35 Best Italian Restaurants near Oldsmar

“Review: Casa Cosenza - Oldsmar, FL Casa Cosenza – Oldsmar has become my go-to Italian restaurant, and each visit is nothing short of a culinary journey through the diverse flavors of Italy. From the moment you step through the door, the warm ambiance and friendly staff make you feel like you've been transported to the heart of Italy. The owner is what I call fresh off the boat, and many of his staff reflect the flavor and ambiance you would expect in Italy The menu offers a delightful array of authentic Italian dishes that cater to all tastes, and all the pasta is made in house! Michael Glinter has traveled to 68 countries and 36 states to get the flavor of some amazing foods. His view on reviews is simple – Taste, Presentation, and Service. He believes it's important to tell the reader both a positive and negative unbiased look at the restaurant. Let's take a look and see how Casa Consenza scored in these 3 categories. Taste and Presentation We started with a special appetizer for the night which was a Homemade Tortellini stuff with Italian cheese and white truffle in a white cream sauce. Then for entrees we had Filetto al Barolo a 8oz Filet Mignon in red wine sauce, served with mushrooms, vegetables, and house potatoes, and the night special which was a Branzino filet with mussels and clams topped with a red sauce. The filet was cooked to absolute perfection, the Barolo wine reduction is a symphony of flavors and truly complemented the meat, The presentation was equally impressive, with an artful arrangement that highlighted the dish's elegance and with a side of perfectly cooked mushrooms, zucchini, and potatoes. and a choice of potato accompaniment The Branzino was a true celebration of the sea, a dish that impeccably combines freshness, flavor, and culinary artistry. It was grilled to perfection, showcasing the pristine quality of the fish. Each forkful revealed a subtle sweetness that spoke of the sea, and the expert seasoning allowed the natural flavors to shine. The inclusion of mussels and clams added a dynamic layer to the dish. The shellfish were impeccably cooked, tender and brimming with the essence of the ocean. The savory broth, infused with garlic, white wine, and herbs, was a symphony of complementary flavors that elevated the entire dish to a new level of indulgence. The presentation was a work of art, with the vibrant colors of the seafood and the aromatic broth creating an enticing visual appeal. The dish was accompanied by a medley of seasonal vegetables, adding a refreshing balance to the richness of the seafood. Service What can I say. Max. Dear Max. He was amazing. He exhibited a genuine passion for the cuisine, providing insightful descriptions of each dish and its preparation. His enthusiasm not only enhanced our dining experience but also reflected a true dedication to the art of hospitality. He was constantly attentive to our table, always asking us how things were doing, tasting, and making sure we were well taken care of. I observed him around the restaurant and his passion for people and really creating an amazing guest experience was top notch. The Italian décor, soft lighting, and the piano truly created an intimate atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for a romantic dinner or a celebration with friends and family. In conclusion, Casa Cosenza is a gem among Italian restaurants. The dedication to authenticity, the quality of ingredients, and the overall dining experience make it a must-visit for anyone craving a taste of Italy in the heart of Tampa Bay. Every visit has always been a celebration of the rich culinary heritage that Italy has to offer. Buon Appetito! If you do go to visit and Max is working, tell him “Uncle Mike” sent you there and he will make sure you have an unbelievable experience.“

“From the moment we walked into Mandolzas Italian Kitchen, we were greeted with a warm smile and genuine hospitality. The restaurant was spotless, with an inviting atmosphere that made us feel instantly comfortable. The staff was incredibly friendly, and ordering was an absolute breeze with their full menu of mouthwatering options. Portions were perfect. Satisfying without being over the top and the service was impressively efficient. Plates were served and cleared so quickly without ever feeling rushed. I loved the thoughtful touches, like the to-go station for leftovers and to-go cups for drinks. A huge thank you to Jessica, the manager, for the wonderful conversation and the sweet surprise of dessert. The food was absolutely delicious, and then there’s dessert… oh my goodness! From the beautiful selection of gelato to the tempting baked goods, it was impossible to resist. We left with full bellies, happy hearts, and the excitement of knowing we’ll definitely be back soon. Thank you, Mandolzas, for an incredible dining experience!“

“Always great pizza.. & worth drive from North Palm Harbor. Great sauce. No skimping on toppings. Ordered poppers, plenty of cream cheese filling. thx“

“Don’t hesitate, highly recommend! As a long-time customer of Country Pizza Italian Grill, I can confidently say this is the best pizza in town! Every visit feels like a treat. The crust is perfectly crispy, the sauce is flavorful, and the toppings are always fresh and generous. My personal favorite is the classic pizza, but honestly, you can’t go wrong with any choice on the menu!
The atmosphere is cozy and perfect for a casual dinner or a fun night out with friends.
I can’t recommend Country Pizza Italian Grill enough! Whether you’re a first-timer or a regular like me, you’ll leave with a smile and a full belly.“

“Love the folks who work there, and the pies are always great. That said....don't get rid of the chicken waffle pizza!! Something different and amazing. We added honey and it just bumped it up a level. Great job staff/friends. See you soon!“

“I used to go to hungry Howie's and thank God and Marco's Pizza moved close to me. If I were the CEO I will put a Marco's Pizza within the vicinity of the hungry Howie's and take them out of the market because you guys' Pizza it's way better. The service is way better and are hands down the best!“

“We love sitting upstairs and listening to the live music.“

“When is your next monthly dinner special. My wife and I enjoy your monthly $50.00 each full course dinner special. Please let us know the next date.“

“Great food! All of the staff were super friendly — specifically Jose! Highly recommend the pizza.“

“We celebrated my daughter birthday with a great meal. The staff made it so special for her. The owner and the Chef are amazing and food is fantastic.“

“Excellent pasta and pinsa (pizza). Super casual with al fresco dining.“

“Love the wine dinners each month!!!!!“

“we were driving by this pizzeria frequently and never stopped in. we finally did last night and were pleasantly surprised at the quality and taste of the pies. highly recommended to all. nice young couple from Long island trying to get established. we are recommending this place to all. it was delicious and super fresh ingredients...“

“Delisioso! From our wonderful and attentive server, Gabriella, to all 4 of our mains and apps which were so authentically delicious, it was quite the night out We will be back!“

“The food was great and so was the service.“

“We had the pleasure of celebrating my husband’s birthday recently at JoJo’s Italian Diner. EVERYTHING from appys, homemade bread and dinners, for 8 people, was fresh and delicious! Our waiter was attentive and very nice and the owner was as well. Added bonus, there was an excellent singer who had us all singing by the end of dinner…and not just Happy Birthday. The prices are very reasonable too. We will definitely be back soon!“

“Was not used to or prepared for the crust. I was educated on what Chicago Pizza truly is by a native LOL it is a very thin crispy crust, but it is not like a New York City where you can pick up a piece of pizza and fold it in your hands. It is very crispy it was still pretty good“

“Sal is amazing! I have visited his store since the late 70s. Still awesome products and the vintage vibe I remember as a kid! Thank you!“

“Went to dinner tonight at this Olive Garden for a date night and had a great experience all around! Food and drinks were excellent. My server, Abby, was very kind, attentive and helpful when it came down to picking out our entrees. Very impressed and service exceeded expectations! 10/10 recommend“

“The pasta was fantastic. The young ones enjoyed the food as well. Will be back…“

“The food and service are always excellent!“

“Excellent food with great service and a lovely atmosphere! Highly recommend the lobster ravioli! The Dolce Vita cocktail was lovely, too. Everything was absolutely perfect. We’ll be back!“

“Went here last night, the food was so so good. Will be returning!! Kind of sad I live so far because I’d love to come back more often lol was very cozy and everyone was very nice.“

“Good food, good service, good prices, nice atmosphere. It's all good!“

“Just like the good old days! Everyone is friendly and the food is amazingly good. Stop by and check out the local's hangout and have a draft beer while watching the Rays game.“

“The pizza is phenominal. they put on more toppings than any other pizzeria..“

“Great restaurant. Not like a chain at all. Fantastic staff too!!“

“I had an amazing experience at Olive Garden, thanks to our incredible server, Jordan! From the moment we sat down, Jordan was attentive, friendly, and made sure we had everything we needed. The unlimited breadsticks and salad were fresh and delicious, and our drinks were always refilled without having to ask. I ordered the Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara, and it was absolutely perfect—creamy, flavorful, and cooked just right. Jordan went above and beyond and we enjoyed our time there. The atmosphere was cozy and welcoming, making it a great place to relax and enjoy good food. Big thanks to Jordan for making our night extra special—I’ll definitely be back!“

“Omg❣️✨️Amanda was my waitress she's so sweet. I was unsure of the "Tour of Italy" and she recommended I give it a try and let me tell you!!! IT WAS DELICIOUS! It's been a really long time since I've been to an Olive Garden and this one has made me change the way I have viewed olive garden for many years. This location has become one of my new go too restaurants.“

“Typical Olive Garden experience. Yummy food. Their breadsticks were great that night

Dietary restrictions: Some gluten free options available

Parking: Free parking

Kid-friendliness: Always kid friendly“

“If you love Italian food that is delicious and wonderful staff taking care of you while you enjoy a peaceful meal , then I highly recommend this lovely heaven sent place 😃“

“Fast service and the food was delicious!“

“Stumbled upon this cracking little place today after travelling up from Portsmouth for an MRI scan. Carbonara was out of this world and my only complaint was against myself for not realising they did large portions...so ended up ordering twice as it was so good. I’ll be making a trip over town next time I’m up there - 10/10“

“I Love these two wonderful people! My husband and I would go to their restaurant for years and I’m thrilled they have their catering business! Food is authentic and the very best fresh ingredients!“