The Grand Central in Tampa's vital Channel District has been up and running for a while. All Rights Reserved. On the savory side, Buttacavoli can start you off with a small bowl of salted, warm housemade sunchoke chips ($4), while you consider whether to go with the mushroom arrancini ($8, fried risotto balls with creamy, cheesy interiors) or a hearty bacon and eggs, Italian style ($10): a potato frittata paired with a thin, juicy plank of pork belly, both of them admirably showcased with a tomato vinaigrette. For this reason, reservations are suggested. The ambiance is crispy clean and contemporary with great energy. I had the Octopus salad, which was spiced up with some Calabrian hot sauce and fried cauliflower. He's got chops, and perhaps more importantly from all that time spent with Pierola, he has the good sense not to try to be all things to all people, but rather to offer a short, idiosyncratic menu of items you won't find everywhere. Brooke, If youre in Tampa and looking for a nice dinner out dont miss out on Cena. Friendly or discreet service. Thank you so much for your kind words. Cheers, The server never even said happy birthday. The gnocchi had a finishing touch of being lightly braised in the skillet, which gave it an even deeper flavor and texture. The decor matches the cuisine and is also modern and minimal, but still very cozy and friendly, with diners raving about the great service. in Tampa. We hope you return soon! had seen a list on their website and they were able to make a couple and they were excellent. Jan. 6 probe: Trump did everything to overturn election, 5 takeaways from the televised Fried, Crist Democratic governor primary debate, Property insurers in Florida could face downgrades; Patronis warns of financial chaos, New diversity, equity and inclusion office included in 2023 St. Petersburg budget, Editorial Cartoons for Friday from Times Wire Services. She was aloof, and just not friendly. The Cena version of this was fantastic, with some innovative surprises in flavor and texture. We can't wait for you to return. The panzanella and Caesar salads (both $10) are punchy, lively versions, the former a bread salad tossed in an unusual roasted red pepper vinaigrette. Really cool spot :-)", "Great place to see a concert and easy to get to from Orlando", Created by Tess Chibirka24 items 7 followers, Created by Janette Berrios56 items 21 followers. Again, another twist on a theme, but next level in flavor! This superb meal was finished off with gelato and of course, some house made limoncello! Privacy Policy, 201 N. Franklin St. Suite 102 For entrees we had the Wagyu short rib, the Bolognese pasta, the lamb neck pasta and the bronzini fish. The Beet Salad was delicious, I had a bite of the Veal Chop(meltin your mouth).

rushed. More recently he's spent time at the Seminole Hard Rock, ending as chef at Council Oak. Main courses: two of us ate pasta, my wife had a risotto, and one order of bronzini for my daughter. of the dishes and recipes are sacred! And Michael is not afraid to use anchovies to keep it authentic. My secondi was the Parmesan crusted halibut, which was seared to perfection with a fabulous faro and risotto. People tend to check in during these times: 718 S Howard Ave (btwn Swann & Bristol Ave), "Classic thin pizza. The Cena version of this was fantastic, with some innovative surprises in flavor and texture. We are so glad you enjoyed it that you came twice! Greeting and service were both warm and genuine despite being packed with guests. Make sure your information is up to date. You can park in the parking garage with is just a few steps from the restaurant. Now Im a bit of an authority on octopus, having eaten my way across the Iberian Peninsula, where they hand out awards to the tapas bar that serves the best pulpo. I got the shrimp/scallop risotto and it was wonderfully flavorful. He thought the chop was a bit tough but loved the eggplant. Simple but perfectly executed! Thank you so much Getaway! Whether its organic flour and produce, hormone-free All logos and trademarks in this site are property of their respective owner. They are transitioning to a new menu as I type this so get to Cena and have the best of the old AND new world!More, Dear jimleland: Cheers! PR Specialist, Cena, Cena is a must for us when we are in the Tampa area. GET, Partners Go to Cena! Please return soon! My wife had the baby kale Cesar; the chickpea croutons were an awesome touch! Dear MzWiz: Get quick answers from Cena staff and past visitors. Thank you so much for your kind review! WOW! Same for the 3 desserts. husband got rustic Bolognese and the dessert.lemon olive cake. The gnocchi had a finishing touch of being lightly braised in the skillet, which gave it an even deeper flavor and texture. The cheese with Black Truffles was incredible. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. amazing Italian food that you can't go wrong with for a night out.

For appetizers we had the eggplant, the artichoke and the octopus salad. Brooke, If we lived in Tampa, we would eat at Cena frequently. All 5 star! We use the latest and greatest technology available to provide the best possible web experience.Please enable JavaScript in your browser settings to continue. All were delicious and the proportions were generous. Susan Bianchi and Romeo Patron, owners of Bianchi's Enoteca, were brought in as consultants. Plus not only is the food exceptional, it is an exceptional value! For entrees we had the Wagyu short rib, the Bolognese pasta, the lamb neck pasta and the bronzini fish. The bococcini ($9), say, brings caramel-crusted cream puffs stuffed with a pistachio cream and strawberries macerated in lemoncello, and these guys are bisected by thin wafers of milk chocolate so they look like Star Wars TIE fighters, and also on the plate are housemade almond macarons. All good, will definitely return!More, Dear marelise22: Brooke Palmer Kuhl Amazing food, service, drinks, the works.cannot go wrong. As were our desserts; apple torte, almond cake, cheesecake. Buttacavoli was the chef de cuisine at SideBern's for eight years under Jeannie Pierola, and at her Ybor City restaurant, Boca, before that. Enjoy! Chef's mastery of rustic Italian cuisine shines in his risotto dishes, a definite must-try, as well as in his charcuterie and cheese selections. The atmosphere is quaint but elegant. Food was fabulous drinks were refreshing.

Cheers, Cheers, Cena has a great vibe, a bit old school, but also a bit industrial. I would put the meal at Cena on this level. Thank you so much for your review and feedback. I've already recommended the restaurant to others. PR Specialist, Cena, This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. I got fried artichokes app and main dish fish, myhusband got rustic Bolognese and the dessert.lemon olive cake.

Weve eaten at several places in Tampa and Cena is definitely one of the best dinners weve had. My husband loved the bolognese. The wait staff are very pleasant and never make you feelrushed. Download Foursquare for your smart phone and start exploring the world around you! I walk in. Definitely order the delicious bread - it is made locally, and the baker is a poet. The cheese with Black Truffles was incredible. Apparently, that was 86d because of covid. Again, another twist on a theme, but next level in flavor! Definitely great place for any special occasion. I think to myself, "Ech, another new restaurant where reviewing is hazard duty.". And we brought gifts, so this was an obvious birthday celebration. This is so wonderful! Brooke Palmer Kuhl I would put the meal at Cena on this level. Cena is the place to be for authentic Italian cuisine with a modern twist in Tampa. Can a gluten free person get a good meal at this restaurant? The crispy eggplant appetizer was unique and TOO DIE FOR!! Tampa, FL 33602 If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Again, all were greatnot a weak link in the bunch. The wine list is outstanding. more, Italian, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options, herb & cheese focaccia, ciabatta, sesame whole wheat, herb garlic butter, olive oil balsamic, tomato marmalade, truffle cheese fonduta, parmesan, white balsamic glaze, Calabrian hot sauce, fried cauliflower, olives, potatoes, capers, salsa rossa, ricotta salata, arugula, shaved parmesan, extra virgin organic olive oil, robiolo, parmesan reggiano, pecorino sardo, prosciutto cotto, hot soppersata, wild boar salame, greens, red onions, tomatoes, dates, gorgonzola, candied walnuts, broken balsamic, chickpea croutons, chickpeas, parmesan cheese, garlic lemon anchovy dressing, arugula, avocado basil pesto, roasted garlic, marinated tomatoes, citrus balsamic, EVOO, Roasted beets, goat cheese, mint, lime, marcona almonds, beet vinaigrette, seasonal mushrooms, parmesan, truffle cheese, herbs, gorgonzola red wine risotto, caramelized onion, beef broth, beef, pork sausage, nduja, thin spaghetti, pomodoro, parmesan, Calabrian chiles, aglio & olio, lemon, breadcrumbs, beef short rib, braised pork, tomato, calamarata pasta, ricotta, tomato braised oxtail, parmesan potato gnocchi, parmesan cheese, mushrooms, pecorino, truffle burrata, breadcrumbs, chitarra pasta, Fried artichokes, pork sausage, pecorino romano, crispy skin, escarole, white beans, roasted peppers, garlic lemon olive oil, fingerling potatoes, Calabrian romesco, arugula pesto, marcona almonds, Porcini morel risotto, parmesan, shaved black truffle. The eggplant appetizer is superb as are the pasta dishes. My wife had the baby kale Cesar; the chickpea croutons were an awesome touch! Located in the Grand Central building at the heart of the vibrant Channel District of Tampa, Florida. Both were ice cold and delicious. No one is doing desserts like this around here. I don't quite feel that it merits the 5 stars it wants at this price point. I had the fried artichoke and rustic bolognese and my husband had the fried eggplant and veal chop. Come back soon! Because the food is just so good.. sauces and spices. Dear Teenie2021- My secondi was the Parmesan crusted halibut, which was seared to perfection with a fabulous faro and risotto. Gnocchi is homemade. Great ingredients, traditional dishes, and attentive service bpalm2424, Agency / Consultant at Cena, responded to this review, bpalm2424, Marketing at Cena, responded to this review, bpalm2424, Owner at Cena, responded to this review, bpalm2424, Public Relations Manager at Cena, responded to this review, Home2 Suites by Hilton Tampa Downtown Channel District, Hampton Inn Tampa Downtown Channel District, SS American Victory Mariners' Memorial and Museum Ship. All rights reserved. We apologize for the service issue you had and hope you will return. This really doesn't feel like a destination restaurant, where you'd take someone for a romantic special occasion, nor is it priced for a casual Tuesday dinner, although you can see there's enough frequent diners who come from the condos, based on the greetings from the hostess stands and bartenders. This superb meal was finished off with gelato and of course, some house made limoncello! I visited Cena with my wife upon the recommendation of a friend, and the experience was extraordinary.