When I moved here in 2005 I searched for ANY really good Italian (eclectic) restaurant. In 2006 I found it and it's called Massimo's. I am from NY and have eaten at just about every 4-5 star restaurant in NYC between 1990-2004. No DOUBT this is the finest Restaurant on Florida's West Coast ! "Try the Veal, It's the best in the City" If you are Lucky and he has Osso Bucco you've hit Lotto. The Parppardelle with Black Truffle and mushroom is beyond Great. I could go on, but trust me, the food is 5 star. You do NOT see a wine list like this in North Pinellas or Pasco. Whenever friends or family come from NY they insist on eating at Massimo's. Bertrand is such a treat if he waits on your table. Drop The Phone !! Eat at Massimo's !! read more

We had our wedding here and it was absolutely perfect. Massimo and his staff are top notch. We maxed out the restaurant with our private function and I just assumed things always go wrong. Food was out of this world, service was perfect, they were very accommodating to my every want and need. I just can't say enough about them. We have eaten here for dinner and thought it was a good choice but didn't know how they would handle a wedding and It exceeded my expectations. read more

Massimo's - Chef Massimo and Donna - Italian Near Me - Palm Harbor, Florida

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Local Italian place in a strip mall, but don't let that deter you. It feels much nicer inside than you would expect. Friendly service and the food is very good. Extensive wine list and I mean EXTENSIVE! From the charcuterie to the locally sourced salad to the oso buco with the bone marrow intact - everything is a home run. So why only 4 stars and not 5? The risotto. Very good. Plenty of black truffles too. But in my humble opinion, it should be made with heavy cream and the result should be a creamy texture. Not al dente. It's the one pasta that should not be al dente. This may be the chef's personal preference and I don't fault him for it. But, it's what I look for in a risotto. Heavy cream is traditional. I don't wanna hear about cholesterol. If I'm ordering the risotto, I'm not worried about it. If you're worried about it, then don't order it. That's my 2 cents. Would I return? Absolutely. read more

Just celebrated my mother-in-laws 90th Birthday in June 1. Massimo gave us the private room for 10 people. Had excellent menu of six items and a couple of specials to choose from. Everyone got to choose whatever they wanted. Massimo also baked us a special Carmel apple cake that was outstanding. Just outstanding! read more

Food is delicious, service is great, love this place. Chicken is great, pasta mouth watering, Palm Harbor hidden gem.

I was on the hunt for tiramisu so I came across this place thanks to other yelpers. I was only here for about 5 mins but I was definitely impressed! Every staff member checked on me with a smile to make sure I was taken care of. I haven't been here for dinner yet but I sure will come back to dine in! Thank you for amazing customer service! read more

Wow! Buried in a nondescript strip mall outside of Tampa is some amazing food! The service was what you'd expect at a fine restaurant. The ambiance was refined. The food ranged from faithful interpretation of standards to adventurous departures. The wine list is respectable. Everybody cleared their plates, which is not typical in our family. read more

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If the bread is bad, how can the rest of the food be good? I've eaten better bread from Publix than here. Ordered clam sauce with linguine and it tasted like canned Progresso clam sauce. Instead of spending $21.00, I can get buy Progresso for only $3.00. read more

Massimo's is hands down the best Italian restaurant in Pinellas County. The food is awesome. My favorites are the calamari and risotto special, which is risotto with shrimp, scallops and lobster often. The chicken parmigiana is perfect with Massimo's homemade sauce. Massimo, his family and staff that run the restaurant always show great hospitality for all their guest. Since the pandemic Massimo has been treating us with take out for people that don't feel comfortable dinning in. Anyone wanting to dine in during the pandemic they make all necessary social distancing provisions and all staff are wearing masks, so it is a safe environment for Massimo's guest. Don't miss Massimo's you will love it. read more

Outstanding eclectic Italian fusion restaurant. Very fresh ingredients. Had a special, Dover sole, almost never seen in the states. Though I prefer the meuniere Julia Child preperation, Massimo's lemon butter sauce was very good and the fish perfectly cooked. My wife's lamb chops were also prepared well. Rather boring sides, the same potatoes and green beens served with very differrent mains. Extensive but very pricey wine list. 25$ corkage fee is the way to go if you have a good bottle like the Bergstrom Homage 2012 we brought. It would have cost 150 dollars on their list. Great specialty cocktails and homemade desserts. Use a gps to find it or watch out for the Outback if going north on 19. It is in a strip mall behind it. read more

We have eaten here before years ago and recently I returned this time for a pharmaceutical dinner. It was great. I cannot remember all the appetizers but I do remember some delicious thin sliced Salmon. My main dish was a Chilean Sea Bass and it was one of the best. A little different than that at Cafe Ponte but just as good. The service was great and I complemented the staff as they were very good at getting our meals during the lecture without too much interruption. Dessert was sort of a wrapped apple crepe almost alike a strudel. It was delicious. Overall great food and I will definitely return read more

Delicious cuisine and exceptional service. Our fantastic waiter "B" pulled out all of the stops. He changed our already clean knives for other clean knives and went out of his way to make our dinner truly special. The atmosphere was romantic, with dim lighting and low music playing. A lovely dining experience overall. My husband had the lobster ravioli and I had the penne ala vodka in the parmesan shell. We shared a ceasar salad and the bread and seasoned butter was amazing. An anniversary dinner to remember. read more

By far, the best duck dinner. Nothing else compares. I could go on and on but this guy knows his sauces. read more

One of the best Italian restaurants I have eaten at. The food was beautifully presented and served by a waiter nicknamed "B". The chef came out and visited with us. I recommend the eggplant tomato appetizer was a hit with both of. She loved the seafood risotto. I enjoyed the scallops. We rated both dishes 5 stars. Overall great experience. read more

My favorite place in palm harbor. Food is amazing. "B" the server is so wonderful you feel like royalty every time you dine there. Bar selection and wine selection amazing as well read more

In an ongoing quest to find and support local businesses, date night found us at Massimos Eclectic Fine Dining. My husband had been there years ago but I had never been. Reservations are requested so we arrived at our appointed time of 6:30. Checked in and were seated immediately by "B" who also was our waiter for the evening and was an excellent gentleman. His French accent was delightful and added to the ambiance. Husband had a Palm Harbor specialty cocktail and I had a Bellini. We then ordered bruschetta for an appetizer and fresh bread was also brought with homemade butter that was mixed with lemon, salt, and curry powder. Who would've though that would've been amazing? For our main, we both had a special the wagyu steak - I had sirloin, he the strip. They were delicious and came with potatoes and veg. The chef came out to make sure they were to our liking! For dessert, he had a slice of key lime pie and when I say I had one of the best desserts ever - chocolate cannoli with pistachio cream. I will be thinking about it for a while. The entire meal was fabulous. You can find fine dining in a Palm Harbor strip mall! We will be back. read more

I happened upon this amazing restaurant in a simple Yelp search and all I can say is wow. Though we had a very rude experience with our waiter, a very pushy and indignant guy, Massimo's magic in the kitchen more than made up for it! Pasta a la vodka, mushroom truffle pastry, seafood risotto, ravioli. The list goes on and on. My family of 5 dined their and it was stellar. Regarding the waiter, one of the other staff members must have seen the situation that occurred because just today, Massimo personally called me to apologize. To me that was a touching gesture of a businessman and food artist with true integrity behind his restaurant and products. I will go back next time I get out to Florida to check in on my folks and 110% recommend it to any and all. Finding great Italian food around Tampa/Clearwater is tough but Massimo is absolutely nailing it! read more

When we first arrived at Massimo's it looked as though this little place could use a face lift. As not to judge a book by its cover we thought the food may just be good enough to overlook the look of the place. We were seated at an awkward table that seemed to be in the way of those walking past again it about the food right? Oh how I wish I could say something better about the food....... nearly everything arrived luke warm, it made me wonder how long it was waiting to come out. Oh yes about the wait, everything took forever. Our server was very sweet but seemed confused at best and came back to check what we wanted to drink a second time ( ages later) I think she forgot about us honestly.We asked a few questions about the menu that she went "to check" before giving us a response. I just read a few other reviews as well as the responses from the owner, please take this as constructive criticism . We like to support local small business. Again, not terrible just not as good as we had hoped. read more

This little restaurant is huge on flavor. And they have phenomenal gluten free options. I had the veal scallopine that was amazing. The vegetables were fantastic and the veal simply divine. The chef brought out two bowls of gluten free pasta and truly made my day. This is definitely a must try restaurant read more

I am a regular Custumer, and every time I go with family or friends confirm how god this place is. 100% recommended!!!

My husband and I celebrated my birthday here and it was wonderful. He had the seafood risotto which was excellent and I had steak that was perfect. The ambience and service is wonderful. We will definitely go back and have recommended to many friends! read more

Omg. The rudest the restaurant I've ever been to. The chef actually came out of the kitchen, not to apologize for the cold lasagna, but to yell at us for the Sinatra music we were playing from our cell phone since no overhead music was playing. We wasted $100 and didn't even enjoy anything! The chef who yelled at us said the food was cold cz input cheese on it. $18 for a 3" x 3" square of lasagna with NO salad!!! Don't waste your money unless you wanna get yelled at. read more

A+++ cuisine and service. We live in Palm Harbor, and frequent here often as this is our "go-to" for date night, family milestones, and celebrations. The service is beyond compare, the food is authentic and fresh, and the drink are made right! You do not feel as if you are in a shopping plaza when you are dining here, but rather in a romantic italian bistro. read more

I went to Massimo's in Palm Harbor on Saturday with my husband and two children ages 8 & 3. We had reservations. Let me start by saying the food is good and it is ok for date night. The portions are large. .. to match the inflated prices. They say the food is "eclectic. " I didn't see any choices that would be considered eclectic. Salad, steak, fish. .. all pricey. No price reduction for leaving the toppings off the filet mignon. It is definitely NOT child friendly. No changing table in the restroom, no booster seats, no kids menu, no half portions., no apologies. We might go again in about 10 years or when I feel like spending $29 on a 6 oz "steak" ... though the name changed to filet mignon on the bill. 2 adults 2 children $149. No alcohol. The waitress was very nice if slightly inattentive. For the price, next time we'll go to the Black Pearl in Dunedin. read more

My clients invited my staff and me to a corporate dinner function. The restaurant is located in a popular shopping plaza and was easy to find with plenty of parking. We were sited in a separate room but the table set up was a little awkward and made it difficult to reach appetizers. We had various wine served, appetizers, soup, dinner, coffee, dessert. I ordered duck for my main course and it was delish. Outstanding flavor, cooked to perfection, garnished just right, I couldn't ask for more! My other team members had fish, which I tried and it was ok but not outstanding. Flavors didn't work together as perfectly as they did with my meal. For appetizers we had calamari, bruschetta, sausages, a few other things I can't recall now. They were all solid four stars, good, but not amazing. Wine was excellent! I also have to commend the chief who came to our table several times during the evening to ensure that everything was fine. Staff was attentive and helpful. Four stars because of the restaurant with prices of that range I expect to be amazed not just satisfied. read more

I've been to Massimo's several more times and the food has been superb every time. Excellent menu, great specials, outstanding service, and a first class ambience. I got the diver scallops last time and they were perfectly cooked. read more

My spouse and I had come to Massimo's in April for our 7 year anniversary having a meal we were completely enamored by. I had the Red Snapper special with a fra diavlo sauce that was both perfectly light and equally spiced and my other half claimed the chicken parmigiana (he orders everywhere) was the most superb he had ever tasted on this night, so when my Father asked if I could make reservations to take Mom to an early Mother's Day dinner I did so right away. We made a later reservation just in case anyone of us got stuck at work late on Friday. By the time we arrived for our 8:00 dinner we were all famished and looking forward to a fabulous meal which we most certainly received. We were greeted, seated, and served by Mario. He was on top of everything. My mother who can be a bit fumble prone with her silverware dropped her usual amount and each time there he was right behind her replacing it. The drinks were always refreshed and the meal was spaced perfectly from start to finish. I can't say enough about how great the service was, now on to the important part, the food! We ordered the Mussels and the Bruchetta, both were excellent with extra bread to soak up the sauce from the mussels. For dinner, Mom ordered the filet Mignon cleaning her plate aside from the bite or two she HAD to save for the dog, Dad ordered the Duck a l'orange which was flavored and cooked perfectly. I had the Sea Bass special that evening coated in quinoa with an amazing chili oil/sauce drizzled on the plate it was absolutely spectacular, my other half ordered a NY strip that was special that night as well finishing everything on his plate. The portions were perfect, we all had plenty of food to make us full but not too much to keep us from ordering dessert. To disclaimer: I stopped eating dairy a few years ago for health reasons so the last time we came I ordered the pear sorbet for dessert which was very good but watched the other table eat the Tiramisu and heard the rumbles of delight from each of them so this time we decided on the Marscapone Cheesecake and the Tiramisu to share amongst the table. We had heard that the Tiramisu is such a guarded recipe that Massimo prepares it in the kitchen alone, it was everything I imagined and more, as was the cheesecake. If you know what a real delicate cheesecake should be this is the prime example. I am so glad I decided to put my restrictions aside and have a bite of each of these amazingly executed desserts. I will definitely continue to tell anyone who will listen to try Massimo's and we will definitely be back time and time again. Thank you Massimo and staff for the amazing experience. read more

This place was awesome. We are always looking for a good, authentic, Italian restaurant in the area. Well this was it. The Osso Bucco was amazing and perfectly tender. The Seafood risotto brought me back to Italy. With giant chunks of seafood, it was priced very reasonably! Everything was delicious. We took dessert to go, because we were stuffed with the nicely sized portions!! Service was very friendly and attentive- shout out to Mario! Thank you Massimo! We will definitely be back soon! read more

OK so I don't want to be that guy but, we had been here years ago and it wasn't what we thought it would be for the price, so after many years we figured we'd give it a try again, unfortunately to us things have not changed, they have their regulars there and that keeps them going which is good for them, but as far as we were concerned for the price we expected more. We are regular Dinners is at some very nice places so we know the difference, when I order a bottle of wine that cost over $200 I expect glasses that are clean, not for hazy, also when you spend $400 for dinner I expect butter that does not taste like the refrigerator. But I will cut some slack for those two items as that's not a big deal, but when you order a fish special that's $45 and you can only eat half of it because the fish was so strong now that's a problem in my book. Fillet of Soul is typically a very mild fish, when the table behind me ordered it I smelled fish but I was hoping it was from a different dish, but not so, I ordered the same thing and I could only eat half of it, I let my wife try to make sure it was not just me and she basically spit it out. I will say this service is exceptional, they are Johnny on the spot for everything, but I was disappointed when I told our waiter that the fish was very strong and he had nothing to say about it not even a apology, I was not expecting him to take it off the bill but at least acknowledge it and offer me a alternative dish. We had one of their signature desserts and it was OK, not fantastic just OK, but the veal dish that my wife ordered was very tender very tasty but definitely oversalted. I hate to give them low marks like this but I like to call the shots as I see them. read more

We are most appreciative of Massimo making Veal sweetbreads for my husband's birthday. They are not on the menu, but Massimo made them by special request. My husband loved them, and I really loved my Massimo Veal. The presentation of the salad and entree was not only excellent in flavor, but the presentation was very special. Nice little intimate fine dining restaurant. Service was great! Thanks Massimo. Joyce & Rick read more

This is a real find. While visting Clearwater, Fl, we decided to try Massimo's. WOW. The restaurant is very nice for a storefront strip mall location. The service was friendly, helpful and quite frankly, outstanding. Our food was tremendous. The duck salad was great with a mango vinagarette dressing. I had the vodka penne and it was excellent. My buddy had the lasagna bolognese and it was also great. His wife had a veal dish that was bursting with flavor. This place is a real find. This restaurant is most certainly on the MUST RETURN LIST!!!! read more

Massimo's is a truly exceptional fine dining experience. The staff are wonderful and remember us each time we go (and we don't get the opportunity to go that often). The food is amazing. My favorite is the seafood risotto, but you really can't go wrong with anything on the menu in my opinion. Massimo usually greets all guests at some point throughout the evening. Really a gem in Pinellas county. read more

Seriously? I am culinarily trained and chef Massimo is on the top of his game. From Amuse Bouche to entree execution, there's no equal In the area. The wine list alone is so refined that your palate will be pleased to no end. Highly recommend the Filet Mignon. As expertly prepared as I would at home, his passion for detail is second to none. read more

Best Italian in Palm Harbor area. Hands down. Pasta is fresh and perfectly prepared. The veal chop was tender and delicious. the service is excellent. Massimo is a master. read more

From the outside this place doesn't look like much but inside its actually very nice, cozy, and intimate. The food was outstanding, full of flavor, and visually appealing. I had the ricotta crab cake appetizer that was to die for and then the diver scallops with pappardelle . I thought the staff went above and beyond, heck, the chef came and greeted the tables after dinner! A hidden little secret....must try! read more

This is our family's favorite restaurant! Our middle daughter, who has celiac disease, always orders two entrees and eats them both!! The wine selections is impressive and the staff is outstanding!! Make a point of eating here! You will not be disappointed! read more

This place has great food and very professional service. Ask for Bertrand, he will take good care of you. I am a bit of a gourmand and believe me, this place is worth the trip. read more

My husband and I enjoyed our 31st wedding anniversary there last night and everything was excellent. I had the scallops that were perfectly done and the presentation was lovely. My husband had the veal scallopini and it was to die for.. Our waitress Michelle was so sweet and fun and made our experience so enjoyable. This will be our go to place for lunch also. Tina E read more

Wow what a hidden gem! Tucked away in a shopping center with dark tinted glass that appears almost closed...we found Massimo's! Our waiter "B" made our experience absolutely delightful. He goes above and beyond to make sure you are never without. The menu already looked delicious, but then when we heard about the specials, we just couldn't decide. My husband started with the lobster bisque, which he thought was amazing! I ordered the swordfish special, which as a swordfish connoisseur, I found to be the VERY BEST I HAVE EVER HAD!!! Steaky but not tough, in a slightly spicy sauce over garlic mashed and baby vegetables. (Not just your ordinary vegetables either) My husband had the seafood risotto with huge pieces of crab, diver scallops and shrimp. Our dirty martinis were prepared perfect and we were pleased to find they offered Flowers, one of our favorite Pinot Noir's. You cannot go wrong with anything here! If we lived locally, we would definitely frequent this place weekly. read more

Went back there last night. "B" is a gem. I had the saffron lobster ravilol and my husband had the seafood risotto special. Both were excellent. The largest shrimp I have ever seen. Lovely restaurant. read more