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Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Lakeland, Tampa / Central Florida West

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18 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Ava Restaurant restaurant
1. Ava Restaurant
4.4
Awesome(2304)
€€€€
• Contemporary italian • Tampa
Booked 23 times today
Ava Restaurant in Tampa is a beacon of exceptional Contemporary Italian cuisine, delighting diners with a menu that marries rustic simplicity with authentic flavors. The restaurant's dedication to quality is evident in its house-cured salumi, freshly handmade pasta, and Neapolitan pizza, cooked to perfection in their Italian-made Acunto oven. "The food was outstanding and exceeded our expectations," a guest raves, emphasizing the authentic Italian experience crafted with fresh, seasonal ingredients. With a cozy ambiance and attentive service, Ava is "literally my favorite restaurant in Tampa," as another diner asserts. Whether you're a local or visiting, Ava promises an unforgettable Italian dining experience.
A photo of Papparella Trattoria restaurant
2. Papparella Trattoria
4.7
Exceptional(229)
€€€€
• Contemporary italian • I Drive / Sand Lake
Booked 91 times today
Since 1984, Papparella Trattoria has served authentic Italian flavors with family recipes, wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas, and fine wines. Enjoy our elegant bar, prime location, and easy access for a complete Italian dining experience.
A photo of Ash Tampa restaurant
3. Ash Tampa
4.8
Exceptional(355)
€€€€
• Contemporary italian • Tampa
Booked 14 times today
Ash, nestled in the vibrant Water Street District of Tampa, FL, offers an extraordinary Tapas/Small Plates experience that's as authentic as it is innovative. The menu is a delightful journey through Italian-inspired creations, with each plate showcasing a masterful blend of flavors and artistry. Diners rave about the impeccable service and "10/10 food quality," making every visit memorable. Standout small plates like the hamachi crudo and fried rabbit receive high praise, with one diner noting the "unique combinations and strong presentation." Whether you're a local or visiting Tampa for the first time, Ash promises a culinary adventure that will captivate your taste buds.
A photo of BellaBrava Tampa restaurant
4. BellaBrava Tampa
4.7
Exceptional(791)
€€€€
• Contemporary italian • Tampa
Booked 52 times today
BellaBrava New World Trattoria was born in 2005 in Downtown Saint Petersburg. Over the years since, BellaBrava has been voted Best Restaurant in Saint Petersburg, Best Italian, and is a perennial Guest favorite on Beach Drive.Now open in Midtown Tampa, BellaBrava Tampa brings the same menu and outstanding service we are proud of to Tampa. Enjoy great Italian wines and cocktails, New World Trattoria cuisine, and consistently excellent service.In the heart of Midtown Tampa, we’re the perfect spot for a great lunch while shopping, or an intimate dinner with friends and family.
A photo of Sacred Pepper restaurant
5. Sacred Pepper
4.8
Exceptional(7679)
€€€€
• Contemporary italian • Tampa
Booked 60 times today
Sacred Pepper in Tampa is a delightful culinary gem, offering a delightful twist on Mediterranean cuisine that captivates the senses. The menu, inspired by owner Candy DeBartolo’s flavorful travels, features fresh, locally sourced ingredients and made-from-scratch pastas that elevate traditional Mediterranean flavors to new heights. Diners rave about the “exceptional” service and the “amazing experience” they have each visit, praising the restaurant for its “delicious dinner entrees” and “awesome wine/drink selections.” With an inviting ambiance enhanced by tasteful, seasonal decorations, Sacred Pepper is not just a meal, but a memorable dining experience that keeps patrons returning time and again.
A photo of Rocca Tampa restaurant
6. Rocca Tampa
4.8
Exceptional(259)
€€€€
• Contemporary italian • Tampa
Booked 73 times today
Welcome to Rocca, a Michelin Starred Italian restaurant in the vibrant neighborhood of Tampa Heights. Our menu is deeply rooted in the classic Italian dining experience, underlining the undeniable connection between food and the people around the table. Chef Bryce honors traditional recipes learned in Italy, while infusing modern techniques honed working in cutting edge kitchens in New York. The coming together of the two results in flavors that are rustic, yet refined, simple, yet beautiful and approachable by nature. An innovative crudo and freshly baked bread amongst other seasonal shareable plates are the perfect place to start. Rocca’s extensive Italian wine list and innovative cocktail program are an invitation to further immerse yourself in the experience. Fresh pastas, an expertly dry aged duck or a dry aged wagyu serve as an ending to remember.Inspired by the old and the new, Rocca instills a sense of nostalgia and curiosity in every guest.
A photo of BellaBrava Bexley restaurant
7. BellaBrava Bexley
4.6
Exceptional(744)
€€€€
• Contemporary italian • Land O' Lakes
Booked 69 times today
In 2003, while exploring Tuscany and indulging in the finest Italian culinary delights, we recognized a need for an Italian restaurant in Tampa that fuses traditional flavors with the contemporary essence of urban living.In 2005, BellaBrava: New World Trattoria was established in downtown Saint Petersburg, where our Tuscan-inspired vision became a reality. Our New World Trattoria offers a relaxed dining experience, affordable prices, and a focus on building lasting connections with our guests rather than pursuing haute cuisine.Our menu harmoniously blends old-world tastes with new-world sophistication. From seafood and classic pasta dishes to mouthwatering pizzas, we're confident that everyone will discover a delightful treat. Our special Woodstone ovens create delectable flatbreads, pizzas, and calzones, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients that evoke the flavors of Tuscany and other Italian cuisines.
A photo of Che Vita restaurant
8. Che Vita
4.2
Awesome(46)
€€€€
• Contemporary italian • Downtown
Booked 9 times today
Che Vita brings the soul of Southern Italy to the heart of Tampa. Inspired by the warm hospitality, rich traditions, and bold flavors of regions like Campania, Puglia, and Sicily, our restaurant offers a vibrant dining experience that celebrates la dolce vita-the sweet life. From morning espresso to late-night bites, our authentic menu captures the essence of Southern Italian cooking. Start your day with a pastry and crafted coffee, enjoy a fresh salad or Neapolitan-style pizza at lunch, or join us for dinner and indulge in dishes like our house-made Agnolotti Blue Crab or Steak Tagliata. With a welcoming atmosphere and dishes that highlight simple ingredients and bold flavor, Che Vita is the perfect spot to gather, toast, and enjoy life's flavorful moments-no matter the occasion.
A photo of Manzzo Cuisine restaurant
9. Manzzo Cuisine
4.8
Exceptional(247)
€€€€
• Contemporary italian • Windermere
Booked 33 times today
Manzzo Cuisine, led by the renowned Chef Barto, offers a unique experience of contemporary Italian cuisine. Our signature dish, the Filetto Con Gnocchi Ripieni, is a perfect blend of filet mignon and mozzarella-stuffed gnocchi. The elegant and cozy ambiance includes a charming outdoor terrace, perfect for al fresco dining. Located just minutes from attractions like Lake Eola and the Dr. Phillips Center, we are the perfect spot for special dinners or casual gatherings. With awards for culinary excellence, Manzzo promises to surprise your palate and provide an unforgettable experience.Please note: Our doors close 30 minutes before lunch and dinner hours to ensure a complete and relaxed dining experience.
A photo of BellaBrava St.Pete restaurant
10. BellaBrava St.Pete
4.7
Exceptional(1115)
€€€€
• Contemporary italian • St. Petersburg
Booked 39 times today
BellaBrava New World Trattoria was born in 2005 in Downtown Saint Petersburg. Over the years since, BellaBrava has been voted Best Restaurant in Saint Petersburg, Best Italian, and is a perennial Guest favorite on Beach Drive.Less formal than a ristorante, our service is casual, our prices remain reasonable and our emphasis is on a steady clientele rather than haute cuisine. Old World flavors mingle with New World flair. From seafood to traditional pasta, pizzas, and more, we are positive everyone will find something delicious to savor.BellaBrava’s unique Woodstone™ ovens cook delicious pizzas and a guest favorite, the Crostata. Our ingredients are fresh, often locally sourced, and evoke the flavors of Tuscany and other delicious cuisines from Italy. With friendly, competent staff, BellaBrava aims to be your casual dining spot.
‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • SeanGold
    Tampa / Central Florida West •118 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    High end food and fare, of course. The pasta! Generous truffle experience. The mozzarella cart is “must do.” Solid advice and guidance from Ryan, our server, and Danny, our sommelier. The restaurant was vibrant, but the pace comfortable, easy.
    More info
    Rocca Tampa$$$$• Italian• Tampa
    •
    4.8
  • OpenTable Diner
    Tampa / Central Florida West •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Bella Brava never disappoints! The food is incredible, savory and comes in good size portions. I stop by every chance I have. Try the wood fire pizzas, lemon crusted salmon or gnocchi with Alfredo sauce and add your favorite protein. Yummmm!!
    More info
    BellaBrava Tampa$$$$• Italian• Tampa
    •
    4.7
  • GardaGold
    Tampa / Central Florida West •22 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Sunny, our waiter, was terrific. We ordered the Chef’s choice and it was well worth it. The food was delicious and plentiful. The dessert was phenomenal and the cocktails perfect for the season
    More info
    Ash Tampa$$$$• Contemporary Italian• Tampa
    •
    4.8
  • Daniel
    Pittsburgh / Western PA •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    So good we are going again tonight! Great service, fresh food, overall perfect.
    More info
    Papparella Trattoria$$$$• Italian• I Drive / Sand Lake
    •
    4.7
  • Nahum
    Tampa / Central Florida West •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Excellent service. OSSIE [forgive me if I misspelled your name] is a great server...
    More info
    Ava Restaurant$$$$• Italian• Tampa
    •
    4.4

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