14 Best Italian Restaurants In Florida To Try In 2026
Florida is stepping into 2026 with an Italian food scene that feels more exciting than ever. This is not just pasta and pizza anymore.
Across the Sunshine State, Italian restaurants are raising the bar with handmade pasta, wood-fired pies, coastal seafood, and bold flavors that rival what you would find in Italy itself.
From cozy neighborhood trattorias to stylish waterfront dining rooms, Florida has quietly become one of the most surprising Italian dining destinations in the country. Every meal feels like a mini trip to Rome, Naples, or the Amalfi Coast — without ever leaving the state.
Craving rich sauces, perfectly blistered crusts, or seafood with a Mediterranean twist? You are in the right place.
Get ready to explore the Italian restaurants that are defining Florida’s food scene in 2026. This is your sign to make this year your most delicious one yet.
1. Macchialina
Macchialina brings the warmth of a rustic Italian kitchen to Miami Beach, serving soulful dishes that feel like Nonna just stepped out of the kitchen. Chef Michael Pirolo blends traditional Italian recipes with Florida’s fresh local ingredients, and the homemade pasta is a standout every single time.
Regulars especially love the gnocchi, known for its pillowy, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The restaurant sits at 820 Alton Rd, Miami Beach, FL 33139, in a cozy space with exposed brick and warm lighting that makes it ideal for both date nights and relaxed dinners.
Seasonal menu updates keep repeat visits exciting, while generous portions ensure you leave satisfied. Reservations are recommended, particularly on weekends.
2. Casa Tua
Walking into Casa Tua at 1700 James Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139 feels like visiting a wealthy Italian friend’s Mediterranean villa.
The restaurant operates inside a beautifully restored 1925 house, complete with lush gardens, antique furniture, and artwork that makes you forget you’re in South Florida. Every corner tells a story, from the vintage chandeliers to the hand-painted tiles that line the pathways.
Northern Italian cuisine dominates the menu, with dishes prepared using organic ingredients grown in the restaurant’s own garden.
Fresh herbs, heirloom tomatoes, and seasonal vegetables get picked just steps from the kitchen, ensuring maximum flavor in every bite. The risotto here achieves that perfect creamy consistency that many restaurants struggle to master, and the carpaccio presentations look almost too pretty to eat.
Casa Tua operates as both a restaurant and a members-only club, but dinner reservations welcome everyone to experience the magic.
Outdoor seating under twinkling lights creates a romantic ambiance that Miami Beach does better than anywhere else. Prices reflect the upscale experience, so save this spot for special occasions when you want to impress someone or celebrate a milestone.
The staff treats guests with European-style hospitality that feels genuine rather than stuffy.
3. Il Gabbiano
Perched along Biscayne Bay at 335 S Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33131, Il Gabbiano offers stunning waterfront views that pair perfectly with sophisticated Italian fare.
The dining room features floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase Miami’s glittering skyline and passing yachts, making every meal feel like a special event. Sunset reservations are pure gold here, as the sky transforms into shades of orange and pink while you enjoy your appetizers.
Executive chefs prepare classic dishes with modern techniques, resulting in plates that respect tradition while embracing creativity.
Seafood options shine particularly bright, which makes sense given the waterfront location and access to fresh catches. Branzino prepared tableside becomes dinner theater, with skilled servers expertly filleting the whole fish right before your eyes.
My cousin visited last summer and still talks about the lobster ravioli, claiming it ruined all other pasta for her forever.
The restaurant attracts a well-dressed crowd, so leave the flip-flops and tank tops at home in favor of smart casual attire. Service maintains professional standards without feeling pretentious, and servers know the menu inside and out.
Il Gabbiano works equally well for business dinners and romantic evenings, adapting to whatever vibe your party brings.
4. Cecconi’s Miami Beach
Cecconi’s, located inside the Soho Beach House at 70 SW 7th St, Miami, FL 33140, brings a refined slice of Venice to Florida’s shores. The restaurant serves classic Italian dishes in a chic, modern space that attracts celebrities, locals, and visitors alike.
Large windows fill the dining room with natural light during lunch, while evenings shift the mood into something more intimate and glamorous.
Handmade pasta anchors the menu, with traditional shapes and sauces executed to near perfection. The cacio e pepe delivers a silky, perfectly emulsified finish, while the carbonara stays true to Roman tradition with no cream in sight.
Wood-fired pizzas emerge with beautifully charred crusts and satisfying crunch.
Although part of an international restaurant group, Cecconi’s maintains a distinct personality that avoids feeling corporate. The Miami Beach location captures South Beach’s relaxed elegance, making it a go-to for stylish dinners and lively weekend brunch.
Valet parking adds convenience in an area known for busy traffic.
5. Boia De
Located in the vibrant Little Haiti neighborhood at 5205 NE 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33137, Boia De breaks every Italian restaurant stereotype you can imagine.
Chefs Luciana Giangrandi and Alex Meyer created a space that feels more like an edgy art gallery than a traditional trattoria, with graffiti-style murals and eclectic decor that perfectly matches the adventurous menu. This spot proves that Italian food can be playful, experimental, and deeply rooted in tradition all at once.
The constantly changing menu keeps regulars coming back to see what creative combinations the kitchen dreams up next.
Expect dishes that combine Italian techniques with global flavors, like miso-butter pasta or anchovy ice cream that sounds weird but tastes absolutely incredible. Small plates encourage sharing and trying multiple items, which turns dinner into an exciting culinary adventure rather than a predictable meal.
Boia De earned serious recognition from food critics and won a James Beard Award nomination, putting this quirky neighborhood gem on the national map.
The casual, counter-service format keeps prices reasonable despite the high-quality ingredients and skilled preparation. Seating is limited and reservations book quickly, so flexibility with timing helps secure a spot.
This restaurant represents the future of Italian dining: bold, inclusive, and utterly delicious.
6. Rocca
Rocca brings authentic Italian flavors to Tampa’s Water Street district at 323 W Palm Ave, Tampa, FL 33602, serving as a sophisticated dining destination in the city’s revitalized downtown.
The restaurant occupies a sleek, modern space that balances urban chic with warm hospitality, making it equally suitable for business lunches and celebratory dinners. Large windows provide views of the bustling street scene, connecting diners to the energy of Tampa’s growing food culture.
Roman-style cuisine forms the backbone of the menu, with dishes that showcase simple ingredients prepared with precise technique.
Cacio e pepe, carbonara, and amatriciana receive the respect they deserve, prepared according to traditional methods that Roman grandmothers would approve of. The pasta arrives perfectly al dente, and sauces cling to each strand rather than pooling at the bottom of the bowl.
Rocca also features an impressive selection of Italian cheeses and cured meats, perfect for starting your meal or assembling a full antipasti spread.
Knowledgeable servers guide guests through menu options and can recommend pairings that enhance your dining experience. The restaurant attracts a diverse crowd, from young professionals to longtime Tampa residents who appreciate quality Italian cooking.
Weekday lunch specials offer excellent value, while dinner service provides a more leisurely pace for savoring each course.
7. Pizza Time
Right in the heart of historic St. Augustine at 124 St George St, St. Augustine, FL 32084, Pizza Time serves New York-style pizza to tourists and locals exploring America’s oldest city.
The casual, no-frills setup focuses entirely on what matters most: delicious pizza made with quality ingredients and sold by the slice or whole pie. After walking St. Augustine’s cobblestone streets and touring centuries-old landmarks, grabbing a hot slice here hits differently than fancy sit-down dining.
Thin, foldable crusts achieve that perfect New York texture, crispy on the bottom but flexible enough to fold in half without breaking.
Classic toppings like pepperoni, mushrooms, and fresh basil let the quality of the dough and sauce shine through without unnecessary complications. The margherita pizza keeps things beautifully simple, proving that great ingredients need minimal interference to taste amazing.
Pizza Time operates with efficient, friendly service that gets food to hungry customers quickly without sacrificing quality.
The location on pedestrian-only St. George Street makes it easy to grab a slice and continue exploring, or you can snag one of the limited indoor seats. Prices stay reasonable, which matters when feeding a family or group of friends.
Sometimes the best Italian food comes from the simplest places that master the basics perfectly.
8. Agliolio
Out in Wellington at 12793 Forest Hill Blvd, Wellington, FL 33414, Agliolio serves as a hidden gem that locals guard like a precious secret.
The family-owned restaurant brings Southern Italian hospitality to the suburbs, creating a warm neighborhood spot where regulars know the staff by name. Checkered tablecloths and Italian music playing softly in the background set a cozy, unpretentious scene that immediately puts guests at ease.
Southern Italian recipes dominate the menu, with dishes inspired by the Campania and Calabria regions where bold flavors and hearty portions reign supreme.
Eggplant parmigiana arrives bubbling hot from the oven, layered with tangy tomato sauce and melted cheese that stretches with every forkful. Seafood preparations highlight the Italian coast’s influence, with clams, mussels, and shrimp prepared in garlicky white sauces that beg to be sopped up with crusty bread.
My friend’s grandmother, who immigrated from Naples decades ago, claims Agliolio’s Sunday gravy tastes just like home.
The restaurant operates with genuine warmth that makes solo diners feel welcome and large groups feel accommodated. Portions are generous enough to guarantee leftovers, which means tomorrow’s lunch is already sorted.
Wellington residents consider themselves lucky to have such authentic Italian cooking without driving to Miami or Palm Beach.
9. Beccofino Italian Bistro
Nestled in Tampa’s Hyde Park neighborhood at 5712 S MacDill Ave, Tampa, FL 33606, Beccofino Italian Bistro combines European sophistication with Florida’s laid-back dining culture.
The intimate space seats fewer than fifty guests, creating an exclusive atmosphere where conversations flow easily and servers remember your preferences. Soft lighting and elegant table settings elevate the experience without feeling stuffy or overly formal.
Northern Italian cuisine inspires the menu, with dishes that emphasize butter, cream, and delicate flavors rather than heavy tomato-based sauces.
Risotto preparations change with the seasons, incorporating ingredients like butternut squash in fall or fresh peas in spring. The kitchen sources ingredients carefully, partnering with local farms and specialty purveyors to ensure everything meets exacting standards.
Beccofino’s pasta gets made fresh daily, and you can taste the difference in every bite.
The restaurant has built a loyal following among Hyde Park residents who appreciate refined dining without the downtown hustle. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekend dinners when tables fill quickly.
Servers provide detailed descriptions of nightly specials and can accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice. The compact menu focuses on doing fewer dishes exceptionally well rather than offering endless mediocre options.
This approach results in consistently excellent meals that justify return visits throughout the year.
10. Donatello Italian Restaurant
Donatello Italian Restaurant has served Tampa families for decades from its location at 232 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33609, becoming a beloved institution that generations return to time and again.
The old-school Italian-American atmosphere transports diners back to a time when red sauce joints dominated every neighborhood and Sunday dinners meant something special. Red leather booths, dim lighting, and attentive service from veteran waitstaff create an experience that feels comfortingly familiar.
Classic Italian-American dishes fill the extensive menu, with generous portions that ensure nobody leaves hungry.
Chicken parmigiana arrives on a platter big enough to share, smothered in marinara and melted mozzarella that creates those perfect cheese pulls everyone loves. Veal piccata, fettuccine alfredo, and baked ziti represent the greatest hits of Italian-American cooking, prepared with recipes that haven’t changed in thirty years.
Donatello proves that sometimes sticking with what works beats chasing every new food trend.
The restaurant attracts a multigenerational crowd, from couples celebrating anniversaries to families introducing kids to their first Italian meal. Prices remain reasonable despite the prime location, making Donatello accessible for regular dining rather than just special occasions.
Takeout service handles large orders efficiently, perfect for feeding a crowd at home without cooking.
11. Zucca
Hidden on a quiet Coral Gables street at 162 Alcazar Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134, Zucca operates as a neighborhood treasure that punches well above its modest size.
The tiny restaurant seats maybe two dozen people, creating an intimate setting where the kitchen feels like an extension of the dining room. Rustic Italian decor and mismatched vintage furniture give Zucca a charming, lived-in quality that fancy restaurants with professional designers can never quite replicate.
Regional Italian specialties rotate based on what’s fresh and available, with the chef drawing inspiration from various Italian regions rather than sticking to one style.
Handwritten specials boards announce daily creations that might feature Sicilian caponata, Tuscan ribollita, or Venetian-style liver and onions. The kitchen takes pride in using the whole animal and minimizing waste, which results in adventurous menu items that challenge diners to step outside comfort zones.
Zucca’s commitment to authenticity means some dishes might seem unfamiliar to Americans raised on spaghetti and meatballs.
Reservations are absolutely essential because walk-ins rarely find available tables, especially during peak dinner hours. The restaurant operates with a small staff that works together seamlessly, providing attentive service despite the limited space.
Coral Gables residents consider Zucca a local secret worth protecting from mass tourism.
12. Prato
Prato sits on charming Park Avenue in Winter Park at 124 N Park Ave, Winter Park, FL 32789, bringing modern Italian cuisine to one of Central Florida’s most picturesque downtown areas.
The restaurant occupies a beautiful space with indoor and outdoor seating options, allowing guests to enjoy the tree-lined street scene while dining. Contemporary decor mixes industrial elements with warm wood tones, creating an atmosphere that feels current without being trendy.
The menu balances traditional Italian dishes with creative interpretations that showcase the chef’s culinary training and imagination.
Wood-fired pizzas feature inventive topping combinations that respect Italian flavor principles while incorporating unexpected ingredients. Pasta dishes range from classic preparations to modern creations that surprise and delight adventurous eaters.
Prato’s commitment to craft extends beyond the kitchen to the beverage program, which features carefully selected options from Italian regions.
Weekend brunch service attracts crowds from across the Orlando area who come for Italian-inspired breakfast dishes and the lively Park Avenue atmosphere. The restaurant handles both casual weeknight dinners and special celebrations with equal grace, adapting to whatever occasion brings guests through the door.
Parking in Winter Park can be challenging during busy periods, but the city’s parking garages nearby offer convenient alternatives. Service strikes a balance between professional and approachable, making everyone feel welcome regardless of their Italian food knowledge.
13. Terralina Crafted Italian
Terralina Crafted Italian brings elevated Italian dining to Disney Springs, offering a refined escape from theme park crowds at 1656 E Buena Vista Dr, Orlando, FL 32830. Set along the waterfront, the restaurant pairs beautiful lake views with a warm, farmhouse-inspired interior featuring exposed beams, brick walls, and an open kitchen where guests can watch chefs in action.
James Beard Award–winning chef Tony Mantuano designed a menu that blends authentic Italian flavors with fresh Florida ingredients, creating dishes that feel both classic and contemporary. Seasonal updates keep the menu dynamic, while the wood-burning oven delivers exceptional pizzas and roasted specialties with a signature smoky depth.
Terralina stands out as proof that theme park dining can rise far above expectations. Families appreciate the menu’s flexibility, offering adventurous plates for adults and approachable options for kids.
Reservations are recommended during peak Disney seasons to avoid long waits.
Located within walking distance of Disney Springs’ shops and entertainment, Terralina fits seamlessly into a full day of activities. Prices run slightly higher than average, but the quality, atmosphere, and location justify the splurge.
14. Trattoria Bella Napoli
Trattoria Bella Napoli brings authentic Neapolitan cooking to Sarasota 1551 Main St,Sarasota, FL 34236, operating as a family-run establishment where tradition matters above all else.
The modest storefront exterior might not catch your eye immediately, but locals know that the real magic happens inside and on the plates. Simple decor keeps the focus squarely on the food, which is exactly how it should be when the cooking speaks for itself.
Neapolitan-style pizza forms the restaurant’s foundation, with dough that undergoes long fermentation for maximum flavor and digestibility.
The crust achieves that signature leopard-spotting from the high-heat oven, with a soft, pillowy interior and slightly charred exterior. Traditional toppings like San Marzano tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, and fresh basil let the quality ingredients shine without unnecessary embellishment.
Beyond pizza, the menu features Neapolitan classics like pasta e fagioli and parmigiana di melanzane prepared according to time-honored recipes.
The restaurant operates with a casual, welcoming vibe that makes everyone feel like family, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a weekly regular. Prices stay remarkably reasonable for the quality and authenticity delivered on every plate.
Trattoria Bella Napoli proves that you don’t need fancy decor or celebrity chefs to serve outstanding Italian food, just skill, passion, and respect for tradition.