Nice bar and restaurant in the heart of downtown Melbourne. We've been coming here for several years, and I am pleased to report that the service and food have surpassed my expectations over time. The waiter knew his menu, and he explained a number of the nights specials for the evening without hesitation or referring to any notes, which several members of our party chose for their entrees. I asked the waiter what he recommended on the menu, and based on his recommendation chose the chicken marsala, which was delicious. The marsala wine. Sauce was a sweet comliment to the chicken. My wife ordered a special spicy pork dish. Description was accurate and had the right amount of spice. The others around the table seemed to enjoy their meals as much as I. We each were also provided with pasta fagioli soup, compliments of the chef, and a glass of limoncello, compliments of the house. Overall exceptional dining experience, just make sure to make reservations if you are a party of 8.
(4)
Bob M.
The best dining experience we have had in a very long time! The service was beyond excellent, with our server, Chris. The food was fabulous, and the owner, Carlos, was more than gracious. Oh, and I have to mention that five times our server came out with different things, "compliments of the chef"!! First was a small appetizer for each of us, second was a small bowl of pasta fagioli, third was a small glass of lemoncello, fourth was a just baked lemon cookie and last , but not least, was a small glass of anisette . We brought home a large portion of our dinners to have tomorrow since the servings were so large. The cappuccino was to die for!! I never tasted such a wonderful cup--ever!! As you can guess, we will definitely be going back!!
(5)
Linda G.
What a spectacular dinner we had!!! The food was outstanding, the service was perfect and we had the best time!!! We can't wait to go back and try more delicious food!!! What a treat!!!
(5)
Ruben G.
Exelent food, good people, nice flavor in the food, i love it. In each plate is a lot a food.
(5)
William V.
Very good food and service. We were a party of 8 and everyone had something different and everyone enjoyed their meals.
(4)
Don W.
Just had a wonderful experience again! Excellent food and service. Glad to have a first class restaurant in Melbourne.
(5)
Jason K.
Great dinner the other night. Went with friends and will DEFINATELY be back!!! Even the bread was amazing. Place was packed! But still never had to wait too long for anything. Thanks again for a wonderful meal! Jason
(5)
Janet G.
Best food ever, excellent appetizers selections, every single course was so well prepared and the portions were very abundant, fresh herbs and full of flavor, it's like eating in an " elevated " Nona's kitchen, you get the warmth of the spices and the different layers of flavors together with the high quality ingredients used that make it an excellent culinary experience. Looking forward to my next visit .
(5)
Jeremy K.
This is definitely one of the best restaurants in Melbourne. Went here on a Monday night and the service, wine, and food were amazing. Had their daily special of Rainbow Trout and it melted in my mouth. I will be back.
(4)
Keith B.
Went for lunch, and the service was impeccable and the food was great. Very reasonable prices and quantity of food. Recommended if you are looking for Italian (or just good food) in Melbourne.
(5)
Jack K.
Friends from our neighborhood recommended we try this restaurant during our time on vacation in Cocoa Beach. We went on a Thursday night and found the restaurant full of both people and the feeling of Italian culture. An Italian restaurant such as this is rarely found south of New York or Boston. I followed the chef suggestion and ordered the house Chianti, which was excellent. Very rich and soft, without the sometimes very dry aftertaste which comes from a Chianti. We shared the classic Caprese salad which was excellent with large pieces of soft buffalo mozzarella. For the the main course my wife had muscles, which were very good. There were a few larger muscles which were slightly under cooked, most were done perfectly. I intended to order filet marsala, but followed the chef suggestion for a dish with the beef pounded thin and wrapped around salami and mozzarella and cooked marsala style. It was very good and creative, but I found the salami added more spice than I hoped for. I must say there were several other meat and fish specials which sounded great, but unfortunately, one entree is enough. Both the atmosphere, service and food was very, very good. A must place to go if you are in the Melbourne, FL vicinity.
(5)
Kurt H.
The Dove III We went to the Dove III yesterday for the first time since it re-opened in downtown Melbourne, FL about three years ago. I am happy to report that our experience at the Dove III takes us back to the original Dove restaurant that closed several years ago on Satellite Beach. We were upset the day the original Dove was sold and the quality of the restaurant declined to the point where it eventually closed. The original owners and chef of the Dove have returned to open the Dove III. The service was outstanding with sufficient staff to ensure we didn't have to request our waiter stop by the table. The original dining format is back as well: complimentary fresh made bread, appetizers, complimentary cup of pasta fagioli soup, palette cleanser of limoncello, and finally the main course. The fresh bread consists of three bread types, an olive bread stick, ciabatta style bread, and a sausage filled bread. Our favorites are the olive bread sticks and the sausage bread. The pasta fagioli soup is outstanding. It is based upon authentic Italian recipe and it is not an Olive Garden tomato soup with a bit of beans and pasta. This pasta fagioli is a richer cream based soup with generous amounts of white beans and pasta. Fresh grated Parmesan cheese is left on the table for you to spoon as much as you want onto your soup. Before your main meal, a palette cleanser of limoncello is provided. Their limoncello is house made and available for purchase. We both had the Medallions of Fillet Au Poive for our main course. This used to be our favorite recipe from the original Dove. This dish consists of two fillet medallions cooked to order with the Au Poive sauce (cream based with red wine, cognac, and black pepper). The main dish came with rice and broccoli. The medallions were excellent. I have only two minor complaints about the meal: 1) the Au Poive sauce was a bit more mild than it used to be. I felt that it could use more pepper and cognac flavor. It also separated just a minor bit. 2) no substitutions were allowed for the broccoli. A member of the party does not care for broccoli. A restaurant should allow for a few substitutions on the sides. Not everyone likes or might be able to consume the standard side. We look forward to returning to Dove III in the future.
(5)
Jeff F.
Wow! Unreal food from start to finish. There is so much I could say and just not able to say it all. I'm still sitting at the table and am drunk from the flavors and food. Everything I had was crazy good! Try it!
(5)
Mike M.
Management has attitude. They said to call ahead for certain dishes that are not on the menu. How would your clients that you are entertaining know this policy. Food was a 6! Service was a 2!
(1)
Denise A.
OMG, Even better than I remember. The food is excellent, the soup is THEE BEST pasta fajole I ever ate. The portions are big and the staff couldn't do enough for my party of 12. The staff went so out of their way to make the birthday girl feel special, they were truly fabulous. Carlo was the superb host and every waiter was just so wonderful. Denise
(5)
Susan R.
As always, the food is amazing!!!! The owner, Carlo, is one of a kind. There is not enough space to write all the good things. Lemoncello is made fresh and to die for.
(5)
Lisa P.
I've been for lunch multiple times and it's simply fantastic and easily under $11 plus tip. Plus, they have little bags of fresh rolls for you to take with you when you leave. I haven't been for dinner, but I know it's a popular business place. My friend wanted to go to Apollo Diner and I convinced her to try the Dove, it wouldn't be expensive, and it blew her mind. She couldn't believe she had been working 2-3 blocks away for years and never went b/c she assumed it was expensive. Now under the son's tutelage, Carlo Mattiello, please stop making assumptions and eat something good for you.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Bike Parking : No Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
The immense popularity of Italian cuisine globally isn't unknown. You can find an Italian Pizzeria around every corner of almost every city in the United States. Not to forget that in every house, people enjoy mac and cheese as comfort food. But it would be wrong to believe that Italian food starts with pizza and ends with good pasta as this Mediterranean country has much more to offer other than these two dishes. In Italian Cuisine, there is a high use of fresh tomatoes, all kinds of herbs, great quality of cheese, all types of meat, seafood and fresh handmade pasta. Many find it hard to believe that Italians have been making noodles long back.
Italian and Greek cuisines are always mistaken to be same, but they are poles apart. The primary difference between the two cuisines is the use of cheese in most of the Italian dishes. Italians love to cultivate their own cheese and process them as per their food requirement. It is believed that some cheese is so expensive that cheese producers secure them in lockers.
If you are bored eating the same old pasta or pizza, you can try some of the authentic Italian dishes like Risotto, Polenta, Ribollita, Lasagna, Fiorentina Steak, Bottarga, Ossobuco, Carbonara, Focaccia, Arancini and Supplì. Another item which Italians love to relish every morning is a good cup of Italian Coffee. Once you taste a freshly brewed cup of Italian Coffee, you might not visit Starbucks ever again. Authentic Italian food is made with heart and soul, so go find a restaurant where you can relish Italian cuisine in your city.
David C.
Nice bar and restaurant in the heart of downtown Melbourne. We've been coming here for several years, and I am pleased to report that the service and food have surpassed my expectations over time. The waiter knew his menu, and he explained a number of the nights specials for the evening without hesitation or referring to any notes, which several members of our party chose for their entrees. I asked the waiter what he recommended on the menu, and based on his recommendation chose the chicken marsala, which was delicious. The marsala wine. Sauce was a sweet comliment to the chicken. My wife ordered a special spicy pork dish. Description was accurate and had the right amount of spice. The others around the table seemed to enjoy their meals as much as I. We each were also provided with pasta fagioli soup, compliments of the chef, and a glass of limoncello, compliments of the house. Overall exceptional dining experience, just make sure to make reservations if you are a party of 8.
(4)Bob M.
The best dining experience we have had in a very long time! The service was beyond excellent, with our server, Chris. The food was fabulous, and the owner, Carlos, was more than gracious. Oh, and I have to mention that five times our server came out with different things, "compliments of the chef"!! First was a small appetizer for each of us, second was a small bowl of pasta fagioli, third was a small glass of lemoncello, fourth was a just baked lemon cookie and last , but not least, was a small glass of anisette . We brought home a large portion of our dinners to have tomorrow since the servings were so large. The cappuccino was to die for!! I never tasted such a wonderful cup--ever!! As you can guess, we will definitely be going back!!
(5)Linda G.
What a spectacular dinner we had!!! The food was outstanding, the service was perfect and we had the best time!!! We can't wait to go back and try more delicious food!!! What a treat!!!
(5)Ruben G.
Exelent food, good people, nice flavor in the food, i love it. In each plate is a lot a food.
(5)William V.
Very good food and service. We were a party of 8 and everyone had something different and everyone enjoyed their meals.
(4)Don W.
Just had a wonderful experience again! Excellent food and service. Glad to have a first class restaurant in Melbourne.
(5)Jason K.
Great dinner the other night. Went with friends and will DEFINATELY be back!!! Even the bread was amazing. Place was packed! But still never had to wait too long for anything. Thanks again for a wonderful meal! Jason
(5)Janet G.
Best food ever, excellent appetizers selections, every single course was so well prepared and the portions were very abundant, fresh herbs and full of flavor, it's like eating in an " elevated " Nona's kitchen, you get the warmth of the spices and the different layers of flavors together with the high quality ingredients used that make it an excellent culinary experience. Looking forward to my next visit .
(5)Jeremy K.
This is definitely one of the best restaurants in Melbourne. Went here on a Monday night and the service, wine, and food were amazing. Had their daily special of Rainbow Trout and it melted in my mouth. I will be back.
(4)Keith B.
Went for lunch, and the service was impeccable and the food was great. Very reasonable prices and quantity of food. Recommended if you are looking for Italian (or just good food) in Melbourne.
(5)Jack K.
Friends from our neighborhood recommended we try this restaurant during our time on vacation in Cocoa Beach. We went on a Thursday night and found the restaurant full of both people and the feeling of Italian culture. An Italian restaurant such as this is rarely found south of New York or Boston. I followed the chef suggestion and ordered the house Chianti, which was excellent. Very rich and soft, without the sometimes very dry aftertaste which comes from a Chianti. We shared the classic Caprese salad which was excellent with large pieces of soft buffalo mozzarella. For the the main course my wife had muscles, which were very good. There were a few larger muscles which were slightly under cooked, most were done perfectly. I intended to order filet marsala, but followed the chef suggestion for a dish with the beef pounded thin and wrapped around salami and mozzarella and cooked marsala style. It was very good and creative, but I found the salami added more spice than I hoped for. I must say there were several other meat and fish specials which sounded great, but unfortunately, one entree is enough. Both the atmosphere, service and food was very, very good. A must place to go if you are in the Melbourne, FL vicinity.
(5)Kurt H.
The Dove III We went to the Dove III yesterday for the first time since it re-opened in downtown Melbourne, FL about three years ago. I am happy to report that our experience at the Dove III takes us back to the original Dove restaurant that closed several years ago on Satellite Beach. We were upset the day the original Dove was sold and the quality of the restaurant declined to the point where it eventually closed. The original owners and chef of the Dove have returned to open the Dove III. The service was outstanding with sufficient staff to ensure we didn't have to request our waiter stop by the table. The original dining format is back as well: complimentary fresh made bread, appetizers, complimentary cup of pasta fagioli soup, palette cleanser of limoncello, and finally the main course. The fresh bread consists of three bread types, an olive bread stick, ciabatta style bread, and a sausage filled bread. Our favorites are the olive bread sticks and the sausage bread. The pasta fagioli soup is outstanding. It is based upon authentic Italian recipe and it is not an Olive Garden tomato soup with a bit of beans and pasta. This pasta fagioli is a richer cream based soup with generous amounts of white beans and pasta. Fresh grated Parmesan cheese is left on the table for you to spoon as much as you want onto your soup. Before your main meal, a palette cleanser of limoncello is provided. Their limoncello is house made and available for purchase. We both had the Medallions of Fillet Au Poive for our main course. This used to be our favorite recipe from the original Dove. This dish consists of two fillet medallions cooked to order with the Au Poive sauce (cream based with red wine, cognac, and black pepper). The main dish came with rice and broccoli. The medallions were excellent. I have only two minor complaints about the meal: 1) the Au Poive sauce was a bit more mild than it used to be. I felt that it could use more pepper and cognac flavor. It also separated just a minor bit. 2) no substitutions were allowed for the broccoli. A member of the party does not care for broccoli. A restaurant should allow for a few substitutions on the sides. Not everyone likes or might be able to consume the standard side. We look forward to returning to Dove III in the future.
(5)Jeff F.
Wow! Unreal food from start to finish. There is so much I could say and just not able to say it all. I'm still sitting at the table and am drunk from the flavors and food. Everything I had was crazy good! Try it!
(5)Mike M.
Management has attitude. They said to call ahead for certain dishes that are not on the menu. How would your clients that you are entertaining know this policy. Food was a 6! Service was a 2!
(1)Denise A.
OMG, Even better than I remember. The food is excellent, the soup is THEE BEST pasta fajole I ever ate. The portions are big and the staff couldn't do enough for my party of 12. The staff went so out of their way to make the birthday girl feel special, they were truly fabulous. Carlo was the superb host and every waiter was just so wonderful. Denise
(5)Susan R.
As always, the food is amazing!!!! The owner, Carlo, is one of a kind. There is not enough space to write all the good things. Lemoncello is made fresh and to die for.
(5)Lisa P.
I've been for lunch multiple times and it's simply fantastic and easily under $11 plus tip. Plus, they have little bags of fresh rolls for you to take with you when you leave. I haven't been for dinner, but I know it's a popular business place. My friend wanted to go to Apollo Diner and I convinced her to try the Dove, it wouldn't be expensive, and it blew her mind. She couldn't believe she had been working 2-3 blocks away for years and never went b/c she assumed it was expensive. Now under the son's tutelage, Carlo Mattiello, please stop making assumptions and eat something good for you.
(5)