Italian cuisine is the epitome of comfort—from the twists and curves of handmade pasta to the crisp crust of a hand-tossed pizza. Delicate sauces embrace bold flavors, and wine is always part of the experience. Whether you’re a fan of tradition or appreciate a modern take on recognizable classics, these are some of the best spots in Tampa Bay to savor essential Italian fare.
Ava
718 S. Howard Ave., Tampa | (813) 512-3030 | @avatampa
Ava’s award-winning menu showcases Italian-inspired cuisine prepared in a simple, rustic style. Highlights include house-cured salami, handmade pasta and Neapolitan pizza fired at 900 degrees in an Italian-made Acunto oven. Ingredients are fresh, seasonal and locally sourced whenever possible. From mushroom ragu in porcini cream sauce to lobster fettuccine to zeppole and tiramisu, every dish is crafted with care. Stop in for weekend brunch—think creamsicle French toast or avocado toast on housemade bread—dinner, or to enjoy a hand-crafted cocktail.
Market at EDITION
500 Channelside Drive, Tampa | (813) 771-8022
Inspired by the Italian coastline, Market at EDITION blends the charm of a trattoria with a modern aesthetic. The menu features refreshing Mediterranean dishes, rich pastas and Neapolitan-style pizzas baked in an authentic Italian pizza oven. By day, find inspiration over a cup of La Colombe and house-made pastries at its wraparound coffee bar or on the lush terrace. By night, unwind with espresso martinis and spritzes in a setting of understated sophistication.
Ash
420 S. Nebraska Ave., Tampa | (813) 221-9191
Ash reimagines Italian cuisine with a seasonal menu of dishes and cocktails that showcase fresh, flavorful ingredients. Many plates are designed for sharing, allowing guests to sample more of the menu. The latest lineup features strozzapreti—made in-house like all pastas—served with beef cheek and hazelnuts; oysters tossed in a balanced kumquat mignonette; and the happy hour favorite, red focaccia pizza topped with ’nduja, hot honey and mozzarella.To unwind, try one of Ash’s handcrafted cocktails like the cucumber martini or banana colada, both refreshing and distinctly original.
BellaBrava
At BellaBrava, the housemade Italian food pairs exquisitely with Old & New World wines on their extensive wine list. For over twenty years they have strived 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
Forbici Modern Italian
1633 W. Snow Ave., Tampa | (813) 251-8001
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.
Sogna Napoli Trattoria & Pizzeria
12913 N. Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa | (813) 908-0222
Sogna Napoli, meaning “Dreaming of Napoli,” has been bringing authentic southern Italian cuisine to Carrollwood for a little more than a year and a half. Blending the owners’ Sicilian and Neapolitan roots, the restaurant highlights time-honored recipes. Diners can enjoy homemade pastas, hand-rolled gnocchi and wood-fired bread baked fresh daily. The extensive wine list features a variety of Italian reds, whites and rosés, while a full liquor license allows for Italian-inspired cocktails.
Forchetta
13688 Walsingham Road, Largo | (727) 221-0271
Chef Marcelo grew up making handmade pasta and perfecting sauces under the guidance of his nonna—a skill brought to life at Forchetta Italian Eatery. Alongside his partner in life and business, Emanuela, he brings the warmth of Italian culture to every dish. Forchetta’s menu features simple yet flavorful creations made with high-quality ingredients sourced straight from Italy.
Caffé Paradiso
4205 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa | (813) 835-6622
Hailing from Rimini, Italy—one of Europe’s most famous seaside cities—chef Paolo Tini, now joined by his two brothers, has shared authentic Italian dishes with the Tampa Bay community since 1995. After honing his craft at his father’s restaurant, the beloved Donatello Italian Restaurant, Tini opened Caffé Paradiso as his own expression of Italian hospitality. While some dishes nod to the spice and tomato-based sauces of southern Italy, the restaurant highlights the subtle, delicate flavors of the north. Housemade pastas and from-scratch sauces form the base for favorites like lasagna, while weekly seafood specials add variety. All, however, pair beautifully with a curated wine list of about 100 selections.
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