Tony & Nello's Southern Italian Cuisine & Grille — Restaurant in Gulfport

Came in with a reservation for 2 at 8:15; the only time available for a reservation. Granted the restaurant was packed, we waited 10-15 mins for our table to be cleared, even with the reservation. After being seated, we had 2 different servers ask if we had been helped before our server came to greet us (about 10 mins). Our drink orders were taken and brought to us promptly by another server. When the server returned and listed off the specials, we had to say (unprompted) that we wanted to order an appetizer order of garlic knots before he ran off to the next table. Our food orders were taken roughly 5 mins after the garlic knots got to our table. I ordered Baked Ziti in meat sauce and my boyfriend ordered Fettuccine Alfredo with Shrimp. Both meals came with salad and bread. We waited roughly 25 minutes after ordering for just our salads and bread to be brought out. At this point all other tables around us, including the party of 4 sat 5 minutes before us are starting to cash out and get their food boxed up. At this point, the restaurant has started their closing work, sections are being swept, servers are counting their money, and our server was rolling silverware. I can understand wanting to get your side work done, but that should be done after your tables are taken care of and preferably in an area where the guests do not feel like they are being rushed out. It was 10 mins till closing by the time our food came out and the entire restaurant had cleared. We had asked for our food to be boxed up because we just wanted to leave at this point and our server did not do what we asked till we expressed distaste in the service and mentioned wanting to speak to the manager. He was trying to encourage us to stay and eat but with the whole restaurant basically ready to close, we did not want to be those guests keeping them open. The manager did a poor job of dealing with the situation, she told us that “everything is made to order” but the Fettuccine Alfredo didn’t even have shrimp in it like ordered. She didn’t offer to take off the garlic knots or any discount until we said we were not interested in a free dessert. The food was not correct or good enough for the time spent waiting on it and the way in which management decided to handle the situation does not reflect a company that values customer service. Do not waste your time...

Upfront-- the best Italian food you will ever eat!! My husband and I have been dining at Tony and Nello's since it began, and as JoJo's when it was next door. To sum it up, I will say, think of eating at your Italian grandmother's house on Sundays. It doesn't matter what you select-- it's absolutely delicious and "comfort food". This is a family owned and operated establishment. And when you are there, you're part of the family! It's a joyous place to visit with an "open kitchen" concept with several tables and bar area able to view the hustle and bustle in the kitchen. They also have a wood fire brick oven for pizzas, etc. The dining room has both large party tables and intimate dining. The restaurant is cozy with dark wood, tile floor, and frescoed walls. Oh-- and check out the ceiling! 😋 The servers are excellent-- knowledgeable, professional, and friendly as well! Now to the food. I have never had a meal I didn't enjoy. My special favorites? For appetizers you have to try the bruschetta and calamari. Linguini and clams, any veal dish, sausage and peppers. If you go for lunch (or dinner), try the Tony's special steak sandwich/sub. Tiramisu for dessert! You know how restaurant specials are usually things they're trying to get rid of?? Not so here!! Tony and Neal have just been able to get special fresh ingredients and create wonderful dishes. If fish is offered on the Specials Board? GET IT!!! I don't think they advertise, because "word of mouth" has developed a loyal following. Reservations are almost a must for weekends!! How much do we love Tony and Nello's? Well, we live in Daytona Beach and eat at least one meal a day here whenever...

We drove up to the parking lot and the appearance of the restaurant from outside was not very appealing, but we thought we'd give it the benefit of the doubt since reviews were good. Well, unfortunately for us, we learned that if it looks bad on the outside it's probably also bad on the inside. Firstly, only one waitress for the entire restaurant. On Valentine's day! She made an effort to seem friendly but was clearly overloaded as she was very rushed and quick to take our order. The food arrived in good timing, but one of the entrees was over salted. We pointed this out to the waitress. She asked if we wanted to change for anything else, but at this point the rest of the party was already halfway done with the food, so we politely declined. She came back later only to say that she checked with the kitchen and was told that the food was supposed to be that salty. What??? Seriously? Not even an apology. When our bill arrived, they charged us extra for the extra sauce we ordered (most places get you complimentary extra sauce for your rolls. Not this one.), and also charged us for the side salad and pasta that came with the over salted dish. I understand that it was consumed, as it was the only thing left that my husband managed to eat, but at the least they could have compensated by not charging for that. Like I said, waitress was rushy and we did not feel relaxed or got to fully enjoy our food, which was not very good anyway. We would have rather gone to OG, much nicer, better food, and free extra sauce! We were a party of 3 and the bill was over $100. Two of us only had water. Definitely overpriced. I do not recommend this restaurant and we will not...