Florida’s premier Gulf-side city isn’t, perhaps, the first place you’d think of when imagining a hearty plate of carbonara or lasagna al forno. Tampa is better known for its Cubanos (like the ones you can get from this West Tampa hole-in-the-wall), or for devil crab, or for grouper sandwiches. But Tampa’s always been its own melting pot, particularly in Ybor City, the birthplace of the Cuban sandwich. There, Italian immigrants worked alongside Cubans, Russians, and Germans in cigar factories that powered the city’s early economy. Tampa’s version of the Cubano even includes salami — a savory nod to Tampa’s Italian roots. Depending on your taste, neighborhoods from Ybor City to Bel Mar Shores offer a wealth of Italian dining options, fit for everything from first dates to celebratory retirement dinners. “I didn’t realize how many highly rated Italian restaurants there were in Tampa, and I’ve been here most of my life,” wrote one reviewer on Reddit.
To determine which restaurant made our list, we considered a few different things. Candidates must reside within the official city limits, of course, per a Tampa.gov map. From there, we cross-referenced reviews across multiple platforms: first, on two Reddit threads debating the best Italian restaurant in Tampa; then filtering for top-rated Italian restaurants in Tampa on Tripadvisor and Google; and finally, weaving in expert reviews from publications like Tampa Magazine and Tampa Bay Times. We also considered diverse vibes and regional specialties when choosing which restaurants to highlight. Whether you’re craving comforting risotto alla Milanese from the north, tangy caponata from Sicily, or just a simple pizza, you’ll find great options in Tampa.
Osteria Natalina – South Tampa
South Tampa strip mall staple Osteria Natalina seems unassuming, but scores high with Tampa locals. In a Reddit thread asking for recommendations on the city’s best Italian restaurants, the first response recommended Osteria Natalina, prompting another to reply, “Shhhhhhhhhh. We are still trying to keep that one a secret.” Others quickly agreed, and the restaurant backs up the buzz with a 4.7-star Google rating from nearly 750 reviews and a 4.6 rating on Tripadvisor with more than 200 reviews.
Inspired by Rimini, a coastal hotspot along the Roman Riviera and one of Europe’s most overcrowded destinations, Osteria Natalina offers a taste of the region without the crowds. The dining room is intimate and cozy, “the kind you find in old Italian towns,” according to the website, and does not permit children under 10, keeping the focus on food. The small menu includes antipasti like cozze alla “cappa style” (black mussels in tomato sauce) and polenta e pesce (seafood ragù over polenta purée); proteins like grilled yellowfin steak and filet mignon; and pastas such as sacchettini di pere (pear-filled “purses” with gorgonzola sauce), all thoughtfully complemented by Italian wines. “I had never thought of putting pear into pasta before,” wrote a Google reviewer. “A must get,” agreed another. “So delicate and rich with a hint of sweetness.” Reviewers also noted that the kitchen will prepare off-menu dishes within reason, if you ask…