Ristorante Da Massimo in North Dorset

So very sad to hear that Massimos has closed. We have spent many happy times there, with lovely food. We are left with our memories, and offer our good wishes to all the family in any future endeavours. Tim and Janet.

What a master! The finest Italian, family run, closely guarded secret in Gillingham. If you have not eaten here then you have missed the best!! So what's so clever? It's the taste and flavours from little additions which turn a standard offering into something fantastic. Try any pasta: see what is created, the tastes are VERY different to the usual bland offerings. Try the tagliatelle Borgia: tagliatelle with garlic, panchetta shrimp, mushroom in a cream sauce topped with parmigiano and black pepper, with a touch of curry powder, or the Buffalo pizza with everything you can think of on it. These pizzas are simply an elevation of a simple stock item to Michelin masterpieces. We love consistency and perfectly cooked squid rings, succulent, not tough. Daily changing specials and deserts as well as generous "a la carte". You will not go hungry here, and may leave with some of your pizza in a box!! House wines are similarly well above the ordinary. Why would they let you drink "ordinary" with such food? It is simply not this family's way. Ok, compliment my choice later!!

The Buffalo never fails but to be anything but amazing. The food was absolutely delicious, the service was great my advice book a time in advance to guarantee your date and you will be back time after time.

The staff were friendly and welcoming & happy to chat. It is a family run restaurant and the food was absolutely delicious. In our opinion it would be virtually impossible to leave not feeling full & satisfied.

Me and my partner stumbled across the buffalo inn as we were trying to find our accommodation for the night. The pub was pretty empty when we arrived, but it was only just lunchtime. The owner was warm and welcoming, I ordered the steak and my partner ordered a pizza. The portions were huge and the food was beautifully cooked, especially the creamy mushroom sauce. The atmosphere was wonderful; people playing cards next to us, dogs welcome, people laughing. It was a very relaxed and authentic atmosphere (especially with all the keychains hanging from the ceiling!). We will definitely visit again if we’re ever passing through Gillingham.

We moved to Gillingham 6 months ago and struggle to find anywhere decent to eat in this area. Then we found this little gem! The food here is simply delicious and the menu provides a large range of dishes that take you to the heart of Italy. You can tell this is family run, everyone on the same page and runs like clockwork. Warm welcomes, polite and helpful staff, nothing is too much trouble. The portions are massive and I defy anyone who doesn’t have to take a little back home with them! We have eaten twice now and will certainly be working our way through the rest of the menu in the coming months. Great place to eat and drink 👍🏻

Brilliant Italian food, large portions, friendly staff. Great selection of home cooked food. Always take friends here to eat and drink.

We love coming to the pub. From delicious pizzas in lockdown to fish soup in the winter the food is always delicious with sizeable portions. Staff are lovely and so accommodating. Can really recommend for anyone after something delicious

Booked a table for Sunday lunch little disappointed there was no roast dinner but our fault for not checking what we had was delicious would definitely go back if I fancied italian but maybe not on a sunday

My mum,dad and his sister and brother in law have been before, but myself and my fiancee have not been before. We were seated to our table and then were asked if we wanted any drinks and once they came out the young lady bought out menus and gave us time to choose. The meals came to our table and they looked excellent and were hot and tasted very nice. We then once finished ordered desserts and coffee given time to choose the desserts looked fantastic and they tasted great We then settled the bill and said our goodbyes would definitely would return when next in the area

We visited last night after looking for Italians close to our overnight stay outside of Ilfracombe. The reviews were good so we booked a table for the 5 of us. The venue is charming and attached to a very nice pub. It’s family run and the whole team were very welcoming and attentive. They didn’t have what I fancied on the menu but I asked if the chef could make it and he could! All of the food was excellent and I couldn’t recommend a visit highly enough!

My first trip here wont be my last. The restaurant were really helpful when my friend and I messed up booking an early birthday meal, fitting us in at quite short notice. They are running a reasonably short menu at the moment but everything we had was delicious and plentiful. Like a number of other diners, I left with a takeaway box. I really had no idea about this place, it's run by a proper family and the Italian cooking is totally authentic. I'd pretty much given up on pizzas but seeing these beautifully think and crispy 'boys' coming by, I am going to have to re-think that one. We also loved the bar in the Buffalo and have been assured of another warm welcome if we fancy dropping in for a drink (and we do!). Thanks to everyone at Ristorante Da Massimo and The Buffalo for a great evening.

Wow, what a start to going back Out Out. Week in Dorset and finished with a superb home cooked Italian meal at this family run restaurant. Lasagne superb, Creme Brulee soooo nice as was prepared in front of us with double layer of caramelised sugar. Certainly a little treasure that could easily be missed as its attached to the Buffalo Inn Public House which is down a small lane. Family run the pub as well. The pizzas looked really nice as table behind us had them. Tagliatelle Borgia something a bit different but very nice. Worth a visit.

We've been here loads of times before, not because we're too lazy to go anywhere else, its because Massimo's is that darn good. My preference is not to tell anyone about this amazing restaurant; that we wouldn't have to wait weeks for a reservation. This time we went a day earlier because of being fully booked on our preferred day, but hey who minds having to go earlier when the food is this good. Our visit last Friday was no different and certainly up to the previous excellent standards. You will have to accept they're running a reduced menu for a while, hopefully it won't be long before the full menu resumes. Difficult to tell during the current Covid crisis. All the regular house specials (mama's recipes) are available though, and Massimo knows how to cook a steak. Excellent food, excellent service, we'll be back soon.

I’ve eaten here many times - probably had most of the menu. The food is amazingly good. You can tell it’s been cooked straight from your order and not been bubbling in a saucepan for hours. The waiting staff (usually the two sons) are very polite and efficient and laugh at all my jokes like they mean it. The wine is also very good. I have eaten in Italy a lot and this restaurant is as good and often better than the places i have eaten in there. The decor is a bit weird though (portrait of Arthur Daley??) and the lighting a little bright but the delicious food makes you forget these tiny things. Couldn’t recommend this place highly enough.

I booked here for Valentine's Day as we could take our dog but not in the restaurant itself, the service was excellent and our meal was also very good. I hesitate to say that the establishment is in need of a bit love and paint plus the gents need attention. But saying that we would return.

Always great and friendly service and good quality food, the pub has a good traditional feel to it and is always welcoming.

Went with friends for a nice evening out. We booked in advance and on arrival were given a door right by the door to the bar under a bright spot light. I said we weren't too happy but was told there wasn't anywhere else as they had a large party. The waitress was in scruffy jogging pants and surly. When we ordered we were told you could not change boiled potatoes for chips as they were already on a dish with the cabbage and courgettes. We were originally told the veg was ratatouilly and only when it arrived was advised it was courgettes. The food was ok but the overall experience not so good and we didn't bother with dessert. Our friends weren't impressed as they had seen very good reviews.

Hooray! We finally managed to get a table, even if we did book it 2 months in advance. Wow it was well worth the wait.How fantastic. The family run restaurant is absolutely superb. The team are very friendly and attentive. The food is glorious, tasty and even on the smaller portions are exceedingly plentiful. The choice is extensive, and the little touches of naming the dishes after the children is magical. What an excellent restaurant. Congratulations to the family for your time and expertise, long may you keep going. We will be back.

After finishing Gilly Hilly 7.5 miles race. My dad and friend and I were hungry and found the closest pub. Amazingly they had on offer some delicious Italian dishes. The menu was extensive. The bar man and waiter were super friendly, welcoming and attentive. Food was freshly cooked and YUM. Would definitely find an excuse to drive to the middle of Dorset to go again.

Was a family 'get together' to celebrate my wife's Birthday. The welcome was warm and friendly. We were given enough time to catch up and select from a nice varied menu. The staff, who I think are family were brilliant, funny engaging and nothing too much trouble. As for the food!!! I love Italian food but their dishes are amazing. No one had anything negative to say. All plates were cleared which is surprising as they are not small quantities. I would not normally sit at a keyboard to type a review but the evening was so good I felt compelled. Thanks to all involved. Will return soon.

Been here a few times - always friendly, efficient service and excellent food. Really recommend it. Our party of 4 each had a different main and all were equally tasty.

Ristorante Da Massimo is a true gem hidden amongst the Dorset countryside. On arrival we were given a very warm welcome by the staff who promptly took our drinks order.The menu was varied but by no means overwhelming with something for everyone. Both waiters who were looking after us were charming and accommodating, adding to the enjoyment of the evening. We would definitely return here, and wouldn't hesitate to recommend Ristorante Da Massimo to our friends.

The service here was brilliant a young chap really went out of his way to help . He had very good knowledge of the menu and looked smart . The food was good , fairly priced and different to what else is available in the area . The toilets could do with a good dust but all in all a great little pub .

Very family friendly place with helpful efficient staff. The food was very well presented and very tasty. Would definitely come here again

We had a very pleasant evening with friends who had suggested we visit upon their recommendation. Parking was a breeze with plenty of paces, which is a bonus these days. Excellent attentive service, nice well presented meal, within unpretentious surroundings and decor and all very good value, being run on a family orientation.We shall return.

Brilliant service, really attentive and friendly staff. Couldn't fault anything! Perfectly marinated olives, the BEST lasagne I have ever eaten and delicious pizza! Generous portions and reasonable prices. A perfect evening! Thanks!!

Brilliant service, really attentive and friendly staff. Couldn't fault anything! Perfectly marinated olives, the BEST lasagne I have ever eaten and delicious pizza! Generous portions and reasonable prices. A perfect evening! Thanks!!

First night out in ages and went for a romantic meal. Sat on a tiny table by an open door next to a rowdy bar. Ordered food and began the starter, under ripe olives in a tonne of oil. 5 minutes later the whole place is ruined by the entrance of a drunken party. Had to shout across the table to even speak to my wife. Not a fun evening at all. If your want a romantic evening then avoid this place.

The restaurant is suitably decorated with posters of Italian towns/cities, and of the film 'The Italian Job'...football caps, Venetian carnival masks etc. Tablecloths are gingham green and white (Trattoria style).

This Italian restaurant is nestled away in the Buffalo Pub. Gillingham, Dorset has something of a shortage of really good dining opportunities. Not to worry. This establishment has a friendly pub when you enter, but the real deal is in the dining area beyond the bar. The atmosphere is very friendly and the staff is patient and knowledgeable. The wine list is a bit thin , but the Merlot is superb. I ordered the Hake with a lemon butter, white wine sauce with capers and olives. My wife had pasta Arrabiata with shrimp. The portions are large enough to be able to take tomorrow’s lunch home with you.

Fabulously delicious food, really reasonably priced, & excellent service. Would definitely recommend.

We came here for lunch on Saturday and can’t fault the service or the quality of the food, but if anything, it would be the volume of food for one person that is far too much.

Very popular Italian food served here so its advisable to book. Great selection of pasta pizzas etc the chef is Italian so the food is authentic. Ideal for couples or a group.

What a fantastic place. Wonderful food and service. The pizzas are second to none. Lovely atmosphere. We will be back.

Good food and excellent service. The decor in the restaurant could have been more imaginative - no real feeling of 'Italian' about it. Good value for money though and we will go again.

Discovered this hidden away pub/restaurant. We were there for lunch which started at 12.30pm. Warm and welcoming with an all Italian menu. Absolutely delicious food at very good prices. If we are ever this way again we shall definitely return.

My wife and I first tried this Italian Restaurant some weeks ago and fell in Love with the food. On our first visit we started with the `Zucchini Fritas` being sliced courgettes fried in a delicate tempura batter - absolutely delicious with garlic butter dip and well worth trying. My wife, who is a Vegetarian then had a pasta dish and I tucked into a nice big slice of steak with peppercorns. We had no room for desert but they looked wonderful. Since then we have been back to visit this treasure of a Restaurant taking our daughters and grandchildren and have continued to enjoy fantastic dishes, good service by Massimo`s two Sons and of course each time our favorite Zucchini l

Italian cuisine at its very best and friendly helpful staff in relaxed atmosphere. What more can you ask for.

Acceptable for a family meal. Good food and wine. Rather dated decor, but even so, a very busy restaurant.

My daughter and son-in-law had a very cosy wedding ceremony in Dorchester and wanted an informal party in the evening for friends and family. The Massimo/Buffalo team provided us with just what we wanted. We had sole use of the restaurant area and the cabin at the back, made so cosy on a rainy, windy evening thanks to a lovely wood burner. There were about 60 guests, all greeted by the wonderful Paolo who offered everyone a glass of fizz or a soft drink. Massimo created the most fabulous pizzas and the guests were able to choose whatever they wanted, whenever they wanted to eat. The atmosphere was superbly friendly and welcoming and nothing was too much trouble for Paolo, Cate or Sofia. I love this place; whether you come for just a drink or a meal in the restaurant, or, like us, you have a private party booking, the experience will be such a positive one. Roll on Wednesday, we have a family meal booked. My mouth is already watering at the prospect.

We didn't eat there! We looked them up and saw they opened at 5.30. We arrived just after (it was a Thursday by the way) walking in to a bar, otherwise empty with two men at the bar and a bar attendant. Not a word spoken. Seeing what looked like an empty restaurant beyond to the side of the bar, we thought then we should walk through. As I approached, one of the men at the bar said 'we're not open till 6.30'. I said I'd seen it online as a 5.30 opening 'that's just the bar' no apologies. We decided to have a drink and wait, and i asked to put it on 'our tab' and the server asked if we'd made a booking. As we had not she said we couldn't be served until 6.45. With that, I'd had quite enough rudeness for one day and we left shortly after. I re-entered only to suggest they change the timings on their sign outside the front door (took a photo of it but can't upload) - it stated opening times 5.30-late. Horrible people, would never give them another chance.

My daughter and I have dined in this restaurant twice in the last week and both times the meal exceeded our expectations. The menu offers much choice and is reasonably priced which also applies to the wine. My selection was lasagne and carbonara both of which were of the highest standard and the portions were not small. The service was attentive and friendly. It was as good as I have tasted and that includes in Italy.

Tasty, great value and a pile of food to feed a hungry family (including 3 big eaters!!). Also, very friendly staff and the pub has an easy going atmosphere that is very welcoming.

Having just moved very nearby, we thought we would give it a try. There were five of us, including two children and every one of us just loved the food. The restaurant itself is not huge, but there is lots of outside space, where, on a balmy evening, it would be delightful to dine outside. It is very much a family affair, Dad is the chef and a very good one; Ben and Paulo looked after us in the restaurant with nothing being too much trouble for them and Kate is front of house and behind the bar. The menu is extensive but everything is cooked from scratch, so expect a little wait for your food, but believe me, it will be worth it. I can recommend the house wine which is reasonably priced and excellent quality. The whole experience was a delight, very relaxed and comfortable, yummy food and great company. We will be back again and again.

We spent a family evening here celebrating a 21st birthday! The staff were attentive but not overbearing. the food was just great and I can totally recommend the Mussels- Belisimo!

Not sure I want to disclose this secret but this is the best Italian restaurant I have visited in over 35 years. The staff are attentive, and treat you as royalty and nothing is too much trouble. The food is so good you may be forgiven to think you were in Italy.

Once again we have had an amazing meal,Massimo did me a special fish dish. Haddock with baby squid,pancetta and prawns. It was fantastic cooked to perfection. Absolutely loved it all. As usual great service from Ben and Paolo. You need to book in advance it really is a fantastic gem of a restaurant out of the way but well worth a visit. Portions are great value for money and to finish with a drink in the bar just rounds off a great evening.

We live local to the Buffalo and have eaten there many times with friends and family. The food is always very good, so we decided to book the restaurant last November 2017, for my wife's 60th birthday in April 2018. The booking was for 20+ people, and this was written into the diary while we were there. We did not hear further from the Buffalo, so circa 4 weeks before our booking we went there at lunchtime to find that our booking was not in the diary!

Being local, we’ve eaten here frequently and have never had a bad meal. Certainly among the top Italian restaurants we’ve visited. Look for their signature family dishes.

Took a detour due to traffic on the way to Cornwall, and discovered this pub / restaurant by chance. Really friendly and hospitable family-run venue. Sons served us, promptly and efficiently, with a smile. Mum and Dad cooked us a really tasty prawn pasta dish, a second pasta dish and two pizzas - one was a 9" special with all the pizza toppings listed in the menu crammed onto it , for less than £ 10!! All food was fresh, perfectly cooked and very tasty. Garlic bread with cheese was also a treat.

This is a good Italian restaurant hidden in a quiet lane and part of a local pub. Food good and is usually busy. Only complaint is that ther serve is on the slow side, whihc is fine if there is a aprty of you, but not so good if you are a single diner.

This is a wonderful place, with a really authentic feel The food is genuine Italian, and not a British imitation. Service is excellent and prices are entirely reasonable.

this place gets booked up so plan well ahead, it's Italian based food & have yet to find something we don't like , portion sizes are very good.

Finally managed to get in here on Saturday night having been recommended to come by many people, and we are so glad we did.

Great experience made to feel welcome attentive staff all family members great varied menu generous portions quality food excellent value for money

This has to be one of the best, if not the best Italian restaurant in the area. The staff are an Italian family and are so kind and helpful and great fun. The food is out of this world and you won't go hungry! The...

Went here for lunch following a recommendation from friends. It is down a little side lane, out the back of...

Calamari and deep fried stuffed breaded olives to start. Both well cooked, calamari was nice and crispy and not at...

Lovely food, big portions, very helpful staff, great price and a good atmosphere. Would definitely recommend to anyone

Quite simply, I have had the best seafood risotto ever! In fact, this meal rates as right near the top...

Turned up for lunch on 18 October 2017 having submerged myself in tripadvisor reviews only to be greeted with, 'sorry...

We were a party of 5 that had booked for lunch last Saturday. We all chose something different from the menu and none of us were disappointed. My Sea Bass was exquisite and the sauce containing Pernod as an ingredient was out of this world! The two lads running the bar and front of house restaurant were very efficient and extremely polite and accommodating. This was our second visit to Massimo and there will definitely be a third. Well done to you all for making our meal so thoroughly enjoyable.

Superb food. Friendly staff. Excellent value. Everything cooked to order. They don't skimp on the portions.

Another excellent meal at Massimo's. Wonderful attentive service by charming waiter and all staff. Good choice of Italian food, at reasonable prices.

Attached to a pub, (The Buffalo), not a lot of covers, so booking advised. We were there for lunch, and had linguine vongole. Superb! Quite the best we have had, including visits to Italy this year. Very generous amount of clams. Both the house white and the red are excellent. Service is helpful and friendly. There is ample parking behind the pub.

Atmosphere excellent, service excellent, food.......one of the best meals I have had in a long time. Every mouthful was delicious

Service from start to finish was very friendly and the guys obviously love what they were doing. My daughter loves spaghetti bolognese and has it whenever we go out, this one she marked as one of the best she has had! Great little place a must if in the area.

Decent restaurants are a bit sparse in North Dorset - this one is the exception - in a word, it is excellent!We had the traditional Tagliatelle and Spaghetti Bolognese with a bottle of the house red. All extremely good value. The meals were beautifully cooked and the service was faultless. The menu is varied, so next time we will choose different courses.The pub itself was busy but unobtrusive and we enjoyed our meal in peace.Great food, great service, great value - thank you so much!

the wine was excellent Montepulciano This time no upset stomach,, so happy customer Spaghetti bolognaise , very tasty and pal oysters delicious.+

had two lovely large plates of pasta tagliatelle, one chicken mushroom, the other prawn and mushroom coated with delicious sauces, cooked to perfection, and complemented with fine waiting and bar staff in a fine establishment.

We have visited Massimo a number of times since it opened and have always been delighted. This time, on a Tuesday, it was busy as always,, adding to the warm and welcoming atmosphere. Our waiter was most attentive without being intrusive, giving helpful advice. The food was extremely delicious and the portions huge. And, unusually for a restaurant of this quality, prices were most reasonable. Thank you for a wonderful experience on our anniversary.

Just had a lovely meal at this little Italian restaurant which is attached to The Buffalo Inn in Gillingham Dorset. Couldn't fault the food & service. Very friendly waiter. Well worth a visit if your in the area

6 of us went there for supper, all had various different meals from an excellent menu, service a tad slow but more than made up for by the lovely well cooked and presented meal individually prepared by the Italian owner, good value, but book well in advance so as not to be disappointed.

As ever- warm, friendly atmosphere and great food! Delicious pasta, super service- thanks to the Mazzone family- brilliant xx

Can't express how impressed I am! Heard great reviews and I second them! Food excellent, service fabulous the 2 lads were attentive and great fun to talk to. Will one hundred percent be making it a regular 'date night' venue. Thank you for making my birthday 'date night' special. See u soon.

We have been a lot before but when you have a special meal Massimo goes the extra mile, we had a fantastic meal again, a really enjoyable evening. Thanks again for the fabulous way we were treated. The fish dish was amazing.

The Buffalo pub is tucked away down a side road in Gillingham and what a find. Lovely friendly atmosphere and our dog welcome in the bar area where we could enjoy the full menu of the attached restaurant. There were 4 of us - 2 enjoyed wood-fired pizza generous size and nice thin crust while the other 2 had a most amazing generous pasta dish - mild curry sauce with prawns, bacon and mushrooms. We followed this with ice cream - about 10 flavours to choose from. There is also a nice garden if it was warmer - or just a great place to pop in for a drink.

Excellent food and excellent beer! A fantastic place to go for a quick beer or a family meal. Would definitely recommend.

We have been here many times with friends, family and as a couple. Every time, we have been looked after so well and made to feel extremely welcome. The food is delicious and incredibly good value. Book in advance to avoid disappointment

What a fab little Italian tucked away in the heart Dorset. You think you're going to a traditional little pub but it's all Italian with a great range of drinks and Italian family cooked food.Great pizzas which are huge and will suit all tastes and a large selection of Italian favourites.Great service from the team of waiters who make your meal a relaxing treat!Will definitely be back on our next visit to Gillingham

Super service, cosy surroundings and excellent food. First visit, and very impressed. We will be back.

We have been here a couple of times and really like it. The additional bonus was that dogs are also allowed in certain areas. The pub is a typical old inn with good ales. We have had both pasta and pizzas, the only downside is that sometimes the pizzas can be salty. The waiters are always very friendly. I'd say average priced for a restaurant.

A lovely hidden little gem in Gillingham . This place has so much potential. The staff are very friendly and attentive , the food is excellent.

Mrs B did not want to cook said it was my turn. Cate managed to squeeze us in for Sunday lunch. One of the specials was Mussels in a tomato sauce it was amazing Massimo has done it again. Should not be surprised we have never had anything but very good food. If you have not been to this restaurant you need to get booked in. Great food fantastic service from Ben and Paulo a real friendly family place. Then for a drink in the pub afterwards always a warm welcome.

The ONLY pub in Gillingham you'd genuinely want to set foot in. Friendly service, good food with the Italian bias, nice family-run pub.If you're from outside the area, perusing online wondering which pub / eating establishment to visit whilst in Gillingham.... don't go elsewhere.

This is a lovely little restaurant annexed to a quiet country pub. The food is excellently cooked & big portions for a very competitive price ... under £10 per plate of pizza or pasta. Fresh, large salad side dishes & very polite service from the young man who brought the food.A little gem in the heart of the town ... well worth a visit & so good to not have to travel far for a good Italian meal.

I really love the Ristorante Da Massimo. It's family-run, and it shows. The father is a very charming Italian, and the two sons were I think born in the UK. They are all unfailingly courteous and helpful. I have tried several of the main courses which have all been super, but the pizza is to die for. The base is very thin and crunchy and they'll add anything you want. I am a single elderly woman whose appetite is reducing, and I much appreciate that they will do a small version.The ambience is very relaxing, very Italian, with lovely enlarged photos on the walls; my favourite is a recently acquired one of the Rialto in Venice.All in all, I cannot speak too highly of this restaurant.

Fantastic service and great food. The two guys, that I assume run/own the place, are very nice. Good prices and good venue.

I cannot speak highly enough of the owners and staff. The food was outstanding - simply the best Calamari that I have ever tasted. The staff and their service was exemplary, I have eaten in Michelin starred places that could learn much from this team. Their welcome, flexibility and customer focus were second to none

Small restaurant attached to a small pub, might appear inauspicious. But go inside for the friendliest of welcomes, and fantastically authentic Italian food. Pizzas? Of course. Pasta? Naturally. But also a range of fish dishes beyond what you might normally expect. Perfectly cooked, served with flair, enjoyed at leisure. We will certainly be back for more Zabaglione...

Everything was amazing- could not fault the food or the staff. Very low price for what it is. We had an amazing night we would have loved to leave a tip but we realised we had no change! Thanks for a great night

Warm and friendly welcome and we really loved the surroundings. We were fortunate to get a table as we hadn't booked and the food and service was excellent.

The Buffalo Inn is a very friendly pub with gorgeous food for every occasion. You won't be disapointed!!!

A wonderful family run restaurant attached to The Buffalo pub. Good value Authentic Italian food. Friendly and a brilliant atmosphere.Everything is freshly cooked so you sometimes have a bit of a wait.Must book

This family run restaurant has very welcoming staff who were attentive and helpful. We were having a small family meal together and it was very pleasant. Food quality was very good and we look forward to returning.

Amazing food, fantastic service, nice atmosphere and very reasonable my husband says its the best mixed grill he has ever eaten

We'd heard about the Ristorante Da Massimo from a number of people, and decided to give it a go.I have to be honest, I think it was some of the nicest food I've tasted. I'm not kidding, it was simply wonderful. In fact the entire evening was lovely.The food is fantastic, the staff (all family members) are attentive, but not pushy or overly absent when you need them.The entire experience was such a huge positive that we'll end up being regulars for sure. The only thing I would really change is to perhaps include candles on the tables, just to add a little bit of romantic ambience, and also just to be aware that the restaurant is also a bit of a walk-through from the beer garden to the bar, so you'll get people regularly walking past your table.The food more than makes up for that though.

Wowzers!!! Wonderful, very tasty food, big portions! And, of course, very welcoming staff!!! BRAVO

Fine italian food, starting with coperto (bread sticks). Interesting place in Gillingham, with Italian atmosphere.