Tampa is situated on the Gulf Coast of Florida, offering breathtaking views of the sparkling waters and stunning sunsets.
The city is blessed with picturesque waterfronts, including the Tampa Bay shoreline and nearby beaches like Clearwater Beach and St. Pete Beach. The coastal charm and warm climate create a sense of relaxation and tranquility.
Based on our recent experience, we recommend Tampa as a great destination for families, with numerous attractions that cater to all ages. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay offers thrilling rides, animal encounters, and live shows.
And of course, this vibrant and charming city has Italian cuisine that can make any other city to be envious of the quality of the Italian scene this city has to offer.
Here is a list of the best Italian restaurants in Tampa, we chose for you and we are looking forward to feeling your enjoyment and happiness after visiting these spectacular restaurants.
Top Three Picks of The Best Italian Restaurants In Tampa
| Restaurant | Top Pick | Our Rating |
| Osteria Natalina | scallops and shrimps | 5/5 |
| Bella’s Italian Cafe | blueberry peach crisp | 4.5/5 |
| Donatello Italian Restaurant | lobster ravioli | 4.5/5 |
The 6 Best Italian Restaurants In Tampa
Donatello Italian Restaurant
232 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33609, United States +18138756660
Stepping into Donatello Italian Restaurant in Tampa was like entering a world of refined elegance and culinary excellence.
From the moment we were greeted at the door, it was clear that we were in for a special dining experience. We had outstanding Stylish South Tampa Dining.
The menu at Donatello showcased the best of Italian cuisine, and we were delighted by the extensive selection of dishes that represented various regions of Italy.
To start, we indulged in the antipasto platter, which featured an assortment of cured meats, artisan cheeses, marinated vegetables, and olives. It was a delightful medley of flavors and textures, setting the stage for the culinary journey that awaited us.
As an appetizer, we had fried calamari. The texture of fried calamari was a delightful combination of tender and crispy. The squid itself was cooked quickly at high heat, resulting in tender, slightly chewy meat. The batter adds a crispy and crunchy outer layer that provides a satisfying contrast in texture.
Our next dish was a rack of lamb. The meat is inherently tender, especially when cooked to medium-rare or medium doneness. The ribs add a subtle richness to the flavor, enhancing the overall dining experience. It was moist, tender and beautifully seasoned.
The baked beef steak parmesan crusted tomato was a great pairing. The broccoli was crisp and tender.
We couldn’t resist and we ordered the homemade pasta dishes, and they did not disappoint. The delicate strands of freshly made pasta were cooked to perfection and served with rich, flavorful sauces that highlighted the quality of the ingredients.
The lobster ravioli, in particular, was a standout—each bite filled with succulent lobster meat and a velvety sauce that left us wanting more.
For desserts, we had limoncello ice cream and tiramisu.
Of course, no Italian meal is complete without wine, and Donatello boasts an impressive wine list featuring a wide selection of Italian varietals. The server’s expertise helped us find the perfect wine pairing for our meal, enhancing the flavors and elevating the overall experience.
Donatello Italian Restaurant is truly a gem in Tampa’s dining scene. Its commitment to preserving the essence of Italian cuisine, impeccable service, and timeless ambiance create an unforgettable dining experience.
La Terrazza Restaurant
1729 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605, United States +18132481326
La Terrazza Restaurant is a haven for lovers of Italian cuisine, where passion for food and hospitality converge.
Whether you’re seeking a romantic dinner, a celebratory feast, or simply an unforgettable culinary experience, La Terrazza is a destination that will transport your taste buds to the sun-kissed shores of Italy.
We were impressed by the staff. The servers at La Terrazza provided impeccable service, combining professionalism with genuine warmth. They attended to our every need, ensuring that our dining experience was flawless from start to finish.
We had mixed bread rolls for starters. The beef soup was good and tasty as well as the grilled vegetables.
Spaghetti with seafood was a delightful and flavorful dish that combines the richness of pasta with the freshness of various types of seafood. It showcases the bounty of the sea in a satisfying and aromatic way. It was quite enjoyable for us.
They have a great selection of desserts and tortes. We particularly liked the fruit torte.
As seafood lovers, in addition we ordered linguine and the ossobuco Milanese.
The linguine was perfectly al dente, generously tossed with a medley of succulent seafood and a fragrant tomato-based sauce that transported us to the coastal towns of Italy.
The ossobuco was a masterpiece, with tender braised veal shanks bathed in a rich and savory sauce, accompanied by creamy risotto that melted in our mouths.
La Terrazza Restaurant is a haven for lovers of Italian cuisine, where passion for food and hospitality converge. La Terrazza is a destination that will transport your taste buds to the sun-kissed shores of Italy.
Bella’s Italian Cafe
1413 S Howard Ave #100, Tampa, FL 33606, United States +18132543355
We enjoyed the cozy and intimate ambiance in Bella’s Italian Cafe , with rustic décor, soft lighting, and an inviting aroma that immediately whets your appetite.
We were greeted with a warm and inviting atmosphere, friendly service, and a menu that promises a delightful culinary journey.
Everything around us was astonishing and we were left breathless when we started to explore a wide array of traditional Italian dishes, showcasing the flavors and techniques that have made Italian cuisine beloved around the world.
The garlic bread and bruschetta were both incredible. The garlic bread was soft and the bruschetta was so tasty!
We ordered Shrimp Scampi, Pera Sache and their seasonal dessert blueberry peach crisp served with vanilla Häagen-Dazs Ice cream.
It was a delightful and comforting dessert that combines the sweetness of ripe peaches and juicy blueberries with a crunchy and buttery topping.
From classic pasta dishes to hearty meat entrees and flavorful seafood options, there is something to satisfy every palate.
Bella’s Italian Cafe is a charming restaurant that captures the essence of Italian comfort food. With its inviting ambiance, friendly service, and flavorful dishes, it is a worthwhile destination for those seeking an authentic taste of Italy in Tampa.
Osteria Natalina
3215 S MacDill Ave, Tampa, FL 33629, United States +18135246686
Osteria Natalina showcases a thoughtful selection of traditional Italian dishes, highlighting the flavors and techniques that have made Italian cuisine beloved worldwide.
Each dish is crafted with care and precision, using fresh ingredients and time-honored recipes.
We had linguine with clam sauce, gnocchi’s and started with grilled calamari. The food was really amazing and brings us memories from the old Italian movies that celebrate Italian cuisine.
Mushroom risotto with truffle butter was amazing, also the catch of the day with scallops and shrimps!
Everything was perfect and outstanding, from the service to the incredibly tasty food.
Additionally, we tried homemade pasta dishes: the fettuccine Alfredo and the lasagna.
The fettuccine Alfredo was a revelation, with silky handmade pasta coated in a velvety, Parmesan-rich sauce that was both luxurious and comforting.
The lasagna was a true masterpiece, with layers of tender pasta, a flavorful meat sauce, and a creamy béchamel that melted in our mouths. Each bite transported us to the heart of Italy.
Osteria Natalina truly captures the essence of authentic Italian cuisine. It is a place where passion for food and dedication to quality shine through in every dish.
This restaurant has the ambiance of an authentic local Italian cafe. We shall return!
Trattoria Pasquale
3671 S West Shore Blvd, Tampa, FL 33629, United States +18138319572
Trattoria Pasquale in Tampa is a charming Italian restaurant that offers a delightful dining experience steeped in traditional flavors and warm hospitality.
From the moment we entered, we were greeted with a cozy and inviting atmosphere that transports you to the heart of Italy.
With its authentic cuisine, attentive service, and inviting ambiance, Trattoria Pasquale is a haven for Italian food enthusiasts.
To begin our culinary journey, we ordered the bruschetta—a delightful combination of toasted bread topped with ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, and a drizzle of olive oil. The vibrant flavors and quality ingredients set a promising tone for the rest of the meal.
The meatballs themselves were tender, the sauce was just right. They were expertly crafted, boasting a perfect balance of tender meat and savory seasoning.
The plump and succulent mussels were a testament to freshness and quality. Cooked to perfection, they were tender and brimming with the flavors of the sea.
At the end we ordered the tiramisu—a classic Italian dessert that was a perfect finale. Each spoonful was a delightful combination of espresso-soaked ladyfingers, luscious mascarpone cream, and a dusting of cocoa, leaving us with a sweet and lingering taste.
Trattoria Pasquale is a charming Italian restaurant that captures the essence of authentic Italian cuisine. With its inviting ambiance, attentive service, and delicious dishes, it is a worthy destination for those seeking a taste of Italy in Tampa.
Foodies Also Ask
What kind of Italian restaurants in Tampa can we expect?
Tampa offers a variety of excellent Italian restaurants. We picked these ones carefully for you as a range of eateries that offer different traditional Italian dishes combined with a modern twist.
In these restaurants you will find menus that include classics like pasta, seafood, and wood-fired pizzas. Each restaurant has its own unique specialties, ambiance, and dining concept. Italian restaurants in Tampa often have an extensive wine list featuring a variety of Italian wines.
They may offer a wide selection of reds, whites, sparkling wines, and dessert wines, allowing guests to pair their meals with the perfect Italian wine.
These restaurants often provide a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere suitable for families, with a range of dishes that appeal to different age groups.
Are these restaurants expensive?
The price range of Italian restaurants in Tampa can vary depending on several factors, including the type of restaurant, its location, the level of service, and the overall dining experience.
While some Italian restaurants may be more upscale and have higher prices, there are also plenty of options available that cater to different budgets.
It’s important to note that while some Italian restaurants in Tampa can be expensive, there are also plenty of options available at various price points to suit different budgets.
The cost of your meal will ultimately depend on the specific restaurant you choose, the menu items you order, and any additional extras such as wine or desserts.
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Conclusion: The Best Italian Restaurants in Tampa
In Tampa, you can expect a variety of Italian restaurants catering to different preferences and dining experiences. Embrace the challenge to try different dishes from different Italian regions and explore the cheerful taste of Italy.
You will have a chance to explore different types of Italian restaurants. Depending on your mood, you can have dinner at Traditional Italian Restaurants, Pizzerias, Trattorias:Italian-American Restaurants, Fine Dining Italian Restaurants and modern Italian restaurants.
From italian-American classics such as spaghetti and meatballs, chicken Parmesan, and lasagna to the modern twist on traditional Italian dishes, our picked restaurants have everything you need to make you feel special and with a lot of energy due to the amazing Italian food you will find in Tampa.
Visiting other destinations in Florida? Check out our other guides:
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- 13 Fun Things To Do In San Marco Island
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- 7 Best Kissimmee Restaurants
- 7 Must-Try Clearwater Florida Restaurants
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Igor Jovanovski is an aspiring digital nomad, travel blogger and graphic designer who really loves food. He also has a creative side, and he works as a freelance graphic designer in his spare time. He has traveled across Europe quite a few times since he was young and recently started his mission to visit every country in the world! Igor’s favorite thing about traveling is the way he gets to know new people, food, places and cultures.
This exciting experience helps him create his own stories and make memories that will last forever