What a wonderful experience eating here. Finally found a REAL Italian Restaurant!! Menu choices were ample, excellent service ( Frankie was our waiter) and the atmosphere was intimate, pleasant, and white table cloth clean. They only serve beer and wine but the wine selection was ample. We had the prosciutto wrapped shrimp for an appetizer which was the perfect amount to start our meal off. My husband got the Grouper Casino Special w Calabrian chili aioli and I got the Chicken Francese. Both portions were perfectly sized and both were cooked to perfection. They also make all their pasta (yummm) Finished off the evening w a cappuccino and an espresso. Excellent evening out. We happened to get lucky ( a Wednesday night) but they say to definitely make a reservation next time.
Overview
Located in the heart of Lakeland, Florida, Scarpa's Italian Restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience for anyone craving authentic Italian cuisine. Nestled at 1833 E Edgewood Dr, this family-owned gem has become a local favorite, known for its warm atmosphere, excellent service, and mouthwatering menu. From the moment you step inside, you're welcomed by the delightful scent of freshly prepared pasta, seasoned meats, and rich sauces-a true testament to the restaurant's dedication to traditional Italian cooking.
Scarpa’s menu is a celebration of Italy's culinary heritage, offering everything from classic pasta dishes to gourmet pizzas, all prepared with the freshest ingredients. Whether you're in the mood for a comforting bowl of spaghetti bolognese or a crispy, thin-crust pizza, Scarpa’s has something to satisfy every palate. Their signature dish, the Scarpa’s Special Lasagna, is a must-try. This layered masterpiece is made with perfectly seasoned meat, fresh pasta, and a blend of melted cheeses that will transport you straight to Italy with every bite.
One of the standout features of Scarpa's Italian Restaurant is its commitment to quality and authenticity. Each dish is carefully crafted using time-honored techniques passed down through generations. The sauces are slow-simmered to perfection, and the pastas are made in-house, ensuring that every meal is as fresh as it is flavorful. For those looking for a lighter bite, the Caprese Salad offers a refreshing combination of ripe tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, drizzled with balsamic glaze, making it the perfect starter before diving into the heartier entrees.
What truly sets Scarpa's Italian Restaurant apart, however, is its unwavering dedication to making every dining experience memorable. The staff is friendly and attentive, always willing to offer recommendations or customize dishes to meet your preferences. The cozy ambiance is perfect for both intimate dinners and family gatherings, with a warm, inviting decor that exudes the charm of a traditional Italian trattoria.
For those interested in exploring beyond the main course, Scarpa’s also offers a variety of tempting desserts. The Tiramisu is a crowd favorite, with its light, coffee-flavored layers complemented by a rich mascarpone filling that leaves a lasting impression. Alternatively, you can indulge in their Cannoli, filled with sweet ricotta cream and dusted with powdered sugar for a perfect end to your meal.
Scarpa's Italian Restaurant has garnered rave reviews from patrons, earning a reputation not only for its delicious food but also for its exceptional customer service. Many diners have praised the restaurant for its consistency and the personal touch that the owners bring to the dining experience. One reviewer mentioned, “Scarpa’s has become our go-to spot for family celebrations. Every time we visit, the service is top-notch, and the food never disappoints.” Such feedback speaks volumes about the restaurant’s dedication to customer satisfaction.
In addition to dine-in service, Scarpa’s also offers takeout and catering options, making it the perfect choice for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a family gathering, a business lunch, or simply enjoying a night in with friends. Their catering menu allows you to bring the flavors of Italy to your event with ease, offering everything from pasta platters to pizzas, all prepared with the same care and attention to detail that defines their restaurant.
Whether you’re a Lakeland local or just passing through, Scarpa's Italian Restaurant is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a genuine taste of Italy. With its extensive menu, exceptional service, and welcoming atmosphere, it’s no wonder that this charming eatery has become a beloved institution in the community.
Good to know
Service options
âś“ Takeaway âś“ Dine-in âś“ DeliveryHighlights
âś“ Great cocktails âś“ Great coffee âś“ Great dessert âś“ Great wine list âś“ Serves local specialtyPopular for
âś“ Dinner âś“ Solo diningAccessibility
âś“ Wheelchair-accessible car park âś“ Wheelchair-accessible entrance âś“ Wheelchair-accessible seating âś“ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
âś“ Alcohol âś“ Beer âś“ Cocktails âś“ Coffee âś“ Comfort food âś“ Healthy options âś“ Vegetarian options âś“ WineDining options
âś“ Dinner âś“ Catering âś“ Dessert âś“ Seating âś“ Table serviceAmenities
âś“ Toilet âś“ Wi-Fi âś“ Wi-FiAtmosphere
âś“ Cosy âś“ Quiet âś“ Romantic âś“ Trendy âś“ UpmarketCrowd
âś“ GroupsPlanning
âś“ Dinner reservations recommended âś“ Accepts reservations âś“ Usually a waitPayments
âś“ Credit cards âś“ Debit cards âś“ NFC mobile payments âś“ Credit cardsChildren
âś“ High chairsParking
âś“ Free of charge street parking âś“ Free parking lot âś“ ParkingPhotos
Location
Reviews
Scarpa’s may be small, but boy is it mighty! One of Lakeland’s best restaurants for many years, hands down. If you are at all a fan of Italian food, you have to come here. Since it is a small restaurant, you usually want to get a reservation ahead of time because it fills up quick. But it makes for a more intimate dining experience that’s really enjoyable. Dress a little nicer and expect the prices to be a little higher- but it’s really quality food so it doesn’t feel as bad to pay more. Everything I have tried here in multiple visits has been outstanding. I am especially a fan of their creme brûlée dessert, they have other options too but I can’t turn that down. You’ll want to also listen closely to the specials they have, they change every so often and are always delicious and unique appetizers & entrees. Seriously, love this place. It’s fantastic for special occasions or just an extra delicious dinner here and there. Couldn’t recommend more.
1st time eating here. Staff was very professional and attentive. The crab cakes were top notch. I ordered the Penne Polo for my main entree. Although the flavor was good, I wished there was a little more sauce. My friend who joined me was a little dissatisfied with her dish, the Chicken Francese. It came with polenta and green beans. She had to order a side of pasta because thats why she was craving with the dish. The polenta lacked flavor and the beans severely undercooked, basically raw. My other friend had the fettuccine Alfredo with chicken and loved it. I would dine here again, but I would order something different next time. The price we paid was good for appetizer, wine, salads, and entrees.
This place is GREAT for a date night. We were looking for a nice, quiet place to eat as we just moved to Lakeland. Scarpa’s did not disappoint. Actually, it exceeded our expectations. We ordered the Sausage and peppers, and Fig Brie to start, and they were both amazing. I had some of the best Pasta Fagioli I’ve ever had (I’m Italian and have ate many different recipes). For entrees, I got the Veal Saltimbocca and she got the Tuscan Chicken. Both dishes were cooked and plated perfectly. The Tuscan Chicken was very unique with blackberries and was to die for. When I tell you that we were FULL, we were very full because it was so good that we almost couldn’t stop eating. I have been a fine dining server for a while, and can see things that are done right, and things that are not done right when I go out to eat. Everything here from the ambiance, service, to the food was done to what I’d call perfection. Our server for the evening was Cody. He did a great job, was very welcoming, and was very knowledgeable about specials and normal menu items. Also, please excuse the pictures that are not the best, they were much better in person, but I did not want to use the flash while dining. I will definitely be back.
This was a wonderful dining experience. The atmosphere was comfortable, food was excellent, and the staff were the best. We will return and bring our friends!
I needed to find a restaurant half way between Tampa and Orlando, Lakeland was the best location. I narrowed it down to a seafood restaurant, a steakhouse and an Italian. I chose Scarpa’s based on the posted menu, photos and reviews. It was a 75 minute drive. I made reservations for six people at 6:30; I strongly urge you to make reservations. It was a Wednesday night and Scarpa’s was packed. The dining room is cozy without feeling cramped. You could hold a conversation without yelling. The service was exceptional and attentive without being intrusive. The menu had the typical fare as well as some interesting dishes. All the meals were delicious and of decent size. Every ingredient was fresh. The pasta dishes were properly drained of water and the bread was first rate. Expect a per person charge for an adult beverage, meal, dessert, tax and tip to be about $50. I’ll be back
If you are in the mood for Italian food or just looking for a nice, reasonably priced restaurant for a sweet date night, go to Scarpa. Everything was delicious. Their wine list had a great variety of Italian and other wines, their homemade pasta was second to none and the service and management very kind and professional. Bon appetite!!!!