Tony's Taste of Italy in The Vale of Glamorgan

I just visited this restaurant and had a very mixed experience. I started with two dishes from the starter menu, and I must say they were absolutely lovely—both were well-prepared and thoroughly enjoyable. The service throughout the evening was also commendable. The staff, especially our waiter, was polite and attentive, which made the initial part of the meal quite pleasant. However, the experience took a sharp downturn when my main course arrived—a penne carbonara. When it was served, I was genuinely shocked at the portion size. It looked like no more than four spoonfuls of pasta with a tiny amount of ham and no sign of cheese or cream, as you’d expect in a proper carbonara. I even asked the waiter if this was really the full portion, to which he kindly apologized. Upon taking my first bite, I realized the pasta was severely undercooked—practically raw. I politely asked the waiter to return it to the kitchen and requested a fresh plate with properly cooked pasta, a more generous amount of ham, and some cheese to make it look more presentable. Surprisingly, the chef came out personally to ask for clarification on what I meant by "undercooked" pasta and my other requests. I explained the situation to her, hoping for an improvement. Ten minutes later, the same dish was brought back, but unfortunately, it was worse than before. It was clear the chef had simply refried the entire dish. The pasta was now overcooked and rubbery, and the ham was unpleasantly refried. Still no cheese or cream. After just two bites, I couldn't continue and decided to politely ask for the bill. It’s unfortunate to say this was the worst pasta I’ve ever had, especially at a restaurant that claims to serve Italian cuisine. Despite the dreadful main course, I want to highlight that the service from the floor and bar staff was excellent. The waiter apologized numerous times and even offered to charge only half the price of the pasta, which I appreciated and accepted. I also left a tip, as the poor food quality was certainly not the fault of the staff. I will not be returning for food at this establishment ever again. They urgently need a more competent chef and better portion sizes to match the prices they’re charging.

I just visited this restaurant and had a very mixed experience. I started with two dishes from the starter menu, and I must say they were absolutely lovely—both were well-prepared and thoroughly enjoyable. The service throughout the evening was also commendable. The staff, especially our waiter, was polite and attentive, which made the initial part of the meal quite pleasant. However, the experience took a sharp downturn when my main course arrived—a penne carbonara. When it was served, I was genuinely shocked at the portion size. It looked like no more than four spoonfuls of pasta with a tiny amount of ham and no sign of cheese or cream, as you’d expect in a proper carbonara. I even asked the waiter if this was really the full portion, to which he kindly apologized. Upon taking my first bite, I realized the pasta was severely undercooked—practically raw. I politely asked the waiter to return it to the kitchen and requested a fresh plate with properly cooked pasta, a more generous amount of ham, and some cheese to make it look more presentable. Surprisingly, the chef came out personally to ask for clarification on what I meant by "undercooked" pasta and my other requests. I explained the situation to her, hoping for an improvement. She shouldn’t have even come out and asked me ‘what do you mean by make it look lively!?’ Just shows she’s an amateur chef! Ten minutes later, the same dish was brought back, but unfortunately, it was worse than before. It was clear the chef had simply refried the entire dish. The pasta was now overcooked and rubbery, and the ham was unpleasantly refried. Still no cheese or cream. After just two bites, I couldn't continue and decided to politely ask for the bill. It’s unfortunate to say this was the worst pasta I’ve ever had, especially at a restaurant that claims to serve Italian cuisine. Despite the dreadful main course, I want to highlight that the service from the floor and bar staff was excellent. Our waiter apologized numerous times and even offered to charge only half the price of the pasta, which I appreciated and accepted. I also left a tip, as the poor food quality was certainly not the fault of the staff. I will not be returning for food at this establishment ever again. They urgently need a more competent chef and better portion sizes to match the prices they’re charging.

Fabulous food, immaculate service, great value for money 💰👍👏♥️

Dined here as a spontaneous table of 9, booking was very easy, waitress was very attentive, my husband has a nut and egg allergy and she was very informative and had the answers to all the questions we threw her way! Place was very clean and family friendly, lots of delicious options on the menu, my bolognese was delicious and couldn’t fault anything! Will definitely be coming back, thank you for your hospitality!

Lush pizza, fresh and hot as always. Friendly service from all the staff.

Absolutely fantastic place, the team were fab, the food was great. Would recommend to anyone

Best Italian in Penarth. Always had a soft spot for this place. Homemade food. Had Gnocci and Pizza with affogato to finish. last night. Super tasty. Service is always fab and homely. We don’t go out as much now (have a baby) and highly recommend the delivery option too! Lush.

Great meet and greet, good menu choice excellent quality of food.

How do I start? A truly awful culinary experience. Firstly, this place purports to be an Italian restaurant yet sells burgers, sticky toffee pudding, fudge cake etc. Hardly Italian. The parsnip soup wasn't bad. However, the portion was minuscule and it was served luke warm. Probably a maximum of 4 dessert spoon fulls only. My friend's pizza was doughy. The crust as crispy as a slug and looked heavy. She ate it as she was starving but said it was awful. I opted for a pudding. Panna cotta. A panna cotta should be a soft set dessert. Mine had had so much gelatine added that it could have been used to repair car tyres. They also topped it with a rose syrup undiluted which was incredibly sweet. This was topped with two small edible rose buds that tasted like decades old potpourri. Inedible and I sent it back. That someone in the kitchen thought it was okay to send out solid panna cotta obviously doesn't know food or doesn't care about what the customer gets given. I'll. never go back as to be frank I've given the place several chances and the food time and time again has been dreadful.

Tonight we went to Tony's to eat, the food was fantastic & the staff so polite & helpful. Could not ask for a better evening out, thank you.

Fantastic, such lovely people and amazing food 👌🏼

A lovely warm welcome from Lisa and exceptional, genuine, friendly service from Lisa and Liz. Food is always excellent and a few memories from the days on the prom - only a few years ago 😉

Not the best, undercooked, won't order again, you really let yourselves down big time, won't deal with you again

Wonderful delicious great team. Always a go-to place and we were grateful it was open on bank holiday Monday

Used this place with my partner back on valentine's day and I have to say was disappointed with it. Food was great but the prices were too steep for the measley amount we had paid for. Drinks were very expensive so didn't have beer and pop was expensive however, there was a promo on some posh pop and we took it but still steep. We didn't stay after for dessert as it was too cold inside.

The food was lovely, tasted great, was hot and came quickly. The service was exceptional, I had a lovely time!

Amazed how good it was once inside. Upstairs that I wasn't aware of from looking through the window. Very pleased with the staff. Good food, tasty. Very clean facility throughout. Polite and quick service. I will return.

Amazing Italian food and great staff

This place used to be wonderful, However tonights pizza was so bad im actually fearful i was poisoned how can a simple cheee pizza taste so salty and im only assuming it was salt because it could be something worse, it was unedible the assumed salt was so overpowering it just destroyed what looked like a lovely pizza. Idk if someone simply sabotaged mine or what but im certain that was verging on delibrete. Not ok ,food standards should look into this place its a hazzard. I never usually leave reviews and using this place was my idea as they used to be fantastic but im genuinely shocked and alarmed. Wont ever use again.

Food was not so good. Had a chicken burger with my wife. It was fried to death. We asked for a sweet wine. The waiter said it was a sweet fruit wine. It was not. I will no.t be going back

Lovely meal (3 course) as always.

I called in here with my husband yesterday evening. We hadn’t booked but so pleased that we stopped here. The portobello mushroom starter and the bruschetta starter were both very tasty. My lasagne was great and my husband’s pizza was good, he ended the meal with a sticky toffee pudding and ice cream. Really enjoyed the meal. The food was quite expensive but would definitely eat here again. The service was good and the staff were lovely.

Exceptional food. We went early evening and thoroughly enjoyed or meal. I absolutely love pasta arabiata. Tony's was the best one I have tasted...ever

The food in this place is the best I’ve had in a longtime, the owner Vince came out and was extremely pleasant. In comparison to other Italian restaurants, this is brilliant value for money! Thanks again

Love this place! Ben the best pizza since I was a kid!

Order a takeaway which I collected, delicious pizza as always, sides of onion rings and chips were also great, will be ordering again soon no doubt

My friend and I ate here midweek for the first time in a while. A warm friendly smile and welcoming vibe by server Paula was just what we needed. We ordered some Poretti beers and a lasagna, garlic bread and a seafood pizza. The Lasagna Al Fomo was very tasty and a wholesome portion. You just cannot make it like that at home. The Frutti Di Mare pizza had mussels, prawn, calamari, clam and tuna. The Aglio Pane bread was crunchy and was the perfect side. Server Paula, was excellent at her job.

Very disappointed , outwardly looked good, pleasant surroundings but unfortunately little value for money. Expensive and small portions. Staff were friendly.

Had a lovely meal with my family .burger was lovely .

Visited for first time after many visits to takeaway on Penarth Esplanade. Inside of restaurant resembles an American Diner. Our young waiter was lovely and very welcoming. Ordered brushetta to start which was tasty but small almost like tapas. Then we had pizzas and chips which were nice but not as nice as from the takeaway. Found it very expensive especially the prosecco so we will stick to takeaway in future.

Excellent good, service a little bit too attentive but good. Prices felt a little high.

Another great meal here. Lovely fresh pizza, friendly staff and great service. A firm family favourite. Would love to see meatballs and lasagne back on the menu.

Delicious and freshly prepared pizzas and pastas, a friendly team and a very cozy interior create an amazing atmosphere at Tony's. Love with all my heart!

Myself and my family came here. My children had pizzas, my wife and I have the seafood pasta. The food was below Par, the pasta was well overcooked and becoming mushy. The dish had crushed shells throughout it not which made it grainy and tough to eat.The children pizzas were okay but our pizza which had anchovies on it tasted off. The staff where very nice and polite, but the food fell short and it was quite expensive for what you get.

Lovely early evening meal. Delicious pizza. Hot, fresh and nothing like the popular takeaways - which is meant in a very complimentary way! Friendly service on a quiet, early evening visit midweek. Looking forward to our next meal!

Great service and food was good.

We were expecting top notch pizza - it looked the part but the dough was ropey to say the least. Very dense and chewy, as if it hadn't been proven properly. My you youngest who loves pizza, in most forms, did not approve! I do better myself, at home with my Ooni pizza oven and decent Italian pizza flour. Cheaper than the £20+ per head with drinks etc.

Best pizza I've had, really quite inside, 5 stars easy, can't wait to come back

Great service and superb food!!

The toppings on my pizza were gorgeous and very tasty, but the base was chewy and unpleasant. Tasted like it had been bought in rather than made on site.

We went on a Tuesday evening a couple of weeks ago and were looking forward to it. The menu was quite small so my son and I went for Carbonara. I'm used to Italian dishes being massive but I think it was around £13 and the plate that arrived was really small. The pasta was more like soft noodles and although tasty, it wasn't what I would expect. I have a feeling the chef might have been off that night, was disappointing.

Amazing food, friendly and very helpful staff. Would 100% recommend

A nice choice of Italian dishes. Promptly and cheerfully served by friendly staff. Good value, clean, nice ambience.

Absolutely love the food and ambience. Was the first restaurant we ate at, after restrictions were lifted, and we cannot wait to return again. We felt safe and we were very well looked after as usual. Cannot rate highly enough. Thank you to Simon and team.

Excellent evening at Tony's. Food was great - as were the cocktails! Was lovely to see them again.....

family favourite, great food and wonderful staff

We ( 4 of us) recently ate at Tony’s and thoroughly enjoyed the evening. The restaurant is based on an American diner with film posters from the ‘50s and’60s on the walls and red seated booths-at least on the ground floor- to have a drink or a meal in. The music compliments the setting admirably.They have a fairly comprehensive standard Italian menu but with ‘specials’on every day/evening. The starter of grilled mushroom topped with dolcelatte cheese and accompanied with a couple of small grilled tomatoes was simple but delicious.I had the Tuscany soup - cannellini beans with pasta in delicious stewy liquid ; it was wholesome but not too filling. For mains we had hake with mash and broccolli and/or a beef ragu- where the meat melted in the mouth. There is a good choice of sweets and ice cream. The staff out front and in the kitchen are relaxed and welcoming making the whole experience a delight. It is simple, honest cooking at its best and it wont break the bank!

Finally, a fruits de mer pizza that ticks all the boxes. Super tasty, perfect size, loads of fish. Really enjoyed it and will be back for more. Partner had the Garden, and she loved it too! Nice to support a local independent at this time.

Love this family run business and the food is fantastic! I love the specials and the pasta is super fresh. Staff are friendly and informative. Thank you Tony's keep up the good work.

To whom it may concern, My Wife had a lovely Fettucine Bolognese at this restaurant. Unfortunately, my Breast of Chicken turned out to be thighs and bits of the base of the chicken carcase! There was a thin sauce, 'water like' with mushrooms swimming therein. I was so appalled I didn't complain, although when I paid the bill, my wife said she was happy with her meal but the other one was disappointing. I feel so angry about the meal I was given that I would like others to decide whether the Breast of chicken I was expecting is something they would like to experience. If I had started to explain my disappointment to the Staff, my anger management classes would have to be cancelled! I should have made a big scene about this, but that's not my thing. Far better to inform future customers to avoid this dish. Arrived on time for our pre-booked table - our order was taken at 7.20pm the'meals' arrived 25 minutes later, Verryy slowww serviccce!!!!!!!! Please have second thoughts about this 'Taste of Italy' it really isn't worth the visit. I don't think we will be returning. I never bother to comment unfavourably, normally, but I feel so strongly about this particular experience. from Mr Very disappointed.

Ordered a polo in creamy sauce they brought out a chicken that was still alive poor chicken 😩😩 .... then ordered a carbonara they brought out super noodles in sauce honestly heads gone never coming back safe..

Great food and friendly service..

Nice place, food is good and staff are all lovely. Would definitely recommend

So clean,friendly, food really good 5 star thank you

Lovely evening for a family meal, exellent food and service. Reasonable prices!! Will definately go back again.

Absolutely beautiful food... cute restaurant with friendly staff 100% recommend

Excellent meal to celebrate our daughters Birthday. Food and service amazing as always, thank you guys.

Had better pizzas in other places

so pleased Tonys has ventured into P Town itself - the best home made pasta and now Aperol spritz too - happy me

Me and my girlfriend absolutely love it here. It is very romantic for couples and the food is always amazing. I would recommend getting a starter and main course. Also midweek lunchtime deals are very cheap.

Went here as it’s nearby when our oven broke . Absolutely amazing: clean , friendly staff and excellent food . We even took stuff home ! 2and visit = BIG group of us fir my birthday. Again very friendly and incredible food. Can’t wait for the next visit .

It was okay - Service was a bit slow. I ordered calamari for starter, it was the smallest portion ever! The I had spaghetti carbonara for main, it was more like super noodles with carbonara sauce.

Tony's is a family favourite. The kids absolutely love it (and the staff are particularly good with young people), but the food is outstanding for all ages. Pasta is homemade and totally delicious, the sauces are fab. Pizza's great, too!

Had a wonderful lunch best pizza ever.

Overall a good little Italian restaurant although had a couple of issues with my pizza. As someone who loves Italian style pizza and literally only eats pizza when on holiday in Italy I found the crust and base quite thick and doughy giving the pizza a slightly chewier feel than usual. A real shame as the taste of the pizza was actually very good although the ‘ring of fire’ pizza would be more aptly named ‘ring of warmth’ given its lack of spice. The service at Tony’s was EXCELLENT however, the male server was exceptionally friendly and a real pleasure, made us feel very welcome. My girlfriends seafood pasta was reported to be tasty and the food was all obviously very freshly cooked.

Tony’s Pizza back in the 80s was a real treat down on Penarth front. I am amazed to say that I have not yet been to this lovely place in set up near the town centre. From welcome to seating we were made to feel at home. Love the atmosphere and the decor. Really good vibe, though not busy for a Tuesday night, after the Bank Holiday. Thank you to our server (sorry I didn’t get your name) who was really kind and allowed me to look through their folder for any celery in dishes (I hate doing this, but have learnt to my cost, in the past). Everyone ordered gorgeous meals that smelled delicious and piping hot on arrival. My beef dish was stunning. wry reasonable price. Thank you for a lovely family meal... will definitely be back again x

It's great atmosphere food and service

Very friendly staff. Food is very tasty and cooked from fresh. Our favourite place. I would recommend this place 100%.

Booked in advance,food was excellent and good value, restaurant was spotlessly clean.The staff very friendly and polite.Will definitely return.

Food is excellent , freshly cooked and Gr8 staff service to compliment. Loved it and will go again. Calazone was excellent with Bruschetto was excellent with beer.

Thoroughly enjoyed our meal atTony's, a little hidden gem, next door to Tescos. Amazing food and really lovely staff, who were verythoughtful.

Great staff and a good selection on the menu. Meatball starter was good and the pizza was excellent.

Great little restaurant! A family favourite! I have been visiting Tony's since I was a child and my parents used to go to Tony's when they were young. Amazing pizzas! We can't visit Penarth without having a Tony's pizza!

6 of us ate there last night all having different meals.... From starters to desserts all were so tasty & gorgeous 😁 service was amazing too & with a smile 😁 really enjoyed my birthday celebration... thankyou, would definitely recommend this place.

Amazing place!!! We'll definitely be back!!!

A fabulous welcome into the new year from this team

Lovely food with nice retro vibe (the decor, not the menu) friendly staff and reasonably priced. All you can ask for really (and family friendly too)

A small taste of Italy in Penarth. Good food, good wines, great service. Recommended.

Lovely food, lovely staff and a nice atmosphere.

Popped in for a quick lunch, but stayed longer, good food and coffee on a very wet and windy day. Will visit again

We visit regularly especially when we need a pickup of mood

Another superb evening at Tony's. Great food and amazing service and . Some of the best Italian food I've ever eaten. Thanks x

Really nice food for a good price

Lovely evening, very pleasant waiter , food was nice but not as good as it has been in the past visits, we will be back xx

A family birthday celebration, fantastic service, great choice and the food was delicious can't wait to go back. We have now booked for our Christmas party. Would definitely recommend a visit.

A group of us from work went for a meal to congratulate someone on their new job. The food was quick, tasty and fresh and the service was really quick. I have been here many times before as I love locally but have only ever ordered takeaway. Always impressed by the pizzas that may not be as authentic as Italy, but are certainly more delicious and flavoursome than Domino's around the the corner.

We love it here, fantastic food and fabulous staff.

Great food as always, amazing staff!!

Have visited this gem many times now. Service is outstanding and the food and atmosphere first rate. Always look forward to returning

Best Pizza in Penarth! Great staff too

Lovely place, great atmosphere, super food with friendly staff. The atmosphere is relaxed be it at lunch time or evening, they also provide takeaway of everything on the menu.

Fantastic food, good atmosphere and service.

Fab pizza friendly staff good value

This was our first visit to Tony's in its current location although we were frequent visits when Tony's was on the seafront and we were not disappointed. The staff were lovely and very accommodating and the food was very good. We tried the pizza and pasta diahes and both were very good. We will definitely return.

Tasty Food, great ambience and service and value for money. I will be going back for more !

Tony's pasta is the best. Lovely friendly place.

We just love ther pizzas and awesome atmosphere

Good service, nice place and lovely food. Will definitely come back

Great food very friendly and professional staff. Pizza particularly good really authentic ! Lovely ice cream and decent prices

Had the zucchini pasta, the pasta was lovely and all ingredients were fresh. Awesome service too! Pricing very reasonable, will most definitely be coming back.