11 Under-The-Radar Florida Italian Restaurants You’ll Wish You Found Sooner

Florida’s Italian food scene goes way beyond the tourist traps and big-name chains. Hidden throughout the Sunshine State are incredible family-run trattorias, cozy neighborhood spots, and authentic eateries that locals guard like secret recipes.

If you’re tired of overpriced pasta and underwhelming marinara, get ready to discover some seriously delicious Italian gems that’ll make you wonder why you waited so long to find them.

1. Enzo’s On The Lake (Longwood)

Waterfront dining meets old-world charm at this romantic Longwood treasure that’s been winning hearts since 1980. The moment you step onto the candlelit patio overlooking Lake Fairy, you’ll feel transported straight to Lake Como.

Chef Enzo Pereda brings authentic Northern Italian flavors with dishes like handmade gnocchi and osso buco that’ll make your taste buds sing opera. The dessert list is a must-try, and the sunset views are absolutely complimentary.

Locals treat this spot like their secret anniversary destination, so reservations are basically mandatory.

2. Il Ritorno (St. Petersburg)

Chef Ryan Boeve left New York’s culinary scene to bless St. Pete with this intimate 40-seat gem, and boy are we grateful. Il Ritorno means “the return,” and one visit explains why people keep coming back for more.

Seasonal menus change constantly, featuring house-made pasta that’s rolled fresh daily and ingredients sourced from local farms. The burrata appetizer alone could make grown adults weep with joy.

Don’t expect red-checkered tablecloths here—this is sophisticated Italian cuisine with a modern Florida twist that respects tradition while celebrating creativity.

3. Osteria Tulia (Naples)

Tucked in Naples’ Fifth Avenue South, Osteria Tulia feels like stumbling into a Tuscan farmhouse—if that farmhouse served incredible homemade pasta and craft cocktails. Chef Vincenzo Betulia creates magic with simple, high-quality ingredients that let authentic flavors shine.

The rigatoni alla vodka has achieved legendary status among locals, and the wood-fired pizzas emerge from the oven with perfectly blistered crusts. Every dish celebrates Italian comfort food without the stuffiness.

The rustic-chic atmosphere makes it perfect for both date nights and family gatherings.

4. La Trattoria Old Town (Key West)

Finding authentic Italian food in Key West feels like discovering buried treasure, and La Trattoria is the X-marks-the-spot. Owner Massimo and his family serve up recipes passed down through generations, bringing a slice of Tuscany to the Florida Keys.

The outdoor courtyard garden creates a magical dining atmosphere under twinkling lights and swaying palm trees. Their seafood specials showcase the best of both Italian and Caribbean influences.

Skip the Duval Street crowds and follow the locals to this hidden gem where the limoncello flows and the pasta is always al dente.

5. Gratzzi Italian Grille (St. Pete)

Gratzzi proves that family-owned doesn’t mean outdated—this St. Pete staple has been serving exceptional Italian-American fare since 1993. The Castellano family treats every guest like extended family, minus the awkward holiday questions.

Their chicken marsala practically melts off the fork, and the portions are generous enough to guarantee leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch. The extensive menu offers something for everyone, from classic spaghetti carbonara to creative seafood specials.

The cozy yet upscale atmosphere strikes the perfect balance between special occasion and comfortable neighborhood spot.

6. Caffe Positano (Apopka)

Named after the stunning Amalfi Coast village, Caffe Positano brings Southern Italian sunshine to suburban Apopka. This family-run spot specializes in Neapolitan-style cooking that tastes like someone’s nonna is working magic in the kitchen.

The pizza dough ferments for 48 hours before hitting the brick oven, resulting in clouds of carb perfection. Their eggplant parmigiana has converted countless vegetable skeptics into believers.

The casual, cheerful atmosphere and affordable prices make it a favorite among locals who appreciate authentic flavors without the downtown markup or pretension.

7. Francesco’s Ristorante & Pizzeria (Maitland)

Francesco’s has been a Maitland institution since 1988, serving up no-nonsense Italian-American comfort food that hits all the right notes. Owner Francesco brings recipes from his native Italy, tweaked perfectly for Florida palates.

The thin-crust pizzas emerge from the brick oven with crispy edges and gooey centers that’ll make you reconsider every pizza you’ve ever eaten. Their lasagna comes layered so high it practically needs architectural support.

The warm, unpretentious vibe feels like dining at your Italian uncle’s house—if your uncle happened to be an incredible chef.

8. Trattoria Romana (Boca Raton)

Roman cuisine takes center stage at this sophisticated Boca Raton hideaway that’s been quietly impressing diners since 1993. Chef-owner Arturo Gismondi brings authentic recipes from Rome’s trattorias, executed with precision and passion.

The cacio e pepe is textbook perfect—just pecorino, black pepper, and pasta water creating creamy magic without a drop of cream. Their saltimbocca alla romana showcases veal so tender it practically dissolves on your tongue.

Despite the upscale location, prices remain surprisingly reasonable for such high-quality, authentic Italian cooking that respects tradition.

9. Flavio’s Brick Oven & Bar (Siesta Key/Sarasota)

Beach vibes meet Italian authenticity at Flavio’s, where flip-flops and phenomenal food coexist peacefully. Just minutes from Siesta Key’s famous white sand beaches, this spot serves Neapolitan-style pizzas that rival anything you’d find in Naples—the Italian one.

The dough recipe comes straight from Flavio’s family in Italy, and watching the pizzaiolos work the brick oven is entertainment in itself. Fresh mozzarella gets made in-house daily, and the seafood pasta showcases Gulf Coast catches.

The laid-back atmosphere perfectly captures that beachy Florida feeling.

10. Nonna’s Kitchen (Tampa)

Walking into Nonna’s Kitchen feels like getting invited to Sunday dinner at your Italian grandmother’s house—assuming your grandmother happens to be an exceptional cook. This Tampa treasure serves soul-warming Italian comfort food made from scratch daily.

The menu changes based on what’s fresh and what Nonna feels like making, which is exactly how Italian cooking should work. Their meatballs are legendary, and the red sauce simmers for hours until it reaches pure perfection.

Small, intimate, and unpretentious, this spot prioritizes flavor and hospitality over fancy presentation or Instagram appeal.

11. Trattoria Dario (Vero Beach)

Vero Beach’s culinary crown jewel, Trattoria Dario brings sophisticated Northern Italian cuisine to Florida’s Treasure Coast. Chef Dario Ghersi trained in Milan before bringing his considerable talents to this elegant yet welcoming restaurant.

The menu reads like a love letter to Lombardy, featuring risottos that achieve that perfect creamy consistency and veal preparations that showcase true craftsmanship. Their homemade desserts highlight traditional Italian flavors, and the staff is always ready to help you choose the perfect sweet ending to your meal.

Reservations fill up quickly, especially during season, so plan ahead for this exceptional dining experience.