Piccola Italia Bistro

Amazing food. And yes I ordered 4 desserts cause I couldn't choose and yes it was worth it!. I can't wait to visit again meet time I'm in the Tampa area. The fact I can bring my own Wine is a good idea!

What a quaint place to enjoy an authentic Italian meal. I felt like we were in Williams house eating from his kitchen. This is the 1st time visiting but I will go back again and again! I had the Grouper /Shrimp with Risotto and my husband had the lasagna! Tiramisu and Cannoli’s were excellent 🍷 Bring your own wine! 🍷

Hidden Gem! Secret Hole in the Wall! Call this one man operation what you want but be assured that William does a creative and fresh Italian kitchen in the couple of hundred square feet he has to work with. Ambiance - Seriously? Came here on a quiet Sunday afternoon and were one of two groups in the restaurant. Maybe the 6 wood table and 20 or so red plastic chairs add to the old world charm, but lower your expectations and enjoy the Italian photos and view of the kitchen. It does have the look and feel of a small Italian bistro. Just imagine a view of the Mediterranean in place of the busy MLK outside. Pro Tip1 - Make reservations as space is limited. Service - William does almost all of it himself, from cooking, to serving, to answering the phone. He often has one helper (a relative?) but is essentially a one man operation. That being said, service is efficient, the food comes out quickly, and water carafes are plentiful. Food - That’s what you’re here for and you won’t be disappointed. William has 10 pastas (all $14.95) a few appetizers, and no salads on the menu. The one salad available is Caprese, and it’s good. His specials can number from 3 to 10 depending on the day and take good mental notes as he will rattle them off quickly. They all sound incredible, and it’s tough to choose. Pro Tip2 - Make sure you ask the price of the specials as they can be 2X to 3X the price of the 10 regular pastas. Braised Short Ribs on Pappardelle (special $39.95)- An incredible boneless short rib that is fork tender over pappardelle smothered in a red bolognese-like sauce. This is definitely a hearty plate that “meat-lovers” will relish. Perfectly al dente pasta in a rich hearty sauce. Be prepared to share or take some home. Anglio E Olio - Spaghetti pasta with scallions, sesame seeds and red peppers. More delicious than I expected with quite a pop from the peppers. I couldn’t stop eating this … Cannoli - Comes in pairs but we were able to order one for half the price. Crunchy exterior and creamy cheesy interior. There were chocolate sprinkles and I would have preferred shaved chocolate or even chips. The sprinkling of powdered sugar was done evenly and not just dumped on, which I appreciated. Pro Tip3 - Bring cash to avoid the credit card fee… The newest addition to my “Favorite Hole in the Wall” restaurants and worth a trip to Tampa just for the food.

Very small when you go in. You probably wonder do I stay or leave, I mean is just 6 table place but then you decided to stay and now not sure what to order. I normally don't go to too many real Italian places. After asking you what do you like in your meal this is what the dishes came out like. Absolutely flavorful. Enjoy it very much!! I'm glad for trying something new.

An overall incredible dining experience. Authentic Italian in more ways than the food, but the food! We had a reservation with a group and shared appetizers family style- burrata caprese salad, smoked salmon salad and fried artichokes. All delicious. For dinner, we all ordered from the specials menu, although we got our toddler the amatriciana which he devoured. My husband ordered the short ribs and I ordered the diavolo shrimp fettuccine. Both were outstanding but the short ribs were on another level. We are particular about Italian and pasta as we make our own at home but these dishes blew our minds. Dessert was also incredible. We ordered tiramisu and cannolis. The cannolis were the best I’ve ever had by a long shot. Would highly recommend for an authentic Italian meal while in the Tampa area! So note, it is BYOB!

Liked the food a lot! A little hole in the wall - one guy waiting on the tables and one guy cooking. Food was good! Better than a LOT of the other Italian options in town. Not fancy but went for an early dinner and it hit the spot!

Feels like you are in Italy! Incredible food and service

An honest review. Great Food, overpriced. The food is freshly made. I ordered the Manicotti special with Ricotta and spinach, with Vodka sauce. I went by the menu posted here and online, only to find out as I was given the bill it was $23.59, listed as "Custom Item." See the photo, PLUS there is a 3% card fee on top, and that didn't include the tip. What came with the "Custom Item?" 3 Manicottis and that is it. Nothing else. I had to ask for a fork since it was takeout. When I first walked in, I showed the cook (only 2 people - cook and a lady server) the Map photos and reviews, as I originally wanted the Bruschetta. The cook said "No - we don't have that. Those are photos from customers, no Bruschetta is available." Yet, the Bruschetta is listed on their Menu - go figure. Then he said "I'll read you the specials...." I ordered the Manicotti as I thought it would be simple enough.... What a disappointment. Do NOT GO BY the photos on on Map, even online. Call first and find out what is available, then ask for the price. It is deceiving to post prices online and then go to a restaurant, order a "Special" and be charged $24.00 only to get 3, single Manicottis with sauce. I won't come back here. The food may be good, but their price tag is outrageous. I didn't even get a take out bag! In contrast, go across the street to Mambos Cafe and for $10.00, you get DELICIOUS latin food, and plenty of it. Do your homework first before coming here. I wish I had a better experience, based on the reviews I read. REPLYING TO THE RESTAURANT: A Manicotti is NOT a lobster, NOR did it contain any lobster or "exotic" ingredients. The pasta may be fresh, but it certainly isn't worth the $24.00 for 3 Manicottis. Regarding me "asking for pricing" - IT IS UP TO YOU, AS THE RESTAURANT, to FULLY disclose the price of all your "Specials." Every restaurant will list their Specials and include the price for each. You obviously lack any accountability on your end, and instead of wanting to make right, you choose to defend and attack. Maybe this is why you are operating out of a hole in a wall. Don't bother to respond back. Your comments are offensive and lack taste. My review stands as an honest, truthful review.