Caffe Italia

10277 Big Bend Rd, Riverview
(813) 374-9917

Recent Reviews

Sort by
Kristi McCrery

The food here is delicious and a welcome change to the previous ownership. Portions are a bit smaller than what Americans may be used to (especially compared to the chains) but it’s fresh, flavorful, and plenty for one person. Please be patient as the new owners get used to the flow and ask questions ahead of time if you’re unsure of what something is. My only advice to ownership would be to offer some kind of bread basket…We will definitely be back and look forward to what’s to come with this quaint establishment!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Luis Torres

I took two bites of the insipid caesar salad, drink a bit of the flat coke, paid the bill and left. Sad to say this but this place cannot survive for very long. Perhaps take some cooking classes or change professions. Apologies profusely, just trying to help other consumers and maybe a bit of “life coaching.”

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 2

Service: 3

Alessandro Antezza

The efforts of Riccardo and Carmela are certainly appreciated, and their work has created something special. The food quality was excellent, leaving a lasting impression on the guests. Overall, the experience was truly remarkable and enjoyable. THANK YOU!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Simon

Stopped by for the soft opening of Caffe Italia, now under new ownership from Italy. The place has a clean and simple vibe with about nine tables, not overcrowded. I hope we will see some beautiful italian decor in the future.

I ordered the Pasta Carbonara and a can of coca cola, which came to about $30. The food came out quick. The flavor of the sauce was right and flavorful, though thinner than I am used to. The pasta was al dente, but on the firmer side—firmer than my subjective opinion of al dente. Next time, I’ll definitely ask for the soft option.

All in all, a decent first visit for a soft opening. I’m curious to see how things develop once they get into full swing. I do hope they will expand the menu a little bit and at least add a Spaghetti Bolognese option; no meatballs for me!

Wishing the new owners all the best! I will be back to try the Carbonara or a Bolognese, if added.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 4

Service: 4

Martha Beahn

This is a brand new restaurant .They took over the spot from other Cafe Italia . The owners are right from Italy 🇮🇹 it was a soft opening Very basic nothing fancy which I love anyways No Alcohol yet BYOB Grand Opening is in Late August early September.the food was delicious.The flavors were amazing. It was very different Not Italian American! Fresh sauce simmered for hours The flavor just WOW ! fresh veggies, limited menu . So worth trying just for the taste ! Chicken Parm not smothered in cheese , Chicken in wine sauce , antipasto. Yummy 😋

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Phil Moss

May not look like much but fantastic food and service. Best Italian around. Get the pork chops!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Gnocchi

Alecsa McDede

Have been coming to Caffe Italia for many years, the food was always freshly made and flavorful! That doesn’t seem to be the case anymore. Our table ordered chicken parm which was extremely bland, the tomato sauce tasted like nothing but water. We also ordered penne alla vodka which somehow, the sauce ended up tasting like hotdog water. They’ve changed their bread to a cheap loaf they heat up in the oven, when it used to be freshly made.
On top of that, most of our table ordered sodas which were all flat, and the waiter notified us that they were out of all syrups for soda. The “atmosphere” and cleanliness has always been a bit shaky, but I could deal with the cramped, dingy restaurant for what used to be really great food.
Unfortunately, I will not return, as the only perk of coming here now is their BYOB policy. They also only had one waiter for the entire restaurant when we visited, and he did a great job given the lack of help he had, but it wasn’t a good look for the restaurant and we waited a very long time for less than subpar food.

Star Point Counseling Center

Went here on a Wednesday, it was pretty busy but we got a table. Mike, our server was super nice, knowledgeable and attentive. The chef/ owner was working the kitchen by himself. I have so much respect for him, he works super hard and produces delicious Italian dishes. You can tell he cooks with love and passion. The dining room is not a shiny new chain restaurant dining room. It reminds me of individually owned Italian restaurants in the older parts of northern cities, which I love. It is also nice to be able to bring in your own wine and glasses. That saves a lot of money.

Amanda Williams

This place used to be the most delicious authentic Italian food around. This was our go to for special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries. Unfortunately, the quality has went down. $112 for watered down food and drink with minimal flavor. This is not the cafe italia/laughing cat that I knew and loved.

Maria Campana

When I first walked in I was greeted with a really unpleasant smell. It smelled like the AC was cranking out dirty smelly air. A musty smell strong enough to overpower the smell of food cooking. I was hesitant to eat after that alone, but my boyfriend and I wanted to try this place out for a while. We ordered the bruschetta, chicken parmigiana & ravioli. The food was basic and plain. It definitely wasn’t as upscale as it would seem to be from reviews online.
I also want to note that the entire place is very dirty. The walls have accumulated a lot of dried food splattered on them, chairs & window sills are very dusty. Seems the place could practice better daily maintenance in terms of cleaning. Our server was friendly & kind.

G M

Server was excellent at handling multiple tables at once. Food was excellent and large portions. Atmosphere was quaint and no frills. Go for the food and not the ambiance.

Russ Lawson

Great food with large portions. Is BYOB beer and wine. Bring your own glasses for your BYOB too. Very small venue so recommend making a reservation.

Katee

While the food is good at this restaurant. I have seen the owner wheel into grocery store parking lots and grab the 1st handicap space available. Last time, he actually waived me to stop so he could zoom in.
Nothing on his car denotes he is handicapped, only his arrogant personality. Will no longer patronize his dirty restaurant.

Mo Jazzy

I ordered spaghetti and meatballs to go. Order came out to $30. Packaged in a styrofoam to go container. Tasted very plain. And the restaurant smelled like old greasy mop water.

elias nieves

Second time anxious to try the lasagna but big disappointed. First as soon as we open the door the smell of sewer got us thinking if we should enter. The place was empty. The server was very attentive. But the food was not as we thought it will be. We will not return.

Loading...