Outstanding - probably one of, if not the, best Italian food I've ever had. My husband and I prefer saucy, flavorful, slightly spicy pasta dishes and Buona has a large menu with plenty of clearly-marked veggie options. They have outdoor seating both on their front space and also in the back, waterfront. We sat in the back (lovely views of the water) around 8pm on a Sunday and ordered the Brussels Sprouts (no pancetta), Mushroom Papardelle, and Ravioli alla Vodka. I was so excited to see Ravioli alla Vodka - I love ravioli and love vodka sauce - so this dish felt right up my alley. All the food, including the complimentary bread and olive tapenade, was delicious. We asked our server to request the pasta be extra saucy and he and the kitchen delivered! Really savory, creamy, cheesy pasta - the mushroom noodles had intense but not overwhelming mushroom flavor, and the ravioli was next-level. Brussels sprouts were crispy, with bites of tangy goat cheese and sweet honey. There were so many other things we wanted to try on the menu, including the luscious-sounding desserts, but maybe next time - highly recommend Buona. read more

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I wanted to love this place not only to help out a local business but also because it came recommended. However, it fell short yesterday afternoon for us first-timers. Arrived to about a 1/2 full restaurant which was smaller than we expected. Seated promptly, menus presented, water ordered as my husband wanted to have time to look at the drink menu. We settled on the lunch menu with an order of bolognese and the meatball appetizer that we would share since Italian food is usually plentiful and filling. My husband also later ordered a glass of wine. Shortly after we were delivered bread to our table and we were confused because it looked like garlic knots. My husband said something to our waitress and I questioned maybe this bread goes with our lunch entree with the waitress standing right there and agreeing with me. We are not normally bread eaters and the more we looked at it, we thought it was a mistake. We flagged our waitress again as she was walking by and asked again. This time she said, "you did not order garlic knots?" and we said no, we ordered the meatball appetizer. She promptly takes the bread, goes back to the kitchen area and I thought I heard her say "lunch" to the chef, I assume. Not sure why this was confusing as my husband literally pointed at the lunch menu as he was ordering and saying we were going to split. Not a big deal at this point but then it seems like moments later she is back with the meatballs and the bolognese. We look at the dishes and we were literally shocked. We had never seen such small meatballs (2) for an appetizer for $9. I thought the meatballs would be redundant since we ordered bolognese but there was so little meat in the dish (maybe 2-3 teaspoons at the most) and so little pasta (think small salad bowl or plate size) that it was not redundant at all. A side of bread was brought with dipping oil as well. It was mid afternoon and we were very hungry at this point so we started eating.. Sadly the meatballs and bolognese were brought to us luke warm as if they had been warmed up. We certainly did not have a long wait so they were not sitting cooling down anywhere. We just ate our meal and ended up eating the bread (which was excellent) because it was not enough food for us. The waitress checked on us towards the end of our meal and finally brought my husband's 1/2 glass of $10 wine (we thought she had forgotten). We did not mention the temperature of the food because at that point we had already eaten it most of it. Looking at other reviews now I see some people did mention luke warm food and the owner did not seem to believe them. We know what was presented to us and yes, it was luke warm. We thought the food was pricey for what you get and the luke warm food on top of it makes us have no inclination to try this restaurant again. Overall we were not wowed by the quality of the food except the bread which we normally never eat. read more

unch | $10-20 This was our first time visiting this amazing little quaint restaurant that unfortunately had some devastation last year with the fires in Saint Pete. Their Plaza was caught on fire with the CVS in Publix, but they managed to survive, but unfortunately, due to the damage business has been down people think that the plaza is closed when in fact, it's a hidden gem in the corner. The service was fantastic. She gave us a whole rundown of all the food and how they make it fresh ready to make Even had a gluten-free pasta penny, which was fantastic. Service was great. Food was amazing and price was great considering the location definitely recommend this for anyone that wants some authentic Italian food in Saint Pete Beach. read more

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We had been looking for a good Italian dinner spot and after 3 misses, we found Buona. We absolutely loved it! We were a party 6 and they were able to seat us very quickly even being busy. The restaurant is very small so be prepared to sit outside, especially if you have a big party. The food was incredible! 4/6 of us ordered lasagna and we loved it. The portion was pretty big and overall delicious. The chicken parm was also good. When visiting this area again and craving Italian, we'll be back! read more

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This place is genuinely the best Italian restaurant I have ever been to in my life. You could order the entire menu and not be disappointed. Every single menu item was phenomenal. I couldn't recommend this place enough. If you had to choose one place to go to this would be it. read more

The wild mushroom pappardelle was amazing. It was so good, we came back the next day for dinner as well. We ate here 2/3 nights on our vacation. Service and ambiance was great. Lots of empty nesters/people enjoying retirement eat here so you know it's good. read more

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Accidentally stumbled upon this place looking for food. Ordered a cheese pizza. We were told 20 minutes, was done even faster. We took it to go, but the restaurant seemed nicely decorated, and the ambiance seemed inviting. The staff at the desk were friendly. The pizza was perfectly cooked, the crust is some of the best I've ever had. As a Chicago native I'm pretty judgmental when it comes to pizza. I was impressed, and glad we found it. I have to also note, when I was standing there waiting for food, a server walked by with one of the tables food. It smelled delicious. Highly recommend! read more

Second time here...I couldn't remember why I didnt leave a review the first time...Now I know...It was because I didn't have a good dining experience but I thought I'd give them another chance....I got the Eggplant Parm...It was $29...The spaghetti was half warm and I was not a fan of the sauce at all ..It was very tart/bitter....The eggplant itself was just ok...Not perfectly tender ..The best part of it was the ricotta....The side salad (buona) had decent greens but really nothing was special about it...The croutons were very hard....The bread that came with the meal was one of the best parts of the meal...I wasnt a huge fan of the dipping oil....Service was good...Restaurant was clean...Nice atmosphere....But in the end, this was nowhere near the quality of a $40 eggplant meal....I've had better $15 eggplant parms....Oh ya, and the meatballs were $9...You get three of them...I couldn't even finish half of one...I was not a fan of the taste of them at all, and they were not in the least bit tender....They had the consistency of a frozen meatball. read more

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The best service! They were so friendly and accommodating for our 2 year old. The seafood was great with a view of the water and boats out back read more

Buona Ristorante - A Linguine Pescatora - Pizza Near Me - St Pete Beach, Florida

Don't sleep on Buona. This is a small restaurant. Located on a strip mall on Gulf Blvd. It is near a Jersey Mikes, I think, anchored by a Dollar Tree, UPS Store, and a Starbucks on the corner. It is small but mighty. I believe there are not more than 10 tables when you walk in. Although, there is outside seating in the back. It's very scenic, facing the bay. The service is great. We were greeted and seated immediately. Luckily, that one table was available because it was a full house. Also, it was about 6:30ish, so that might not be the same at a later time. For the appetizer, we ordered the Calamari Fritti. They are made crispy, dusted with semolina. They include fried strips of zucchini, bell peppers, carrots, and hot cherry peppers. These were my favorite. Served with a pomodoro sauce. For entrees we got Wild Mushroom Pappardelle with shrimp. This was deliciuos. The egg pasta was bouncy and nicely cooked. Soooo many mushrooms all of it delightfully coated in a creamy mushroom, port wine, cream sauce that was to die for. I really did not need the yummy shrimp because there were enough mushrooms. I did not think I would finish the dish because it was a nice big portion but I ate it all!!!! My husband ordered a small pizza pie and he was impressed with the slightly sweet/savory taste of the sauce. He mentioned the crust was perfect. I took a bite and I could taste the freshness of the sauce and the care with which the pizza was made. The service was great. The server checke on us frequently. Filled our water cups and ensured our dishes were to our liking. And afterwards, take a walk to the back for a picturesque rest by the bay. Amazing. read more

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Amazing food and staff. We love stopping here to eat when in St. Pete. Brussels Sprouts dish is amazing. read more

Food was delicious! Waitstaff very friendly and knowledgeable and many options for those who follow a gluten free diet.

Food and service from Matt M. Made a perfect dinner for me and my soon to be wife. Everything we and friends have ever ordered at this establishment was nothing but the best. Sangria is a must. Pitcher also a must. Appetizers to pizza to seafood are top ! Thanks Matt M. read more

Buona Ristorante - Pizza Near Me - St Pete Beach, Florida

We are so thankful the restaurant is still here after the hurricane! Everything looks amazing. Dining area was clean and nicely decorated. Our service was excellent and of course, the food was just as delicious as before! Thank you for another great dining experience with amazing food! read more

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Looking for a spot away from DTSP and over on the water is always nice. Menu sounded awesome and reviews pretty good! Let's eat Italian! We were here early but it was still kinda busy. Small dinning area but there are tables out back. So nice! Warm but they have fans and misters. The view is awesome. Mathew was on the spot with waters and orders. No liquor but wine and beer choices were decent. We atart d with the mozzarella mezzaluma. Basically fried cheese. These red sauce is pretty tasty. Great flavors on the breading. Good starter. For my main I had the pasta rustica. Really didn't needthe chicken but really good. So many Flavors. It has crispy pancetta so careful adding salt. Deb had the Veal Picatta. Nice flavors. Large portions. Overall a really nice dinner. Watching the colors on the intercostal in the afternoon is so nice. read more

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We came here for dinner before enjoying the sunset on the beach. Buona is located in a nice strip mall on St. Pete Beach. The restaurant was nice and clean. We were served right away by the friendly staff. I tried their lemocello spritz, which was light and refreshing. A perfect summer drink! We tried their 'Brussel Sprouts', as an appetizer which were flash-fried sprouts and cherry tomatoes with crispy pancetta, goat cheese, clover honey, and balsamic glaze. The sprouts were good and had a lot of flavor. I think they could've been fried more. I like my brussel sprouts extra crispy. For our entrees, I ordered their 'Cozze' as my meal. It was mussels with cherry tomatoes in a white wine, garlic, shallots, butter, lemon broth. It was light and delicious. It came with bread to dip in the delicious sauce. A perfect summer dish! My fiancé had their 'Wild Mushroom Pappardella' which was wide egg pasta with wild mushrooms in a porcini mushroom, port wine, and cream sauce. The pasta was freshly made! My fiancé said the pasta was very delicious and flavorful. This is a great spot to have a nice dinner. You can also order pizza or food for pickup. If we're ever in the area we'll definitely be back! @living.with.reg read more

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Went to Buona last month for a little date night. I have never been here before and saw some of the reviews were incredible. My friend Bri was in town for the weekend, and we decided to sit out back and enjoy the views of the water. We ordered a ton of food and everything was so delicious. I would recommend the brussels sprouts to anybody as they were the best brussels sprouts I've ever had, and I will be coming back for more. The pizza looked amazing and I have heard it is fantastic so I'll have to come back and try that out as well. Brussel sprouts: 9.9 Pasta: 8.4 Truffle fries: 7.7 Shrimp Risotto: 8.9 Scale system 10/10 would be what I want for my last meal 9.9-9.3 driving out of my way to get this 9.2-8.0 like the place and would go back 7.9-7.0 I would come here again if it were presented and don't have anything bad to say 6.9 and below - thanks but no thanks after trying once read more

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Service- was ok Food- was only fair Ambiance was okay Overall it was a 2-3 but I will try it again read more

Unfortunately they refused to honor the reservation we had so I can't comment on the food. We left and went to Agave where we had a nice meal! read more

Delicious freshly made pasta and pizza! I had the Cacio e Pepe with shrimp very creamy and fresh , with husband had a very nice salad , we shared a margarita pizza nice slim crunchy crust delicious fresh tomato , outstanding customer service we sat outside nice shaded terrace with ocean breeze lovely lunch time , very family oriented, great quiet ambiance locals mostly. The tiramisu! It's perfection !!! read more

Buona Ristorante - Cacio E Pepe w/ shrimp - Pizza Near Me - St Pete Beach, Florida

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pizza was fine! we got the goat cheese, and it was very good. the garlic knots were also very good. definitely worth checking out if you're in the area. read more

We love their food! Caprese panini and meatball parm panini today. Bruschetta app was delicious. They are open!

Best pizza in the area. We get the Signature Pizza for take out about once a week, it is amazing! We finally went there for lunch and the service was great. We intended to try something different but the pizza is so good we couldn't resist. read more

This is our fav go to spot !!! When we're in the area ,definitely a weekly destination and the mushroom ravioli A1!!! read more

Buona Ristorante - Pizza Near Me - St Pete Beach, Florida

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Delicious food at a good price Service was prompt and professional I bring my guests here knowing they will enjoy their meals here I read more

Was the most delish Italian food we've had in the area and we are from NY and know good Italian food! Mom had lobster ravioli and shrimp. I had risotto with veggies cream sauce. Choco cake was incredible too. Great service. Have to support the beach restaurants and this one makes it easy! Great service too. Thanks Lindsey. read more

Buona Ristorante - Dessert - Pizza Near Me - St Pete Beach, Florida

What a lovely restaurant we found. Food and service were great! We tried Brussels sprouts (fantastic) , wings, veal scaloppini . The restaurant was just reopened after the hurricane and it was very busy. read more

This restaurant is in a shopping strip. The restaurant has both inside and outside seating including a back seating area with a view of the water. The staff was efficient and gracious. The supreme pizza we ordered was great. The Caesar was large and crisp but needed more vinegar for the dressing. Adjustments made it great. Lasagna and shrimp risotto were very good. The risotto was especially savory. Thought it ws a little pricey for a casual place. read more

#buonaristorante is a family favorite! We go here every single St. Pete vacation! We had the yummiest dinner with PEI mussels, Frutti De Mare, Chicken Piccata, & Chicken Marsala while you're waiting for your food you receive fresh hot bread with olive oil. The service could have been better unfortunately but the food was 10/10! The ambiance is family friendly and it's small inside but sitting outside is really nice! read more

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Our family came into St Pete's beach area and even though this restaurant is small they were able to accommodate 8 of us. We loved everything we ordered. The kids devoured their generous sized garlic knots, pizza, ravioli, etc while we had salmon and their house salad. We all left satisfied. They do not take reservations. We left our name and waited inside our cars until we were called. Nice wait staff. read more

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Delicious home-cooking Italian food! Once we discovered this place, we started coming regularly. The owners and staff are all very friendly and nice. Definitely give it a try, you will not be sorry! YUM! read more

A must-try in St Petersburg, FL - unassuming on the outside, in a shopping plaza, but a surprisingly super special treat on the inside! For a fam of 4, we got the made-to-order pasta e fagioli soup (10/10), calamari fritte (7/10), garlic shrimp (10/10). bolognese (8/10), mushroom ravioli (9/10), a pitcher of housemade sangria (10/10), panna cotta w/ berry compote (10/10) and tiramisu (7/10) . Service 10/10. Highly recommend! read more

The menu is a celebration of classic Italian comfort food. From to the robust lasagna, each dish is prepared with love and attention to detail. The pasta is perfectly al dente, the sauces are rich and flavorful, and the portions are generous. Don't miss the tiramisu for dessert - it's the perfect sweet ending to a satisfying meal. I was too eager to get into the food that I didn't take picture of our meal until the end .Matthew was such a help on helping us pick the perfect meal and suggest the amazing drinks - Berry sangria read more

Buona Ristorante - Homemade Tiramisu - Pizza Near Me - St Pete Beach, Florida

The food and the service were outstanding!! Fernando was a great waiter. Homemade sangria was out of this world refreshing. Can't wait to come back and try more entrees read more

Buona Ristorante - Lasagna half eaten lol - Pizza Near Me - St Pete Beach, Florida

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Really good. Had the lasagna, pepperoni pizza, and garlic knots. Garlic knots are huge! The waiter was knowledgeable about the menu and helpful about finding out what our group wanted lol. read more

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Nice small, cozy restaurant convenient to the resorts nearby. It's in a strip mall with amble parking. The Pasta Rustica was delicious with a great Rose sauce. The Spaghettini Pomodoro wasn't bad. The sausage was a bit too salty but cooked well. Overall a good experience and great service. read more

Buona Ristorante - Pasta Rustica - Pizza Near Me - St Pete Beach, Florida

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Even the bread was delicious. I had the saffron risotto pescatore, excellent! Friend had the lobster ravioli and shrimp, delicious! Our respective spouses had pizzas. Skip the pizza! Go for the adult food! We were too full for dessert. We will be back! read more

Long time favorite. Everything is really good. Cute outdoor patio, great service. Everything from pizza to risotto, you can't go wrong!

We ordered online and the food was prepared fairly quickly! The pizza and garlic knots where HOT and FRESH! It was absolutely delicious. We actually took the pizza to the beach to watch the sunset and it was absolutely perfect for us. We also ordered the kids Alfredo, for a small portion and their bread. Which were also both fairly good also. read more

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Quaint little restaurant. Don't be fooled by the strip mall location. Excellent food. Excellent service. read more

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