Reviews for Valentino's Eatery in Florence, AZ

This so-called restaurant has gone from good to bad to horrible over the past 6 years. They have no nearby competition and they... run the place accordingly. About 4 years ago they started adding so much sugar to the red sauce we quit ordering dishes with it.Service staffing has always been something of a revolving door but we didnt know why. Recently it has gotten even worse with 2of their servers telling us over the last few months they were leaving soon because management was horrible to thestaff. Tonight was the last straw. I made a reservation several days in advance for our wedding anniversary but when we arrivedit wasn't on the list. A party that came in the same time we did had the exact same issue. Explanation from the hostess: "Thishappens all the time. My boss has ADHD and doesn't transfer the notes to the reservation book." Should have been no problem.There were several open tables but she wouldn't seat us because there were reservations actually in the book for people whohadn't arrived yet. We would have to wait until they could clear some dirty tables. Problem: There wasn't any help to clear thetables. I asked her again to seat us but she said we'd have to wait because "technically" we didn't have a reservation. I toldher if we weren't seated we would leave and she said, "Good. Leave." In other words, please walk out so I have one less party toworry about. Well, she and her predecessors won't ever have to worry about us again. We'll drive whatever distance is necessaryto have a good meal in a restaurant run by people with the skills and attitude to satisfy their customers. Read more

When we visit our friends in Florence, this is a staple and for all the right reasons. The positive experience starts the minute... you walk in as their staff welcomes you as I you were family. This visit was the 4 of sitting at the bar, having a few smallplates and cocktails. It is truly a friendly, neighborhood experience that serves excellent food. The only negative is that ourfriends are moving out of AZ and since we live in MN......do yourself a favor and pay them a visit as you will have a mostpleasurable experience. Read more

I love this place. The staff is amazing. I've been here several times with my family and everyone is so kind. The food has... always been great. My 6 y/o loves the little neck clams and shrimp. Pizzas are always excellent. The bruchetta is quite a largeserving, easily shared with 3 or 4 as an appetizer. I ordered by myself one time and had to call my husband to come down asbackup to get rid of them ???? Read more

I rarely eat at Italian restaurants as I am very picky on my sauces. Valentino's was such a pleasant surprise! We didn't take... any photos to share because the food was eaten so quickly! The pastas were to die for and I highly recommend the Shrimp Chiliappetizer along with their espresso martini! For the East Valley, it really is a short and beautiful drive to not only get anamazing meal but also support a local business. Looking forward to returning! Read more

Our first visit was very nice. We started with the fried mozzarella, Love the block and all the sauce on top. We had French... onion soup, very good. The salad was delicious. The bread and spicy tomato oil is the best. We had surf and turf, definitely didnot disappoint. Coconut cream pie was delicious as well. We returned for lunch yesterday and had a great experience as well. Wewere the only ones there, as the lunch crowd was long gone and we were late, we were treated very well and the food wasexcellent. Can?t wait to go back. Read more

UPDATE APRIL 26: We're back! This time for dinner. Still a solid 5 stars. This is food enhanced. This is added value. My wife... had the Caesar Salad and I had the Veal Piccata prepared traditionally with mushrooms, capers and a sauce from butter, lemon,garlic and white wine. The amount of veal I received was surprisingly large. My wife's Caesar was over-dressed which made theromaine soggy by the time she finished the huge portion but the flavor was spot on and as expected, the plate was served wellchilled. My veal was tender and the taste was robust and very savory. My veal came with a side of angel hair pasta prepared asit should be - al dente. My order came with a side salad but it wasn't made with boring lettuce or even romaine. They servecrisp, chilled spring mix which has a pop and a special freshness. We started the night with a fried calamari app. Really tasty.Not salty. Not overly breaded. Not greasy. Just perfect. a great dinner was topped off with a shared slice of cheese cake. Anyrestaurant can place a slice of cheese cake on a plate and serve it and most patrons would be happy. Valentino's goes above andbeyond. See my pic - the cheese cake was topped with fresh whipped cream AND a savory blueberry-raspberry sauce. Reallyimpressive. Very creative and an obvious desire to give the customer an elevated experience. My wife has had lunch here withfriends and loved it but this was my first time. Can I give Valentino?s 6 stars? I?m third generation Southern New JerseyItalian and I have never experienced that style or quality of Italian food anywhere else. To find it in, of all places,Florence, AZ is incredible. This food is the real deal. My wife had the Mussels Valentino with the lemon butter white winegarlic sauce option ($13.79). It?s also available in a tomato cream sauce version. I tasted one. Perfection. Great mouth feel.Not over cooked or rubbery. That?s hard to pull off. Good-sized mussels and the perfect lunch-size portion. When you?re sea Read more

It was good, the food was good the people were nice Simple Italian food. Service was really slow for an quiet evening. Seating... took forever for no reason. Mostly elderly venue. Very uncomfortably small bar for some reason 8/10 but would not return,interesting but not for me. Read more

Valentino?s Eatery in Florence Az has THE BEST ?made from scratch and to order? Italian food we?ve ever eaten and my Hubby is... Italian! Rob the owner makes THE Best Fried Ravioli ( Special Order item only ) to anAlfredo sauce that makes the back of jawclench and salivate waiting for it to slide past your lips ?. And Please Get me started about The BEST Bartender with theBIGGEST Smile, greatest attitude and wicked skills, Angela P ! Whatever you want , if shes got the mixins ?. she?ll make it ! Wemoved here permanently in March and its our GO-TO for all of our out of town guests that come to stay !! All the Staff isFantastic and its Family owned ! Total pride of ownership and just great food fun and fellowship !! Chris M Read more