Valentino

If you love eating garlic & cheese in abundance then this is for you! If not then the food was well below par. So much garlic there can’t be any left in Dorset. And the half a centimeter of cheese on the pizza was awful. Kids meals were good and basic. Service was great and environment was authentic Italian but that’s as far as it goes.

Small circular restaurant in Bournemouth, a short walk from the coast and from many local hotels. Went on a Thursday night and the restaurant was generally empty with only 2 other tables seated while I was there.
Staff was helpful and promptly delivered my dish. The garlic chicken was buttery, tasty, hot and fresh. I could hear it sizzling as they cooked it as the restaurant was so quiet and empty. The garlicky, butter sauce was yearning for a crispy piece of Italian bread to mop up the remaining sauce with but alas, none ever arrived. An Italian restaurant serving no Italian bread with dinner? Unheard of unless the waiter forgot because the restaurant was too busy? The accompanying pasta dish was fine, nothing spectacular.
Overall, Valentino’s menu consists of a limited number of main course selections as well as pizzas. Two beers are offered, both Italian (one on draft, one in bottles). A selection of wines is also available.
My waiter disappeared after delivering my dish and a separate waiter brought over my bill — odd, considering I was one of the only patrons.

Staff very friendly, good for families with young children. Would visit again.

Great service, delicious food. Nice atmosphere.

Been there twice, once for a family party, and again for a business dinner, great atmosphere, staff great, we stayed for a few drinks with them after closing, food nothing fancy, but very acceptable, will be booking again for Feb. John G

Like stepping into the 1970s — bright red paper napkins, candles in old wine bottles covered in wax, banana split on the menu. But along with the friendly Italian owner, this is part of this restaurant’s charm.
The food is basic — don’t expect homemade pasta or fancy sauces. The pizzas are a bit odd too. But for somewhere central to grab a quick dinner, it’s sweet enough.