Ferrucci Ristorante — Restaurant in Panama City

Updated Review Restaurant was sold to new owners and was allowed to keep the name the same. Questionable tactic seeing prior owner was a true Italian with authentic Italian dishes. Seems a bit “sleight of hand" if you ask me as the prior owner was known to close his restaurant for a few weeks and travel back to his homeland in search of new recipes to bring back to Panama City. New owners had a successful Mexican restaurant for years that served the masses but has since went under when they sold it and also allowed new owners to keep their name. I called and asked if a reservation was required and was told "yes, for now". Made reservation, arrived on time. Hostess was entertaining a man and his son who had no reservation. She took them to a preferred seating area and attempted to seat us in the newly remodeled bench style seating but placed us in the corner section which was going to obviously be a cramped dining experience. The man who was with his son realized what was happening an offered to switch with us as he obviously realized this would make for uncomfortable dining. We politely thanked him but declined. We requested outside dining knowing it was more intimate. After seeking out approval we were allowed to sit outside. The waitress was great. She offered items not yet on the menu as it was still being printed. She referenced the steak that was once served at the owners old restaurant, a 12oz bone-in ribeye which I ordered. It was 60% uneatable fat and lacked seasoning. The mozzarella ball and tomato soup were the only thing reminiscent of the prior owner. This restaurant was once a quaint intimate dining experience with a Tuscan style motif. The newly remodeled restaurant has lost that appeal in my opinion. Small quaint booths have been replaced by a kitchen staff prep area. The long bench style seating against the wall I don't understand. This was the perfect place for a romantic dinner. I guess the new owners are attempting to get more customers in seats that were not available. This is our second time dining here under new ownership. Panama City lost a quaint little Italian restaurant with authentic Italian food. We hope the original owner enjoys his retirement, and the new owners find their place. We wish the new owners the best but after spending $170+ on dinner with drinks, we most likely will not come back unless it's for a party invite or something of that nature. Consider renaming it to "The New Ferrucci Ristorante" so that there is no confusion. My old review of this restaurant name made things quite deceiving for those who check out reviews before dining after Sept 22, 2023 when the...

Nestled in the heart of downtown Panama City, Florida,

Ferrucci has quickly become a culinary beacon for both locals and visitors seeking an extraordinary dining experience that transcends the ordinary.

Renowned for its exceptional smoked steak and authentically crafted Italian cuisine, Ferrucci stands as a testament to the art of gastronomy, easily earning the title of the best restaurant in Bay County.

As you step through the welcoming entrance, the inviting ambiance envelops you, drawing you into a world where flavors reign supreme.

The aroma of perfectly smoked steaks wafts through the air, hinting at the culinary magic that awaits. Each steak is meticulously prepared, starting with high-quality cuts that are seasoned to perfection before being subjected to a masterful smoking process.

The result is an explosion of flavor that tantalizes the taste buds—a beautifully charred exterior encasing a tender, juicy interior that practically melts in your mouth.

But Ferrucci doesn't stop there. Their Italian menu is a homage to traditional recipes that are executed with an innovative twist, ensuring that every dish tells a story of passion and flavor.

From handcrafted pasta to sumptuous sauces simmered to perfection, each plate is a work of art, beautifully presented and bursting with authentic taste.

The secret lies not just in the ingredients, but in the love and attention to detail that the chef pours into every culinary creation.

Dining at Ferrucci is not simply a meal; it’s an experience that awakens the senses and elevates the soul.

The staff embodies a spirit of genuine hospitality, always eager to share recommendations and wine pairings that enhance the flavors of each dish, making every visit feel personalized and special.

Whether you’re indulging in their famed smoked steak or exploring the depths of their Italian offerings, the quality and authenticity offered here is unparalleled—no other establishment in Bay County can compete with the exceptional standard that Ferrucci has set.

So, if you’re contemplating where to spend your hard-earned money, let your search end here; Ferrucci is the culinary gem that promises to deliver unmatched satisfaction.

Each visit is an invitation to savor the very best that Bay County has to offer. Embrace the chance to indulge in the exquisite; after all, life is too short for anything less than magnificent dining.

Simply put—Ferrucci is the crown jewel of downtown Panama City, where extraordinary flavors come to...

We finally went to this downtown Panama City restaurant in September 2023 after being told by several people we need to try it. It had recently changed ownership so we were skeptical of trying within the first week of new ownership but went anyway and were disappointed.

The food was at best I'd say was Italian inspired but I feel like I cook more flavorful and fresh Italian at home. We started off with the Caprese salad and Sautee di Spinaci as appetizers. The sauteed spinach in a small bit of tomato sauce was excellent. It's hard to mess that up. The Caprese salad was just ok. Tomatoes had no flavor and just tasted like bland grocery store tomatoes. For an entree I tried the special of the night which was sun-dried tomato and shrimp pasta. The shrimp were tiny watery frozen shrimp and there were tomatoes in the pasta but they weren't even remotely close to being sun-dried. Just regular diced tomatoes. We are within sigh of the bay so it surprised me that instead of fresh shrimp that tiny frozen ones were used. The dish wasn't bad it wasn't what I expected and it was just mediocre. My husband tried the Carne Misto which was described as "a meat lovers feast. New York strip, chicken breast and Italian sausage grilled to perfection." The meat was very plain with no seasoning and included steamed broccoli and carrots that tasted like they came out of a bag and watery powdery instant mashed potatoes. Grilled veggies and homemade mashed potatoes would have been better. It didn't feel like it was an Italian meal at all.We finished with Tiramisu that was soggy and watery as it had been sitting on a counter defrosting from the freezer too long. Overall the food was bland and didn't feel like it was Italian it just felt like it was wannabe Italian. Just because it's pasta and tomato sauce doesn't make it Italian. I'd like to see spices used and fresher food.

Our waitress was great and sitting on the outdoor patio was nice even though there is no view at all except for the view of a parking lot. After spending over $100 for 2 people I don't think we would go back.....I'll stick to cooking Italian at home where I promise it would be fresher and...