Scarpa's Italian Restaurant

What a wonderful experience eating here. Finally found a REAL Italian Restaurant!! Menu choices were ample, excellent service ( Frankie was our waiter) and the atmosphere was intimate, pleasant, and white table cloth clean. They only serve beer and wine but the wine selection was ample. We had the prosciutto wrapped shrimp for an appetizer which was the perfect amount to start our meal off. My husband got the Grouper Casino Special w Calabrian chili aioli and I got the Chicken Francese. Both portions were perfectly sized and both were cooked to perfection. They also make all their pasta (yummm) Finished off the evening w a cappuccino and an espresso. Excellent evening out. We happened to get lucky ( a Wednesday night) but they say to definitely make a reservation next time.

Scarpa’s may be small, but boy is it mighty! One of Lakeland’s best restaurants for many years, hands down. If you are at all a fan of Italian food, you have to come here. Since it is a small restaurant, you usually want to get a reservation ahead of time because it fills up quick. But it makes for a more intimate dining experience that’s really enjoyable. Dress a little nicer and expect the prices to be a little higher- but it’s really quality food so it doesn’t feel as bad to pay more. Everything I have tried here in multiple visits has been outstanding. I am especially a fan of their creme brûlée dessert, they have other options too but I can’t turn that down. You’ll want to also listen closely to the specials they have, they change every so often and are always delicious and unique appetizers & entrees. Seriously, love this place. It’s fantastic for special occasions or just an extra delicious dinner here and there. Couldn’t recommend more.

1st time eating here. Staff was very professional and attentive. The crab cakes were top notch. I ordered the Penne Polo for my main entree. Although the flavor was good, I wished there was a little more sauce. My friend who joined me was a little dissatisfied with her dish, the Chicken Francese. It came with polenta and green beans. She had to order a side of pasta because thats why she was craving with the dish. The polenta lacked flavor and the beans severely undercooked, basically raw. My other friend had the fettuccine Alfredo with chicken and loved it. I would dine here again, but I would order something different next time. The price we paid was good for appetizer, wine, salads, and entrees.

This place is GREAT for a date night. We were looking for a nice, quiet place to eat as we just moved to Lakeland. Scarpa’s did not disappoint. Actually, it exceeded our expectations. We ordered the Sausage and peppers, and Fig Brie to start, and they were both amazing. I had some of the best Pasta Fagioli I’ve ever had (I’m Italian and have ate many different recipes). For entrees, I got the Veal Saltimbocca and she got the Tuscan Chicken. Both dishes were cooked and plated perfectly. The Tuscan Chicken was very unique with blackberries and was to die for. When I tell you that we were FULL, we were very full because it was so good that we almost couldn’t stop eating. I have been a fine dining server for a while, and can see things that are done right, and things that are not done right when I go out to eat. Everything here from the ambiance, service, to the food was done to what I’d call perfection. Our server for the evening was Cody. He did a great job, was very welcoming, and was very knowledgeable about specials and normal menu items. Also, please excuse the pictures that are not the best, they were much better in person, but I did not want to use the flash while dining. I will definitely be back.

This was a wonderful dining experience. The atmosphere was comfortable, food was excellent, and the staff were the best. We will return and bring our friends!

Very professional staff. From the hostess to the server we had. It was our 5th anniversary. Never been there before but will definitely be back!! Love this little place but amazing food and atmosphere. We got a corner table and it was perfect for our 5 year anniversary. The manager came over and checked on us. He was professional and great!! Keep up the great work and we will see you soon.

We were from out of town and our birthday girl had chosen this place of the good ratings. Our server recommended the 2 appz and it was good but our 3 different pastas with white sauce had way too much wine in them. The veal was too salty with the pasta but the lasagna was good. Choose wisely. The dining room noice level was low so it was pleasant to have conversations. This is a first that we did not order even a glass of wine at any Italian restaurant, the prices were much higher than the wines listed on their menu and we are seasoned travelers in and outside the states.

I needed to find a restaurant half way between Tampa and Orlando, Lakeland was the best location. I narrowed it down to a seafood restaurant, a steakhouse and an Italian. I chose Scarpa’s based on the posted menu, photos and reviews. It was a 75 minute drive. I made reservations for six people at 6:30; I strongly urge you to make reservations. It was a Wednesday night and Scarpa’s was packed. The dining room is cozy without feeling cramped. You could hold a conversation without yelling. The service was exceptional and attentive without being intrusive. The menu had the typical fare as well as some interesting dishes. All the meals were delicious and of decent size. Every ingredient was fresh. The pasta dishes were properly drained of water and the bread was first rate. Expect a per person charge for an adult beverage, meal, dessert, tax and tip to be about $50. I’ll be back