Cafe Ponte - ClearwaterScrumptous food & great atmosphereWe have found a neighborhood gem that is consistent with quality, atmosphere, and service!6/12/2013 12:00:00 AMA wonderful Birthday CelebrationTwo and a half hours of dining pleasure, complimented by a fine selection of wines.
The unobtrusive and everpresent table service was of Swiss quality. From your never empty water glass to each morsel of food served. to the presentation of the wines, the service was a suitable compliment to the fine food and wine.6/10/2013 12:00:00 AMLOVE THE FOOD COMBINATIONSLOVE THE FOOD COMBINATIONS AND OUTSTANDING FLAVORS LIKE NO OTHERS CAN COMPARE
TO.6/8/2013 12:00:00 AMOutstandingExcellent food. Had the Prix fix and choice the beet salad. Beautiful presentation and so many different favors. Chose scallops for entree and again so tasty and lovely presentation. The trio of desserts were a wonderful ending to an outstanding meal.
Best meal I've enjoyed in a restaurant in years.6/7/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent service, decent foodWe dine at Cafe Ponte quite often and everything is usually amazing. Unfortunately, the chef seemed to be having an off night. If this was out first time dining, we would probably not go back, but since we know better we will be back. Everyone is entitled to off nights, it's just unfortunately when you bring guests and rave about a restaurant and leave with them saying it was decent but not worth the money. We will dissappointed this time but their track record speaks for itself. Service was still impeccable and they were great with food allergies.6/5/2013 12:00:00 AMHoneymoonWe had recently got married a few days before and after learning that our honeymoon on a cruise was unable to be taken my wife asked that for that evening we go to a nice restaurant. I had never been there but always heard the best of reviews. No doubt when we arrived without mentioning the condition of our honeymoon nor that we were recently married we chose a 6 course meal that was outstanding! Service and excellence was obviously a high expectation for the restaurant. I myself also work in the field and it was an amazing and enjoyable experience!6/4/2013 12:00:00 AMFamily gatheringThis was a combined reunion birthday family celebration, our "kids" have been living in New Orleans so you are playing to a tough crowd. Six people, 3 generations, a picky frau, but Patrick was able to accommodate the wife, Dennis did an outstanding job serving--Chris Ponte is obviously very careful about his servers. Of course, despite the fact he took his duck off the menu, the NY Strip special was excellent because of a sauce that defies imagination. Everyone's food: the beet salad, the mushroom soup, the salmon, the scallops, the fish stew, the flourless chocolate cake--all superb.
Don't forget Chris Ponte's back story where a bequest sends him to Cordon Bleu school!6/1/2013 12:00:00 AMFoodThe food was amazing! The servers were very well educated on the menu, I would definitely come back again!6/1/2013 12:00:00 AMthe hells kitchen of tampa!it's amazing that when you go out and eat you usually have medium expectations and then once in awhile you find a restaurant that just raises the bar so much that you realize there's nothing else around you that compares. I would highly suggest Cafe Ponte for anybody that truly wants to try some great food and a nice atmosphere. Marc was our waiter the last two times and I highly recommend asking for him as well . The price fixed 6 course meal is great and we paired it this time with the wine pairing. Yum! My taste buds left happy, full.5/30/2013 12:00:00 AMService and food were perfect!A group of 4 of us were there for a business dinner and we had Jeffrey as our waiter. We chose from the prix fix menu. Grouper was so delicious. My colleagues had short ribs, scallops, and pork chop and they were very pleased. I don't eat chocolate so Jeffrey brought non chocolate desserts for me for the dessert tasting. I have business dinners several times a week and Cafe Ponte was very special and definitely stands out as one of the best. Throughout the meal, we couldn't help but notice and we discussed several times how professional and attentive Jeffrey was as our waiter.5/29/2013 12:00:00 AMThank goodness for Cafe PonteDining that can compete with fine dining in any city. Imaginative menu with many stellar choices. We need more spots like this in Tampa Bay and I am very happy that it has had staying power.5/25/2013 12:00:00 AMStellarHad business clients in town and am very pleased I chose Cafe Ponte for the occasion.5/21/2013 12:00:00 AMWorth the drive!Best restaurant in a strip mall ever. One of the top ten meals of my life.5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMA Favorite GemChef Chris Ponte and his team never fail to impress! Excellent staff and service is top notch. The food- AMAZING! Highly recommend!5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMVery GoodMy husband and I went for our anniversary and opted for the tasting menu and wine pairing. Portions were perfect (we left full) and everything tasted wonderful. We sat in a booth, so it felt private...service was excellent. If you are looking for fine dining, this is a great place to go.5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMHigh ExpectationsCafé Pont measured up to my expectations for an elegant relaxed anniversary prix fixe dinner in almost all regards. The staff was very courteous and attentive without being intrusive. The dining room and service were immaculate. With the exception of disappointing lobster appetizer, the meal was delicious.5/18/2013 12:00:00 AMMy birthdayMy husband and I wanted to try Cafe Ponte because I had recently toured an organic farm (Gateway Organic Farm in Clearwater) that mentioned Chef Ponte and his desire for fresh, organic vegetables. So I wanted to support a restaurant that supports this farm.
We were given a choice of where to sit - either in the diningroom where there were several large groups or a booth in the lounge area. We chose the booth and it was nice and intimate.
We chose the 6 course menu with wine pairings and every dish was unique and delicious. The wines were well chosen and we were served an ample amount of wine with each course.I had to lay off finishing each one as the night went on!
Will definitely recommend this restaurant to our friends!5/13/2013 12:00:00 AMonce again, Cafe Ponte hasonce again, Cafe Ponte has exceeded our expectations and truely is beating some of the finest Madrid restaurants.5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMOne of my favorite restaurants.One of my favorite restaurants. A place to relax, get great service and I love the variety of food options, all of which is outstanding!5/12/2013 12:00:00 AMTasting menu is absolutelyTasting menu is absolutely the bomb! Each course is better than the last! Service is great, we very much appreciate the attention to details and the quality of the ingredients.5/11/2013 12:00:00 AMBest in Tampa BayThe chef is a master of his art, creating well-balanced, innovative and exciting dishes. Probably the best restaurant in the Tampa Bay area.5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMWonderful food, great treatsWonderful food, great treats from the chef!!! Professional staff, friendly, knowledgeable they really add to the dining experience5/10/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat food, great presentationEven the bread service is interesting. A wonderful, tightly edited menu with good seasonal notes. A really don't miss in St. Pete/Clearwater.5/9/2013 12:00:00 AMMostly GoodI had two appetizers rather than an entree. The baked oysters were excellent -- a nice blending of flavors. Unfortunately, the Portuguese clams were less successful. They took almost 30 minutes to come out from the kitchen and were both overly salty and occasionally sandy. The sauce, though delicious, would have benefitted by being put through a de-greaser. Service was excellent, and it was clear from where I was seated (near the open kitchen) that the slow clams weren't the server's fault. The live, jazz-tinged piano music was well played, never intrusive and a definite plus.5/3/2013 12:00:00 AMLoving the Tasting Menu!On our most recent visit, our table enjoyed the 6 course tasting menu...and it did not disappoint! The courses were spaced well (we never felt rushed from course to course), the portions were generous but not too large, and the flavors were absolutely fantastic. I would absolutely recommend trying it out the next time you dine at Cafe Ponte - it is definitely an experience!4/30/2013 12:00:00 AMThe food was amazing. TheThe food was amazing. The only bad thing I can comment on is the location. They need a location on the beach.4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMWe have been to Cafe PonteWe have been to Cafe Ponte many times and have never been disappointed. The food, service and ambiance is outstanding!4/27/2013 12:00:00 AMSara @ PaychexWe love coming to Cafe Ponte. The atmosphere and food is amazing and we never have any issues. I really love the online reservations system, that is great. Keep up the great work and we will ALWAYS come back!!4/26/2013 12:00:00 AMThe food was not as good asThe food was not as good as I usually get at this restaurant. I had not idea what a crowd they are drawing at lunch. Maybe it is a little overwhelming for them at this time.4/24/2013 12:00:00 AMSet in a small center youSet in a small center you would not expect to have such a wonderful restaurant in this area. Nice atmosphere, excellent food and great service. A must if you have not experienced it.4/23/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat little place for a celebratioGreat little place for a celebration lunch, or just to have an enjoyable time with friends and work associates. Relaxed fabulous outdoor space - just the right amount of shade and sun. Haven't had the chance to eat inside - like the outdoor space too much right now (April). Will look forward to the next time.4/23/2013 12:00:00 AMconsistently fabulousAs a "food snob", I'm particular about many aspects of dining with the quality of the food taking precedence. Cafe Ponte has long been one of my absolute favorite restaurants in the Bay Area. Its almost an hour away from us or we would be there a few times per month. The mushroom soup is the best I've ever had - hands down! The portions are generous, presentation is perfect and the taste is always fresh and wonderful. We enjoyed an outdoor lunch for our anniversary and decided to take home dinner as well. The staff is professional but friendly. Its a MUST visit for anyone in the area.4/22/2013 12:00:00 AMThe food was amazing, as always.The food was amazing, as always. I can always find something new and exciting there. The fixed price menu allowed us to try a variety of items, such as the dessert trio. Also, the cocktail menu was very large and unique!4/17/2013 12:00:00 AMI generally come here forI generally come here for lunch, as I work close by, but we met some friends for dinner Saturday night and had a fabulous time! Cafe Ponte never disappoints!4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMThis was our 2nd visit andThis was our 2nd visit and each time has been great.4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMPerfect eveningI have been desperately meaning to come here for a good three years. Now I can finally check Cafe Ponte off my list. My wife and I came here last night for our three year wedding anniversary.
I had purchased a Groupon a couple months ago for the 6 course tasting menu for two people. At $85 for two people, it was a steal. Still not cheap by any means, especially when you add in cocktails and I ordered the $35 wine pairing, but given the quality of food and service it was a nice deal IMO. The additional amuse bouche, bread service (choices of focaccia, walnut/black olive, flatbread, and asiago loaf), and palate cleansers were a very nice touch as well.
I would love to come back here! EVERYTHING was top notch.4/10/2013 12:00:00 AMFine dining at its best. CreamFine dining at its best. Cream of mushroom soup to die for. I can't believe I let this place slip off my radar for a while. We will be back again soon!4/9/2013 12:00:00 AMWonderful as always! We wereWonderful as always! We were there for our anniversary. Had the tasting menu with the wine pairings outside on the patio. No one else was outside and it is a ways from the road in the shopping center. Just GREAT!4/8/2013 12:00:00 AMDid the Tasting Menu courtesyDid the Tasting Menu courtesy of Groupon. They even added a few extras as well. Expect a leisurely dining experience of two-plus hours. Pricey, but worth trying at least once. Surprised when my wife said we should do it again some time.4/8/2013 12:00:00 AMThe tasting menu and wineThe tasting menu and wine pairing was absolutely phenomenal!4/5/2013 12:00:00 AMI am 100% impressed everyI am 100% impressed every time I get the pleasure to dine here. The staff is so knowledgeable and really respect your space and time. They know how to be attentive but not overbearing.
I love the little touches at this place...like bringing a small taste of something (soup or this past time a goat cheese foam...YUM) and even though we did not order dessert (I am too full by this point) they bring you a little taste of something sweet.
The food is definitely the highlight. I have been 3 times and each time I am inspired to try something new...the food is simple but complex and really leaves your tastebuds craving more :)
The prices are what they are, but it is worth every penny!!!4/5/2013 12:00:00 AMThird time to Cafe Ponte,Third time to Cafe Ponte, all excellent. Had the six course tasting menu. First of all, without losing the quality or specialness of a tasting menu, Cafe Ponte serves enough food with each course to make you feel ike you are having a meal. Mushroom soup was fantastic and the espresso rubbed ribeye superb. Although Cafe Ponte, can be a bit pricey, would definitely recommend for a special occasion.4/4/2013 12:00:00 AMFood with FlairGreat food with flair. The wait staff was knowledgeable and the food was right on time no waiting. Would highly recommend this restaurant!! Loved the atmosphere.4/3/2013 12:00:00 AMThe food is always consistantThe food is always consistant and the mushroom soup is a must have!4/3/2013 12:00:00 AMFood, service etc... excellent. ThFood, service etc... excellent.
The A/C was kept at too cool temperature.3/30/2013 12:00:00 AMVery good tasting menu, lotsVery good tasting menu, lots of food. Service was exceptional.3/28/2013 12:00:00 AMAn excellent place for clientAn excellent place for client lunches. Never had a bad dish. Should get rez ahead to be sure you get a table.3/28/2013 12:00:00 AMThe food and service wereThe food and service were wonderful, as always. The staff is always welcoming and friendly. The pre-fixe menu is a great deal if you arrive early enough to take advantage of it. The white asparagus salad was a new dish for us to try and it was delicious. The pork chops were juicy and perfectly cooked. The dessert sampler is a beautiful presentation of three very yummy desserts.3/27/2013 12:00:00 AMAlways excellent food andAlways excellent food and service. Always look forward to dining at Cafe Ponte.3/26/2013 12:00:00 AMEverything was fantastic!Everything was fantastic! Love their mushroom soup and the tasting menu was perfect.3/26/2013 12:00:00 AM