If I could give zero stars, I would. I contacted management regarding an unpleasant encounter with one of their hostesses, yet I received no response to my request for a call or email. It was, without a doubt, the most bizarre and uncomfortable experience I've ever had at a restaurant.
When my family and I arrived, we were initially greeted by a very pleasant hostess who informed us that, without a reservation, they could not accommodate our party of six. She explained that the (several) empty tables were reserved for guests arriving in an hour, which, though unusual, we understood. As we discussed our next steps, another hostess approached us in a much more abrupt and rude manner. She reiterated the same information, but this time with an air of disdain. She glared at my family and me as though we were beneath her. We acknowledged that we already understood, and as we turned to leave, she loudly and unprovoked exclaimed, "Period!"… we genuinely could not believe our ears. The sheer level of unprofessionalism and outright hostility from this individual was so shocking that, even now, I can hardly believe it happened. It was clear that she received gratification from treating us so poorly. When I attempted to ask her name twice, she completely ignored me, refusing even to look in my direction.
This incident took place on August 24, 2024, at 5:00 PM. The hostess in question was a female with dark hair, several facial piercings, and light-colored eyes. I sincerely hope management addresses this issue and takes the necessary steps to prevent any future guests from feeling the way we did.
P.S. You never know what someone is going through, BE KIND!!!! Especially if it is part of your job description in a customer service role.
Edit to reply to owner:
I understand that, as the owner and manager, it’s natural to want to defend your employees and provide explanations for their actions. However, I can assure you that whoever you spoke to has not been truthful in this case. While our initial interaction with the first hostess was pleasant, we were turned away entirely and told that we could not be served at all. We were very surprised and asked for clarification, especially since there were multiple empty tables. That’s when we were informed that those tables were being held for the reservations that would be coming in. As visitors from Boca, we’re familiar with dining throughout South Florida and fully appreciate the importance of reservations. We assured the hostess that we understood her position and began discussing alternative plans. Up until this point, there was no issue on either side.
Things only took a turn when the second hostess approached in a shockingly rude manner. Her aggressive and condescending attitude, which was unprovoked, escalated the situation unnecessarily. This behavior was random and bizarre, and it was only then that you can say things didn’t become “ideal” on my end. But, only because I requested twice for her to give me her name so that all of this could be brought to your attention. She clearly and very quickly realized she was wrong, that is why she didn’t acknowledge me or what I was requesting of her.
Please understand that I wouldn’t go through the trouble of reaching out to you, and then leaving a review with details of an interaction from over a month ago unless I felt strongly about the unprofessional conduct we experienced. Her sarcastic remark of “Period!” was entirely inappropriate to be said and heard of in a restaurant like yours. Especially for it to be as our backs turned to leave. As I said, I hope that no one else that steps into your restaurant ever has to be treated as poorly as myself and my family were.
Service: 1
Lucia Gonzalez
Great Friday night vibes, with lively an atmosphere! Service was fast and friendly! The food was amazing, calamari is a must for an appetizer and $3 martinis can’t be beat!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
philipp hawkins
We came up from Boca Raton for an overnight business trip and stumbled upon this place. The bacon wrapped shrimp was amazing, must have the mussels when you come. Atmosphere and service was phenomenal....big shout out to server Bob. All of our dishes were great.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sherry Smith
The food and service were outstanding!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Devon Ingandela
We love this place. Check out their webpage for the happy hour specials. If you sit at the bar they make the bruschetta and pizza right in front of you. Worth a visit for sure.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Steve Daniels
Bernini of Ybor is truly one of the best hidden gems in Ybor City. While most people head to the area for Cuban food or the lively club scene, this stunning Italian restaurant is an absolute must-visit.
The location itself is beautiful, full of charm and character that reflects its long-standing history in the area. It’s the perfect spot for a special meal, with a classic yet vibrant atmosphere that sets it apart from the usual Ybor hotspots.
Their happy hour is one of the best around, offering unbeatable deals on both food and drinks. But even outside of happy hour, the full-priced meals are well worth it, given the quality and flavor of everything they serve.
Personally, my go-to entree is the Crispy Duck with an incredible cherry sauce that perfectly balances sweet and savory. For appetizers, I can never resist their calamari, which is always cooked to perfection.
The drinks are just as impressive, with generous pours and a great cocktail selection that never disappoints. Whether you’re looking for a pre-dinner drink or something to pair with your meal, they’ve got you covered.
Bernini is a spot that shouldn’t be missed when visiting Ybor, offering an unforgettable dining experience that stands out among the rest.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Crispy Duck
Robert Deacon
We had a family gathering there and we got the upstairs room to ourselves. We got a discount rate on the unique food, had attentive service and a good atmosphere.
Went for the duck had five Martinis ? bartender was great food was amazing and fast.. don’t judge on the amount of drinks it was my birthday and I wanted to try them all ?
Wheelchair accessibility: Has ramp
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Crispy Duck
Sherrie Stone
I went on Saturday around 4:30. The service was great. The food was not so good. I had blackened salmon. Salmon overcooked. Vegetables soaked in butter and garlic overcooked. I had asked for al dente and make sure salmon was not overcooked. Entrees were 1/2 off between 4 and 7. First time I've been to Berninis in a couple years. Food used to be good. Restaurant also looked dirty. I probably will not be going back.....
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 4
Aisha Martinez
Their 4-7 deal can't be beat. 50% off entrees and pasta and $3 martinis. The food is so tasty and made perfectly. Staff is pleasant. Cute and affordable for date night
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Kevin Skinner
The food was really good was not disappointed as well I've had better they have great deals if I was back in town I would definitely go there again
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Vereese Campbell
Our server James was amazing with impeccable customer service. The food was great and well worth the price.
Great atmosphere, great food.
Delicious bday dinner before the storm!!
If I could give zero stars, I would. I contacted management regarding an unpleasant encounter with one of their hostesses, yet I received no response to my request for a call or email. It was, without a doubt, the most bizarre and uncomfortable experience I've ever had at a restaurant.
When my family and I arrived, we were initially greeted by a very pleasant hostess who informed us that, without a reservation, they could not accommodate our party of six. She explained that the (several) empty tables were reserved for guests arriving in an hour, which, though unusual, we understood. As we discussed our next steps, another hostess approached us in a much more abrupt and rude manner. She reiterated the same information, but this time with an air of disdain. She glared at my family and me as though we were beneath her. We acknowledged that we already understood, and as we turned to leave, she loudly and unprovoked exclaimed, "Period!"… we genuinely could not believe our ears. The sheer level of unprofessionalism and outright hostility from this individual was so shocking that, even now, I can hardly believe it happened. It was clear that she received gratification from treating us so poorly. When I attempted to ask her name twice, she completely ignored me, refusing even to look in my direction.
This incident took place on August 24, 2024, at 5:00 PM. The hostess in question was a female with dark hair, several facial piercings, and light-colored eyes. I sincerely hope management addresses this issue and takes the necessary steps to prevent any future guests from feeling the way we did.
P.S. You never know what someone is going through, BE KIND!!!! Especially if it is part of your job description in a customer service role.
Edit to reply to owner:
I understand that, as the owner and manager, it’s natural to want to defend your employees and provide explanations for their actions. However, I can assure you that whoever you spoke to has not been truthful in this case. While our initial interaction with the first hostess was pleasant, we were turned away entirely and told that we could not be served at all. We were very surprised and asked for clarification, especially since there were multiple empty tables. That’s when we were informed that those tables were being held for the reservations that would be coming in.
As visitors from Boca, we’re familiar with dining throughout South Florida and fully appreciate the importance of reservations. We assured the hostess that we understood her position and began discussing alternative plans. Up until this point, there was no issue on either side.
Things only took a turn when the second hostess approached in a shockingly rude manner. Her aggressive and condescending attitude, which was unprovoked, escalated the situation unnecessarily. This behavior was random and bizarre, and it was only then that you can say things didn’t become “ideal” on my end. But, only because I requested twice for her to give me her name so that all of this could be brought to your attention. She clearly and very quickly realized she was wrong, that is why she didn’t acknowledge me or what I was requesting of her.
Please understand that I wouldn’t go through the trouble of reaching out to you, and then leaving a review with details of an interaction from over a month ago unless I felt strongly about the unprofessional conduct we experienced. Her sarcastic remark of “Period!” was entirely inappropriate to be said and heard of in a restaurant like yours. Especially for it to be as our backs turned to leave. As I said, I hope that no one else that steps into your restaurant ever has to be treated as poorly as myself and my family were.
Service: 1
Great Friday night vibes, with lively an atmosphere! Service was fast and friendly! The food was amazing, calamari is a must for an appetizer and $3 martinis can’t be beat!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We came up from Boca Raton for an overnight business trip and stumbled upon this place. The bacon wrapped shrimp was amazing, must have the mussels when you come. Atmosphere and service was phenomenal....big shout out to server Bob. All of our dishes were great.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The food and service were outstanding!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We love this place. Check out their webpage for the happy hour specials. If you sit at the bar they make the bruschetta and pizza right in front of you. Worth a visit for sure.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Bernini of Ybor is truly one of the best hidden gems in Ybor City. While most people head to the area for Cuban food or the lively club scene, this stunning Italian restaurant is an absolute must-visit.
The location itself is beautiful, full of charm and character that reflects its long-standing history in the area. It’s the perfect spot for a special meal, with a classic yet vibrant atmosphere that sets it apart from the usual Ybor hotspots.
Their happy hour is one of the best around, offering unbeatable deals on both food and drinks. But even outside of happy hour, the full-priced meals are well worth it, given the quality and flavor of everything they serve.
Personally, my go-to entree is the Crispy Duck with an incredible cherry sauce that perfectly balances sweet and savory. For appetizers, I can never resist their calamari, which is always cooked to perfection.
The drinks are just as impressive, with generous pours and a great cocktail selection that never disappoints. Whether you’re looking for a pre-dinner drink or something to pair with your meal, they’ve got you covered.
Bernini is a spot that shouldn’t be missed when visiting Ybor, offering an unforgettable dining experience that stands out among the rest.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Crispy Duck
We had a family gathering there and we got the upstairs room to ourselves. We got a discount rate on the unique food, had attentive service and a good atmosphere.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Excellent!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Went for the duck had five Martinis ? bartender was great food was amazing and fast.. don’t judge on the amount of drinks it was my birthday and I wanted to try them all ?
Wheelchair accessibility: Has ramp
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Crispy Duck
I went on Saturday around 4:30. The service was great. The food was not so good. I had blackened salmon. Salmon overcooked. Vegetables soaked in butter and garlic overcooked. I had asked for al dente and make sure salmon was not overcooked. Entrees were 1/2 off between 4 and 7. First time I've been to Berninis in a couple years. Food used to be good. Restaurant also looked dirty. I probably will not be going back.....
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 4
Their 4-7 deal can't be beat. 50% off entrees and pasta and $3 martinis. The food is so tasty and made perfectly. Staff is pleasant. Cute and affordable for date night
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
The food was really good was not disappointed as well I've had better they have great deals if I was back in town I would definitely go there again
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Our server James was amazing with impeccable customer service. The food was great and well worth the price.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Shrimp Orecchiette
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