Christinis Ristorante Italiano -Food CA (Near Orlando)

3 /5 Dr. Raoul Quintero: I can’t help but wonder what has happened to this once-classic restaurant, long regarded as a place that consistently outshone expectations and delivered memorable dining experiences. We made reservations several weeks in advance to celebrate Christmas Eve with family, expecting the level of care and attention that the restaurant’s reputation promises. Unfortunately, the evening began with an early indication that this would not be the experience we had hoped for. We were seated at what was arguably the least desirable table in the restaurant, directly next to the servers’ prep station, where constant foot traffic and conversation became an unavoidable distraction throughout the night. After being seated, it took nearly ten minutes before we were greeted by our server, who promptly recited the evening’s drink selections. We asked for a moment to decide on additional drinks for the table after ordering a gin martini, but this request seemed to be forgotten. We ultimately had to flag the server down to place the remainder of the drink order. To be fair, once ordered, the Prosecco arrived within five minutes. The highlight of the evening—without question—was the food. The Chicken Marsala, Chicken Quattro Formaggio, and Sea Bass were all excellent and reflected the culinary quality the restaurant is known for. One surprise was the $23 charge for a side of rigatoni. While understandable given the restaurant’s reputation and location, it still felt unexpectedly steep for a side dish. After finishing dinner, service deteriorated further. We waited an astonishing twenty-three minutes without a single visit to our table. Aside from two brief check-ins from the late Mr. Christini’s daughter, no one approached us. Eventually, we had to summon a server ourselves to request the check and to box the remainder of one dish. When the check finally arrived, there was no acknowledgment of the delay—no apology, no explanation—just a lukewarm “Merry Christmas.” Very upset, disappointed, and frustrated.

5 /5 Dóra Dumitrașcu: We managed to get a reservation the same day for dinner (it was Thanksgiving), and we arrived early and sat at the bar. We ordered some cocktails which were nice, and then some glasses of wine and champagne which were properly chilled. Our table was a little late but we weren’t in a rush so it was okay. For startes we got the polpette di vitello (delicious!!), the carpaccio di manzo which was also a delight and we shared the melanzane alla parmigiana. The eggplant was soft and the tomato sauce in all of the dishes was delicious. For mains, we all got different pastas - gnocchi, fagottini and the linguini with seafood. The bolognese sauce for the gnocchi was very hearty and the gnocchi had a nice texture. The fagottini pasta had the perfect thickness (or thinness) and I think it was my favorite in terms of flavor. I got the seafood linguini, where the lobster and shrimps were cooked to perfection, however this was a massive portion of pasta so unfortunately I wasn’t able to finish it. We ordered the tiramisu, which was a great finish for our dinner. The wine list has a good selection of wines.

5 /5 Dan Castillo: Dining at Christini Ristorante Italiano was a truly outstanding experience from start to finish. The moment you step inside, you’re welcomed by an atmosphere that feels both elegant and inviting, a perfect blend of sophistication and warmth. The service was impeccable. Every member of the staff was attentive, professional, and genuinely passionate about providing an excellent experience. Their attention to detail and personalized recommendations made the evening even more enjoyable. The menu is a celebration of authentic Italian cuisine, crafted with evident care and expertise. Every dish we tried was exceptional. The wine list is thoughtfully curated, offering a fine selection that pairs beautifully with the menu. Christini exemplifies what a great dining experience should be: outstanding food, exceptional service, and a welcoming ambiance that makes you want to return. It’s a gem for anyone who appreciates genuine Italian cuisine and impeccable hospitality.

5 /5 John Shekian: Wow! Top notch Italian food. The staff was phenomenal and the atmosphere was perfect. Our waiter was an absolute gentleman. The food was incredible and the live music was amazing. They make you feel very special when you come here. Thank you for an amazing night!

5 /5 R.L: An absolute gem. The atmosphere is lovely and beautifully classic, perfectly executing that old-school, sophisticated New York Italian feel - and in the best possible way. The live music deserves a special mention; the Italian singer with a guitar provided a romantic, engaging, and truly fantastic mood that completes the classic atmosphere. Beyond the beautiful setting, the service is absolutely top-tier - attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely warm. While the location is well-known, the quality here speaks for itself. Highly, highly recommended for a classic dining experience!