Catullo’s Italian

Beat Italian food ever.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Always a great experience. we had a great meal and the service was top notch

Our server Ryan was so amazing. The food reminded us of Federal Hill..

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Pear Fiocchi, Limoncello Mascarpone Cake

Food was good and all but the highlight of
my night was my server marshal. Wonderful distinguished young gentleman very kind and protective over his tables i really felt safe and loved. Only thing that could’ve made my experience better was marshal coming home with me. ;)

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I’m genuinely surprised to be writing this review to share my disappointment after a birthday visit to Catullo’s two weeks ago. (1/14/26)
It’s lengthy, but the details behind the principle seemed relevant enough to take the time to write an elaborate review. I have always been a fan — the food has consistently been great, and it’s been a go-to for my family’s special occasions. That said, I was equally surprised to later read reviews where guests felt like an inconvenience, because that is exactly how I felt from the moment I walked through the door.

I was met (not greeted) by the hostess and explained that I was meeting two people already seated at the bar while we decided whether to wait the quoted one hour for a table for five. I made it clear that I understood the wait and simply wanted to speak with my party. Instead, I was immediately told that we could not sit at the bar because it is a small restaurant and they also serve food there.

I acknowledged this and asked a simple clarifying question: if we were eating, could we sit at the bar? There was no clear answer. I then joined the two people in my party already seated so we could decide whether to dine at the bar, wait the hour, or go elsewhere. Because we know the food is good, we chose to stay and dine at the bar and called the remaining two people in our party inside, as there were open seats available — just apparently not for us.

The server/bartender brought me a menu, and as we began deciding on drinks, the hostess called him over. He returned and told us that we could not take up that much of the bar because they needed to accommodate others. We repeatedly tried to explain that we intended to dine at the bar — not sit and wait for a table — but we were not given the opportunity to clarify further. The assumption had already been made. Ironically, there were five guests directly in front of them ready to eat and drink who they were unwilling to accommodate based solely on that assumption.

I understand this is likely a situation the staff encounters often, but there was no openness to listening to what we were actually asking: to sit down, order food and drinks, and be paying customers.

This experience was especially disappointing because Catullo’s was my top choice for my birthday, and we had spoken highly of it to friends who were hoping to try it for the first time — only to be made to feel like an inconvenience. I also want to note that I am intentionally not naming the server involved. He has served both me and my father before for Fathers Day and provided impeccable service, which made it even more disheartening to have a menu handed to me and then taken away because we- were told we were “taking up space.”

A little communication could really go a long way between staff and perhaps a hostess that knows standard hospitality etiquette of knowing what the customer is asking before she tells who would have been a paying customer (MEAL AND ALL) that they’re taking up space. I have never felt so unwelcome or as though I was somehow “not up to standard” to dine at a restaurant.

Sadly, because of the principle and the way we all as a group felt walking out of the restaurant, I don’t think I would subject myself to attempting to dine at Catullos in the future and definitely would not recommend to anyone else- as I’m not sure what the standards are for who gets served and who does not.

Wonderful dishes, attentive service and overall one of the best Italian restaurants I have ever been to. Very fair prices for what you get.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This place is the real deal. They treat you like family and they are on par with the best restaurants in Chicago. We lived there for years and got spoiled.

Food was absolutely fantastic. Please get the pear pasta. Service was also very attentive and friendly. The only complaint their wine lisf is tragic, but $15 corkage fee is a steal. Will be back and soon.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 5

Service: 5

Maybe it was all of the hype but I went to Catulos expecting to be wowed
Regrettably the red sauce in my dish lacked seasoning
Personally it almost tasted like tomato paste (from the can)

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 2

Service: 5

I got the mushroom tortellini and it was delicious! Very flavorful! Will go again!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We had such an amazing experience here last night! The food was absolutely fantastic—fresh, flavorful, and way above expectations. But the real star of the night was the service.

Misty was phenomenal! She had us laughing the entire time and made the whole night feel fun and easy. She was so warm and engaging I was honestly ready to pull up a chair for her to sit with us. It’s rare to find someone who can make you feel that comfortable while still being incredibly attentive.

The manager was just as friendly, stopping by to check in and making sure everyone was enjoying themselves. Between the amazing food and the exceptional service, this place definitely deserves all 5 stars. We can’t wait to go back!

PLEASE OPEN A LOCATION IN SPRINGFIELD!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Outstanding food and service!

This place has the best Italian food in town hands down.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Pear Fiocchi, Cannoli

This place is fantastic. Probably our favorite restaurant in Jax. Hidden gem. I recommend the pear gnocchi dish.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I’ll admit, I was hesitant to go at first because I’m just not someone who waits in line for food. But after that meal, I can confidently say I didn’t have to on a weeknight… but I definitely would after that experience! The food was absolutely phenomenal, and the bartenders, Ryan and Steve, gave fantastic recommendations and delivered top-notch service. I’ll absolutely be back!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5