Italian Restaurants in Tampa (2025)

Tampa’s benchmark for contemporary Italian, where house-extruded pasta and a famed tableside mozzarella cart meet polished service. Awarded one Michelin star and repeatedly praised by Tampa Bay Times critics for precision and personality.

Named after Chef/owner Chris Ponte's daughter, it's only appropriate that the cooking at this bustling, Italian-inspired venue should set itself apart thanks to extra care. That characteristic attention to detail includes efforts, like extruding all pastas in house before slowly drying them—but it’s the sort of work that pays off for diners.Although the cuisine draws heavily on classic flavors, don't expect by-the-books renditions—even the simplest dishes flaunt a bit of personality. Take, for example, mini rigatoni sauced with ragù Bolognese and a dollop of herbed ricotta; it's a departure from tradition that is unlikely to draw any objections. The pizza offerings are similarly appealing, like one with truffle honey, smoky speck and scallion. - Michelin Inspector

A Sicilian love letter in a restored 1925 macaroni factory, serving pastas, seafood, and an expansive Sicilian wine list. Covered by Creative Loafing and community press for events like its Sicilian Carnevale; a proud Ybor City standard-bearer.

Italian-inspired and of-the-moment in Water Street, with house-made pastas, wood-fired flair, and a buzzy dining room. Spotlighted by Tampa Bay Times and Axios for energizing downtown’s dining scene.

A tiny South Tampa institution known for seafood-driven Rimini-style specials, off-menu requests, and warm, owner-led hospitality. Praised by Tampa Bay Times’ Top 50 Restaurants coverage and beloved by regulars for decades.

Chef Luigi Cavallaro channels Northern Italian roots into generous, family-style flavors—think regional pastas, roasts, and a convivial upstairs lounge. A local favorite, frequently recommended by Tampa diners and highlighted across reservation platforms.

Piedmontese owners bring regional soul to North Tampa with handmade ravioli, table-side fettuccine in a Parmigiano wheel, and a tidy Italian wine list. Included in Tampa Magazine’s essential Italian roundups.

For more than two decades, Paolo Tini’s South Tampa dining room has delivered classic Emilia-Romagna flavors—veal saltimbocca, ossobuco, delicate seafood pastas—served with old-world grace. A long-standing local favorite cited by area critics.

A Ybor City stalwart with northern Italian leanings, intimate tables, and attentive service. Consistently well-reviewed and recognized by travelers; reservations are smart on weekends.

A father-and-son operation drawing crowds for generous, New York–Italian comfort—rigatoni alla vodka, braciole, and classics set to Sinatra. Voted Best Italian by Tampa Magazine readers in recent years.

Family-run trattoria known for build-your-own pastas, nightly specials, and warm, celebratory service—a South Tampa standby with loyal local press and word-of-mouth acclaim.