BellaBrava Tampa — Restaurant in Tampa

Bravi, Bravi BellaBrava !! That's what came to mind as I left after enjoying a completely satisfying meal experience at BellaBrava on one Monday dinner. Its' no surprise how they are winning over hearts and taste buds of their guests and converting them in big fans (including this reviewer). Located in the hopping mid-town Tampa, BellaBrava offers a chick interior with (in my case) attentive service from waitstaff paired alongside great tasting cocktails and food, is a perfect formula for success for them.

I started with a Limoncello Collins cocktail made with limoncello, gin, lemon, soda, and mint. This was a perfect refreshing libration for the start of a memorable rest of experience.

I tried the Bella Bruschetta for my appetizer that starts with grilled crunch crostini topped with goat cheese, fresh tomato, red onion, basil and drizzled lightly with extra virgin olive oil. This was one of the best bruschetta I have had in some time. All ingredients mixed together create a delicious yet sophisticated flavor with crunchy profile with each bite

My Bella Wedge Salad with Steak had a fresh crunchy taste with the savory umami from the balsamic drizzle. The large head of iceberg lettuce base is topped with heirloom tomatoes accompanied by gorgonzola dressing, crumbled gorgonzola garnished with red onion and crispy prosciutto. Adding a side of steak makes this a fully satisfying meal all by itself. This salad is hard to put down even for someone who is not a big fan of salads (come me). :-)

The Ravioli Genovese (made with stuffed goat cheese and spinach) is topped with toasted pine nuts and gently floating in a basil pesto cream garnished with oven dried tomatoes and shaved pecorino cheese. This dish is a feast to the eyes as well to the taste buds. Each bite is a flavor celebration of delicious cheesy goodness with the soft pasta flavor of perfectly cooked ravioli.

BellaBrava is serving up perfectly tasty food with an ambiance fit for date night or sharing a good meal in the company of...

Bella Brava in Tampa offers a mixed dining experience with some standout moments and a few areas that could use improvement. The service was definitely a highlight of our visit. Our server, Valerie, was incredibly friendly and attentive, making us feel welcome and well taken care of throughout the meal. Her warmth and professionalism added a lot to our overall experience.

The drinks were another high point. The lavender martini was a delightful surprise—unique, fragrant, and perfectly balanced. The tiramisu martini was equally impressive, though the actual tiramisu dessert, while enjoyable, leaned a bit too sweet for my taste and missed the robust coffee flavor that defines a classic tiramisu.

For starters, we tried the bruschetta and the polenta fritta. The bruschetta was fantastic—fresh, flavorful, and topped with a delicious mix of tomatoes, basil, and balsamic. The polenta fritta, however, was just okay. While the texture was nice, it lacked depth of flavor aside from the sweetness of the honey it was served with. A bit more seasoning or a savory element could have elevated this dish.

The entrees were a bit of a letdown. The Misticanza salad was a standout, thanks to its vibrant Italian dressing that brought all the ingredients to life. Unfortunately, the margherita pizza and Pasta Caponata fell short. Both dishes were dry and bland, lacking the sauciness and bold flavors I was hoping for. The pizza crust was decent, but the overall dish needed more sauce and seasoning, while the pasta felt underdressed and uninspired.

Despite the hit-or-miss food, the ambiance and service at Bella Brava make it a pleasant spot to dine. With a few tweaks to the entrees and a more balanced approach to the tiramisu, this place could easily become a go-to for Italian cuisine in Tampa. I’d recommend it for the drinks, starters, and salad, but maybe explore other options for the main course. Thank you, Valerie, for making our evening...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at BellaBrava and I must say, it was an incredible experience from start to finish. Not only was the food delicious, but the service provided by my waitress, Margarita, was absolutely amazing.

From the moment I stepped into the restaurant, Margarita greeted me with a warm and friendly smile. She exuded a genuine passion for her work and it was evident that she truly cared about providing an exceptional dining experience.

Margarita was incredibly knowledgeable about the menu and was more than happy to offer suggestions based on my preferences. Her recommendations were spot-on, and I was blown away by the flavors and presentation of each dish she brought to the table.

Throughout the evening, Margarita's attentiveness was impeccable. She was always there when I needed something, whether it was to refill my water glass or to inquire about any menu items. Her ability to anticipate my needs was truly impressive, and it made me feel incredibly well taken care of.

What stood out the most about Margarita was her genuine warmth and friendliness. She made me feel like a valued guest, going above and beyond to ensure my dining experience was nothing short of exceptional. Her positive energy was contagious, and it added an extra layer of enjoyment to my time at BellaBrava.

In addition to Margarita's outstanding service, the overall atmosphere of BellaBrava was inviting and cozy. The restaurant had a vibrant and bustling ambiance, which added to the overall dining experience.

Overall, my experience at BellaBrava was truly unforgettable, thanks in large part to the incredible service provided by Margarita. Her attention to detail, knowledge, and genuine care for her customers were unparalleled. I highly recommend visiting BellaBrava and requesting Margarita as your waitress - she will undoubtedly enhance your dining experience and leave a...