This restaurant is ONLY available by reservation!!!! They provide the opportunity to bring your own bottle and if you bring your own glasses too, there is no corking fee. The food is AMAZING!!!! A little pricy but generous in portions and will leave you rolling out the door! An elegant selection of classic Italian fare prepared to perfection! If you can't get a reservation, they do offer a full menu to go. I'm told they have really good pizza too, but that is weekdays only. Nothing elegant about the setting - but the food is worthwhile!!!! Each dish takes a bit of time, but the food is fresh prepared and not from pre-prepped food stock. (It does get a little warm in there though) there is nothing more than a half wall between their kitchen and the dining room. read more

Food is incredible, from the fresh bread warm from the oven to the sauces for the Pollo de Limone and the Marsala. Everything was fresh and service was great. Matt made sure we always had our drinks filled and had everything we needed. Great little place with some delicious Italian food. Make reservations on the weekends, place gets packed. read more

The best italian food in Tampa Bay! the prices are a bit high, it's true. But the portion size is gigantic. You will have enough for 3 meals. The food is soooo yummy. You have to order a Caesar salad. they make their own dressing and it's to die for. We've been twice now and I haven't been disappointed at all. The servers are fantastic and they remember you and treat you like family. The chef is more than happy to come chat with you. It's better to make reservations since there are only about 10 tables and you should bring your own wine because they don't sell it. (be aware of a corkage fee). read more

We were so disappointed when we heard the Laughing Cat was closed in Ybor. So you can imagine how thrilled we were last night when we accidentally stumbled upon Caffe Italia! Let's just say you know it's a good sign when then the restaurant is almost at full capacity on a Wednesday night. The waiter was very polite and friendly. He informed us that the portions were on the larger side so we decided to split an entree. (It's a $5 up charge). Totally worth it. Even after splitting the meal, we still had some left overs to take home. I can honestly say everything we tried was amazing. The bread, the salad, the drinks and the entree. I'm not even going to attempt to write or sound out the name of the dish we tried, but trust me when I say it was delicious. Basically ricotta cheese filled ravioli with mushrooms and sausage in a white wine and vodka sauce. My mouth is watering just thinking about it! I can't wait to go back. Highly recommended! read more

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Food was great as always. The issue was that the tables were still on top of each other and the staff were not wearing masks. Not sure how they are able to stay open. We dined the second week in July. read more

Phenomenal food and very friendly service. A hidden gym for sure. If you're in the area definitely eat there. I have been several times now and have not gotten anything that I didn't love. read more

Tried this place for the first time. The location and the place doesnt look inviting but dont let it deceive you. Food is really eeally good and trully freshly made from scratch. read more

Ricky & Mela - Wild mushroom soup! Freshly made - Italian Near Me - Riverview, Florida

If you're familiar with the Laughing Cat in Ybor City, the owner has migrated to Riverview and I'm so glad he did!! This place reminds me of the authentic Italian restaurants you find in much larger cities such as Chicago, NYC, Philly and Boston. If you don't see it on the menu, just ask and if they have in ingredients, they'll make it for you! RESERVATIONS ONLY AND BYOB!! bring your own glasses-no corking fee The décor leaves much to be desired, but what it lacks in décor it makes up for in flavor! We had several entrees from here, our favorites are the stuffed pork chop, gnocchi, Bolognese and crab stuffed portabella mushrooms. A lil on the pricey side but we always have doggie bags and the leftovers are better the next day! read more

I did not make a reservation the waiter found a table and what a great experience. I ordered calamari and lasagna both were better than I have tasted in Florida it was exceptional. Maybe his restaurant is small but his cooking is the best for Italian hands down. read more

THE FOOD WAS FANTASTIC I ordered the shrimp pasta and I love every single shrimp lol The food was cook to perfection, hot and steaming and the taste was to die for I actually gonna have more this weekend..... Best Italian resturant in the Riverview/Brandon area read more

Really great place, portion size was insanely large (for the benefit of the customer), but unlike most places everything also tastes good. read more

Ricky & Mela - Chicken Yolanda - Italian Near Me - Riverview, Florida

Excellent as always! Loved the crab cake appetizer. Such a nice change from the typical breadcrumb you get elsewhere. The pork chop entree was amazing. And we never pass up the Italian cheesecake. YUM! read more

Ordered take out tonight. Pollo tristina. Fabulous meal. Portion was large enough that I have diner for tomorrow night also. I highly recommend this restaurant. read more

Wow. The owner is an absolute stronzo. Disrespectful to his staff. I witnessed him being abusive to another customer. The food was mediocre at best. Take your business elsewhere or open a can of spaghetti os. read more

Great experience with our family and the wine we brought. Food and service were extraordinary Sun night 530)

Greatttt Italian restaurant! Small but cozy. They have some incredible food! I love it every time I go. The owner is very personable and you can tell they have a huge following. They are great at what they do and I will continue to keep going back. I've been to plenty of Italian restaurants. Some are decent. Some are good. Rarely, some are amazing. This place is definitely amazing. read more

Mozzarella caprese with lots of prosciutto? Wow it is wonderful. The Pollo Marsala was delightful, as were the huge sides of pasta and veggies. The three of us walked out completely satisfied and will be back again and again. read more

Hands down a hidden gem. Must have experience. Definitely stands up to some of the best Italian ristorante's in Italy. I love this place! HUGE portions. read more

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They appear to be in the midst of redecorating, but please don't let the appearance stop you from going here. We had been told by a friend about Caffe Italia and decided to try it. Amazing food! From the crusty warm bread, flavorful bruschetta and fresh made pasta, everything exceeded our expectations. I can neither spell nor pronounce what I ordered, but it was ribbon pasta with a cream sauce with prosciutto, mushrooms and peas. The serving was enormous - easily enough for 2, possibly 3. My husband had been told they had a great stuffed pork chop and even though it wasn't on the menu, the chef made it special for him. It was stuffed with mozzarella and prosciutto and served with a pasta with a vodka cream sauce and sautéed fresh vegetables. He's usually able to finish any meal, but we brought half of it home as well. The waiter was attentive and prompt, the chef came out to check in our meal and to chat for a few moments. It was a wonderful meal. read more

Been to many Italian restaurants and Caffe Italia is on of my top 5! rivals any Italian that I've been to in larger cities. Try the gnocchi sweet potato and the pollo Yolanda, OMG so delicious! Don't forget to BYOB! read more

Ricky & Mela - Italian Near Me - Riverview, Florida

My family and I went here for my birthday. If you want true, flavorful, and huge portion Italian this is the place to be. The prices are so reasonable for the huge portions they provide. Everyone tried something different between the chicken or clams or steak or fish ---- it all was amazing. I highly suggest if you want amazing service and food you stop in here. I will be back--- if I could ever day!! Oh and you can bring your own alcohol!!! read more

Plates are HUUUGE. I had the Pollo Yolanda, she had the Gnocchi Patate DolcI. Both plates were phenomenal. Highly recommended. Also, bring your own wine bottle and glasses and they won't charge. I really like that option. Place is small but the food and service far far FAR outweigh that. read more

Wonderful service and the food worth the trip! Everything is made to order! You can't judge this place by their looks! Its all about the food and service here! read more

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Well, I was invited to go along with friends for dinner here, they love it. I am sorry to say, I do not! The food was good but the atmosphere is terrible. Very noisy and cramped in the place. I kept getting bumped into by the waiters. You hear banging and hollering from the kitchen which is right behind a thin wall. I was not drinking but the friends took a BYOB of wine which cost them $10 corking fee! No alcohol served. The food was just good, nothing to write home about! Plenty of it though! I guess they have a regular clientele that followed them from their other place in Ybor but I would not go back. Very pricey for no atmosphere! read more

Probably the most disgusting establishment I've ever been in, there were roaches under the table, and then a rat in the bathroom. The owner and staff don't wear masks. And furthermore on the owner he is a terrible man, he is verbally and physically abusive to the customers. And I physically heard him call customers idiots and liars. Never come here, they deserve to be put out of business. read more

They are hid in that little strip off Big Bend, not fancy, the food is WOW! They always give you plenty. I usually get at least 2 meals if not 3 out of my order. Everyone I have taken there or have recommended them to has raved too. Well worth it. read more

Great food; probably the best in the area. Reservations are highly recommended and they remind you to bring a bottle of you favorite wine.

Excellent food and good service..... nice staff. And the place is looking better than when it first opened.

OMG!! The food is wonderful and pure Italian. It's so great to have such a restaurant here in south county. A little expensive for a small cafe BUT worth every penny. Bring your own wine and glasses and they will forgo the corkage fee....how nice is that? Our server, Chris was exceptional and very attentive. We'll be back and bring friends. read more

The food was excellent and the atmosphere is wonderful. The intimate seating arrangements are ideal for talking. My girlfriend and I had an awesome time. read more

Yummy pastas and red wines. A good go-to place when you can't be bothered cooking. Very friendly staff which is always a plus.

Terrible experience! Went in tonight looking forward to the veal parmigiana and a nice bottle of wine. Walked in to a busy restaurant...server walked up after we stood at the door for a few minutes, sat us, and informed us that someone else would be our server. After about 10 minutes the server finally made it to the table and took our drink order leading us to believe we were finally getting somewhere. Another 10-15 minutes passed with nothing...no water, wine glasses, updates...nothing. This is now 25 minutes we've been sitting inside with no service. Another couple walks in and is seated immediately and they promptly receive drinks to their table. At this point we decided to go elsewhere. Not sure what was going on but we were definitely disappointed. read more

The ultimate Great flavored hole in the wall restaurant. Nothing fancy just Amazing quality and the food comes out hot as it should be. Bring your own bottle of wine if you would like, and get ready for a great home-cooked meal. Call ahead on the weekends. Two people no alchol $40 or so. read more

A pleasant surprise in Riverview. Very small restaurant, but the food is delicious you will not be disappointed, subtracting the decor, one of the best hands-down. read more

Absolutely Wonderful-phenomenal Italian cuisine. The atmosphere is casual. People talked between tables. Made me feel like we came into the chefs home. Huge, HUGE portions. Can get children's portions as well as family portions. They gave us extra dishes to try. I actually hate to ESP this place as I want it for MY SECRET. Oh, by the way, bring your own wine and glasses. They will charge a forking fee but bring in what you love to drink. read more

Delicious. This place is a gem and we are blessed to have it. I used to go in Ybor when they were the Laughing Cat and it is still amazing.

If your looking for high quality, fresh made food in southshore this is the only place to go. All of the menu items are great and made fresh to order as far as I can tell. If you are looking for a date night in southshore this is the place to go. Alot of people that move to southshore seem to love the area but complain that there are no good resturaunts. If you are one of those people give caffe italia a try. read more

I saw a new restaurant in the neighborhood and decided to give it a try. Surprisingly I recognized the chef. He owned th e Laughing Cat in Ybor City and it turns out he has moved to Riverview. This small location has no more than 10 tables. The menu includes some Italian standards, however, the chef will make dishes to your specification. The meals are freshly cooked upon order. Wait staff are friendly and know the menus. This is quickly becoming a favorite. read more

Ok, so let me just say, if you look at my profile, you will see that I SLAMMED the Laughing Cat in previous reviews. I was hurt and upset, that my favorite Italian restaurant had allowed the quality of the food to slip so far. Franco LoRe has reincarnated the best of The Laughing Cat when it was amazing, in Riverview! Our dinner tonight was like being transported back to the Cat, when it was in it's original location in 2010. Delicious food. Bring your own wine. If you bring your own glasses, they will waive the corkage fee. Make a reservation, seating is limited. read more

I'm blown away. The food is phenomenal. The portions are enormous. Two or three people can share a plate easily. If you decide to share, there is a $5 fee FYI. The restaurant is very small. It's not fancy but that's not a bad thing. It's nice to find these little gems where quality authentic food is the star. I loved the crusty french baguette, crispy on the outside but soft and fluffy on the inside. I had the Involtini de Pollo, one bite of my dish and he had total plate envy. Service was great. Wish I remembered his name, but he was very knowledgeable of the menu and was perfectly attentive. This is my new spot for sure! read more