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Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Bayshore Gardens, Tampa / Central Florida West

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16 restaurants available nearby

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A photo of Mediterraneo Ristorante Italiano restaurant
1. Mediterraneo Ristorante Italiano
4.8
Exceptional(4151)
€€€€
• Contemporary italian • Sarasota
Booked 23 times today
With its modern but classic Italian cuisine and emphasis on artisanal and contemporary Northern Italian style, Mediterraneo is often credited with being the first restaurant to bring authentic contemporary Italian cuisine to Sarasota when it first opened in 1996. Still under the same ownership, Mediterraneo has consistently been rated one of the top restaurants in Zagat. The restaurant has received numerous accolades including the acclaimed Insegna Del Ristorante Italiano awarded by The Minister of Agriculture & Commerce in Rome. With its highest honor, inducting the restaurant into its Accademia Italiana della Cucina "Fine Dining Hall of Fame." Mediterraneo has been rated as Best of the Best in Sarasota Magazine since the first year of opening. So whether you're celebrating a special occasion or grabbing a quick bite to eat, at Mediterraneo you are always assured the best quality food accompanied by excellent service. All of it thoroughly Italian.
A photo of Cassariano Italian Eatery Lakewood Ranch restaurant
2. Cassariano Italian Eatery Lakewood Ranch
4.8
Exceptional(3233)
€€€€
• Contemporary italian • Sarasota
Booked 23 times today
Cassariano Italian Eatery Lakewood Ranch is the epitome of "Contemporary Italian Cuisine," expertly crafted by Northern Italy natives Luca Cassani and Antonio Pariano. Their passion for authentic flavors shines through in every dish, creating a memorable dining experience that "exceeds expectations." Located in Sarasota's Lakewood Ranch, this delightful eatery blends bistro charm with refined elegance. Guests rave about the "exceptional food and attentive service," while the menu offers unique dishes that delight the palate. From the perfectly cooked branzino to the veal stuffed ravioli, each plate is a testament to their culinary artistry. Cassariano is truly a "restaurant gem" worth visiting.
A photo of Amore Restaurant restaurant
3. Amore Restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(842)
€€€€
• Contemporary italian • Sarasota
Amore Restaurant in Sarasota is a true gem when it comes to Contemporary Italian cuisine, offering an unforgettable dining experience that blends authenticity with innovation. Guests rave about the "delicious food and outstanding service," highlighting their delightful pasta dishes and exquisite Italian specialties. The ambiance, with live piano music from renowned local musicians like Eddie Tobin, creates a warm and inviting atmosphere that complements the delectable fare. Diners are especially fond of the "succulent lobster bisque" and "mushroom ravioli," with each dish crafted to perfection. Whether you're a local or visiting, Amore's commitment to quality makes it a must-visit for any Italian food enthusiast.
A photo of Ash Tampa restaurant
4. 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 Bella Vita Italian Kitchen restaurant
5. Bella Vita Italian Kitchen
4.5
Awesome(61)
€€€€
• Contemporary italian • Sarasota
Booked 7 times today
At Bella Vita, every night feels like a homecoming with a little extra swagger. It’s not fine dining and it’s not your usual red-sauce joint either. It’s where comfort meets occasion. The room glows with low light and good conversation. The bar hums with locals and knowing glances. And the food? It’s Rocco’s—built from roots and rituals that never went out of style.Think Sunday Sauce Pie with house meatballs and ricotta. Tiramisu with just the right hit of espresso. Cannoli that snap in your hands and melt on your tongue. The service moves at your pace—fast when you need it, familiar when it matters. Whether you’re marking a milestone, meeting up with family, or just craving something that actually feels like dinner, Bella Vita makes you feel known. And it’s the one Italian table in Sarasota where the story’s lived, not staged.
A photo of Ava Restaurant restaurant
6. 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 La Dolce Vita Authentic Italian Cuisine restaurant
7. La Dolce Vita Authentic Italian Cuisine
5.0
Exceptional(535)
€€€€
• Contemporary italian • Sarasota
Booked 6 times today
La Dolce Vita Authentic Italian Cuisine in Sarasota is a delightful gem that truly captures the essence of Contemporary Italian dining. Helmed by Chef Mauro from Naples and his wife Tina from Sicily, the restaurant offers a harmonious blend of Northern and Southern Italian recipes with a modern twist. Guests rave about the "magnificent" food and the family-like atmosphere, describing meals as "like being at a Sunday dinner with family." From Mauro’s exquisite lasagna to Tina’s homemade desserts, each dish is crafted with love and authenticity. With its welcoming ambiance, it’s no wonder La Dolce Vita is hailed as "the best Italian restaurant in town!"
A photo of Maestrale restaurant
8. Maestrale
4.9
Exceptional(202)
€€€€
• Contemporary italian • Gulf Gate Estates
Booked 1 time today
Maestrale, located in the charming Gulf Gate Estates, Sarasota, is a delightful Mediterranean gem known for its authentic flavors from the heart of Puglia, South Italy. This family-owned restaurant offers a taste of the Mediterranean with dishes like "la puccia, focaccia, and orecchiette" that transport you straight to the Italian peninsula. The atmosphere is inviting, perfect for family gatherings or romantic evenings. Rave reviews highlight the "delicious food" and "superb service," with guests returning time and again for the "fantastico calamari" and "lobster ravioli." Maestrale's exquisite Mediterranean cuisine, paired with a fine selection of wines, ensures an unforgettable dining experience.
A photo of BellaBrava Tampa restaurant
9. 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 Cassariano Italian Eatery restaurant
10. Cassariano Italian Eatery
4.8
Exceptional(4446)
€€€€
• Contemporary italian • Venice
Booked 25 times today
Contemporary Italian Cuisine in downtown Venice with a casual-elegant atmosphere. INSIDE AND OUTSIDE DINING
‘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.

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