Valentino
620 S Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33301
Valentino Menu
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Appetizers
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Pasta
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Carne
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Pesce
Healthy Meal suggestions for Valentino
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Appetizers
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Pasta
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Carne
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Pesce
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Address :
620 S Federal Hwy
Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33301 - Phone (954) 523-5767
- Website https://www.valentinocucinaitaliana.com
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :6:00 pm - 11:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : No
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Valet
Bike Parking : No
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Dressy
Ambience : Upscale
Noise Level : Loud
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes
Categories
Italian Cuisine
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.
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Erin E.
Went here for my birthday dinner and to be honest, as others have written, the waitress was a tad bit rude but the food made up for it. We started with the calamari, and a special that night...a hand made ravioli with ricotta and an over medium egg in it. Both were delicious!!! The calamari is on top of an asian slaw, and different than the typical fried calamari. Instead, it's seared in a hot iron skillet which makes it taste completely different. The ravioli, well that was out of control. It was a limited item that night and I'm glad we were there early to enjoy it. For main courses, my husband had the cassoncelli which was very good. I opted for the osso buco over their home made pasta. Tender, and savory. It was a nice touch that the marrow was in the sauce and the bones removed. I felt that his portion of 8 or so was decent, but ended up sharing some of my dish with him as it was a little larger. For dessert, we had the tiramisu as my husband is a huge fan, pretty standard but not disappointing. As we eat out often and mostly seafood, i was not surprised by the bill. In addition to the above, my husband had two vodka and tonics and I had two moderately priced glasses of wine and an espresso. The bill was around $150 which I thought was reasonable, I expected much worse. The ambience is very nice, a little loud but comfortable and warm with the padded seating against the wall, dim lighting and beams across the ceiling. The tables were a little close together, but we had friendly patrons on either side. A reservation is a must, as we dined on a Friday night and even the few bar seats were full. Overall, I would go again when we feel like a more upscale atmosphere or have something to celebrate.
(4)Ron B.
My only five star in the Lauderdale area to date. It is so nice to experience the graciousness that you experience when you dine with a restaurant that truly understands hospitality....and this place does. The setting is charming (equally good for a celebratory group or a romantic couple), the service is...well, gracious (my hat's off to the maitre d' ...sorry I didn't get a name)...and the food is sublime. All the right ingredients, from goat to foie gras...all the right combinations ...all the right flavors, textures, temperatures...this is a chef (and team) that not only gets food, you can tell they love food. Make a reservation early...don't come worried about a budget (you can rack up a bill here)...and relax...I guarantee you will enjoy one amazing dining experience.
(5)James A.
Best dining experience I've ever had. True professionalism and extremely comfortable.
(5)Shehnaz H.
Best restaurant in ft Lauderdale. Foodie heaven! Homemade pastas are amazing. We shared three pasta dishes between two people. You can't pick just one. The veal rigatoni is to die for. Beet salad and then the best chocolate mousse ever with sophisticated perfectly combined flavors.
(5)Debbie H.
We celebrated my 40th birthday at Valentino's. It was my very first time dining at the restaurant though i've known about it for some time after popping into their old location. They don't advertise at all and from a marketers perspective this was intriguing that at the time this tiny restaurant resorted solely on it's quality to bring in guests time and time again. I've been reading the reviews on here for years and they have consistently been fantastic. Maybe my expectations were too high being that it was a big birthday and all I read was that the service was outstanding, the food top notch, etc. We arrived and were seated immediately. I really can't stand this kind of seating as there is no privacy; you really feel like you're at Hibachi sharing your conversation and meal with the people at tables adjacent to yours. I had called ahead and explained that it was my 40th birthday, our 8 year anniversary celebration and if they could put us at a private or romantic table, that would be our preference. That does not exist here and the table we did sit at was so uncomfy it was hard to get in and out of without bumping into the table next to us. All that aside, there was nothing 'special' about how we were treated for our 'occasion.' Really? You don't even wish me a happy birthday upon arrival? It's these little details in hospitality that make or break good and great for me. Our server was well attentive without being annoying. I really enjoyed my dish (the Sunday Gravy) which truly was divine whereas my husband felt that his short ribs were fairly standard. I ate almost the entire dish and would agree that the portion size is a bit on the lighter side. The location is great and the renovated restaurant is well done - I would suspect that my review might look differently if we were a large group taking up the entire section I was seated at. Usually when I dine at places like this, I like it to be a 'dining experience' and we were rushing to get out of there as quickly as possible. NO mention of the birthday or anniversary - I will not be back anytime soon; especially to celebrate a special occasion. I wanted to like it more than I did.
(4)Frank S.
I have eaten here several times prior and the food was good. However the last experience was incredibly horrible. I was in total shock. We ordered 2 wild salmon entrees and the lamb shank. The salmon wasn't fresh at all and was fishy and it wasn't even wild salmon. The lamb shank tasted old and mucky. Everyone's appetite was ruined. And to top it all off when we complained the chef/owner refused to take it off the bill. Well being that I wasn't giving him a choice except to delete it from the bill the manager stepped in to apologize and deleted it from the bill. This all happened on my Birthday night needless to say I will not be going back here again. It's one thing for a restaurant to have an off night but for the chef/owner to not accept responsibility is inexcusable.
(1)Rick W.
We found this restaurant very disappointing, this is not even close to the Italian food we hoped to have that night, bad food and very overpriced It was a Birthday Dinner! Arrived at the door 6:45 to be completely ignored by the 2 hostesses. No hello, no eye contact. We made our way to the bar to have 2 over priced cocktails! The lighting was so bright and uncomfortable made us feel like we were in a hospital! We sat at a table looking out to us1. No shades, no sheers. I am not interested in watching cars and headlights glaring at me and my 35 dollar pasta! It is a very well decorated but has no Ambiance what so ever. Way too many employees, way too much light, way OVERPRICED!!! You leave there hungry and a Big Hole in your wallet!!! And for what??? We will not be returning! Good luck with this place!
(1)Eduardo H.
Valentino is definitely one of the best options in the area Although the location is a little off, the decor inside is bright and beautiful. The menu is relatively limited but the food was excellent. I would have given it five stars if it weren't for our server; the guy was a jerk -- and if we weren't in the company of friends who would have felt uncomfortable, I would have asked management to change him. He was rude and pushy. The dislike must have been mutual as every single time he poured my water, he would wet my arm. I intend to call the restaurant today to share this review. If they want to remain successful, the staff's quality must meet the standards of their kitchen. After all, for a $180 dinner per couple (with no desserts, very few cocktails / drinks and some of the ladies only ordering two appetizers), I expect a higher service standard,
(4)Junior M.
i want to eat here every night. Its right now my favorite obsession.
(5)Bill P.
Went to celebrate my birthday and what a great meal we all had. The service was rather on the slow side but the food was fantastic. We ordered several apps, the sardines were topped with fresh herbs and was fantastic. The beet salad was so fresh and sweet also great. The Calamari was grilled to perfection. For dinner the Sunday gravy was exquisite the pork,short rib and sausage were really good but the meatball was maybe the best I have ever eaten. We also had a twisted pasta with seafood and was as perfectly prepared as any pasta I have ever had. Dessert was equally enjoyable the baked alaska and bread pudding were to die for.The wine list was excellent. We will return and soon.
(5)Alex R.
Waiters cannot answer questions about the food; maybe they just didn't want to answer mine. Very condescending: I asked where the fish comes from, and the answer was, "Don't worry, you'll like it." I know the waiter wasn't trying to be rude, but I find that quite rude, and it was not an abnormal question - certainly one that should be answered in a restaurant this nice (and expensive).
(1)Alex V.
This review would have been 4.5 stars if based on the food, ambience, decor, and staff. After just returning from the restaurant, I should be writing a spectacular review. Except one thing left me feeling like a second class customer. The table to my right got an amuse busche . So did the table to my left and the one to my far left. None for us. After our dinner (which was spectacular) I asked the waiter why the other tables got the amuse busche and we did not. His reply was the other tables were "regulars" , which as a Fort Lauderdale native and a person who grew up in the restaurant business, I would understand. Except, I overheard the table to my left say they were visiting from Italy, and were conversing with each other in Italian. (Which I am fluent with). So the only conclusion is they play favorites, however, everyone pays the same price (a lot!). I tipped 20%, enjoyed my food! but will not be returning anytime soon. The owner and the chef should treat everyone equal, if not, at least be a little discreet when you do play favorites. Even though I had a great dinner... I feel cheated.
(3)Evan C.
As a professional cook, I gotta say this is one of the very few places I feel good about consistently spending my hard earned money eating at. I don't mind high prices for high quality. Open kitchen is beautiful. Only questionable thing I've ever had was a little overcooked duck. Great restaurant. The Chef cares. Staff cares. Run professionally all the way around.
(5)Alex G.
Having gone to the previous incarnation, I was a bit skeptical; often times success doesn't translate after a physical move and size increase. Although the new location has more tables, it's terribly designed and poorly laid out. Everything is squashed together and moving around is virtually impossible. The decor is clean, but it's nothing special. As for timeliness, our reservation was 8:30pm, and by 9:00p we hadn't been seated. Two tables from 6:30pm were still sitting with no signs of asking for the check. At that point, a good restaurant will offer to buy them desert or a drink at the bar and move them. Oh well. As for the food, the menu is a bit more limited and a bit less creative than before. The stuffed zucchini flowers were above average, but not crispy enough on the outside. Calamari with bread crumbs were tasty and well made, but a tad not hot enough; I suspect they sat a bit before being served. Butternut squash ravioli, as a middle course, was super delicious, and highly recommended. Entrees included a top notch pasta stuffed with veal and prosciutto; a perfectly cooked snapper with arugula; a small but tender portion of cioppino; and an incredibly tasty duck - maybe the best dish of the night. As an aside, during dinner the waiter knocked over a glass, broke it, and spilled water on my friend. I hinted that they should offer us a drink as compensation, and ultimately we received limoncellos complimentary. Not too shabby. Overall, the old location and team were five stars, with truly creative dishes and a hip edge; this new incarnation is made to appeal to the fort lauderale masses, instead of the true foodies. That's a bit sad, and I'll miss the old place and the old menu. But I can't say it's not very good, and four stars is a fair reward for the effort.
(4)Andrea D.
Totally worth the trip. The place is very nicelly done, bar area is great. The cassoncelli is amazing and Sunday gravy is hearty but so good. Service was great. Ill definetly will be back.
(4)Mark S.
Valentino's Restaurant on is a nice place. It's a beautiful restaurant with very good food - and with excellent service, IF you request their best server. Make sure you ask for David, if you want a magical experience. His pride in Valentino's takes this restaurant to it's personal best. It's obvious that our server had restaurant owner in his own personal background, which was confirmed when we asked. But his clear focus, throughout our meal, was selling Valentino's, and figuring out exactly what WE would personally enjoy most from their extensive wine, food menu, and featured specials of the night. The specials were amazingly presented, brought to us fresh and at the perfect time, and also served with class. The server's knowledge, and eloquent description, of ingredients and preparation methods, made everything appealing. His followthrough throughout the evening, all the way to the finish line will ensure our return.
(5)Ed G.
Awesome. Open kitchen, super menu, great bar.
(4)Frank D.
We went there twice, once on a Saturday night and again on Monday. Saturday night the place was packed but service was still attentive. The sausage rigatoni and the osso buco cavatelli were both divine. On Monday there were only maybe 20 people there so we sat at a bar by the kitchen and watched the chef, Giovanni, at work. The gnocchi with goat meat was amazing. The meat was delicious and tender. The potato gnocchi with lobster was also delicious. The wine list is excellent. The portions are normal sized. The prices are appropriate given the quality of the food and the level of service. I wouldn't come here with small children but there was a table near us on Saturday where parents had brought their pre-teenagers and they all seemed to have a good time.
(5)Gregg S.
I give Valentino's 4 stars . Great ambiance and service, but the food was decidedly mixed. If seems that based on our experience that the pasta's are the best bet's. Everything our party ordered that was pasta based was superb, the fish on the other hand was a flat out disappointment. I love Bronzino, but although the fish was well cooked it was literally ruined by the choice of the sauce that was brown, sweet and literally off putting and a sun-choke foam (that seems so yesterday). Having said all of this I would go back.
(4)Dee M.
Giovanni is a major talent. This is truly one of the few restaurants that does not disappoint. The only thing that is off putting at times may be inconsistent service. But back to the food...Sitting at the Chef's bar allows you to truly appreciate the veritable food ballet that is executed with perfection. Soft pillows of squash ravioli in a fragrant oil, bone marrow tagliatelle simple yet every ingredient has a place, roasted beet salad w crema and lemon oil scented granny smith apples, perfectly seared and juicy halibut (my personal test of the kitchen's ability) and crispy branzino. The sommeliers always recommend the perfect bottle of wine to complement the feast. Yes the price of entry is high but I would rather save my dollars and splurge for a single night of food indulgence then yet another night of heartburn elsewhere.
(5)Cornelia B.
We came here over Veterans weekend and I poured over all these reviews. Yes, it is a tricky little place to find we turned on the 6th court and still could not tell where it was but no big deal. First off, the staff, from the hostess to the waiters were so exceptionally nice and genuine. They made everything great about our experience. Had the lobster salad based on what the yelpers said and it was so good. The beef short ribs were good too but it almost puts you to sleep. So good and milky and tender. We took the rest home and heated it up for 2 more days and my husband said that was the best thing ever. My husband had the warm wild mushroom salad. That was good and he tried one of their pasta and lobster special. Very good. I would like to go back and try some of their other dishes . The only thing I did not like was their Tiramisu. It didn't have that good coffee flavor but I loved everything else.
(4)Roger M.
As a Dade County diner,a Saturday nite in Broward is like being in a foreign country, I found out it was a good thing. We arrived on a busy Saturday nite to a packed house. Our reservation for 8:30 was never going to be. In Dade, I would have gotten my table by 9:30 hopefully. The staff was so accommodating and helpful during the wait, I really felt embarassed by how nice they were. This would never be in Dade and South Beach. The food was delicious and served professionally. Broward is not that far away anymore.
(5)Casey S.
Overpriced relative to quality. Waitstaff didn't know anything about wine list. Poured my own wine throughout dinner. Table of 7 and no one had a great meal.
(2)Dean W.
We went to Valentino's this weekend. Now, having been to the old restaurant, I was expecting to be blown away by the offerings for dinner and a great selection to choose from. Not the case here. Other than the specials the waiter told us about, there were about 3 dishes to choose from in every category (fish, meat, etc...). The appetizers were overpriced for the size of the plate they served..a ricotta and spinach filled ravioli (1 piece and not that big) for $18. Now, if you want to people watch, t his might be the spot for you as there was not an empty seat in the house. I just found that for the same money there are plenty of restaurants I would rather have been at on a Saturday night. We also were expecting a lot of menu items from the old place (where was the Sunday sauce?) The beef shortribs were tasty but that was the only thing positive I could say about the menu.The old location across the street also gave you more for your money...We all agreed we would not return to this place nor would we recommend it to a friend. Atmosphere was good but in summary...we were very disappointed as you can tell by my review...maybe I was expecting too much but I was only expecting the same food from a restaurant that had been SO good for so many years...I guess they have to pay for the new and fancy building and fixtures somehow.
(2)Gordy Z.
Came in without a reservation, ladies at the front desk were very nice and found us a seat at the kitchen bar. We ordered a few tasting plates, one filet entree and Napoleon for desert. Each plate was really awesome ! Great service! To me, it's a real 5 star restaurant.
(5)Sharon B.
We have been to the old Valentino location about 5 times. We always enjoyed our dining experience there. Tonight we tried the new location. Totally disappointing....the waiter was fine, most of the food was good with very, very small portions. The portion size has shrunk considerably from the old location. We tried a Razor Clam appetizer dish ($20, the dish literally had 1 Razor Clam that was cut long ways) that was extremely chewy like rubber (husband found it repulsive). The Razor Clam had a lemongrass (?) foam on the top that was tasty. I could not tell you what the bland green puree on the bottom of the plate was made out of. Husband had the Fruit De Mare ($34) which was good but very very small portion...not much seafood but not much pasta either. I had a seafood twisted pasta dish also very small portion. The dish had a great seafood broth. The seafood was chopped up so much I could not tell what exactly what kind of seafood that I was eating. I don't know about you but I like to know what what I am eating. We will not be going back to the NEW Valentino's.
(2)Jital V.
Great option for vegetarians. The chef creates dishes for us every time we visit. I never leave disappointed.
(5)Joe D.
My husband and I were visiting the area for our anniversary and the restaurant was recommended by our hotel. We arrived a little early and decided to enjoy a drink in the bar. Bartenders were very friendly and helpful. Many different and delicious cocktails. We were seated promptly at our reservation time. We had the pleasure of sitting at the chef table. The kitchen is an open concept and the chef worked with his people like a well oiled machine. The wait staff were attentive and knowledgable. The food was some of the best we have ever tasted. The bread and pasta fresh and made daily on premise. Started with their charred octopus and also the calamari and artichoke tart. Coils not believe how delicious they were. Also dined on Cavitelli with Osso Bucco and Cassoncelli . Amazing is all I can say! I only wish we lived in the area so we could dine there on a regular basis. It was that good. I would highly recommend to all looking for a fantastic meal.
(5)Leigh Anne G.
Really good food at pretty decent prices. Was a little concerned that the portions were too small and weren't going to be filling but I was wrong. John our waiter was great. Very attentive. Would come back in a heartbeat!!
(5)Brenda P.
3 1/2 overall This was my first time at the new location. I was a big fan of the old place ( yelp.com/biz/valentinos-… ) with it's secretive outside and cozy inside. The new location, while still quaint, is a lot more luxurious with its beamed ceilings and soft, dimmed lighting. Clearly, it's no longer a secret as it was very full this past Saturday night. We used valet to park and it was $10.00. Our hostess was very nice. However, we arrived at 8:30pm for our 9:00pm reservations (as suggested by them) but did not get seated until 9:30pm or so. No apologies, no acknowledgement from them. It was if they were doing ME a favor by allowing me to dine with them (a trend that continued for most of the night unfortunately). I was having a great time because of the company but that was not cool and did not go unnoticed. We sat at the bar and ordered some cocktails to begin. I had the Nutty Mad Hattan which was strong and oh so good! I can drink and this was one strong cocktail. Luckily, I only had one so I was "somewhat" under control. By the time we got seated, we got started with wine. I find it EXTREMELY annoying that Valentino's does not allow outside wine. I am very particular about what I drink and have no problem paying a corkage fee to ensure I can pair my wine with my dinners. Instead, I was forced to pay triple the amount for a wine I already had dozens of at home. But I digress... We were finally sat and greeted (or mumbled to) by our waiter. Being a huge Bottega Raviolo fan (Yountville), we inquired about their RAVIOLO I had heard so much about. He said they were done with those for the night but that he would check. Perhaps if I had been seated at 9:00pm they would have still had them? In (what now appears to be) a rare nice move, our waiter came back and announced they had two left. We took them on the spot. We also ordered the OCTOPUS as a starter. Yes, our group can eat. The raviolo can back up the hype, it's delicious although very different than Bottega's. The octopus was savory. There was no amuse bouche for the table. I'm not sure if they were done for the night with those as well or just not doing them anymore. For our entrees, we ordered the SEAFOOD SPAGHETTI SPECIAL, the CASSONCELLI, SCALLOPS and GREY SOLE. I am happy the seafood special I had seen so much of before was as good as expected. In fact, it was excellent. I finished it out of pure gluttony because I was already full. The cassoncelli was also a big favorite for our group. I loved my friend's sole although she was not as excited about it as I was when I tried it. The scallops were perhaps the most underwhelming ones of the night. Those were a little boring. We also ordered three desserts (because there's always room for sweets). I don't recall all of the names but I do know the sorbets and chocolate one (see photos) were disappointing. The french toast was glorious and definitively the way to go if I ever make it back. I inquired about the doughnuts, but apparently we were too late for those too. Shocker. It's a good thing we were having a good time because our waiter did not go out of his way to make it a memorable experience. After an initial, half assed smile, he was done for the night. For us, it was continued service with a frown. You don't have to love me or be my best friend but you certainly must be pleasant. This is a great example of how great service can make or break one's experience. If I am paying top money for a fine dining experience then you have to deliver the whole package. As I was leaving, I requested to see the back wine room. A very nice waitress took me back and showed it to me. I wish she would have waited on us. Oh well...the room is very nice and I can see how it can make a great private event spot. Ultimately, Valentino's fell short for me and I extremely disappointed about it. Will I give it another shot? Perhaps, with another waiter. At the end of the day, why would I go out of my way to return after my overall experience? No thanks.
(3)Reixa C.
Went here only for dessert and was truly impressed. Best dessert I've ever had.....one word...Orgasmic. Bombolini stuffed with dulce de leche and espresso gelato with a lemon ricotta dipping sauce.
(5)Joan L.
The name "Valentino" might be Italian, but do not come here expecting the typical spaghetti & meatballs with red sauce. Valentino has exquisite, creative, exceptional cuisine. I have been here several times for special occasions and business dinners and Valentino has never disappointed. The chic decor almost seems put of place for this part of US1 in Fort Lauderdale. There are wood beamed ceilings and stunning white banquets, with huge windows that look out onto the street. I understand the space used to be a tire store. What a transformation! The wine room in the back is a great space for private parties or meetings. Usually there is an 8 person minimum for the room. However, for a business dinner I hosted earlier this year on a weeknight, I believe Valentinto let us have the room without the 8 person minimum (I think it was a slow night), although there was a $200 charge. Believe me, the charge was well with it as we had much needed privacy and my customers (and boss!) were thoroughly impressed! If not eating here on the expense account, this is a special occasion place for me as the prices are pretty hefty. Most of the time I don't even know the prices since I tend to order from the many specials of the night. However appetizers tend to be $18-$30 and main courses usually above $30. Last night there was a Dover Sole special for $90, Waygu Steak for two for $150, and several white truffle specials that I would need to rob a bank if I wanted to order. Last night, everything we ordered was from the specials menu. I have had the Ham & Egg Ravioli several times before and I am disappointed if it is not on the menu. It is one large homemade ravioli stuffed with spinach ricotta, pancetta, and a duck yolk center. Delicious! My only complaint would be that this one ravioli costs as much as a whole pasta portion! I could probably eat three or four of these Raviolo! In general, the portion sizes at Valentino are not huge, so do not go there if big portion sizes are really important to you. Our other appetizer was Crab Stuffed Zucchini Flowers. This dish. was very light but flavorful. For mains both husband & I had the Monkfish, served in a thick creamy clam chowder sauce with mushrooms. The fish was perfectly sliced, cooked and seasoned. The chowder/sauce was rich and smooth. The clams were so plump and juicy that I wish there were more. We have also tried several other dishes in the past: Butternut Tortelli-sweet and savory at the same time. Delicious! Sunday Gravy-served with pasta and various meats, this us as close to a red sauce as you will get here Ahi Tuna-so simple but so good! Seafood Salad-tasty, but a little too light for me Trofie-scallops, cuttlefish, shrimp, & pasta....good, but when coming here I would like something more complex. I can't recall desserts we have had in the past but last night we had a Passion Fruit Panna Cotta. This dessert was an amalgamation of fruits, cremes, textures, and flavors. Parts of it were quite tart and in general it was way too complex for me. I liked our other dessert, the "special" dessert of the day much better: a white chocolate mouse with raspberry sorbet, pieces of red velvet cake, & some "crunchies" for texture, it was very good. Although I have to admit, I am not a fan of "fancy' desserts. Give me some Kilwins ice cream and am quite content. For such an expensive restaurant, the atmosphere and service is relaxed.not formal or fussy. The servers are friendly and helpful with explaining the menu. This is not the place for a quiet, romantic, candlelit dinner. The tables are pretty close together which can enable some impromptu conversation with neighbors. When the place gets full, the acoustics can also cause it to get pretty loud. Another factor that makes this place a bit bustling is the open kitchen. I enjoy watching the chefs prep and put the final touches on their creations. Last night I saw the sous chefs cutting fresh herbs and grating cheese with the utmost care. A few years ago, my youngest son, then probably about 8 years old, was so fascinated by the kitchen that he just stood to the side watching the chefs in motion. A visiting chef from Italy took notice and brought him into the kitchen for a special tour (as I yelled "Wash his hands...."). That was an experience my son will always remember (and the first of many future kitchen tours) for my junior yelper and possible future chef! My one suggestion for Valentino? Upgrade the bread basket. I did not find the bread selections worthy of such a fine restaurant. The slices of bread was tough and cold, but the breadsticks were okay. This did not stop me from munching on the bread though, while I was waiting for our food. Note to self: stop eating those meaningless carbs! Save the calories for the actual scrumptious dishes at places like Valentino.
(5)Ted H.
Fabulous service and friendly environment. Food was delicious and tastefully presented. I had the stuffed raviolis for an appetizer and the short rib dinner as my main course. I will certainly be back again.
(5)Cindy B.
Just had dinner there tonight with my boyfriend and thoroughly enjoyed it!! It was one of the greatest fine dining restaurants I have been to in a long time! We decided to sit at an area that is designated as the "Chef's Table", which are seats that are right at the kitchen area so you can watch the cooking right in front of you while enjoying a romantic dinner! We were able to ask one of our chefs, Danielle, about many of the dishes and how they are prepared, which really made it an awesome dining experience. Our dishes were all incredibly amazing. Though many view the restaurant as pricey, it is absolutely worth every dollar- the food is exquisite and beautifully prepared and garnished. They only use the finest ingredients like high end extra virgin olive oil! This restaurant is a MUST-VISIT! Try the calamari and butternut squash pasta dish. Incredible!
(5)Bruce F.
Our experience Sunday April 19 was without exception, over-the-top in every category. The space, transformed from an old Dunlop Tire store into an extraordinary space with old-world coastal Mediterranean charm-not overdone or old-fashioned but perfect design and atmosphere--off the well worn Las Olas tourist beaten path. Mostly locals here. The restaurant is run with precision from the moment you are greeted by the host until the end. We had a wonderful bottle of off-dry Riesling, foie gras taurine , and langostino ravioli starters. Fantastic artisan breads and olive oil accompanied the starters, too. We ordered a variety of inventive entrees including beef short ribs among others. I was very tempted by the 16-oz "tomahawk" bine-in ribeye for two. We eyed someone else's and it was really impressive looking, with the huge rib bone taking the whole plate. The service could not have been more attentive or the meal more perfectly prepared. The chef/owner is feint and center in the open-to-view kitchen supervising every last detail while the front end is skillfully managed by the head waiter. Great desserts including an extraordinary cannoli were followed by complimentary home-made limoncello to wrap up one of the best dining experiences I've enjoyed in recent memory. Cannot imagine EVER coming to Ft. Lauderdale again without stopping at Valentino's for dinner again.
(5)Kelly F.
My husband took me here for my birthday, I was excited because we never had been to Valentino's before. We go out to dinner every night, and we thought Valentino's was a special occasion type of restaurant. Here's a list of things we thought... 1. We thought this was an extremely high end place, we heard "rumors" it was, rumors were "not true." pricing is similar to the restaurants located on Las Olas Blvd. We enjoy Noodles Panini and Johnny V's weekly, among others. 2. We thought it would be a very romantic evening, until they filled the table next to us with over 10 adults and children. (that pretty much ruined my birthday celebration mode). 2. After we were seated, I noticed the table was wobbling, we asked them to fix the leg so nothing would fall or spill. They stuck a wadded up piece of paper to level the table. (like they did't already know they had a defective leg on this table) 3. We thought it would be a very romantic evening, far from it, if I would describe this place it would be 3 words... CROWDED, LOUD and OBNOXIOUS! 4. They had a $25 Old Fashion drink, I love Old Fashions. Don't waste your $25 it was not worth it. I then ordered the $15 Old Fashion and it was much better. 5. Server was nice in the beginning and at the end for tip time, but otherwise we couldn't find him anywhere, we flagged down some random bus boy for help at one point. 6. Food was not even good, too bad for us. Not, exaggerating either. 6. We passed on dessert, because we couldn't wait to get out of there. 7. We get the bill, as I get up to leave the wad of paper they stuffed around the table leg falls out and half the tableware crashes to the ground, the restaurant customers scream and then the restaurant becomes quiet. Nice awkward moment for every one...I just keep walking. 8. As, we waited for our car, the hostess says how was your dinner, I said not as good as I heard it would be, I told her I almost hurt myself trying to get out of my seat, did you hear the crash.? She laughs, yes laughs, I told her they stuck a wad of paper under the table leg and it did't work to stabilize it, and she laughs again. The odds are, WE WILL NEVER EVER return to Valentino's.
(1)Sharon V.
Last night was our fourth visit to Valentino after a break due to a few bad services in a row. Thanks to our server Keith our faith may be renewed! There are still some cons such as a general lack of heart or authenticity among the general staff however the sweet smiling hostess and our waiter carried the team on that end. The menu could also use some refreshing with the tasting featuring lots of fall Flavors in the midst of a 100 degree Florida summer. In addition, Chef, please ditch the Foie Gras... It just makes us sad to think of where it originated. We had two Amazing bottles of wine, cured salmon special, burrata, cobia special, and the kitchen was kind enough to honor our special request for a side of pasta with garlic and olive oil. My husband and I agree we could have eaten that pasta all night. The salmon appetizer was a little goopy dripping in creme fraiche but everything else including the melt on your tongue Cobia were stellar. We can walk to this place and want to keep loving it and their new place next door... Fingers crossed!
(4)Jay M.
We arrived for our 8:30 reservation a little early but our table wasn't ready. We were told it would only be a few min since they were on desert, so we went to the bar. We were finally seated at 9:15. Our waiter told us he would be with us in a moment then disappeared. I finally asked the busboy if there was someone we could order wind from and he sent over the som. We finally got our wine and or waiter finally showed up and told us about the specials. He disappeared again and only returned after I sent the busboy (who was the only guy taking care of us most of the night) to look for him. We ordered appraisers and waited. We finally got our first bit of good at 9:55, almost 1.5 hrs after our reservation time. We quickly ordered out entrees since everything was so slow. I think our waiter came to our table a total of 5 times, with most of that during desert when his other tables were gone. The busboy, som and hostesses were all great, but our waiter was terrible. Other than the bad service, we thought the food was good. The wine is overpriced (I paid $240 for a bottle or Odette Cabernet), so if you are into wine, bring your own. The only negative on the food was the Himachi appetizer had 1 piece of fish. I wasn't expecting a large portion, but I did expect more that 1 - 1/2 inch wide and 2 inch long piece of fish. It was very good though. There are lots of great restaurants in Ft Lauderdale, and Valentinos didn't do anything to make me want to come back. Maybe going during the week (I was there on Friday) is better, but I'm not in a hurry to find out.
(3)Bryan R.
The lamb belly and the fois gras were insane, so was the sweet breads. If these items don't sound up your alley then probably not the place for you. Yelp should have 6 stars for places like this, just ridiculous. Nothing better, this is as good as it gets folks.
(5)Courtney C.
By far my favorite restaurant in Fort Lauderdale. Made a reservation to celebrate my boyfriends bday and everything was fantastic. David was our server and offered to put together a custom tasting menu complete with wine pairings for us: butternut squash tortelli, beef tartare, seared duck salad, burrata, snapper, veal tenderloin, and lemon+blueberry donuts. Everything was over the top delicious, nothing even close to mediocre. Snapper was the star. Can't wait to celebrate another special occasion here!
(5)Andrew I.
My wife and I came for our 5 year anniversary, which the restaurant knew about well in advance when we made our 8:30 reservation. Yada yada yada, we showed up at 7:45 to enjoy a drink at the bar, which was delicious. Unfortunately, by 9:40, we still had not been seated, so it was time for us to go elsewhere. Sorry for the lousy review folks, but if you don't have the tables to accommodate your reservations, don't take them in advance, especially for couples trying to enjoy their anniversary. Also, if you see a couple waiting for over an hour for their reservation, buy them a drink or two to numb the pain and keep them in the building.
(2)Jorge L.
Came here with another couple for a nice dinner out. We didn't feel like going to Miami, but still wanted great food. This was everyones first time at Valentino and we didn't have a reservation so we had some drinks at the bar. The bar tender was awesome, he made my wife a drink based on skme questions he asked her and she loved it. They have a solid selection of whiskey and bourbon. The food was amazing, I don't remember what everyone ordered. My wife had the butternut squash ravioli and she said they were delicious. I had the special which were gnocchi with Italian sausage and broccoli raab, this by far was the best plate of the night. We also had an amazing starter which everyone should order, the foie gras mousse! We will definitely come back for more amazing Italian food and drinks.
(5)John R.
Don't look at the menu online and expect that to be the reason to go here. Yes, you can of course get some plain pasta dishes as well for those at the table that might not be too adventuresome -- however, the real reason to come here is to explore the list of specials for the night that the waiter will explain to you. In addition to sharing the calamari and octopus starters I had a pasta special with lamb sausage that I am still thinking about a couple of weeks after going here. From appetizer to dessert you will find ingredients you would not normally thinking possible to combine coming together in surprising and wonderful ways to make a meal I doubt if you will find anywhere else.
(5)Shanna B.
Where have you been all my life? Not your typical Italian ristorante. This hidden gem offers a casual, yet fine dining experience. The OCTOPUS and everything else is to die for. Creative, innovative, small portioned plates with BIG bite.
(5)Danyiel L.
Delicious food and great ambience for a dinner date or party.
(5)Talisha M.
Such a charming restaurant! Great service and wonderful food! Loved the zucchini flowers, calamari, & NY steak...finally a perfectly cooked med rare steak. The place is just gorgeous!
(5)Savanna M.
HOLY... can I curse on here? Wow, I wish I could give this place 6 stars, even 7 maybe! It was that good - from the service to the food, even the atmosphere was something special! Some reviews made me believe this place would be hard to find, but nope - Siri took me right here, and it helped that there were pictures of the outside of the building. There is a valet on the north side, the entrance side, and it was $3. We had reservations for 7pm and arrived maybe 15mins early (definitely make reservations - despite it being a Monday night the place was packed by 8pm) and we were seated immediately. We took the time to peruse the cocktail and wine lists, I was a little sad that they didn't have the purple drink I'd seen in other reviews, but we ordered a great bottle of Pinot Noir and all were happy. Our server let us know the specials for the evening (the menu itself changes here frequently) and pretty much sucked us in to all of them. We started off with the *hot foie gras - on toast with a grilled peach and some kind of ginger sauce. I think we all agreed this was the best appetizer and was the biggest piece of foie gras I had ever seen! *The bf got the charred octopus (this is typically on the menu I believe) and I was blown away by how big it was - and perfectly cooked! *My mother got the cold foie gras mousse which was awesome as well. *And we split a mushroom salad for the table. Even my stepfather who DOES NOT eat mushrooms had two bites and agreed it was pretty good. The bacon vinaigrette had me wanting to lick the plate! Next up were the entrees - *I got the special seafood pasta for the night. Definitely wanted to lick the plate here as well, and I was impressed by the attention to details on the plate. *Bf and stepfather both got the chicken liver rigatoni (also a special for the night) and were impressed. I loved it too! *My mother decided to be skinny and get another appetizer as her entree - burrata with lobster. Definitely different than I've seen burrata served before and it looked awesome. I was too busy shoving my mouth with seafood pasta to have a bite lol. Dessert - *Tiramisu - I usually hate it so I didn't bother trying it - mostly I was just too full though. *Panna Cotta with figs - my choice. I loved it. *Sweet Potato Donuts - I wish I could remember the real name, but these were great! Amazing maple creme inside, awesome dipping sauce. *Chocolate ganache cake - a little too rich for my taste, but I have to comment on how impressed I was with the freshness of the raspberries on the plate. Atmosphere - the place was beautiful, and I even thought the bathroom was really nice. They have bar seats that overlook the kitchen area - definitely sitting here next time! Service - like I said before - top notch! I was always served from the right, they came around with crumb scrappers etc etc - they've definitely been trained well. The Bill - surprisingly, not as high as I had anticipated considering the $$$$ and the fact that we ordered mostly specials and had no idea of what the prices would be. I think Valentino's is more than affordable for a big night out if you skip the wine (even wine by the glass was pretty expensive) - share an appetizer and get two entrees. WE WILL BE BACK!
(5)Jerry G.
A wonderful evening with friends complimented by interesting and delicious appetizers, scrumptious entrees, and perfect desserts. Great service!
(5)Marqus R.
To my mind, Valentino serves up the best meals of any restaurant in Broward County. I've long been a fan of the magic that Chef Giovanni Rocchio has performed with his various culinary creations which I've found to all be inspired with an unsurpassed sense of unique creativity. Indeed, Valentino is no "Plan Jane" of Italian cuisine. In fact, the meals I've had here surpass anything I've ever anywhere in Italy. Every time I've eaten here or at his prior location which was some six blocks South, I have tasted a different flavor or been treated so some ingredient or method of preparation that I've never experienced before. He put a lot of effort, time and money into transforming what was an old tire shop into what is now his new restaurant located at 620 South Federal and it shows. It's casual with a good clean bright ambiance, a nice little bar and besides the tables and chairs a diner counter overlooking the kitchen and offering an upfront first had view meals being prepared. For my most recent meal I started off with the Charred Octopus ($18) which though only stated on the menu to come with potato, chorizo and a pickled celery had, as I guessed that it would, some magnificent extra touches being a delightful light savory sauce along with slices of an exotic radish, an accompanying ingredient I had never heard of much less tasted previously. My main course was Osso Buco ($30) which is a course I've had in many restaurants before but have never had any that would in any way be comparable to the rich taste or fine strength of flavors served here. It was served in a bowl, with the meat nicely combined in a rich robust thickness, nearly with a consistency of a heavy such with accompaniments of porcini mushrooms, ricotta salata and bone marrow. Indeed, I think the bone marrow which I see so rarely used in most restaurants today is what added to the balance, richness and overall symmetry of flavor. Though this was my first meal at Giovanni's new establishment, I've had plenty of his culinary preparations in the past with which I have always been most please and am now all the more delighted to enjoy them in this, being a restaurant facility far superior to the one he had previously.
(5)Keissa L.
Best culinary experience I've ever had. From the perfection with each dish that leaves the kitchen to the superb service, this is a true gem. Best combinations of flavors to ever touch my palette. Simply incredible from start to finish.
(5)Brittany P.
Everything is great and fresh and the menu is always changing. Service was great, kinda a longer meal but we will def go back!!
(5)Mark S.
We were going to a play at the Preforming Arts Center and wanted to find a place close by for diner and read good reviews on Yelp; So I made reservations which I think was a good idea because it did get quite full at 6:30pm on a Saturday night. We had an excellent experience at Valentino, very classy establishment. I had the special for that night ribeye steak which melted in mouth. My wife had stuff tortellini which she raved about. If you are going to catch a play at 8:00pm give yourself at least 2 hours I had 6:30 reservations and we did not have time for dessert. I will be going back again leaving myself time for dessert.
(5)Leah T.
Delicious! One of the best restaurants in Fort Lauderdale, at first we were hesitant when we drove up but once inside you feel like you're in an upscale south beach Restaurant . The atmosphere, food and service were excellent!
(5)Marc S.
Way overrated and overpriced. Atmosphere nice. Food mediocre. Service sucked. Won't go back again.
(1)Jean W.
The filet mignon was perfectly aged. The snapper with the artichoke risotto was sublime. The butternut squash was delicious. Excellent wine list. Banana sorbet was exceptional. Skip the espresso, tasted like it came out of a microwave oven.
(4)Pat I.
This is the 2nd time here and I must say I am amazed at the calm and consistent manner in which Giovanni runs his kitchen. We had the opportunity to create a tasting menu as we had a larger group of adventurous diners and enjoyed it immensely. The octopus was well structured, the calamari and artichoke delicious. As were his fresh pastas ..... The Cassoncelli with brown butter were perfectly plated, The Homemade Fusilli with shrimp, arugula, controne beans, sundried tomato were presented just like a picture that a fellow diner had of the dish from a previous encounter. My personal favorite was the chicken livers rigatoni! bravo! Bursting with flavor. The entrees didn't miss either. We enjoyed Tomahawk steak (their version of the cowboy rib steak for 2) was cooked perfectly ... Both the snapper and scallops received accolades at our table. As well as the Duck breast with confit. I look, forward to their new restaurant opening which will be based directly behind the existing one and promises to be another adventure in dining!
(5)Elizabeth B.
Not your typical Italian restaurant and thank GOODNESS for that! The dishes are expertly prepared in both taste and presentation! All of the staff are AMAZING, which makes coming here time and time again a must! I cannot praise the mixologists enough... The best I have ever come in contact with! Also, great $25 Happy Hour Thursday and Friday, unlimited cocktails and passed hors d'oeuvres.
(5)Toni M.
That's right! As good as it gets in this part of the world! We were a party of five and got there late saturday evening. Personally this was my second time here and i still loved it. My appetizer, the octopus, was to die for and so was my short ribs. Cocked to perfection. Tiramisu and the homemade limoncello, the best. We loved the ambiance. The service was on point and not intrusive.
(5)Kevin R.
Fit for foodies with the most discerning taste buds, Our experience was spot on from A to Z. Our waiter was a class act and sitting at the Chefs bar was a great experience, it feels like you're sitting in the middle of the kitchen. I could go on and on about everything we ate and drank but my suggestion would be to give it a try yourself. The specials they run for the day change often and they keep it fun. Enjoy......Sue and I did.
(5)Jeff T.
The exterior is understated and easy to drive right by without seeing it. The interior is beautiful and elegantly modern. The staff was friendly and helpful. The kitchen is completely open to the dining room. That's a design element that I liked very much. The bar was pretty busy on a Thursday night. It looked like a nice place to go for a drink. There seemed to be some regulars at the bar. The bar tender was very friendly and his service was excellent. I had the duck breast which was one of the most expensive items on the menu. I would have liked to get a salad but Valentino, like many high end restaurants these days, doesn't have a small salad that you can order. With two people you could share a large salad. Unfortunately my meal was not very good. It was a very small portion of dry, overcooked duck with a couple of small vegetables. It was over $50 and there was very little food on the plate and nothing was particularly tasty. In fact, I stopped at a convenience store on my way home, to get a granola bar, because I was still hungry.
(2)Larry E.
One of the worst dining experiences we have ever had. Our waiter was ineffective and not attentive when needed. This was our first and last visit. We were seated near the bar area and were jostled and bumped by patrons waiting for their seats. The food is over-rated and not really as good as our server described. There are many other restaurants worthy of five stars than this one.
(1)David C.
Seriously love this place, home run every time. Lani is the best and makes the Valentinos experience even better. Home run every time.
(5)Lissett K.
This place is Beautiful, service is Great. The staff is also Great . The food was good but I wasnt impressed we try several dishes and they were all good but I guess I was coming with different expectations .
(4)Doris L.
Insert Italian words for, unique, inspired, festive, lively, sophisticated simplicity, and...yummy yum yum. I came here to treat my favorite hunk of burning love to a birthday dinner. We love the vibe and tastes of places like Michael's Genuine, Casa Tua, and the fresh and adorable Eating House but don't always enjoy the 45+ minute commute to a romantic and satisfying meal. Enter Valentino's. It has all the right ingredients not far from our home Zip code. I made a reservation a few nights in advance and lucked out. We ate at the small but fun bar overlooking the kitchen. The tables are rather close together and harder to come by during peak dinner hours so we opted for the view of the action behind the stoves which we love at Michaels as well. The cocktail bar looks like it attracts a good crowd too either waiting for a table or perhaps just to mingle The prices are on the high side - $25 and up for entrees -- but worth the price. The portions are not too big and not too small. The variety is there but the menu choices are kept to an easy to mange selection of a few wonderfully creative pasta, fish, meat and poultry dishes prepared with much care. I highly recommend this place especially for a special little night out. Insert Italian for, "we shall return."
(5)Drew D.
The reviews speak the truth! If it's a special occasion and you're looking to truly enjoy yourself and spend a little but extra, this is the place! We went to celebrate my husband's 35th and buying our first home! Their homemade pasta was outstanding. We enjoyed a starter of the ribeye cap and the sweet breads. Both were delectable. If one had no idea what sweet bread was and simply ordered this dish blindly they would've been blown away! The ribeye cap was equally tasty, proving that whatever one orders, one can't go wrong! For main courses we had the cavetelli and orecchiette. The orecchiette had a lamb sausage that complimented the pasta perfectly, while capturing the true flavors one would expect from a lamb sausage. My husband's cavatelli had osso bucco which was amazing. Our server was attentive and helpful in recommending exactly what we wanted while helping to ensure our wine glasses and cocktails were well tended! Overall, I can't wait to return and I highly recommend all considering eating here decide to throw out the budget for one night and dine in culinary bliss!
(5)Amanda W.
Disappointed....totally....
(1)Ani S.
Delicious!!! This high end Italian restaurant looks unassuming on the outside- in fact you might just miss it as you drive by! But once you look through the windows you will definitely sit up and take notice! This restaurant reminds me of a NYC find owned by a celebrity chef. The decor is simple yet sweet and elegant. You immediately know you are in for a treat! The menu is short and simple- boding to those that understand "chef-speak" that the chef is confident in his offerings and knows he can cover everyone's tastes with just those fifteen offerings. And you know what, they are correct! Every friend I have dined here with has DEVOURED their meal and RAVED about it later!! As for me, I repeatedly return and struggle between the Filet and the Short Rib. Both are AMAZING!!! The bartender always has a special drink he concocts that becomes my new favorite! TRY IT!! You will agree!! ;-) And, oh yes! I bring the baby!!
(4)Edward H.
Called to make a reservation and noted we were celebrating a birthday that evening and to put a candle in any dessert we order. I had also inquired if there was lobster on the menu, the woman said that the chef was in a meeting and would call me back. Two hours passed without a return call, I call again. The same women answers, without any apology for not having returned my call, the only response was that she was "the bookkeeper".There was still no word from the chef about the lobster so I didn't press the issue. When we arrived for dinner that evening the Hostess greeted us and recognized my name from calling earlier, apparently she takes reservations, does the bookkeeping and now the hostess. Still no word on the lobster. We ordered charred octopus and seared scallops for starters, both were very tiny portions for a hefty price of $18 & $20 each. As a pasta course we ordered ravioli to share, the portion was a SINGLE ravioli. The server should have given us a heads up that there are 2 bites in a ravioli. Tasty but tiny! For dinner we had a Ribeye steak which was cooked to a perfect MR and Cobia, because there was no lobster. It was good, just not enough. When our chocolate dessert came there was no candle or birthday recognition.The Bookkeeper/ hostess/reservationist clearly does not have the restaurant in her best interest. The check was $375, no birthday candle and we left hungry.
(2)Lindsey C.
I have absolutely nothing bad to say. From the incredible charred octopus all the way to the tiramisu, everything was perfect. My husband and I came here for our anniversary and will now come back for every other special night we can think of. We sat at the chefs counter and it was essentially dinner and a show. Both of us having come from the service industry had an extra special appreciation for just how clean and well this kitchen was run. It was a symphony of food and smells and plate art. The executive chef even took time to chat with us amongst the dinner rush. And now the food! It was some of the best I've ever had and certainly top 5 in south Florida. The charred octopus was tender and flavorful. I ordered the cavatelli which came with tender hunks of osso bucco and a sauce I wanted to bathe in. My husband got the lamb and it was exquisite! The only problem with this place is that I'm not able to eat more. It was one of those menus where you'd like to have one of everything. Dinner heaven!
(5)Jeremy A.
One of the best restaurants in Fort Lauderdale. Excellent Food and Excellent Service. Raul was an amazing server and extremely helpful with recommending menu specials. The timing of the food coming out was spot on. This place is in my top 5 favorite restaurants for sure. Ok the butternut Tortelli is a 100% must get!! I can't begin to tell you how good this dish is. I would eat this everyday if I could. The quail stuffed with Foie Gras is another amazing dish they offer. I highly recommend getting this and I promise you will not be disappointed. Other honorable dishes to mention are the charred octopus and steak tartare. If possibly reserve a spot at the chefs table where you can enjoy watching the chefs make your food. I will definitely be back!!!
(5)Cherry K.
So far, my favorite restaurant in Fort lauderdale!(But I dont give 5 stars ever) My husband took me here for my birthday which was a perfect choice. It was a Thursday and the place was pretty busy at 7:30 or 8:00. The service was attentive. I ordered a cucumber like martini or mojito which was very refeshing and not overly too sweet. For appetizer, we ordered tourchon-which I was so happy to see on a menu!! The sophistication of the food I have not found anywhere else in Fort Lauderdale. I had a pasta with cream and sundried tomatoes etc-very tasty. My husband had a steak that was tender and cooked just right. Only reason I dont give it 5 stars... it was pricey but heck if I want good food and service, then i probably have to pay for it. Would have given 4.5 if I could have. A definite must go for a lovely dinner. And will come back AGAIN!!!!
(4)TAmi S.
Food & service is amazing. Everything we had was delicious & very fresh . The plate looked good enough to eat! Only one problem- we had the 5 of us for dinner- at every course one person needed to wait for their meal to arrive & everyone is waiting for the last plate to come to the table! Enjoy!
(5)Yakelin S.
Amazing italian Food and service! We went with the waiter recom and they were excellent. Pasta was homemade and fresh and the seafood to die for.
(5)Rocki R.
I am shocked this place gets so many good reviews. We had the Langostino ravioli app $32.00 came with 4-5 quarter size ravioli and 2 jumbo size shrimp(langostino). Shrimp was really fishy, 2nd was so soft i was afraid to eat it in fear it was bad. Didn't finish the app and the waiter didn't even ask why we didn't finish it. Entree's we ordered were the Carbonara stuffed Ravioli (which had ZERO flavor, the most bland i ever had) and the pork shoulder which tasted like my baby back ribs before i add the bbq sauce, also not impressed. So food got a 1 star. Waiter got 3 stars.. we usually like to take the recommendation on wine from the waiter and never had it fail us. First round, one of our selections was not to our liking so the waiter suggested a different one and never offered to try it first. We have no issues spending money at nice restaurants but it should be at least good food. Our tab was over 200.00 and we came home and made chicken fingers and then ordered pizza after that. This has to be my worst review on all restaurants ive reviewed. Portions are tiny and price dont meet the quality. thank you for wasting my time, never again will i return.
(1)John C.
Good...not great. The Octopus and mussel apps were fantastic. Tuna app was fair at best. Duo short rib and filet was ok. Very cool atmosphere. Lots of beautiful people. Fresh ingredients. Food was well-prepared. Flavors were just ok. Sorry. I wanted to be amazed, but wasn't.
(4)James O.
Ok what's going on around here! How come there's only 13 Yelp reviews and I have to hear about this place from a guy in a pizzeria up in Hillside NJ. this is a great restaurant. First, the restaurant is beautifully done bright and airy. Loved the ambiance. Second everyone working there was very friendly and relaxed. In fact even the cooks in the open kitchen were working at very relaxed and smooth pace. Got the feeling of a well oiled machine being operated by real pros. No frantic rushing around or stress to be seen anywhere, everything was spot on and very relaxing. I liked the Bar area and there is a counter right in front of the open kitchen so you can sit and talk to the chefs while you eat. By the way the kitchen is spectacular looking. Everything on the menu looked so good we couldn't choose so we ordered entrees for appetizers and main courses. We had the Butternut Squash ravioli, amazing and a must have. Then we had the Sunday gravy and pasta with short rib in it, amazing, then we had the grilled octopus, not amazing but great. I'm very fussy about my octopus. By the way the best Octopus in the world is at Sophia's in Margate NJ. So that was appetizers which were all entree sized except maybe the octopus was an appetizer order. Then we had the halibut, perfectly cooked and seasoned, we had the duck again perfectly prepared very delicious and I had the cavetteli with oso buco, the gravy was delicious and the oso buco was melt in your mouth tender. Then we had the fig jelly zepellas and a chocolate fudge cake thing. The zeppellas stole the show but the chocolate Bundi was delicious too. This is not an inexpensive restaurant but it is well worth it. We enjoyed everything from the food to our servers and the people watching. Can't wait to go back. Maybe it's a good thing not too many Yelpers know about this place this way I can get a table whenever I want to.
(5)Brian F.
Might be my favorite restaurant in ft lauderdale. Food is perfect. I can't get enough of the pasta pockets with the veal. Sorry can't remember the name but it begins with a C. Cocktails are top notch. The bartenders know there stuff. Always love tasting something new here. Hudson baby barrel aged old fashion is money
(5)Kim P.
I came here yesterday with my dinner guest, and we were promptly seated without reservations at about 7:30. The parking situation can be a little sticky, but they do have valet. The wait staff was very friendly and attentive, and the food was AMAZING. I ordered "The Gia" cocktail and it was delicious--a refreshing mix of stolichnaya, herbs and limoncello. My dinner companion had the "Valentino," which he enjoyed. For dinner, I ordered the cassoncelli, which was delightful, flavorful, and a big hug on a plate--still thinking of that prosciutto and brown butter sauce right now. For such quality ingredients and service, the price we paid was more than reasonable.
(5)Talia G.
We had not been back since they moved to their new location (yes... it was a couple of years ago!) Now I feel bad we didn't visit earlier. We were lucky enough to get seated at the kitchen table (the bar/counter area in front of the kitchen). So we basically got dinner and a show! First thing I noticed... the kitchen was impeccably clean. This is a busy, crowded, working kitchen after all... so it was pretty amazing to see everyone work. Second thing I saw,.. the dishes were beautiful, and tasty. We had such a hard time deciding what to order since EVERYTHING looked to die for. We finally decided on the octopus appetizer. Grilled octopus is such a hit-or-miss dish; over cook it and it becomes rubbery, under cook it and it has a gross gooey texture. This grilled octopus was 'al dente'... perfectly cooked. I then ordered a dinner special, the guitar string pasta with king crab in a creamy tomato sauce. With generous chunks of crab meat and sundried tomatoes, I didn't want this dish to end. Husband had the short rib. It melted in your mouth... The service was amazing. Our waiter was so nice, patient, explained the specials and helped us with our wine selection. We are so happy we chose to spend our anniversary dinner over at Valentino's.
(5)Erik J.
While in town on business, I was given two recommendations for dinner. The first was closed on Mondays, so I went to the second, Valentino's. I think fate was looking out for me. The atmosphere was wonderful. Chic but comfortable. A fit for a romantic dinner, a business dinner or a group outing. The service was attentive, friendly and knowledgeable. I started with the Dark Knight drink, made with their homemade ginger beer. The drink was really well balanced, both refreshing with a ginger kick at the same time. It was just a tad sweeter than I would prefer (not sure if that was the ginger beer or simple syrup), but still one of the best original cocktails I have had in a while. For an appetizer, I had the burricotta and lobster salad, The cheese was perfectly seasoned and the poached lobster added the perfect complement. As an entree I stayed with seafood and had the scallops with a butternut squash puree and brussel sprouts. The scallops were perfectly cooked and the combination of the puree, sprouts and pomegranate seeds mixed flavors and textures that worked. The ONLY negative in the visit was that the cushions on the bench I sat in were a bit worn and uncomfortable after a while. If you have back issues...sit in a chair.
(5)Rich S.
Visiting from LA I caught the restaurant in the corner of my eye. What a great catch! First of all the ambiance was modern yet intimate. Made a great setting for a romantic dining experience. Staff was extremely friendly. Sat at the chief's bar which looks directly into the kitchen. This is highly recommended. Talked with the line and Chef himself. All very friendly and personable! They had a special clam appetizer which I highly recommend. Kept dipping my bread into the sauce. Also order any pasta dish since it's made there from scratch. Enjoy!
(4)Luisa C.
Yup I am a fan of this sophisticated yet very laid back spot. My husband arranged the reservations, it was solely his idea and it was a great one at that. Right from the get go I felt that everybody was far from being pretentious, but rather courteous. That is something I can't stand at $$$$ places. Valentinos is different. They offer an extensive list of specials and you will most likely want to go for the specials of the day. Everything we had was excellent. I didn't like my cocktail (Fresco) that much so I traded with hubby's (Gia). (Approx $15) First off, their bread and bread sticks are amazingly addicting. Next time I ll ask for more sticks. Perfectly crisp and salty. As appetizers we went with the beet salad and charred octopus. The octopus was soo good I will suggest you order it. The beets I could have re-created at home, not the octopus though. Go for it. (Approx $14-19). Entrees: We had the orrechiette pasta special with house-made lamb sausage and shaved goat cheese. This was a rich and satisfying dish. We loved it. Another on menu item we tried were the scallops. Perfectly cooked with roasted cauliflower capers and a balsamic reduction. We loved this one as well. Dessert special was freshly made zeppole/donuts with blackberry filling and ricotta dipping sauce. Perfect! I am not a big fan of donuts unless they are still warm and fluffy. These fit the mold and I was a happy girl. We also ordered one scoop of candied bacon gelato - husband loved it, I was missing the candy aspect and tasted only bacon. Expect to pay $80 plus person.
(5)H. Deborah S.
It's hard to get my lazy butt to travel so far north to have a meal, but I am so glad I did. We arrived on the early side and were able to see the miraculous evolution of this busy place. It is busy for a reason. The food and service were outstanding. One little note: if you get cold in restaurants, bring a parka. It was super cold, but since the kitchen (which is spotless) is open to the dining area, it makes perfect sense. Barring that note, our table of 4 had many of the daily specials. The lobster special was OUTSTANDING. My pasta was off the charts, as were the other pastas had here. The Diver Scallops were also outstanding. Frankly, there wasn't anything brought to our table, including the bread and olive oil that didn't make our foodie hearts sing with delight. It may be a trek for me, but I will definitely be back again. It's on the pricey side, but you do get what you pay for with delicious food, excellent service, and an outstanding decor that is both warm and modern. Big round of applause for Valentino's! And I highly recommend you make reservations...
(5)Ash D.
Best restaurant in Fort Lauderdale. The ambiance, the service, the food..top notch!!! Save room for dessert! The best chocolate mouse ever.. !..I want to try everything on the menu...cannot wait to go back.. Did I tell you to save room for dessert?
(5)Mike W.
I keep going back to this place and every time it amazes me. The food is extraordinary, and the service absolutely outstanding. One appetizer I had was a lobster gnocchi that was indescribable. The gnocchi melted in my mouth, the sauce was delicate yet delicious and the lobster was fresh and tender. I could go on and on, but you really need to try this place for yourself.
(5)James B.
Being extra generous even though I got lost finding this place. The location is a little hard to spot, but I suppose that makes it more exclusive for us awesome yelpers :) I had most of the dishes on the menu. I didn't really care for the bread service, but the appetizers were very good. The standard beet salad was there, but I really enjoyed the charred octopus and burrata. The charred octopus was delicious, smokey, and tender. The sweet potato dumplings were good but too sweet and therefore it seemed a little out of place in the appetizers. We had a couple of salads that weren't exactly memorable but did not detract from the dining experience. I had the special of the day which was uni seafood pasta. The seafood was abundant and the uni taste was definitely embedded into the rich butter sauce. I didn't find any uni but I'm not sure if that would really work in this dish. The alaskin king crab pieces were flavorful. My partner really enjoyed her filet mignon. The desserts I assume change frequently but they were the HIGHLIGHT of the night. The tiramisu was a perfect balance of espresso and mascarpone. The peanut butter pie (?) was good and had a delicate crispy layer in a kit-kat like fashion. The beignets were served hot, airy, and had an assortment of dipping sauces. The service was good, and the restaurant is a beautiful mixture of nature, old world elegance, and a touch of modern. All in all, I think this is one of my favorite italian restaurants in Broward now!
(4)Andrea M.
We had heard about this restaurant and couldn't wait to try it. The menu is very different from any place we had been before. The food was superior and the wait staff extremely professional and knowledgable. There were so many unique choices the waiter had to come back three times before we could make a decision. Although this place is very pricey -you will not be disappointed. Even the martini's were unique. In reading some of the previous reviews on Yelp be aware that this place has moved. There is mention of a nondescript strip mall atmosphere. Not so. That was the old place. And the crowd is not elderly. Not one walker in sight. I am looking forward to going back again. I have never written a restaurant review before but felt this place deserved to be mentioned.
(5)Agnes G.
OMG, the food was incredible, great service, great Chef, wonderful restaurant. I love it, I love it, I love it.
(5)Ruth M.
Food is amazing and the staff are fantastic. The ambience is relaxed so it is a great place to go if you'd like a great meal on a Tuesday or if there is a special occasion. Love this place!
(5)Nina C.
FABULOUS!! We had a dinner party here in the back wine room and basically we had every single item on the menu- it was all amazing, just a party in your mouth! They even have a drink named The Nina- I had to get it and YES it explains EXACTLY how Nina's are- fun, fruity, bold, and well balanced!! I can wait to just go back with my husband and really get down and dirty and eat, eat, eat!! FYI- the "Sunday" gravy is OUTSTANDING BUT SO IS EVERYTHING ELSE TOO!!
(5)