Italian Diva in Poole

Authentic, traditional Italian food, you won't find something similar in Dorset... Everything reminds me of my hometown in Italy , the atmosphere, the music , and the food is...just stunning!!!

Can’t wait to go again. Arancini Best I’ve had since Sicily. Ox main was also delicious. Highly recommend. Will be back

Really nice little restaurant. Beautiful decoration and cosy atmosphere. But most of all it has delicious food. Definitely the place to come back for more.

Excellent food and very good service (despite being the lone member server = wasn’t supposed to be!). Small restaurant, would highly recommend

Lovely authentic Italian restaurant. Great tasting dishes at affordable prices. Had the best carbonara I’ve had in years.

Visiting Poole we passed this restaurant one street back from the quay. The food was fantastic, wide range of choice on the menu. Fantastic wine choice. Chef/owner (Marcellos) checked on us to ensure everything was as we expected made a few recommendations for dessert. Everyone was friendly.

I make it a point to travel to Europe every year and to stop on the way to have dinner here. The food is always amazing, I try many different items that I’m stuffed after dinner! Marcello makes an awesome pasta dish that has a little spicy kick to it that is great. The chocolate soufflé and the Tiramisu are the best I’ve ever had!

Lovely restaurant, lovely staff, unfortunately my dinner date wasn't so great! But I shall be back 😊

This is a wonderful place. It has become my first stop whenever I am able to come to Europe. The food is good. The owner/chef is a very friendly person. Este es un lugar maravilloso. Se ha convertido en mi primera parada cada vez que puedo venir a Europa. La comida es buena. El dueño/chef es una persona muy amable.

This is a wonderful place. It has become my first stop whenever I am able to come to Europe. The food is good. The owner/chef is a very friendly person. This is a wonderful place. It has become my first stop every time I come to Europe. The food is good. The owner/chef is a very friendly person.

Had a lovely anniversary meal here, lovely friendly waitress and chef. The food was delicious not your average Italian, much better

Fabulous food, excellent service and great ambience. Have been twice now and will be going many more times. Thankyou !

We haven’t visited for a little while but it felt like we had never been away. Great welcome and the most amazing food prepared by Marcello. To start we shared the bread with Balsamic. It has to be said this is real thick Italian balsamic unlike the liquid balsamic most restaurants provide. Also possibly the only restaurant where the vegetables are always perfectly cooked and a joy to eat. The menu always has a few specials and on this occasion my husband spotted the Oxtail Main course which he decided to try. He said it tasted amazing and would definitely select it again on a subsequent visit. I had the chicken which was also cooked to perfection. The restaurant always has a very warm and cost feel. I would highly recommend a visit. Many thanks Sue & Ray xx

I’m really disappointed. Went there because high quoted but it’s rated by people that never been in Italy and try the real Italian food . Bruschetta looking like supermarket ciabatta warmed up with oil and cherry tomatoes on top. Home made ravioli that again looking like supermarket top range buy with double cream and mushroom sauce . Nothing true to real Italian cuisine. But the best part was cannolo that wasn’t fresh at all because must be very crispy like just fried at a very expensive price must had a couple of days in fridge. Just avoid if you are Italian don’t have high hopes .

We went to Italian Diva as recommended by my sister and wow what a recommendation. Absolutely fabulous service and food was very generous and perfectly cooked. Wonderful atmosphere and we definitely will be returning. I couldn't recommend it more if I tried. It's a MUST for all who love Italian food and the generous spirit of the owner and staff.

It was a wet Tuesday night in Poole and we stumbled across this place …we were the only people in (6.30). The service was attentive and thoughtful without being intrusive, the food was simply excellent…we had starters, main courses of pasta and home made tiramisu. All were spot on. The owner/chef came over to chat, which was a nice touch. Highly highly recommended

Great food, great wine, great evening, lovely restaurant, great chef and lovely staff. Went for my 60th birthday and thoroughly enjoyed it

Simply wow! The staff were pleasant and friendly and most welcoming...as for the food, well it certainly was probably the best Italian food we have had on the south coast, if not the UK! The starters were absolutely fantastic, and beautiful produce served beautifully. The main meals were second to none. Each mouthful left you excited for more! We were so full and could only manage to share a desert, but what a show finisher.....simply divine! All in all, it was an absolute 5-star evening. I would highly recommend it to anybody and will be visiting again to try more items on the menu... My only complaint is that I have not been there sooner!

5th time we have been here in the last 2 years. We really enjoyed it every time. The food was as good as it was the first time we visited, and we were sat by the front door and also the back door of the kitchen was open, we found no issue with draft coming into the restaurant, as per the last person to comment on this restaurant, so we disagree with thier “it was cold comments” when we are here in the same week they were. Service was very good, and also had the knowledge of the questions we asked on each dish on the menu, when we were deciding what to order. Very nice place and the owner is very friendly, we will be back soon, and would say to people visiting Poole, it’s a must visit for decent friendly food.

So disappointed. Nothing like our previous very enjoyable visit towards the end of 2023. The place was cold, l asked for the heating to be put on which helped then got a cold draft from the kitchen as they obviously had the door open. The front of house staff have changed and hasn't got the same feel as before. However the young lady did try hard to recover the situation. Also there was a really big party that arrived and the noise level increased somewhat. This was meant to be a special family night out but unfortunately it just didn't work. We wouldn't recommend and won't be returning.

Small Italian restaurant with a style. The food was delicious and was presented beautifully. Highly recommend it.

Superb homemade pasta. We finished up having 3 great courses. Refreshingly authentic food, no pizzas on the menu 😊

Such an excellent experience. Food and service were exceptional 👌

The food ,wine and service was amazing ..one of the best meals we have had. . Every thing was cooked to perfection sea base and linguine was the best we have tasted. Thank you so much. Prices are spot on for the Level of food and service.

The best and most authentic carbonara I've ever had in a restaurant. My wife's ravioli was also delicious and she loved it. The desserts were great, tiramisu and chocolate souffle with gelato. My wife said it was some of the best gelato she has ever had. The service was equally excellent. We will be back with family to share a wonderful experience.

Fabulous food with excellent service by friendly staff. A huge thanks to Marcello as he is a simply superb chef. Always a joy to dine here. Am sure we will be back very soon. Would highly recommend a visit as it will never just be once xxxx

Amazing find - the food and service was superb. The staff were just so friendly and chef is brilliant. Well worth a visit

The food at Diva well…..absolutely amazing! Marcello is outstanding chef, who cooks for you. Italy arrives at your table! Allocated service, cooked to order, not too dissimilar to private dining service, Fabulous! Always a pleasure when we visit Poole. If you understand food you will absolutely love and appreciate this restaurant.

Great food and excellent service..

Their choice of drinks mixed with the atmosphere of the location was top tier! The highlight of the meal was the Wild Boar Ravioli which was generously portioned!

staff treated us badly, food was good but the young lady was rude and didn't seem to want to be there otherwise i would of gave a better rating.

Beautiful location, warm, friendly accommodating staff. Delicious food.. the best carbonara we have tasted. Highly recommended we can’t wait to come back, when we are back in the area.. Thank you!

My partner and I had the most delicious meal here. The service was amazing and the atmosphere was perfect. My partner had the ravioli and I had the parmigiana. Both were the best. I would definitely come back to this restaurant when we are visiting Poole again.

One of the best meals I had in a long time. With the chef in his own running his restaurant and working the kitchen for 15 years, it has aged like fine wine.

Excellent food and service will go again . The staff were brilliant couldn’t do enough for us . Food very tasty and the portions were a good size. Excellent value for money. You won’t be disappointed

Great restaurant, amazing food and great staff. Service time was quick, staff was very helpful and friendly. Food quality was amazing. Highly recommend it.

This was a last minute night out and what a pleasant surprise with the place and exceptional food. A small Italian restaurant but perfect in décor and atmosphere coupled with great food what more could you want.

The atmosphere was intimate and warm. We were welcomed with warm smiles and the staff was well mannered and accommodating. The food was exceptional. I have gone to Diva a couple times and have thoroughly enjoyed my visit each time. With it being in such a nice location and being a pretty small restaurant, it is a perfect place for an intimate evening filled with good food and kind people.

My wife and I have eaten in dozens and dozens of Italian restaurants both in the UK and in Italy. This is seriously good, and one of the very best we have ever been to. The food is superb, and the service is excellent. It’s a pity we don’t live in the area - we’d be back in a heartbeat. Congratulations to everyone concerned, especially the chef, who is from Rome. It’s really worth seeking out this fabulous restaurant.

This is one of the best Italian spots in Poole I have dined at. You’ll be seeing me again Italian Diva.

Very nice, quite place with very good Italian kitchen. If you travel through the Poole, you should visit this place.

Excellent food and lovely waitress Freshly cooked amazing flavours Great atmosphere very relaxing Fabulous restaurant

A great Italian restaurant in the centre of old Poole. Wonderful food with a great atmosphere. Lovely waitress, nothing too much trouble. Consistently good menu, something for everyone. The chef is a wonderful cook!

Walking past this restaurant and thought it looked really nice so went in and booked a table for the next night--so very glad we did!😊

Small gem tucked away on the quayside of poole, friendly staff and genuinely some of the best food I’ve tasted in my life with generous portions

The atmosphere was intimate and warm. We were welcomed with warm smiles and the staff was well mannered and accommodating. The food was exceptional. I have gone to Diva a couple times and have thoroughly enjoyed my visit each time. With it being in such a nice location and being a pretty small restaurant, it is a perfect place for an intimate evening filled with good food and kind people.

What a find, went there last night for our anniversary, the food was amazing with a great choice of menu probably the best Italian Restaurant we have been to, but I must pay the utmost compliments to the waitress who looked after us so well...

Slightly late in writing this but would like to send huge thanks to Marcello and his team. Fabulous food and very quiet relaxing atmosphere. We had a great evening before our trip away for our 40th Wedding Anniversary. Look forward to enjoying another amazing meal...

Amazing food, great atmosphere in the really intimate space and great service.

The place had an amazing and really intimate atmosphere, the food was incredible and the service was great!!

The food was amazing and the service friendly. Lovely restaurant, we will definitely go again. Totally recommend the panacotta it was to die for x

Lovely food and lovely service! Sorry, don’t know the waitress’s name, but she was great. The food was fantastic, and the special dessert, the lemon cake with limoncello and covered with cream, was out of this world! Thanks Italiandiva for such a lovely experience.

Good hot food and excellent service! How lovely to experience basic service etiquette (IMO lacking in many venues these days). Un-required cutlery removed, wine recommendations, knowledge of menu, ladies served first, a family of 4 including 2 teenagers all involved and interacted with ….. all...

Amazing food. Really authentic and unique Italian food. This is not your average Italian. I had the oxtail pappardelle, it was one of the best plates of food I’ve ever had. The other Italian restaurants in the area don’t even come close

Charming restaurant with excellent staff who are present but know their food and wines. Very good pairings especially the Rosé Pinot Grigio with the starters. The best Coda da Vaccinara (Oxtail ragu) outside of Rome!

Excellent food excellent restaurant

Food was amazing - and as a frequent visitor to Italy - was delighted to find how authentic the food was here. Impressive menu and lovely staff , will definitely be back.

Beautifully decorated little restaurant, very elegant & classy. Really lovely friendly waitress & the chef even came out & asked if our meal was all ok. The food was absolutely delicious, especially the scallops! Would highly recommend this lovely place!

We visited for my wife's birthday, stylish, cozy, relaxed atmosphere, attentive service, amazing Italian food. Would highly recommend. Grazie Marcello and Beth.

Lovely dining experience, staff were knowledgeable, friendly and the service was great. We had 3 courses and the food was delicious from starter through to dessert! We would definitely recommend! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Lovely place. Great service and food.

Impromptu meal after arriving in Poole from the Midlands. Googled restaurants and Italian Diva was near the top of the list! Easy access on the High Street, looked cute so in we went, and not disappointed at all. Great service from Bethany, nice ambience and...

Our first visit to Diva for 18 months and as always we were not disappointed. This has always been a classy restaurant and unsurprisingly Marcello continues to maintain the highest standards in both service and food. I was delighted with my wild boar ravioli and...

Best cooked food i have had in a while, so delicious. Definitely a must and will be coming back here again. Everything is cooked fresh and any accommodations are welcome. Cant stress how happy i was with my meal and appetizers.

We are a group of eight longstanding friends meeting together for the first time since Covid lockdown, so we wanted soemthing memorable and special. Italian Diva turned out to be a fantastic choice. If you want authentic Italian cooking, this is the place for you....

A little gem on Poole high street. Lovely food and surroundings and service. I had mussels starter followed by the special monkfish. Asked for it more spicy and the chef delivered maintaining all the tastes and the spice. Gill and Friends food also brilliant. Limited...

The food was edible, yet mediocre and old fashioned.

Lovely food, thank you. Small restaurant and personal service was excellent

Fabulous restaurant, the best in Poole, and I have been to many. Really tasty food, nicely cooked. Fabulous chef.

A great little Italian tucked away down a side street. The Antipasto Divo was a perfect starter, the Wild Boar ravioli was lovely and the cannoli was delicious (if a bit big!)

We didn't have a reservation, but we were offered a lovely table for two, the decor and atmosphere is fantastic, food and wine to die for, service was great, very attentive and professional, thoroughly recommend this place, and the tiramasu. Great choice and value for money.

Absolutely gorgeous food. Last minute booking for the Mrs birthday (table for 2). Soo impressed. Great prices, great atmosphere, great service. ❤️

Lovely restaurant, attentive but not intrusive service, very attractive space. Food excellent, we had bread & oils & olives, then starters of whitebait, prawns & crab with crayfish. Mains, ravioli with salmon, ravioli with mushrooms, lamb and pasta with scallops, all great flavours. Finished off...

Lovely Italian meal in this small restaurant in Poole. Lived up to expectations in every way. Can definitely recommend the scallops starter and wild boar ravioli main course with a bottle of Chianti. Profiteroles for dessert wrapped it up in style. The charming young waitress...

Called in for a meal Friday night. You need to book rang in morning could only get in at 8.30pm. Its very popular for good reason. This is a true italian resturant with everything cooked and prepared by the owner chef. We had three courses...

Four of us had a great meal on Friday. The sea bass, pasta, chicken and veal were all perfectly cooked and the pecorino wine was very nice. All the staff were very attentive and friendly. We will definitely be back! Thank you to chef Marcello...

What a fabulous night! Marcelo, Bailey and Beth are so warm and friendly, fantastic service. The food is wonderful.. all 4 of us loved every dish, fabulous flavors.. fresh whitebait, cooked to perfection and the tiramisu was the best I have ever had tasted.. we...

A last minute booking and all of us were blown away by this fabulous restaurant. From the decor and ambiance to the staff and the amazing food! Marcello is a brilliant chef and a lovely humble man! The staff were equally great. Bailey, our waiter,...

Despite being in Poole many times, we had never eaten in Italian Diva. We had a great meal, I would particularly recommend the fillet steak with the diane sauce, I have never eaten better, same can be said of all others in our party. Look...

This restaurant is fabulous. Authentic Italian food, cooked to perfection. The table service was great, and the atmosphere was spot on. We were very lucky to get a table as we hadn't booked, so we were so pleased they managed to fit us in. I can honestly say, it was the best Italian food we have ever eaten.

This restaurant is fabulous. Authentic Italian food, cooked to perfection. The table service was great, and the atmosphere was spot on. We were very lucky to get a table as we hadn't booked, so we were so pleased they managed to fit us in. I...

I went there yesterday with my boyfriend for a dinner. First impression- beautiful elegant decor. Darker light in the evening with plenty of small lights over the windows create very cosy and romantic atmosphere perfect for your date night. Lady who served us was very nice and service was fantastic. Food is outstanding. Considering I love Italian kitchen, this place has become my favourite one now. I got prawns for a starter and my boyfriend got goats cheese. Both super delicious and full of flavour. Our mains were also cooked to perfection. I really enjoyed my sea bass! Food was served very quickly and portions were quite big. Well worth the money. I was absolutely impressed! They do really have a 1st class chef! Food is absolutely amazing. I really like the fact that they do not serve pizza. It may be frustrating for some but as stated on the website it is not a pizzeria but real Italian kitchen. I had fantastic evening there yesterday and will be definitely coming back for more.

Having been let down by another restaurant we phoned the Italian Diva to try to book a table for six at two hours notice on a Saturday evening. The owner was extremely sympathetic but could not offer a table until 8:30pm. I needed to check...

We took a trip from Kent for a Valentine’s night dinner in Poole. We’d visited Poole many times but had never tried the Italian Diva. How pleased we were that we did. The restaurant is very cosy, especially on a cold evening. Front of house...

Delicious food, amazing atmosphere, highly recommend!

This restaurant lived up to previous excellent reviews. Delicious food, friendly service, relaxing atmosphere. It was our first visit and we are eager to return.

Our first visit to ItalianDiva, and one we are keen to repeat. This is not to be confused with your average pizza Italian restaurant. It was a fortunate choice when looking for a different restaurant in Poole. Imaginative, well cooked and well presented with pleasant...

First visit to this charming restaurant. We booked this restaurant after reading previous recommendations & we were not disappointed. The young man that served us was delightful & our food was superb. It is difficult to get authentic freshly cooked Italian food these days but...

Food freshly cooked with care and attention to detail. Service good friendly and prompt . Highlight bitter cherry pannacotta. Delish. Would I go back? Yes.

Went here for my birthday with my fiancé. We had a nice evening. Considering it was a saturday there were only 4 tables in use inc us which was a shame. The waitress was pleasant and the atmosphere of the little place was nice. The food wasn't particularly special or creative but it was well cooked. The overall experience was nice and relaxed. I probably wouldn't return sadly as it just didn't hit the spot for me. If I was more local I would be inclined to try it again.

Fine dinning beautiful restaurant food was amazing speedy service the younge waitress was amazing

Amazing food and service. Couldn't fault the dining experience. Fabulous three course dinner for two, we really enjoyed our meal. Arrived without a reservation, and despite being busy the chef / proprietor greeted us with a very warm welcome. Food was absolutely perfect too. Thank...

Lovely, cosy, traditional Italian restaurant with the attentive owner/chef showing pride in his restaurant. Great food an service.

Booked for wife's birthday meal with friends and had an excellent experience. Lovely atmosphere, food was top class (every dish freshly cooked by the owner and chef), good wine and excellent service. So glad we booked here on our trip to Poole as it didn't...

This is a little gem of a restaurant, serves delicious, authentic Italian food with a modern twist all cooked to order by the owner/chief Marcello. Bailey, front of house made us feel very welcome and advised us on food and wine. Couldn’t recommend it enough...

I seldom write reviews but this secret gem deserved my appraise fantastic freshly cooked food by Marcello the chef and owner. and attentive front of house by Bailey great friendly vibe to the restaurant and good value for the quality of food Will definitely return...

We ate here with our family and had a beautiful meal. The food and wine was delicious, particularly recommend the boar ravioli. The service was attentive. Nice ambience. I would recommend dining here.

Booked a table at the restaurant very last minute. Had an excellent table and found the waiting staff to be very pleasant. Enjoyed the venison ragu and also special dessert of the day which was Rum Baba!

My wife took me out for my birthday meal. Without any exaggeration, it was superb. My wife had the sea bass, I had the monkfish. Both were excellent, obviously very fresh and beautifully cooked. I don’t normally go for vegetables and roast potatoes with fish...

Went for dinner with my girlfriend, had a beautiful 3 course meal with excellent service, definitely would recommend. Food was cooked beautifully and could not complain about anything.