Piccola Italia Bistro — Restaurant in Tampa

Okay pay attention, I don't say this often and am hesitating now because I don't want Piccola to become too popular. So let's just keep this between us. If you are looking for traditional white linen tablecloth Italian restaurant this isn't it! If you like authentic Italian food with great service and great prices, read on. Piccola is a small place in a strip center next to a Tarot Card reading shop. There are only seven tables served by a very small, friendly and knowledgeable staff. Being so unassuming is part of it's charm. Most nights reservations are necessary, and they offer 2 seating's. There's no liquor license so BYOB. They have no corkage fee. On our visit another patron has left a share bottle (consider taking one if you go), so we were able to partake of a pretty darn good Cabernet no charge! We were greeted by Michelle who runs the front of the house. She pulled up a seat and described the specials, offered us the wine, and we felt like family. We start with the Burrata plate ($13.95). It's a huge portion of the Burrata (fresh Italian cheese made from mozzarella and cream), perfectly ripened thick slices of tomato, fresh crisp greens, dressed in an olive oil and balsamic vinegar. I will simply say ... divine! Next is house made Ravioli ($19.95) and it is stellar. It's served in a glass pie plate, stuffed with spinach and ricotta cheese, and covered with a world class red sauce topped with mozzarella. The sweet tang red sauce is perfectly accented with basil (They call it William red- that's the Chef's name). My table mate and I discuss putting the stuff on ice cream. It's that good! For a second entree we have Tortellini Boscaiola ($9.95) -Cheese Tortellini with peas and mushrooms in Parmesan cream sauce. It's a marvelous al dente cheese stuffed curl of pasta greatness. I've not had peas and mushrooms with tortellini before and the combination is exceptional. The thick and creamy Parm sauce is the consistency of a thick gravy and wonderful. Chef William de Ingeniis - a one man band of culinary art delivers food to the table and checks on the meal before we leave. All standard dinner menu dishes are 9.95. Specials prices differ but are still a great value and are listed on the saloon style doors going into the kitchen. Check them before ordering! I just love little hidden gems like this. Piccola merits 5 stars as it meets all my metrics including service, size, food, price, and attitude. Just don't...

Hidden Gem! Secret Hole in the Wall! Call this one man operation what you want but be assured that William does a creative and fresh Italian kitchen in the couple of hundred square feet he has to work with.

Ambiance - Seriously? Came here on a quiet Sunday afternoon and were one of two groups in the restaurant. Maybe the 6 wood table and 20 or so red plastic chairs add to the old world charm, but lower your expectations and enjoy the Italian photos and view of the kitchen. It does have the look and feel of a small Italian bistro. Just imagine a view of the Mediterranean in place of the busy MLK outside.

Pro Tip1 - Make reservations as space is limited.

Service - William does almost all of it himself, from cooking, to serving, to answering the phone. He often has one helper (a relative?) but is essentially a one man operation. That being said, service is efficient, the food comes out quickly, and water carafes are plentiful.

Food - That’s what you’re here for and you won’t be disappointed. William has 10 pastas (all $14.95) a few appetizers, and no salads on the menu. The one salad available is Caprese, and it’s good. His specials can number from 3 to 10 depending on the day and take good mental notes as he will rattle them off quickly. They all sound incredible, and it’s tough to choose.

Pro Tip2 - Make sure you ask the price of the specials as they can be 2X to 3X the price of the 10 regular pastas.

Braised Short Ribs on Pappardelle (special $39.95)- An incredible boneless short rib that is fork tender over pappardelle smothered in a red bolognese-like sauce. This is definitely a hearty plate that “meat-lovers” will relish. Perfectly al dente pasta in a rich hearty sauce. Be prepared to share or take some home.

Anglio E Olio - Spaghetti pasta with scallions, sesame seeds and red peppers. More delicious than I expected with quite a pop from the peppers. I couldn’t stop eating this …

Cannoli - Comes in pairs but we were able to order one for half the price. Crunchy exterior and creamy cheesy interior. There were chocolate sprinkles and I would have preferred shaved chocolate or even chips. The sprinkling of powdered sugar was done evenly and not just dumped on, which I appreciated.

Pro Tip3 - Bring cash to avoid the credit card fee…

The newest addition to my “Favorite Hole in the Wall” restaurants and worth a trip to Tampa just...

An honest review. Great Food, overpriced. The food is freshly made. I ordered the Manicotti special with Ricotta and spinach, with Vodka sauce. I went by the menu posted here and online, only to find out as I was given the bill it was $23.59, listed as "Custom Item." See the photo, PLUS there is a 3% card fee on top, and that didn't include the tip.

What came with the "Custom Item?" 3 Manicottis and that is it. Nothing else. I had to ask for a fork since it was takeout. When I first walked in, I showed the cook (only 2 people - cook and a lady server) the Map photos and reviews, as I originally wanted the Bruschetta. The cook said "No - we don't have that. Those are photos from customers, no Bruschetta is available." Yet, the Bruschetta is listed on their Menu - go figure. Then he said "I'll read you the specials...." I ordered the Manicotti as I thought it would be simple enough....

What a disappointment. Do NOT GO BY the photos on on Map, even online. Call first and find out what is available, then ask for the price. It is deceiving to post prices online and then go to a restaurant, order a "Special" and be charged $24.00 only to get 3, single Manicottis with sauce. I won't come back here. The food may be good, but their price tag is outrageous. I didn't even get a take out bag!

In contrast, go across the street to Mambos Cafe and for $10.00, you get DELICIOUS latin food, and plenty of it.

Do your homework first before coming here. I wish I had a better experience, based on the reviews I read.

REPLYING TO THE RESTAURANT: A Manicotti is NOT a lobster, NOR did it contain any lobster or "exotic" ingredients. The pasta may be fresh, but it certainly isn't worth the $24.00 for 3 Manicottis. Regarding me "asking for pricing" - IT IS UP TO YOU, AS THE RESTAURANT, to FULLY disclose the price of all your "Specials." Every restaurant will list their Specials and include the price for each. You obviously lack any accountability on your end, and instead of wanting to make right, you choose to defend and attack.

Maybe this is why you are operating out of a hole in a wall.

Don't bother to respond back. Your comments are offensive and lack taste. My review stands as an honest,...