Family and I made a reservation for Saturday evening and were excited to come here. The interior is cozy and comfortable with a definite italian ambiance. We started with some mixed drinks and they were made very well. For an appetizer we decided on the meatballs with ricotta. There were only 3 and they were a bit small for the price, but good flavor and the ricotta and sauce were amazing. For main course I went with the "Shut up and eat" which is basically a surprise plate of chef's choice. It ended up being steak frites with asparagus and a spicy spinach. I felt the steak needed seasoned but otherwise a complete dish and satisfying. My wife had the pasta bolognese. The pasta was light and tender with a lightly sweet bolognese that complimented the pasta with each not overpowering the other. A very good dish! My son had the petite filet that had a delicious peppercorn demi-glaze with asparagus and mashed potatoes. The steak was cooked perfectly and very tender. The asparagus was char grilled and al dente. The mashed potatoes here are a star and maybe the best we ever had anywhere. Very creamy and phenomenal taste. We finished by sharing a piece of carrot cake that was well made. The icing was a bit thick but not overly sweet and thus actually added great offset texture to the semi-moist cake. The only negative were some timing issues on the service. My wife had to ask for her soda 3 times, our appetizer came before our drinks, and the floor service for everyone appeared a bit discombobulated. Our server had a great attitude though, was very apologetic and at the end of the day, sometimes restaurants have those nights. The servers' pleasant demeanor and personable nature made it all not a huge negative. The Food here is really good and know you will pay accordingly. Over $200 for 3 great meals, appetizer, dessert and 3 alcohol drinks at some places may be cheaper, but you don't get the same quality and ambiance. If I could give 4.8 stars I would but will give 5. read more

Excellent PASTA, PIZZA, and PASTRIES! Seriously, if you want a delicious baked rigatoni dish, check this place out! Also, their sausage pizza is incredible. I went here with my mom and we loved the atmosphere. We sat in the bar area and the service was superb. The entire staff made conversation with us and it was obvious they loved their job. Check this place out! read more

Pane Rustica - Baked Rigatoni - Italian Near Me - Tampa, Florida

Another stop on my south Tampa Italian food tour and boy did Pane Rustica hit all of the marks! I will say it was very crowded with about an hour wait at 7 PM on a Friday night. We didn't have reservations, but got lucky with a high top table for 2 available in the bar area. They do seem to have ample bar seating and high top tables which is nice, but I'd recommend trying to get some reservations before coming for dinner on a weekend. All of our food was absolutely fantastic! The bread and pasta were fresh and delicious. We opted to split a pizza to start and it was thin, crispy and delicious! I had the baked rigatoni and for my main and it knocked my socks off! So good! The espresso chocolate cookies for dessert were a perfect ending. Everything we tried was just so fresh and delicious. Service was great and the ambiance was very nice. We'll definitely be back here for more! read more

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The food was fresh and the presentation was superb. The ambiance was chill and the noice level was low. The service was good where it was order first so it made it quicker read more

Pane Rustica is one of those spots that just works--whether you're grabbing lunch or out for a casual date night. Sitting at the bar is always a great move with friendly service and a laidback vibe. I always order the prosciutto and burrata--can't recommend it enough. The seedy crackers it comes with are the perfect touch, adding just the right texture and flavor to balance the creamy burrata and salty prosciutto. It's a go-to dish at a go-to spot. read more

Pane Rustica - Prosciutto & Burrata - Italian Near Me - Tampa, Florida

Went for dinner on a Thursday night. Restaurant was empty at 6:30, but by 8:00 when leaving it was full. The food and service were excellent. This place is mostly a restaurant also serving fresh baked goods and breads. To start we ordered mussels marinara, bruschetta and fresh mozzarella with prosciutto. Everything was fresh and delicious. For entrees we ordered two pasta dishes, one was a bolognese and one was baked with sausage and mozzarella. Both were excellent. The meal comes with complementary sour dough bread and oil. Our waitress, Annie, was one of the best and most personable we have had serving us in a long time. I believe she is this restaurants biggest fan. We were too full for desert, so Annie gave use a complimentary sample. The strawberry short cake is to die for. Will be returning in the near future for fewer apps and more dessert. read more

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Our favorite restaurant. Everything went well. Wine, foodambiance Chris, our waiter: 100% the BEST. Pane Rusticia is a place that truly cares about the quality, taste, and presentation of the food they present to their customer. read more

Went to this delicious restaurant with my son and daughter in law who have been here before. My husband and I have never been here and we were pleasantly surprised. When we arrived on this Thursday evening the restaurant was extremely busy. As we sat there it became packed as the night went on. It is located in a strip mall so parking was plentiful. Our server was Annie and I can't say enough nice things about her! She was so lovely and took the time to explain everything. As busy as she was running all night it never affected her on point service! Annie explained that the restaurant bakes their delicious bread for a lot of Tampa's finest restaurants! I have to agree that the bread was delicious! She went thru the menu and explained that they change the specials. Annie told us about the restaurant and explained that the restaurant serves pizza which she described as amazing. I think she described it as a focaccia pizza. She told us about how they do lunch and also told us about the bakery they have. After looking over the menu for appetizers we all decided on Prosciutto & Burrata, Sautéed Mussels a la Mediterranean and Mediterranean Bruschetta. Each one of these appetizers were delicious. For dinner I decided on Pasta Bolognese which was amazing and plenty. I definitely wouldn't hesitate to order it again. We were able to sample some dessert and the strawberry cheesecake was yummy! This restaurant is celebrating their 25th Anniversary. That has to tell you they must be doing something right!!! If you are looking to try a new spot for dinner, I highly recommend Pane Rustica. I don't think you will be disappointed. I'm sure their lunch is delicious too but I haven't had the opportunity to try it yet. . read more

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Food was delicious I had the stuffed squash, which I would have enjoyed more if It was a little warm. The service was very speedy as I was on a lunch break. The atmosphere was pleasant as we had reserved a private room for a group. read more

Pane Rustica - Acorn Squash with House Made Chicken Salad. - Italian Near Me - Tampa, Florida

Best lunch in all of Tampa. They have great customer service and the food is so quick. It can get crowded around noon but definitely worth the wait. read more

Pane Rustica is one of those spots that feels both cozy and refined. The bread and pastries are incredible (you can smell them the second you walk in), I love the giant focaccia pizza slices and salads with well done salmon for the protein. read more

First, let me say that my husband frequents this restaurant when in the area for business and he talked about it so much so I made a road trip there a few weeks ago. There is nothing I wouldn't scarf up on this menu. Just look at the photos! All the plates I saw coming out of the kitchen looked crazy good. You stand in line and place your order, they give you a number and you place it on your table and they bring it to you. I had the freshly cooked roast beef which was rare just like I love it and housemade sour dough bread served with baby red new potatoes in a light vinaigrette. Melt in your mouth! My friend had the acorn squash bowl stuffed with chicken salad, marmalade and fresh fruit. How inventive is that? She loved it. The staff were very helpful and the dining room was quite clean. They give you a drink to go as well. Just great food, especially for lunch! read more

Pane Rustica - Roast beef on sour dough - Italian Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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I loved this cute Italian spot hidden in a strip mall. Our server, Zach, was very welcoming and attentive all night. They serve sourdough with oil to start, so delicious! For dinner, Zach recommended the duck tagliatelle and it did not disappoint! I ordered a pizza and was very satisfied. Not my favorite pizza in all of Tampa Bay, but solid nonetheless. My boyfriend says that if I ordered a pasta dish instead of the pizza, I would have given it 5 starts! We'll see about next time! read more

Pane Rustica - Italian Near Me - Tampa, Florida

Good place for coffee, pizza , salad or get fresh bread. The space is large and you order first and then sit and served. read more

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Today I was in South Tampa and as usual, it is hard for me to stay away from one of my favorite restaurants. Pane Rustica has so many great options, really friendly service and deliciously prepared dishes. Vinesh was fun and attentive too! I'm literally obsessed with the Fresh Mozzarella sandwich... I've had it three or four times. This time I added prosciutto. Great addition!! Add that to their crispy house made potato chips and you will be a happy human. Don't take my word for it...get down their and taste it! And enjoy! read more

Pane Rustica - Fresh Mozzarella Sandwich - Italian Near Me - Tampa, Florida

This place rocks! Come for breakfast or dinner, your taste buds will thank you. I especially love their espresso cookies. I tried to mimic them and made a dozen at home, wasn't the same. Oh I wish i could get the recipe read more

Everything! Love this place! Always great - service and food are superior to most places in Tampa.

Never again. Dreadful smoky air. Hard to believe that it passed inspection. Lack of ventilation of the kitchen smoke. Most of my guests left with burning eyes. One had an asthma attacks triggered than even two inhalers had a hard time to break. Three waiters and the manger took their sweet time to cash me out so can take care of my friend. We had warned the hostess before being forced to accept a table right in the smoke draft. There were so many empty tables when we arrived and they could have accommodated my friends. They chose not to. I should have canceled right there. My fault for letting them do that to customers. read more

Pretty good bolognese, not the best in the area, but will have to come back to try some of their signature dishes! Atmosphere is good for a date and all the bread is made in house read more

Pane Rustica - Bolognese - Italian Near Me - Tampa, Florida

Plenty of options for all people. Pizza comes in huge slices (basically 2 slices). The sandwiches are good and come with potatoes or chips. Get the chips. Potato option comes with approximately 2 cut up potatoes, looks like a joke and served cold. The veggie burger fell apart instantly but still tasted great. read more

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great food here! we both loved our salads and the crispy brussel sprouts were so good!! their chocolate espresso cookie is delicious also. it is very loud in here but lots of parking and good menu. read more

Pane Rustica - inside - Italian Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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YES! YES! YES!! I am so happy that I stumbled upon this place. The food is amazing and the staff are perfect! I was looking for a new restaurant to try for my birthday and was looking in the South Tampa area. After looking over their menu and reading some reviews, I was sold and decided to make a reservation. We were so happy with the food. Their was an interesting item on the menu that a few people from our group ordered "Shut Up and Pasta". I'm a little picky, so decided to stick to something I knew. But for that dish, it's a surprise and it's whatever the Chef feels like cooking. For that evening, it was a seafood dish with squid ink. Looking forward to my next visit! read more

Pane Rustica - Italian Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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We went recently for a friend's birthday. They have a nice private area for celebrations, service was still good despite our large party. I love the caramelized onion dip with truffle chips! Also got the spicy vegan pizza, which actually had a good kick/ heat to it! Always love there bread and can't go wrong with the pane rustics pasta dish! read more

Pane Rustica - Spicy vegan pizza - Italian Near Me - Tampa, Florida

This was my first tine here. My friends had been here before, and raved about the food. None of us was disappointed this time. We chose to sit in the bar area for full service. We could have ordered for ourselves in the main dining area, sitting at one of the tables or booths. Kayla took our orders - she was friendly and efficient. We had the Caesar salad (me), Chicken Salad Sandwich with potato salad (D) and Acorn Squash with House Made Chicken Salad. All looked as good as they tasted. We paid separately. Kayla handled all 3 bills expertly. By the way, Kayla and all staff were masked. Customers were masked, too. Hand sanitizer was at the door. Seating was also limited for social distancing. We'll be back - and we'll ask for Kayla! read more

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Having dinner with a dear friend is priceless. Finding a fabulous place to dine that'll match the tales about to be retold is worth its weight in gold. All hugged out and happy, she knew exactly the place. And THIS, is where Pané Rustica comes in..... Closing the door behind us, the sunset's fiery colors filtered out into the ambiance that is the fine dining experience within. With much enthusiasm, we got a 'V' greeting. That'd be V, the maître d'! Such a great first impression! V selected a perfect booth in an area that was conducive to friends chatting over sumptuous cuisine. Thank you, sir! Following on the heels of V came Zack. Zack would be our guide on this night of artisanal exploration. We felt an instant bond with this winsome young man. We became much more than newbies, or even regulars. We were friends from another father. Zack became our hospitality tour de force. Idling over adult libations, we were at peace with the world. Our keen conversations tied the memories of two lifetimes together. Our clock had no hands, for the 'time being'... Leafing through the Rustica menu was a total taste tempter. So many choices. Ultimately, she wisely chose the fresh appeal of the Caprese Salad. I opted for a Rustica Salad and the Veal Mezzaluna. Let's just say our table talk tamed as the flavors took aim. That sublime feeling of being lulled into a feast worthy fantasy land. The magic of culinary creativity. Zack made his final curtain call with almost a hint of despair at our pending departing. No surprise that there were some hearty handshakes followed by some hugs. Being the slightly shy type (ahem, LOL), I asked Zack which chef had prepared my mystical mezzaluna? His retort was Tom. Making my way back to the kitchen pass, I summoned 'Tom' over. With a deer-in-the-headlights-what-is-this-guy's-problem look on his face he pensively approached. I deflected his potential distress with two thumbs up and a verbal high five! (I definitely believe in giving kudos in kind). With a Zack and V entourage in tow, we headed towards the darkness outside the door. Along the way, asking about the owners, I was introduced to the Karen half of Kevin & Karen, owners of Pané Rustica Restaurant & Bakery. Another chance to phrase the praise! Friends and fine food. Forever. read more

How am I just finding this place? Great lunch spot on MacDill with dine in, to go, and catering options available. The Italian restaurant has delicious sandwiches. Roast beef was sold out by noon! As well as salads and other options. I enjoyed a delicious harvest salad with chicken and my friend enjoyed the Turkey sandwich. They also have wine and beer. Pizza and vegetarian options are also popular! Ample parking in the plaza. read more

Pane Rustica - Italian Near Me - Tampa, Florida

Top notch service and amazing food! If you're looking for a consistently reliable place for flavor, presentation, and friendly knowledgeable people working hard to provide a great dining experience, this is it! Zach makes every night something special and enjoyable. You cannot go wrong here! read more

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Very accommodating Service is top notch. My group loved all the meals hand over foot. Warning .... Save room for dessert .... Exquisite!! read more

The food is amazing but I had a horrible experience with the manager. We placed an online order of over $150 to be picked up at 12:15, upon arrival I checked in and was told it would be a few minutes. After 15 minutes I asked if I could wait in the car with my child who was now anxious. The manager over speaks the waitress who was assisting me to state "we have a line of people we can't come to you", I said OK, I'll be back in to check. After another 20 minutes, now 35 minutes later, at 12:45 I go back in to check on my food which is still not ready. I ask for a manager, which is when I was informed that the woman who rudely responded was the manager so I asked if the owner or another manager was there. The manager went to speak to the owner and came back to inform me that the owner was too busy to talk and explained that the ticket printed off looking as if it would be ready at 2:15. No apology but offered cookies. My food was finally ready 15 minutes later still with no acknowledgment from the owner who was there. Also, it's been two weeks since the incident, I was hoping for an email from the owner acknowledging the bad experience. I'm saddened with my experience. Not sure it will keep me from going back but it does keep me from taking clients which is my only reason for sharing. read more

We absolutely love Pane Rustica! Yesterday (Tuesday July 22, 2025) when the restaurant opened we ordered a loaf of bread & two brownies. The bread was amazing as always. Sadly the brownies did not taste fresh. Guessing the Brownies were made prior to the few days that Pane Rustica closes each week. read more

What happened?! This place used to be great! The Good: The environment is nice. The bruschetta was awesome and the wine selection is also very good. The Bad: I ordered the Italian sausage entrée. There was so much salt in it I felt like I was eating a salt shaker. I'm not sure if there was an accident and someone accidentally dumped salt in/on it, but it was pretty much wrecked. My significant other purchased the Bolognese entrée. The sauce tasted like it came out of a can or a jar. Just not worthy of the price that was charged for it. I could've made sauce better myself with a jar purchased at Walmart. Nobody asked us how our food was ever and they didn't clear off the used plates from the appetizers making it extraordinarily cramped with the people to our left and right at the bar. I had to literally stack up the used plates/used utensils and place them on top of the steel spillage tray to get them out-of-the-way and even then the bartender didn't take him. Management take note to get your house in order. This is a great restaurant and if you continue on down this path, it will slowly unravel and become yet another of Tampa restaurant failures. read more

I love this locally owned neighborhood restaurant. I have never had a menu selection that I did not enjoy nor have encountered bad service. This bakery/restaurant makes their own bread, baked items, and pizzas and the entrees are made to order. Do not be deterred by their location in a row of shops. There is ample parking with the shopping plaza. They have both dine-in service and take out. There is a quick serve area where you can pick up some baked goods or place your order or call in your order. We have also ordered catered sandwiches for our daughter's 1st birthday and they were excellent. In addition the process was smooth, the food was fresh and high quality, and the packaging was great although we did have to pick them up. I enjoy the daily menu for lunch and dinner dine-in and take out. The entrees I have had have been flavorful and very fresh. I ordered takeout most recently during their early days when COVID-19 caused restaurants to close. I easily viewed the daily menu online and ordered on the phone with ease. When I went in person to pick up I went straight to the kiosk. The staff was warm and welcoming and also offered no touch payment. The crab cakes, seafood pasta, and Scottish Salmon were really excellent and the components of each were flavorful. Please see pictures attached. House made bread and their signature seasoned dipping oil (same as they serve in house) was also included. Thank you, Pane Rustica for filling a much needed food spot in South Tampa. read more

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I received the recent Thanksgiving meal email and I called yesterday to place my order for my family. I purposely waited until 2:45 pm after the lunch rush to place an order by phone. The email said to call or come in for the Thanksgiving orders. I was told by a gentleman that I had be put on hold to have a manager place the order. No problem! While I was on hold for 10 min I heard "I don't have time to take an order" and she hung up on me. I didn't call back. This is disappointing, but it all worked out. I was able to place Thanksgiving order for my family with another restaurant. read more

Very good Italian food eatery in South Tampa with a lively atmosphere. The food and service is great, staff very engaged and attentive. Try the chicken salad and all the deserts are great! read more

Food was great, love the ambiance and Annie is the best waitress. Brought friends and we shared pizza as an app. Two different pasta dishes, lamb and chicken. All were tasty. read more

A cute Italian restaurant In the heart of south tampa. The shut up and eat is a great option for those who love to be surprised with their meal (barring no allergies or restrictions). Caprese salad- a standard delicious dish. Fresh tomato slices, chopped basil and fluffy sliced mozzarella adorned this dish with a sweet balsamic glaze reduction. You can't go wrong with it. 5/5 Shut up & Eat- this is a dish that changes on the chefs mood and everyone who orders it can get a completely different dish from one another! Beware of this dish though, if you have dietary restrictions, they won't accommodate to that (based on what it says on the menu). Today, I got a Pork shank in a Demi glaze on a bed of black risotto and green beans. Let me tell you that this was absolutely delicious. This was full of flavour, not overly salty and the pork was fall off the bone tender. The green beans had a good crunch in spite of being in a sauce and the risotto had bite to it- also I had never seen black risotto so that's a first! 5/5 read more

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I have always been a huge fan of Pane Rustica , even in their humble beginnings . Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner they manage to fine tune every last detail. Oh I enjoy their HH too ! Daytime offerings are served with one placing an order at the counter where you may visually see many of their offerings. You pay, find a seat and they will bring your meal to you. Don't let the long lines at this hour deter you. They move quickly. I'll mention, you may sneak into the bar at lunchtime and receive full service. Dinner turns into a sit down more formal sophisticated , yet casual affair . It does get loud here, without a doubt. Not a place for a book club meeting, which I found out first hand. All food is prepared in-house with the freshest of ingredients. Their artisan bakery is sinfully delicious. For lunch I find myself ordering the acorn squash stuffed with the chicken salad of the day. It hits the spot. They offer hefty salads for about $8.50 with the addition of chicken or salmon for $4.75. All sandwiches may be turned into a salad. The last time I had dinner I split the watermelon salad, lump crab cakes and grilled octopus (on special) with a friend. It was all truly divine, involving all of your senses ! This place is one of my top pics for our area. 5 stars overall. You guys really earn it ! read more

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Sometimes I need to read my previous reviews before going back to a restaurant. It had been about three months since my last visit to Pane Rustica. At one time my husband and I were there for lunch weekly. Over the past 18 years as Pane Rustica customers, we also placed catering orders and celebrated birthdays and anniversaries there. On a visit a few months ago, I wanted to order soup and asked for it to be served first before the entrée. The counter staff said all the food had to come out at the same time, so I didn't order soup. I later saw one of the owners and told her that I was disappointed not being able to get soup before the meal. She told me I could, placed the order and then charged me for the soup. Really? You can't comp a $6 soup for an 18+ year customer? On my most recent visit to Pane Rustica, my husband and I ordered the Power Blend Salad and asked to have the kitchen split it in two for us since we had ordered other items from the counter. When the Power Blend Salad arrived it was in one bowl. I let the food runner know we asked to have the kitchen split the salad since we were going to share it. His response "the kitchen is too busy to split the salad". The attached photo was taken on the day Pane Rustica was "too busy" to honor my request. I hope I'll remember the less than stellar service I've gotten at Pane Rustica when my husband suggests going there for lunch again. read more

Pane Rustica - Ordered Medium Rare Burger on 12/28/19. It's raw not medium rare! Finished cooking it at home. Counter service had been terrible lately. - Italian Near Me - Tampa, Florida

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Revisited restaurant after being disappointed with service in the past. Had great experience and enjoyed delicious pizza! Nice gem in the neighborhood. read more

Another amazing meal at my favorite restaurant I love this place see attached photo of the scallops. read more

Pane Rustica - Amazing - Italian Near Me - Tampa, Florida