Spartaco's Kitchen — Restaurant in Tampa

The food is superb. The wine recommendation was superb. WE will be back for sure. Absolutely one of the best restaurants in Tampa.

Going to Spartaco's was like a breath of fresh air after our long hot summers. The service was fantastic - everyone is treated like family. The wine recommendation by Domenique was excellent. She recommended a varietal called "pecorino" - like the cheese. I found out it was almost extinct - but an Italian farmer wisely saved it. Thank goodness he did - it was amazing.

The food. I felt like I was in Italy. The zucchini carpaccio was excellent and simple, the pasta con vognole (with tiny New Zealand clams) was mouthwatering. The pork chop (ordered after an internal debate about my high triglycerides) was super. It was breaded, garlicky - and topped with prosciutto and gruyere. Wow. This is what I am talking about.

Living in downtown Tampa for about 9 years has been great. Where I am from (New York) - we have excellent food. NYC hands-down has some of the best restaurants in the US. Tampa? Not so much. The old stalwarts are great - and always are. There are only handful I would spend money on to be honest. Lately, we have had an influx of high-style, low-substance restaurants - especially downtown. While there are a couple of amazing ones that have won Michelin stars, there are others that are very expensive, inconsistent, and quite honestly - not worth the money unless you want to impress a date. Tampa needs to reign in their overly self-absorbed, overly self-confident food scene. The food sucks, there I said it. The interior design is great though.

I digress.

I have been blessed to spend much time in Italy. I would go there for work quite a bit. Also, I have been for vacation. Lovely country.

If you are into food, really good...

First visit to Spartaco’s kitchen was nothing special. The owner comes up to us after we were seated at a table for four and says next time sit at a table for two because we’re a small place. This was after a nice lady said it was okay to sit where we were while she’s clearing the other two settings. There was only one other table occupied when we arrived. Strike one for the owner. Then he contradicts me when I ordered the appetizer size tortelloni size plate in addition to a salad. It doesn’t come in an appetizer size he says. I show him the menu where it says it does. Strike 2. He brings out bread with a bland watercress dip for which an additional $5 charge was added to the check. We didn’t order it he just brought it out. Okay fine, but let people know. It does say on the menu it’s $5 but it’s easily missed. The tortelloni with mushrooms was very good but my wife’s dish of Alfredo sauce with egg noodles and peas was bland. Arugula salad with Gorgonzola cheese and sliced pear was very good but small. The Italian pinot noir wine was good. In conclusion some bland food made worse with the owner’s...

Spartaco is truly a hidden gem in Tampa. From the moment we walked in, we were treated to exceptional service—warm, attentive, and genuinely welcoming. It felt like we had been transported to a small, charming corner of Italy right in the middle of the city.

The atmosphere is cozy and authentic, full of character and charm. You can tell the owners and staff care deeply about the experience they provide. It’s not just a meal—it’s a unique escape from the hustle of the city.

The food? Absolutely delicious. Every bite was packed with flavor and clearly made with fresh ingredients and love. It’s the kind of Italian food that makes you pause and savor.

Spartaco is one of those rare places that makes you want to come back again and again. If you’re looking for an intimate, authentic dining experience with incredible food and top-notch service, this place should be at the top...