Dante's Italian Kitchen — Restaurant in Sanibel

I gave it two stars because the food is reasonably good (not great). Other than that the place was shockingly dysfunctional. Our first experience was to order breakfast. They serve breakfast but don't have a breakfast menu. How insane is that?

Next I tried to order a pizza. Three times I tried calling. No answer the first time, a quick disconnect (hung up on me?), then again no answer. I had to physically go there to place the order & then wait for them to cook it. I was told the phone issue is because they only have a "one way phone," whatever that means?

During the last night of our stay we decided to go there for a burger. We called to see if we needed a reservation. The phone was answered without a greeting and then placed on the countertop. For endless minutes I could hear the restaurant banter but not speak with anybody. I called back & EUREKA! - someone talked to me and said they don't take reservations.

Upon arrival we were told there wouldn't be a table for 15 minutes but we could sit at the bar. From the bar looking around, there were at least 10 empty tables and it wasn't because they were practicing social distancing. Why would we have to wait while so many tables were empty?

During my three visits I noticed the reception desk always had at least two hostesses & sometimes three. Why can't one of them answer the phone as it's done all over the planet except at Dante's on...

This is my experience only, yours may certainly be different. Lots of mixed emotions on this one. I did an internet order and it never gave me a meaningful update when I could expect my order. So, I drove to the location since it was a pick up in the first place to personally ensure my order is moving along like it should. Just as a comparison, Little Caesar's blows these guys away in regards to an on line order updates and notifications. The good news is once I got to the location, all the staff were helpful and prompt. The issue here seems to be with the Internet ordering primarily. I had a large calzone which was very good but smaller than other large calzone's in my experience and the "fried" calamari which was mushy on every piece and the lid to the red sauce was deformed as if it was melted (see picture) from being heated in a microwave...which if true is disappointing. Never have I spent so much for a calzone and an app, I expected more value for the price. Did not get the experience I was expecting for the price paid. I would of said more if this was not a carry out order. I hope my experience was a one off and I hope your experience was better than mine. If they can get this straightened out, it will be a good establishment for the east end of the island. Parking is simply...

Sat at the bar, bad slow service, at least 10 mins to get a drink order in, calamari appetizer came out quick and was delicious. My partner's entree came out at a decent pace, mine however did not. Runner said nothing, bartender looked at my empty setting said nothing. She should have immediately made a bee-line for the kitchen as soon as my food didn't arrive at the same time. She shrugged and just walked away. My husband was halfway thru before we were even able to get her attention to check the kitchen and still no answer. Not busy at the bar 2 bartenders, 6 couples, no excuse. Was so irritated at this point I said forget about entree, give me my check. Husband said chicken francese was good, spaghetti was too soft and flavorless.

Just an update, the manager did comp our whole check to make up for it, which shows they are willing to step up to the plate. We will try again and hope they get their...