Raving Review for Trattoria D’Anna – Dunedin’s Hidden Gem of Italian Excellence
If you're anywhere near Dunedin, Florida, drop everything and get yourself to Trattoria D’Anna. This isn’t just another Italian spot trying to pass off average pasta as authentic. This is the real deal—deeply authentic Italian fare made with love, intention, and ingredients that speak for themselves. One visit here, and you’ll know exactly what I mean.
Let’s start with the crown jewel of my visit: the Gnocchi Gorgonzola. I added mushrooms to mine, and I swear—every pillowy bite of gnocchi was coated in this rich, velvety Gorgonzola cream sauce that had me in a trance. And you better believe I mopped up every drop with their homemade bread—some of the best I’ve ever tasted. Crisp on the outside, warm and tender on the inside, the kind of bread that makes you feel things.
Here’s what sets Trattoria D’Anna apart from almost every other place: they don’t use seed oils. None. Instead, they use real extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)—the good stuff. How do I know it’s legit? That grassy bite on the tongue and that slight burn at the back of the throat—textbook signs of real EVOO. It’s rare to find a restaurant in the States that cares this much about ingredient quality. Trattoria D’Anna doesn’t just talk the talk—they walk it all the way from Tuscany to Tampa Bay.
What really blew me away though, was the hospitality. We were warmly greeted the moment we walked in, and the waiter who served us actually sat down with us at our table to go over the menu. The level of care and attention he gave made us think he was the owner—he wasn’t, just someone helping with the front of the house. But that’s how much everyone here cares. It’s not just service; it’s heart.
My girlfriend ordered a single espresso to finish off the night, and they served it with a dainty piece of biscotti and—get this—a little chocolate truffle on the saucer. That’s the kind of attention to detail that turns a great meal into a memorable experience.
Whether you're looking for a romantic date night, a cozy dinner with family, or just want to treat yourself to some of the best Italian food you’ll ever eat, Trattoria D’Anna delivers every single time. I say this with full confidence: you do not want to miss this place.
Seriously—go....
Read moreNewly discovered neighborhood GEM. It’s clear this new gem is destined to become a favorite! From the moment we walked in, the ambiance was warm and inviting, with a modern yet authentic Italian touch. For those of you who have dined in the classic old school New York restaurants you will feel right at home. The menu offered a perfect balance of classic Italian dishes and creative new takes. The service was impeccable; the staff was friendly, attentive, and genuinely passionate about the food. The wine list was thoughtfully curated, with excellent pairings for the dishes. Our server Jason took the time to describe each dish in mouth watering detail. I noticed that every server was equally attentive to their respective tables. For a restaurant that’s just opened, everything ran seamlessly. I can’t wait to return and explore more of the menu. Trattoria D'Anna is a fantastic addition to the local dining scene, and I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an authentic and memorable Italian dining experience."* The food did not disappoint! The crab cakes live up to the award winning title. The clams casino brought me back to my childhood, so delicate and delicious. My husband's steak was absolutely flawless—a true testament to the chef's expertise. Cooked to perfection, it had a beautifully caramelized crust that gave way to a tender, juicy interior. Ordered medium-rare, it arrived with a warm, ruby-red center that melted in the mouth with every bite. The veal chop was an absolute standout—perfectly cooked to a tender, juicy finish with a beautifully seared crust that locked in all the flavor. The seasoning was spot-on, enhancing the natural richness of the meat without overpowering it. The portions are extremely generous. We had the pleasure of meeting the chef Ronnie who has been working in "the back of the house" since he was 11. Ronnie is very personable His dedication to using fresh, high-quality ingredients and perfecting every recipe is evident in the vibrant flavors and artful presentation of each plate. We will...
Read moreThis is pretty much the 4th review I've ever written.
I can't express enough how appreciative I am to have a nice restaurant in the area that serves food cooked in olive oil, beef tallow, or avocado oil. They cook with pasture raised eggs and pasture raised pork. After meeting the chef to tell him how much I appreciate that he uses optimal ingredients, he spent 10 minutes discussing with me that if he wasn't able to use the best ingredients he wouldn't be involved with the restaurant.
That's just the ingredients. The food their was absolutely delicious.
I had to get the pork chop, given that it was pasture raised. It was by far the best one I've ever had. The potatoes that come on it we're delicious and cooked perfectly, the peppers were a little spicy but, I loved it because I don't prefer bland food. The sauce that it came with was amazing.
The calamari was clearly not cooked with seed oils and you can taste the difference. Their calamari was a contender with the best I've ever had.
My wife had the pasta with the pasture raised eggs mixed in the sauce. It was creamy and delightful.
Our server was very considerate and attentive. He must've memorized the specials, it sounded like he was reading a script the way he was describing them. It was just an amazing experience. I can't wait to go back.
I told the server "the food was so good, if I was home I'd be licking the plate (not that there was anything but sauce remnant left). He told me "feel free to go ahead if you want." I responded "I wouldn't feel comfortable doing that in a restaurant I respect as much as this one."
I hope this restaurant grows and goes on to open many locations with the same standards and care. I hope you go there and get to experience the same desire to lick the...
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