Maritana - St Pete Beach

The ambiance was more casual than I anticipated, with an unusual decor that didn't quite resonate with me. Given the high prices, I was expecting a more romantic setting, but instead, it had a mildly nautical feel that left me puzzled. What’s disappointing is that the restaurant didn’t feel like a chef-driven establishment focused on experimentation and delighting its customers. It felt rather generic, almost like a replica of something else. If you're staying at the Don CeSar and have plenty of money to spare, it may be worth a visit. But if you're willing to take a 15-minute drive across the bridge, you can find much better dining options in downtown St. Petersburg for about two-thirds of the price.

We had a wonderful celebratory dinner at the Don Cesar in Saint Pete Beach, Florida, and were attentively served by Zaron. We savored some specialty cocktails—my choice was a Manhattan and my husband opted for an old-fashioned. Zaron also recommended a lovely wine to complement our meals. My Iberico pork and my husband's Corvina were exceptional, and we topped off the evening with a delightful seasonal pumpkin dessert.

The atmosphere and service here are exceptional. The staff are knowledgeable about the menu and very attentive to any needs that arise. Thank you for a wonderful experience!

Service was amazing but the food was not worth the price. Being a nice restaurant at the Don Cesar provides a great ambiance but this was interrupted by a rowdy kitchen. Food was quite underwhelming considering the prices paid for it. We ordered the sea bass and the shrimp linguine. The sea bass was quite tasty but the linguine actually came out luke warm which was very concerning. The staff quickly made a replacement of this upon letting them know but it really begs the question: what is happening in the kitchen for something like this to be brought out? Be sure if you do decide to check this place out that you book a reservation in advance as the time slots will likely fill.

Before I begin my review I want to say that this place is very upscale and pricey so be prepared to drop a bundle here. From the excellent hostess to table service, all the staff was courteous knowledgeable and fun! My daughter has a gluten sensitivity, and our server was extremely knowledgeable as to what the kitchen can prepare and pointed out what was available, which was many, on the menu for people with gluten issues we ate all her recommendations and were not disappointed. The restaurant was beautiful on the inside, and although we dressed for dinner, it seem to be OK to dress casually as well since it was located inside a beach resort. I will definitely eat here again for another special occasion, as it was quite pricey, but quite worth it as well .