Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Tampa

I have never had a bad experience here and will always highly recommend this place. It’s quaint and above central on the second floor. I finally was able to sit outside and the weather was great. We went on a Thursday for half priced salads and pasta and split one each as well as the focaccia. The focaccia is always fluffy on the inside and a nice crispy on the outside. We had the pasta alla casa (pasta of the day) and it was fresh and vibrant. The homemade pasta had the right texture and chew of al dente. The chophouse salad was good, but a little too heavy on the gorgonzola for us and it felt like that was all we could taste after a few bites. Our server was knowledgable and he had great banter with us. Overall amazing!

This restaurant is amazingly consistent with welcoming and providing their customers with excellent food and wine.

First things first, our server / bartender Miko was the absolute best! The menu was diverse, offering something for everyone, and each dish was a masterpiece. The flavors were perfectly balanced, and the presentation was stunning—clearly crafted with care and expertise. Highly recommend to anyone looking for an unforgettable dining experience!

My sister and I enjoyed our meal and wonderful service from owner, Natalia! She and her family have it all figured out, taste, style, creativity, ambiance...5 stars!!

Despite confusion at the hostess stand, we enjoyed another great meal at Ava. The pasta and grilled salmon were excellent, and service was fantastic.