Caffé Paradiso, Tampa FL

It always looks busy and lively when I walk by, so I tried it for the first time tonight. It didn’t disappoint. I sat at the bar and immediately people seated next to me engaged in pleasant convo. The male servers were smartly dressed in white shirts and narrow black ties, and were a cut above most places nearby in their professionalism. I ordered a club soda and pasta primavera. It hit the spot and was exactly the comfort food/healthy veggie meal I craved.
$40 including 20% tip and tax seems high for a bowl of meatless pasta. I understand the $3.50 charge for a club soda but most places will serve this at no charge in lieu of tap water.

Have never had a bad meal here. Wonderful little gem that consistently serves great food. The menu is available online. Usually, it fills up pretty quickly. But there is a bar to grab a drink. Also have specials regularly.

EXCEPTIONAL! All around outstanding in every way possible. No wonder this place was voted the best Italian Cuisine in Tampa! I would say, “The BEST Italian Cuisine. ” …… of anywhere! Upon entering, we could smell the fresh basil from the sidewalk! We ordered the Calamari Fritti for an appetizer. It was the most tender, best tasting Calamari I’ve had yet. For the main course I had the lump crab meat with pasta and they do NOT skimp on the crab meat! It was so tender and moist, so fresh and deliciously sweet. The marinara is PERFECT and you can tell it’s made with fresh tomatoes and basil. It was heaven in my mouth. My boyfriend got the Rosemary Chicken with vegetable medley. The Rosemary is fresh and fragrant and the veggies are FRESH, NOT frozen and steamed! Next, we indulged in the limoncello cake for dessert. Also heaven in my mouth. Perfectly soaked, perfectly balanced and perfectly creamy. After that, we had an espresso and an espresso martini! The espresso was VERY dark and strong, just what is needed after a heavy meal. The espresso Martini was slightly bitter and slightly sweet. Perfection in everything. I don’t think words can express the experience that the food gave me. This place is SUPER affordable for the quality of food! The waiter was outstanding and attentive. He even scraped off the crumbs on our table. Your water is always topped off, and never a dirty dish left on the table! I LOVE how the managers (notice how it’s plural) are always walking around interacting with the guests and helping with the tables. You can tell the employees work as a team here. We will be back with ALL of our family!

Such a fun, lively restaurant with the most delicious Italian dishes in Tampa! We love the presence of the owner Paolo and his kind, welcoming heart to everyone! They offer incredible wine options and the dishes always come out to perfection (even when we request something not on menu). They are always happy to accommodate and provide such a fun, friendly and positive evening!

Found the food average at best. Same result last two visits. The pasta was bland and hardly anything else was included. Vo vegetables or protein but about two pieces. Chicken dish very overcooked. Both dishes very salty. Caprese salad was two small slices of tomato and a little mozzarella, yet price was very high. It could not compete with chain restaurants yet is much more.

Paulo did a great renovation and the bar are is perfect for a great night. Owner always on site

This place was just ok. Service was very good but food was average and overpriced. Plenty of other options in Tampa. Won't be back.

Made reservations for Valentine’s Day and we were excited to try them out after seeing the good reviews. No where on the reservation did they indicate it was only offering a “special menu” for this day. Needless to say we were very disappointed after we sat down and noticed the menu had none of their main pasta items and instead offered only $80 a person for seafood. I would have left, but my boyfriend felt obligated to try it since we already ordered drinks.

Food was nothing special for what we received. Service was decent. We will never return though. We went out to have a nice evening with their normal pasta, not the overpriced seafood that was served. They got us this time. If we are going to spend $250+ for dinner there are so many better options in Tampa.

Had an amazing dinner with my girlfriends before the Andrea Bocelli concert. The food was amazing, and the spinach lasagna to die for

We ordered three apps, the grouper & lobster special, and desserts. I can highly recommend salmone affumicato and the portobello Al balsamico. We found the lemonchello cake to be the best in Tampa Bay compared to equivalent Italian restaurants ($$). The atmosphere was good. It was fun meeting the manager/owner. The waitstaff kept the water glass full. My family struggled to communicate with all the voices in the room when the restaurant was at 100% capacity; however, it helped to sit near the wall. Loved the taste of the food and quality of food. 100% will return. Reservations are HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Enjoy!

We were greeted and welcomed by such friendly people. We had Christmas Eve Eve dinner here last night and loved everything about the experience. We walked right in and they were able to seat us without a reservation at a high top. It’s such a cozy place so every place you have the same comfortable experience. We have a 6 year old so they made him noodles just the way he liked it and we squeezed in a game of match while waiting. One of the owners came over and cheered my son on. Just a quality place, where you will go to over and over because it’s what you expect every time. Food is delicious and the drinks were just right. When we left I told the owner Thank you for accommodating us on such a busy night. He said, “you are welcome anytime”. Thank you and Merry Christmas. - Lamis Family.

This place is kind of a hidden gem. Excellent food, service, atmosphere was expecting of this type of restaurant. Sat at the bar, ate dinner and had a few drinks. Nice selection at the bar. Even two types of Knob Creek. Bartender Eileen was great, even though she was very busy. Had to try the tiramisu, also great. Would definitely come here again.

Hands down the best food in South Tampa, I recommend the lasagna and crab meat pasta TRUST ME you going to love it

Snapper was amazing as well as the lobster ravioli! Loved the ambiance! Nice wine and great service! Will go back.

The food is delicious and the staff is amazing. It's one of the Best local restaurants in Tampa!