From the lighter dishes of northern Italy to the richer pasta and bread specialties of the south, Tampa Bay—home to the Italian Club—is well-versed in the European country’s cuisine. Whether you’re craving seafood-forward fare or hearty, flavorful pizza, we have you covered with the essential Italian restaurants of Tampa Bay.
La Casa della Pasta
Mara and Franco Marolo took over La Casa della Pasta in 2017, relocating from northern Italy to Tampa to nurture their lifelong passion for food and wine. As the new owners, they infused the restaurant with their Italian tastes and experiences. While they preserved the core menu, they revamped it by using ingredients imported directly from Italy and introducing new weekly specials.
For those visiting La Casa della Pasta for the first time, Mara highly recommends the table-side fettucini and Parmesan, as well as the homemade ravioli, which Franco meticulously prepares one by one. Franco learned the art of ravioli-making from his grandmother when he was just five years old, and it is served with a rich Bolognese sauce.
5273 Ehrlich Road, Tampa | (813) 961-1012
Caruso’s Italian Kitchen
For six years, Caruso’s Italian Kitchen has been delighting Treasure Island with authentic, classic Italian cuisine, featuring from-scratch sauces and seasonal specials that captivate guests meal after meal. This hidden gem, located within walking distance from the water, offers popular dishes like the cioppino, a seafood lover’s dream with calamari, mussels, clams, shrimp and scallops, and the Shrimp & Scallops Limoncello, which features shrimp and scallops flambeed with limoncello and finished in a rich cream sauce. The crispy fried arancini and the eggplant parmigiana, so popular it was promoted from a special to a permanent menu item, are also customer favorites.
124 107th Ave., Treasure Island | (727) 954-5973
Bella’s Italian Café
Having just celebrated its 38th birthday, Bella’s continues to be a South Tampa favorite for its blend of traditional flavors from all of Italy. Dishes such as Fettuccine Bolognese and Lasagne Napoletana transport you to the old country, while original creations like Confetti Spaghetti and Pollo Milano dazzle your taste buds. From the indulgent Raspberry Crème Brûlée to the savory Genoa pizza, every dish at Bella’s follows the motto: “Saluto alla Vita” or “Salute to Life.”
1413 S. Howard Ave., Suite 100, Tampa | (813) 254-3355
Noble Crust
Turning traditional Italian into a whole new experience, Noble Crust incorporates seasonal ingredients to craft a dynamic menu that evolves throughout the year. Each dish pays homage to fresh flavors and inventive combinations. For instance, the pear and burrata pizza with pesto, caramelized onion and balsamic Calabrian honey exemplifies Noble Crust’s culinary creativity. Similarly, the vibrant panzanella salad adds another dimension to their innovative offerings.
Locations in Tampa, St. Pete and Wesley Chapel
Forbici Modern Italian
Forbici Modern Italian offers a vibrant dining experience centered on shared meals and lasting memories. Featuring nightly live music and happy hour specials, it’s an ideal venue for gatherings and celebrations. Known as Tampa’s pioneer of Roman-style pizza, Forbici also delights with a range of pasta dishes, from the flavorful pesto rigatoni to the robust Bolognese. Whichever dish you select, expect a satisfying culinary journey.
1633 W. Snow Ave., Tampa | (813) 251-8001
Cipresso (featured photo)
Inside the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, Cipresso serves up authentic Italian cuisine, enriched by ingredients imported directly from Italy. The restaurant features a wood-fired pizza oven and an Arcobaleno pasta maker for freshly made pasta, which pairs perfectly with Cipresso’s house-made sauces.
Complementing its culinary offerings, the restaurant also boasts an impressive wine collection of 400 selections from seven countries. Guests can enjoy their meals in one of three distinct dining areas: a stylish lounge, a main dining room or an intimate private room. Among the crowd favorites are the meatballs, pizzas and fettuccine Bolognese, each delivering a truly delectable experience.
5223 Orient Road, Tampa | (813) 627-8130
Falabella Family Bistro
Following the success of 900 Degrees Woodfired Pizza, which launched in 2011 in Wesley Chapel, Micaela and Steve Falabella expanded their culinary venture by opening Falabella Family Bistro at The Grove at Wesley Chapel. The menu reflects Micaela’s Milanese heritage and Steve’s New York roots, creating a cultural fusion that bridges both sides of the Atlantic.
For the Italian side, the menu highlights dishes from northern Italian cuisine, focusing on seafood and lighter dishes. Seasonal offerings ensure fresh flavors year-round, including spring and summer favorites like Tuscan artichoke dip, pan-seared red snapper and shrimp scampi, while fall and winter bring richer, protein-based dishes.
6027 Wesley Grove Blvd., Suite 105, Wesley Chapel | (813) 428-6957
BellaBrava
At BellaBrava, the housemade Italian food pairs exquisitely with Old & New World wines on their extensive wine list. They strive to create that special feeling that comes from the best food served at the highest level of attention to detail. After traveling through Tuscany, sampling the best cheeses, pasta, herbs, meats, seafood, and pizzas in the world, the owners of 2BHospitality knew that Tampa needed a restaurant that blended Italian cuisine with the modern bustle of a New World urban lifestyle.
16722 Focus Loop, Land O Lakes, 813-486-4890
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