Ava Restaurant

4.3

1739 reviews

$30 and under

Italian

Top tags:

Ava's menu will feature inspired Italian cuisine prepared in a simple and rustic fashion. Central to our vision will be house cured salumi, fresh hand made pasta and Neapolitan pizza cooked at 900 degrees in our Italian-made Acunto pizza oven. Ingredients will be fresh, seasonal, and local whenever possible.
Ava has limited seating, reservations may be inside or outside. We attempt to accommodate special requests, please let us know what your preference may be in the "add a special request' field. However, we can't guarantee all table requests. We look forward to serving you.

Make a booking

No. of diners

2 people

DateTime

3 Jul 2022

19:00

Booked 42 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Takeaway

(813) 512-3030

Other options

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Italian, Wine Bar, Steak
Hours of Operation
Brunch Fri–Sun 10:30 am–2:30 pm Dinner Mon, Sun 5:00 pm–8:30 pm Tue–Thu 5:00 pm–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–11:00 pm
Phone number
(813) 512-3030
Website
http://www.avatampa.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, MasterCard, Visa
Dress Code
Smart Casual
Executive Chef
John Lister
Private party contact
Donald Buzzell: (727) 415-2671

Location
718 S. Howard Ave. Tampa, FL 33606
Area
Tampa
Cross Street
Howard Ave & Swann
Parking Details
Self parking in the Garage.
Additional
Indoor Fireplace, Patio/Outdoor Dining

Featured in

The Best Italian Restaurants in Tampa

Popular dishes

Wood Roasted VegetablesUS$12.00
Sea salt, olive oil
BruschettaUS$15.00
Cherry tomato, onion, burrata, balsamic, basil
Grilled OctopusUS$22.00
potatoes, pickled fennel, dill, aged balsamic
Carciofi FrittiUS$15.00
Fried artichokes, lemon caper aioli
PEI MusselsUS$18.00
Grilled bread, nduja, fennel seed, white wine, garlic
Crispy Cheshire Pork BellyUS$17.00
Glazed Brussel sprouts, mustard jus argrodolce
Ava Inspirato DipUS$14.00
roasted eggplant, garlic, caper, olive, lemon, olive oil, grilled bread
MeatballsUS$16.00
Beef, Pomodoro, Parmigiano, basil
Shrimp ScampiUS$18.00
Gulf shrimp, garlic, lemon, white wine, grilled house bread
Pan Seared ScallopsUS$24.00
Lemon basil risotto, asparagus, salsa cruda
Ravioli al Tartufo e FormaggioUS$18.00
Truffle & cheese ravioli, cauliflower puree, mushroom, melted leeks, brown butter, truffle, crispy leeks

Insalate

Ava HouseUS$13.00
Mixed greens, radish, tomato, red onion, olives, mozzarella
Mozzarella di BuffaloUS$15.00
Fresh buffalo mozzarella, heirloom tomato, shaved fennel, orange, opal basil, olive oil, aged balsamic
Apple & Walnut*US$14.00
Mixed greens, apples, spiced walnuts, Gorgonzola, lemon dressing
Spinach & Date SaladUS$15.00
Pistachio, sumac, red onion, goat cheese, sourdough croutons, balsamic

Salumi & Cheese

Chef's Selection of Assorted CheeseUS$21.00
Grilled bread, fruit and accompaniments
Chef's Selection of Meats and CheeseUS$36.00
Chef's daily selections
Chef's Selection of House-Cured MeatsUS$28.00
Grilled bread, pickled vegetables, and Mostarda

Secondi

Wood Grilled CobiaUS$32.00
Cannelloni beans, tomato, kale, basil emulsion
Sesaonal Vegetarian PlateUS$26.00
Chef's daily preparation
Tuscan Pork ShankUS$35.00
Braised shank, roasted peppers, cipollini onions, sundried tomatoes, spinach, over soft polenta
Duo of LambUS$40.00
Grilled rib chop, & merguez sausage, companada, fingerling fries, currant emulsion, aged balsamic
Wood Grilled Prime SirloinUS$32.00
Potato croquette, grilled asparagus, mushroom sugo
Wood Grilled SalmonUS$31.00
Chili mustard glaze, zucchini, cherry tomato, fregola, grilled asparagus
Wood Grilled Twin FiletsUS$44.00
Two 4 oz. filets, Gorgonzola gnocchi, sautéed greens, red wine sugo
Boneless Half ChickenUS$28.00
Lemon caper butter, broccolini, herb whipped potatoes

Paste

Cavatelli al RaguUS$26.00
Fennel sausage, tomato
Pappardelle alle BologneseUS$30.00
veal, beef, pork, sofrito
Tagliatelle con FunghiUS$26.00
Mushroom ragu, garlic, thyme, burro fuso, 63 degree egg
Bucatini alla VaccinaraUS$30.00
Oxtail, pine nuts, currants
Lamb BologneseUS$32.00
pappardelle, lamb, sofrito, rosemary ricotta
Fusilli al PomodoroUS$22.00
Tomato sugo, olive oil, basil
Gnocchi co Coniglio RaguUS$30.00
Braised rabbit, carrots, white wine, black pepper panna acida
Seafood BologneseUS$34.00
black pappardelle, lobster, crab, shrimp, crawfish, sofrito

Italian Classics

Eggplant ParmesanUS$20.00
Eggplant, spaghetti, mozzarella, Granna Padano, Pomodoro
Maddon's Double PlayUS$30.00
Eggplant parmesan and chicken parmesan. (Joe Maddon's favorite)
Spaghetti & MeatballsUS$18.00
Two meatballs, Pomodoro
Chicken ParmesanUS$24.00
Chicken cutlet, spaghetti, mozzarella, Granna Padano, Pomodoro

Vegano

Vegan Chicken ParmesanUS$24.00
Gardein Chick'n, Daiya vegan cheese, Pomodoro, spaghetti
Beyond BologneseUS$28.00
Beyond meat, sofrito, penne or spaghetti
Beyond Salciccia PizzaUS$21.00
Beyond meat Italian sausage, Daiya vegan cheese, San Marzano tomatoes

Pizze

La BestiaUS$21.00
Spicy nduja sausage, San Marzano tomatoes, arugula, ricotta
SalsicciaUS$21.00
Fennel sausage, San Marzano tomatoes, ricotta, red onion, Piquillo peppers
FunghiUS$21.00
Cremini and shiitake mushrooms, caramelized onion, mozzarella, Parmigiano Reggiano, balsamic
Margherita PizzaUS$20.00
San Marzano tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, olive oil
Basillico PestoUS$21.00
Basil pesto, goat cheese, ricotta, fontina, sundried tomatoes
TruffleUS$27.00
Spinach, black truffles, ricotta, fontina, mozzarella

Additions

Chicken BreastUS$8.00
MeatballUS$4.00
ShrimpUS$10.00
Grilled FishUS$16.00
Fennel SausageUS$4.00
Nduja SausageUS$4.00
SalmonUS$10.00

Dessert

TiramisuUS$10.00
ZeppoleUS$9.00
Donuts, custard, whipped mascarpone
Nutella Mousse CakeUS$15.00
Peanut butter toffee, skrewball peanut butter whiskey
CannolisUS$10.00
Chocolate TorteUS$10.00
Flourless chocolate cake, chocolate ganache, raspberry sauce, vanilla ice cream

What 1,739 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.3

4.3 based on recent ratings

4.4Food
4.3Service
4.3Ambience
4.1Value

Noise • Moderate

Diners' Choice Awards

Tampa
Group Bookings

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Filters

OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food4service5ambience5
Always a consistent good time whenever we go.
MW
MicheleW
Tampa
18 reviews
vip
5.0
18 reviews
Dined on 24 June 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Dinner with good friends- everything was excellent! So glad we didn’t give up on this place. Our first two experiences, years ago, was much less than perfect but the last two times at dinner & brunch have been fabulous!!
LG
LeoG
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on 19 June 2022
overall3food5service2ambience4
The food was great. Unfortunately, after a very nice welcome and accommodating hostess, our server was not as sharp. She took a long time to get drinks and actually forgot my glass of wine. She was very nice and meant well but probably needs a bit more training.
FM
FrankM
Tampa
7 reviews
vip
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on 19 June 2022
overall5food5service4ambience5
We came here for father's day and my family loved the whole experience. We lucked out with a private area which made the experience much more intimate. The service was above average for a busy father's day, and the food was excellent. Every person in my family was happy and loved their meal, and that's impressive. Just to be sure, I specifically asked each person what they thought of the food, and the feedback from everyone was that it was "really good" and "liked it a lot". Even the littlest one at our table was devouring everything that came from the kitchen. Thank you for such a wonderful experience.
AZ
AliciaZ
Tampa
6 reviews
3.0
6 reviews
Dined on 19 June 2022
overall3food3service4ambience3
Not as expected for upscale brunch dining on Father's Day. Wasn't bad but wasn't anything special either. Their dinner menu is exceptional and very exciting their brunch menu is very ordinary.
t
trjohn
Tampa
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on 19 June 2022
overall3food3service3ambience3
I have visited Ava a couple of times prior to today's visit. I made a lunch reservation for 2p on Father's Day, but did not realize they would only be offering a brunch menu where almost everything was breakfast food. I didn't see anything on Open Table or when accessing their menu that only a brunch menu would be available, so I was disappointed. Service was ok.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Tampa
3 reviews
2.0
3 reviews
Dined on 19 June 2022
overall2food2service4ambience4
Food no flavor, drink was not what I ordered. Waste of my money
OT
OpenTable Diner
New Orleans
3 reviews
2.0
3 reviews
Dined on 18 June 2022
overall2food3service3ambience2
TLDR; Cool place in concept, but not in reality. Service staff seems disconnected from guests. Upscale fast food Italian. Opt for a place like OLIVIA or BellaBrava and get the most for your money. —— Made a reservation for my girlfriend’s birthday and we were seated promptly at the front of the restaurant in between a large group of teenage girls (celebrating their birthdays) and their parents. Very sweet people, but less than ideal considering I asked to sit somewhere quieter only to be told there were other reservations for the dozens of open tables in the restaurant (many of which remained open for the entirety of our dinner). Our server was happy and kind, but slow considering the level of business and she lacked some menu knowledge. I was a bit disappointed with the server uniform as well. I understand Ava is “modern and relaxing,” but I wasn’t aware I’d be greeted by my server in a tank top with her belly ring fully visible. As a server, I empathize with trying to stay cool in the Florida heat, but an indoor, sit-down restaurant where you’re easily spending $50+/person might benefit from a more formal look. As for our dinner, the charcuterie cheese board was excellent, but the pasta dishes were lackluster. I got the maddon’s special (chicken and eggplant parm) and my girlfriend ordered a pasta with pomodoro and both were less than appetizing. I opted not to box the remainder of my dish, something I almost always do. Whether our server was aware or not I’m not sure (the hostess was), but she never brought out any birthday specialty and we opted against dessert to move on with our night. Overall, I was very disappointed with the evening’s dinner. Perhaps I should have done more research in advance, but I had heard good things about Ava only to be greatly let down by the experience. The food is average to good but the ambience and identity of the place seem a little all over the place. Likely will not return with so many other amazing Italian restaurants.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on 18 June 2022
overall2food1service3ambience2
The food tasted like it came out of a can or box it had no flavor.. the fruit on the dessert had mold on it...I would not recommend this restaurant
MK
MichaelK
Dallas
18 reviews
4.0
18 reviews
Dined on 18 June 2022
overall4food4service5ambience5
Our server was great! I was disappointed that we couldn’t get a lunch menu when we dined. I was really excited to eat Italian but all that was offered was a brunch menu. Good portion size.
BG
BlissfulGiggler
Tampa
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on 17 June 2022
overall4food4service5ambience4
As the evening progress the noise level was such that we could not hear our guest. The plastic seat covers were very uncomfortable. Let's face it, we are in Florida most of us are wearing shorts or a skirt, and those plastic seat covers, soooo uncomfortable and sticky. The food was okay. we ordered a cheese board and salad to share. The cheese board was served with a circular pretzel instead of crackers or toast which was odd. But the Malbec was yummy and we were able to spend a moment with friends before it go really loud.
MF
MattF
Tampa
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined on 17 June 2022
overall5food5service5ambience4
I enjoyed Ava. The service was great and the price point was fair - I’ve been to more expensive places that cosmetically may look a little nicer, but Ava’s food was higher quality. At Ava, you can feel and experience the care taken to serve delicious food. I highly recommend the daily handmade pastas!
M
Messyjohn
Tampa
36 reviews
vip
1.0
36 reviews
Dined on 11 June 2022
overall1food1service1ambience4
Arrived for our reservation 10 minutes early, we were seated right away and then ignored by wait staff for 20 minutes before we left and went to Counter Culture where the dinning experience was excellent from dinner to service.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Tampa
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on 10 June 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Beautiful place , we enjoyed the food , my love had Chichen Parmesan and I had salmon ! It was delicious. My wine was good too . And the dessert was delicious too .
OT
OpenTable Diner
Tampa
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on 5 June 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Excellent pizza and very accommodating for those wanting a vegan option. The half baked chicken was delicious. The food was brought out promptly and the server was very efficient and friendly. An enjoyable dinner for four. Covered parking in a nice Tampa neighborhood.
F
Fantastic
Charleston
13 reviews
vip
5.0
13 reviews
Dined on 4 June 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
My husband and I always enjoy dining here. Great food and service that doesn’t disappoint
M
Micwhale
Tampa
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on 4 June 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We first were seated in a back room that was super loud and dark. I did ask to be moved and they were nice enough to oblige.
LG
LeeG
Tampa
1 review
vip
3.0
1 review
Dined on 29 May 2022
overall3food5service2ambience4
Our waiter was also tending bar. He was not as attentive as I would expect at a restaurant of this reputation and at this price point. The food was superb.
JZ
JonZ
Orlando
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on 28 May 2022
overall3food3service2ambience3
Very underwhelming service and taste, not to be overshadowed by how expensive it is for the lackluster experience
TJ
TJV5
Tampa
11 reviews
vip
5.0
11 reviews
Dined on 26 May 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great service for a large group of us! Definitely recommend
OT
OpenTable Diner
Charleston
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on 24 May 2022
overall4food4service5ambience3
We really enjoyed the restaurant. The pork belly appetizer with Brussels sprouts was outstanding. The wine options suggested by our server paired very well with the food we ordered
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on 22 May 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Family and friends in town and we decided to do a last minute 10 top after the Lightning game and Ava was amazing, put us in the cool side room, amazing service and food as always, thank you for making the already special dinner that much better.
MB
MichelleB
Chicago
18 reviews
vip
5.0
18 reviews
Dined on 21 May 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and atmosphere! Our server was amazing too! Ty!
MD
MadisonD
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on 21 May 2022
overall3food3service3ambience4
Good wasn’t great, I had the mussels and they tasted like they had been frozen. Not worth the money. Finished my dinner before my friends meal even came out. Decent drinks but everything was over priced. Wouldn’t go back.
OT
OpenTable Diner
Nashville
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on 20 May 2022
overall5food5service4ambience5
Purely delicious. You can tell the pasta is made fresh and from scratch, it’s so good. Pizzas are fantastic and the perfect size. The Italian soda is sweet and refreshing. Loved it!
OT
OpenTable Diner
Exclusive
21 reviews
vip
5.0
21 reviews
Dined on 16 May 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always enjoy Ava. One of our tampa favorites
FD
FrequentDiner
Tampa
36 reviews
vip
3.0
36 reviews
Dined on 14 May 2022
overall3food2service5ambience2
Great service. Very noisy, food was sub par
MB
MaryB
Tampa
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on 14 May 2022
overall3food3service3ambience5
Service was very slow. We hadn’t been there in a while and were excited, but it was a let down. Service was slow and most of our food came out slow.
W
Wedjal
New York Area
30 reviews
vip
1.0
30 reviews
Dined on 14 May 2022
overall1food1service4ambience1
I will never go back there! Let me explain it. Service ok. Food was not good. Octopus was hard, too much potato and few octopus. Pizza ok but there are other better places. Pork shank was terrible!!! Polenta was like water.
ER
EricaR
Tampa
4 reviews
2.0
4 reviews
Dined on 9 May 2022
overall2food3service3ambience2
We went in for Mother’s Day and the food was ok for the price. The table was very small for 6 people. Everything was just ok and not the experience I was hoping for.
AD
AmberD
Orlando
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on 8 May 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food and great service. Outside area was great, perfect temps in this Fl heat.
SJ
SapnaJ
Tampa
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on 8 May 2022
overall3food3service4ambience4
Mothers Day menu was limited and not good. We were disappointed the full menu wasn’t available.
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Francisco
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on 8 May 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Alwasy great food and service here.
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on 8 May 2022
overall2food1service4ambience4
Food was awful
A
Anon
Orlando
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on 8 May 2022
overall3food2service1ambience2
My waitress was probably the worst server I’ve ever had in my entire life. I work in the hospitality industry and it takes a lot for me to get upset. I made a reservation a month in advance for Mother’s Day and upon arrival we were missing two table settings which I had to ask for three times up until the food arrived. I Brought my family for Mother’s Day and was very disappointed with our overall experience. Our server didn’t know anything about the menu and would disappear for 20 minutes at a time if we ask her a question. She spilled our drinks on our table about three times even sticking her fingers in my’s uncles coffee when trying to catch the glass she spilled and walking away when I had to ask her to bring a new one. The food was OK very bland and I was honestly embarrassed by the end of our experience to bring my family there. Will not be returning. Not sure if she was hungover but I wish we would have got a better server
DB
DrBrooklyn
New York Area
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined on 6 May 2022
overall5food5service5ambience3
Good food. Quick service.
BC
BethC
New York Area
14 reviews
vip
5.0
14 reviews
Dined on 6 May 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
We arrived a bit early for our reservation and fortunately were able to be seated relatively soon. The restaurant was very crowded and to help with the flow of customers, the hostess helped serve our water and also helped clear off dishes when we were finished. Great teamwork! Our waitress, Kelly, was very friendly and did a fantastic job serving our table. The food was delicious and there was a variety of meals ordered at our table for 4. Brick oven pizza, a pasta dish, a chicken parm dish and another boneless chicken dinner. All meals were authentic and tasteful as well as the appetizers that consisted of meatballs, bruschetta, & the meat and cheese platter. The wine of our choice was one of our favorites thus adding to the enjoyable dinner. This is our second time visiting Avo and our second great experience. We are sure to keep this restaurant on our list of places to eat when we are in the Tampa area. I do suggest reservations and highly recommend Avo. Beth C.
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on 5 May 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
This is one of my staple places when I visit Tampa . I am from New York and am spoiled . Food is always great as well as service !
W
Willbgone
Tampa
10 reviews
vip
3.0
10 reviews
Dined on 5 May 2022
overall3food4service2ambience3
The server was slow for whatever reason. We had to ask the hostess to send her over a couple of times. We told them of a gluten allergy but was served something with gluten in it anyway. Not impressed.
t
trevg
Columbus
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 1 May 2022
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great for date night!

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitising
- Surfaces sanitised between seatings
- Digital, disposable or sanitised menu provided
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Sanitiser or wipes provided for customers
Physical distancing
- Extra space between tables

Protective equipment
- Waiting staff wear masks
- Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
- Staff temperature check required
- Contact tracing information collected

FAQs

Ava Restaurant does offer delivery in partnership with Chow Now, Postmates and Uber Eats. Ava Restaurant also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (813) 512-3030.

Ava Restaurant is rated 4.3 stars by 1739 OpenTable diners.