Embark on a culinary journey through Tampa and the surrounding Bay Area. We unveil the tampa´s top 10 Italian restaurants, each offering a taste of Italy on the west coast. From authentic trattorias serving up generations-old family recipes to modern bistros, Tampa’s dining scene is a haven for lovers of pasta, pizza, and everything Italian.
Join us as we explore the flavors, ambiance, that make these eateries stand out as the finest Italian dining destinations in Tampa.
Italian Culinary Adventures in Tampa
From Clearwater to the historical Ybor City, plenty of flavors and textures are on offer in Tampa Bay’s Italian restaurant scene. You can experience every variation of pasta, pizza, seafood, and gelato! Don´t forget to drink the refreshing drinks from Italy that are perfect accessories for every primi and secondi piati available. There are Michelin Guide mentions for more demanding patrons. Also, family-owned options for those looking for great Mediterranean dining on a budget.
Homemade spaghetti, carpaccio appetizers, and Neapolitan Pizza are just a small bite of what Italian food lovers can experience in Tampa. Fasten your seatbelts, as we’re about to departure on an Italian culinary adventure of a lifetime.
Rocca
Michelin Guide’s one-star restaurant Rocca is headed by chef Bryce Bonsack. His New York know-how with Italian training and is the mastermind behind the restaurant’s of-the-moment cuisine. It is known for its scratch kitchen that uses locally sourced ingredients to create its assortment of pastas. Skillfully made in-house, as in spaghetti al limone, tossed with knobs of blue crab and lemon, shaved garlic, and zucchini. Rocca’s desserts are a delightful bookend to an impressive meal.
Cena
Cena is a chic, white-tablecloth eatery serving elaborate dishes twists on classic Italian fare, from pasta to seafood. Overlooking the Tampa Riverwalk, the venue provides a modern and elegant setting for Italian cuisine enthusiasts. Cena offers a diverse menu with an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Truffle Mushroom Risotto, Braised Oxtail, and Rustic Bolognese are the specialties, in the fine setting by the Hillsborough River.
Donatello
Nestled in Hyde Park, this Italian restaurant exudes a classic charm with its white tablecloths, soft lighting, and live piano music. The Tiozzo family has run Donatello for over 38 years, a history shown on its walls featuring frescoes and pictures of famous regulars of the past, providing a charming and unique experience.
This Italian restaurant offers an extensive menu featuring dishes from every corner of Italy. The Milanese Osso Buco, a slow-braised veal shank served with saffron risotto, showcasing the restaurant’s commitment to traditional flavors and fine dining.
Carmine’s Restaurant & Bar – Ybor
Located deep in historical Ybor City, this restaurant offers a mix of Spanish, Cuban, and Italian cuisines. Gather some of the best references and flavors that are still traditional to Florida’s culture. With offerings that range from Cuban and meatball sandwiches to parmigiana and piccata dishes, Carmine’s never goes astray from the food cultures it honors and still delivers a delectable experience to guests.
Following its historical location, the venue boasts an old-school ambiance and feel, but still manages to be fun and comforting. Those are just some aspects that make Carmine’s one of the best Italian restaurants in Tampa.
Il Ritorno
Known for its modern take on Italian cuisine, Il Ritorno has gained acclaim for its innovative dishes and commitment to using high-quality, seasonal ingredients. With a chic and contemporary atmosphere and indoor and outdoor seating options, the restaurant features a menu crafted by Chef David Benstock.
Specific dishes may vary from season to season, but Italian restaurant institutions always offer homemade pasta, seafood, and meat dish options. Il Ritorno is located in Saint Petersburg which expands on Italian cuisine options across the Tampa Bay Area.
OLIVIA
This South Tampa Italian restaurant is known for its authentic flavors of a traditional trattoria with the creative flair of a chef-inspired menu by Chris Ponte. OLIVIA has a casual atmosphere of sophistication and is perfect for regulars and those simply looking to relax with friends over drinks, from imported beers from Italy to aperol and limoncello-based craft cocktails.
In regards to food, guests might want to try OLIVIA’s twist on a mini rigatoni with ragu Bolognese. Or maybe a pizza with ingredients such as truffle honey, Béchamel sauce, and a selection of fine cheeses. Be sure to attend their weekend brunches, when special menu items are offered.
Bella’s Italian Café
Family-owned Bella’s is one of the longest-standing Italian Restaurants in Tampa, and has been an institution of the Hyde Park area since it was established in 1986. Guests can indulge in their appetizers, such fried calamari and panini sandwiches with fresh flavors at lunch.
It’s time for more sophisticated pasta and pizza made with Bella’s homemade recipes at night. All are accompanied by savory Italian desserts and an outstanding wine selection for one of Tampa’s most charming Italian food experiences.
Bavaro’s Pizza Napoletana & Pastaria
Bavaro’s Pizza Napoletana, located in downtown Tampa, is a celebrated establishment known for its dedication to crafting authentic Neapolitan-style pizza. With a commitment to traditional techniques and high-quality ingredients, this Italian pizzeria offers a genuine taste of Italy. The menu boasts a variety of pizza options, but the “Margherita Pizza” stands out as a classic favorite.
Beyond pizza, Bavaro’s offers an array of fresh pasta dishes, salads, and antipasti. An ideal spot for casual lunches, family dinners, or gatherings with friends. Bavaro’s also has locations across the Tampa Bay Area up to Clearwater, so there’s not much excuse for missing it.
Osteria Natalina
Another hidden gem of a restaurant situated in Ybor City is Osteria Natalina.In business since 2000, the restaurant exudes a cozy and intimate atmosphere, making it an ideal setting for romantic dinners and family gatherings.
Osteria’s menu showcases a range of classic Italian dishes prepared with care and precision, as shown in the grilled calamari salad, black mussels appetizers, and the Sacchettini du Pere, pasta purses filled with pear and cheese.
Cristino’s Coal Oven Pizza
Don’t be fooled by the name and fame primarily based on its delicious wood-fired pizzas. There’s more to Cristino’s than meets the eye, as the menu features their namesake pizzas and traditional Italian restaurant fare, from Bruschetta appetizers and salads to Seafood Spaghetti. It might be worth giving the Tampa Bay Area a chance and going up to Clearwater to taste what Cristino offers.
There are certainly many other great Italian restaurant options across Tampa and the Bay Area. Whether you’re a resident or just passing by the region, try to visit the recommended Tampa’s Top 10 Italian restaurants list.
