Phillip Metcalfe
Hidden gem in Pensacola! This Italian restaurant is one you won’t want to miss. The food was delicious. Their menu doesn’t lie when it says the food will take while to come out; it is made TO ORDER. Well worth the wait. Our server, Anna, was wonderful. She had great recommendations for the food and was very attentive. The restaurant is unique in that it acquired a home next to the property and renovated the inside to be an extension of the restaurant. The main building offers outdoor seating and inside seating near the kitchen. Between the two buildings is a canopy area offering outdoor seating and a fire pit. I highly recommend visiting!
Randall McGuire
The food is rated so well, I hate to leave anything contrary. My wife is the Italian fan so I’ll * her part. For starters, we didn’t have a reservation. If you are driving more than 15 minutes, CALL THEM & make a reservation first! The staff was VERY accommodating though. It was our 6th anniversary, we have a 10mo old baby & God gave us an opportunity to get seated quickly.
Service was fantastic and very informative. The dishes are quite complex and require some real prep and skill to deliver a divine, complex dish.…
Wife-*Joey’s Baked gf tortellini was fantastic! The sauce, cheese, & pasta perfectly cooked and combined perfectly. The ROMAN’S DIRTY OIL & GARLIC with shrimp was fantastic! Plenty of decent sized shrimp, a lot of flavor with garlic & herbs!* My part- Lots of garlic which I love. You can order any dish with a different heat level and I opted for “Hot.” These dishes are made with plenty of flavorful ingredients so the need for any heat wasn’t necessary, as the heat is also with fresh peppers! Anyone who tries fresh peppers knows the heat can vary and this was a mistake on my part! Way too hot to really enjoy, however; I did pull as many of the chunks of peppers I could easily remove out & reheated the next day, the dish was much better! (Which it would’ve been that great to begin with had I not asked for it the way that I did. As for Quantity, there is no small portion so bring your appetite!!! The bread was bland for both of us especially in comparison to the loaded flavor of our entree’s. I got DAD’S MUSHROOMS from the raving reviews. It is a good complex dish but seemed a little over diced on all of the ingredients. It might have been better spread on a flavorful bread/toast but not necessarily as an appetizer on its own.
Ultimately, try this place and a dish as it comes and then modify at a 2nd visit if you feel it lacked something.
Finally, the tiramisu was fantastic. Not too heavy and not too light. Not too sweet but not bland.
Ogre Ray
Cozy small restaurant, with authentic food, generous portions, awesome food quality, and world class service.
Waitress was Hannah and the owner made rounds to all tables during our dinner.
I think this is the best Italian in Pensacola.
heacho
Friendly atmosphere and most of all, great food!!! Reasonable price. Worth the wait if you have to. Highly recommend 👍
VeSean Bogan
Listen here. To all yall 1/2 star reviewers... how could yall say anything negative about this restaurant!? Everyone contributed to my great experience. Wonderful service service, ambiance, delicious drinks and the best ribeye pasta I could ever ask for. The big time chef came n visited my table and I showered him with complements. The man knows what he is doing and every dish is crafted with art and care. If yall can't wait for your food knowing that go somewhere else... like olive garden. Also shout out to the staff they work so hard. BONELLI'S is simply delicious. I'll be back from new orleans soon enough.
Monica S. Jackson
We took my daughter here for her 14th birthday. The food is great. The portions are big. The prices match what you get. You have to make a reservation or you will not get in. It's very intimate. The service is awesome. I highly recommend this place. If you order the mushrooms, I hope you like garlic. The chicken parm with angel hair pasta was my favorite out of everything we ordered
James Nguyen
Had an amazing couples dinner. Great service, portions were more than suitable for our stomachs, and the staff are incredibly kind and attentive. I like that they also give you space to enjoy your dinner without smothering you for small talk. Highly recommend
ReneeOnPoint
The five star ratings given for Bonelli's are all so much deserved. The aroma in the air was the first sign, I knew my meal would be tasty. Just a heads up make a reservation. Outdoor seating is also available. I had a glass of Moscato from the wine list. They also have a full bar available. I love the way the sauces are named on the menu. The portions are HUGE ! Everything was great from the bread, meatballs and mushrooms appetizers, chicken parmesan, house special to the service and atmosphere. One thing I wish I had done was order desert first. I was too stuffed to even think about desert. Bonelli's is ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Joel Sexson
This was the best pasta I’ve ever had, would 10/10 recommend. The service was great as well, and the food was a bit slow but you could tell it was made to order with how fresh everything was. I got the shrimp Diavolo and the shrimp was so fresh and cooked perfectly, although the medium spice is not as spicy as I had hoped (I’ll go up to hot next time). The portions are nicely sized and the bread+dip is a nice snack while waiting for the food.
Ashley Dearing
Food was excellent, but a bit pricey especially if you want to add any protien to your pasta an sauce. But every dish I tried was delicious, will definitely go back.
Travis Meyer
The food was excellent. But the overall experience was a little mixed. We had reservations for 7:00. We didn't get seated until after 7:30 and we didn't get our food until closer to 9:00. Apparently this place is known for being very slow with bringing the food. Also the menu is a little confusing with the way they price the food. My friend dining with us ended up paying $40 for his meal because he was confused about the pricing. I was also a little confused about the pricing and had to get the waiter to explain to me how much my meal was going to cost before I ordered. However, if you know this ahead of time and don't mind waiting, then you'll have a great experience.
mal thompson
Had dinner here tonight. Did not have a reservation but they worked us in. Had the House Special and Roman’s Dirty Oil and Garlic.. Both were so delicious and the portions were very generous. Staff were so kind and attentive and made us feel very welcome. We will come back.
Jeffrey Cowgill
We made reservations for four on a Friday night. We were seated immediately. Our server, Amy was friendly, efficient and very knowledgable. Charming and small the restaurant is clean and well maintained. They also have a couple of outdoor areas, perfect for cooler times of the year. Inside is small and the smells from the kitchen are like a symphony for your nose.
I will have to admit I have never encountered a restaurant where half the menu is based on various sauces and heat(spice) levels. Which myself being a fan of spicy foods, I found quite attractive. This allows you to "build your own" pasta dishes. I would add the servings are Italian family size, HUGE! So either way, sharing entrees or bringing leftovers back for later you could eat for days!
At any rate be sure and check out the "specials" these are original chef creations and were quite good. We had the first special which was a ravioli based layered dish with crumbled meatballs, vodka sauce Italian sausage and lots of cheese on top. What could be bad?
Folks this is truly a fine, family run establishment. It's not what I would call refined dining but the service is good and the food is certainly elevated and delicious. If you're in the Pensacola area dont miss this jewel.
I'm sure it gets really busy so reservations are recommended.
We will definitely be going back!
UrbanCowgill
February 2023
Ingrid Rodgers
Italy is on my bucket list, one day I hope to go. I've always wondered how true Italian food tastes until today, I think I have an idea now. Bonelli's is an unassuming family owned Italian restaurant with amazing food. First off, please make a reservation, it's a very small space.
I love caprese, so I started out with the half caprese salad. Judging by the size of the half, the whole must be huge! I then ordered the IL Diavolo sauce with rigatoni and shrimp. I ordered it Gina's hot which is a mixture of jalapenos, habaneros and red pepper flakes. My friend had the Eggplant Parmigiano and she loved it. Megan was our server and it is obvious that she loves her job. She described everything we asked in detail and made suggestions for our meal. Truly outstanding service. Not to mention the total thrill of sitting on the covered patio as it rained, snug and cozy. I love it. ❤️
Hunter Lumley
The best hidden gem for Italian homemade food in pensacola. Amazing environment and incredible staff. Justin was the bar tender and even though we sat at a table far from the bar he came over to introduce himself and made sure we were taken care of regardless if we ordered drinks or not. My favorite restaurant in pensacola
Chris B.
I can't say enough good things about this spot. My wife and I had heard great things, but it took us a while to make our way here. I've never had Italian food this good. My wife and I ordered an appetizer, 3 entrees, and dessert, and I swear all of them were equally foodgasmic. Meaning, your eyes roll up in your head when you take your first bite because it's THAT good.
The wait staff was fantastic too. We had to sit on the patio because they're reservation only most weekends, and our other couple with kids cancelled on us last second. They didn't have any two person seating inside. It was cold and windy the night we went. The wait staff made sure the outside heaters were close and kept my wife warm! Our server, Amy, was amazing!
Such a wonderful experience. Thank you everyone at Bonelli's!!
M Khodayari
Corky but really COOL vibe . The food was excellent. Wow! Logan was an outstanding server. Will definitely be back on our next visit.
David Jansen
Everything from scratch!! Worth the wait!! Staff is awesome especially" Alli " thank you. Outside patio was attractive with live easy listening music. Keep in mind the Portions were large.Make a reservation at least 2 days in advance folk's!There was also extra parking across the street in front of old Dollar general. Thank you Bonelli's!!
grey barona
Atmosphere and ambience was so calming. If you're looking for a hearty meatball definitely go here. Also red sauce is on point!!!!! Ashleigh was my server and did nothing but smile, she also gave me a great wine pairing to go with my meal. My family and I will be coming back
Sonny
Wonderful experience here! Marina was our server and she was amazing! Joey came over and told us about the specials. We had apps, main course, wine, cordial, and dessert. Every course was better than the one before it. Do not miss this place!!
Mike Horton
Chef cooked a dish wrong, dish got sent back chefs feelings got hurt and yelled at customer. <br/><br/>Don't bother eating here just got to V Paul's foods better for around same price.
Snoopy
Great food!. Everything tastes homemade, the owner and staff make you feel like you are part of their family.<br/>Don't judge it by the looks on the outside, I did that for a few years and finally decided to give it a try a month ago, it's now my favorite restaurant in Pensacola. It's a little more expensive than Olive Garden, but they serve actual Italian food that tastes like Italian food, highly recommend!
Mmperceval
Italian Food Lover. A quaint Italian restaurant w/ GREAT food and service! Best in Pensacola hands down......Cesar salad was wonderful as was the lasagna . Big portions, great bread......,a wonderful dining experience!
Meg Russell
The homemade Italian dressing is fantastic! The calamari was a little underwhelming (definitely not a homemade situation there). We actually quite enjoyed our entrees (eggplant parm and baked ziti). My only qualms was that it wasn't presented in a very eye-pleasing way, but it should be about taste, right? Have the tiramisu for dessert. Delicious.
Jrtmom
LOVED IT THE FIRST TIME!!. So we went back...the BEST pizza I have ever had...<br/>I'm from the Northeast, now living here inP'cola. I have<br/>had pizza all over NYC, New Jersey and NE PA.<br/>Thist is hands down the BEST pizza I have EVER HAD!!<br/><br/>BTW...Ask for Jiah...she's great!!
Shane Colletta
Best Italian food I've ever eaten! Came here after reading the reviews and was beyond please. Staff is a big family and treated us like we were apart of the family! Great atmosphere and seriously the best Italian food I've ever had!
Frances Guidry
My family and I came here to eat on vacation and I have to say Best Italian food EVER!!! The food was amazing... authentic cooking!!!! And the service was just as awesome!!! Friendly and very attentive... They made sure that we were taking care of.. They catered to every need we had even before we asked for anything. The price is right for the food and the amount you get. All in all one of the best restaurants We've ever eaten at. My family of 5 ate everything!!! You should go check out you won't be disappointed!!!!
Mcwarrick
Spumoni!!!. So glad we gave it a shot thanks to all the reviews here. Family owned and they also work it. Tom was our server and explained patiently the specials and soooo nice. Salads were amazing as everything else. Definitely go again<br/>mc warrick
Brandimichellemoore
Best Food and Service!!!!. My husband took me here for my birthday because I was craving Italian. Best birthday meal I have had in a while!!!! Definitely the best Italian food in Pensacola by far!! All homemade and family owned. Our server Gia was so sweet and helpful. When she found out it was my birthday she brought out tiramisu with a candle and they all sang to me! It is a super environment and on Friday nights there is a gentleman and his wife who play guitar and sing on the patio. Definitely check this place out.....its well worth it!!!!
Arnold Newton
Best Italian We Have Found In Pcola. I have been wanting to try this place out for awhile, and finally had the opportunity on Saturday night after going to the fair. We were a little late coming in, and the place only had a few people finishing up their meals. The wife ordered the Shrimp Scampi and I order the Baked Ziti. Both were very good, and we both had quite a bit left over. Normally we have to drive to Fort Walton to get good Italian, so this was a great find for us. The place is small, only about 8 tables inside and probably 12 tables outside. I can see where on a busy night, especially if you can't or don't want to eat outside, you may have a wait. It is a family ran business, which we like. I am not much on the big chain places. We will definitely be back.
Philip Allen
Great Italian restaurant! Had the Parmesan chicken which was awesome!
Peridot
A rare find in Pensacola! Great food, authentic Italian cooking. Not from a can, not frozen processed food, not phony. This is the real deal ! The owner was friendly; we spoke with him fir awhile. Everything is fresh, and they have SPUMONI !!!!
Tony
Fabulous would be the one word that sums it up. To start the salad was as fresh as the items in my home garden! The appetizer was amazing. And then for the chicken parm, you could taste the love in every bite. These people that own and work there love to share there food and culture. It's ashame my family and I are only in the area once per year. They will see us every year. I do not write reviews but these guys deserved it.
J.H.
Over Rated,Long wait if you get served. If you don't mind feeling neglected, then Bonellis is your place. I've been there<br/>twice to eat dinner on the patio. The first time, it took an hour to get an order<br/>of raviolis ( not impressed ) No apology from the staff or the owner, and the sad part is, it wasn't even that busy.<br/>The second time, two of us sat on the patio,and we waited 15 minutes just to be acknowledged. Another 10 minutes to order coffee, and another 15 minutes went by without anyone approaching us for our dinner order.Needless to say, we got up,went inside to pay our coffee check and left.<br/>Totally dissapointing. I think if there is only a few customers, they can be personable, but over that, forget it.
Susan
Genuine, authentic cooking. Not from a can, not frozen processed food. This is the real deal ! Everything is fresh, and they have SPUMONI !!!!
Lauren Alexandra Vassiliades
Really nice atmosphere and great service although my eggplant Parmesan was really really buttery... I guess that's some people's taste but I prefer Italian that's not as heavy
Steven Deola
The great unknown. I wish I could give a review of Bonelli's food. In 50 minutes we (my wife and I) didn't taste any. We arrived at 7:25p 18 Jan 13. I walked in to a packed house (a good sign). We told the waiter (Guy maybe about 5'5") that we could wait for a table. There were two ladies sitting on the patio. After talking my wife into waiting on the patio by the propane heater, a family of three came for dinner (about 7:35p). A table for five was vacated at 7:50p. I walked into the restaurant and was told that the family of three had gotten there before us. I said to myself 'ok' they have a preteen so it's cool. At 7:58p a corner booth opened up. We walked in and sat down before it was entirely bussed (sorry). So for just over one half hour we had not been offered a menu or drinks, not even water. in that time I saw four occasions when a waiter (Big bearded guy) or waitress (petite girl, Gina's daughter in law) to either bring the two ladies their food, to ask if they needed anything, drinks (iced tea) and their check. When we got in we ordered a glass of white (pino grigio) for my wife, an Insalata Caprese and the Eggplant parmesan at about 8:03p. At 8:10p we were told by Gina's D.I.L., they had run out of basil. My wife and I looked at each other trying to figure out how an Italian cafe runs out of basil. Isn't it in 75% of Italian food? At 8:15p we decided that they were much to busy and unorganized to stay. Gina's daughter in law said she was sorry and comped the glass of wine. I think that danilyn27 is wrong about the place being about money. The food must be good as the place is packed. I think with a little staff training, better supply management and about 250-300 sq ft more of indoor dining area, the place would be unstoppable. I just wish I could have tasted the food.
Foodie
Best Italian Cafe in Pensacola. I am Italian and I know good Italian food. Bonelli's is the best. We always go as a party of 2, 3, 4 or 5. we are treated like royality when ever we show up, rather it is a party of 2 or 5. The unhappy party who left without eating obviously does not understand that good food of any kind takes time. A good meal is to be enjoyed without being rushed. the bonelli family are obviously not concerned with just making a dime or the protions would not be so large or priced as reasonably as they are. I love the family atmosphere, including the cats on the patio and of course the great food. I don't go there near as much as I would like. My meatballs are wonderful, but I am hate to admit it Gina's are better. I recommend the meatball appetizer and have meatball on the pizza.
Gina Bonelli
Forgot--Really?. This is Gina Bonelli from Bonelli’s Café Italia. While I certainly apologize that you feel as though we forgot you, I can assure you that we did not. Yes, we did have a large party that evening but we also had several parties of two and three. I do not appreciate your insinuation that we only care about money. We are a small family owned and run restaurant and we try our best to please everyone. My brother, Vito, was your server that evening and he assures me that your party left within thirty minutes. Good food takes time and for that I do not apologize. FYI your Calzones were delicious!
Danilyn27
Not so delighted with Bonelli's. Please read before eating here....<br/>Apparently unless Bonelli’s is making a large sum of money off of your dinner party you do not get service (see positive party comment below) I was at Bonelli’s on October 30, 2012 with a party of 2 and was very excited to eat there for the first time. Because of the large party inside we decided to dine on the patio, I had faith that Bonelli’s was a nice restaurant and wouldn’t forget about customers on the patio! We ordered our drinks and food. We waited for over an hour and had received no contact from our waiter or any of the staff. It was a nice atmosphere but I don’t think a place like Bonelli's should have to be reminded of customers on the patio. The waiter didn’t even acknowledge us at all after we ordered our food. Needless to say, we left after waiting over an hour. Why eat somewhere that doesn't value ALL customers? Maybe this is a good place to eat if you have a larger dinner party, because Bonelli’s knows they will make a lot of money off of you and give you great service. If you are dining with only a party of 2 I suggest avoiding the disappointment and going to another place!
Foodie Fan
Delighted with Bonelli's. We ate here for a friend’s birthday party last night and had a rather large group. We found the restaurant to be inviting with a genuine Italian ambiance. Due to the petite inside dining area, our group wasn’t able to dine at one table together. Instead we were seated together on one side of the restaurant at separate tables. We were situated close enough that we could visit, then play musical chairs to socialize on a broader scale. It worked out flawlessly. The staff kept up with our every request. (Some in our group are very demanding) All of the food was presented beautifully and I could tell that they used fresh ingredients. They have their own special Italian niche. The finish to a perfect dinner was their cappuccino topped with gelato instead of whip cream. It was so self-indulgent it made your tongue want to slap your brain out. If you are craving Italian food with a signature twist that you won’t get anywhere else, then you would probably enjoy this place. We did and my husband and I are looking forward to going back soon for a cozy dinner for two. It's nice that they take reservations too because some "others" don't.
Lindmaclaren
Awesome. Great atmosphere and delicious! Also, the people were so personable, and they went out of their way to accommodate one member of our group who is on a special diet.
Cwalden
Not impressed.. My husband and I stopped in last night. He had the pasta with red sauce. He thought it was ok, but nothing special. I had the parmasean crusted chicken with potatoe croquette. When it came out there was a standing pile of grease on my serving plate from the food. I was only able to take a couple of bites. For two entrees and one soda, our bill was $32. I'm left knowing that's a $32 I'm not spending again.
Larry Masino
Excellent. Visited last night & completely enjoyed the food, ambiance, & staff. REALLY good Italian food. Try it - you'll not be disappointed!
PatrMcGraw
High Quality Ingredients, Beautifully Combined. We really enjoyed our visit to Bonelli's. I liked best that we could specify ingredients on our pizza's, and that, when they arrived at the table, they were as beautiful as they were tasty. Service was attentive without being intrusive, every item we ordered was freshly prepared and delicious. We will happily return.
Cameron
Went in for lunch today. Even though there were only 4 tables occupied, it took more than 20 minutes to get the Italian beef sandwich. The food was very good, however, the sandwich is $13 and it comes with nothing!
MyDesignGraphics.com
Disappointed. The atmosphere of the place was cute. The people were friendly, but the food was microwaved. Right in front of us. The entire process of the prep work... the sausage, sauce, etc... all microwaved. I felt like I had just walked out of one of Chef Ramsey's Kitchen Nightmares.
Rebecca
Food, Family, Fun!. First, I have to admit that I am a friend of the Bonelli's, so those of you who think that will affect my review can stop reading now. <br/><br/>I love the fact that they get there early in the morning, that they make their food fresh when you order it, that they often stay during their mid-afternoon "break" to cook, and that they often stay long after they are closed. The reason I love this is that (despite the fact it means I don't get to have fun with them as often as I would like) it has a direct impact on how their food tastes. Having eaten at the Bonelli household before they opened the restaurant, I can guarantee that the food you get at their place of business is the same food that Pris and Sal fed the kids while they were growing up. The only thing I don't understand is why all the kids are so trim! If I were raised on this stuff, I'd weigh about 300 pounds by now!<br/><br/>Sal's red sauce is to die for, the pizza is a fantastic torture (I'm lactose intolerant, but it's so good that I suffer through the 5 tons of cheese that Sal puts on the pizzas!), and if you like spicy chili, I can't think of any better place in Pensacola! My favorite, however, is the garlic and oil pasta dish - tell them to make it how they would make it for themselves if you want it's true taste. (Just remember, there's no such thing as too much garlic!) They are also very accomodating - for some reason fennel has a terrible effect on me, so Sal, despite his love for that spice, goes easy on it for me - but he would do the same for any customer!<br/><br/>Finally, the thing that makes this restaurant a real treat is that the open kitchen plan means you get to listen to the Bonellis interact with one another. Although I'm not Italian, I do come from a large, loud family (who, unfortunately, live in a different state) and being at Bonelli's gives me a sense of being home. <br/><br/>Definitely check it out, but be warned - spice is the spice of life - if you like your food boringly bland, go somewhere else, because I would rather see them lose a little business than lose what makes their restaurant great! (Sorry Bonelli clan! Just being honest! Love to you all!)
Triggers Seafood Restaruant
Best little Family owned place in town. I love to go to Bonelli's. They are friendly and the place is clean, service is wonderful, and the food is INCREDIBLE!!!!! Anyone who love Italian, TRUE ITALIAN food should go to Bonelli's....I have had almost everything there, between me and my family. I will never eat Italian from anyone else!!!! LOVE this place!!!!!!!
Emily Martin
Everything was delicious.. Started with a glass of red wine recommended by the server. That really set the mood as it was a fantastic glass of wine. We tried the chicken parmigiana, sausage grinder, cheese manicotti and Italian beef grinder. For dessert we had spumoni and the Italian cream cake. The red sauce had a very complex flavor that made me think they had cooked it down for at least a day. Only complaint from the table was that there was only a little chicken in the chicken parmigiana.
Jane Buttram
First time at lunch. Baked Ziti with a Negroni. Ziti al dente. This is not the dreaded five-cheeses iteration. Sauce was well-balanced and showed evidence of baking without dryness. Waiter advised this recipe (and others on the menu) were brought from Rome by Sal's grandparents. I'll be back!
Nacho
Not Good. The red sauce is awful it has the worst after taste. I was trying to figure out what the spice was but couldn't. The pasta has the worst flavor. The Salad was really good and the house dressing. I will not go there again.
Helen Sewell
Delicious. Decided to try this place tonight as we're always on the lookout for delicious Italian food.<br/><br/>Everything we tried was delicious but I must make special note of dessert. Strawberry-cello with pound cake. I wish I had more thumbs because this was way more than 2 thumbs up!<br/><br/>The staff was very friendly, the place was very small but didn't feel cramped and everything just had a nice homey vibe about it.<br/><br/>We are definitely glad we tried this place!
Steve Allen
Ordered the Manicotti lunch special and added meat, it was $12.95 for 1 Manicotti. Food is just ok but overpriced, service was excellent. Doubtful I will return.
Salgal1710
FANTASTIC!!!. This was an exceptional place to eat. We arrived and were the only ones there (early Monday evening). The appetizer and wine were delicious. But the entrees were the best. I do think the prices were higher on the entrees than you would pay at a chain Italian place but you are definitely paying for high quality ingredients and homemade food. They fixed our dinners with a few individual requests and the food was awesome. They made up for the cost of the entrees with VERY reasonable prices on soft drinks, liquor and desserts. Service was very prompt and personal. We would highly recommend this place and hope to go back again soon.
Gourmet Mom
I had a business luncheon at Bonelli's on Thursday and I was very impressed. Although I have not tried the entree's yet, I had their Greek Salad and it was the best I've ever tasted, I will definitely return to try their pasta's, etc. Much luck to Owner Sal Bonelli. I can't wait to go back. Sue Shattuck, Gourmet Mom's, Inc.
Cindy
Bonelli's. I love their Chicken Parmesan!! It is soooo cheesy & delicious. They have a bread appetizer with their variety of sauces and it is the perfect start to your meal. The chocolate cake is my all time favorite dessert.
Kay
Wonderful experience. We had a great meal at Bonelli's last night! We were the only people in the restaurant, but we did arrive a little early (and they graciously welcomed us). The Bonelli family takes pride in what they do! If you're looking for "cookie cutter" Italian, you will be disappointed. But if you're looking for fresh, homemade orginal flavors, you must try it! The fresh garlic was distributed with a generaous hand - yum! The potato soup was outstanding. The homemade salad dressing was delightful! The pasta sauce IS different, but delicous! We drove over from Mobile ... our only regret is that we don't live closer! We WILL be back!!
Brittani
Delicious times two. Yum...no wait...double YUM! There were six of us that dined here on a Tuesday night. The place was pretty empty. It doesn't look like much from the outside, but the food is great! The red sauce is a little spicey and thick, just like sauce is supposed to be. Pasta was al dente. No mushy noodles here! The meatballs were delicious. Several people in our party had dishes with Italian sausage and agreed it was very good. We had a melange of desserts. The Italian cream is citrusy and light. It's like a cross between a custard an bread pudding consistency. Very refreshing. The cheesecake and semi-fredo were divine as well. The limoncello was a little sweet for my taste. Bonelli's makes theirs to pour over pound cake so I think it's better served in this respect than for sipping purposes. The bread that the entrees were served with is my only criticism. It was rather unremarkable compared to the rest of the meal.
Gia
Did not like Bonelli's. I was not going to comment until I read the reviews, all I want to say is that I am Italian and I was not impressed. Italians use Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese, that was not the cheese they had on our table. I think it was Kraft . I make my own sauce with fresh herbs and the sauce at Bonelli's was not to my liking. I did not like the dated plastic table coverings and the general appearance of the restaurant.
Citivolus Sus
A small cafe that we enjoy often. The Alfredo pasta is unique and delicious. The grinder are excellent as well. Very good service.
A Better Food Snob
Bonelli's best kept secret in town!. Honestly I am a very busy person and usually do not take the time to post on any site and certainly do not take the time to respond to another's post. However I read a post here by "The Food Snob" about Bonelli's restaurant in which the statements are so egregious that I feel compelled to respond. Sir, since I have never eaten at the "Village Inn" and your only dining experiences seem to be limited to there and Bonelli's my reply will be lacking in some respects . However in the years I've lived in Pensacola I have had the pleasure more than once to have eaten at Carrabba's Italian Grill, Madison's(when it was open), Olive Garden, O' Charley's, TGIFriday's, Ruby Tuesday's, Red Lobster, Skopelos (when it was open), Bonefish Grill, Fish House, Francos Italian Restaurant, Landry's, Romano's Macaroni Grill, Mellow Mushroom, Pensacola Ale House. I have also eaten at Ozone Pizza, Shrimp Basket, Georgio's Pizza, Sonny's Bar-B-Q and a few of the various restaurants which offer Mexican and Asian cuisine when I am not in the mood for fine dining. I have found over time most of these establishments' generally only have one thing on their menu which I really liked. <br/> Now to the point, hands down Bonelli's has the best food In town. Bonelli's Alfredo sauce is the best I have ever eaten anywhere and I have lived in five states and visited many more, it's incredible and indescribable. Their pasta with light red sauce and olive oil is heaven on earth. Sal's potato soup blows away any of Olive Garden soups.(sorry Olive Garden). Their sandwiches and salads, simply the best in town(the best bread ever, some of their bread they order it baked fresh here in town). Their pizzas will make you wonder where has this pizza been all my life? Makes every other pizza you have ever eaten taste like processed cheese and tomato sauce. I am not a big baked foods person, but I have had several of their baked dishes and liked them well enough. But then again most of my diet does not consist of "boxed foods" nor the illustrious "Village Inn" fare. (Just to educate you a little, nearly all traditionally old world Italian baked dishes are served with side sauce.) BTW the Bonelli's only use top of the line ingredients, real butter, real whipping cream, fresh basil, top meats, no hamburger, etc. Although their prices are more than reasonable, it is impossible for them to compete with the likes of "Village Inn". Personally given the upscale ingredients they use I am not sure they make a profit at all.<br/>Lastly sir, I would like to say what you call "shabby" I call a very likable distinctly quaint ambiance. As for the cats they were inherited from the previous owners who were also kind hearted people who took responsibility for these animals when others would not. The Bonelli family has chosen to do the same rather than cart them off to the animal shelter where their fate would be sealed. They all have been spray or neutered accordingly. Those who have consideration for animals generally have even more consideration for humans, so I don't have to second guess what's in my food or how it is prepared.<br/>The young lady who you were so stressed over because as you put it, " the waitress showed up while we were trying to finish the huge salad, and as she finished her cigarette right out front in full view, I noticed she was pregnant. Not sure what to think of that, but it did add to the stray cat ambience".So what if she was expecting a baby? Because I am sure unlike you she has to work for a living. I mean you being so polished and educated and such a coinsurer of fine dining you must be wealthy, right?<br/>So I guess what I am trying to say is we should not all be so judgmental. Now you know the rest of the story.
GourmetBaby
Awesome. Foodsnob, you're an idiot. I go here often and they are always above par. Who would listen to someone who's only reviews are here and then Village Inn? Snobby taste based on Village Inn?! <br/><br/>Anyways, great food and great atmosphere.
Roger Oak
You didn't like the cats?. I actually love the fact that they have cats roaming around. It reminds me a lot like Greece. Also the atmosphere makes it seem more like your are eating at someones home than some generic corporate establishment. For example: my girlfriend and I were there one night and a lady came in just to read a book and drink a glass of wine. While the owner sat at another table playing chess with a customer. It was wonderful!. As for the food I LOVE THIS PLACE! I know it's not for everyone especially if you are use to eating at the Olive Garden or the Village Inn (No offense to the Village Inn) I guess this food would taste a little different. The one complaint I do have though is that they use to serve the BEST chocolate pudding in town, but every time I go there now they never seem to have any. What's up with that? I even went there one day and I could have sworn I smelled chocolate pudding, but that could just be my fat gland acting up again. So to sum up. This place is a nice change for a town full of chain restaurants with no personality, but it's not going to be everyone's cup of tea.
The Pouty Princess
AMAZING. There is not many places you can get homemade food these days. Most are pre bought processed food. How can processed food be really good for you? Bonelli's make all their dishes homemade and most Italian food connoisseurs know that Italian food is not something you can just prepare and serve. Many sauces take all day to cook. <br/>My favorite is the Egg Plant Parmigiana! I could eat it daily!<br/>I love that the place is animal friendly. Even the animals leave messages on their FB page. This is an AUTHENTIC Italian dinning venue with that home feeling, Kinda like the food version of Cheers where everyone knows your name! Kudos to Bonelli's! It is nice to know I can also get homemade deserts such as the Old Italy's Italian cream! Welcome to Pensacola Bonelli's! Save me some Italian Cream!
Kbolkeny
Delicious!!. Best spaghetti and meatballs I have had in Pensacola. My boyfriend had lasagna and loved it. Sauce was not too acidic like New York Deli. Server was attentive and atmosphere very charming. Will definitely go back.
Rachel Cassady
Cute little Italian place. Lots of sandwich options, but not as many pasta options. Wonderful nonetheless, and the chocolate cake is to die for. Ask for the raspberry sauce drizzled on top, mmmm!
Special K
Lots of food!!! My husband & I shared a dish today & still had plenty left for supper. Great service too
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