Scarpa’s Italian

5 Reviews on “Scarpa’s Italian”

• Russell McCreary

  Nice atmosphere, friendly service and very good food. My wife and I had a very nice time. It is a nice, quiet, unique experience. It is nothing like the typical chain restaurant.

  December 29, 2016, 9:37 pm

  Log in to Reply
• Stevenb

  Needs improvement. Had an anniversary dinner with my wife at Scarpa’s on Friday night- waitress was miffed that we didn’t want an alcoholic drink-never asked if we wanted anything else to drink. That was the beginning of an evening of poor service and mediocre food. Service continued to be non existent- I suppose we weren’t a big enough of a bill with appetizer and entrees! We were not asked if we wanted a salad or soup prior to our meal, next time I will take out my pad and write my review at the table! We were seated at one of the two tables for couples as all other couples were seated at tables for four. As the evening progressed the noise level was impossible to hold a conversation- nothing like squeezing in more people than you can accommodate. We will not be back nor will we bring any future friends or family to your place of business!

  April 11, 2015, 3:22 pm

  Log in to Reply
• Chris

  Best Italian Ive Had In Florida. Lets start with the fact that this unassuming place has a very intimate and well designed Tuscan farmhouse interior. The ceramic moose seemed a bit out of place, but its the perfect spot to take a date. We ordered what couldve been the best bruschetta Ive ever had. Most places either use too much or too little garlic. Scarpas not only used just the right amount but married it so well with the other spices that it just melted in our mouths. Then they brought out the bread. One of the things Im very particular about is the dipping mix that italian restaurants in the US use. Youll find those that do an oil and salt mix, an oil and balsamic mix, and still others that do an oil and seasonings mix. They never quite capture the flavors they should, but this place had such an amazing blend of flavors in their seasoning that we finished two baskets of bread before the entree. At this point, were already pretty full, but Im so impressed with all theyve done so far that I cant wait to try the main dish. I had the lasagna which was incredible. Real ricotta cheese topped with a marinara sauce that was definitely not from a can. Every bite elicited an expression of happiness which I didnt think twice about until my date started looking at me funny. It came with a meatball and a link of sausage. The sausage was a little bland and Id suggest using a calabrese sausage, but the meatball was as good as they get. My date had the parmesan encrusted grouper. In one word, fabulous. The broccoli was perfectly cooked, the gnocchi wasnt overcooked. All the places where this dish couldve easily gone wrong were amazingly right.We paired the meal with a Daou Cab from Paso Robles, CA which was good enough. There was a 33% markup on the bottle, but considering that they have to travel 3000 miles to get here, I suppose you could do worse. I wouldve preferred the Caymus but couldnt justify the $99 price tag.This is my new favorite restaurant in Lakeland. I wouldnt expect Polk County to have such a quality establishment in its borders, but we are looking forward to going back and trying the rest of the menu. After all, at an average of about $17 per plate, its very reasonably priced.

  October 24, 2014, 1:12 am

  Log in to Reply
• Soxinmo213

  Scarpas is an Excellent Restaurant. Food, service, atmosphere… Second to none. Best restaurant in Lakeland, all around. Can not miss with a choice on the menu. Absolutely love it.

  September 3, 2014, 10:33 pm

  Log in to Reply
• James

  Make sure you’re white if you want to get seated here!

  May 22, 2014, 2:17 am

  Log in to Reply