Best Upscale Italian Restaurants in Tampa | Upscale Italian Food

30 restaurants in Best Upscale Italian Restaurants in Tampa | Upscale Italian Food

• Alessi Bakery — Italian · rated 5/5: This historic neighborhood gem invites guests into a world of sweet nostalgia, where the air is perfumed with the comforting scent of warm yeast and delicate buttercream. Shimmering glass cases showcase an edible gallery of jewel-toned pastries and towering, hand-decorated cakes, while the lively hum of the deli counter offers a savory counterpoint of perfectly pressed sandwiches and rich, aromatic coffee. It is a storied sanctuary of flavor where decades of baking tradition come to life, turning every midday meal or morning treat into a celebration of culinary heritage.
• Bella Brava — Italian · rated 4/5: Sun-drenched and spirited, this vibrant eatery captures the essence of the Mediterranean with its lively open kitchen and the irresistible aroma of charred crusts and simmering sauces. Hand-crafted pastas and wood-fired specialties take center stage, offering a sensory journey through bold, sun-ripened flavors in a space that feels both effortlessly chic and warmly welcoming.
• Ocean Ink — Seafood · rated 4/5: Stepping into Ocean Ink feels like descending into a sophisticated underwater sanctuary, where deep indigo tones and soft, ambient lighting set a moody stage for artistic coastal dining. The kitchen transforms the day's freshest catch into visually stunning masterpieces, from silken crudos kissed by citrus to hand-rolled pastas stained with rich, dark cephalopod ink. Each plate arrives as a canvas of bold textures and briny flavors, offering a refined exploration of the tides that lingers long after the final bite.
• Jeremiah's Italian Ice — American · rated 4/5: This vibrant dessert destination invites guests into a world of swirling colors and nostalgic sweetness, where the refreshing chill of artisan Italian ice meets the velvety richness of premium soft serve. The signature Jelati layers these contrasting textures into a playful masterpiece, offering an indulgent escape through whimsical combinations like frosted animal crackers and decadent peanut butter crumbles. Every handcrafted treat, from layered cakes to creamy sandwiches, captures the joyful, sun-drenched essence of a perfect summer afternoon.
• Olde Town Pizzeria — Italian: Stepping into Olde Town Pizzeria feels like a nostalgic journey, where the scent of bubbling mozzarella and herbaceous tomato sauce wafts through a space filled with the warmth of exposed brick and flickering candlelight. Hand-tossed dough meets the intense heat of the oven to emerge with a perfect, blistered char, creating a centerpiece for lively tables where friends and families gather over shared slices and a timeless sense of community.
• 220 East Restaurant and Bar — American: Stepping into this historic brick-walled haven feels like discovering a well-kept neighborhood secret, where the soft glow of pendant lights reflects off polished wood and the hum of lively conversation fills the air. The kitchen breathes new life into American classics, sending out plates of sizzling steaks and vibrant, seasonal pastas that pair perfectly with a hand-shaken cocktail from the sleek, central bar. Whether tucked into an intimate booth or gathered for a celebratory toast, guests find a seamless blend of timeless charm and contemporary culinary flair.
• Oggi Itailian — Italian: Step into a sun-drenched space where the lively hum of conversation mingles with the comforting aroma of slow-simmered ragu and freshly baked focaccia. Hand-rolled pastas and vibrant seasonal ingredients take center stage, celebrating the timeless simplicity of Italian soul food with a contemporary, spirited flair. Whether sharing a bottle of crisp Vermentino or lingering over espresso, guests find an inviting retreat that honors the enduring joy of the Italian table.
• Islands Pizza Tavern — Italian: Sun-drenched coastal charm meets the rustic warmth of a neighborhood pub at this spirited retreat, where the air is perpetually filled with the savory aroma of bubbling mozzarella and toasted dough. Hand-tossed pizzas topped with vibrant, island-inspired ingredients emerge perfectly charred from the oven, inviting guests to settle into weathered wood booths for a relaxed meal paired with a cold craft brew. The rhythmic clinking of glasses and the glow of the hearth create an effortless atmosphere where every slice feels like a brief escape to the tropics.
• ABC Pizza — Italian: ABC Pizza invites guests into a warm, flour-dusted sanctuary where the rhythmic toss of dough and the glow of the hearth set the stage for a soulful meal. Each artisanal pie arrives at the table with a crackling, leopard-spotted crust and a molten layer of premium cheeses, offering a masterclass in balanced textures and bold, rustic flavors. It is a place where the clink of glasses and the pull of a perfect slice create an atmosphere of effortless, everyday celebration.
• Three Brothers New York Pizza — Italian: The unmistakable aroma of toasted yeast and savory garlic fills this bustling neighborhood haunt, where glowing deck ovens turn out massive, hand-stretched pies with a signature New York char. Each slice offers a satisfying, foldable crunch and a perfect balance of tangy tomato sauce and molten mozzarella, inviting diners to experience the authentic, flour-dusted soul of a classic Manhattan pizzeria.
• La Terrazza Restaurant — Italian: Perched above the city, this sun-drenched sanctuary invites guests to linger over vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired plates amidst a backdrop of sweeping views and soft, rhythmic breezes. The air carries the fragrance of garden-fresh herbs and zesty citrus as the kitchen transforms seasonal ingredients into elegant dishes that celebrate the bright, bold flavors of the coast. It is a place where the clink of crystal and the glow of the golden hour create an atmosphere of effortless sophistication, turning every meal into a timeless celebration.
• Taste of New York — Italian: Taste of New York transports diners to the heart of the Big Apple, where the electric hum of the city meets the comforting aroma of hand-stretched dough and savory, slow-roasted deli meats. Every corner of the space pulses with urban energy, inviting guests to savor the iconic, oversized flavors and soulful traditions that define the world’s most vibrant culinary landscape.
• Ponte — Italian: True to its name, Ponte serves as a sophisticated bridge between rustic heritage and contemporary elegance, wrapping guests in an atmosphere of warm wood tones and soft, golden light. The kitchen transforms seasonal bounty into artful plates that balance bold, soul-warming flavors with refined technique, creating a dining experience that feels both timeless and vibrantly modern.
• Bella Columbia — Italian: Bathed in warm, golden light and vibrant hues, Bella Columbia captures the spirited essence of South American hospitality through its bold flavors and soulful atmosphere. The air hums with the enticing aroma of sizzling meats and savory corn cakes, inviting guests to linger over a sensory journey that celebrates the rich, sun-drenched traditions of the region.
• Casa Santo Stefano — Italian: Housed in a beautifully restored 1920s macaroni factory, this Sicilian sanctuary transports guests to a bygone era with its exposed brick walls, vintage family portraits, and a warm, nostalgic glow. The air carries the rich, savory perfume of slow-simmered Sunday gravy and hand-rolled pastas, while the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean come alive in dishes that celebrate the soulful culinary heritage of the island. Whether dining in the bustling, art-filled hall or enjoying a sunset cocktail on the breezy rooftop, the experience feels like a heartfelt invitation into a grand Sicilian home.
• OLIVIA — Italian: Olivia unfolds as a sun-drenched sanctuary of refined elegance, where the air is perfumed with the scent of garden-fresh herbs and the gentle clink of crystal. Guests linger over artfully composed plates that celebrate the vibrant colors and textures of the season, all set within a sophisticated space that feels like an intimate, private estate.
• Donatello — Italian: Donatello transports guests to a realm of timeless Italian elegance, where the warm glow of amber lighting and the scent of fresh herbs set the stage for an evening of culinary artistry. Velvety house-made pastas and expertly seared proteins arrive as vibrant celebrations of tradition, perfectly paired with a curated wine selection that encourages long, leisurely conversation. This refined sanctuary captures the soulful essence of the Mediterranean, turning every meal into a graceful and sun-drenched escape.
• Your Pie — Italian: Sunlight streams into a lively, modern space where the enticing aroma of hand-tossed dough and savory herbs drifts from glowing brick ovens. Guests take center stage in a creative culinary performance, crafting personalized pizzas from a vibrant palette of garden-fresh toppings and artisanal sauces that crisp to perfection in minutes. This spirited neighborhood hub invites diners to linger over cold craft beers and scoops of velvety gelato, turning a simple meal into a shared celebration of individual flavor.
• Iavarone's Steak House & Italian Grill — Italian: Iavarone’s Steak House & Italian Grill invites guests into a warm, bustling atmosphere where the smoky char of the open flame meets the rich, aromatic allure of classic Italian cooking. Hand-cut steaks sizzle alongside bowls of silken pasta and vibrant seafood, offering a soulful dining experience that bridges the gap between a sophisticated chophouse and a welcoming neighborhood kitchen. It is a place where the clinking of wine glasses and the hum of lively conversation create a backdrop for indulgent meals rooted in tradition and flavor.
• Eddie & Sam's — Italian: This bustling downtown landmark transports diners straight to the streets of Manhattan, where the secret to the perfect, foldable crust lies in the authentic New York water used to hand-toss every pie. The air hums with the energy of a classic city pizzeria as guests marvel at glass cases overflowing with vibrant toppings, eventually sinking their teeth into oversized slices that balance a satisfying crunch with the rich, savory pull of melted mozzarella.
• Tiani's Pizzeria — Italian: Tiani’s Pizzeria invites guests into a warm, neighborhood sanctuary where the intoxicating aroma of toasted flour and bubbling mozzarella drifts from a glowing stone oven. Hand-stretched dough is transformed into artisanal pies boasting a perfect, airy char, topped with vibrant sauces and premium ingredients that celebrate the timeless harmony of salt, heat, and dough. It is a place where the simple joy of a well-crafted slice meets a relaxed, communal atmosphere, making every meal feel like a soulful celebration of tradition.
• Due Amici — Italian: Due Amici captures the warmth of a spirited Italian gathering, where the soft glow of candlelight and the hum of lively conversation create an inviting backdrop for shared meals. The kitchen honors tradition with hand-rolled pastas and rustic, soul-warming sauces that celebrate the season’s finest ingredients, turning every dinner into a heartfelt tribute to friendship and flavor.
• Colony Grill — Italian: This lively, wood-paneled haunt hums with the energy of a classic neighborhood gathering spot, where the air is perpetually seasoned by the aroma of bubbling cheese and charred dough. The experience centers on signature ultra-thin crust pizzas, famously drizzled with a fiery house-made hot oil that adds a lingering, addictive glow to every crisp bite. It is a masterclass in unpretentious charm, inviting guests to settle into a booth for a storied dining tradition that feels both nostalgic and timeless.
• Forbici — Italian: Sunlight streams into this high-energy social hub where the rhythmic snip of scissors through airy, Roman-style crust sets the tempo for a vibrant Italian feast. Guests gather around marble tables to share artisanal pizzas topped with seasonal ingredients and hand-crafted pastas that celebrate bold, rustic flavors. With its chic, contemporary design and a spirited bar scene, the space hums with a convivial charm that transforms a simple meal into a lively celebration of good company.
• Bernini — Italian: Bernini captures the essence of Italian artistry, where the warm glow of a wood-fired oven illuminates a space filled with the enticing aromas of toasted flour and slow-cooked ragu. Guests are invited to savor an atmosphere of sophisticated energy, where hand-shaken martinis and expertly crafted pastas turn every meal into a celebration of timeless Mediterranean flavors.
• Tampa Pizza Company — Italian: This lively urban hub pulses with energy, drawing guests in with the irresistible scent of stone-fired crusts and simmering tomato sauce. Whether you’re crafting a bespoke masterpiece from a palette of vibrant, wholesome ingredients or sharing a signature pie under the glow of modern industrial lights, every bite celebrates the simple joy of a perfectly crisp, artisanal pizza.
• Westshore Pizza — Italian: The aroma of bubbling mozzarella and hand-tossed dough fills the air at this neighborhood staple, where the casual, welcoming energy makes it an instant local favorite for a relaxed meal. Golden, thin-crust pies emerge from the oven with a satisfying crunch, perfectly complemented by zesty sauces and savory toppings that celebrate the heart of classic New York-style pizza. Whether grabbing a quick slice at the counter or sharing a feast with friends, every visit feels like a warm invitation to savor the simple joy of a perfectly baked pie.
• Slice of the Burg — Italian: Flour-dusted counters and the irresistible aroma of bubbling mozzarella define this vibrant neighborhood haunt, where the rhythmic toss of hand-stretched dough sets the stage for a true local tradition. Each golden-crusted pie emerges from the oven with a perfect char, inviting guests to settle into the lively, unpretentious atmosphere for a quintessential taste of the community.
• Marco's Pizza — Italian: The air hums with the comforting scent of hand-stretched dough and slow-simmered sauce, drawing neighbors into a space where the craft of the perfect slice takes center stage. Golden crusts emerge from the oven draped in a molten signature three-cheese blend, offering a savory, soul-warming experience that celebrates the timeless joy of a classic, well-made pizza.
• Cicis — Italian: A lively haven of abundance where the constant aroma of golden-brown crusts and melting mozzarella signals a never-ending parade of fresh-from-the-oven pizzas. Guests navigate a colorful landscape of classic slices, inventive specialty pies, and warm cinnamon rolls, all served in a bustling atmosphere that captures the joyful, unpretentious spirit of a neighborhood pizza party.