10 Hole-In-The-Wall Florida Spots Serving Pasta So Authentic It’ll Transport You To Rome
I’ll never forget the first time I stumbled into a tiny Florida restaurant that looked like someone’s garage but served pasta that made me weep into my carbonara.
Finding authentic Italian food in the Sunshine State can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack of tourist traps and chain restaurants.
But hidden throughout Florida are unassuming spots where nonnas (or their spiritual successors) are hand-rolling pasta and simmering sauces that’ll make you forget you’re thousands of miles from the Eternal City.
1. Il Ritorno (St. Petersburg)
Tucked away in St. Petersburg, Il Ritorno feels like you’ve walked through a portal straight into a Roman trattoria. The moment you spot this place, you might drive past it thinking it’s just another strip mall casualty, but trust me, that would be your biggest mistake.
Owner Marco treats every plate like it’s going to his own mother, and the handmade pappardelle with wild boar ragu proves it. The pasta has that perfect bite—not mushy, not crunchy, just gloriously al dente.
I once watched an elderly Italian couple argue (lovingly, of course) about whether the gnocchi here rivals their nonna’s recipe. They came back the next three nights, so I think that answers that question. The prices won’t break your wallet either, which makes the experience even sweeter.
2. Le Sorelle Restaurant (Boca Raton)
Named after the Italian word for sisters, Le Sorelle brings serious sibling energy—the kind where they’ll argue about the proper pasta-to-sauce ratio but ultimately create magic together. This Boca Raton hideaway doesn’t look like much from the outside, but inside, the aroma of garlic and fresh basil will knock your socks off.
Their rigatoni alla vodka is criminally good, with a sauce so creamy and perfectly balanced that I’ve considered writing poetry about it. The portions are generous without being overwhelming, Italian-grandma style.
What really sets this place apart is their commitment to importing key ingredients directly from Italy while sourcing local produce. You’re getting the best of both worlds on one plate, and your taste buds will thank you profusely.
3. Spaghetto Kitchen (Davie)
With a name that’s basically a pasta pun, you know Spaghetto Kitchen doesn’t take itself too seriously—except when it comes to their noodles. Located in Davie, this quirky spot has mismatched chairs and walls covered in Italian movie posters, giving it maximum charm points.
Their cacio e pepe is deceptively simple but executed with the precision of a Roman pasta master. Just cheese, pepper, and pasta water magic—nothing more, nothing less. I watched the chef toss the pasta in the pan like he was conducting a symphony.
The menu changes based on what’s fresh, which means you might discover something new every visit. They also make their own pasta daily, and you can actually watch the process through a window into the kitchen, which is mesmerizing and makes you hungry simultaneously.
4. Il Paesano (Fort Lauderdale)
Il Paesano has been serving Fort Lauderdale since before Instagram made food photography a sport, and honestly, that’s part of its charm. The walls are covered with faded photos of Italian villages, and the owner, Giuseppe, still greets regulars by name and occasionally by playful insult.
Their lasagna is the stuff of legends—layers upon layers of pasta, meat sauce, and béchamel that somehow stays structurally sound while melting in your mouth. It’s engineering and art combined on a plate.
What I love most is that they haven’t changed their recipes to chase trends or tourist tastes. This is old-school Italian cooking, the kind where grandmothers guard their secrets fiercely. Cash only, so hit the ATM before you go, unless you enjoy awkward conversations.
5. Rossitos (Broward County)
Rossitos operates on a simple philosophy: make everything from scratch, charge fair prices, and let the food speak for itself. Located in a nondescript Broward County plaza, it’s the kind of place where locals fiercely guard the secret while simultaneously wanting everyone to experience the magic.
Their fettuccine alfredo is rich without being heavy, which seems physically impossible until you taste it. The chef apparently trained in Bologna, and it shows in every silky strand of pasta.
I once brought a friend from New York who claimed Florida couldn’t possibly have good Italian food, and watching him eat his words along with his tortellini in brodo was deeply satisfying. The restaurant fills up fast on weekends, so either arrive early or embrace the wait with a glass of Chianti.
6. Casa Calabria (Pembroke Pines)
Representing the often-overlooked Calabrian region of Southern Italy, Casa Calabria brings spicy, bold flavors that’ll wake up your palate. This Pembroke Pines treasure doesn’t mess around with its ‘nduja-infused dishes that pack heat and flavor in equal measure.
Their pasta alla Calabrese features spicy sausage, peppers, and a tomato sauce that’s been simmering so long it probably has its own life story. The pasta itself has that perfect rough texture that grabs onto sauce like it’s holding on for dear life.
The family running this place actually hails from Calabria, and you can taste the authenticity in every bite. They’re not trying to tone down flavors for American palates, which I deeply respect. Come hungry, leave happy and slightly sweaty from the spice, and already planning your return visit.
7. Sosta Cafe (Pembroke Pines)
Sosta means pause in Italian, and this Pembroke Pines cafe wants you to slow down and savor every moment. The atmosphere feels like a lazy Sunday afternoon in Tuscany, even when you’re squeezing in lunch during a hectic workday.
Their ravioli changes seasonally, but I’ve never met a version I didn’t immediately fall in love with. Whether it’s butternut squash in fall or lobster in summer, the filling-to-pasta ratio is always perfection.
The owners clearly put thought into every detail, from the carefully curated drink list to the fresh flowers on each table. It’s intimate without being cramped, casual without being sloppy. I’ve celebrated promotions and nursed breakups here, and the pasta has been equally comforting for both occasions.
8. Gianni’s Pompano (Pompano Beach)
Gianni’s combines coastal Florida vibes with Northern Italian precision, creating something uniquely wonderful. Located in Pompano Beach, this spot takes advantage of fresh local seafood while honoring traditional pasta-making techniques that would make any Italian grandmother nod approvingly.
Their linguine with mixed seafood is a masterclass in not overcooking shellfish—everything is tender, briny, and perfectly complemented by a light tomato sauce. Gianni himself often works the dining room, sharing stories and drink recommendations with the enthusiasm of someone who genuinely loves what he does.
The restaurant has that worn-in comfort of a place that’s been loved for years. Nothing is fancy or pretentious, just honest, delicious food served by people who care. I recommend sitting outside if weather permits, enjoying ocean breezes between bites of exceptional pasta.
9. Nonna’s Kitchen (Tampa)
Walking into Nonna’s Kitchen feels like being invited to an Italian grandmother’s house for Sunday dinner, except you don’t have to help with dishes afterward. This Tampa gem operates out of what used to be a residential home, adding to its authentic, intimate atmosphere.
The menu is small, changing based on what Nonna (yes, there’s an actual nonna in the kitchen) feels like making that day. Her gnocchi is lighter than air, pillowy and delicate, served with various sauces that all taste like love and butter.
Reservations are essential because seating is extremely limited, and once people discover this place, they become evangelical about it. The experience is unhurried—expect to spend a couple hours here, which is exactly how Italian meals should be enjoyed. Bring cash, bring appetite, bring patience, and you’ll be rewarded tenfold.
10. Enzo’s On The Lake (Longwood)
Perched on the shores of Lake Fairy in Longwood, Enzo’s offers something rare: a hole-in-the-wall vibe despite its stunning location. The building itself is quirky and charming, looking more like a cottage than a restaurant, which somehow makes the exceptional pasta inside even more surprising.
Their pappardelle with wild mushroom ragù is earthy, rich, and deeply satisfying. The pasta ribbons are wide enough to showcase the chef’s rolling skills, and they hold onto that luxurious sauce beautifully.
While the lakeside setting might suggest fancy prices, Enzo’s remains surprisingly affordable and unpretentious. The service is warm without being overbearing, and the drink list features Italian bottles you won’t find everywhere else. I’ve watched sunsets here while twirling spaghetti, and honestly, life doesn’t get much better than that particular combination.