Maritana at Don CeSar

Absolutely worth my 5's! The Don Cesar hotel is one of the most charming and peaceful stays in the St. Petersburg area. During my last visit, the hotel itself was undergoing a massive exterior restoration and now looks more beautiful than ever. Inside Florida's 'Pink Palace', the Maritana restaurant is always a must in each visit. The Maritana is partially indoor, part outdoor but I must say, the outdoor setting is definitely the better selection (If the weather permits). The patio offers a beautiful view overlooking both the pool, and the ocean; Most evenings, guests have the option to enjoy the ideal romantic ambiance with lounge seating around a glass firebox, beautiful twinkle accent lighting, and relatively quiet environment. In my visits, I've noticed that the Maritana rotates menu items (maybe seasonally?), and I always keep a lookout for their calamari and filet mignon. I've never been disappointed in my dinner selections here. Overall, the Maritana is definitely one of my top 3 favorite dining locations in St. Petersburg because of it's scenery & location at the tip of the St. Pete peninsula. Will definitely be back to visit!

Many people say that 5 star reviews just like 1 star reviews are not read often. You find the truth between 3&4 stars. I probably do that myself a lot, but when a place is that good from the moment you walk in till the moment you leave, why not give the 5 stars. Since we were staying at the hotel, one of the nights decided to try this place. It’s probably a good idea to make a reservation here, because the first night we attempted to go for dinner, they were extremely busy and had nothing available. So we tried another night. The place is beautiful inside, with a great atmosphere. We ordered a bottle of wine Robert Mondavi Oakvilleno and decided not to order appetizers but rather go straight for the main course. We ordered Rack of Lamb and NY Strip Steak with greens, french fries and also mac&cheese. You can’t just find Lamb everywhere, and not everyone can do as good of a job as they did. The steak was wonderful, don’t get me wrong, but I’ve gotten great steak in many places. The Lamb on the other hand was really something to brag about. Also the sides were really flavorful, and enough for 4 people. We couldn’t finish everything. Service was also great. What’s the point of having a great place, with great food, if the service won’t be of the same level. Well service did match the quality of everything else. Would definitely recommend this place and next time we are in town will make sure we stop by. It was a great experience.

Love this place. We come for special occasions. We've had lamb, venison, duck, swordfish, and Cornish hens and everything has been stunning. Great customer service.

Great dinner here. I’ve been before but it was about 7 years ago. The hotel and restaurant have had quite a few updates and it’s lovely inside. It’s nice to have good quality food out at the beach.

Excellent!!! Amazing food, deserts and drinks. The Prime Rib melts in your mouth! Jeff was Great - so friendly and attentive!!! You will Love It!

My husband and I recently celebrated our 16th wedding anniversary at The Maritana at The Don CeSar, joined by two close friends. Our dinner experience was truly exceptional from start to finish. The staff was not only knowledgeable and friendly but also provided outstanding recommendations that made our evening even more special. The food was simply phenomenal—the pork chop was unforgettable, and we’ll definitely be returning just to enjoy it again. The lemon tart was also a standout, with a perfect balance of flavors. Thank you to the entire team for making our anniversary so memorable and enjoyable. We highly recommend The Maritana for anyone looking for an extraordinary dining experience.

Great restaurant in Don Cesar. Our server, Mark De Meyer, legitimately was the best part of our overall experience at either the restaurant or hotel. We had our 18 month old and were unsure of how that would be received and how he would act. Mark was so accommodating and took such great care of us. The recommendations were on point and food and drinks were terrific, but Mark was absolutely the best part of the entire experience. It was so great, we actually went back the next night. Thanks so much, Mark and team!

The service at Maritana was impeccable. Our server, Don (like the hotel), was knowledgeable, attentive, and friendly without being intrusive. They expertly explained each course and offered recommendations that were phenomenal. The entire staff worked together seamlessly to ensure a smooth and enjoyable dining experience. We highly recommend making a reservation and treating yourself to an evening of pure indulgence.

One of our favorite spots in St Pete❤️ Maritana offers an exceptional dining experience with a menu combining creativity and fresh, local ingredients. The elegant ambiance, paired with attentive service, makes every meal feel like a special occasion. Each dish is thoughtfully crafted and bursting with flavor, from the appetizers to the decadent desserts. If you're seeking a refined culinary adventure, Maritana is a must-visit. Ask for Janet to serve your table if you want the best possible experience - she is the best🌸

The food speaks for itself, and the chef is incredible, but honestly, the service is what sets this restaurant apart from other fine dining options. When we first met our server, Don, he immediately points out "like the hotel," so we wouldn't forget his name. However, forgetting him was not possible, after the evening. Funny and light-hearted, yet professional, and classy. Jeff is another server that deserves mention and leaves an incredible impression. They assist each, other assuring you have a great meal and the two of these guys set the bar for what other servers should strive to be. Plus, they are like a comedy duo who have been working seamlessly together for what I'd guess is a very long time. However, the comedy doesn't overshadow the service only compliments the excellence of the entire experience. Truly unforgettable. Enjoy!

What an amazing dinner! We surprised my mom with a mom and daughters little vacation on the beach. Jeff was exceptional. The bread service was exceptional. My husband and I have dined here twice before but this was by far the best food I’ve had here. It’s always been good but this was wonderful. Highly recommend the duck, lamb and lobster dish. Thanks for making our evening even more special.

Great experience. Beef tartare had an egg yolk shaved topping that was amazing. I loved all the dishes we had. Tuna with ham was amazing. Loved the snapper, too. The dessert we were steered towards with the pastry, vanilla and berries was awesome. The texture was elevating.

My husband and I had dinner at Maritana the very next day after our wedding at The Don CeSar. We had previously reached out with a special request seeking out recommendations for a 5-course wine and dinner pairing as a way to celebrate our first day as newlyweds. Chef Emily and the Front of House Manager were extremely accommodating and enthusiastic about helping to curate the perfect experience for us. We were completely blown away by the entire experience between the food, wine, and staff. Don (Don at The Don) was our server for the night and was fantastic with such a great personality! The service was top-notch and the food was honestly incredible. Each course was so thoughtfully and creatively prepared by Chef Emily and she took the time to come out and explain each of her dishes to us. We absolutely LOVED everything. The dinner included such a diverse range of flavors that all worked together so well and the wine pairings were the perfect compliments to each course. We loved everything so much we even had Don write down the list of all of the wine pairings for us. Thank you so much Chef Emily, Don, and the entire staff for going above and beyond to make this such a fun and memorable experience for us! We are very excited for our next visit to Maritana to enjoy more of what the menu has to offer.

Professional and courteous service. Attentive but not smothering. Excellent food with distinctive complementary flavor combinations. Had a wonderful, romantic meal with my wife. We enjoyed a crescent booth along the wall, and would suggest requesting for other couples.

Delightful evening! The food was fantastic. Perfectly cooked in delicious sauces and spices. Dessert was even better! We enjoyed the chocolate and cheesecake. Our waiter was excellent and so personable! We appreciated all the attention to the little details. All in all a great meal!

Firstly, the menu itself was a culinary delight. The selection of appetizers, entrees, and desserts was diverse and offered something for every palat for my business dinner. Each dish was beautifully presented and bursting with flavor for Mark our host for this amazing dinner. The attention to detail and quality of ingredients were evident in every bite. The three-course meal was a true gastronomic journey that left me wanting more. Of special note from me personally were the grilled octopus which was perfectly cooked for those like me who favor this dish, and for the final course a share Australian Tomahawk which was perfectly seasoned and perfectly cooked to my medium rare palette. My guests could not put their fork down! The desserts and coffee were expertly presented and obviously masterfully created custom for the table. Our host Mark again was very personable and has made a lasting impression on my guests who just purchased a home within walking distance from this establishment. We will be back and thank you Mark again for your own optional service and shared experience in our pleasurable dinner. Additionally , the service at Maritana was top-notch. The staff was attentive, knowledgeable, and From the moment I walked in, I felt welcomed and well taken care of. Mark was prompt in taking orders, and the pacing of the courses was perfectly time. The level of professionalism and warmth displayed by the entire team was truly commendable. Thank you once again! Very highest sincerity being considered, the ambiance of Maritana added to the overall experience. The restaurant exudes elegance and sophistication, with its stylish decor and intimate setting. The dim lighting and soothing music created a relaxed and intimate atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a memorable meal. In conclusion, I cannot recommend Maritana at Don Cesar enough. The three-course menu and service surpassed all expectations and left me thoroughly impressed. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for an exceptional dining experience, Maritana is the place to go. Five stars all the way!"

I had the most exceptional experience at The Maritana! The food was beyond exquisite, each dish bursting with flavor and beautifully presented. But what truly elevated the evening was our server, Hannah. Her impeccable service, attentiveness, and warm demeanor added an extra layer of enjoyment to the evening. A perfect combination of outstanding food and amazing service made it an unforgettable dining experience.

Celebrated with friends for a wedding anniversary. Restaurant has been updated it is nice and has a beach clean vibe. Lots of white with large pillars. Menu is seafood focused but also has nice fillet and lamb chop option. Shared plates are very small portions and over priced for amount served. The dishes taste good but it is a small plate of food for 2 people to share. Wine list and full liquor bar available. corkage is $25 per bottle.

Outstanding culinary experience of rich flavors and textures. Service was fantastic and the ambiance was nice. We had the pleasure of dining there recently after their reopening after being impacted by last year's hurricane and everyone was excited.

Love this restaurant. Make reservations in advance. Great restaurant to get friends together for your birthday. Don’t come here if you are just going to complain.

Great food, amazing service. Don was our waiter and made the night for us. Will visit often.

First time dining at Maritani at Don Cesar hotel. Service was great. I had Lobster dish and my husband is a vegetarian/gluten free/dairy free he had the mushroom polanta dish and a salad that was so delicious. Some parts of my Lobster was overcooked but overall good.

Celebrated a wonderful birthday dinner here! Staff was friendly and food was delicious. Sides could have been better (were very small) but the steaks are too die for!

I’ve eaten here several times over the last year because our friends typically stay at the Don when they’re in town… every time I come I am a little bit disappointed with the price of the food for what it is. I don’t mind spending on incredible dining… but I feel like it barely misses the mark but misses the mark. The bread service is amazing, oysters are great, and dessert is phenomenal. The entrees are just too expensive for what they are. Hard to explain. I would focus on a tapas style and share different things from the menu their appetizers are yummier than their entrees.

During our stay at the Don CeSar we made reservations at Maritana to eat on our anniversary night. The hostess was very friendly and happily took a picture for us. Our server was friendly as well. He went over his top recommendations from the menu and answered any questions we had. Nothing was really standing out to us or sounding appetizing based off his description but we still decided to give it a try and ordered the Blue crab based off the waiters recommendation and the Red Fish. When the food finally came we were both surprised with the Blue crab dish. What was in front of us is not what was described to us. It was not appetizing to me at all so my husband ate most of this. The Red fish tasted great but just wished it came with an actual side like rice, mashed potatoes, or an actual filling portion size of vegetables. Instead it came with 3 carrots. Pictures provided of both meals. We ordered a desert to share for our anniversary which was good. Overall the ambiance of the restaurant was really nice but the food selection and portion size could be a-lot better. We were both still hungry after dinner which is normally not the case for me especially with dessert & this is when we found out about Uncle Andy’s Market. My husband and I were able to find something in here to satisfy our hunger. While we were at Uncle Andy’s one of the workers there told us that the restaurant we just ate at was going through a revamp and menu changes so it is still a working process which is definitely understandable. Because of the convenience of the restaurant when staying at the hotel I really hope the food selection and portion size gets better so we can give it another try with hopefully a better experience.

Really odd restaurant. Appeared 1/2 empty but they couldn’t seat us until exactly our reservation time. The pace of service was awful. We sat for 25 minutes before our server came and explained the menu to us. We ordered all 3 courses (no dessert) and there were massive extremely awkward gaps of time between the courses. The first two courses were shared family style. The servers would come and take all our utensils and individual plates before we were done eating the shared plates. They would leave the food on the table and then come back a few minutes later and ask if we were done. The wait between course 1 and 2 was so long the wait staff accidentally refreshed our plates and silverware twice despite us not using them because there was no food to eat. The bill was crazy. Only 2 glasses of wine and again, no dessert. $800 for 4 people. The food was decent. However the service plus the price means I would not return. If the service was stellar I could almost justify the price. Almost.

The Oysters were good. They didn’t cook my date’s $190 A5 Wagyu Steak properly, my Seabass came drowning in a watery soup with the sauce, and the server was absurdly rude. He visited our table 3 times before telling us about the menu. I had asked for the specials the first two times and he was flippant with me and walked away. Dropped plates on the table rudely. The only thing more shocking than the service was the bill at the end. A lot of “Market Priced” items were well beyond the price of Michelin Star restaurants in Tampa and Miami. $64 scallops, we received 3 scallops. I’m in awe of the audacity with which they act and charge. There is absolutely no reason to go here.

Way too pricey, not worth that money. Beef Tartar wash prepared more like tuna tartar very big pieces of meat - floss your teeth if your on date. Duck breast - one of my favorite dish, hmm it was grey inside, I ordered medium and it should come little pink with juice, but it was grey… they don’t know how to use the spices I was about to ask for salt pepper and lemon. And the magic was gone… nice interiors.

Once- not again. Disappointingly very limited menu- $95.00 steak was cold. Service was excellent and knowledgeable- it was the food that was not acceptable. We later laughed about whether we received a full tablespoon of any side on any plate.Not the experience we expected at the Don.

The previous reviews I believe are from a previous restaurant. This newer concept just opened recently. There is a menu with Act 1 through 4. The server suggests that you order 1 item from each “act”. This is more like a Tapas tasting menu. So the crab bite, was a crab salad with raspberry topping that we did not like at all. Had a bitter very strong fishy taste - not a crab taste. In act 2, had a scallop (1), served with a tablespoon of sweet potato and hazelnut for $32. It was tasty, but underdone for my palate. Act 3 was a Redfish. This was ok. Act 4 was a steak that was actually pretty good. You received two slices of a steak with a cauliflower mashed potato mixed with bacon and apples. Cost $55. This was the tastiest item. We wished that we had skipped act 3 and just ordered the steak. The server was excellent and the bread service was excellent! Total cost for two people without drinks was $250. This is located within the Don CeSar Hotel, but facing the parking lot side, not the beach.

We decided to try Maritana during our staying at the Don and were very disappointed. They have created a "culinary experience" designed to try multiple courses but the portions are small and the menu is limited. Our waiter was a bit stand offish when he realized we wouldn't be ordering several drinks and multiple courses. Some of the reviews for this restaurant seem to be prior to their reopening so I believe the concept has recently changed.

We are locals and we love spending time at the Don Cesar . However this new concept at the Mariana restaurant I don’t think is appreciated for this type of restaurant and location . The food was very small portion and it the greatest taste . Pretty colorful partes with bitter taste . The price was outrages the service was slow and not the best for this concept . We paid as if they are Michelin rated restaurants with a bad service . Very disappointing One payer with caviar $25 and no Oysyer served . The waiter had to bring one more . Nothing had flavor . All the purrs were decorative bad taste Chef needs to play with bitter flavors and sweet to make it better to the palate Bread was $8 and we had two small baguettes Only had 2 courses out of there 4 and our bill was close to $500. No worth it

How dare you sell rotten seafood to customers??? The other dish had clams full of sand and langoustines with bits of shell ...what a disappointment!!! $200 for a disgusting and dangerous for our health dinner! Take fthis piece of advice and go seafood shopping EVERY MORNING for these prices! No shame and no fear!!! This is the only time in our life to be served rotten, green-gray octopus for $30!!!

I never in my life been turned around at a restaurant due to my outfit because she said I need to cover up my stomach area I couldn’t believe how I was treated there no dress code on the website so I didn’t understand what was the problem so it would be nice to get some answers because I cancel a cruise just to go to dinner there just to be turned around very unprofessional for a manager who ever pic this I’m sorry but your is why and that’s why they said I can’t come in but my stomach is not out but hers is WOW! But I most definitely understand why if nobody else do🤬🤬🤬

Worst portion I’ve ever had. We asked for medium cooked duck and we got it rare, the portions are ridiculously small, the service is mediocre! Very disappointing.

One would think that a restaurant located within one of the most prominent hotels on Gulf Blvd would be exceptional. That was not the case. In my opinion what is needed is a complete overhaul of the menu, chef, sous chefs and possibly some of the wait staff. 1) Received a bourbon neat. The drink came full of fruit flies floating in it. Not off to a very good start. 2) One of our appetizers was not brought to the table. The waiter forgot. 3) The oysters were extremely small. 4) The seafood linguine was tough, bland and missing seafood. It was topped with 4 clams. Lacked shrimp and scallops. $38 5) The lobster gnudi - The lobster was overcooked and rubbery. $73 6) The bread service was the best part. Best $5 spent. 7) Our meal took over an hour to be delivered to our table as we watched other customers being served their meals. 8) They will validate your valet ticket for all your troubles. We decided to skip dessert and head down to Larry's Ice Cream as that place NEVER FAILS. In closing we probably won't dine here again until they decide to revamp. Save your money. There are so many local seafood dives on the strip that are amazing. Not only are they great but you will save a lot of money.

We’re locals and decided to celebrate a friend’s 60th birthday with a weekend at The Don, kicking things off with dinner at Maritana. While the restaurant does have a lovely ambiance, that’s about the only highlight of our experience. From the start, our waiter spoke to us in a noticeably condescending tone, which immediately set the wrong tone for the evening. The portions were surprisingly small—beautifully plated, yes—but the flavor and overall quality didn’t come close to matching the price. We had hoped for a special, memorable evening for our friend, and while it was memorable, unfortunately it wasn’t for the right reasons. On a brighter note, the hotel’s lobby bar makes fantastic drinks and has an exceptionally friendly staff, and Uncle Henry’s by the pool is also wonderful. But as for Maritana—save your time and money. St. Pete has so many incredible restaurants with great views, delicious food, and genuinely kind service. Maritana just doesn’t measure up.

We have just moved to St. Petersburg and have been wanting to visit the Don Caesar and have dinner there. I was not impressed with either. The hotel did not have warmth or a majestic look like the Vinoy and the restaurant was mediocre. Truly not impressed. No view, The food portions were small. The taste was not there no flavors or spices., The service was slow, and everything was way overpriced for what we got. I have been to Michelin restaurants where it was worth paying what we paid. Instead we left this restaurant feeling disappointed. Saint Pete is growing and so many wonderful restaurants are opening. This is not one I would recommend.

This restaurant doesn’t even deserve one star. From the moment we arrived, the service was terrible. It was my birthday, and they made me feel awful. The food was the worst I’ve ever had in my life, and the whole experience was just horrible. I can’t even explain how bad I felt being there. My friends felt the same way, and don’t even get me started on the food — this place is a total disgrace.”

Way over priced, you pay to sample the food, forced to pay $40 for valet parking, no drinks $200 food bill and we left hungry. Will never go back, it's a little sad how the Maritana comments on the positive reviews but completely ignores the negative ones