Tampa is having an Italian cuisine moment. Esposito’s Italian Restaurant adds its name to the list of Italian restaurants that have been popping up around Tampa Bay over the last few months: DeVito’s, Oronzo, Casa Santo Stefano and Santelli Pizza & Pasta.
Esposito’s celebrated its opening July 17 at 14306 N. Dale Mabry Hwy. According to the restaurant’s Facebook, the concept bills itself as “Old World Italian with a New World Swagger.”
The menu is loaded with appetizers like octopus di puglia—grilled octopus served with arugula squid ink vinaigrette, pickled tomatoes, caramelized fennel and fried capers. If you’re not into seafood, other options include eggplant rollatini and fried artichoke hearts.
Diners can also dig in on a selection of soups, salads, pastas, and dishes from both land and sea like veal osso buco or Venetian-style black seafood risotto. There’s also a section of the menu dedicated to classics from grandma’s kitchen. The 11 option section ranges from spaghetti and meatballs to Grandma Espisito’s eggplant parm which reads, “It’s Thursday night and in our family that means Grandma Espisito is making eggp[lant parmigiana so pull up a chair at Grandma’s table and enjoy this family favourite. Served with a side of spaghetti. Mangia bene!”
Espisito’s also boasts an extensive wine menu, available to sip by the glass or bottle. Just a heads up, if you plan on dining with more than six people, call ahead. Still not ready to dine out? Call in a pickup order or buy a gift card to dine-in when you feel comfortable going out for a bite.
Hours for the latest Italian concept in Tampa Bay are 4-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 4-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
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