Bonu' Taverna Italiana — Restaurant in Saint Petersburg

It was a night destined for greatness. The air was crisp, a perfect 70 degrees, with a breeze so gentle it whispered secrets of adventure. Downtown St. Pete glittered beneath the moon, casting a glow that could only mean one thing: an epic night was upon us. My girlfriend and I, the protagonists of this grand tale, arrived at the doorstep of Bonu, ready for whatever marvels lay ahead.

Allow me to set the scene. There I stood, resplendent in my green sweater—a garment that clung to me with the elegance of a finely tailored suit. My reflection caught in a window as we passed, and I had to admit, I looked incredibly handsome. Beside me, my date; a vision of beauty, stepped lightly into the moonlight. She was ravishing—the kind of breathtaking that poets write about, her silhouette glowing like an ethereal goddess. Together, we were the picture of perfection, embarking on what would become a dining journey worthy of song.

I digress; let me talk about Bonu. As my date and I took our seats, our noble server appeared: Devon (or Devin, a mystery for the ages). Let me tell you, Devon wasn’t just a server—she was my new guide, my muse, my coach, my delightful oracle of culinary wisdom, whose very presence assured me that we were in for a spectacular feast. Her charm was unmeasurable, her attentiveness unparalleled. Devon didn’t just serve us; she crafted an experience for us as if we were a royal family presenting themselves to a small nation. A Nation of Bonu. (Democratic I assume.)

By now, I had already bested one bottle of Prosecco before entering the lands, my mind and spirit light as air. But did that stop my date from ordering another bottle with a twinkle in her eye and a heart full of reckless abandon? No, dear reader, it did not. And with that, the adventure truly began.

Devon, our ever-charming companion on this quest, brought forth another bottle of Prosecco, water, menus and bread. Oh lands, the bread.

Now, let me be clear: this wasn’t just bread—it was the bread of legends. Forged in the fires of Mount Flavor, each bite sent me deeper into culinary bliss. I’ve tasted many loaves in my day, but this was different. It was as if the gods themselves had kneaded it with ambrosia. A lesser man might have wept openly at its perfection, but I, noble and dashing in my green sweater, kept my composure—barely.

As I sipped more Prosecco (yes, the second bottle), our entrees arrived. Before me: Spaghetti with Octopus, a dish so masterful it belonged in the halls of Valhalla. The octopus was tender and flavorful, intertwined with pasta so delicate it could have been spun by the fates themselves. My date? She ordered something with shrimp, but all I could comprehend through my Prosecco-fueled haze was the word "delicious" leaving her lips. And if she says it’s delicious, it might as well be the elixir of eternal life.

The climax of our feast was the bread pudding, a dessert so extraordinary it defied logic. Imagine, if you can, the taste of a muffin, a chocolate chip cookie, and a unicorn merged into one perfect bite. This wasn’t just dessert—this was the final treasure of our culinary quest, the key to untold joy.

As if our journey couldn’t get more magnificent, Devon returned with a chalice of Limoncello, a concoction so divine, it didn’t just aid digestion—it transformed me into a champion of the post-meal. I could have climbed mountains after one sip, my digestive prowess unstoppable, my spirit soaring.

So, here’s the truth: Bonu isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a place where legends are born. With Devon as your guide, Prosecco as your fuel, and food that transcends mortal comprehension, you’ll leave with a full stomach and a soul that’s been truly fed.

Would I return? I must return. This isn’t over. This is only the beginning.

20/10, would conquer Prosecco and bread again. I think you should go here.

Thanks...

Based upon 2 other reviews on this establishment I feel the need to state my experience as i’ve been in hospitality for over 16 years and currently a mixologist at an upscale 5 star restaurant in a similar area to downtown St. Pete. and have never treated someone the way my friends and I were. I have never experienced such rudeness and entitlement from staff and owner for simply using the restroom. Knowing most places in St. Pete are customer only I briefly looked around and there were ZERO signs of “customers only”. We were greeted by a woman who I walked passed to use the restroom, she said hello and I said hello back and my friends were standing by the front door unsure wether or not we were going to eat there. As you know, google is used for many things, like looking up a menu, so there was no need to view it upon entering the restaurant as we are foodies and look things up before we go anywhere. I walked out of the restroom and unbeknownst to me, my friends were gone. Upon leaving, your bartender made a slick remark saying “Thanks for using our restroom” in a very condescending tone. I didn’t say anything and walked out. Clearly upset When reuniting with my friends they mentioned how belittling you were to them about ME using your restroom, again, with no signs stating customers only. My friend and I re entered the restaurant with intentions to speak to the manager, which could of have been handled differently, but when asked where the public restroom was your bartender laughed and pointed to the porto potty outside, you and your staff continued belittling us and were shooing us out of the restaurant. Feeling extremely unheard and discriminated, I Had a few choice words for yourself and your egotistical staff and left. Realizing I may have left my phone in the bathroom unfortunately, I had to renter for a 3rd time and your bartender was laughing and yelling “op that’s your karma KARMA..KARMA”, for what, being treated like degenerates?!?! Being that you’re new, maybe humble yourself and your staff a bit. Italian restaurants come and go and based off recent reviews I don’t see this establishment lasting long. Bring the entitlement down a few notches, clearly knowing that 80% of downtown is CUSTOMERS ONLY bc they all have signs 🌈Here’s your sign...

Bonu Taverna isn't just another Italian restaurant; it's a sanctuary for those seeking the epitome of authentic Italian cuisine and unparalleled hospitality. My encounter with Bonu Taverna wasn't merely a dining experience; it was a momentous occasion that saved my wedding weekend, leaving an indelible mark on me and my guests.

In the whirlwind of wedding preparations, my intimate rehearsal dinner unexpectedly swelled from 15 guests to 35. Amidst the chaos, the team at Bonu Taverna rose to the occasion with grace and finesse. They didn't just accommodate our expanded party; they orchestrated a VIP experience that exceeded all expectations.

Upon arrival, we were ushered into the back room of the restaurant, a space exuding an ambiance that seamlessly blended intimacy with sophistication. Dimly lit, with the dulcet tones of a DJ setting the perfect mood, it was an atmosphere unlike any other. Each table boasted its own dedicated server, ensuring that every guest felt like royalty. From start to finish, we were tended to hand and foot, enveloped in a cocoon of impeccable service.

And then there was the food. Authenticity permeated every dish, transporting us to the heart of Italy with each savory bite. From the perfectly al dente pasta to the indulgent tiramisu, every morsel was a testament to the culinary mastery of Bonu Taverna's chefs. My guests, hailing from Germany, Los Angeles, Denver, and Miami, unanimously declared it the most extraordinary dining experience they'd ever encountered.

But it wasn't just about the food and ambiance; it was about the people—the dedicated team at Bonu Taverna who turned a potential disaster into an unforgettable memory. Their unwavering commitment to excellence transformed an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary affair, one that will be cherished and reminisced upon for years to come.

In essence, Bonu Taverna isn't merely a restaurant; it's an oasis of culinary delight and unparalleled hospitality. Whether you're celebrating a milestone or simply seeking an extraordinary dining experience, Bonu Taverna stands as a beacon of excellence in the realm of Italian cuisine. My heartfelt gratitude to the entire team for creating memories that will...