this place a 2-star for the Lobster Bisque and the interior/atmosphere.
(2)
Sarah Z.
Great Italian place on the beach. Went with a date the other night and loved it. Service was wonderful, they recommended a really tasty sparkling wine that went perfectly with our salmon, scallops, and shrimp. Tiramisu was fantastic and Cesare is such a sweet guy, was cool to actually meet the owner. We will definitely be back :)
(5)
Laura W.
Really enjoyed a romantic night with hubby. Eggplant parm was absolutely divine!!
(4)
Rebecca A.
Best Italian I've had in a long time...had the Veal Parm, it was so tender I cut it with a fork. Great food, great service! Only downfall is that it is a bit pricey.
(4)
Darcy S.
Delicious. This is a hidden gem in a mostly deserted strip mall on Clearwater Beach. We started with the lobster bisque and mozzarella caprese. The bisque was outstanding, it is a must have. The caprese was ok, nothing to rave about. The bread with olive oil dipping sauce was a perfect compliment to the appetizers and dinner. For dinner my husband had the gnocchi and I had the pollo cesare augusto. My husband really enjoyed his gnocchi and I am still raving about my pollo cesare augusto. The chicken was cooked perfectly with a layer of eggplant and mushrooms, covered with a delicious pink sauce. If you are looking for some good Italian...make this one of your stops!
(5)
Mark S.
Ceasar's has been a constant italian fix of ours for the last two years. It's convent location at the end of the Clearwater-Sandkey bridge makes it easily accessible from our condo in Sandkey. The attire is a little more up-scale beachwear, but I don't feel uncomfortable wearing shorts, flip-flops and hawaiian shirt. I would highly recommend the calamari appetizer, which is lightly breaded and fried along with the carpaccio with shaved parmiggiano. For dinner I usually get the veal saltimbocca or veal piccata which is always very tender. If i'm in the mood for pasta I highly recommend the pasta molognese and my wife really enjoys the salmone norvegese (she skips the scallops). For dessert I'm never disappointed by the tiramisu... Ceasar and his wife are always on hand to make sure your meal was enjoyable and they make us a welcome addition to their restaurant every time we see them!
(4)
Ramon P.
An excellent neighborhood Italian bistro with outstanding food and service. Family friendly and cozy.
(4)
Keith B.
Cesare's is the kind of Italian place that you like to go back to again and again. The food is delicious. The menu is big enough to explore yet small enough to execute well. The staff is friendly and welcoming yet still professional. The owner is usually on hand to meet and greet and ensure that all is going smoothly--and he might even sing a bit of opera. Especially good items are the eggplant rollatini appetizer, the pasta e fagioli soup, the veal saltimbocca entree, and the crème brulee dessert. I do wish that the wine list was a little broader with some more less expensive options. Also, the menu is a little on the pricey side, but the portions are large and the quality very good.
(4)
Joe S.
We had passed Cesare's many times but this time decided to try it. Everything was excellent. Bread and dipping sauce excellent. Caprese salad excellent. Entrees excellent. Cannoli very good. Pricey but very, very good food and service.
(5)
Susan D.
This place was crowded on a weeknight at 10:00 pm so we thought it must be good. Service was fast. The prices were low for the the quality and amount of food. My husband would give it 5 stars but my pasta was a little overcooked. The meatballs were delicious. Will go back again when we are in the area.
(4)
Anthony P.
Food is always FANTASTIC & service is generally good.
(5)
Philip G.
We got great service from a knowledgeable waiter. The kitchen was more than happy to make things that weren't on the menu. The pasta entrees (we had five different ones) were all excellent. The house salad was good though not inspiring. We didn't love the desserts. Before we went in we asked a family how they were enjoying their meal and they responded enthusiastically (they had a steak special that looked excellent, though we didn't get any of the meat dishes). So... I would recommend going here for pasta and wine and then getting ice cream somewhere else for dessert.
(4)
Lidia L.
Had dinner here with a Groupon $20 for $40. I have to admit the food was rather tasty, I'm from NJ and first generation italian, my dad is a italian chef as well as many other family members. And the food was good compared to other italian places I have eaten at. It is pricey almost a bit too pricey, I pay the same for a meal at Carmine's in NYC that I did here. Portions were ok, for the price you pay for a spaghetti puttanesca dish ($19.50) you are barely getting what you think you should be getting. Also the meat dinners were also not portioned with regards to the price. I had a chicken with red peppers, mushrooms, onions and kalamata olives ($22) and it was 2 pieces of very thin chicken with a ton of sauce and then no offer of pasta on side, just some potatoes and veggies. They should offer it with pasta for the price you are paying for a thin piece of chicken. They said they have chicken and veal parm but it's not on the menu and they didnt offer a price so I was weary to order. If they just offered a bit more food for the price this place would be a 5 star no prob. Also be weary of the bread it's odd definitely not cibatta or what you would expect from high end italian restaurant.
(4)
Rebecca B.
Excellent!
(5)
Andrew P.
The best Italian food and by far the best service we had in Clearwater. The grouper francaise was a highlight, and my wife said the lobster bisque is the best she's ever had, anywhere
(5)
Jessica S.
Amazing Gnocchi and Grouper! Best italian food I had in a while.
(5)
Cori R.
Definitely a nice place. My boyfriend & I were able to walk from our hotel. We took the advice of other yelpers, saw the good reviews and tried this place out one of our three nights in Clearwater Beach. We started with bruschetta that was so delicious with melted mozzarella cheese on top. 4 pieces. We each had 2 and it was gone in less than 5 minutes. I had the shrimp and scallop fra diavolo ...shrimp and scallops were huge and cooked very well.. The sauce was not too spicy at all. My boyfriend had a veal dish which he enjoyed with a side of potatoes and veggies. Veal was not hot but he enjoys cold food! I contemplated dessert and settled with a cannoli... The only complaint I have about the whole meal... Maybe it's just not what I was used to but I couldn't eat it. Service was awesome though and very nice and quick. Soft drinks were $3+ (free refills) so wish I went with a glass of wine!
(4)
Brittany P.
Me and my mother stopped here on the way back from Dunedin. The decor is interesting. The booths and chairs don't really match the bar or floor and kind of remind me of something you'd see in a diner. Which is fine, but when your spending $10 for a bowl of pasta fagoile, and $20 for a modest amount of fettucini Alfredo, and the waiters are wearing tuxedo vests, I would just expect the restaurant to look a little more upscale. We had a ceasar salad, the fettucini ceasar and a grouper picatta dish. The ceaser salad was not very good. The parm was not good quality, the dressing bland, and the greens were browned. The fettucini was delicious, although I wished they offered freshly grated cheese for it. It's so much better than generic grated parm. My moms fish was awesome. Loved the picatta sauce, and it was perfectly cooked. The service was attentive, maybe a little too. I don't know if they pool tips, but 3 different servers took care of us, and didn't really communicate with another, and were constantly asking if we needed pepper or refills, ect, it was just kind of intrusive. Bottom line, the food is good, but you can find better Italian food, that's a lot less expensive.
(3)
B L.
Food and atmosphere were fantastic! Really great!
(5)
Alex N.
Good food, good service, good location, and wonderful variety on the menu. Highly recommend.
(5)
Jenny S.
My dad is right off the boat from Italy and thinks the food is really good at Caesars... i was shocked he doesnt like food from restuarants LOL .... That says a lot for me bc i know how picky he is when it comes to food from the old country! The Gnocci was amazing!!!! and the waiters will always keep your glass full!!! Nice owners too...always walking around checking on people. A+ place in Florida!
(5)
Boston Italian Girl O.
This place was yummy and had excellent service! Wished it was in a location overlooking the water, but the decor and ambiance were so nice that it didn't even matter. The bread and dipping oil that is served first is amazing. We had the bruschetta as an appetizer, which was flavorful and plenty big. It was not the best bruschetta we've ever had but still good. My husband got spaghetti carbonarra which was absolutely declicious! I ordered fettuccine alfredo w/shrimp which was superb. My family is straight off the boat from Italy so it's hard to impress when it comes to Italian, but this place was fantastic. You can tell the pasta is either hand made or very high quality and everything is made from scratch. Server was attentive and knowledgeable as were all other wait staff, it seems they all pitch in and help each other out as several servers came by to refill water, offer cheese/ground pepper, check on our meals, etc. Great place!
Good Italian food. The waiter was a tad overwhelmed with the number of tables he had. The owner, Cesare Tini, broke into song twice while we were there-singing some amazing Italian opera songs. Unexpected nightly entertainment.
(4)
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Address :794 S Gulfview Blvd
Clearwater, FL, 33767
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
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.
Judith A.
We were greeted at the door by a "smokin' hot babe" (my male companions expression), who seated us at a nice booth. We were glad that we made our reservation for 5 PM because the place was packed by six. The attentive waiter brought us hot Italian bread with a olive oil, garlic and basil dipping sauce that was to die for. The entrees were very expensive so we decided to share the Osso Bucco. I have never had better and that says a lot because I've tried it in various restaurants in Italy, on cruise ships, several places in the USA, plus I make it myself. The meat was buttery tender and the bone marrow was huge. The sauce was seasoned just right. All in all we had a wonderful time.
(5)Joseph O.
Food was fantastic. Atmosphere was also acceptable. Very good Italian food to have while on your beach vacation. Food enjoyed: fra diavlo and spaghetti carbonara. Cheesy proscuitto goodness!!
(4)Aaron B.
Great food and great service. Wife had an excellent off menu chicken parm. Perfectly done and way too much to eat! I had the grouper with asparagus. Just fantastic. The owner stopped by are table a couple of times to check on us and talked us into a delectable tiramisu to cap off a great meal.
(5)Paul M L.
Ok I know this place is on the beach so you would automatically think it's a tourist type place like I did , but when I read the yelp reviews I decided to give it a try, and I'm glade I did. This a a place worth driving to. We had Veal Marsala , the Veal could be cut with a fork it was that tender, the sauce was light and tasty with a lot of tasty mushrooms. The vegetables were fresh and cooked perfectly, not mush like so many places do, and the dinners were NOT SALTY ! Which seems to be a problem in so many places. We had chicken and egg plant that was prepared perfectly. We had a desert recommended by our waiter that was a perfect ending to our meal. We will be back
(4)Cecilia A.
This place is off the hook amazing. I'm from San Diego and have lived in FL about 4 years, def consider myself a foodie, Caesars is by far the best Italian food I've had in FL
(5)Bird R.
We were in Clearwater for a weekend getaway and stumbled upon this restaurant via Yelp. We purchased a Groupon and went for dinner on a whim... AND LOVED IT. This is a small restaurant where the owner will greet you at the door and make sure you have an excellent table. The service was very good and the food was fantastic! The pasta is so good and everything was obviously made fresh. We really loved it and would definitely recommend it to friends.
(5)Candace H.
Our waiter last night was totally great. He was quick, attentive, and got our questions answered from the chef. Unfortunately, the food and atmosphere was underwhelming. My husband got mushroom risotto, but there were so many crunchy (undercooked) onions that it took away from the really nice mushroom flavor. I had the spaghetti carbonara, whick was really creamy but missing that rich flavor I expect of this traditional dish (missing the egg? Or the parm cheese maybe? ) The tiramisu was soggy, and definitely not worth the eight bucks. On top of it all, we got to watch the bus boy do dishes throughout the meal... Especially for the price, would not go here again.
(3)Shayla Z.
I visited Tampa with my family in August and just happened to stumble upon this wonderful restaurant. I would honestly visit Tampa again just to eat at this place. The food was delicious, the service was excellent, and the cost was pricey but definitely worth it. The only con is the lack of parking, especially when the restaurant is so popular. There IS parking in the back of the building but is truly annoying when there's a thunderstorm passing by. Overall, IN LOVE with the restaurant. There's a dish for every type of eater! TIP: You MUST make a reservation before coming to the restaurant. It's usually always jam-packed during the evening.
(5)Ada C.
Found this gem via Groupon, and it was amazing! Service was top notch, and food was even better! The bread was hot and came with really tasty oil and pesto for dipping. I had mussels and my husband had a salad to start. Both were delish! The mussels were a generous portion - there were options to have it with marinara sauce or garlic wine sauce. Garlic wine sauce was to die for! And dipping the bread in it was ridiculously good. Then I had fettuccine alfredo (and added 3 jumbo shrimps). The shrimps were so succulent, pasta was so fresh, and the alfredo sauce was so creamy... YUMMM!! My husband had lasagne verdi, and the meat sauce and homemade pasta were perfection. We ordered a cannoli to share - it was really good but had a lot of filling... made it a tad messy to eat. I would say this restaurant has upscale food in a casual setting. Perfect spot for a laid back date night. There were a few families dining as well... a great option for all :). There was outdoor patio seating available with heaters. It was only a short walk from the nearby Hyatt. The plaza has lots of parking available.
(5)Taraneh A.
Great food, fantastic service (thanks Nicholas). All the marks for a fine dining experience, but located in a strip mall. Guest range from dressy to flip flops. Highly recommend the Penne Terra e Mare! It was delicious :)
(4)Duane D.
I like this place a lot. It reminds me of a small mom and pop Italian restaurant in New York City that was been relocated to the beach. Great, high quality food with a diverse menu. Service is very attentive. Prices are quite reasonable for what you get. Try the Tartuffo desert - it's hard to find and very good here.
(5)Justin P.
Excellent food, excellent service. You must get the Veal Frank Sinatra-- it's the best! Worth skipping the other Clearwater tourist traps and getting an authentic Italian meal.
(5)Greg R.
Made a reservation for 5 people at this restaurant and when we got there they placed us at a table for 4. While our 5th person was a baby, they still take up physical space and a square table does not leave enough room for a highchair!! When we asked if we could have a bigger table we were told that only people with reservations could have those - hmm, what is our reservation?? Maybe they don't consider babies people? After discussing this we decided this table just wouldn't work and told the manager this on the way out the door . We explained the situation and told him we wouldn't be able to eat at their restaurant. As we were heading to our car he told us that suddenly there was a cancellation and we could have a table that could fit our party. When I stated I refuse to eat at his restaurant due to the rudeness of the staff and the inflexibility to accommodate the reservation we made he asked me why we were so upset over the situation. Really? You treat us poorly, basically tell us that our comfort at your restaurant isn't a concern to you, and don't give in to helping us until we are in the parking lot and you aren't sure why we were upset?? My recommendation to everyone would be to avoid this restaurant unless you like to be treated rudely.
(1)Charlie G.
I took my girlfriend out for the rare Italian dinner...rare since neither of us is crazy about pasta. So I usually cook Italian at home, and maximize the proteins and veggies. I had heard good things about Cesare's and decided to give it a go. We arrived a bit early, and were seated immediately. Very friendly and attentive staff here... without being bothersome. The location is ok... limited free parking, and a bit noisy from traffic if you sit outside as we did. But the view is ok... and it was nice and cool, very pleasant. Now on to the food! Fresh HOT bread, very crusty... and almost too hot to eat! YUM! A shared Caesar salad, that was very good. I have sung the praises of Escargot to my girlfriend several times, and usually just got a "gross", or "yuck"! Tonight she was feeling adventurous, and said "yes, please"! :) They were nicely served... six large critters each swimming in it's own little pool of butter... very tasty! No grit either... unlike some lesser establishments I have been to. She enjoyed them, and was shocked at how yummy they were! Highly recommended! I will often order for both of us as I often know the menus better than she does, and I love to introduce her to new food to love. For her... I ordered the Cernia Mediterranea (Grouper with Crab, Shrimp cooked in a wonderful Mediterranean type sauce with Capers and Kalamata Olives). She loved it, and said it was some of the best grouper she had ever had. I had the Veal SaltimBocca all Romana (veal with proscuitto in a nice demi-glaze sauce) very tender and flavorful... I would definitely order it again! Both were served with roasted potatoes and some nicely steamed mixed veggies... nice portions, and very fresh. Alas... my lovely girlfriend is allergic to alchohol... and I don't drink at all when I am driving... so I had to pass on what looked like an excellent wine selection! Next time she drives! ;) We have not been indulging in desserts lately (a love of good food is hard on the waistline) but I was jonesing for a Creme Brule.... and she wanted some Chocolate Mousse. So we got them, with some wonderful fresh coffee... black, of course. My creme brule was excellent, wonderfully sweet with a thick layer of carmelized sugar on top...Delicious!... and I will savor it in memory often (and go back just for desert if necessary, lol!). She said her Mousse was very good... nicely chocolaty, and not too sweet. So all in all, a wonderful dinner! Not the least expensive place to eat... plan on around $50-55 per person if you do it like we did. but well worth it! Afterwards we went for a nice walk on the beach (further south, since Clearwater Beach is a ZOO!) and had a wonderful sunset... all romantic and stuff! And that is all I am going to say!
(5)Cassie C.
Way over priced!!! Our portions were small, service was subpar, and food wasn't any better than Olive Garden. You don't even get a salad with your $30 pasta dish that may include all of 5 raviolis. Waiter acted put out when we even asked for more bread. Top it off, the wait staff was complaining about the place and the owner's poor management?! Awkward! We won't be back.
(2)Thomas J.
Ambience very nice. Tables nicely spaced. Service good to excellent. Food outstanding, although a bit pricey. Can get very busy, so make a reservation. Seafood prepared perfectly. Would not recommend outdoor seating - loud due to parking lot and busy street.
(4)Christina C.
Definitely worth checking out, but make a reservation, because it gets busy! We made 8 p.m. reservations for a Friday. However, it turned out to be colder that day than we expected so we called to see if we could come earlier, since we were anxious to leave the beach. It was about 7:15 p.m. and they said although they might not be able to seat us right away it wouldn't take long. Luckily they were able to seat us right away, but when we left there were a good number of people waiting! Even though there was a lot of times open on opentable, it is misleading, because this is a popular place! Cesare himself was checking people in. It is a really nice touch to have the owner walking around working in the restaurant. It gives it a great family feel. I appreciate how laid back the atmosphere is. We sat outside and the tables were pretty bare without table cloth. When you're covered in sun screen and have sand everywhere, you appreciate not being surrounded by finery. They bring out warm bread with pesto to start. It was good and it helps tide over ravenous beach goers like ourselves. I looked over the menu before we came, and I'm glad I did, because there are so many options. My husband did not, so I had to wait for him to read through everything. I knew I wanted to try the pasta, because it is homemade. My husband chose one dish, but when he heard the specials he decided on the chicken parmesan. I decided on the ravioli with crabmeat and ricotta. The dishes came in a good amount of time. I loved my ravioli. The pink sauce was amazing and I stole some of my husband's pasta to dip in it. I could definitely tell that the ravioli was homemade. The chicken parmesan was good too. It wasn't the best we ever had, but it was pretty good. I bet if we both stuck with just pasta dishes I would have given this place 5 stars. If you are at Clearwater Beach you should come here. Yes it is a little off the beaten path, but that also means there is an abundance of free parking on the side streets. Definitely check this place out.
(4)Margaret K.
Not impressed. Just ordered appetizers - calamari and tuna. Calamari rings were good and tender but then over half of order was those crunchy mini octipus. Marinara tasted bottled spaghetti sauce. The tuna was really rare and the only flavor was the herb crust which was very peppery.
(1)Jenna M.
I know I keep giving 5 stars but they do what they do flawlessly. Each dish is a masterpiece and the service is exceptional. Wine list one of the best on the beach.
(5)Jeff C.
Yesterday Mary and I celebrated our 31st anniversary here with dinner. The Mozzarella Caprese as an appetizer was nice. I had the Veal Picata ( slice thin with a lemon butter sauce with capers, veggies and potatoes) and Mary had the Ravioli Al Granchio ( homemade pasta, stuffed with crabmeat, ricotta cheese with a pink sauce ). Both were delicious. For dessert we also enjoyed the Tartufo Al Limoncello ( lemon ice cream with a soft limoncello liqueur center with crushed lemon meringue). The ambiance was pleasant. The staff was very attentive and polite. Although we may possibly would have the same or similar meal in NYC for less money, it was good to find a understated classy place with a variety of good Italian dishes in Clearwater Beach, Florida.
(4)Amber D.
Last table there last night and still received amazing service. We had a scallop and shrimp pasta dish and the most delicious lasagna either of us had ever had. Very light for such a wonderful meat sauce. The wine list was okay, was hoping for a good Italian white or rose, but our Napa valley wine worked! This is a must stop in Clearwater if you want fresh seafood and pasta!
(5)Christian J.
By far one of my favorite restaurants I had the pleasure of dining at this vacation. OK hands down, its situation, decor, etc is not why you come here, but the traditional awesome Italian food is why. I suggest you have some kind of small appetizer and have a pasta, because any of the ones here are fantastic! As soon as I had my first bite - (actually as soon as I stepped into the restaurant for the first time the smell reminded me of good Italian food) - I was thrown back into childhood, remembering all the great Italian food I was exposed to back then. Their antipasti, & and pasta I can swear for, I did not try any of the carne platters. Great first-class service, with energetic young servers keeps this place in my favorites of all time.
(5)Andea A.
Very bland food... Nothing special. Dining room very small and tables too close together.
(2)Frank F.
Found on Groupon. Service was great, food was as well. I had pasta (angel hair?) with Diablo sauce and scallops. Very good. Its pricey.....but worth it.
(5)Sherri M.
Hands down the BEST Italian restaurant in Tampa Bay. Sitting on a strip mall at the foot (Clearwater Beach side) of the Sand Key Bridge, Cesar's is a lovely restaurant with exceptionally prepared and served food. Service: management is always front of the house and it shows. Someone will always pass by your table to ask if everything is ok and how you are enjoying your meal. If you are lucky enough to get Nick as your service you will have a fantastic evening. All of the servers are well-versed in the menu and carefully explain the specials of the day. Food: agnolitti! These small soft pasta pillows stuffed with spinach and a little cheese are my favorite (I want mine with Alfredo sauce). It's rare to find them on a menu anywhere, but especially in Tampa Bay and Cesar's rivals the best I had at Tiberio, a 5 star restaurant in Washington DC some years ago. I have ordered this dish so often that it was finally suggested I try something else! I don't usually order lasagna but was encouraged to try theirs and am I glad I did. It was the best lasagna I have ever had, light and full of flavor. I can also recommend the calamari as an appetizer, the Caesar salad which is prepared properly, and the Chilean sea bass. They have a variety of daily specials which are outstanding. They serve beer and wine only and there is a small bar with a few hi-tops if you don't want to eat in the dining room. Go. Enjoy. If you like good Italian food you will not be disappointed.
(5)Jenna T.
I went to this restaurant with my boyfriend while we were on vacation, and we both were very impressed! The food was delicious, and we did not have to wait long for our food. I ordered the seafood pasta dish and highly recommend it to anybody that is a seafood fan. Next time I am in Florida, I definitely will be stopping back!
(5)Matteo N.
Service was unacceptable. Waited forever got the appetizers & took over a hour and 10 minutes for them to bring out 3 pasta dinners & 1 veal dinner. I'm sorry but that is a insult to the patrons of the establishment. The server told me "sorry they were busy" -Sure on a Wednesday night. The food was good but nothing to write home about. I won't be returning.
(2)John P.
Great restaurant on the South end of beach at foot of Sand Key Bridge. Great service and high quality Italian food
(5)Michelle J.
Delicious homemade pasta, great bread and good service. It isn't right on the beach, but located on the main drag within walking distance. Ragu is wonderful! The ambiance is not as nice as one might expect for the price and quality of food, but very friendly, clean, and I think that's fine in a high-traffic tourist area.
(5)Jay R.
Casual Italian with a big flavor. Cesare's is the real deal, Italian how it should be served a fantastic menu that includes all the great Italian basics and some nice specialty dishes. Being from Chicago there is a lot of Italian around if this place was in my city I would leave the cooking up to them, and shelf my pots and pans. After a drive through the beach area of Clearwater we ended up at Cesare's the first thing you will notice is it has a nice little outside, walking inside its a cute atmosphere with room around the tables and lots of windows. The food was nothing short of spectacular, most everything seems homemade especially the pasta which has a great texture. We Started with a few appetizers The Burrata with chopped tomatoes which I think was a special that day. Burrata is super creamy buttery home made mozzarella sp creamy and melt in your mouth it was awesome. We had this dish in Italy and it was just as good here at Cesare's. We also had the seared tuna with herb crust, this was the only slight miss the entire meal the tuna was fresh and seared perfect but the crust was to peppery for my liking and hid the tuna flavor. I ended up scrapping a good portion of ithe crust off so I could taste the tuna. For entrees we had the Mediterranean Mahi Mahi which was a fresh perfectly cooked piece of fish with a flavorful not over powering sauce. I had the fettuccine bolognese with a side of meatballs and sausage. The paste and sauce where fantastic the pasta was cooked al dente and a nice big portion. Now the meatballs and sausage some of the best I have had, the meatballs were packed with flavor not heavy or dense and the sausage was the same it all came on a pate with sauce, meatballs and sausage are a great barometer of a Italian restaurants skills, this dish proved they know their stuff. We finished with ricotta cheesecake a great consistency and nice sweet creamy flavor this is the Italian style cheesecake. There was a place I loved we use to go to growing up that served it like this, I am glad I found somewhere to get it again even if I have to drive 18 hours to have it. Some of the best Italian I have had anywhere,it's worth the trip even from as far away as Chicago.
(5)Melissa U.
Food was good, but for the price I've definitely experienced better. Service was good, but I was expecting a nice dinner for the price and the ambiance outdoors was awful. Patio style furniture and a parking lot and highway for the view. The restaurant is in strip mall. It may have been better if people weren't coming outside often to smoke which carried over to where we were seated, and if a family who was waiting to dine wasn't loud and obnoxious. I know they can't control unruly guests but the atmosphere was definitely poor for a $110 meal for two.
(2)Kelly R.
Really awesome authentic Italian food! The lasagna was perfectly done and the pasta trio was equally delicious! This is the second best Italian we have ever had. The warm bread with homemade pesto dipping was phenomenal as well! We really enjoyed our meals! The only opportunity for improvement is the service. If it was a tad more attentive, 5 stars for sure!
(4)rach l.
Wow. Amazing Italian cuisine. Didn't know what to expect at first being in a shopping plaza... but Hello, pastis!! Bueno!! Had the carpacio and buratta to start. Dinner was a pasta, mix grille of seafood and Lamb shank. Amazing! Done tix perfection. Atmosphere was chill. We watched the Pens Playoff game! Can not wait to go back sometime soon.
(5)Barbara S.
Came here for a 3 year anniversary. Was looking for someplace special and Italian so we called here and were a bit misled. Despite the name of the restaurant and asking for a water view and being told "sure!" there really isn't a water view. This place is across the street from the beach, and you'll just enjoy the sound and sight of cars. The food and hospitality mostly made up for it. Our dishes were fantastic, Cesare kindly greeted us at the door, and our waiter was fantastic. Clean and decorated place. Great menu. Seafood was delicious! Bread and olive oil dip before your food comes - yum. As a few other people have stated the bruschetta was just ok. It wasn't a terrible taste in your mouth, but the look and taste just didn't match the upscale feel of the place. It reminded me of toasted bread with melted shredded mozzarella out of a Wal-Mart bag. While the food was good, I wouldn't recommended it as a spot for a special occasion. The location made it weird, but my boyfriend doesn't have to know that.
(4)Jim C.
Was recommended from a friend from ny. It was very good! We were at the height of their busiest time, we had a reservation for 8:15 pm on a sat night during spring break. Had to wait just a few minutes which wasn't a big deal at all. Nick the server was really professional and his suggestions were spot on. Liked how he said on one entree, " if we weren't so busy this would be great. It takes time and I am concerned with how busy the kitchen is, it wouldn't represent our norm". So we went w another option (veal special) and it was delicious. Will be back for sure.
(4)Lauren B.
Visited Cesare's twice last week and had the best experience both times! Our server Nico was knowledge about the menu and specials and was extremely professional and friendly. When we returned for our second visit, he even remembered the wine we had ordered on the first visit without asking. - very cool. Food was equally as impressive - had the Beef Carpaccio, Calamari for apps and Pollo Cesare Augusto for an entree, all were delicious. I will definitely be back to Cesare's next time I'm in town!
(5)Hungry S.
what a gem. excellent service. for an extra $5, they'll split your entree -- trust me, that's enough food. we went with a groupon, went early, they filled up. gentile, great place to really sit and have a beautiful conversation.
(4)Kelsey L.
The service was great, pasta was amazing. The chicken was average, but the nice atmosphere made up for it. Loved the heaters on with the outside seating. Could see the pretty cruise ships go by without being chilly!
(4)Oliver P.
Good experience overall. We were surprised to find that Cesare's is located in a strip mall, as none of the reviews really mentioned that. Service was attentive but slow. There was easily more than a half hour between our salads and our dinners. I had the lobster bisque and a mahi special w primavera sauce. Bisque was on par with others I have had. Mahi was tasty but not special. My wife had salad and the beef tenderloin. The beef was done perfectly.
(4)Kimberly P.
Firstly, let me say that I've had pasta in most of the major US cities and northern Italy. We ordered the pesto pasta. A dish that should be $7-$12 was not only overpriced, but missing so much basil. I make homemade pasta myself, and missed the basil! Felt they tried to stretch the sauce with tons of garlic. Bleh.
(2)Mary S.
We purchased a Groupon from this place after reading great reviews. We were not disappointed. The employees at Caesars take their food seriously. Our waiter gave great recommendations as the menu is extensive. I had the lasagna that he explained in salivating detail. It was delicious. My family had spaghetti and meatballs, veal, and a chicken dish. We argued over whose was best! I do recommend reservations here. Outdoor seating is not that great as its on the corner of a strip mall facing a parking lot. Normally I prefer it but in this case would skip it. I would go there again without hesitation. What's not to love about homemade pasta?
(4)Laura S.
Had the calamari which was excellent, tender and not overcooked. We shared the Cesare salad which was good but unremarkable. Hubby had the sea bass entree and I had the grouper francese. Both were excellent but the grouper was best. Word of warning - if you want a cocktail, go somewhere else. They only serve beer and wine which is different from what is listed on Yelp's more info page.
(4)trisha g.
Loved the food and great customer service . My hubby and I went here for the last night of our vacation . We walked in without a reservation and were warmly greeted by the owner. He didn't have a table available but cleared a spot and got us a table in the bar area. The food was so good , wish I lived closer !!!!
(5)Allison Q.
Absolutely amazing meal with wonderful service. Food was amazing, traditional italian. Worth every penny.
(5)Rafael P.
This is a 5 star restaurant in terms of service and food. The food was amazing and the portions are hearty and filling. Our waiter was awesome. The appetizers he recommended were outstanding, and his main course recommendations were unreal. Great place!
(5)Lynne K.
Definitely the best Italian in Clearwater beach.. We had calamari to start delish. We all had different pasta dishes and all were excellent. Service was outstanding will be back on our next trip to Clearwater. Very very expensive
(4)Caroline B.
We came on Sunday of Memorial Day weekend, and thankfully we had a reservation, they had to turn away families who didn't. My tip-make a reservation just in case because it's so worth it. We arrived early and was happily greeted by the owner. We waited for only a few minutes and he sat us promptly. Our waiter was very pleasant and made a few recommendations. They had a lovely wine selection, both by the bottle and glass, and we went with a bottle of prosecco. We ordered a caprese salad and a Cesar salad, the caprese has fresh mozzarella, delicious tomatoes, and the perfect amount of balsamic. The caesar was fresh, and I'm pretty sure the dressing was home made. I recommend both. For our meal, we ordered the Cernia Mediterranea and the Spaghetti Carbonara. The grouper was cooked the traditional Italian way, and was plucked out of the ocean that morning; soft, buttery, and flakey. My carbonara was also made the traditional way, and was out of this world good. I highly recommend both, but I feel everything on the menu probably knocks it out of the park. To end out meal, we got the tiramisu. It was tasty, but I was sad they were out of the chocolate mousse cake (my favorite dessert). The entire meal the owner was walking around the restaurant checking in on patrons, filling empty glasses, and talking. He came to our table and talked for a minute. A very pleasant man, with good taste in food and who knows how to run a restaurant! Overall, this place is on my list to visit over and over again. We loved it, it's hard to imagine a bad meal here!
(4)Sach D.
We were in town for a mini break. Made dinner reservations at this place. Restaurant is small, but very busy. We were seated right away. Service was very prompt after seated. Waiter was very knowledgeable. Food tasted good, but thought it was over priced. I ordered the gnocchi, which was tasted good, but thought is was way overpriced compared to other restaurants I've been too. But I guess being in a "tourist" area, restaurants will be over priced. Overall, great experience.
(4)Katherine R.
My husband and I had the best dinner of our entire vacation stay tonight . We started with the lobster bisque and the soup if the day ( it was cream of potato soup ) the bisque was rich with flavor and my 15 month old savored the soup of the day . Next was the most amazing downright heavenly lasagna I've ever had . It was well prepared and melted in my mouth. The perfect combination of beshamel sauce and bolognese sauce . I couldn't resist finishing the very generous portion given to me . My husband ordered seafood pasta and he was absolutely delighted with it . My 15 month old had buttered penne pasta with fresh Parmesan lightly sprinkled on top along with a few bites of my lasagna . I've never seen my daughter enjoy food from a restaurant . She is the toughest critic I know. Tonight she enjoyed the food just as much as we did Our waiter was smooth and gave us phenomenal service . The entire staff was friendly. Everyone met our eyes with a smile. The restaurant is a gem . We will be back
(5)Susan R.
2nd visit and again, Caesars hit a home run! Enjoyed an excellent Caesar salad, dressed spectacularly with croutons and anchovies. Our server, Nicholas, was friendly, knowledgeable, and efficient. We both chose one of the described daily specials: veal parmesan for spouse and sacchetini for me (a knot of stuffed pasta, served w a vodka sauce embellished w wild mushrooms and pancetta). Both entrees were outstanding (as was the Brigaldara valpolicella)! Took home leftovers, but still had no room for dessert. Hopefully next time.
(5)Rob W.
These folks know how to fix Italian food. The ingredients are high quality, as is the preparation and presentation. Pasta and seafood are my favorites here, along with the homemade deserts.
(4)Diane H.
It was a Groupon that brought me to this place, otherwise I never would have found it. It is tucked away in the furthest Southern corner of Clearwater Beach. It was mouth watering delicious. I had the Chicken with eggplant & mozzarella in a pink sauce. I wanted to lick the plate clean it was so good. My husband had the Filet Mignon in a mushroom gravy he said was fantastic. I was so full but had to squeeze a dessert in. I love tiramisu but this one was just off a bit. I don't think it had a real coffee liqueur in it. But everything else was great and I will eat here again. But if you are on a budget, walk on by, it's not cheap.
(5)Corrine C.
We bought a groupon to try somewhere new on vacation and we were not disappointed. We started with the bruschetta and a bottle of super Tuscan (both were delicious), I had the pasta special in a vodka sauce and it was awesome and my boyfriend had the veal frank Sinatra which he said was delicious! The service was great from start to finish. The only unfortunate thing is their location( it's not in the heart of the strip) and that's really only unfortunate for the business. Def take the trolley or the free cab ride service to have a nice dinner.
(5)Matt L.
Lobster Bisque, veal Frank Sinatra & a tiramisu and latte to finish. I cannot complain about a single thing. Service, food /and atmosphere all were great. We will be back.
(5)Anne-Marie T.
I'm a local and had wanted to try this place for a while so made reservations for 7:30PM Friday evening. It was packed! Arrived at 7:15 and was assured would be seated at 7:30. After inquiring about being seated at 7:45, we were finally seated at 8:05PM. Though knowledgeable, our server was very rushed which put us on edge. The manager did buy us a round of drinks as an apology for the delay in being seated and while the food was pretty good, as a local, there are other places to eat around here where the food is as good but the service far more attentive. I go out to dinner to relax and enjoy...not be aggravated and then pay for the aggravation.
(2)Drew C.
Overall this place was okay, but if you have a favorite Italian place, don't expect it to match up. My wife an I went here because we saw a deal for it and thought the menu sounded great. Don't get me wrong. The food was not bad, but for the prices I don't think it was worth it. The service was decent, although considering we were there when there were only two other small groups (2-4 people) I would have expected service to be better. Can't say it was the food here or not, but after eating here both my wife and I had stomach aches for a while to the point where we rushed back to our hotel and were in for the night.
(3)Steve A.
Bought groupon and went last night while on vacation in FLORIDA, food and service was excellent
(5)Nichole M.
The food was amazing! Make sure to hear the specials for the day, because we ended up ordering 2 that were delicious! The piece of veal in the Veal Parmigian was as big as my head! Huge servings, so sharing is a must! Staff was friendly and very attentive! We will be back!
(5)Becca R.
The food here was excellent. I had the lasagna and my husband had the seafood pasta. It was the best lasagna I've had since my last trip to Italy. The service was top notch as well.
(5)Tasha S.
The service and ambiance were great, and the food was amazing. We had lasagna, chicken parmesan and veal piccata and each one was the best of its type we had ever tried. Highly recommend!
(5)R G.
While in town for a technical conference, took my business guest for dinner. Grouper was prepared very well. Service was good. Low key ambiance is good.
(4)Gerard M.
We have been eating here several times a year whenever we are in Clearwater Beach. We have never been disappointed. The homemade pastas are always fantastic. The seafood fresh and perfectly cooked. The menu has a wide selection and everything we tried was first class. One of my favorite restaurants on the beach.
(5)Carly H.
I am not aware what the local allure is, but from the bares and bones restaurant appearance, I feel the this place has inflated reviews and people should be made more aware of what to expect when dining here. I made the mistake of dining here for a special occasion and was sorely left unsatisfied! I had the fettuccine frutti Di mare which had really dried scallops and chewy calamari - otherwise the dish was great, it absolutely had redeeming qualities such as an excellent white sauce and yummy clams and mussels. My husband had the veal Sinatra which came out great! The veal was super tender and scallops were juicy - the only thing to note was that it is a little bit on the tart side. The house prosecco - zoni from Italy was really tasty and refreshing. I definitely recommend it. The atmosphere is more casual and not really meant for fine dining, anniversaries or birthdays. It's really meant for low-key get togethers. I was actually surprised to find the restaurant located in a strip mall. The sign and location should have warned me to turn around and find a place that would be fit to celebrate my special occasion. I will say that this was my only visit and probably will be my last. I don't advise to completely write off this restaurant, just to expect a very informal service and a very very casual setting for a nice restaurant.
(2)Mary Jo P.
There is not a full bar and you pay for the location. But overall good and a pleasant evening. They made chicken piccatta for me which was not on the menu. The grouper was light and tasty. Excellent service.
(4)Carolyn M.
I love this place. It's good food, great service, and the owners are so nice. I don't know that you could really ask for more. Wonderful spot for both locals and visitors.
(5)Jacqueline G.
We sat outside on the patio and it was awesome. Great food and after we went right across the bridge to the park and watched the most spectacular sunset. Would highly recommend.
(4)John H.
Many people are not going to believe what I write. I've traveled throughout the USA , Italy, abroad.......Many of my friends are great chefs......I've been in a kitchen with Jose Andre when he was catering for the president of Spain....I was in the hills of Chianti this past summer, Florence, Cremona, Milan......this place is the best Italian food in the United States....the owner is a genius.....the food is simple, pure, perfect.......how they make the basics , Alfredo, Lasagna,( because everyone I've had in the USA is awful), pesto.....how do they make these dishes superior to restaurants everywhere else in the USA?...I don't know....the service is perfect.....the food is as good as the very best restaurants in Milan, Florence, or Rome......I would give it 8 stars if I could.........its in a small strip mall......the owner is a perfectionist and loves his employees........I think this is one of the best restaurants for food in the USA.......shocking.....order the Alfredo, Pesto, Vodka sauce....tiramisu is excellent.........WOW
(5)Bill K.
Ate in the bar area and service was great! Would like more wine options by the glass, very limited. Food very fresh and very good!
(4)Alison S.
I went here because of Groupon. When I read the menu I didn't see much that really got me excited. HOWEVER!!!! I finally decided to order the pasta trio. WONDERFUL!!!! The menu says it consists of homemade ravioli, agnoletti ?( a homemade pasta stuffed with spinach in an Alfredo sauce) and a "surprise". The surprise turned out to be fettuccine with meat sauce. I am not a fan of cream sauces, but when I tasted their Alfredo sauce I'm sure I moaned with delight. It was sooo good and I loved the pasta stuffed with spinach. It looked like ravioli. Everything was very tasty. The only thing that could have made this better would be if it came with a salad. Wouldn't mind eating here another time if I ever visit Clearwater Beach again.
(5)Dave W.
Excellent food and service. Not a lot of places left where the owner is so attentive
(5)Laith A.
Great Italian place with superb service and excellent menu. The only thing is that the steak didn't "taste" much but then again I'm spoiled from when I've been in Italy.
(4)Barry S.
Having vacationed in Sand Key 5 times we never realized this awesome Italian restaurant was so close. After a couple recomendations we decided to have our last dinner of our honeymoon there. When I first try an Italian restaurant I try either the lasagna or the parmigiana. Seeing the lasagna was recommended I ordered that. My wife ordered the crabmeat stuffed ravioli. As an appetizer we had the caprese salad. I thought it was a 5 star dish. The only thing my wife found an issue with is she prefers room temp tomatoes and these were cold (the way I like them!). The bread was also great for me - a perfect crusty Italian. Once again my wife, not liking a crusty bread, wasn't totally thrilled but managed a couple pieces. The meals were both fantastic. From the homemade pasta, to the creamy sauce, melt in your mouth cheese and just right amount of meats, I have to say the lasagna was the best I have had. My wife felt the same about the ravioli - fantastico! We ended the meal with the chocolate mousse. It was very rich and creamy and had a dark chocolate flavor. A perfect ending to a perfect meal. Even the coffee was just right. Needless to say, we will be back every trip to Sand Key.
(5)Rich D.
While I had driven by Cesare's for several years while living on Sand Key, I hadn't stopped by until I found a Groupon for a meal here. The interior here is very nice in an understated way, and the service was extremely prompt and attentive. I had the lobster bisque which was full of seafood flavor and tasted. I also chose the pasta amatriciana which was quite good as well. I'll definitely be returning to Cesare's.
(4)Alex A.
My girlfriend bought the groupon not too long ago. The name is misleading, it's across the street from the inlet. And when I say across the street, not only you can't see it, there's a parking lot between the two as well. It's located at the end of a strip mall. Location wasn't at all what we were expecting. The restaurant itself is small and clean. It's your basic traditional Italian restaurant. I had the lasagna and it wasn't bad. But it had a very distinctive foreign taste to it. Again, not what we were expecting. If you don't want to leave Clearwater beach and you absolutely have to have Italian, you might give it a try. I've heard there's another Italian restaurant on the north end of the beach you might also look at. We won't be back here again.
(3)Bella R.
Came here with the family for dinner. We sat outside. I ordered the sea bass primadonna (whitefish) with ONLY tomatoes and olives (a request by me) and it was amazing. We also ordered the soup of the day which was chicken and veggies and it was great! The 2 year old devoured the soup! The lobster bisque was ALRIGHT. However, the grouper was horrible. The crab ravioli wasn't too great. The spaghetti was good. The veal chops sucked! Our appetizers were pretty good. We got calamari but that wasn't that great. The mozzarella caprese was good! As well as the mozzarella sticks (which we ordered off the kids menu as an appetizer) was good. This restaurant was good but not great. VERY PRICY! VERY PRICY! VERY PRICY! Over $300 for only 5 And 2 kids who shared. Atmosphere isn't too great either. You probably will listen to all the other great reviews but DONT. because that's what we did and were far disappointed. Try Clearwater Wine Bar and Bistro because that place is AMAZING. This place isn't.
(5)John H.
The food was great the service was good. The lazana was some of the best I have had.
(4)Jon U.
Stay far away from this place! The manager is rude and overbearing and kept staring at us for no reason. He then came over and tried to fight the people in my party asking to "talk outside" to the point we got up and left. They need to learn customer service 101 and respect your paying customers. Very bad business practices here.
(1)D M.
Poor customer service , even before I stepped foot in the place...receptionist so rude regarding reservation. I asked for 6:30 when a left a message, they called back and left a message saying either 6 or 8 is available. This was at 5:43...called back 3 minutes later to be told the 6 was gone. Tone, approach, and attitude given to me in spades for even asking for an explanation. AVOID!
(1)Giovanni G.
Bravissimo!!!! Believe me when it comes to Italian food I don't say that often. Having grown up in Sicilian/Italian famiglia across the river from NYC let me just say besides in Italia I've had some of the best Italian in the world. Ciccio (hopefully I got that right) and his team make some of the best Italian food ya are gonna find around here as well as making you feel like part of the famiglia! And if ya are lucky you'll get to hear him sing some opera.. The man has a voice! Bravissimo!!!!
(4)J. A.
Took my mother there and she agreed that the food was as good as in Italy. She is Italian and cannot eat anything not authentic. This place definitely is a go.
(5)Jac D.
This place was not what we expected at all! On our last night in town (stayed at a nearby hotel), Cesare's At The Beach was the perfect way to end our vacation. The service, the food, and the atmosphere were absolutely perfect. Our table ordered an gnocchi dish and two chicken dishes and they were all phenomenal. Don't let the "mini-mall" feel of the location drive you away - Cesare's has delicious food!
(5)Nicole B.
Discovered this place from Off of Trip Advisor. Love the service! So nice to go out to eat at an authentic Italian restaurants and actually get served by a staff of authentic Italians! :) We dined on the following: Bruschetta Carpaccio Pasta Trio Carbonara Everything was so amazing! Each plate was perfectly prepared. Half way through the meal my husband and I switched plates!
(5)Ross W.
Coming from Chicago & the best Italian, this place stacks up to Chicago Italian restaurants.
(4)Eugene S.
What a nice surprise to find such a quality italian restaurant in Clearwater. I've been in town this week visiting family and my mom, who is italian, suggested this place as a dinner option. I was a little surprised as 1) I wouldn't normally associate good Italian food with this particular area and 2) my mom rarely, if ever, wants to eat at italian restaurants, much preferring to cook her own pasta and sauces. We didn't have a reservation for a relatively busy Wednesday evening but after a few minutes the Maitre'd found us a quiet booth next to a window with a view of the bay. As noted in other reviews the place is casual; no white tablecloths here. The bread was fresh, warm and crusty and a nice accompaniment to the succulent mussels in a garlicky white wine sauce. I happened to glance in the kitchen on the way to the table (an old habit) and noticed a good looking plate of veal parmesan coming out but didn't see it on the menu. I inquired with our waiter and he, without hesitation, mentioned it was not on the menu but the chef would make it just the same. Same for the sautéed spinach as well as my mom's spinach and ricotta cheese ravioli in a light Alfredo cream sauce. Both were excellent, with my mom commenting that she's never had ravioli as good as this. Wow! The wait staff was professional and responsive throughout the entire meal. We skipped dessert as it was getting late but I would put Cesare at the Beach on par with some of my favorite italian spots in northern New Jersey and Manhattan. If you're looking for a break from the seafood joints near the beach I would highly recommend checking this place out - you will not be disappointed!
(5)Jacki S.
I've been eating here at Cesare's nearly every Sunday since they opened. The Italian Food is Authentic. Our family favorites are the Osso Bucco, Grouper Franchez, Veal Chop & all the pasta dishes. The Staff is very friendly and accomadating
(4)Bob S.
Best Italian food in the area. Waitstaff very attentive. Owner stopped at each table. The restaurant is well managed and everyone is in a good mood! Homade pasta was delish!!!
(5)Fred W.
A true gem on the beach!! As a local I try to always be on the lookout for new restaurants! Ceasars has been located in a discreet retail center at the south end of Clearwater beach and has been there for some time and is a treat every time I go. Anyone can make linguini and clam sauce. Ceasar's makes it as well as any I've ever had...maybe better! His veal, fish dishes are excellent. And the wine list offers many choices in a variety of price range. I like to bring out of town guest and my kids insist on it when they visit. If you're looking for Italian food and a great environment- Ceasar's is the place!
(5)Nat W.
I was in the mood for some good Italian food and we just came across this restaurant at Clearwater beach. We ordered Calamari, Lobster Bisque, Lasagna and Creme Brulee. The only thing we loved was Lobster Bisque. It is a must try. The rest was just mediocre and overpriced. The waiter gave me that look when I told him I am not ordering an entree. And for some reason he rushed us even though the restaurant was almost empty. I give this place a 2-star for the Lobster Bisque and the interior/atmosphere.
(2)Sarah Z.
Great Italian place on the beach. Went with a date the other night and loved it. Service was wonderful, they recommended a really tasty sparkling wine that went perfectly with our salmon, scallops, and shrimp. Tiramisu was fantastic and Cesare is such a sweet guy, was cool to actually meet the owner. We will definitely be back :)
(5)Laura W.
Really enjoyed a romantic night with hubby. Eggplant parm was absolutely divine!!
(4)Rebecca A.
Best Italian I've had in a long time...had the Veal Parm, it was so tender I cut it with a fork. Great food, great service! Only downfall is that it is a bit pricey.
(4)Darcy S.
Delicious. This is a hidden gem in a mostly deserted strip mall on Clearwater Beach. We started with the lobster bisque and mozzarella caprese. The bisque was outstanding, it is a must have. The caprese was ok, nothing to rave about. The bread with olive oil dipping sauce was a perfect compliment to the appetizers and dinner. For dinner my husband had the gnocchi and I had the pollo cesare augusto. My husband really enjoyed his gnocchi and I am still raving about my pollo cesare augusto. The chicken was cooked perfectly with a layer of eggplant and mushrooms, covered with a delicious pink sauce. If you are looking for some good Italian...make this one of your stops!
(5)Mark S.
Ceasar's has been a constant italian fix of ours for the last two years. It's convent location at the end of the Clearwater-Sandkey bridge makes it easily accessible from our condo in Sandkey. The attire is a little more up-scale beachwear, but I don't feel uncomfortable wearing shorts, flip-flops and hawaiian shirt. I would highly recommend the calamari appetizer, which is lightly breaded and fried along with the carpaccio with shaved parmiggiano. For dinner I usually get the veal saltimbocca or veal piccata which is always very tender. If i'm in the mood for pasta I highly recommend the pasta molognese and my wife really enjoys the salmone norvegese (she skips the scallops). For dessert I'm never disappointed by the tiramisu... Ceasar and his wife are always on hand to make sure your meal was enjoyable and they make us a welcome addition to their restaurant every time we see them!
(4)Ramon P.
An excellent neighborhood Italian bistro with outstanding food and service. Family friendly and cozy.
(4)Keith B.
Cesare's is the kind of Italian place that you like to go back to again and again. The food is delicious. The menu is big enough to explore yet small enough to execute well. The staff is friendly and welcoming yet still professional. The owner is usually on hand to meet and greet and ensure that all is going smoothly--and he might even sing a bit of opera. Especially good items are the eggplant rollatini appetizer, the pasta e fagioli soup, the veal saltimbocca entree, and the crème brulee dessert. I do wish that the wine list was a little broader with some more less expensive options. Also, the menu is a little on the pricey side, but the portions are large and the quality very good.
(4)Joe S.
We had passed Cesare's many times but this time decided to try it. Everything was excellent. Bread and dipping sauce excellent. Caprese salad excellent. Entrees excellent. Cannoli very good. Pricey but very, very good food and service.
(5)Susan D.
This place was crowded on a weeknight at 10:00 pm so we thought it must be good. Service was fast. The prices were low for the the quality and amount of food. My husband would give it 5 stars but my pasta was a little overcooked. The meatballs were delicious. Will go back again when we are in the area.
(4)Anthony P.
Food is always FANTASTIC & service is generally good.
(5)Philip G.
We got great service from a knowledgeable waiter. The kitchen was more than happy to make things that weren't on the menu. The pasta entrees (we had five different ones) were all excellent. The house salad was good though not inspiring. We didn't love the desserts. Before we went in we asked a family how they were enjoying their meal and they responded enthusiastically (they had a steak special that looked excellent, though we didn't get any of the meat dishes). So... I would recommend going here for pasta and wine and then getting ice cream somewhere else for dessert.
(4)Lidia L.
Had dinner here with a Groupon $20 for $40. I have to admit the food was rather tasty, I'm from NJ and first generation italian, my dad is a italian chef as well as many other family members. And the food was good compared to other italian places I have eaten at. It is pricey almost a bit too pricey, I pay the same for a meal at Carmine's in NYC that I did here. Portions were ok, for the price you pay for a spaghetti puttanesca dish ($19.50) you are barely getting what you think you should be getting. Also the meat dinners were also not portioned with regards to the price. I had a chicken with red peppers, mushrooms, onions and kalamata olives ($22) and it was 2 pieces of very thin chicken with a ton of sauce and then no offer of pasta on side, just some potatoes and veggies. They should offer it with pasta for the price you are paying for a thin piece of chicken. They said they have chicken and veal parm but it's not on the menu and they didnt offer a price so I was weary to order. If they just offered a bit more food for the price this place would be a 5 star no prob. Also be weary of the bread it's odd definitely not cibatta or what you would expect from high end italian restaurant.
(4)Rebecca B.
Excellent!
(5)Andrew P.
The best Italian food and by far the best service we had in Clearwater. The grouper francaise was a highlight, and my wife said the lobster bisque is the best she's ever had, anywhere
(5)Jessica S.
Amazing Gnocchi and Grouper! Best italian food I had in a while.
(5)Cori R.
Definitely a nice place. My boyfriend & I were able to walk from our hotel. We took the advice of other yelpers, saw the good reviews and tried this place out one of our three nights in Clearwater Beach. We started with bruschetta that was so delicious with melted mozzarella cheese on top. 4 pieces. We each had 2 and it was gone in less than 5 minutes. I had the shrimp and scallop fra diavolo ...shrimp and scallops were huge and cooked very well.. The sauce was not too spicy at all. My boyfriend had a veal dish which he enjoyed with a side of potatoes and veggies. Veal was not hot but he enjoys cold food! I contemplated dessert and settled with a cannoli... The only complaint I have about the whole meal... Maybe it's just not what I was used to but I couldn't eat it. Service was awesome though and very nice and quick. Soft drinks were $3+ (free refills) so wish I went with a glass of wine!
(4)Brittany P.
Me and my mother stopped here on the way back from Dunedin. The decor is interesting. The booths and chairs don't really match the bar or floor and kind of remind me of something you'd see in a diner. Which is fine, but when your spending $10 for a bowl of pasta fagoile, and $20 for a modest amount of fettucini Alfredo, and the waiters are wearing tuxedo vests, I would just expect the restaurant to look a little more upscale. We had a ceasar salad, the fettucini ceasar and a grouper picatta dish. The ceaser salad was not very good. The parm was not good quality, the dressing bland, and the greens were browned. The fettucini was delicious, although I wished they offered freshly grated cheese for it. It's so much better than generic grated parm. My moms fish was awesome. Loved the picatta sauce, and it was perfectly cooked. The service was attentive, maybe a little too. I don't know if they pool tips, but 3 different servers took care of us, and didn't really communicate with another, and were constantly asking if we needed pepper or refills, ect, it was just kind of intrusive. Bottom line, the food is good, but you can find better Italian food, that's a lot less expensive.
(3)B L.
Food and atmosphere were fantastic! Really great!
(5)Alex N.
Good food, good service, good location, and wonderful variety on the menu. Highly recommend.
(5)Jenny S.
My dad is right off the boat from Italy and thinks the food is really good at Caesars... i was shocked he doesnt like food from restuarants LOL .... That says a lot for me bc i know how picky he is when it comes to food from the old country! The Gnocci was amazing!!!! and the waiters will always keep your glass full!!! Nice owners too...always walking around checking on people. A+ place in Florida!
(5)Boston Italian Girl O.
This place was yummy and had excellent service! Wished it was in a location overlooking the water, but the decor and ambiance were so nice that it didn't even matter. The bread and dipping oil that is served first is amazing. We had the bruschetta as an appetizer, which was flavorful and plenty big. It was not the best bruschetta we've ever had but still good. My husband got spaghetti carbonarra which was absolutely declicious! I ordered fettuccine alfredo w/shrimp which was superb. My family is straight off the boat from Italy so it's hard to impress when it comes to Italian, but this place was fantastic. You can tell the pasta is either hand made or very high quality and everything is made from scratch. Server was attentive and knowledgeable as were all other wait staff, it seems they all pitch in and help each other out as several servers came by to refill water, offer cheese/ground pepper, check on our meals, etc. Great place!
(5)Deb D.
I will give it 2 stars for the taste of the food, which was good, however I paid $25 for an entrée-why should I have to pay for a side salad then if I wanted one when most places will give that with a meal? I forgot my credit card and somebody from the restaurant called me a few minutes after I left which I was grateful for at that moment and I told him I will turn around and come right back which took about 10 minutes..I get back and the hostess knew who I was and understood what I came back for but here the guy called me and LEFT THE PREMISES WITH MY CREDIT CARD..Why on earth would somebody do that? Shady!!!! The hostess was very nervous making me wonder if this happened before. I waited almost half hour and he did not come back with my card..why wouldn't you leave it with a manager or the hostess knowing I told you I was coming back? NOT RIGHT! I told the hostess, "I can't sit here all night, I am cancelling the card and you can let him know that when he returns!!" I left, had to call my bank, cancel my card..HASSLE!!! Needless to say, will NOT be going back! Overpriced and bad experience! I never did hear back again from the person who called -terrible public relations!
(2)Danny J.
Good Italian food. The waiter was a tad overwhelmed with the number of tables he had. The owner, Cesare Tini, broke into song twice while we were there-singing some amazing Italian opera songs. Unexpected nightly entertainment.
(4)Judith A.
We were greeted at the door by a "smokin' hot babe" (my male companions expression), who seated us at a nice booth. We were glad that we made our reservation for 5 PM because the place was packed by six. The attentive waiter brought us hot Italian bread with a olive oil, garlic and basil dipping sauce that was to die for. The entrees were very expensive so we decided to share the Osso Bucco. I have never had better and that says a lot because I've tried it in various restaurants in Italy, on cruise ships, several places in the USA, plus I make it myself. The meat was buttery tender and the bone marrow was huge. The sauce was seasoned just right. All in all we had a wonderful time.
(5)Joseph O.
Food was fantastic. Atmosphere was also acceptable. Very good Italian food to have while on your beach vacation. Food enjoyed: fra diavlo and spaghetti carbonara. Cheesy proscuitto goodness!!
(4)Aaron B.
Great food and great service. Wife had an excellent off menu chicken parm. Perfectly done and way too much to eat! I had the grouper with asparagus. Just fantastic. The owner stopped by are table a couple of times to check on us and talked us into a delectable tiramisu to cap off a great meal.
(5)Stacy B.
Great food! Nice place! Friendly staff! We like to take out-of-town guests here. They have a large menu and the food is always consistent. Need to make reservations.
(5)Chris B.
This place is very good. Never had a bad meal here. The wait staff is very professional and highly attentive. The menu is very large and covers just about anything you could want.
(5)Paul M L.
Ok I know this place is on the beach so you would automatically think it's a tourist type place like I did , but when I read the yelp reviews I decided to give it a try, and I'm glade I did. This a a place worth driving to. We had Veal Marsala , the Veal could be cut with a fork it was that tender, the sauce was light and tasty with a lot of tasty mushrooms. The vegetables were fresh and cooked perfectly, not mush like so many places do, and the dinners were NOT SALTY ! Which seems to be a problem in so many places. We had chicken and egg plant that was prepared perfectly. We had a desert recommended by our waiter that was a perfect ending to our meal. We will be back
(4)Cecilia A.
This place is off the hook amazing. I'm from San Diego and have lived in FL about 4 years, def consider myself a foodie, Caesars is by far the best Italian food I've had in FL
(5)Bird R.
We were in Clearwater for a weekend getaway and stumbled upon this restaurant via Yelp. We purchased a Groupon and went for dinner on a whim... AND LOVED IT. This is a small restaurant where the owner will greet you at the door and make sure you have an excellent table. The service was very good and the food was fantastic! The pasta is so good and everything was obviously made fresh. We really loved it and would definitely recommend it to friends.
(5)Candace H.
Our waiter last night was totally great. He was quick, attentive, and got our questions answered from the chef. Unfortunately, the food and atmosphere was underwhelming. My husband got mushroom risotto, but there were so many crunchy (undercooked) onions that it took away from the really nice mushroom flavor. I had the spaghetti carbonara, whick was really creamy but missing that rich flavor I expect of this traditional dish (missing the egg? Or the parm cheese maybe? ) The tiramisu was soggy, and definitely not worth the eight bucks. On top of it all, we got to watch the bus boy do dishes throughout the meal... Especially for the price, would not go here again.
(3)Ada C.
Found this gem via Groupon, and it was amazing! Service was top notch, and food was even better! The bread was hot and came with really tasty oil and pesto for dipping. I had mussels and my husband had a salad to start. Both were delish! The mussels were a generous portion - there were options to have it with marinara sauce or garlic wine sauce. Garlic wine sauce was to die for! And dipping the bread in it was ridiculously good. Then I had fettuccine alfredo (and added 3 jumbo shrimps). The shrimps were so succulent, pasta was so fresh, and the alfredo sauce was so creamy... YUMMM!! My husband had lasagne verdi, and the meat sauce and homemade pasta were perfection. We ordered a cannoli to share - it was really good but had a lot of filling... made it a tad messy to eat. I would say this restaurant has upscale food in a casual setting. Perfect spot for a laid back date night. There were a few families dining as well... a great option for all :). There was outdoor patio seating available with heaters. It was only a short walk from the nearby Hyatt. The plaza has lots of parking available.
(5)Taraneh A.
Great food, fantastic service (thanks Nicholas). All the marks for a fine dining experience, but located in a strip mall. Guest range from dressy to flip flops. Highly recommend the Penne Terra e Mare! It was delicious :)
(4)Shayla Z.
I visited Tampa with my family in August and just happened to stumble upon this wonderful restaurant. I would honestly visit Tampa again just to eat at this place. The food was delicious, the service was excellent, and the cost was pricey but definitely worth it. The only con is the lack of parking, especially when the restaurant is so popular. There IS parking in the back of the building but is truly annoying when there's a thunderstorm passing by. Overall, IN LOVE with the restaurant. There's a dish for every type of eater! TIP: You MUST make a reservation before coming to the restaurant. It's usually always jam-packed during the evening.
(5)Duane D.
I like this place a lot. It reminds me of a small mom and pop Italian restaurant in New York City that was been relocated to the beach. Great, high quality food with a diverse menu. Service is very attentive. Prices are quite reasonable for what you get. Try the Tartuffo desert - it's hard to find and very good here.
(5)Justin P.
Excellent food, excellent service. You must get the Veal Frank Sinatra-- it's the best! Worth skipping the other Clearwater tourist traps and getting an authentic Italian meal.
(5)Greg R.
Made a reservation for 5 people at this restaurant and when we got there they placed us at a table for 4. While our 5th person was a baby, they still take up physical space and a square table does not leave enough room for a highchair!! When we asked if we could have a bigger table we were told that only people with reservations could have those - hmm, what is our reservation?? Maybe they don't consider babies people? After discussing this we decided this table just wouldn't work and told the manager this on the way out the door . We explained the situation and told him we wouldn't be able to eat at their restaurant. As we were heading to our car he told us that suddenly there was a cancellation and we could have a table that could fit our party. When I stated I refuse to eat at his restaurant due to the rudeness of the staff and the inflexibility to accommodate the reservation we made he asked me why we were so upset over the situation. Really? You treat us poorly, basically tell us that our comfort at your restaurant isn't a concern to you, and don't give in to helping us until we are in the parking lot and you aren't sure why we were upset?? My recommendation to everyone would be to avoid this restaurant unless you like to be treated rudely.
(1)Amber D.
Last table there last night and still received amazing service. We had a scallop and shrimp pasta dish and the most delicious lasagna either of us had ever had. Very light for such a wonderful meat sauce. The wine list was okay, was hoping for a good Italian white or rose, but our Napa valley wine worked! This is a must stop in Clearwater if you want fresh seafood and pasta!
(5)Charlie G.
I took my girlfriend out for the rare Italian dinner...rare since neither of us is crazy about pasta. So I usually cook Italian at home, and maximize the proteins and veggies. I had heard good things about Cesare's and decided to give it a go. We arrived a bit early, and were seated immediately. Very friendly and attentive staff here... without being bothersome. The location is ok... limited free parking, and a bit noisy from traffic if you sit outside as we did. But the view is ok... and it was nice and cool, very pleasant. Now on to the food! Fresh HOT bread, very crusty... and almost too hot to eat! YUM! A shared Caesar salad, that was very good. I have sung the praises of Escargot to my girlfriend several times, and usually just got a "gross", or "yuck"! Tonight she was feeling adventurous, and said "yes, please"! :) They were nicely served... six large critters each swimming in it's own little pool of butter... very tasty! No grit either... unlike some lesser establishments I have been to. She enjoyed them, and was shocked at how yummy they were! Highly recommended! I will often order for both of us as I often know the menus better than she does, and I love to introduce her to new food to love. For her... I ordered the Cernia Mediterranea (Grouper with Crab, Shrimp cooked in a wonderful Mediterranean type sauce with Capers and Kalamata Olives). She loved it, and said it was some of the best grouper she had ever had. I had the Veal SaltimBocca all Romana (veal with proscuitto in a nice demi-glaze sauce) very tender and flavorful... I would definitely order it again! Both were served with roasted potatoes and some nicely steamed mixed veggies... nice portions, and very fresh. Alas... my lovely girlfriend is allergic to alchohol... and I don't drink at all when I am driving... so I had to pass on what looked like an excellent wine selection! Next time she drives! ;) We have not been indulging in desserts lately (a love of good food is hard on the waistline) but I was jonesing for a Creme Brule.... and she wanted some Chocolate Mousse. So we got them, with some wonderful fresh coffee... black, of course. My creme brule was excellent, wonderfully sweet with a thick layer of carmelized sugar on top...Delicious!... and I will savor it in memory often (and go back just for desert if necessary, lol!). She said her Mousse was very good... nicely chocolaty, and not too sweet. So all in all, a wonderful dinner! Not the least expensive place to eat... plan on around $50-55 per person if you do it like we did. but well worth it! Afterwards we went for a nice walk on the beach (further south, since Clearwater Beach is a ZOO!) and had a wonderful sunset... all romantic and stuff! And that is all I am going to say!
(5)Cassie C.
Way over priced!!! Our portions were small, service was subpar, and food wasn't any better than Olive Garden. You don't even get a salad with your $30 pasta dish that may include all of 5 raviolis. Waiter acted put out when we even asked for more bread. Top it off, the wait staff was complaining about the place and the owner's poor management?! Awkward! We won't be back.
(2)Thomas J.
Ambience very nice. Tables nicely spaced. Service good to excellent. Food outstanding, although a bit pricey. Can get very busy, so make a reservation. Seafood prepared perfectly. Would not recommend outdoor seating - loud due to parking lot and busy street.
(4)Christina C.
Definitely worth checking out, but make a reservation, because it gets busy! We made 8 p.m. reservations for a Friday. However, it turned out to be colder that day than we expected so we called to see if we could come earlier, since we were anxious to leave the beach. It was about 7:15 p.m. and they said although they might not be able to seat us right away it wouldn't take long. Luckily they were able to seat us right away, but when we left there were a good number of people waiting! Even though there was a lot of times open on opentable, it is misleading, because this is a popular place! Cesare himself was checking people in. It is a really nice touch to have the owner walking around working in the restaurant. It gives it a great family feel. I appreciate how laid back the atmosphere is. We sat outside and the tables were pretty bare without table cloth. When you're covered in sun screen and have sand everywhere, you appreciate not being surrounded by finery. They bring out warm bread with pesto to start. It was good and it helps tide over ravenous beach goers like ourselves. I looked over the menu before we came, and I'm glad I did, because there are so many options. My husband did not, so I had to wait for him to read through everything. I knew I wanted to try the pasta, because it is homemade. My husband chose one dish, but when he heard the specials he decided on the chicken parmesan. I decided on the ravioli with crabmeat and ricotta. The dishes came in a good amount of time. I loved my ravioli. The pink sauce was amazing and I stole some of my husband's pasta to dip in it. I could definitely tell that the ravioli was homemade. The chicken parmesan was good too. It wasn't the best we ever had, but it was pretty good. I bet if we both stuck with just pasta dishes I would have given this place 5 stars. If you are at Clearwater Beach you should come here. Yes it is a little off the beaten path, but that also means there is an abundance of free parking on the side streets. Definitely check this place out.
(4)Margaret K.
Not impressed. Just ordered appetizers - calamari and tuna. Calamari rings were good and tender but then over half of order was those crunchy mini octipus. Marinara tasted bottled spaghetti sauce. The tuna was really rare and the only flavor was the herb crust which was very peppery.
(1)Jenna M.
I know I keep giving 5 stars but they do what they do flawlessly. Each dish is a masterpiece and the service is exceptional. Wine list one of the best on the beach.
(5)Jeff C.
Yesterday Mary and I celebrated our 31st anniversary here with dinner. The Mozzarella Caprese as an appetizer was nice. I had the Veal Picata ( slice thin with a lemon butter sauce with capers, veggies and potatoes) and Mary had the Ravioli Al Granchio ( homemade pasta, stuffed with crabmeat, ricotta cheese with a pink sauce ). Both were delicious. For dessert we also enjoyed the Tartufo Al Limoncello ( lemon ice cream with a soft limoncello liqueur center with crushed lemon meringue). The ambiance was pleasant. The staff was very attentive and polite. Although we may possibly would have the same or similar meal in NYC for less money, it was good to find a understated classy place with a variety of good Italian dishes in Clearwater Beach, Florida.
(4)Christian J.
By far one of my favorite restaurants I had the pleasure of dining at this vacation. OK hands down, its situation, decor, etc is not why you come here, but the traditional awesome Italian food is why. I suggest you have some kind of small appetizer and have a pasta, because any of the ones here are fantastic! As soon as I had my first bite - (actually as soon as I stepped into the restaurant for the first time the smell reminded me of good Italian food) - I was thrown back into childhood, remembering all the great Italian food I was exposed to back then. Their antipasti, & and pasta I can swear for, I did not try any of the carne platters. Great first-class service, with energetic young servers keeps this place in my favorites of all time.
(5)Andea A.
Very bland food... Nothing special. Dining room very small and tables too close together.
(2)Frank F.
Found on Groupon. Service was great, food was as well. I had pasta (angel hair?) with Diablo sauce and scallops. Very good. Its pricey.....but worth it.
(5)Sherri M.
Hands down the BEST Italian restaurant in Tampa Bay. Sitting on a strip mall at the foot (Clearwater Beach side) of the Sand Key Bridge, Cesar's is a lovely restaurant with exceptionally prepared and served food. Service: management is always front of the house and it shows. Someone will always pass by your table to ask if everything is ok and how you are enjoying your meal. If you are lucky enough to get Nick as your service you will have a fantastic evening. All of the servers are well-versed in the menu and carefully explain the specials of the day. Food: agnolitti! These small soft pasta pillows stuffed with spinach and a little cheese are my favorite (I want mine with Alfredo sauce). It's rare to find them on a menu anywhere, but especially in Tampa Bay and Cesar's rivals the best I had at Tiberio, a 5 star restaurant in Washington DC some years ago. I have ordered this dish so often that it was finally suggested I try something else! I don't usually order lasagna but was encouraged to try theirs and am I glad I did. It was the best lasagna I have ever had, light and full of flavor. I can also recommend the calamari as an appetizer, the Caesar salad which is prepared properly, and the Chilean sea bass. They have a variety of daily specials which are outstanding. They serve beer and wine only and there is a small bar with a few hi-tops if you don't want to eat in the dining room. Go. Enjoy. If you like good Italian food you will not be disappointed.
(5)Jenna T.
I went to this restaurant with my boyfriend while we were on vacation, and we both were very impressed! The food was delicious, and we did not have to wait long for our food. I ordered the seafood pasta dish and highly recommend it to anybody that is a seafood fan. Next time I am in Florida, I definitely will be stopping back!
(5)Matteo N.
Service was unacceptable. Waited forever got the appetizers & took over a hour and 10 minutes for them to bring out 3 pasta dinners & 1 veal dinner. I'm sorry but that is a insult to the patrons of the establishment. The server told me "sorry they were busy" -Sure on a Wednesday night. The food was good but nothing to write home about. I won't be returning.
(2)John P.
Great restaurant on the South end of beach at foot of Sand Key Bridge. Great service and high quality Italian food
(5)Michelle J.
Delicious homemade pasta, great bread and good service. It isn't right on the beach, but located on the main drag within walking distance. Ragu is wonderful! The ambiance is not as nice as one might expect for the price and quality of food, but very friendly, clean, and I think that's fine in a high-traffic tourist area.
(5)Jay R.
Casual Italian with a big flavor. Cesare's is the real deal, Italian how it should be served a fantastic menu that includes all the great Italian basics and some nice specialty dishes. Being from Chicago there is a lot of Italian around if this place was in my city I would leave the cooking up to them, and shelf my pots and pans. After a drive through the beach area of Clearwater we ended up at Cesare's the first thing you will notice is it has a nice little outside, walking inside its a cute atmosphere with room around the tables and lots of windows. The food was nothing short of spectacular, most everything seems homemade especially the pasta which has a great texture. We Started with a few appetizers The Burrata with chopped tomatoes which I think was a special that day. Burrata is super creamy buttery home made mozzarella sp creamy and melt in your mouth it was awesome. We had this dish in Italy and it was just as good here at Cesare's. We also had the seared tuna with herb crust, this was the only slight miss the entire meal the tuna was fresh and seared perfect but the crust was to peppery for my liking and hid the tuna flavor. I ended up scrapping a good portion of ithe crust off so I could taste the tuna. For entrees we had the Mediterranean Mahi Mahi which was a fresh perfectly cooked piece of fish with a flavorful not over powering sauce. I had the fettuccine bolognese with a side of meatballs and sausage. The paste and sauce where fantastic the pasta was cooked al dente and a nice big portion. Now the meatballs and sausage some of the best I have had, the meatballs were packed with flavor not heavy or dense and the sausage was the same it all came on a pate with sauce, meatballs and sausage are a great barometer of a Italian restaurants skills, this dish proved they know their stuff. We finished with ricotta cheesecake a great consistency and nice sweet creamy flavor this is the Italian style cheesecake. There was a place I loved we use to go to growing up that served it like this, I am glad I found somewhere to get it again even if I have to drive 18 hours to have it. Some of the best Italian I have had anywhere,it's worth the trip even from as far away as Chicago.
(5)Melissa U.
Food was good, but for the price I've definitely experienced better. Service was good, but I was expecting a nice dinner for the price and the ambiance outdoors was awful. Patio style furniture and a parking lot and highway for the view. The restaurant is in strip mall. It may have been better if people weren't coming outside often to smoke which carried over to where we were seated, and if a family who was waiting to dine wasn't loud and obnoxious. I know they can't control unruly guests but the atmosphere was definitely poor for a $110 meal for two.
(2)Kelly R.
Really awesome authentic Italian food! The lasagna was perfectly done and the pasta trio was equally delicious! This is the second best Italian we have ever had. The warm bread with homemade pesto dipping was phenomenal as well! We really enjoyed our meals! The only opportunity for improvement is the service. If it was a tad more attentive, 5 stars for sure!
(4)rach l.
Wow. Amazing Italian cuisine. Didn't know what to expect at first being in a shopping plaza... but Hello, pastis!! Bueno!! Had the carpacio and buratta to start. Dinner was a pasta, mix grille of seafood and Lamb shank. Amazing! Done tix perfection. Atmosphere was chill. We watched the Pens Playoff game! Can not wait to go back sometime soon.
(5)Barbara S.
Came here for a 3 year anniversary. Was looking for someplace special and Italian so we called here and were a bit misled. Despite the name of the restaurant and asking for a water view and being told "sure!" there really isn't a water view. This place is across the street from the beach, and you'll just enjoy the sound and sight of cars. The food and hospitality mostly made up for it. Our dishes were fantastic, Cesare kindly greeted us at the door, and our waiter was fantastic. Clean and decorated place. Great menu. Seafood was delicious! Bread and olive oil dip before your food comes - yum. As a few other people have stated the bruschetta was just ok. It wasn't a terrible taste in your mouth, but the look and taste just didn't match the upscale feel of the place. It reminded me of toasted bread with melted shredded mozzarella out of a Wal-Mart bag. While the food was good, I wouldn't recommended it as a spot for a special occasion. The location made it weird, but my boyfriend doesn't have to know that.
(4)Jim C.
Was recommended from a friend from ny. It was very good! We were at the height of their busiest time, we had a reservation for 8:15 pm on a sat night during spring break. Had to wait just a few minutes which wasn't a big deal at all. Nick the server was really professional and his suggestions were spot on. Liked how he said on one entree, " if we weren't so busy this would be great. It takes time and I am concerned with how busy the kitchen is, it wouldn't represent our norm". So we went w another option (veal special) and it was delicious. Will be back for sure.
(4)Lauren B.
Visited Cesare's twice last week and had the best experience both times! Our server Nico was knowledge about the menu and specials and was extremely professional and friendly. When we returned for our second visit, he even remembered the wine we had ordered on the first visit without asking. - very cool. Food was equally as impressive - had the Beef Carpaccio, Calamari for apps and Pollo Cesare Augusto for an entree, all were delicious. I will definitely be back to Cesare's next time I'm in town!
(5)Hungry S.
what a gem. excellent service. for an extra $5, they'll split your entree -- trust me, that's enough food. we went with a groupon, went early, they filled up. gentile, great place to really sit and have a beautiful conversation.
(4)Kelsey L.
The service was great, pasta was amazing. The chicken was average, but the nice atmosphere made up for it. Loved the heaters on with the outside seating. Could see the pretty cruise ships go by without being chilly!
(4)Oliver P.
Good experience overall. We were surprised to find that Cesare's is located in a strip mall, as none of the reviews really mentioned that. Service was attentive but slow. There was easily more than a half hour between our salads and our dinners. I had the lobster bisque and a mahi special w primavera sauce. Bisque was on par with others I have had. Mahi was tasty but not special. My wife had salad and the beef tenderloin. The beef was done perfectly.
(4)Kimberly P.
Firstly, let me say that I've had pasta in most of the major US cities and northern Italy. We ordered the pesto pasta. A dish that should be $7-$12 was not only overpriced, but missing so much basil. I make homemade pasta myself, and missed the basil! Felt they tried to stretch the sauce with tons of garlic. Bleh.
(2)Mary S.
We purchased a Groupon from this place after reading great reviews. We were not disappointed. The employees at Caesars take their food seriously. Our waiter gave great recommendations as the menu is extensive. I had the lasagna that he explained in salivating detail. It was delicious. My family had spaghetti and meatballs, veal, and a chicken dish. We argued over whose was best! I do recommend reservations here. Outdoor seating is not that great as its on the corner of a strip mall facing a parking lot. Normally I prefer it but in this case would skip it. I would go there again without hesitation. What's not to love about homemade pasta?
(4)Laura S.
Had the calamari which was excellent, tender and not overcooked. We shared the Cesare salad which was good but unremarkable. Hubby had the sea bass entree and I had the grouper francese. Both were excellent but the grouper was best. Word of warning - if you want a cocktail, go somewhere else. They only serve beer and wine which is different from what is listed on Yelp's more info page.
(4)trisha g.
Loved the food and great customer service . My hubby and I went here for the last night of our vacation . We walked in without a reservation and were warmly greeted by the owner. He didn't have a table available but cleared a spot and got us a table in the bar area. The food was so good , wish I lived closer !!!!
(5)Allison Q.
Absolutely amazing meal with wonderful service. Food was amazing, traditional italian. Worth every penny.
(5)Rafael P.
This is a 5 star restaurant in terms of service and food. The food was amazing and the portions are hearty and filling. Our waiter was awesome. The appetizers he recommended were outstanding, and his main course recommendations were unreal. Great place!
(5)Lynne K.
Definitely the best Italian in Clearwater beach.. We had calamari to start delish. We all had different pasta dishes and all were excellent. Service was outstanding will be back on our next trip to Clearwater. Very very expensive
(4)Caroline B.
We came on Sunday of Memorial Day weekend, and thankfully we had a reservation, they had to turn away families who didn't. My tip-make a reservation just in case because it's so worth it. We arrived early and was happily greeted by the owner. We waited for only a few minutes and he sat us promptly. Our waiter was very pleasant and made a few recommendations. They had a lovely wine selection, both by the bottle and glass, and we went with a bottle of prosecco. We ordered a caprese salad and a Cesar salad, the caprese has fresh mozzarella, delicious tomatoes, and the perfect amount of balsamic. The caesar was fresh, and I'm pretty sure the dressing was home made. I recommend both. For our meal, we ordered the Cernia Mediterranea and the Spaghetti Carbonara. The grouper was cooked the traditional Italian way, and was plucked out of the ocean that morning; soft, buttery, and flakey. My carbonara was also made the traditional way, and was out of this world good. I highly recommend both, but I feel everything on the menu probably knocks it out of the park. To end out meal, we got the tiramisu. It was tasty, but I was sad they were out of the chocolate mousse cake (my favorite dessert). The entire meal the owner was walking around the restaurant checking in on patrons, filling empty glasses, and talking. He came to our table and talked for a minute. A very pleasant man, with good taste in food and who knows how to run a restaurant! Overall, this place is on my list to visit over and over again. We loved it, it's hard to imagine a bad meal here!
(4)Sach D.
We were in town for a mini break. Made dinner reservations at this place. Restaurant is small, but very busy. We were seated right away. Service was very prompt after seated. Waiter was very knowledgeable. Food tasted good, but thought it was over priced. I ordered the gnocchi, which was tasted good, but thought is was way overpriced compared to other restaurants I've been too. But I guess being in a "tourist" area, restaurants will be over priced. Overall, great experience.
(4)Katherine R.
My husband and I had the best dinner of our entire vacation stay tonight . We started with the lobster bisque and the soup if the day ( it was cream of potato soup ) the bisque was rich with flavor and my 15 month old savored the soup of the day . Next was the most amazing downright heavenly lasagna I've ever had . It was well prepared and melted in my mouth. The perfect combination of beshamel sauce and bolognese sauce . I couldn't resist finishing the very generous portion given to me . My husband ordered seafood pasta and he was absolutely delighted with it . My 15 month old had buttered penne pasta with fresh Parmesan lightly sprinkled on top along with a few bites of my lasagna . I've never seen my daughter enjoy food from a restaurant . She is the toughest critic I know. Tonight she enjoyed the food just as much as we did Our waiter was smooth and gave us phenomenal service . The entire staff was friendly. Everyone met our eyes with a smile. The restaurant is a gem . We will be back
(5)Susan R.
2nd visit and again, Caesars hit a home run! Enjoyed an excellent Caesar salad, dressed spectacularly with croutons and anchovies. Our server, Nicholas, was friendly, knowledgeable, and efficient. We both chose one of the described daily specials: veal parmesan for spouse and sacchetini for me (a knot of stuffed pasta, served w a vodka sauce embellished w wild mushrooms and pancetta). Both entrees were outstanding (as was the Brigaldara valpolicella)! Took home leftovers, but still had no room for dessert. Hopefully next time.
(5)Rob W.
These folks know how to fix Italian food. The ingredients are high quality, as is the preparation and presentation. Pasta and seafood are my favorites here, along with the homemade deserts.
(4)Diane H.
It was a Groupon that brought me to this place, otherwise I never would have found it. It is tucked away in the furthest Southern corner of Clearwater Beach. It was mouth watering delicious. I had the Chicken with eggplant & mozzarella in a pink sauce. I wanted to lick the plate clean it was so good. My husband had the Filet Mignon in a mushroom gravy he said was fantastic. I was so full but had to squeeze a dessert in. I love tiramisu but this one was just off a bit. I don't think it had a real coffee liqueur in it. But everything else was great and I will eat here again. But if you are on a budget, walk on by, it's not cheap.
(5)Corrine C.
We bought a groupon to try somewhere new on vacation and we were not disappointed. We started with the bruschetta and a bottle of super Tuscan (both were delicious), I had the pasta special in a vodka sauce and it was awesome and my boyfriend had the veal frank Sinatra which he said was delicious! The service was great from start to finish. The only unfortunate thing is their location( it's not in the heart of the strip) and that's really only unfortunate for the business. Def take the trolley or the free cab ride service to have a nice dinner.
(5)Matt L.
Lobster Bisque, veal Frank Sinatra & a tiramisu and latte to finish. I cannot complain about a single thing. Service, food /and atmosphere all were great. We will be back.
(5)Anne-Marie T.
I'm a local and had wanted to try this place for a while so made reservations for 7:30PM Friday evening. It was packed! Arrived at 7:15 and was assured would be seated at 7:30. After inquiring about being seated at 7:45, we were finally seated at 8:05PM. Though knowledgeable, our server was very rushed which put us on edge. The manager did buy us a round of drinks as an apology for the delay in being seated and while the food was pretty good, as a local, there are other places to eat around here where the food is as good but the service far more attentive. I go out to dinner to relax and enjoy...not be aggravated and then pay for the aggravation.
(2)Drew C.
Overall this place was okay, but if you have a favorite Italian place, don't expect it to match up. My wife an I went here because we saw a deal for it and thought the menu sounded great. Don't get me wrong. The food was not bad, but for the prices I don't think it was worth it. The service was decent, although considering we were there when there were only two other small groups (2-4 people) I would have expected service to be better. Can't say it was the food here or not, but after eating here both my wife and I had stomach aches for a while to the point where we rushed back to our hotel and were in for the night.
(3)Steve A.
Bought groupon and went last night while on vacation in FLORIDA, food and service was excellent
(5)Nichole M.
The food was amazing! Make sure to hear the specials for the day, because we ended up ordering 2 that were delicious! The piece of veal in the Veal Parmigian was as big as my head! Huge servings, so sharing is a must! Staff was friendly and very attentive! We will be back!
(5)Becca R.
The food here was excellent. I had the lasagna and my husband had the seafood pasta. It was the best lasagna I've had since my last trip to Italy. The service was top notch as well.
(5)Tasha S.
The service and ambiance were great, and the food was amazing. We had lasagna, chicken parmesan and veal piccata and each one was the best of its type we had ever tried. Highly recommend!
(5)R G.
While in town for a technical conference, took my business guest for dinner. Grouper was prepared very well. Service was good. Low key ambiance is good.
(4)Carly H.
I am not aware what the local allure is, but from the bares and bones restaurant appearance, I feel the this place has inflated reviews and people should be made more aware of what to expect when dining here. I made the mistake of dining here for a special occasion and was sorely left unsatisfied! I had the fettuccine frutti Di mare which had really dried scallops and chewy calamari - otherwise the dish was great, it absolutely had redeeming qualities such as an excellent white sauce and yummy clams and mussels. My husband had the veal Sinatra which came out great! The veal was super tender and scallops were juicy - the only thing to note was that it is a little bit on the tart side. The house prosecco - zoni from Italy was really tasty and refreshing. I definitely recommend it. The atmosphere is more casual and not really meant for fine dining, anniversaries or birthdays. It's really meant for low-key get togethers. I was actually surprised to find the restaurant located in a strip mall. The sign and location should have warned me to turn around and find a place that would be fit to celebrate my special occasion. I will say that this was my only visit and probably will be my last. I don't advise to completely write off this restaurant, just to expect a very informal service and a very very casual setting for a nice restaurant.
(2)Mary Jo P.
There is not a full bar and you pay for the location. But overall good and a pleasant evening. They made chicken piccatta for me which was not on the menu. The grouper was light and tasty. Excellent service.
(4)Carolyn M.
I love this place. It's good food, great service, and the owners are so nice. I don't know that you could really ask for more. Wonderful spot for both locals and visitors.
(5)Jacqueline G.
We sat outside on the patio and it was awesome. Great food and after we went right across the bridge to the park and watched the most spectacular sunset. Would highly recommend.
(4)John H.
Many people are not going to believe what I write. I've traveled throughout the USA , Italy, abroad.......Many of my friends are great chefs......I've been in a kitchen with Jose Andre when he was catering for the president of Spain....I was in the hills of Chianti this past summer, Florence, Cremona, Milan......this place is the best Italian food in the United States....the owner is a genius.....the food is simple, pure, perfect.......how they make the basics , Alfredo, Lasagna,( because everyone I've had in the USA is awful), pesto.....how do they make these dishes superior to restaurants everywhere else in the USA?...I don't know....the service is perfect.....the food is as good as the very best restaurants in Milan, Florence, or Rome......I would give it 8 stars if I could.........its in a small strip mall......the owner is a perfectionist and loves his employees........I think this is one of the best restaurants for food in the USA.......shocking.....order the Alfredo, Pesto, Vodka sauce....tiramisu is excellent.........WOW
(5)Bill K.
Ate in the bar area and service was great! Would like more wine options by the glass, very limited. Food very fresh and very good!
(4)Gerard M.
We have been eating here several times a year whenever we are in Clearwater Beach. We have never been disappointed. The homemade pastas are always fantastic. The seafood fresh and perfectly cooked. The menu has a wide selection and everything we tried was first class. One of my favorite restaurants on the beach.
(5)Alison S.
I went here because of Groupon. When I read the menu I didn't see much that really got me excited. HOWEVER!!!! I finally decided to order the pasta trio. WONDERFUL!!!! The menu says it consists of homemade ravioli, agnoletti ?( a homemade pasta stuffed with spinach in an Alfredo sauce) and a "surprise". The surprise turned out to be fettuccine with meat sauce. I am not a fan of cream sauces, but when I tasted their Alfredo sauce I'm sure I moaned with delight. It was sooo good and I loved the pasta stuffed with spinach. It looked like ravioli. Everything was very tasty. The only thing that could have made this better would be if it came with a salad. Wouldn't mind eating here another time if I ever visit Clearwater Beach again.
(5)Dave W.
Excellent food and service. Not a lot of places left where the owner is so attentive
(5)Laith A.
Great Italian place with superb service and excellent menu. The only thing is that the steak didn't "taste" much but then again I'm spoiled from when I've been in Italy.
(4)Barry S.
Having vacationed in Sand Key 5 times we never realized this awesome Italian restaurant was so close. After a couple recomendations we decided to have our last dinner of our honeymoon there. When I first try an Italian restaurant I try either the lasagna or the parmigiana. Seeing the lasagna was recommended I ordered that. My wife ordered the crabmeat stuffed ravioli. As an appetizer we had the caprese salad. I thought it was a 5 star dish. The only thing my wife found an issue with is she prefers room temp tomatoes and these were cold (the way I like them!). The bread was also great for me - a perfect crusty Italian. Once again my wife, not liking a crusty bread, wasn't totally thrilled but managed a couple pieces. The meals were both fantastic. From the homemade pasta, to the creamy sauce, melt in your mouth cheese and just right amount of meats, I have to say the lasagna was the best I have had. My wife felt the same about the ravioli - fantastico! We ended the meal with the chocolate mousse. It was very rich and creamy and had a dark chocolate flavor. A perfect ending to a perfect meal. Even the coffee was just right. Needless to say, we will be back every trip to Sand Key.
(5)Rich D.
While I had driven by Cesare's for several years while living on Sand Key, I hadn't stopped by until I found a Groupon for a meal here. The interior here is very nice in an understated way, and the service was extremely prompt and attentive. I had the lobster bisque which was full of seafood flavor and tasted. I also chose the pasta amatriciana which was quite good as well. I'll definitely be returning to Cesare's.
(4)Alex A.
My girlfriend bought the groupon not too long ago. The name is misleading, it's across the street from the inlet. And when I say across the street, not only you can't see it, there's a parking lot between the two as well. It's located at the end of a strip mall. Location wasn't at all what we were expecting. The restaurant itself is small and clean. It's your basic traditional Italian restaurant. I had the lasagna and it wasn't bad. But it had a very distinctive foreign taste to it. Again, not what we were expecting. If you don't want to leave Clearwater beach and you absolutely have to have Italian, you might give it a try. I've heard there's another Italian restaurant on the north end of the beach you might also look at. We won't be back here again.
(3)Nicole B.
Discovered this place from Off of Trip Advisor. Love the service! So nice to go out to eat at an authentic Italian restaurants and actually get served by a staff of authentic Italians! :) We dined on the following: Bruschetta Carpaccio Pasta Trio Carbonara Everything was so amazing! Each plate was perfectly prepared. Half way through the meal my husband and I switched plates!
(5)Ross W.
Coming from Chicago & the best Italian, this place stacks up to Chicago Italian restaurants.
(4)Bella R.
Came here with the family for dinner. We sat outside. I ordered the sea bass primadonna (whitefish) with ONLY tomatoes and olives (a request by me) and it was amazing. We also ordered the soup of the day which was chicken and veggies and it was great! The 2 year old devoured the soup! The lobster bisque was ALRIGHT. However, the grouper was horrible. The crab ravioli wasn't too great. The spaghetti was good. The veal chops sucked! Our appetizers were pretty good. We got calamari but that wasn't that great. The mozzarella caprese was good! As well as the mozzarella sticks (which we ordered off the kids menu as an appetizer) was good. This restaurant was good but not great. VERY PRICY! VERY PRICY! VERY PRICY! Over $300 for only 5 And 2 kids who shared. Atmosphere isn't too great either. You probably will listen to all the other great reviews but DONT. because that's what we did and were far disappointed. Try Clearwater Wine Bar and Bistro because that place is AMAZING. This place isn't.
(5)John H.
The food was great the service was good. The lazana was some of the best I have had.
(4)Jon U.
Stay far away from this place! The manager is rude and overbearing and kept staring at us for no reason. He then came over and tried to fight the people in my party asking to "talk outside" to the point we got up and left. They need to learn customer service 101 and respect your paying customers. Very bad business practices here.
(1)D M.
Poor customer service , even before I stepped foot in the place...receptionist so rude regarding reservation. I asked for 6:30 when a left a message, they called back and left a message saying either 6 or 8 is available. This was at 5:43...called back 3 minutes later to be told the 6 was gone. Tone, approach, and attitude given to me in spades for even asking for an explanation. AVOID!
(1)Giovanni G.
Bravissimo!!!! Believe me when it comes to Italian food I don't say that often. Having grown up in Sicilian/Italian famiglia across the river from NYC let me just say besides in Italia I've had some of the best Italian in the world. Ciccio (hopefully I got that right) and his team make some of the best Italian food ya are gonna find around here as well as making you feel like part of the famiglia! And if ya are lucky you'll get to hear him sing some opera.. The man has a voice! Bravissimo!!!!
(4)J. A.
Took my mother there and she agreed that the food was as good as in Italy. She is Italian and cannot eat anything not authentic. This place definitely is a go.
(5)Jac D.
This place was not what we expected at all! On our last night in town (stayed at a nearby hotel), Cesare's At The Beach was the perfect way to end our vacation. The service, the food, and the atmosphere were absolutely perfect. Our table ordered an gnocchi dish and two chicken dishes and they were all phenomenal. Don't let the "mini-mall" feel of the location drive you away - Cesare's has delicious food!
(5)Eugene S.
What a nice surprise to find such a quality italian restaurant in Clearwater. I've been in town this week visiting family and my mom, who is italian, suggested this place as a dinner option. I was a little surprised as 1) I wouldn't normally associate good Italian food with this particular area and 2) my mom rarely, if ever, wants to eat at italian restaurants, much preferring to cook her own pasta and sauces. We didn't have a reservation for a relatively busy Wednesday evening but after a few minutes the Maitre'd found us a quiet booth next to a window with a view of the bay. As noted in other reviews the place is casual; no white tablecloths here. The bread was fresh, warm and crusty and a nice accompaniment to the succulent mussels in a garlicky white wine sauce. I happened to glance in the kitchen on the way to the table (an old habit) and noticed a good looking plate of veal parmesan coming out but didn't see it on the menu. I inquired with our waiter and he, without hesitation, mentioned it was not on the menu but the chef would make it just the same. Same for the sautéed spinach as well as my mom's spinach and ricotta cheese ravioli in a light Alfredo cream sauce. Both were excellent, with my mom commenting that she's never had ravioli as good as this. Wow! The wait staff was professional and responsive throughout the entire meal. We skipped dessert as it was getting late but I would put Cesare at the Beach on par with some of my favorite italian spots in northern New Jersey and Manhattan. If you're looking for a break from the seafood joints near the beach I would highly recommend checking this place out - you will not be disappointed!
(5)Jacki S.
I've been eating here at Cesare's nearly every Sunday since they opened. The Italian Food is Authentic. Our family favorites are the Osso Bucco, Grouper Franchez, Veal Chop & all the pasta dishes. The Staff is very friendly and accomadating
(4)Bob S.
Best Italian food in the area. Waitstaff very attentive. Owner stopped at each table. The restaurant is well managed and everyone is in a good mood! Homade pasta was delish!!!
(5)Fred W.
A true gem on the beach!! As a local I try to always be on the lookout for new restaurants! Ceasars has been located in a discreet retail center at the south end of Clearwater beach and has been there for some time and is a treat every time I go. Anyone can make linguini and clam sauce. Ceasar's makes it as well as any I've ever had...maybe better! His veal, fish dishes are excellent. And the wine list offers many choices in a variety of price range. I like to bring out of town guest and my kids insist on it when they visit. If you're looking for Italian food and a great environment- Ceasar's is the place!
(5)Nat W.
I was in the mood for some good Italian food and we just came across this restaurant at Clearwater beach. We ordered Calamari, Lobster Bisque, Lasagna and Creme Brulee. The only thing we loved was Lobster Bisque. It is a must try. The rest was just mediocre and overpriced. The waiter gave me that look when I told him I am not ordering an entree. And for some reason he rushed us even though the restaurant was almost empty. I give this place a 2-star for the Lobster Bisque and the interior/atmosphere.
(2)Sarah Z.
Great Italian place on the beach. Went with a date the other night and loved it. Service was wonderful, they recommended a really tasty sparkling wine that went perfectly with our salmon, scallops, and shrimp. Tiramisu was fantastic and Cesare is such a sweet guy, was cool to actually meet the owner. We will definitely be back :)
(5)Laura W.
Really enjoyed a romantic night with hubby. Eggplant parm was absolutely divine!!
(4)Rebecca A.
Best Italian I've had in a long time...had the Veal Parm, it was so tender I cut it with a fork. Great food, great service! Only downfall is that it is a bit pricey.
(4)Darcy S.
Delicious. This is a hidden gem in a mostly deserted strip mall on Clearwater Beach. We started with the lobster bisque and mozzarella caprese. The bisque was outstanding, it is a must have. The caprese was ok, nothing to rave about. The bread with olive oil dipping sauce was a perfect compliment to the appetizers and dinner. For dinner my husband had the gnocchi and I had the pollo cesare augusto. My husband really enjoyed his gnocchi and I am still raving about my pollo cesare augusto. The chicken was cooked perfectly with a layer of eggplant and mushrooms, covered with a delicious pink sauce. If you are looking for some good Italian...make this one of your stops!
(5)Mark S.
Ceasar's has been a constant italian fix of ours for the last two years. It's convent location at the end of the Clearwater-Sandkey bridge makes it easily accessible from our condo in Sandkey. The attire is a little more up-scale beachwear, but I don't feel uncomfortable wearing shorts, flip-flops and hawaiian shirt. I would highly recommend the calamari appetizer, which is lightly breaded and fried along with the carpaccio with shaved parmiggiano. For dinner I usually get the veal saltimbocca or veal piccata which is always very tender. If i'm in the mood for pasta I highly recommend the pasta molognese and my wife really enjoys the salmone norvegese (she skips the scallops). For dessert I'm never disappointed by the tiramisu... Ceasar and his wife are always on hand to make sure your meal was enjoyable and they make us a welcome addition to their restaurant every time we see them!
(4)Ramon P.
An excellent neighborhood Italian bistro with outstanding food and service. Family friendly and cozy.
(4)Keith B.
Cesare's is the kind of Italian place that you like to go back to again and again. The food is delicious. The menu is big enough to explore yet small enough to execute well. The staff is friendly and welcoming yet still professional. The owner is usually on hand to meet and greet and ensure that all is going smoothly--and he might even sing a bit of opera. Especially good items are the eggplant rollatini appetizer, the pasta e fagioli soup, the veal saltimbocca entree, and the crème brulee dessert. I do wish that the wine list was a little broader with some more less expensive options. Also, the menu is a little on the pricey side, but the portions are large and the quality very good.
(4)Joe S.
We had passed Cesare's many times but this time decided to try it. Everything was excellent. Bread and dipping sauce excellent. Caprese salad excellent. Entrees excellent. Cannoli very good. Pricey but very, very good food and service.
(5)Susan D.
This place was crowded on a weeknight at 10:00 pm so we thought it must be good. Service was fast. The prices were low for the the quality and amount of food. My husband would give it 5 stars but my pasta was a little overcooked. The meatballs were delicious. Will go back again when we are in the area.
(4)Anthony P.
Food is always FANTASTIC & service is generally good.
(5)Philip G.
We got great service from a knowledgeable waiter. The kitchen was more than happy to make things that weren't on the menu. The pasta entrees (we had five different ones) were all excellent. The house salad was good though not inspiring. We didn't love the desserts. Before we went in we asked a family how they were enjoying their meal and they responded enthusiastically (they had a steak special that looked excellent, though we didn't get any of the meat dishes). So... I would recommend going here for pasta and wine and then getting ice cream somewhere else for dessert.
(4)Lidia L.
Had dinner here with a Groupon $20 for $40. I have to admit the food was rather tasty, I'm from NJ and first generation italian, my dad is a italian chef as well as many other family members. And the food was good compared to other italian places I have eaten at. It is pricey almost a bit too pricey, I pay the same for a meal at Carmine's in NYC that I did here. Portions were ok, for the price you pay for a spaghetti puttanesca dish ($19.50) you are barely getting what you think you should be getting. Also the meat dinners were also not portioned with regards to the price. I had a chicken with red peppers, mushrooms, onions and kalamata olives ($22) and it was 2 pieces of very thin chicken with a ton of sauce and then no offer of pasta on side, just some potatoes and veggies. They should offer it with pasta for the price you are paying for a thin piece of chicken. They said they have chicken and veal parm but it's not on the menu and they didnt offer a price so I was weary to order. If they just offered a bit more food for the price this place would be a 5 star no prob. Also be weary of the bread it's odd definitely not cibatta or what you would expect from high end italian restaurant.
(4)Rebecca B.
Excellent!
(5)Andrew P.
The best Italian food and by far the best service we had in Clearwater. The grouper francaise was a highlight, and my wife said the lobster bisque is the best she's ever had, anywhere
(5)Jessica S.
Amazing Gnocchi and Grouper! Best italian food I had in a while.
(5)Cori R.
Definitely a nice place. My boyfriend & I were able to walk from our hotel. We took the advice of other yelpers, saw the good reviews and tried this place out one of our three nights in Clearwater Beach. We started with bruschetta that was so delicious with melted mozzarella cheese on top. 4 pieces. We each had 2 and it was gone in less than 5 minutes. I had the shrimp and scallop fra diavolo ...shrimp and scallops were huge and cooked very well.. The sauce was not too spicy at all. My boyfriend had a veal dish which he enjoyed with a side of potatoes and veggies. Veal was not hot but he enjoys cold food! I contemplated dessert and settled with a cannoli... The only complaint I have about the whole meal... Maybe it's just not what I was used to but I couldn't eat it. Service was awesome though and very nice and quick. Soft drinks were $3+ (free refills) so wish I went with a glass of wine!
(4)Brittany P.
Me and my mother stopped here on the way back from Dunedin. The decor is interesting. The booths and chairs don't really match the bar or floor and kind of remind me of something you'd see in a diner. Which is fine, but when your spending $10 for a bowl of pasta fagoile, and $20 for a modest amount of fettucini Alfredo, and the waiters are wearing tuxedo vests, I would just expect the restaurant to look a little more upscale. We had a ceasar salad, the fettucini ceasar and a grouper picatta dish. The ceaser salad was not very good. The parm was not good quality, the dressing bland, and the greens were browned. The fettucini was delicious, although I wished they offered freshly grated cheese for it. It's so much better than generic grated parm. My moms fish was awesome. Loved the picatta sauce, and it was perfectly cooked. The service was attentive, maybe a little too. I don't know if they pool tips, but 3 different servers took care of us, and didn't really communicate with another, and were constantly asking if we needed pepper or refills, ect, it was just kind of intrusive. Bottom line, the food is good, but you can find better Italian food, that's a lot less expensive.
(3)B L.
Food and atmosphere were fantastic! Really great!
(5)Alex N.
Good food, good service, good location, and wonderful variety on the menu. Highly recommend.
(5)Jenny S.
My dad is right off the boat from Italy and thinks the food is really good at Caesars... i was shocked he doesnt like food from restuarants LOL .... That says a lot for me bc i know how picky he is when it comes to food from the old country! The Gnocci was amazing!!!! and the waiters will always keep your glass full!!! Nice owners too...always walking around checking on people. A+ place in Florida!
(5)Boston Italian Girl O.
This place was yummy and had excellent service! Wished it was in a location overlooking the water, but the decor and ambiance were so nice that it didn't even matter. The bread and dipping oil that is served first is amazing. We had the bruschetta as an appetizer, which was flavorful and plenty big. It was not the best bruschetta we've ever had but still good. My husband got spaghetti carbonarra which was absolutely declicious! I ordered fettuccine alfredo w/shrimp which was superb. My family is straight off the boat from Italy so it's hard to impress when it comes to Italian, but this place was fantastic. You can tell the pasta is either hand made or very high quality and everything is made from scratch. Server was attentive and knowledgeable as were all other wait staff, it seems they all pitch in and help each other out as several servers came by to refill water, offer cheese/ground pepper, check on our meals, etc. Great place!
(5)Deb D.
I will give it 2 stars for the taste of the food, which was good, however I paid $25 for an entrée-why should I have to pay for a side salad then if I wanted one when most places will give that with a meal? I forgot my credit card and somebody from the restaurant called me a few minutes after I left which I was grateful for at that moment and I told him I will turn around and come right back which took about 10 minutes..I get back and the hostess knew who I was and understood what I came back for but here the guy called me and LEFT THE PREMISES WITH MY CREDIT CARD..Why on earth would somebody do that? Shady!!!! The hostess was very nervous making me wonder if this happened before. I waited almost half hour and he did not come back with my card..why wouldn't you leave it with a manager or the hostess knowing I told you I was coming back? NOT RIGHT! I told the hostess, "I can't sit here all night, I am cancelling the card and you can let him know that when he returns!!" I left, had to call my bank, cancel my card..HASSLE!!! Needless to say, will NOT be going back! Overpriced and bad experience! I never did hear back again from the person who called -terrible public relations!
(2)Danny J.
Good Italian food. The waiter was a tad overwhelmed with the number of tables he had. The owner, Cesare Tini, broke into song twice while we were there-singing some amazing Italian opera songs. Unexpected nightly entertainment.
(4)