Powered By OpenTable: Restaurant Reservations. Right this way.
Restaurant Reservations - Free • Instant • Confirmed

  • Pensare Italian Bistro

  • Online Reservations

Reserve at Pensare Italian Bistro

Date

mm/dd/yyyy

Time
Party Size

  • on 1,234 lists
  • Keep track of the places you want to try and share wish lists with friends!
Pensare Italian Bistro
Pensare Italian Bistro

Pensare Italian Bistro Details

  • Dining Style: Fine Dining
  • Website: http://www.pensareitalianbistro.com
  • Email: pensarebistro@gmail.com
  • Phone: (727) 786-2222
  • Hours of Operation:
    Dinner: Sunday - Thursday, 5:00pm - 9:30pm;
    Friday - Saturday, 5:00pm - 10:30pm
  • Payment Options: AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Executive Chef: Ciro Mancini
  • Dress Code: Smart Casual
  • Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes
  • Additional Details: Bar Dining, Beer, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Personal wines welcome, Personal wines welcome (corkage fee applies), Smoking Area, Smoking Area (patio only), Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine, Wine Bar
  • Catering: We can arrange catering for special events, ranging from $20 - $40 per person...in some cases Chef Ciro Mancini will be there in person
  • Special Events & Promotions: Coming soon:
    Wine pairings with dinner
    Theme dinners (i.e. seafood, pasta night, risotto)

Getting there

  • Cross Street: Main Street
  • Parking: Public Lot
  • Parking Details: Ample Free Parking next to restaurant
A word from Pensare Italian Bistro
Pensare brings expert Italian culinary technique and impeccable service to Main Street in Dunedin, FL. Under the careful eye of Chef Ciro Mancini, the food served at Pensare combines old world traditions and creative genius into an unparalleled epicurean experience. Whether you are looking for a… place to relax and meet up with some old friends for a glass of wine, or treat yourself to a stellar meal, Pensare offers it all.
Continued
Foodspotting photos
See all photos >
Awards voted by OpenTable diners
  • Diners' Choice WinnerBest Overall
  • Diners' Choice WinnerBest Ambiance
  • Diners' Choice WinnerBest Food
Diner Reviews
  • "We have been to this restaurant three times and found the dining experience worthy of 4.5 out of 5 stars. The presentation, quality, freshness, and flavor of the food was first class and consistent on each visit. The service however ranged from excellent to fair depending on which server we got. Overall I would highly recommend this restaurant and intend to go back."
    Dined on 3/7/2014
  • "When you're planning to dine on Italian food in a Florida resort town during MLB spring training, you don't expect food this outstanding. Everything, from appetizers to salads to main courses was spot on, and could have been served proudly in any Tuscan restaurant. And we've eaten at dozens of restaurants in Tuscany. We were visiting from Spokane, WA -- a much larger city than Dunedin, FL -- but can't find an Italian restaurant within 50 miles with food this good. When I yelped the restaurant before making our reservations, we laughed about how "over-the-top" the rave reviews were about the food. After eating there, we agree totally with those raves."
    Dined on 3/4/2014
  • "A Monday night Biz was slow. They were out of too many is the menu items. Server was not knowledgable. What we are was fine. An OK place."
    Dined on 3/3/2014
  • "The atmosphere was very nice. Our waiter was very knowledgeable and friendly. we didn't feel rushed. Thought it was odd that they were out of mozzarella. the waiter suggested the antipasto for our appetizer, it was very nice. The Caesar salads and entrees were very good. Overall dining experience was very enjoyable."
    Dined on 3/1/2014
  • "Service was good until it got busy,but when we finished dessert, the plates were not cleared and the check was long in coming. Then we asked another server to get our server's attention. When she brought back our receipt, she practically threw it at us, she was running so quickly. Not a gracious end to our dining experience."
    Dined on 3/1/2014
  • "My friend and I were dining before the theater and had decided to eat in Dunedin. Pensare had received many fine reviews. We were not disappointed! I had the Linguine Florida and my friend had the Pasta Special, a seafood mixture of calamare and clams. The food was delicious and the waiter very helpful and informative. We will certainly be back again."
    Dined on 2/27/2014
  • "Pensare's is s lovely place to eat the service and food was wonderful. The only complaint I have is the noise level. It was loud for such a fine restaurant. I would go again and I would recommend it to others."
    Dined on 2/27/2014
  • "We chose Pensare for its food & atmosphere and previous superb experiences ... this was a special dinner with great friends ... Ciro handled our special requests and then some!! From greetings to goodbyes, Ciro and his staff couldn't have done better to make our evening a great one. AND the menu continues to absolutely shine. We relaxed and thoroughly enjoyed each course, accompanied by wine from a pretty extensive list. For a great dining experience in Dunedin, Pensare tops the list!"
    Dined on 2/26/2014
  • "Since discovering this gem in the fall we have come back several times. Great for date night away from the kids. The lobster ravioli is fantastic (my wife's favorite). I like to try the specials and have not been disappointed. The Osso Buco is not to be missed. Our visit last week we dined outside, it was quiet and great to eat outside in February. Great dining experience."
    Dined on 2/22/2014
  • "Very authentic Southern Italian food. I felt I was back in Napoli. Chef Ciro makes everyone feel welcome. Special requests are never a problem. Buon Appetito."
    Dined on 2/22/2014
  • "This was our first time dining here. We tried to get reservations a few times before, but we were unsuccessful until we tried a Sunday night.....(Note.....make reservations a few days in advance). The food was wonderful. We had the Shrimp appetizer, as well as the Anchovies appetizer. which were quite substantial portions ---so share with a friend. The pasta entrees were delicious. Would recommend you be careful of the spicy tomato sauce since it had somewhat of a heavy kick to it. The rack of lamb was wonderful. Had a wonderful time and would definitely return."
    Dined on 2/23/2014
  • "We were two couples with 7:30 pm reservations on a Saturday night, the restaurant was packed inside and out. We waited a couple of minutes for our table which turned out to be right in the middle of the main dining room with hard surfaces everywhere. The food and service were good, staff is friendly and accommodating, but the noise level was so loud that we couldn't hear our server telling us about the specials for the night. We would definitely go back, but not on a weekend and we would request a table in a corner, perhaps, or outside."
    Dined on 2/22/2014
  • "While the service is a little inconsistent, the food is always exceptional!"
    Dined on 2/14/2014
  • "Service, food, atmosphere.......all excellent. My wife and I really enjoyed ourselves for a post Valentines Day dinner. Our waiter, Aldo, is the consummate professional. His suggestions for wine were only exceeded by the selections he recommended for our entrée. I had the Veal Shank special……wow was this a great suggestion by Aldo! My wife had Veal Saltimbocca…….melt in your mouth. Cesare salad was crisp, cold like I like it with great croutons. We had the Shrimp and Scallops in a light marinara sauce that is “knock your sock off” wonderful."
    Dined on 2/15/2014
  • "Booked ahead for Valentines Day to a town we had never visited and were not sure if the restaurant would live up to the expectation established by previous reviews from Open Table diners. This restaurant surpassed our expectations in every way. Five star food, service, everything. We had seating on the patio across from a neighborhood park where there was an art fair which added to the ambience."
    Dined on 2/14/2014
  • "Food is amazing, everything is fresh and rich while not being heavy or greasy in any way.The restaurant itself is very classy and clean with a nice warm and enviting ambience. Two thumbs pointed way up!!!"
    Dined on 2/14/2014
  • "Awesome food and service! This is quickly becoming a fav. I always have a great meal here!"
    Dined on 2/15/2014
  • "We went to Pensare on Feb 15, 2014. We had never been there but had heard great things about it. The food ws amazing and perfectly cooked. Our waiter, Michael, was not very friendly and seemed to rush us. He asked if we wanted spakling water and given the quality of Pensare e said yes. He did not tell us it was $4.50 a bottle and he just kept pouring without asking. Additionally, since it ws the day after Valentines other waiters were giving the lady or ladies at thier tables a rose. Not Micheal which kind of hurt my wifes feelings. Other than that we higly reccommend Pensare for a very excellent, tastefull and perfectly cooked meal!"
    Dined on 2/15/2014
  • "We last dined at Pensare for Valentine's dinner. We've loved the food in the past and didn't expect the same quality on such a popular evening. Wow, we were delightfully surprised! The food was as good as in the past - which is excellent! Our server, Nicole was amazingly efficient which was impressive as she and all the servers were understandably very busy. We ordered a nice bottle of Italian wine and got out the door for what we felt was a very reasonable price."
    Dined on 2/14/2014
  • "This was the perfect place to take my wife for Valentines. Great service, food, and Ambiance."
    Dined on 2/14/2014
  • "Wow! Our first time here and it didn't disappoint. Aldo, our server, was excellent in every regard. The homemade pappardelle isn't to be missed. I had the pappardelle piselli and my husband had the veal parmesan. Both were just excellent and we ended up the meal with tiramisu. We'll be back! Thanks!"
    Dined on 2/15/2014
  • "We went on Valentine's Day, and the food was excellent. Very generous portions, delicious, and the prices were great. We will definitely be back."
    Dined on 2/14/2014
  • "When we booked the only times available were 5 or 9.30pm.....what already indicates how hot this restaurant is. We have been there now 3 times (her) and 2 times (him), and will return for sure. The food is delicious, prepared with care and bringing the real Italian spirit right on your plate. The service is just fantastic. Our favorite waiter is Michael, he is patient, friendly, knowledgeable, gives great advise and great memory about what you had before. We love this place, where happy to be able to celebrate Valentine with them, and for sure will return. One of the best restaurants in the wide area, and worth a 20min drive! Thank you guys."
    Dined on 2/14/2014
  • "The food at Pensare is very good local Italian. We were seated promptly on Valentines Day, always a goosd start. Server took a while to come over, but took wine order . Waited over 15 minutes for wine and asked several times for bread before it arrived. Soup and sald came before antipasta plate we ordered with no explanation- cancelled it and no one seemed to care our order was incorrect. Main course came promptly and food was very good. Tiramasu not good- save your $8- Other than that ,usual good food with unfortunately usual service glitches, but good food , well priced- will keep going back."
    Dined on 2/14/2014
  • "This was our first visit and we went the 13th of Feb to avoid the craziness of Valentine's day. We had the unfortunate luck to be served by a waiter that was taking care of outside tables as well as our little table tucked into a back corner. I don't understand why the waitress taking care of the table next to us in the other little corner was not assigned our table. We constantly had to look for our waiter and at one point he left the bowl of Parmesan cheese on our table stating that we would probably get our entrees before he could get back to us. The food was delicious, but the service took away from our experience since I watched the waitress serving those next to us & another waiter provide very attentive service to their tables."
    Dined on 2/13/2014
  • "Love this place, great selections and cooked perfect, highly recommend it."
    Dined on 2/12/2014
  • "A very nice wine list, but in this day ad age there should be at least one Chardonay choice priced under $40.00"
    Dined on 2/9/2014
  • "We love Pensare! The chef (Ciro Mancini) makes authentically Italian, outstandingly delicious food that is CONSISTENTLY fantastic! The decor is cozy chic ,wine bar bistro (love the wine art!), and the restaurant is a wonderful addition to downtown Dunedin. The owners are friendly and always on the premises, which is why the service is always top notch. These are people (owners, chef, and staff) that take pride in their restaurant and it shows. We have taken numerous friends and family to Pensare always to rave reviews. It's one of our favorite places to eat and have a drink."
    Dined on 2/10/2014
  • "We went with another couple to celebrate 2 birthdays. It was a perfect evening! From our greeting from the Executive Chef, Chiro, to the wonderful lemoncello cake, everything was spot on. Everyone's meal was delicious; and the service was perfect...always attentive, but not hovering. This is one of few places I would have no hesitation to recommend to anyone who enjoys fine dining in a relaxed atmosphere!"
    Dined on 2/9/2014
  • "It was our first time to the restaurant. There were 4 of us. We enjoyed a nice mix of entrees with fish, chicken and pasta. Everything was delicious! Our server Michael did an awesome job helping us navigate the menu and suggesting a wonderful wine. We will definitely go back."
    Dined on 2/8/2014
  • "We enjoyed dining there very much. Indeed, third visit in three weeks."
    Dined on 2/8/2014
  • "Pensare has potential but seems to be still working out the kinks of being a new eatery. My veal saltimboca was tough but the lobster with linguini my wife ordered was delicious."
    Dined on 2/7/2014
  • "Good was outstanding. We also had great service and will come again when we are in the area."
    Dined on 2/7/2014
  • "The food was excellent, served in a timely manner and waiter was great. The desserts were ok but not on the same food level as the apps and dinner."
    Dined on 2/5/2014
  • "Compliments to the Chef. The food was outstanding, the service very efficient and not hurried. The chatter was busy and the noise level wasn't intolable, but at times, noisey. The evening was a pleasant completion to a beautiful day. We will be back to enjoy another evening soon."
    Dined on 2/1/2014
  • "Great for feeling you are in Italy .Make you feel like you are at home .Great chef."
    Dined on 1/28/2014
  • "As always, the Executive Chef was circulating throughout the restaurant, and he offered a greeting welcoming us to Pensare and thanking us for coming. Our server was prompt, and very helpful with a first time guest's questions about things on the menu. The food was prepared perfectly, and the service was excellent, even though we opted for only appetizers and salads...ladies watching their diets! The wines available by the glass are excellent!"
    Dined on 1/30/2014
  • "Service fair at best, food was exceptionally slow coming from kitchen...when finally arrived not as ordered."
    Dined on 1/28/2014
  • "Everything from start to finish was beyond expectations. We were greeted at the door by the owner and although we were 30 mins early for our reservation and despite the packed house, they found us a table and seated us within minutes. I had the cannelloni Portofino. It was loaded with seafood and the taste was spectacular. The prosciutto and mozzarella appetizer was the best I've had. And the arugula salad was terrific. The service was top notch. Authentic Italian cuisine freshly prepared and at reasonable prices. I would/will definitely visit again."
    Dined on 1/25/2014
  • "What a welcome dinner ! The night before we spent twice as much on , brought our own bottle of wine , at a " French Restuarant " . Had we known how woderful the food and service was at Pensare , we would have skipped that whole French experience ! Service was impeccable , food delicious and for a great price ! I recommend it highly ! Thank You"
    Dined on 1/19/2014
More reviews ›
Larger map ›
Smaller map ›
Diners' Choice Awards
  • Tampa / Central Florida West Winners
  • Best Overall
  • Best Food
  • Italian
  • Neighborhood Gem
  • Clearwater Winners
  • Best Overall
  • Best Ambiance
  • Best Food
  • Best Service
  • Fit for Foodies
  • Neighborhood Gem
  • Romantic
  • Most Booked
Learn more ›