Valentina's Italian Bistro — Restaurant in Florida

★★★★★

Valentina's Italian Bistro in Orange Park, FL, is an absolute gem. The owners, Chris and Valentina, are just awesome people and the food they create is truly LIFE CHANGING! It is a veteran owned business and noticed right away the POW/MIA table set up to signify those who are missing but are not forgotten-it was really great to read the sign above the table to educate my nieces and nephews the significance to each item on the table-truly heartwarming to share that with them. Right from the get-go, you feel like you're part of their family-the atmosphere, service, and staff are TOP NOTCH!

Now, let's talk about the food. The Bruschetta? Oh man, it's off the charts! Seriously, it's the greatest flavors I have EVER HAD. The pizza? Pretty darn good too. But honestly, that Bruschetta stole the show.

I normally never order desert, but I couldn't resist just knowing that Valentina's deserts would take me right back to Sicily. The Tiramisu is out of this world! I mean, I could eat that stuff every day and never get tired of it. The Cannoli's, Garlic Knots and Chicken Alfredo were nothing short of delicious! I wish I lived closer, because this place would be part of my weekly meal plans. I can't wait to return to try more of their menu, there isn't a doubt in my mind that every dish served is outstanding!

This is a casual bistro, but perfect for a nice date night or a family dinner. The atmosphere is comfy, casual, upscale and romantic all in one. Anyone could easily dine-in wearing leggings and an oversized shirt or a suit/dress and fit in just fine. We had kids with our group and they loved everything-they were shouting how it was the greatest food they had ever had!

I swear, this place took me back to Italy with every bite. I've had my share of Italian food, but Valentina's is on a whole new level. It's not just a restaurant; it's an experience. If you're in Orange Park, FL, and you don't swing by Valentina's, you're seriously missing out. It's the kind of food that makes you want to come back...

First of all the owner came by, Chris. He was very nice and hospitable, best part of our dining experience. Plus the cannolis are delicious. But as regards the rest, I can’t understand the hype on this place. I was not impressed. Unfortunately I do not plan on returning. The food was just okay, very overpriced and no salad or bread comes with your meal. It costs extra for a basic salad. And costs extra for any bread. I was told they don’t do that there. ( don’t give a basket of bread at beginning) We waited almost 10 minutes for waitress to greet us and bring water. The waitress was nice but irritated a little with me, I could tell. I ordered chicken piccata ($20) It was not chicken piccata like I am used to, but it tasted different, not great. It was a tiny baked chicken breast not breaded or fried with a creamy thick lemon sauce with capers with a small side of pasta. She said that that is how Sicilian type is made. Never have I heard of that, so I googled it, I can’t find a recipe like that anywhere. After dinner, we asked about desserts. We were told to go look in the case up front for what dessert we wanted, I was confused ( she said to look at desserts first, too many to list and tell us) but she brought us a cannoli when I asked. Because my friend had to go get her own dessert first. I think it’s a cute place and the I wish the owner success, I had hoped to like it more and had overall a better experience. Also they don’t do a lunch menu. This is just my opinion, I felt like I was a bother and the food didn’t represent the cost. Makes me sad because I was excited for a new restaurant. I really feel they could do small touches and things for you that would make you want to return. Parking is bad here, hard to find a parking spot. Plus the food itself and portion size needs improved. My friends also were not satisfied with the portion or taste of the chicken parm. They said that Carrabas is...

From start to finish, our experience was outstanding and delicious! Greeted with a smile as soon as we walked through the door. Very inviting atmosphere. Quickly seated, drinks and appetizers were placed. Menu has a lot to choose from, but not overwhelming. Our appetizers were the calamari which was crispy fresh and hot, very delicious not chewy at all. We also ordered the Arancini, very tasty, hot and crispy on the outside cheesy and savory on the inside,, served with their house marinara, which is also delicious. Our entrées were the pesto gnocchi, very generous portion, served with housemade sausage which had a little kick to it. Nice big shavings of Parmesan on top. It’s very rich and creamy. The flavor of the pesto was divine!

Second entrée, and in my opinion, the star of the show was the linguini frutti di mare. Perfectly cooked linguine, the seafood broth in the sauce was outstanding, salty, rich, delicious clams, mussels, calamari, juicy shrimp clean correctly. There wasn’t a single thing about this dish I would’ve changed. It was absolutely fantastic. Sopped up the broth with some of their homemade garlic bread 🤌

One delicious shot of espresso to finish off the meal.

We ordered a few desserts to go. They make them all in house. The lobster tail, a puff pastry filled with fresh Bavarian cream, chefs kiss and a delicious slice of limoncello.

Like I said from start to finish, our experience was fantastic. The staff the atmosphere the attention to detail the food. Everything was a 10 out of 10! Thank you Valentina’s for a...