Scarpa's Italian

Got to visit this place last night and I have to say it was superb. Being a native Jersey girl, I can say I am very seasoned in Italian cuisine, with that being said the food here is as authentic as it can get. We had a very traditional dish, chicken parmagiane and the grouper scampi, both to DIE FOR! We also had the baked Brie as an appetizer *chefs kiss* and the crème brûlée for dessert was amongst the best I've ever had. Our server "bearded Cody" was excellent. He was knowledgeable, personable and made great recommendations. The restaurant was everything you could hope for on a romantic date, it felt intimate, with ambient lighting, there was candle light at the tables, and the walls were decorated but not too busy. Also the music selection was phenomenal. I noticed what appeared to be the manager helping to clear tables, you love to see it, when leadership steps in and helps. The entire vibe of the place feels like it's been carefully cultivated with all of the choices they've made. Will definitely be visiting this place again in the very near future.

This place will always always hold a special piece of my heart. This is where my husband took me on our first date. He was a chef here at the time and he had the most amazing things to say about the owners. it was the best job he's ever had that it was the one job that he looked forward to going to every single day with a smile on his face.The start of the date was walking in the restaurant and seeing the romantic candlelit tables the dimly lit but beautiful dining area filled with happy customers enjoying their meals. We were set at a table and the server at the time had everything down to a perfect timing. It's like she knew when to approach the table and went to leave you alone. Our drinks were never empty and they check in often, but not too often if you know what I mean. The food is to die for, taste execution everything the seafood was cooked perfection the pasta was impeccable. This is the perfect restaurant to go for any reason. It will be a happy memory forever.

Walked in on a Friday at 5pm when it just opened. I was surprised when encouraged to make reservations. When we walked in the place was pretty empty but by the time we ate it was filled. From the outside this place looks like it doesn't have much to offer. Don't judge the restaurant by its cover huh? This cozy place has a small wine cellar, they make their own pasta and ingredients tasted fresh. Will definitely return.

This is a 5 star restaurant very elegant, food is always on point! You can't go wrong when coming here, I've never had a bad meal. That truly say's so much coming from me, I'm very picky lol I want to thank Scarpa's for always making me happy!!

Delicious food. Great atmosphere! Not too fancy but handmade and delicious. Lots of wines to enjoy too

Dined 6pm Friday, 10/20/2023. There's plenty of parking, a bit quieter tonight but busy.We had the special baked Brie w/ blackberry compote. It's a nice taste with the fruit. I like the regular Brie appetizer better. We also had burrata caprese, the heirloom tomatoes & balsamic reduction make an outstanding combination.I had a veal chop w/ puttanesca sauce, duchess potatoes & roasted asparagus. The chop was tender, perfectly cooked. The puttanesca sauce works really well here. Sides were nice.Service is always superb here, as good or better than any place in Lakeland. Pace of service is relaxed and appropriate for enjoying a night out.Ambience is nice, gray walls, white trim, dark wood., Some may think it's a bit tight between the tables. There's room for a walker or wheelchair. Lights are low, oil candles on each table.

First time dinning here. Me and wife really enjoyed the experience. Amazing food and even better service! Will be returning. Well worth the drive to eat here. Ravioli was melt in your mouth and the flan was creamy and delicious!

I had been here a couple years ago and it was great but it seems to have gone a bit down hill since then. We made a reservation and still had to wait another 45 minutes. If you're going to encourage to make reservations you should be seating your guest in a timely manner. It wasn't just our party it was every party that walked in regardless of size they had to wait a significant amount of time. I understand 15 or 20 minutes behind but not 45. Once we were sat by the hostess we were not given any menus and were immediately asked for drink orders and were still not given any menus. We eventually had to ask for menus. Also had to ask multiple times for a high chair. The drinks were very good. We ordered some bruschetta and calamari. The bruschetta was good and the calamari was very underwhelming from what I remember. I ordered veal parmigiana and the sauce and pasta were good but the veal was severely overcooked and tough. From reading other recent reviews I think they have an overbooking problem and that has hurt their quality. I really hope this was just an off night.

Other than Scarpa's which is rated as one of Florida's best restaurants. The only Lakeland food emporium to be on the list. That said, Scarpa's is absolutely magnificent when it comes to food, service and aura. You feel like you are there by yourself in your own little nook. And the food, Mama Mia! I'll see you there on Saturdays.

Service and atmosphere is amazing. My Grouper was delicious and my friend loved her lasagna with meatballs. Large portions. Would highly recommend reservations.