Made reservations to sit in Cena but was sent to their pizza bar and upstairs next to the AC vent. It's disappointing to get ready for a date night but end up in a casual pizza bar. The service was great but everything else about Cena has fallen. Food was average drinks were not good. We were looking forward to getting out of there the whole time.
stephen
Nice little restaurant. First visit Good service and good vibe Service was good. Not too noisy unlike many nearby restaurants The artichoke appetizer was very good and a hi with all at our table Salads very good For entrees we all had pasta. The pasta itself was spot on but the sauces fell short in flavor Will probably try again
Jeannie
This restaurant has sadly declined in quality and on my last visit the chef was drinking in the dining room with patrons, which was not a good look in my opinion. The meatballs were gristly, and the risotto was watery. Now that the neighboring restaurant has an opening that connects the two, the ambience has also declined because that creates an echoing clattery noise that is unwelcome.
Bobby
Very disappointing meal. Went for a date night. Service and ambience were fine, but our drinks were poorly prepared, even after returning my wife's first round, the second option she ordered was basically all basil, which she had a hard time drinking. My martini was woefully watered down. We ordered three courses. Other than the appetizer - fried eggplant - everything else we ordered was off point, all lacked salt, all seemed prepared from pre-prepared elements that weren't tailored to the specific expectation of the dish itself. For example, both mine and mine wife's pasta dishes came with what seemed to be the same stock poorly flavored sauce. We had high hopes based on the descriptions, and were very disappointed. We were too deflated to even get dessert.
Maureen Martineau
Pasta was disappointing: too al dente and the sauce was thin and acidic. The Branzino was amazing however!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
nishant narula
Having heard about Cena's Michelin star reputation, we eagerly made a reservation for Saturday evening dinner.
Upon entering the restaurant, we were warmly greeted at the reception and promptly shown to our table. Our server soon arrived with menus in hand, and we couldn't help but admire the vibrant ambiance, with people all around enjoying their meals in the beautifully decorated space.
After browsing the menu, we started with glasses of red wine--Cabernet and Pinot Noir--which were the perfect way to kick off our dining experience.
For dinner, we ordered the Crispy Eggplant, Baby Kale Caesar, Truffle Radiatori, and Bucatini Primavera. For dessert, we decided on Cannoli.
The Crispy Eggplant arrived first, and it was the perfect starter--crispy on the outside, complemented by Tomato Marmalade and Truffle Cheese. We absolutely loved it.
Next, we enjoyed the Baby Kale Caesar, which stood out with its unique Chickpea Croutons. The flavor was different, yet absolutely delicious.
Our main courses arrived shortly after: the Bucatini Primavera and Truffle Radiatori. Both pasta dishes were exquisite, with the chicken perfectly cooked and the flavors truly finger-licking good. We couldn't get enough of them.
To finish, we indulged in a Cannoli served with Chocolate Ice Cream. It was the perfect sweet ending to our dinner--delicious and satisfying.
We thoroughly enjoyed our time and meal at Cena. The combination of mesmerizing ambiance and delectable food made for an unforgettable evening.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Truffle Pasta, Tiramisu
Austin Conn
Cena was amazing! My wife and I couldn't have had a better experience. The multi-course presentation was wonderful, and the staff (especially Aaron) made the dinner even better. The Kale salad, Oxtail Gnocchi, and Chianti were phenomenal. Thanks to Cena for hosting a great evening!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Alexis Sallano
The food was mediocre at best, bland and it was brought to us at room temperature, like it was just sitting out. Our server kept disappearing, we had to ask for water repeatedly, everything was a mission for them and an inconvenience. The atmosphere was nothing to write home about. Very excited to point out where to tip, without the same enthusiasm to serve us, definitely will not be back.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 3
becky
Food is always beautifully plated and delicious. We had beef carpaccio and a very tender steak, followed by the most unusual tiramisu you'll ever encounter which is nothing short of divine. Service is impeccable
Lew
Always consistently excellent. We love the kale salad and wonderful croutons. And never pass us the pastas. Every time we go, Flor takes meticulous care of us. What could be better?
Had a bigger group, when we arrived at 6:45 it was pretty empty but got full in a hurry. Food was pretty good, and not outrageously priced considering the area. Meatballs live up to their reputation for sure. Plan for long dinner
jamess
Food decent but it has gone down a bit since our last visit Last visit meatballs were light and melted away with each bite Last night they were dense heavy and had a different taste Waiter said same recipe my mouth says something very different Staff overall lazy hostess did not even open door for people leaving She just says wrong door as people leave wtf your 3 feet from the door Open it for them Stay off you phone that goes for bar help in pizza side also Leave your phone alone pay attention to the people that come to your restraunt or we won't come And honestly if you oblast you can not open a door you probably don't even care Will not be back
JolieSR
Really expected at least a happy birthday greeting for my husband as it was a reservation with the comment. The restaurant was completely empty. Nice place. Charc board and garlic cheese rolls were excellent. My meal was just ok honestly . The meatballs that beat bobbly flay were very porky and didn't balance nicely with the beef. The sauce was really lack luster. Husband thought his short rib risotto was fine. The waiter/bartender was very pleasant and made a great cosmo . Just wasn't worth the hype from the reviews and being on the Michelin guide for Tampa restaurants...
We had a lovely dinner at Cena. It turned out to be a quiet Sunday evening there. We shared the fried eggplant and I had the meatballs and my wife had gemelli. Everything was delicious.
Alan Pinzon
Best Italian in Tampa hands down. Chef Butta is a culinary genius.
Made reservations to sit in Cena but was sent to their pizza bar and upstairs next to the AC vent. It's disappointing to get ready for a date night but end up in a casual pizza bar. The service was great but everything else about Cena has fallen. Food was average drinks were not good. We were looking forward to getting out of there the whole time.
Nice little restaurant. First visit Good service and good vibe Service was good. Not too noisy unlike many nearby restaurants The artichoke appetizer was very good and a hi with all at our table Salads very good For entrees we all had pasta. The pasta itself was spot on but the sauces fell short in flavor Will probably try again
This restaurant has sadly declined in quality and on my last visit the chef was drinking in the dining room with patrons, which was not a good look in my opinion. The meatballs were gristly, and the risotto was watery. Now that the neighboring restaurant has an opening that connects the two, the ambience has also declined because that creates an echoing clattery noise that is unwelcome.
Very disappointing meal. Went for a date night. Service and ambience were fine, but our drinks were poorly prepared, even after returning my wife's first round, the second option she ordered was basically all basil, which she had a hard time drinking. My martini was woefully watered down. We ordered three courses. Other than the appetizer - fried eggplant - everything else we ordered was off point, all lacked salt, all seemed prepared from pre-prepared elements that weren't tailored to the specific expectation of the dish itself. For example, both mine and mine wife's pasta dishes came with what seemed to be the same stock poorly flavored sauce. We had high hopes based on the descriptions, and were very disappointed. We were too deflated to even get dessert.
Pasta was disappointing: too al dente and the sauce was thin and acidic. The Branzino was amazing however!
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 3
Having heard about Cena's Michelin star reputation, we eagerly made a reservation for Saturday evening dinner.
Upon entering the restaurant, we were warmly greeted at the reception and promptly shown to our table. Our server soon arrived with menus in hand, and we couldn't help but admire the vibrant ambiance, with people all around enjoying their meals in the beautifully decorated space.
After browsing the menu, we started with glasses of red wine--Cabernet and Pinot Noir--which were the perfect way to kick off our dining experience.
For dinner, we ordered the Crispy Eggplant, Baby Kale Caesar, Truffle Radiatori, and Bucatini Primavera. For dessert, we decided on Cannoli.
The Crispy Eggplant arrived first, and it was the perfect starter--crispy on the outside, complemented by Tomato Marmalade and Truffle Cheese. We absolutely loved it.
Next, we enjoyed the Baby Kale Caesar, which stood out with its unique Chickpea Croutons. The flavor was different, yet absolutely delicious.
Our main courses arrived shortly after: the Bucatini Primavera and Truffle Radiatori. Both pasta dishes were exquisite, with the chicken perfectly cooked and the flavors truly finger-licking good. We couldn't get enough of them.
To finish, we indulged in a Cannoli served with Chocolate Ice Cream. It was the perfect sweet ending to our dinner--delicious and satisfying.
We thoroughly enjoyed our time and meal at Cena. The combination of mesmerizing ambiance and delectable food made for an unforgettable evening.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Truffle Pasta, Tiramisu
Cena was amazing! My wife and I couldn't have had a better experience. The multi-course presentation was wonderful, and the staff (especially Aaron) made the dinner even better. The Kale salad, Oxtail Gnocchi, and Chianti were phenomenal. Thanks to Cena for hosting a great evening!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The food was mediocre at best, bland and it was brought to us at room temperature, like it was just sitting out. Our server kept disappearing, we had to ask for water repeatedly, everything was a mission for them and an inconvenience. The atmosphere was nothing to write home about. Very excited to point out where to tip, without the same enthusiasm to serve us, definitely will not be back.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 3
Food is always beautifully plated and delicious. We had beef carpaccio and a very tender steak, followed by the most unusual tiramisu you'll ever encounter which is nothing short of divine. Service is impeccable
Always consistently excellent. We love the kale salad and wonderful croutons. And never pass us the pastas. Every time we go, Flor takes meticulous care of us. What could be better?
Restaurantji Recommends
Had a bigger group, when we arrived at 6:45 it was pretty empty but got full in a hurry. Food was pretty good, and not outrageously priced considering the area. Meatballs live up to their reputation for sure. Plan for long dinner
Food decent but it has gone down a bit since our last visit Last visit meatballs were light and melted away with each bite Last night they were dense heavy and had a different taste Waiter said same recipe my mouth says something very different Staff overall lazy hostess did not even open door for people leaving She just says wrong door as people leave wtf your 3 feet from the door Open it for them Stay off you phone that goes for bar help in pizza side also Leave your phone alone pay attention to the people that come to your restraunt or we won't come And honestly if you oblast you can not open a door you probably don't even care Will not be back
Really expected at least a happy birthday greeting for my husband as it was a reservation with the comment. The restaurant was completely empty. Nice place. Charc board and garlic cheese rolls were excellent. My meal was just ok honestly . The meatballs that beat bobbly flay were very porky and didn't balance nicely with the beef. The sauce was really lack luster. Husband thought his short rib risotto was fine. The waiter/bartender was very pleasant and made a great cosmo . Just wasn't worth the hype from the reviews and being on the Michelin guide for Tampa restaurants...
We had a lovely dinner at Cena. It turned out to be a quiet Sunday evening there. We shared the fried eggplant and I had the meatballs and my wife had gemelli. Everything was delicious.
Best Italian in Tampa hands down. Chef Butta is a culinary genius.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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