Truly Amazing
The environment at Che Vita is modern, upscale, casual, and relaxing. Che Vita's space is welcoming and warm, with an atmosphere that is both vibrant and comfortable, yet not overly formal.
Our waitress, Mytran, is beyond amazing. Mytran and the server Erich are attentive, genuine, and helpful with both food and drink recommendations. Mytran and Erich really set the tone for us to have a wonderful evening.
We started with the Antipasti Bread & Butter, accompanied by a delightful pair of house-made focaccia, grissini, herb-lemon butter, and chili oil. The bread was baked to perfection, with a crisp outer edge and a light, toasted center. Meanwhile, the butter and chili oil provided just the right balance of richness and flavor. While we were waiting for our main course, the chef surprised us with a crispy, Asian-inspired bite, similar to a wonton, finished with a tangy-sweet honey sauce. The honey, sourced from the local Greek consulate, gave the dish a unique and memorable touch.
For our main course, we both had the Agnolotti Blue Crab, a dish that is rich and creamy, with savory crab in every bite. The lemon basil artisan ricotta, crispy parmesan, and Tampa citrus gremolata added layers of flavor and texture, making each bite incredible.
Our meal concluded with two desserts recommended by Chef Raul. The Tiramisu Semifreddo, with espresso-martini-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cream, and the Cannolo, filled with Nutella and chocolate mousse, accented by pistachio butter crumb and Luxardo cherries. Both desserts were a testament to the chef's skill, being rich, flavorful, and perfectly balanced without being overly sweet.
Che Vita impressed us not only with vibrant, flavorful food but also with the warmth and authenticity of the staff who went out of their way to provide us with a wonderful evening and dinning experience. Jenn, the manager, stopped by to check in and was genuinely interested in ensuring we were having a wonderful experience and evening. Chef Raul visited several tables, including ours, to gather feedback and connect with the guests. Something I consider a mark of a true professional, and both who take great pride in their craft.
We are immensely grateful to Mytran, Chef Raul, Erich, Jenn, Danny, and Jovan for their exceptional service, which made our evening truly memorable. Their warmth, authenticity, and dedication to their craft were evident throughout our dining experience. We look forward to returning to Che Vita and making it a regular stop on our future visits to...
Read moreWe did not eat inside the actual restaurant but sat at the hotel bar which was right outside Che Vita and Che Vita provided the food for the bar area. Their "bar bites" appeared to be a stripped down version of the restaurants lunch menu. First off, our server was Kristen and she was wonderful. Thoughtful, attentive and friendly, which is what everyone wants in a server. We were just coming back from a Tampa Bay lightning game and wanted a quick bite but not too much so we ordered the arrancini (rice balls) which was absolutely delicious, but my highest praise goes to the Americano burger. The bacon was crisp, I asked for my burger well and it came that way but still tender and not dry... It was spectacular and it came with a basket of fries which was also perfectly prepared. Didn't have room for dessert, but they looked tempting. Hilton diamond members get a food credit at the hotel which made the experience that much nicer. Overall, thanks to Kristen, a...
Read moreI stayed in the Hilton for work, and I had a fairly late night, so wandered down to the hotel restaurant for dinner. I was skeptical, as I am pretty hit or miss on enjoying hotel dinners, but Che Vita was a clear exception. From the moment I walked in, the experience was fantastic. Alex was a fantastic server, and we had a great conversation about the menu and what to order. I followed his recommendations and was very satisfied. I had the Acqua Pazza with Grouper as he suggested, and I was the perfect amount of food and tasted incredible. I almost asked for more bread to dip in the broth that was left over, but I saved room for the tiramisu, and I am so glad I did. Alex mentioned that it was the staff's favorite, and I can see why. The taste and texture was bar none some of the best that I've had. All in all a great experience, and I will be back the next time...
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