13 Best Italian Restaurants In Florida You Can’t Miss In 2026
If there’s one cuisine that consistently brings a smile to my face, it’s Italian.
The simple yet profound flavors, the convivial atmosphere, and the sheer joy of sharing a good meal – it’s something I actively seek out.
Living in Florida, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to witness a flourishing Italian dining scene, with chefs pouring their hearts into every plate.
For 2026, I’ve curated a list of thirteen Italian restaurants across the state that absolutely demand your attention.
These are the places that have earned my unwavering recommendation, the ones that satisfy that deep craving for genuine Italian goodness.
1. Macchialina
Located at 820 Alton Road in Miami Beach, Macchialina serves up rustic Italian comfort food that feels like a warm hug from your Italian grandmother.
Chef Michael Pirolo creates dishes using traditional techniques passed down through generations, focusing on simple ingredients that shine through every bite.
The homemade pasta here is legendary, with favorites like the ricotta gnocchi and spaghetti carbonara drawing crowds night after night.
Walking into this cozy spot feels intimate and welcoming, with exposed brick walls and soft lighting that sets the perfect mood for dinner.
The menu changes seasonally, ensuring you always get the freshest ingredients available.
My first visit here was unforgettable because the pasta tasted exactly like what my friend’s nonna used to make in her tiny kitchen back in Naples.
Reservations are highly recommended since this place fills up faster than you can say buongiorno.
Macchialina proves that sometimes the best meals come from the simplest recipes done perfectly.
2. Casa Tua
Tucked away at 1700 James Avenue in Miami Beach, Casa Tua offers an experience that transports you straight to a private Italian villa.
This exclusive spot combines Northern Italian cuisine with an atmosphere that screams elegance and sophistication.
The menu features organic ingredients sourced from their own farm, guaranteeing freshness in every dish.
You will find classics like risotto, fresh fish preparations, and delicate pasta dishes that showcase the chef’s attention to detail.
The indoor-outdoor setting includes a beautiful garden where you can dine under the stars surrounded by tropical plants.
Casa Tua operates as a members club during the day but opens to the public for dinner, making it accessible to anyone craving top-tier Italian food.
The service here is impeccable, with staff treating every guest like family.
Everything from the hand-painted tiles to the vintage furniture adds to the charm of this magical place.
3. Il Gabbiano
Perched at 335 S. Biscayne Boulevard in the One Miami building, Il Gabbiano delivers breathtaking waterfront views alongside exceptional Italian cuisine.
This upscale restaurant specializes in Northern Italian dishes with an emphasis on fresh seafood and premium ingredients.
The branzino and veal chop are standout menu items that keep regulars coming back for more.
Floor-to-ceiling windows provide stunning views of Biscayne Bay, making it an ideal spot for special occasions or romantic dinners.
The atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between sophisticated and comfortable, never feeling too stuffy or pretentious.
Their pasta is made fresh daily, and you can taste the difference in every forkful.
The knowledgeable staff can guide you through the extensive menu, helping you discover new favorite dishes.
Il Gabbiano has been a Miami staple for years, consistently delivering quality that matches its premium location and reputation.
4. Cecconi’s Miami Beach
Situated inside the Soho Beach House at 4385 Collins Avenue, Cecconi’s brings a slice of modern Italian dining to Miami Beach.
This stylish restaurant serves classic Italian dishes with a contemporary twist, drawing inspiration from Venice and other Northern Italian regions.
The menu features handmade pasta, wood-oven pizzas, and seafood dishes that highlight the best of Italian coastal cuisine.
Cecconi’s has locations around the world, but the Miami Beach outpost captures the vibrant energy of South Beach perfectly.
The open kitchen lets you watch talented chefs work their magic while you enjoy your meal.
During my last visit, I watched them hand-stretch pizza dough and toss it with such skill that it looked like an art performance.
The atmosphere is buzzing yet relaxed, attracting a fashionable crowd without being exclusive or unwelcoming.
Whether you stop by for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Cecconi’s delivers consistently delicious food in a setting that feels both chic and comfortable.
5. Prato
At 124 N. Park Avenue in Winter Park, Prato combines rustic Italian charm with Central Florida’s laid-back vibe.
Chef James Petrakis creates seasonal menus that celebrate local ingredients while honoring traditional Italian cooking methods.
The wood-fired oven produces incredible pizzas with perfectly charred crusts and creative topping combinations.
Prato means meadow in Italian, and the restaurant lives up to its name by focusing on farm-fresh produce and sustainable practices.
The open kitchen design lets diners witness the culinary action firsthand, adding an entertaining element to your meal.
Pasta dishes here are phenomenal, especially the pappardelle and rigatoni options that change based on what ingredients are in season.
The casual yet refined atmosphere makes it suitable for both date nights and family gatherings.
Winter Park locals consider Prato a neighborhood gem that never disappoints, no matter how many times you visit.
6. Rocca
Found at 323 W. Palm Avenue in Tampa, Rocca reimagines Italian dining with bold flavors and modern presentation.
This contemporary restaurant focuses on Southern Italian cuisine, bringing the sunny flavors of regions like Sicily and Calabria to Tampa’s dining scene.
The menu features house-made pasta, fresh seafood, and creative vegetable dishes that prove Italian food can be both traditional and innovative.
Rocca’s sleek interior design creates an upscale atmosphere without feeling stuffy, making it perfect for business dinners or celebrations.
The chef’s dedication to quality shows in every carefully plated dish that arrives at your table.
Standout items include the squid ink pasta and the whole roasted fish, both prepared with techniques that enhance natural flavors.
The service team is professional and attentive, ensuring your dining experience runs smoothly from start to finish.
Tampa residents looking for elevated Italian cuisine that goes beyond the usual red-sauce classics will find their happy place at Rocca.
7. OLIVIA Tampa
Positioned at 3601 W. Swann Avenue in Tampa, OLIVIA brings neighborhood Italian dining to life with personality and flair.
This spot focuses on shareable plates and family-style dining, encouraging guests to try multiple dishes and enjoy meals together.
The menu includes creative pizzas, fresh salads, and pasta dishes that balance innovation with Italian tradition.
OLIVIA’s industrial-chic design features exposed ductwork, warm wood accents, and an open layout that creates a lively, social atmosphere.
The energy here is contagious, with happy diners and friendly staff contributing to the welcoming vibe.
I remember celebrating a friend’s birthday here, and we ordered half the menu to share, which turned into the most fun dinner we had all year.
The restaurant’s name honors the olive tree, a symbol of peace and abundance in Italian culture.
Whether you visit for brunch, lunch, or dinner, OLIVIA delivers consistent quality and a dining experience that feels like gathering with good friends.
8. Donatello
Standing at 232 N. Dale Mabry Highway in Tampa, Donatello has been serving authentic Italian cuisine for decades.
This family-owned establishment maintains old-world traditions while consistently delivering dishes that taste like they came straight from Italy.
The menu features classic preparations of veal, chicken, seafood, and pasta that never go out of style.
Donatello’s traditional atmosphere includes white tablecloths, attentive service, and a warmth that makes you feel like a valued guest rather than just another customer.
The portions are generous, often providing enough for leftovers that taste even better the next day.
Regulars have their favorite dishes and preferred tables, creating a sense of community among frequent visitors.
The restaurant’s longevity speaks volumes about its quality and commitment to maintaining high standards year after year.
If you appreciate Italian restaurants that honor tradition without chasing trends, Donatello offers exactly what you are looking for in a reliable, delicious dining experience.
9. Osteria Tulia
Located at 466 5th Avenue South in Naples, Osteria Tulia captures the essence of a true Italian osteria.
Chef Vincenzo Betulia creates dishes that reflect his Italian heritage, using recipes and techniques learned from family members in Italy.
The handmade pasta is exceptional, with each shape carefully crafted to pair perfectly with its accompanying sauce.
The intimate space features exposed brick, warm lighting, and an open kitchen where you can watch the culinary team work.
Osteria Tulia’s menu changes regularly to incorporate seasonal ingredients and showcase the chef’s creativity.
This restaurant has earned numerous awards and recognition, but it never feels pretentious or inaccessible to regular diners.
The staff’s passion for Italian food and culture shines through in their recommendations and service.
Naples visitors and locals alike consider Osteria Tulia a must-visit destination for anyone seeking authentic Italian flavors in Southwest Florida’s dining scene.
10. Campiello
Nestled at 1177 3rd Street South in Naples, Campiello offers Italian dining with a sophisticated yet approachable style.
The restaurant’s name refers to the small squares in Italian villages where people gather, and that community spirit infuses every aspect of the dining experience.
The menu features Northern Italian cuisine with dishes like risotto, osso buco, and fresh seafood preparations.
Campiello’s charming courtyard provides a beautiful setting for outdoor dining, especially during Naples’s pleasant winter months.
The indoor dining room maintains an elegant atmosphere with Mediterranean-inspired decor and comfortable seating.
When I visited during a Naples vacation, the courtyard setting made me feel like I was dining in a hidden Italian piazza rather than downtown Florida.
The service strikes a perfect balance between attentive and unobtrusive, letting you enjoy your meal at your own pace.
Campiello has been a Naples institution for years, consistently delivering quality that keeps both tourists and residents coming back regularly.
11. Barbatella
Situated at 1290 3rd Street South in Naples, Barbatella transports diners to the Italian countryside with its rustic charm.
Chef Fabrizio Aielli draws inspiration from his grandmother’s recipes, creating dishes that feel like home-cooked meals elevated to restaurant quality.
The menu focuses on simple, honest Italian cooking that lets high-quality ingredients speak for themselves.
Barbatella’s vintage decor includes antique furniture, old photographs, and touches that create an atmosphere reminiscent of a family trattoria in rural Italy.
The intimate space fills quickly, so reservations are essential for anyone wanting to experience this Naples gem.
Pasta dishes here are outstanding, particularly the gnocchi and pappardelle preparations that change seasonally.
The restaurant’s commitment to authenticity extends beyond the food to include genuine Italian hospitality that makes every guest feel welcome.
If you want Italian food that tastes like it was made with love in someone’s home kitchen, Barbatella delivers that experience perfectly.
12. Forte Dei Marmi
Positioned at 150 Ocean Drive in Miami Beach, Forte dei Marmi brings the flavors of the Italian Riviera to South Beach.
Named after a coastal town in Tuscany, this restaurant specializes in Mediterranean cuisine with an emphasis on fresh seafood and light, flavorful preparations.
The menu features dishes that celebrate the coastal regions of Italy, from Liguria to Campania.
The sleek, modern interior complements the beachfront location, creating an atmosphere that feels both luxurious and relaxed.
Floor-to-ceiling windows provide stunning ocean views that enhance the dining experience.
Forte dei Marmi’s raw bar offerings are exceptional, showcasing the freshest catches prepared simply to highlight their natural flavors.
The restaurant attracts a stylish crowd but remains welcoming to anyone seeking high-quality Italian cuisine in a prime location.
Whether you choose a table on the terrace or inside the elegant dining room, Forte dei Marmi delivers a memorable meal with views that rival any seaside restaurant in Italy.
13. Lido Restaurant At The Surf Club
Located at 9011 Collins Avenue in Surfside, Lido Restaurant inside The Surf Club Four Seasons represents the pinnacle of Italian fine dining in Florida.
Chef Thomas Keller oversees this stunning restaurant that combines Italian culinary traditions with impeccable service and breathtaking design.
The menu features refined interpretations of classic Italian dishes using the finest ingredients available.
The Surf Club’s historic setting adds an extra layer of glamour to the dining experience, with Art Deco details and oceanfront views creating an unforgettable atmosphere.
Every element, from the custom-designed china to the carefully curated menu, reflects attention to detail and commitment to excellence.
Dining at Lido feels like a special occasion even on an ordinary day, with service that anticipates your needs before you express them.
The pasta courses are works of art, both visually stunning and absolutely delicious.
While prices reflect the luxury setting, the quality and experience justify the splurge for anyone seeking the ultimate Italian dining experience in Florida.