Living in Tampa or even being in Tampa you might feel over whelmed by what a big city you are in. If you have ever wanted to go out to eat but couldn’t figure out where to go then you might get help from this article. Now in any big city you will have a huge selection of almost any type of food, when you are in the mood for Italian you want to make sure the food is good and so are the portions and the price.
Now when looking for Italian restaurants everybody knows about Olive Garden and Carabas and the service and food is the same threw out the country. But here we will talk about restaurants that are not big chains, and who knows maybe you will find a new favorite.
First we will start with Mr. T’s Italian Restaurant located at 909 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606. 813-251-1534. This place is known for the great Caesar Salad and garlic bread. The portions are huge and all homemade. On weekend they have live music and the place gets quite festive. Their menu has a huge verity of pizza, subs, salads and pasta.
On to Timpano Italian Chop House, located 1610 W Swann Ave, Tampa, FL 33606. (813) 254-5870.
The atmosphere blends into its South Tampa location. The ‘hip’ decor still transports you back to little Italy but in modern times. With an affordable lunch but more pricey dinner the food comes in huge portions with tons of don’t miss flat bread. They do Martini specials during the weekend live music on the weekend. The service is top notch and the atmosphere make you feel like you belong there.
Bernini prides themselves in making innovated Italian cuisine. With the elegant tables and upper class service you might feel like you are more at a country club then a normal Italian restaurant and this is no surprise when you are voted ‘Best to Impress. The food is all your favorites with some great twists and a huge wine list that will please every the occasional wine drinkers. Located at 1702 E. 7th Ave, Ybor City (Tampa), Florida 33605. 813-248-0099.
Next to Donatello, this restaurant was voted best Italian food in 2001, 2002 and 2003. The prices are what you would expect to pay and the portions are more then you could eve expect to eat. The dinning experience is geared toward the romantic dinning accept. The candles, low lighting perfect for dates or that special moment. Plus like any other Italian restaurant they have live music on weekends. Located at 232 N Dale Mabry Hwy Tampa, FL 33609 (813) 875-6660
Now on to a slightly more know dinning place called Buca Di Beppo. This Italian Tampa Restaurant has huge portions and great prices. Their dishes come from all over Italy both north and south so you have a huge verity and a chance to try something new. This is one restaurant that wants you to leave knowing a little more Italian then when you came in from the menus to the Italian tapes in the bathroom the culture is all around. 11105 CAUSEWAY BLVD BRANDON, FL 33511 (813) 681-8462
La Terrazza is a little Italian restaurant many may have not heard of but is making a big splash in the Italian food market in Tampa. This restaurant is one of the top rated on many website by the people who have dined here. The prices are low and the expectations are high when you enter this place. The window seats are great for people watching especially at night when you can watch all the 7th ave party goers go by. With everything on the menu and imported Italian wines where can you go wrong? 1727 E 7th Ave Tampa, FL 33605 (813) 248-1326
Next to GiGi’s Italian Restaurant. With average prices and amazing pizza thin ones is a don’t miss, on your Italian restaurant hunt. This family owned and operated since 1967 now I mentioned great pizzas right did I mention they have over 30 pizza topping to choose from? Not to mention the selection of pizza crust options. 6852 Gulfport Blvd S (727) 345-0191
Now let’s talk Paul Chicago Pizza. While yes the name Chicago is on the title and all this is defiantly Italian food, more so pizza of course. They have great Italian pizza with the Chicago flair of flat pan and deep dish. While the sauce is home made and could use a bit more spices the overall taste is amazing. This is a great place to stop and grab a quick bite or even spend and fun afternoon. 1500 N Mcmullen Booth Rd: (727) 723-9777
