Top Best Italian Restaurants in Tampa

"Bella's has been a favorite of locals in South Tampa for over three decades. Featuring home-cooked flavors, everything is prepared from scratch here including their pizza dough and pasta. Diners return often to tuck into the delicious wood-fired pizzas and full menu of classic Italian favorites."

"One of our favorite Italian restaurants in Tampa, Bella’s Italian Cafe, is located in the SoHo(South Howard/South Tampa) neighborhood and it has some of the very best ambiance. The lighting is dim and relaxing. The decor is refined, yet extremely inviting and comfortable."

"Conceived by the culinary tour de force behind Tampa Palms and Daily Eats, this ultra-contemporary eatery fits in well with the SoHo mentality â€" it's got "big city" style, it's sexy and cosmopolitan, and it's the type of place where folks like to be seen. Bright, fanciful cocktails and a cool, underwater motif recall the Pan Asian haunts you'd find in a place like South Beach, and the menu gives the concept of sushi a few surprising twists and turns. For example, the rolls, called "water rolls" are "clear" â€" that is, everything is rolled in thin rice paper â€" and each truly emphasizes perfect pairings of fresh fish and seafood. Recommended for Sushi because: Ciccio's Water offers sushi with a California twist offering their unique "water rolls.". Skye's expert tip: If you're trying to cut down on carbs, their rolls are available without the sticky rice."

"Have dinner at the Japanese-inspired Water Sushi, a late-night hangout that has live music almost nightly. Consider sneaking across the street for some heavenly dessert at The Harry Waugh Dessert Room at Bern’s Steak House. Stay another night at the Grand Hyatt."

"Water and Flour is one of our favorite spots for brunch in Soho!. This spot definitely fills up quickly for their solid menu, consistent service, and bright atmosphere. They serve an amazing brunch menu – try their delicious oatmeal pancakes or their sushi!"

"Hidden in a small alcove on 46th Avenue in St Petersburg, Italian Touch has been a staple for authentic Italian cuisine in this community for some time. The interior of this restaurant features red and white checkered tablecloths, a wall of open arches separating the dining areas, and colorful paintings depicting life in Italy, which makes for an ideal setting for a date night. Serving delicious Italian cuisine, dishes are created using locally sourced ingredients and the freshest seafood."

"Florida Native Chris Ponte’s newest addition to Midtown’s restaurant scene is named for his youngest daughter. Similarly, Olivia celebrates family with sophisticated Italian cuisine fused with the contemporary. While the flavors here could have come straight from an authentic trattoria, the interior design by Ponte’s wife, Michelle, is anything but."

"This restaurant although new to the Tampa area is taking Tampanians by storm. Their menu involves northern and southern Italian cuisine that adds sophistication to typical Italian cuisine. The menu includes salads and appetizers such as Calamari, Meatballs, Wild Arugula Salads, and Winter Kale salads."

"I am a customer who frequents often, because the food is so good, no matter how good or bad my service is I will always be back because I'm a pasta…"

"Since 2014, Nabruzzi Trattoria has been serving Napoli & Abruzzo infused Italian cuisine off Van Dyke Road in Lutz. The entire menu is moderately priced, cooked to order, and they also have an extensive wine selection. They specialize in warm hospitality and top notch service, so it would be a great place for a romantic dinner, business meeting, or family gathering."

"Let the kids run free and take in the Florida sunshine at the Julian B. Lane Riverfront Park. Or, on the opposite side of the Hillsborough River, children can enjoy the colorful playground at Water Works Park."

"Lettuce Lake Regional Park is located along the Hillsborough River about half an hour north of downtown Tampa. The river at this point is in its natural state, untouched by houses and development giving visitors a chance to experience natural Florida at its best. The park features 240-acres of wooded picnic areas, a playground and a paved path for bikes and joggers complete with a fitness course."

"Why you’ve got to go: If you are wondering what to do in Tampa with kids, this is one of the first stops to hit. The park is spread over 240 acres and has something to do for everyone. What to do: There is a wooded area where you can enjoy a picnic."

"Zoe Vera and her daughter Emily Macias opened their brightly colored ice cream and sweets shop in May in Seminole Heights. Inspired by the frequent trips to get ice cream with her mother and grandmother, Beatriz Perez, Macias said she envisioned the business as a “happy place for people” to be with their friends and families. “I’ve always wanted to do something to make people happy,” she said."

"Each cupcake is made fresh and topped with edible mermaid tails. Sea Maids Creamery also has a delicious assortment of sweet treats, like ice cream, milkshakes, and brookies."

"Channelside Bay Plaza is comprised of several shops, restaurants, entertainment centers, and nightlife destinations. Each part of the plaza is aesthetically pleasing, mostly built with bricks to give a European architectural vibe. There are palm trees and fountains scattered in the area as well."

"Britton Plaza features an open-air style plaza where you can shop, dine, and stroll with the whole family. There are approximately 40 retail stores where you can buy apparel, shoes, musical instruments, gadgets, and many more!. Aside from shopping, visit the My Salon Suite to get a day of pampering that you deserve."