Tampa's venerable Lauro Ristorante closes

The upscale Lauro Ristorante served northern Italian grub for 33 years before closing its doors.

click to enlarge South Tampa's Lauro Ristorante sports a farewell message to longtime patrons. - Chip Weiner
Chip Weiner
South Tampa's Lauro Ristorante sports a farewell message to longtime patrons.


The all-caps lettering below Lauro Ristorante's signage in South Tampa, which used to form brief phrases like "Lunch 11:30-2" and "Open Mother's Day," now reads: "No longer in business. Thank you all."

Lauro Medaglia, who started the traditional northern Italian restaurant 33 years ago, couldn't be reached for comment. The restaurant's phone number is no longer in service, and its website is disconnected.

Though Lauro Ristorante eateries operated along Waters Avenue and Ashley Drive, Medaglia's last location was at 3915 Henderson Blvd.

Loyal diners visited the landmark for its fine-dining, date-night atmosphere, and, of course, the antipasti and house-made pastas.