From creamy pastas and pillowy gnocchi to crispy pizza and classic tiramisu, Italian food has a way of turning simple ingredients into irresistible comfort. Whether you’re craving a perfect slice, a hearty plate of pasta or a sweet finish, these Italian restaurants are worth a visit.
Valentino Ristorante Italiano
2930 Gulf to Bay Blvd., Clearwater | (727) 437-7007
Valentino is entering a new chapter with a warmer, more intimate approach to Italian dining. Leading the evolution is Chef Christos Tsokos, former Executive Sous Chef at Tampa’s acclaimed Rocca, where handmade pasta was central to his culinary experience. Now at Valentino, Christos brings that craftsmanship to a new kitchen with fresh pasta made in- house daily. Raised in a restaurant family with Mediterranean roots, his cooking is grounded in quality ingredients, tradition and genuine hospitality. The vision is refined food without the formality—a welcoming neighborhood restaurant where thoughtful Italian cooking and the simple pleasure of gathering around the table come together.
Bernini
1702 E. 7th Ave., Tampa | (813) 242-9555
Since 1995, Bernini has served handcrafted Italian-American dishes, from scratch-made sauces and Cacciatore Bros. sausages to pastries made by owner and fourth-generation Tampa native Jason Fernandez’s mother. Her offerings include biscotti, tiramisu and cassata cake, the latter of which is taste-tested by Fernandez’s 95-year-old aunt to ensure the Sicilian dessert stays true to the family recipe. Housed in a historic 1896 building that once served as the Bank of Ybor City, Bernini retains its Venetian plaster ceilings, teller stations-turned-bar and original bank vault, now a wine cellar. While the restaurant rotates dishes throughout the year, favorites such as pistachio-crusted grouper and veal lasagna have remained for three decades.
Emilio’s Italian Market
1021 W. Swann Ave., Tampa
A piece of New York City history is finding a home in Hyde Park. Inspired by his grandfather’s restaurant, which operated in New York from the 1960s through the 1980s, Joey is carrying its legacy into Emilio’s Market, incorporating artifacts from the original restaurant throughout the space. The market will pair high-quality ingredients imported from Italy with hand- painted ceramics from the Amalfi Coast and Florence-style sandwiches. More than a neighborhood market, Emilio’s is a nod to the generations that came before, blending family tradition, Italian craftsmanship and flavors with a fresh new chapter in Hyde Park.
Bella’s Italian Café
1413 S. Howard Ave., Suite #100, Tampa | (813) 254-3355
A South Tampa favorite since 1986, Bella’s Italian Café has been serving authentic Italian cuisine for 40 years. The menu features fresh, house-made pastas and sauces, alongside pizzas baked in an oak-fired stone oven crafted in Milan. Longtime favorites include the Famous Chopped salad, Confetti Spaghetti, Pollo Milano and pear-filled Pera Sachet. From classic Italian comfort food to signature dishes generations of Tampa diners have come to love, Bella’s remains a neighborhood institution.
Donatello Italian Restaurant
232 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa | (813) 875-6660
A Tampa dining institution since 1984, Donatello Italian Restaurant brings old-world Italian tradition to the heart of the city. Founded by the late Guido Tiozzo and now led by his son, Gino, Donatello serves handmade pasta daily alongside classics inspired by regions across Italy. Signature dishes include Ossobuco alla Milanese, Cannelloni Donatello, Antipasto, jumbo lump crab cocktail and many others. Elegant service, an extensive wine selection and live music complete the timeless fine-dining experience.
Forbici Modern Italian
Tampa and St. Petersburg
Forbici Modern Italian brings its lively take on Italian dining to both Tampa’s Hyde Park Village and its new St. Pete location. Known for pioneering Roman-style pizza in Tampa, Forbici also serves favorites like pesto rigatoni and hearty Bolognese. With a menu made for sharing, plus live music and happy hour specials, Forbici creates a vibrant setting for everything from casual dinners to celebrations with family and friends.
Bocelli Modern Italian
5427 Bayshore Blvd., Tampa | (813) 374-9302
Bocelli Modern Italian brings an old-school Italian-American approach with a modern flair. With a full-service restaurant in South Tampa, a quick-service location in Tampa and another coming to Largo, the concept draws from the Northeast’s Italian-American traditions, particularly New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Dishes include Green Morelle with sautéed escarole, prosciutto and hot cherry peppers, and Chicken Riggies with chicken, sweet and hot peppers, marinara and rigatoni. Pasta and pizza dough are made from scratch, with staples such as Bolognese and Cavatelli alla Vodka remaining on the menu while seasonal specials offer something new for repeat customers.
Café Massé Ristorante Italiano
1443 S. Belcher Road, Clearwater | (727) 223-5153
Helmed by Chef Justin Masse, who has been cooking since age 16, Café Massé opened in June 2025 with a fresh take on Italian cuisine. Rather than focusing solely on northern or southern Italian traditions, Masse blends influences from both regions with Italian-American classics inspired by cities such as New York, Chicago and Philadelphia. He makes every dish in-house, using freshly shredded cheeses, homemade breadcrumbs and imported Italian ingredients. The menu puts thoughtful spins on familiar dishes, from pan-seared gnocchi to chicken Parmesan, while an extensive wine list and desserts, including locally sourced Duomo Gelato, round out the offerings.
BellaBrava
1015 Gramercy Lane, Tampa, 813-524-5226 | 16722 Focus Loop, Land O Lakes, 813-486-4890
204 Beach Drive, St. Petersburg, 727-895-5515
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