19 Italian Restaurants In Tampa Florida

Tampa, Florida is a city that boasts an incredibly diverse culinary scene, with a myriad of delectable dining options from various cuisines around the world.

Tampa has exceptional Italian restaurants that offer a range of culinary interpretations, from traditional trattorias to upscale ristorantes, providing numerous opportunities for gourmands to enjoy Italian cuisine.

This article offers an extensive guide to 19 of Tampa’s finest Italian restaurants, curated through expert opinions, diner reviews, and local insights to provide an accurate representation of the city’s flourishing Italian dining landscape.

Readers will not only learn about the signature dishes and ambiance at each restaurant, but also valuable information about pricing, location, and reservation policies (when applicable).

Donatello Italian Restaurant

 

Donatello Italian Restaurant, established in 1984, is a renowned establishment serving authentic Italian cuisine in Tampa, Florida.

Located at 232 N Dale Mabry Hwy, the four-star restaurant is known for its exquisite culinary creations and exceptional service provided by an experienced staff of Italian origin.

The ambiance of Donatello’s rose-colored interior is further enhanced by the rich aromas emanating from the kitchen, where expertly crafted dishes featuring pasta and seafood are prepared.

Donatello pampers guests with personalized attention to every detail of their dining experience, from arrival to departure.

Elegantly attired servers greet patrons at Donatello and diligently ensure that each course exceeds expectations.

At the end of their meal, diners at Donatello receive roses as tokens of appreciation for choosing the restaurant for fine Italian fare.

La Terrazza Restaurant

 

The establishment prides itself on delivering classic homemade dishes crafted from fresh ingredients and family recipes passed down through generations.

With its cozy ambiance, dim lighting, and rustic decor, this delightful eatery presents an inviting atmosphere for both couples seeking a romantic evening as well as families desiring authentic Italian cuisine.

Patrons at La Terrazza can expect a diverse selection of mouth-watering appetizers, entrees, and desserts accompanied by an extensive wine list showcasing some of Italy’s finest offerings.

Each dish is prepared with utmost attention to detail, ensuring a harmonious blend of flavors that leave diners craving more.

The attentive staff members are dedicated to providing exceptional service in order to create lasting memories for their esteemed guests.

La Terrazza continues to be revered among Tampa’s discerning food lovers due to its charming ambiance and culinary delights.

Maggiano’s Little Italy

 

La Terrazza is a renowned Italian restaurant located in West Shore Plaza, offering authentic Southern Italian cuisine and a welcoming family atmosphere.

Known for its generous portions of homemade dishes created from scratch, guests are welcomed into a lively atmosphere that promises memorable culinary moments.

Maggiano’s menu offers a wide variety of homemade pasta dishes, prime steaks, fresh fish, chicken entrees, signature salads, and decadent desserts to cater to different tastes.

To complement any meal or special occasion, reservations are accepted and carryout is available daily.

Private banquet rooms provide an elegant and customizable setting for social or corporate events.

Maggiano’s Little Italy is a must-visit Italian restaurant in Tampa, known for its attention to detail and commitment to quality service.

Bella’s Italian Cafe

 

Bella’s Italian Café is a renowned restaurant in Tampa, serving authentic Italian cuisine since 1986. Located in the heart of the city, it offers an exquisite dining experience with traditional dishes from various regions of Italy.

Authenticity is key at this restaurant, producing 1300 pounds of pasta in-house each week and making all sauces, bread, and desserts from scratch. Pizzas are cooked to perfection in a wood-burning oven imported from Milan.

Bella’s Italian Café boasts an extensive, ever-changing wine list with over 40 wines available by the glass, offering the perfect pairing for any meal or the opportunity to indulge in fine wine tasting during your visit.

Located at 1413 South Howard Avenue, Suite 100, Tampa FL 33606, Bella’s Italian Café can be reached at (813) 254-3355 for reservations or inquiries. With a passion for authentic Italian cuisine, diners can expect exceptional flavors that transport them straight to the streets of Italy.

Trattoria Pasquale

 

Trattoria Pasquale is a family-owned and operated restaurant in Tampa, known for its warm and inviting atmosphere and Chef Luigi Cavallaro’s Northern Italian cuisine.

The eatery is located at 3671 S West Shore Blvd, Tampa, FL 33629, United States and can be contacted via phone at +1 813-831-9572.

Trattoria Pasquale operates with varying hours throughout the week. It is open from 5-10 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, and from 4-9 PM on Sundays. The establishment is closed on Mondays but reopens from Tuesday through Thursday between 5-10 PM.

Its outdoor dining space is located exclusively on the second floor, which can only be accessed by stairs.

Osteria Natalina

Image Credit: Osterianatalina

Osteria Natalina, an authentic Italian restaurant founded in 2000, has been delighting diners with its mouthwatering dishes crafted from traditional recipes and fresh ingredients.

It offers a cozy ambiance and warm Italian hospitality that immediately envelops guests. The attentive staff prioritizes providing each guest with an exceptional dining experience accompanied by delicious food, harmony, and laughter.

Located at 3215 S MacDill Ave, Tampa FL 33629, this quaint eatery can be reached via telephone at +1 (813) 524-6686. Operating hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 05:30 PM until 10:30 PM, while Mondays are reserved for closure.

Embark on a gastronomic journey at Osteria Natalina to sample exquisite Italian cuisine without leaving Tampa Bay.

Cena

 

Cena offers a contemporary dining experience where patrons can indulge in an exquisite culinary journey.

The intriguing fusion of traditional Italian cuisine with a touch of American flair adds to its charm and appeal.

Cena’s ambiance blends warmth with a chic hipster bar vibe, making it a go-to destination for those seeking trendy yet comforting dining experiences.

The menu at Cena boasts an array of dishes featuring bold flavors and innovative twists on classic favorites.

Cena offers appetizers like fried cauliflower, octopus, and gigante beans, and house-made pasta like chitarra with pistachio and shishito pepper pesto, burrata, and lemon zest, crafted with careful attention to detail and quality ingredients.

Cena offers imaginative desserts, including a deconstructed take on tiramisu that has quickly gained popularity among regulars.

Vino E Pasta

 

Cena, a family-owned establishment located at 1120 E Kennedy Blvd UNIT 112, Tampa, FL 33602, offers an authentic dining experience with a commitment to preserving traditional Italian culinary practices. The warm and inviting atmosphere complements their delectable menu.

Vino e Pasta’s dedicated team, led by Luigi and Mabel, use age-old recipes passed down through generations to create authentic Italian dishes. Their selection includes various pasta options paired with homemade sauces.

This charming eatery serves authentic Italian flavors for lunch and dinner most days (except Monday) to both locals and travelers.

Bocelli Modern Italian

 

Bocelli Modern Italian in Tampa, Florida offers a unique dining experience with a blend of traditional and contemporary Italian dishes, located near MacDill Air Force Base on Bayshore Boulevard.

The establishment is known for its freshly-made pasta and brick oven pizzas, which are crafted using only the finest ingredients sourced locally.

The culinary expertise of Chef Cristian ensures that each dish is prepared to perfection, providing customers with an authentic taste of Italy.

The restaurant features both indoor and outdoor seating options for guests’ convenience, as well as a private back room available for reservation.

This space can be utilized for various occasions such as dinner parties or business meetings, making Bocelli Modern Italian an ideal location for gatherings of any size.

This fine dining destination in Tampa offers exquisite cuisine and a welcoming atmosphere for a diverse clientele, with operating hours spanning from weekend brunch to late dinners on weekdays.

Oggi Italian

 

Oggi Italian in Tampa, Florida offers authentic Italian cuisine in a quaint setting that transports patrons to Italy with its mouth-watering dishes and exceptional service.

The staff at Oggi Italian takes pride in delivering an unparalleled dining experience, which may result in longer wait times for their exquisite food. This reflects the restaurant’s dedication to quality and customer satisfaction.

Oggi Italian treats guests like family, with age-old traditions practiced during each visit. Guests are welcomed with a complimentary Antipasto and the renowned OGGI House salad accompanies every meal.

As meals come to a close, diners indulge in a complimentary espresso—a true embodiment of classic Italian hospitality.

Open for both indoor and outdoor seating options, reservations made directly through the restaurant are strongly recommended due to the high demand for this delightful cultural experience.

Bernini Of Ybor

 

Bernini of Ybor is an upscale Italian restaurant in the historic district of Ybor City in Tampa, Florida. It offers exceptional cuisine, an elegant atmosphere, and attentive service for an unparalleled dining experience.

Named after the renowned Baroque artist Giovanni Lorenzo Bernini, this establishment takes inspiration from his artistic genius to create a unique ambiance reflective of the late Renaissance period.

Bernini of Ybor’s menu features creatively crafted dishes such as lemon-scented calamari, pistachio-crusted grouper, and signature risotto entrées. Guests can complement these delights with an extensive selection of top-shelf liquors and fine wines curated by knowledgeable staff.

This sophisticated restaurant’s remarkable fare has made it a prime destination for discerning diners seeking memorable meals within Tampa’s vibrant food scene.

Gino’s Restaurant & Bar

Image Credit: Ginosrestauranttampa

GINO’s Restaurant & Bar stands as a beacon for those who appreciate authentic Italian cuisine.

This esteemed establishment has garnered a reputation among locals and tourists alike for its superb dishes and warm atmosphere.

The restaurant prides itself on offering old-school Italian fare that is expertly crafted with high-quality ingredients and traditional techniques.

Patrons can choose from an array of delectable options during lunch or dinner service, ensuring satisfaction for even the most discerning taste buds.

GINO’s Restaurant & Bar offers additional dining options beyond the standard menu to enhance patrons’ experience.

Party Platters To Go provides a convenient option for guests hosting events or gatherings outside of the restaurant setting.

The Yasparro Room presents an opportunity to enjoy private dining in an exclusive space designed to accommodate 20 to 40 individuals comfortably.

GINO’s Restaurant & Bar is one of Tampa’s premier destinations for Italian gastronomy enthusiasts, offering exceptional dining features.

Beccofino Italian Bistro

 

This restaurant offers an authentic and delectable selection of Italian dishes, including filet steaks, caviar, and branzino, to satisfy any palate. The dessert menu is equally enticing, with cannolis being a highly recommended choice.

Beccofino Italian Bistro, located at 5712 S MacDill Ave in Tampa, Florida, offers scrumptious food and a welcoming, homely atmosphere perfect for unwinding after a long day.

The attentive staff provides exceptional service, contributing to the pleasant experience. Visitors praise the democratic pricing and spectacular decor within the establishment.

With a Google rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, this bistro has gained widespread appreciation among both locals and tourists seeking a memorable Italian culinary experience in the Tampa Bay area.

Bavaro’s Pizza Napoletana & Pastaria

 

Bavaro’s Pizza Napoletana & Pastaria in downtown Tampa offers authentic Neapolitan pizza and homemade pasta dishes that transport you to the vibrant streets of Naples, Italy.

Bavaro’s culinary heritage, dedication to authenticity and quality, and 100-year-old Neapolitan recipes provide an unparalleled dining experience. Top-notch ingredients sourced from Italy and wood-fired brick ovens crafted by Neapolitan artisans add to the delectable offerings of this family-owned establishment.

Bavaro’s handmade gourmet sauces are a must-try, and available for purchase to bring a piece of the restaurant home. With four locations across Florida, including St. Petersburg, Sarasota, and Tampa International Airport, Bavaro sets the bar for traditional Italian cuisine.

Carrabba’s Italian Grill

 

Carrabba’s Italian Grill, located at 700 N Dale Mabry Hwy in Tampa, Florida, is an exceptional dining destination for those seeking authentic Italian cuisine.

This esteemed establishment boasts a rich history that traces back to the founders’ cherished family recipes passed down through generations.

Carrabba uses fresh and high-quality ingredients to prepare handcrafted dishes cooked to order in their exhibition kitchen. They have a wood-burning grill that adds a unique element to their traditional Italian cooking techniques.

Guests visiting Carrabba’s Italian Grill enjoy signature dishes like Chicken Bryan, Pollo Rosa Maria, Wood-Fire Grilled Steak, and classic Italian pasta creations.

Diners at this restaurant can enjoy their exquisite offerings in a contemporary and welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant is open from 11:00 AM until late evening most days, offering ample opportunity to indulge in a remarkable slice of Italy within Tampa’s city limits.

Devito’s Italian Specialties

 

DeVito’s Italian Specialties, located in Downtown Tampa, welcomes guests with the rich aroma of traditional Italian cuisine.

This upscale establishment offers an unparalleled dining experience with its exquisite menu selections and elegant ambiance, reflecting the passion and expertise of its creator, James DeVito.

DeVito, with over a decade of hospitality industry experience, has created a haven for food enthusiasts seeking authentic Italian flavors presented with a modern flair.

At DeVito’s Italian Specialties, every dish is meticulously prepared using only homemade ingredients that showcase seasonality at its finest.

Specialties offer a range of Italian dishes, including octopus carpaccio and orecchia di elefante, a pounded bone-in veal chop with arugula, tomato, and lemonette dressing, transporting patrons to Italy without leaving Tampa.

Visitors at DeVito’s can savor sumptuous offerings in a sophisticated and warm atmosphere, promising gastronomic delight beyond compare.

Caffé Paradiso

 

Situated at 4205 S MacDill Ave D, this family-owned restaurant has been serving its guests with warmth and hospitality for over two decades.

The menu boasts authentic Italian dishes that have been passed down through generations, making each meal a delightful experience steeped in tradition.

Caffé Paradiso remains open six days a week (closed on Sundays) from 5:30 PM to 10:30 PM, providing ample opportunities for patrons to partake in their culinary offerings.

To make reservations or inquire about the menu, interested parties can reach out to the restaurant by phone at +1 813-835-6622.

With such a rich history and dedication to quality cuisine, Caffé Paradiso stands as one of Tampa’s must-visit destinations for all who appreciate genuine Italian fare.

Olive Garden Italian Restaurant

 

Olive Garden Italian Restaurant in Tampa, Florida offers an authentic Italian experience with a cozy ambiance, warm colors, and tantalizing aromas from dishes made with authentic Italian recipes.

Located at 2801 E Busch Blvd, this eatery has established itself as an ideal destination for those seeking exquisite culinary experiences reminiscent of traditional Italian cuisine.

The outdoor covered patio is inviting and also dog-friendly, allowing guests to share memorable dining moments with their furry companions.

The menu at Olive Garden Italian Restaurant offers irresistible pasta dishes with breadsticks, along with salads, soups, and drinks from the full bar.

Olive Garden Italian Restaurant in Tampa is a must-visit destination for food lovers with exceptional food, a delightful atmosphere, and friendly service.

Viva Napoli Restaurant & Pizzeria

 

Viva Napoli Restaurant & Pizzeria is a family-owned establishment that takes pride in offering an authentic Neapolitan dining experience that transports its patrons to the heart of Italy with every bite.

Located at 4301 W El Prado Blvd, this Italian haven is helmed by Simona Sarpa who hails from Napoli and brings with her generations-old recipes and techniques for creating delectable dishes.

The kitchen focuses on using imported ingredients directly from Italy to ensure the flavors remain true to their roots.

Indulge in Neapolitan-style pizzas made with Italian flour at Olive Garden Italian Restaurant. The soft crusts have airy pockets for a delightful crunch.

diners can savor various traditional offerings featuring Italian cheeses, herbs, and sausages sourced straight from Napoli.

It is highly recommended to pair these exquisite meals with fine wine selections available at Viva Napoli Restaurant & Pizzeria.

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