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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Best of Tampa

Cool Italian spots

A distinct, modern edge makes a standard Italian meal feel like a fresh experience.

Based on 592 Opinions
+589
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Updated May 2026
01
Dracula's Legacy Wine Bar & Bistro Tampa image 1
Dracula's Legacy Wine Bar & Bistro Tampa image 2
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Bar with a vampire theme and unique decorations creates a chill atmosphere with phenomenal live music. The space feels casual and cool, attracting those who appreciate distinctive aesthetics and a relaxed vibe. Neon signs add visual interest and photo opportunities, enhancing the overall experience.

Bruschetta stands out with its fresh ingredients and a balsamic glaze that adds a nice touch. The hot honey pizza and Caprese salad come in generous portions and offer solid flavor.

Atmosphere feels tame, gothic, and cool with a very clean look. Drinks include super great espresso martinis and other cool options.

People are saying

"This bar's spooky, gothic vibe is totally immersive."

"The vibe and atmosphere here are really cool."

"The Italian Food here is an immersive journey into gothic chic."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with half-price appetizers.

2

Trivia night happens every Tuesday at 8pm with a $5 entry fee.

3

Ladies night on Tuesdays offers a 20% discount for women.

02
Giancarloโ€™s image 1

Multiple seating areas include outdoor patio, coffee bar, and bar counter, creating an open and airy layout. Atmosphere balances soft lighting with a relaxed vibe, inviting conversation and comfort. Outdoor space features a fenced area suitable for families and hosts live music, adding lively energy to the setting.

Chicken parmesan shines with a unique pesto and vodka sauce pairing. Spicy rigatoni and truffle gnocchi offer rich, bold flavors that stand out in the pasta selection.

Friday nights bring a cool vibe with a relaxed atmosphere inside and out. Staff stay calm under pressure even when busy, adding to the overall cool feel.

People are saying

"The dinner spots here are delicious and something I'd order again."

"The Italian food, especially the pasta and pizza, was phenomenal."

"The food here is so creative and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily with 25% off select appetizers and pizzas.

2

Late night happy hour is available for those looking to unwind after dinner.

3

Outdoor seating is available, providing a casual dining experience.

03
NY TO PHILLY image 1
Pizza restaurant

Small restaurant with Rocky Balboa theme and unique interior design creates an old-school, family atmosphere. Warm, welcoming energy fills the space, enhanced by great background music and personal ownership. Guests enjoy an inviting, authentic vibe with high chairs available for families.

Homemade pasta sauce delivers authentic Italian flavor. Chicken parm sandwich comes crispy and tender, smothered in rich marinara with melted mozzarella. Cannolis stand out as incredibly tasty and a must-try.

The place has a very cool atmosphere with a distinct Rocky Balboa theme. The overall ambiance feels fresh and unique.

People are saying

"Their pizza is amazing with great, generous toppings."

"The cheesesteak here is insanely delicious."

"The Rocky movie theme here is really cool."

Good to know

1

Parking is ample and easily accessible for visitors.

2

Prices are very reasonable compared to similar establishments.

3

The restaurant specializes in authentic New York pizza and cheesesteaks.

04
The Outside Kitchen image 1

Small restaurant with intimate seating and vibrant R&B music sets a chill, welcoming vibe. Live DJ energizes the space while the decor adds a cozy touch. The atmosphere feels spotless and inviting, creating a relaxed dining experience.

Seafood shines with shrimp, lobster tail, and crab cake featured in dishes. Pasta often pairs with Alfredo sauce and comes with generous portions like a huge lobster tail.

Atmosphere feels very cool and clean even when busy. Music adds to the vibes.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, flavorful, and cooked fresh."

"The Italian food here is amazing, especially the pasta."

"The shrimp and salmon here are so flavorful and cooked perfectly."

Good to know

1

They have weekly food specials that change regularly.

2

The restaurant primarily focuses on takeout orders.

3

Expect a line for takeout orders during peak hours.

05
Ash image 1
Restaurant

Elegant, modern space with chef's table seating facing the kitchen creates an immersive dining experience. Energetic atmosphere pairs well with inventive Italian dishes and expertly crafted cocktails. Adjacent lounge offers a distinct vibe for post-meal drinks.

Focaccia bread stands out with its exceptional quality. Fried rabbit and pastas like mafalde and cavatelli offer excellent chew and flavors.

Chic and eclectic atmosphere creates a cool vibe. Drinks and food match the great energy.

People are saying

"The food here is outstanding, full of flavor and beautifully presented."

"The chef describing each dish made the Italian food feel like a true culinary event."

"The food here is amazing, especially the scallops."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for weekend dining.

2

Happy hour runs daily from 5 to 7 PM with discounts on food and drinks.

3

Parking can be challenging during events at nearby Amalie Arena.

06
Madame Fortune Dessert + HiFi Parlour image 1

Speakeasy-style space with a secret entrance behind a bookshelf creates a unique setting. Live music and a jazz vibe fill the room, offering outstanding entertainment and ambient tunes. Cocktails like espresso martinis and rum punch complement the warm, inviting atmosphere that draws people in and keeps energy lively.

Chicken and shrimp pasta stands out with rich flavors. The menu also features rigatoni oxtail, seafood rice, and a curry pasta that offers a tasty twist.

Entrance hides behind a sliding bookshelf, creating a magical, mystical vibe. The space feels intimate and stylish with speakeasy tones that add to the cool atmosphere.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented."

"The vibe here is intimate and cool, with a great atmosphere."

"The rigatoni oxtail was delectable and full of flavor."

Good to know

1

Reservations are necessary to ensure entrance, especially for special events.

2

Happy hour features special drinks and appetizers, typically from 4-7pm.

3

Live music nights occur regularly, enhancing the atmosphere.

07
Tampa Burgers and Pirates image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Pirate-themed hamburger restaurant with dim lighting, live music, and numerous TVs creates a lively and fun atmosphere. Decor includes pirate flags and wooden barrels, embracing Tampa's Gasparilla spirit. Outdoor seating offers a river view, enhancing the dining experience.

Bacon chicken Alfredo stands out with its crispy, creamy, and juicy texture. Pasta dishes like meatball pasta and shrimp tacos also feature, with pasta overall described as great.

A cool vibe fills the space with a sports bar energy that feels fresh and lively. The atmosphere stands out as a really cool spot downtown.

People are saying

"The burgers here are amazing, especially the pineapple jalapeรฑo."

"The food selection here is great."

"The Italian food here is fantastic, everything was 10/10."

Good to know

1

Happy hour lasts until 7 PM with great drink specials.

2

On Thursdays, appetizers are half price during happy hour.

3

$1 wing Wednesdays offer a fantastic deal for wing lovers.

08
District South Kitchen & Craft image 1
New American restaurant

Small, chic space with a luxurious interior and quirky dรฉcor creates a comfortable, airy atmosphere. Low music and games add a relaxed vibe, while full service bar offers unique craft cocktails and bar seating with plugs. Outdoor seating is available but can feel muggy.

Pork belly gnocchi features tender meat with a crunchy exterior but the sauce can overpower the dish. Burrata Caprese salad includes nearly invisible tomatoes, and the gnocchi is generally decent.

Quirky cool vibe blends with an upscale bar style. One owner, Ryan, adds to the cool atmosphere.

People are saying

"The brunch food here is excellent, flavorful, and beautifully presented."

"I loved every Italian food dish I tried; I drooled over them."

"The vibe here is so cool and lively."

Good to know

1

Happy hour features $5 drinks, $7 wines, and $8 cocktails.

2

Reservations are recommended for dinner after 4:30pm due to high demand.

3

Parking is limited, so arrive early or consider alternative transport.

09
Bernini of Ybor image 1
Italian restaurant

Restaurant occupies a historic former bank with impressive architecture and a Florence-inspired decor. Atmosphere blends elegant and laid-back vibes with a lively energy on weekend nights. Offers $3 martinis and authentic Italian cuisine in a setting that feels both private and charming.

Half-price entrees and pastas run from 4pm to 7pm, making it easy to enjoy authentic Italian cuisine. The chicken Parmesan and various pasta dishes stand out for their flavor and quality.

Exterior architecture stands out with a distinct style. The overall atmosphere feels consistently cool and inviting.

People are saying

"You have to try their $3 martinis during Happy Hour."

"You have to try the $3 martinis with the Italian food."

"I found the atmosphere here to be cool."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 4 to 7 PM with half-priced entrรฉes.

2

The happy hour includes $3 martinis every day.

3

Most meals are 50% off before 7 PM.

10
3 Corners Pizza image 1
Pizza restaurant

Small pizza spot with extensive outdoor seating and large TVs showing sports creates a lively atmosphere. Full bar offers diverse drinks including unique beers and cocktails. New York-style pizza aroma fills the air, drawing a crowd that enjoys a relaxed, fun vibe near the riverwalk.

Bruschetta stands out as the most delicious, paired with dry rub wings, caprese salad, and cheese pizza. Desserts include cannolis and tiramisu, with spaghetti pizza also on the menu.

A laid-back urban vibe sets the tone with plenty of outside seating and a cool bar setting that stays open late.

People are saying

"I found the white pizza to be amazing and flavorful."

"The staff here is fantastic and provides great service."

"The atmosphere here is so cool, with a laid-back urban vibe."

Good to know

1

Expect busy times after events at the arena.

2

Fridays feature a live DJ from 9:30 to 12:30pm.

3

The lunch special includes 2 slices of pizza and a soda for $9.99 or $11.99.

11
The Dan image 1
Restaurant

Speakeasy-style restaurant with Roaring '20s vibe, featuring gilded accents and crystal chandeliers. Atmosphere combines live jazz music with a retro ambiance that suits both romantic and casual dinners. Offers curated craft cocktails alongside a menu praised for standout dishes like lamb pappardelle and red snapper.

Fresh pasta dishes stand out with truffle sacchetti filled with mascarpone and wild mushrooms and mushroom ravioli offering rich flavors. Risottos like the scallop with asparagus and wild mushrooms deliver a savory and well-seasoned experience.

A cool, old school vibe fills the space with a complimentary valet adding to the experience. A cool mural enhances the atmosphere in this revamped historic building.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are fun and delicious, especially with the cotton candy garnish."

"It's a lovely spot for a romantic date night."

"The Italian food service was fantastic and so personable."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with half-price appetizers.

2

Live jazz performances occur every Friday at 8pm.

3

The venue can get crowded during happy hour, expect a lively atmosphere.

12
Beacon Tampa Rooftop Lounge image 1

Rooftop lounge offers exquisite views of city and bay from the highest point in the area. Luxury atmosphere blends with live DJ music that creates a vibrant, energetic vibe. Craft cocktails and unique dishes like surf and turf dumplings add to the upscale experience.

Creative dishes include dumplings, burrata salad, and scallops. Desserts feature a Meyer Lemon Tiramisu with a lemon twist and cannoli. Buns and burrata stand out as delicious options.

Luxury atmosphere stands out with a boujee vibe. The rooftop lounge offers a cool spot for a stylish experience.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are beautifully made with fantastic views."

"The Italian food and service here are a treat."

"The views from this cool spot are amazing, from the city to the bay."

Good to know

1

Reservations are a must for dining at the rooftop lounge.

2

Valet parking costs $50, and street parking is also available.

3

Live music plays on Friday and Saturday from 8pm to midnight.

13
Dio Modern Mediterranean image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Modern Mediterranean restaurant transforms into a lively nightclub on weekends with live DJs, samba dancers, and energetic performances. Both indoor and outdoor seating offer stylish decor and a vibrant atmosphere. The space balances classy dining with festive street party energy.

Truffle pasta stands out with rich flavor but comes in a small portion and costs $41. Other dishes like lobster pasta and shrimp pasta offer tasty options with bold flavors.

Super cool vibes fill the atmosphere. Drinks come with a modern Mediterranean twist that matches the chill vibe.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was pretty good."

"The truffle pasta here is delicious and flavorful."

"The staff here is so attentive and gives awesome recommendations."

Good to know

1

Reservations require a $250 deposit for Moรซt, even if not ordered.

2

A mandatory 20% gratuity is added to all bills.

3

Live music and dance performances start at 10 pm on weekends.

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