Near Gainesville? Gotta Eat Here!
Outstanding, pure and simple. A tad up$cale for the little town of Alachua, but always packed -- so obviously the pricing is no detriment. The portions are generous; we always have something to take home. The 'standard' Italian fare is terrific, and the house specialties are delightful. Experiment with everything on the menu -- you won't be disappointed.

Avoid Friday and Saturday nights unless you enjoy crowds. Closed on Mondays.    [12 Dec 2006 19:54:14]

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Recommended Dishes: Our solid fave = crispy chicken parmesan pomodoro on angel hair with sundried tomatoes

     ­Anonymous   

Decent food, slow service
I've been here twice and the service was really bad both times. The food is good, but it is expensive and the quantities aren't all that big.    [16 Jan 2007 11:59:12]

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     ­Anonymous   

My favorite place
Everything on the menu is outstanding and I don't think the price is that bad. Wine list is amazing!!! You will love it.    [30 Jan 2007 19:18:26]

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Recommended Dishes: All the seafood and pasta is amazing!

     ­slychikadee   

I'll second that review!
Have lived in Alachua County, FL for 35 years, and this is my all-time, hands-down favorite local restaurant. (When in downtown Gainesville, however, Dragonfly is an absolute must-visit.) Deneno's is a tad pricier than other small-town eateries, but quite reasonable when considering comparable Gainesville upscale menus. The entree portions are substantial, and you'll probably have enough for lunch the next day. This is NOT your run-of-the-mill Italian cuisine. The chef is clever and creative. The salads are delightful, but not always worth the cost. Avoid the Fri/Sat evening crowds. A++    [17 Jun 2007 12:09:36]

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Recommended Dishes: The chicken parmesan is exceptional.

     ­Left the city for horse country   

My left overs are calling to my as I type!!!
My husband and I have been 2 times with special friends and have had an amazing evening both on a Friday and a week day. The prices are just fine for the quality and pride that the chef puts into all of their meals.

Small town, or big town - that means nothing to the wonderful meal you'll have be, it a pizza or a seafood delight.

This is the kind of place you can make home, or celebrate a special occasion! ENJOY    [01 Sep 2007 10:11:41]

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Recommended Dishes: Everything!

     ­Lisa and Gerry King   

Very good.
What can I say I like to eat. I have eaten here 3 or 4 times. The food has always been above average. The ambiance is okay and the service has been mixed but always friendly. Definitely worth a try.    [12 Feb 2008 21:15:05]

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     ­Anonymous   

Unhappy camper at Deneno's
My grandparents are from the old country. I'm born and raised in a city that hosts some of the finest Italian restaurants in the USA. I believe I know something about Italian cooking, and Deneno's doesn't cut the mustard. I've been there on two occasions. The first time I was served angel hair spaghetti drowning in so much strangely spiced tomato sauce that it was more like a bad tasting noodle soup. On the second occasion, my spaghetti came dry as a bone and tasteless. Perhaps I'm spoiled, but that's my spiel.    [24 Mar 2008 13:29:00]

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     ­Anonymous   zeno001 at yahoo dot com

BEST Italian food in Florida!

We've eaten there 4x since November 07 (it's 6/08). Twice we took large groups. Each time we go we try something different.

Everyone in our party has always been impressed with every salad ($7.95...fills me up!), main entree (husband will kill for the lobster lasagna) and homemade brick oven desserts.

Our service has always been exceptional (our water glasses never get empty!) and we will go NOWHERE else for Italian food. Even our kids (age 13 & 7) LOVE this place even though there's no kids' menu. The meal prices are higher than average, but the food quality cannot be beat!    [13 Jun 2008 21:32:11]

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Recommended Dishes: Every entree and brick oven dessert!

     ­FLNonny, Gainesville, FL   McInnesmom at bellsouth dot net