Calusa Pizza & Craft, Lutz FL

I really wanted to love this place. Even if you excuse the mediocre pizza because there's really no pizza that good in the area until you go so far as Clearwater. But even the chicken tenders are meh, the entrees and apps are meh. The sangria is great, the people are great, the atmosphere is good, it just needs a new chef or menu. Hope you make it Calusa!

Being 200% Italian and 6% Icelandic, I ate food here. They have toilets. They took my money. I know a thing or two about pasta and they serve pasta.

Parking was easy. I simply drive in, found a parking spot and walked right into the dining room. It did require using my feet and getting off my butt, so be expecting of that if you choose to eat here.

If you're bored with corporate pizza and wondering if there are bolder flavors you haven't tasted yet, Calusa will make your day. There is something about the seasoning in the crust and sauce that is unique and exciting, without resorting to anything painfully hot. They also have a fully stocked bar with a wide variety of beer and wine. I've had the Vegetarian several times (who knew how good artichoke hearts could be!) and the Greek. I often find myself marveling at just how wonderful whichever topping it was tastes in the bite I'm eating at the moment, with no idea what they did to make it do that. They find a way to bring out the best in every topping and combination. They must have put a lot of thought into their recipes and they have high standards for the quality of their ingredients. Service is also friendly and quick.

My wife and have been to the plaza several times and enjoyed the scent coming from Calusa’s. Tonight we had to stop in and try it and we were not disappointed. The complementary knots and a make-your-own small pizza was perfect for us. Very friendly service, a clean restaurant and bathroom and wonderful atmosphere!

I’m from Houston and honestly there’s no comparison of how great the food and staff are here in this location! This location is so exquisite. I highly recommend!

We had such an amazing meal, mozzarella sticks got the double thumbs up from our children, garlic knots are delicious. We got a calzone and a cheese pizza, both so cheesy but still super crispy. Also a great selection of Florida draft beer

Being 100% Italian I had high hopes seeing the reviews.
The good
The sangria was delicious
The Lobster bisque was lobstery.
The portions are big.
The Meh
The service was frantic. I was the only person sitting at the bar and they don't have people just stationed there to interact and maybe upsell
The not so good
Frozen chicken cutlets for my chicken parmigiana, I know what frozen chicken tastes like.
Random prices on beverages. The price listed on the board is not the price you pay it is only at happy hour.
The garlic knot was ice cold.
The "sauce" tasted like a can of Hunts tomato puree that was warmed, it had 0 flavor other than canned tomato.
Really see no reason to return.

My family hasn’t had a bad meal from here yet! There’s a wide variety of pastas, pizzas, and sandwiches to select from. My husband and I really enjoy their Italian sausage and will create our own pasta bowl with vodka sauce. For the price, you get a great portion of food as well. On weekend nights, prepare to wait a bit since there aren’t a ton of tables inside (but it’s worth the wait).

The most amazing garlic knots. The food in general is amazing and the tomato sauce here is the best I’ve ever had. Get the Italian almond cake it’s soooo good. Can’t wait to come back soon!

Outstanding service and quality every time we visit. Usual visit once per week. Sebastian provides tremendous attentiveness and goes out of his way to make sure we feel welcome. The owner runs a well coordinated operation with seemingly strong employee retention. Happy to support this local establishment as often as we can.

We are so happy for pizza and craft beer down the street from our house. And we were not disappointed. Everything was good and the service was really great. We went on a Friday night and it was busy, but the service never missed a beat. Will definitely visit again.

8/14/2023: I’m editing my review because I’m obsessed with their lobster ravioli, also not pictured the Calusa mussels is a must have. If you haven’t visited yet, it is definitely a place to try.

Yesterday was our first time there, but it will definitely not be our last. It was FANTASTIC!