La Terrazza Ristorante Italiano

The end of one year. The beginning of a new one (2025). So, what better place to be than in a small restaurant that was private and different. It seemed we were stepping into a relatives kitchen, to sit at the table to talk, drink and eat. And all in no rush. This is typical Italian. And this seemed to be typical for La Terrazza.We planned to be here as the year ended, and it was a good choice as all of us said. Greeted at the door we were invited in to sit down at the table and see what there was to have. The team is excellent. The gentleman who was to help us went through the menu and started with what we might like to drink while we thought of it all. This was not too tough as it being Italian you might as well have a glass, or bottle, of wine. Red or white. It is your choice. And the wine was from Italy so it was a special choice to have depending on the main course.The wine was brought to us and we were ready to start with the appetizer first. In traditional fashion we ordered that first, later we would decide on the main entree. With wine in hand we made the toast and talked. The white wine we good. The red wine was also good. It was your choice.When the appetizers came we did make a variety of selections. I had the Proscuitto e Formaggio. This is thin slices of Parma proscuitto with shaved parma cheese, olives, tomatoes and salad. And excellent choice that is topped with a light vinaigrette. Excellent. We also had a plate of Insalata di Asparagi. A true dish of salad and asparagus, tomatoes, mozzarella, roasted red peppers, and artichokes. This was also topped with virgin olive oil and lemon. A light refreshing taste that would also make an excellent dinner in the summer. We also tried other appetizers that we shared and enjoyed.Next the main entree arrived. We each chose some different entrees. All a good choice. To start several of us had the Spaghetti ai Frutti di Mare....A true dish of seafood over pasta. This was hand made pasta as well. You can tell by the al dente style. This was combined with clams, mussels, sea scallops, and shrimp specially cooked and added. This was in a light white wine, olive oil, garlic sauce that is mixed with chopped tomatoes. Perfection. The seafood was truly fresh of the day. The pasta ideal. The sauce just needed a piece of bread to soak it up. We also had the Agnolotti di Aragosta e Garnachio. This is once more homemade ravioli that is stuffed with a mixture of lobster and crab meat. It is in a light Alfredo sauce that also had shrimp and asparagus. It is a different combination that once again was made fresh in the kitchen. It was what to expect if you were at home doing this.Natural, one of the items to try was the Veal Scaloppine Piccata. It was a thinly sliced piece of veal that was put in a white wine butter sauce with capers and parsely. This was served with chef's potatoes and fresh vegetables. And those vegetables could have been their own meal. It was an ideal mix on all levels. A good selection, especially with white wine to drink. Naturally we all shared the dishes we had.Once we completed our meals, and shared what we did, it was time for desert. For this we went traditional. A Cannoli or a Tiramisu. It goes without saying it is what you expect and the way it is made. We also tried a slice of cheese cake which was not as you might get in New York. The cake was thick and fresh. It was topped with a mix of berries, a sauce and a scoop of whipped cream. It was a multiple of flavors and textures combined on top of the cake.It did help to have an espresso to end the meal. And the evening.Overall La Terrazza is an excellent choice in Ybor City. The Italian difference to what you see outside. The team is excellent and helpful. The food is perfect thanks to the chef and team. The price is good for the meal you have the the portions you do receive. This is a great place to keep in mind next time we go back to be there. It is worth the trip without even going to Italy!Grazie!!!!

If you're not caucasian, do not go here. I went in asked for a table for two. The restaurant was about 50% filled. A caucasian couple was sitting at a table for two. They moved the couple to a table for 4 so they could seat us at table that was already being used. We walked out.It would have been acceptable to say all tables were reserved and the wait is 10 hours.

Where do I even start?!? This is some of the most authentic Italian I've had! Obviously I haven't been to Italy - but the owner/cooks have!!! Everything I tasted was magnificent. The cannolis-worth every calorie (totally share with someone bc they are rich.) Far as location - right in the heart of Ybor City. I recommend reservations - we didn't have them but we were there 5 minutes prior to opening - but others did have to wait for those who reservations. The service was wonderful and very attentive. The atmosphere was welcoming and not too loud...but not dull. Don't miss out trying this place!!!

We came there on a busy Saturday night with no reservation luckily they had one open for us. We ordered the bruschetta for appetizer and it was great! I ordered the pesto pasta with chicken and it was soo good!

I've been to this spot a few times. Service and food had been consistently good. Very happy customer.

Great food and service ! My family is Dominican born and readied and highly recommend it

Choosing this place was on the fly. My party and I were not prepared with this spot. The lobster ravioli is probably one of my most favorite pasta dishes I have ever had hands down! The quality is top notch! I loved my tiramisu! Light and fluffy. My wife got the beef tenderloin and it was solid. The cheesecake just tasted like any other cheesecake. This is a must go back!

5 stars to La Terrazza Ristorante Italiano. This smaller, quaint restaurant in Ybor City was amazing. We had dined here on a Thursday evening after walking around Ybor and it wasn't busy at all. We were able to be seated as soon as we walked in and taken care of right away. We ordered a bottle of Pinot Noir, two entrees (Agnolotti Di Aragosta E Granchio - pictured below), and tiramisu for dessert. Everything we ordered, we finished. The food was top tier and some of the best Italian I've had to date in Tampa. Our server, Andrew, was attentive and had great recommendations for us. I would highly recommend eating at this restaurant. They are open Thursdays-Saturdays and street parking is the only option, but all is worth it. Highly recommending La Terrazza! Will be back

I have been coming to La Terrazza or "Luigi's" for years. Expect the best service from Ethan and the man himself, Luigi. Excellent food, atmosphere and experience every time. If you want authentic Italian food made and served with pride, come to La Terrazza!

Really authentic Italian food in a very family and friendly environment. The food here is great and reminds me of all the Italian towns, from Ventimiglia in the northwestern Italian coast, all the way down to Napoli and Amalfi, and every where in between. Only down side is that it is not open every day.