Il Ritorno

For more than a decade, Chef David Benstock has led this fine dining Italian stalwart from the heart of downtown St. Petersburg. High ceilings, exposed red brick, and easy-going servers set a relaxed tone for a team that’s full of ideas and keen to present them in attractive ways. How often do you see duck tortellini with shaved foie gras or a salad of radishes presented as a garden bed with soil and fences? Creative pastas are at the heart of this menu, alongside serious cuts of steak and lamb sourced from their butcher shop next door. Though some dishes can feel busy, there is boldness and flavor in spades. Luxury comes in the form of caviar doughnuts, Japanese wagyu, and a special tasting menu available only at the chef’s counter.