Cena Archives - Creative Loafing Tampa

Westshore Italian restaurant Vela is now closed, citing damage from recent hurricanes

Vela is now the second Tampa restaurant in recent weeks to shutter following impacts from Hurricanes Helena and Milton.

by Colin Wolf October 21, 2024July 27, 2025

Vela is now the second Tampa restaurant in recent weeks to shutter following impacts from Hurricanes Helena and Milton.

Popular Tampa Italian restaurant Cena is now closed

The recent departure of Chef Michael Buttacavoli played a role in the decision.

by Colin Wolf October 15, 2024August 5, 2025

Chef of Tampa Italian hotspot Cena will open new casual pizzeria in the coming month

All-encompassing pizzas and the meatball parmesan subs that beat Bobby Flay will headline the menu

by Max Steele August 16, 2022April 16, 2025

Here’s where local Tampa Bay chefs like to drink, dine and unwind

In the Food Issue 2019: We’ll have what they’re having.

by Jenna Rimensnyder June 12, 2019May 19, 2025

St. Pete Italian spot IL Ritorno will host a local chef battle next month

Chefs go head-to-head for charity, and bragging rights.

by Jenna Rimensnyder April 25, 2019May 28, 2025

On the Sauce: New York Sour, Cena

The “perfect season transition drink,” according to the Channel District Italian restaurant.

by Chris Fasick August 31, 2017August 17, 2023

Food Issue 2016: Hillsborough’s 10 very best restaurants

Armani’s • Cena • Grey Salt • Haven • On Swann • Piquant • Restaurant BT • Rooster & the Till • Roux • Sacred Pepper

by Jon Palmer Claridge June 16, 2016June 18, 2024

Holiday Auction last call: Hunahpu’s Day, Cena chef cooks dinner

Two more items — dinner by Cena’s chef and a Hunahpu’s Day offer — were added to CL’s auction.

by Meaghan Habuda December 14, 2015August 17, 2023

The Food Issue: 25 delicious Tampa Bay destinations

Whatever kind of meal you’re hankering for, you’ll find it in this list of go-to spots.

by Jon Palmer Claridge June 11, 2015January 12, 2025

Meet the Chefs: Eight Tampa chefs gather to talk turkey about the restaurant biz

Kitchen secrets, the next big grub trend and more are dished from some of Tampa’s top chefs.

by David Warner June 11, 2015July 21, 2025

10 thoughts on Tampa Bay’s year in food and drink

Reflections from the restaurant beat in 2013.

by Jon Palmer Claridge December 26, 2013March 9, 2024

Best new restaurant

Cena

by CL Staff September 18, 2013June 5, 2022

Best Tiramisu pretending to be an Ostrich Egg

Cena

by CL Staff September 18, 2013December 16, 2023

Best sparkling wine bargain

Cena

by CL Staff September 18, 2013June 5, 2022

Best potential new neighborhood (with a big “if”)

Tampa’s Channel District

by CL Staff September 18, 2013June 5, 2022

Italian for dinner

Channelside’s Cena is home to impeccable and authentic Italian.

by Jon Palmer Claridge July 2, 2013February 27, 2025

Arts & Entertainment

Do It This Weekend: Aries Spears, Scrog and other events to get your fa-la-la-la on

by Julie Garisto December 16, 2010August 17, 2023