Best Italian Restaurants in University of South Florida

Tonight was my 40th dinner at Sacred Pepper in the last 7 months and it was just PERFECT as all the others have been. After enjoying a glass of one of their fine wines, I started with the Buffalo Cauliflower which is fresh-fried cauliflower bites topped with Sriracha aioli and served with cool-herbed ranch dressing, house-made pickled cucumbers. And plenty to share. For my entrée I had the Blackened Tenderloin Steak Bites with crispy polenta, herb horseradish sauce, and house-made marinara sauce. I added 2 sides, the vegetable medley and the Fresh Tillamook Cheddar Creamed Corn w/Applewood bacon. It was all cooked perfectly and very flavorful and delicious, a true favorite of mine. The service staff at Sacred Pepper is the BEST around and all are very friendly, attentive, and welcoming. And my regular server “Adam” is the best server I have ever had, and he always makes sure my dinner experiences are very special and memorable! Sacred Pepper is my favorite restaurant in the Tampa Area.

Hands down, the best steak in town. We finally tried the 24 oz Hereford Heritage ribeye with the truffle butter. Paired with the baby artichokes and fabulous wine recommended by Chef Chris - one of our favorite evenings at Quality Foods. We had a 6:15 reservation and were the last ones to leave last night - it’s nice to slow down, enjoy a great meal and chat with Chef Chris, his lovely wife Emily and the friendly staff. What a neighborhood gem.

This Italian gem is a must-visit for anyone who loves authentic flavors and expertly crafted dishes. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with warm hospitality and a cozy, inviting atmosphere. The menu is a pasta lover’s dream, offering a fantastic selection of handmade specialties, each prepared with the perfect balance of tradition and creativity. The service was impeccable, with friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable staff. Everything from start to finish was top-notch, and we can't wait to return. If you're craving fresh, homemade pasta and an authentic Italian experience, La Casa Della Pasta is the place to be!

This by far one of my favorite Italian restaurants in the Tampa Bay Area. I’m thankful for their food & service. Amber was our server & she was very attentive, knowledgeable & polite. The food was excellent, as being a vegetarian they were able to accommodate very well. Our only wish was due to us removing meat from our bruschetta board we wished they’d added more cheeses. However, food was delicious. We will be recommending to others & for sure going back. Thank you!

Parm to Table experience is ABSOLUTELY worth the price, and for 2 people is actually better pricewise than most two-entree combinations. Atmosphere was lovely, our server was kind and knowledgeable, and amazing Italian food.