Ristorante Farfalla

We had a fantastic meal here last night! The food was incredible and prepared to perfection. The staff was courteous, professional and kind. The owner greeted our table and it was a delight to talk with him about his passion for Italian cuisine, the different regions in Italy, and his love for the community here in Estero. We will definitely be back again. I highly recommend Ristorante Farfalla for the delicious Italian food and the charming dining experience!

The best of the best! Love this restaurant! Chef Michael is top notch—- a true professional. Penne a la vodka is my all time favorite and my husband loves the Scaloppine Alla Michelangelo! Great atmosphere, great service and awesome food. Highly recommend!

Our party of 4 was pleasantly greeted as we entered for our Christmas eve dinner. We were seated at our table and promptly served with water. Our waiter, Jonathan, was very knowledgeable about the menu and offered suggestions. Food was served promptly. Presentation was fantastic, taste was amazing. Overall a great evening and would visit again

Husband picked this place, showed up with our 3 littles close to bed time only to realize it was probably too fancy for our little princesses that late in evening (normally well behaved but pressing bed time is unpredictable). The staff was on top of it as soon as they heard me tell my husband we should probably just grab fast food and go home, brought out appetizers early to appease the kids, were super nice to all of us, kept things moving fast, and besides all that the food was AMAZING! The chef even made children’s butter noodles taste better than I could imagine… how do you even do that?! Highly recommend and looking forward to going back.

Thank you Michael and all of your staff for making my wife's birthday dinner so special. We love the restaurant both for the excellent meals and wine and for the wonderful hospitality we always get. The Osso Bucco is fantastic! Ristorante Farfalla is the best and we look foward to our next visit.

I am thinking that this was the BEST dinning experiences I have ever had. We were visiting in the area and wanted an up scale Italian restaurant close to were we were staying. As we entered we were greeted and made to feel very welcome...shown to a table and a waitress showed up and was very pleasant and knew all about the specials. My date wanted something that was not on the menu and the waitress said no problem so they made it perfectly my . Even the Bread Boy was nice and at the end the Chief/Owner came out to see if everything was OK.....Outstanding night.

My wife and I went last night. We’re greeted by Jeff at the door. Since we have never been here before he gave us some history on the restaurant. It’s been in business for 24 years in the same location and the chef is the owner and he works every day preparing meals. So any restaurant that has lasted 24 years , has stood the test of time. I read the negative reviews but decided to make my own decisions. We have seen less than attractive behavior from some restaurant patrons , since moving here , including an all out scream fest on a manager for running out of a special and this was in a fine dining establishment. We had Michael as our server. He explained this is real Italian food so no Chicken Parm, and the pasta is made from scratch on the premises so entrees take longer. You can taste the difference . This is not boxed pasta, it’s made to order, so wait time is different. The busser Ron was very nice and made sue we had filled waters, bread with real butter and fresh pepper and cheeses for our entrees. The lobster ravioli was amazing, I had the fettuccine Bolognese, also very good. Salads are fresh, service was amazing. Owners wife thanked us for our visit. My wife and I loved our dining experience and you will too..it’s a really great place to eat. Prices are similar to any other nice restaurant. You pay for quality but it was not excessive. Try it for yourself.

amazing experience! the service was impressive, the food was delicious!! The owner Michael came over to greet us and was very welcoming. Highly recommended and we will be back . Thank you!

Had dinner at farfalla’s environment was great but the food was even better would definitely recommend , probably some of the best Italian food I’ve had in a while .

Best Pasta I ever had! Hidden gem. Great staff, great atmosphere. Nice, quiet and peaceful. Will go back for sure! Thank you!!

This is my first visit to this restaurant at the suggestion of many living in the area. It was an excellent experience from start to finish with quality service. Open kitchen area where you can watch the chef hard at work preparing each meal individually yet seamlessly getting every dinner out on time and with incredible quality. I don't always get crap because it's very difficult to prepare however, this dish was on point 💯. We had a variety of appetizers which we shared. Calamari, spadeni and pasta dishes as appetizers. The butternut squash homemade ravioli melt in your mouth. We had such a large variety of dinner entrees and everyone was more than satisfied. Later on before I left I was able to talk with our hostess who was telling me the chef worked in North Jersey many years ago in some of the finer top notch restaurants in North Jersey and that explains a lot. I used to frequent many of those restaurants years ago and he certainly has NOT lost his touch at all. I was very pleasantly surprised to find this out. The quality is above and beyond. Definitely a must try 💯

Chef Michael is absolutely brilliant! The flavors he prepares are mouth watering. The Bolognese is the best we’ve ever had, the potatoes are amazing, the veal and seafood entrees are delightful, and the wine selection is fantastic! His Italian restaurant is like no other. We are willing to travel across the nation for this amazing experience. Highly recommended.

Superb! The food is excellent and the environment is great with an open kitchen. It was nice to see the cook interacting with some regulars. Also, you'd do yourself a disservice if you don't get the Tiramisu! Highly recommend trying.

This was our first time here, and we had a fantastic experience! The restaurant itself was very beautiful and elegant. Our food was all freshly prepared with homemade pasta and sauces! The chef came out to meet us and we really enjoyed chatting with him! We look forward to dining here again soon!!

A Culinary Gem: Ristorante Farfalla Delivers Authentic Italian Excellence Ristorante Farfalla is truly a hidden gem for fine Italian dining. Our family has returned time and again, each visit reaffirming the restaurant’s commitment to excellence. Introduced to us by our beloved Uncle Bob, this establishment has become a cherished favorite, offering an unparalleled dining experience. Chef Michael, the owner, crafts each dish from scratch with a dedication that is evident in every bite. The quality of ingredients and meticulous preparation shine through, making every meal a delight. The Funghi Farciti Al Forno—baked stuffed mushrooms filled with snow crab meat—is an irresistible appetizer that sets the tone for an exceptional meal. Among our favorite entrées, the Salmone Affumicato—Norwegian smoked salmon with caviar, capers, Bermuda onion, lemon, and virgin olive oil—is an elegant and flavorful masterpiece. The veal dishes, adored by Uncle Bob, never fail to impress, regardless of how they are prepared. However, the true star of the menu is the homemade ravioli. Chef Michael has perfected this classic dish, creating some of the best ravioli we have ever tasted. We highly recommend the Lobster Ravioli, Butternut Squash Ravioli, and Crab Ravioli—each offering a rich, decadent experience that is simply unmatched. For those seeking an unforgettable meal in a warm, inviting atmosphere, Ristorante Farfalla is the perfect choice. Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, this restaurant is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.

Farfalla is a real gem. The food is some of the best classical Italian food in the area. Tastefully decorated. The wine selection is quite good. Prices are very reasonable. Excellent value for money.

Excellent. The only place i've been to that provides a true fine dining atmosphere and experience. Service was prompt but not rushed, very respectful and professional staff. The veal picatta was excellent. I haven't had a real picatta like that in years. I plan to return, prices were very reasonable considering the value that was provided. 100/100.

I am not a member of the clean plate club BUT dinner was outstanding. Veal Picatta was so very tender with roasted vegys and scalloped potatoes which were sliced so thin!! Delicious!! Thanks guys for making my meal so yummy!!

Fantastic homemade soups and pasta! So much flavor. No need to go to Naples with this quality chef right here in Estero!!! Thank you for a wonderful experience.

This was our 31st Valentine’s Day dinner together and we just happened to find this gem! Thank goodness! The attendant Jeff was so incredibly friendly, attentive and knowledgeable about the food, the service and the history of the restaurant. My husband and I had a wonderful experience and the food was delicious! I had the Split Pea soup with pepper sprinkled over it and the Grouper. It had all the flavors you’d look for in a dish. The fish paired well with the buttery, garlic carefully sliced potatoes and the wine! Yum!! The Cheesecake was to die for and the wine list was vast. The owner’s wife greeted us and made sure everything was going well. That was wonderful to see because to us it meant they were cautious of the service their restaurant provided. The place is somewhat crowded but everything is placed so elegantly that it doesn’t bother the feel. I am so grateful for the experience and I look forward to going again.

My wife and I came with our two pre-teen children and loved the food. She and I both had a grouper special which was excellent - the entree and the sides. The fish was cooked perfectly, the sauce was light and delicious. My kids both enjoyed (and devoured) their pasta dishes. Service was fine dining quality, very attentive but not at all obtrusive. The service staff worked as a team like a well oiled engine, no glass ever stayed empty and no used dishes stayed on the table for more than a few moments. The entire dining room was immaculate. A very pleasant dining experience we look forward to repeating again soon!

In a sea of great Italian options, this place could easily be overlooked as being "dated". This would be a huge mistake. We bring our family here once a year and it never disappoints. Food made to order, always unique specials on tap, delicious and affordable wine list. The positives go on and on. But what makes this place special is the chef/owner and his delightful staff. If you take your time here, this place has the kind of old school cool vibes that remind you of the bigger city neighborhood places up north. And like those places, our family becomes their family for short while when we visit. They have embraced our children as they grow in ways that only this kind of restaurant can be relied on to do. Not a "kid" place, but a fantastic upscale experience where family is welcomed that also works wonderfully as a date night as well. Give it a try with this in mind and I find it hard to believe you won't enjoy.

Amazing restaurant, although a condensed menu, for my first time in Valentine’s Day, the food was very good. The steamed lobster was so good, and the lobster ravioli was an amazing, tasted fresh and homemade. The homemade pasta was amazing, we loved every second of being there and will be back.

My mom and I had another wonderful experience at Farfalla's for Christmas Eve we go every year and always bring them new customers. Jeff seated us and was wonderful too talk to. Dee are server was also wonderful what a wonderful meal we had. I got the rack of veal my mom got the grouper provencal. We will be back great chef!!!

My wife and I have been trying to find a good Italian restaurant/cuisine. Let me tell you that this place did not disappoint arranging from customer service to the food and the restaurant scene itself. I would say is definitely a good staple in Fort Myers. Happy holidays, 😊

Always outstanding food and service. We have dined at Farfalla since 2008 and Chef Michael has served great meals over the years along with great service from a friendly staff. I still don't know how he continues to put out such quality cuisine at such reasonable prices while others have not. This is not your typical red sauce Italian restaurant. Farfalla is truly a fine dining experience thanks to Chef Michael.

This Resturant by far exceeded our expectations. The owner is absolutely amazing! His passion for food is what drives the clients experience. Most restaurants push to turn a table, when we walk in to Farfalla its as if time stand still, we are able to relax conversation and enjoy dish after dish of deliciousness before you know it 3 hours have past. We had our wedding rehearsal dinner here years ago with 30 guests and our family raves about the quality of service, the impecable food. Plus the kitchen is so clean, organized and ready to serve fresh food! The Banana Foster has been my favorite dessert for years! Cheers!

It felt like the restaurant was understaffed as we waited a while to get our drink order taken. The food was delicious but came out lukewarm but after waiting as long as we did we decided just to eat it.

I urged my friend to come here with me because the food was so outstanding the last time I was here 3 years ago. We were both disappointed at the mediocre food. The service was outstanding and the atmosphere lovely but we won’t be returning for mediocre Italian food when there are so many outstanding Italian restaurants nearby!

The Good: Service was amazing a 10/10 experience with the staff. Portions were adequately sized They hooked it up with a free desert for my girlfriend’s birthday which was amazing The Bad: I personally did not enjoy my lobster bisque which was the soup of the day Sauce for the Gnocchi was bland The Ugly: The food made us sick, I had to throw up within an hour of eating and it badly upset the stomach of my girlfriend. Final thoughts: The wait staff was amazing, the food wasn’t terrible but a little on the pricey side, im not entirely sure it was the food that made us sick so I am willing to eat here again but only once my wallet recovers.

We dined in Estero on Valentine’s Day as first-time guests. As a younger couple who enjoys cooking at home and typically only dines out for special occasions, we tend to look for experiences that feel elevated and a bit different from what we can easily recreate ourselves. The atmosphere was pleasant, especially considering the strip mall location. The lighting felt appropriate for Valentine’s Day, though the décor leans more traditional and seems to cater to the established local crowd. Toward the end of the evening, the front blinds were opened, which shifted the ambiance and made the space feel less intimate. The dining room is cozy, and tables are fairly close together. Sitting in the center felt a little tight, and I could see mobility being a challenge unless seated closer to the front. We appreciated the semi-open kitchen concept. While you can’t fully watch the cooking process, seeing dishes plated fresh adds a nice touch. It was also great to see the chef actively working behind the counter. For appetizers, we ordered the Mozzarella Caprese, Braesola, and the spring pea soup special. All were nicely prepared and enjoyable. The Valentine’s Day menu was condensed, which wasn’t mentioned when booking through OpenTable or on social media. We completely understand that restaurants may streamline menus for holidays due to higher volume, and that makes operational sense. However, as first-time diners who were looking forward to exploring the full menu, a heads-up in advance would have been appreciated so expectations could be set accordingly. For entrées, I had the Paglia E Fieno Forestiera. The portion was generous and the ingredients tasted fresh. My partner ordered the Scaloppine Alla Michelangelo, which was flavorful, though the veal itself was less visually prominent on the plate than expected. Our server mentioned it was his second day and was very kind. Service was polite, though slightly less attentive than anticipated for a smaller dining room. At times, multiple staff members clearing tables created noticeable movement in the compact space. From a value perspective, we felt it was fair for three appetizers, two entrées, and drinks. We also appreciated that we didn’t leave feeling overly heavy, which suggests fresh ingredients and thoughtful preparation. Overall, it was a solid experience with good value. For special occasions, we personally look for a slightly more distinctive or immersive Italian dining experience, but we’re glad we tried it and can see why it has a loyal local following.

My wife and I went here at the recommendation of a friend. When we entered the restaurant there was only one other table occupied. We were escorted to a table for two where one of us was looking at a wall. I politely asked to be moved to any other "two top" or even a "four top" as it didn't appear busy. I was told that they were "full" and all other tables were spoken for. Amazed, I asked "and all those other reservations requested all of these other tables (about 8-10 two and four seat tables). I watched as neither of the other two 2-seaters were used all night, 4 of the 4-seaters were unused and the other four seaters were adjusted for parties of two. It was very unfortunate that poor service ruined what could have been a beautiful night. The food was spectacular - our compliments to the chef(s). Table service was a little slow as well, but very polite and knowledgeable.

I will begin by stating that I gave one star because it’s as low as I could go. We went as a family during the coldest night in Florida in years and my father in law was told to remove his hat while seated. This place is far from a fine dining restaurant and we have gone to many and never experienced anything like it. Perhaps the chef prepares everything low in salt and grease but everything we ordered was tasteless. The risotto was the worst ever and had no cheese. The oldest person that welcomes you had a very bad attitude and kept interrupting us while eating and it felt as if they were watching everything we were doing. The prices are high for what they offer and the quality of food is very poor. To resume, if you are used to go dining to high end places, don’t waste your time and money there, I’m sure there are many other options and even fast food places would be a better choice.

If I could give this zero stars I surely would. I have enjoyed trips to the dentist more. Service to start was absolutely horrible. I heard our waiter apologize more than he worked. Literally every table. I’m fairly certain Bill our waiter was on drugs. The table next to us was served and 20 minutes later one of their party still sitting with no food. We waited over 30 min with empty drinks never were we offered a refill. By the time he brought drinks we were ready to leave. This man shouldn’t be allowed to wait tables at Waffle House. The food. Save your money and go to Arby’s! My spouse ordered the veal. When her plate arrived the tomatoes hid the meat. It didn’t exist. I had the chicken. I had one bite it tasted like it was raw. The vegetables served were raw and I couldn’t Pierce them with my fork. After hearing apology after apology we were offered free desert. The cheesecake tasted frozen and the tiramisu was absolutely horrible. This restaurant should be shut down. If you go you will leave HOURS later starving and feeling robbed. Absolutely rediculous! When my father asked about our order that took almost two hours he was greeted with a snarky reply. I have never in my entire life had a more horrible experience. This is NOT authentic food..most wasn’t even edible.🤬

Worse dining experience ever. Took 2 hours for the entree and employees totally mishandled the situation. Said to us "What do you want"? We wanted a nice meal within a decent time frame. They came at us very negatively. I was always trained to make the customer happy, they didn't care and didn't care if we ever returned. I will tell everyone NOT to go there. Worse dining experience I ever had and I worked in the industry. If I could give negative stars I would.

Absolutely gross. The mozzarella on the caprese salad tasted like rubber, the tagliatelle was horrendous and when we ordered the cheese ravioli to replace it, it was just as bad, except that is didn’t have the nauseating smell that the tagliatelle carried. Overall, the best part of my meal was the water and the bread, which says a lot. In addition, the prices were absolutely insane of $28-29 for a pasta dish that was gross, this restaurant is absolutely NOT WORTH IT!!! If your are looking for some good Italian food, don’t bother coming here...

My shrimp and pasta dish was totally bland. No oil, garlic or sauce of any kind. I make better at home.

Wonderful staff, very attentive. Greeted warmly upon arrival. We were the first table Of the evening and had the place to ourselves for the first 30 minutes or so. Had a nice glass of wine. This restaurant has an extensive wine list. There isn’t a full bar so keep that in mind if you like a stiffer cocktail with your meal. The first dishes were delivered fairly promptly. A Caprese Salad and the Tris di Verdure (Hearts of Palm, Asparagus & Homemade Roasted Peppers). He enjoyed his dish, the mozzarella on the caprese was slightly gritty and not smooth rich and creamy (which you expect when you isolate a cheese in a dish like a caprese. The seasoning was good, and tomatoes were fresh. 2nd dishes arrived a little less quickly but still in reasonable time. We had the gnocchi Al pomodoro and the Linguine Pesto alla Genovese which is served in a homemade pesto. We found both to lack excitement or passion. They were a little dull and unimpressive. The pesto was bitter and leafy which can be caused by several things: the olive oil used, the pinenuts origin, or the basil leaves being bitter. In any case. Some salt and parmigiana was an easy fix to the dish the next day- since I took it to go. The gnocchi was on the soft side which could be from the way the potatoes were prepared, the type of potatoe used or even from just cooking them a little too long. We found service to be very attentive and we enjoyed ourselves despite the food hiccups. The decor was reminiscent of a early 2000s wedding. A little paint, & simplicity will take this place a long way. The pomp and circumstance of the table settings and the hostess stand, along with the chairs and decor felt contrived and like it was trying to be something it wasn’t. The menu can use some simplicity to, maybe halving the menu and offering simple and beautiful dishes will allow this place to recapture what it truly is trying to be… and authentic upscale Italian restaurant that is accessible and enjoyed by all. We will give it another try somewhere down the line.

Food was ok, But It was the worst service I have ever had. We set a reservation on open table for 6:30 and realized that probably wasn't necessary since there were only 5 tables with people in the place. We sat at our table being ignored for 20 minutes before being offered bread and no water. 20 min later we were finally asked if we wanted to order a drink. We ordered a $90 bottle of wine that we thought would be a good pairing with our dinner (A nice Barbaresco). Unfortunately we finished the bottle of wine before anyone every took our food order and sat being ignored. When we finally were served and got our food it was over a hour and half and no one even asked if we needed another drink. The meal was mediocre at best. After we finished we sat for another 30 min wondering if anyone was going to ask about desert... but like before we just sat there being ignored. We eventually had to go ask some one if we could just have our check. We are locals to Estero and support our community by eating out regularly and understanding that the main reason for dining out isn't because of not being able to cook but to pay for and enjoy good service. This place has no idea what "service" is and I would recommend never wasting your time or money on this place. I would have had better use of my 3 hours at the Wendy's next door.

The Caesar salad that I ordered to go was absolutely terrible…. For an $11 salad is was most puny thing I have ever seen. Terrible terrible. I should have went to Divieto or The Saucy Meatball. Won’t be coming back here again. Do better….