Disclaimer: This list in NO way suggests these places are bad places to eat. Only that either I hear nothing about them (ever) or when I go in there, tumbleweeds block my way. Know of others or want to defend this restaurant turf? Put it in the Comments.
Donatello’s
For years, this former bastion of romance on North Dale Mabry was the go-to place for wedding proposals and proposals of all other business kinds. But, until about a week ago, I’d heard nothing about Donatello’s. No advertisements, no chatter, no gossip, no food festival participation (but apparently they’re on Facebook now). Perhaps I’m not the demographic they’re after (under 60?). Ditto for Lauro Ristorante on Henderson.
Nola Cafe
Every time I go in there (which isn’t too infrequently), only about four or five people linger. Not sure why… free wifi, convenient location, plenty of parking, and acceptable red beans and rice. Could be that Nola Cafe is tucked away in the back of a Walgreen’s plaza on Platt St. But I hear their new downtown St. Pete location is kickin’ though.
Vino y Pasta
There must be an underground swell of support for this place. I haven’t eaten at Vino y Pasta in years since every time the name emerges in conversation, it’s mingled with words like “horrible”, “worst pasta ever” and “snooty service.” Hmm… not enough to pull me away from the original owner’s place, Osteria Natalina, which remains my favorite authentic Italian resto in Tampa.
The Innumerable Cuban Joints on Columbus
I live in Riverside Heights, a short jaunt from La Teresita, the granddaddy of Cuban fare on Boliche Boulevard. Despite features on ABC’s “Dirty Dining” and countless attempts to wrest the “Best Cuban” title from them, La Teresita remains the most popular Spanish restaurant in the ‘hood. So how do the others stay in business? I’m going to make it a new half-year resolution to try out the other Spanish and Latin fare on the street (besides Arco Iris and Antojitos, which both rock).
Boizao Steakhouse
Being a borderline rabid carnivore, the idea of having someone arrive every two minutes with unlimited helpings of well-seasoned, roasted meat represents nirvana. But not when it pops me for close to $50. I hear tell Boizao is offering plenty of discounts to get you in there but can’t imagine how they are surviving.
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The corporate folks love Boizao which I believe is enough to keep them in business. And me, of course
Well, I don’t know how ANY restaurants can survive in Tampa bay. Let alone the ones mentioned. With the exception of course of the OK-yet-mediocre succession of chain restaurants such as Red Lobster, Carrabas and the like. The restaurant business is a difficult, wearying one, especially in times of difficult economy.
Go out and support your independent restaurants!
I have to disagree about Vino y Pasta. The food and service were both excellent last time I was there! I love the place and they are PACKED at lunch! Give it another try! The Canoli’s are to die for. This is authentic Italian!
Oh…And Chef Guy, I have to agree with you. I’m so over the Chain Invasion that is Florida! I support local whenever I can.
I’ve been to the Nola in Tampa a couple of times and loved it. True, the location doesn’t call attention to itself, — OK, it pretty much sucks — but all they’ve got to do is get you in the door once. It really should be a fave hangout for South Tampa. I live on the other side of the bay, so you can imagine how happy I was to read your article and find out they have one in St. Pete now, too. I really need to get out more.
Didn’t care for Nola. The Beans and Rice was sub-par. The next time, I went, my coffee was served with sour milk (although the owner did correct this!). However, heaping order of beignets were tasty, and the place was jamming on Friday night for an open-mic night.
I have to disagree about Vino y Pasta. The food and service is by far always exceptional..
My vote is for the Wine Exchange, since they have moved locations. Snooty service, high prices for vin ordinaire, stale menu, noisy interior, hot exterior. I used to frequent the old location at least weekly, but no more.
If there was ever a rating for overrated restaurants Donnatello would be number 1. Resting, and I do mean resting on its past. Who wants to pay the prices? Foo dis not THAT good. Extremely stuffy. Was ther recently (for a beer) and tookl a stroll through the dining room. Old, very old and no smiles among the wait staff or the patrons. the old Italian owner, Guido has an age matched only by his thoughts. Wouldn’t want to be his son if he thinks he’ll pay the bills without changes to this old, stuffy and pretentious fossil.
I agree with the comments about Vino Y Pasta; they have taken very good care of us for the past five years we have been going. Donatello’s – wow. We went there courtesy of some extremely huge coupons three months ago and although our bits were tasty, the pricing was only *mildly* outrageous at half-price. Paying full price is an affront to all that is right and good. There were other diners there, but the mean age was over 70, for sure. I believe their days are numbered.
I know this isn’t friends re-united, but Steve Valli!?
Boizao:
Is an absolutely wonderful resturant. It is true to the traditional Brazlian Cuisine. With an awesome staff friendly warm, also a part of Brazilian Culture. Boizao stays in business because it cares for its customers. The owner great customers and gives a true Brazilian Hospitality. I am planning on bringing in religious leaders and bishops into the Tampa area from Brazil. And we will be eating at Boizao. Absolutely the best Brazilian resturant I have been to outside of Brazil.
Para Biens Para voces