Casa Cosenza — Restaurant in Oldsmar

Review: Casa Cosenza - Oldsmar, FL

Casa Cosenza – Oldsmar has become my go-to Italian restaurant, and each visit is nothing short of a culinary journey through the diverse flavors of Italy. From the moment you step through the door, the warm ambiance and friendly staff make you feel like you've been transported to the heart of Italy. The owner is what I call fresh off the boat, and many of his staff reflect the flavor and ambiance you would expect in Italy The menu offers a delightful array of authentic Italian dishes that cater to all tastes, and all the pasta is made in house!

Michael Glinter has traveled to 87 countries and 36 states to get the flavor of some amazing foods. His view on reviews is simple – Taste, Presentation, and Service. He believes it's important to tell the reader both a positive and negative unbiased look at the restaurant. Let's take a look and see how Casa Consenza scored in these 3 categories.

Taste and Presentation We started with a special appetizer for the night which was a Homemade Tortellini stuff with Italian cheese and white truffle in a white cream sauce. Then for entrees we had Filetto al Barolo a 8oz Filet Mignon in red wine sauce, served with mushrooms, vegetables, and house potatoes, and the night special which was a Branzino filet with mussels and clams topped with a red sauce.

The filet was cooked to absolute perfection, the Barolo wine reduction is a symphony of flavors and truly complemented the meat, The presentation was equally impressive, with an artful arrangement that highlighted the dish's elegance and with a side of perfectly cooked mushrooms, zucchini, and potatoes. and a choice of potato accompaniment

The Branzino was a true celebration of the sea, a dish that impeccably combines freshness, flavor, and culinary artistry. It was grilled to perfection, showcasing the pristine quality of the fish. Each forkful revealed a subtle sweetness that spoke of the sea, and the expert seasoning allowed the natural flavors to shine. The inclusion of mussels and clams added a dynamic layer to the dish. The shellfish were impeccably cooked, tender and brimming with the essence of the ocean. The savory broth, infused with garlic, white wine, and herbs, was a symphony of complementary flavors that elevated the entire dish to a new level of indulgence. The presentation was a work of art, with the vibrant colors of the seafood and the aromatic broth creating an enticing visual appeal. The dish was accompanied by a medley of seasonal vegetables, adding a refreshing balance to the richness of the seafood.

Service What can I say. Max. Dear Max. He was amazing. He exhibited a genuine passion for the cuisine, providing insightful descriptions of each dish and its preparation. His enthusiasm not only enhanced our dining experience but also reflected a true dedication to the art of hospitality. He was constantly attentive to our table, always asking us how things were doing, tasting, and making sure we were well taken care of. I observed him around the restaurant and his passion for people and really creating an amazing guest experience was top notch.

The Italian décor, soft lighting, and the piano truly created an intimate atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for a romantic dinner or a celebration with friends and family.

In conclusion, Casa Cosenza is a gem among Italian restaurants. The dedication to authenticity, the quality of ingredients, and the overall dining experience make it a must-visit for anyone craving a taste of Italy in the heart of Tampa Bay. Every visit has always been a celebration of the rich culinary heritage that Italy has to offer. Buon Appetito!

If you do go to visit and Max is working, tell him “Uncle Mike” sent you there and he will make sure you have an...

The restaurant had great ambiance and look like you are eating at someone's home. The white linen tablecloths are a nice touch. The service started out well. We brought my daughter here for her birthday and were very disappointed. Where to begin, let's start with appetizers. By far the worst prosciutto I have ever eaten. Everyone tried it and there were parts that were chewy and inedible. My wife couldn't even swallow her slice. I don't expect di Parma but at least edible. The cheese was ok (ordered a meat and cheese plate). Next the eggplant ham and provelone came out in a hot mini crockpot, looked promising. While the pot was too hot to touch the contents were warm to cold, not heated nearly long enough. The appetizer disaster should have been our first warning and I wish we had left unfortunately we ordered entrees. My daughter came here for lasagna. 5 out of 6 entrees ordered were awful. Let's start with my father in law, ordered a filet rare, came out medium well. We had ordered after our apps and understood it might take awhile but we expected the food to come out correctly. On to my mother in law, ordered traditional ravioli, simple right? Nope warm at best and contained some sort of neon green purée. Not real sure how this is traditional ravioli but they tasted awful. My oldest daughter ordered gnocchi- another easy dish. Nope came out cold in the middle so we sent it back. They obviously microwaved it because what came back was a mushy mess. Looked like a pile of mashed potatoes, she was able to eat maybe half. My dish, the special pasta with truffles, was luke warm. I ordered it with shrimp and it came with a side of chicken breast. I asked why and they exchanged for four little shrimp but obviously I ordered with the intent they would be mixed with the pasta not on the side, well at least this was the hottest thing I had to eat the entire evening. My daughters birthday lagsagna was supposedly their signature dish, worst lasagna she has ever eaten. To end on a positive my wife ordered their special pasta with a spicy Italian sauce and shrimp. Her dish was hot, the shrimp large and tasty. Sorry 1 out of six is completely unacceptable. Won't be back EVER. Postianos is where we originally wanted to eat but they had no reservations available even a week before. Will plan...

Wow. I mean, wow. Who would have guessed that Oldsmar would have such an amazing Italian restaurant? I mean, Oldsmar is my favorite town in the Tampa Bay Area but this place is a hidden gem.

Invited by my parents for my birthday, I underestimated this experience.

First, I went “Florida Casual”…nice shorts and a fishing shirt. I felt underdressed but in no way was made to feel so. I would have fully enjoyed the experience more if I had worn a nice shirt. The funny thing though, as soon as I walked in I immediately took off my baseball hat; it just had a feel where hats are certainly allowed but again, it just feels better to embrace the environment.

Ok, the service? Nearly impeccable young men working. They knew the menu, they were polite and they were personable.

The atmosphere gave me the vibe that we were Italy though I’ve never been. It felt like the owner is obviously Italian and proud to share the best of Italy with his customers.

The live piano was a tad loud but I didn’t even think of it until others at the table brogue it up. It didn’t bother be and watching the pianist lost in his joy was just mesmerizing.

The food? I’m a horrible food critic because I love everything. But I can tell the difference between good food and food that flies at a higher plane. I had the Chilean sea bass with oysters, clams and ravioli. The only problem I had with it was that I was so fixated on the truth that it would all be gone soon that it distracted me from fully enjoying it. This means it was good. So good. The fillet was juicy and touched with so many things that it all blended into a masterpiece. Did it mention how good it was?

Bottom line? I want to go back. I want to go back very soon, 24 hours later and I’m craving it again.

My regret? I don’t drink. I feel that for those that can appreciate god to great wine, this would be the place to go.

I could write about this place for hours. Go there…and bring some cash to tip...