Bernini of Ybor

Bernini of Ybor gets its name from the Baroque period artist Giovanni Lorenzo Bernini. You may notice the namesake prints and sculptures displayed around the restaurant. With the slogan "Innovative Italian Cuisine," Bernini of Ybor exercises a fully stocked bar and a large wine list. 

Start your meal off with a fresh appetizer like traditional shrimp scampi, bruschetta, flatbread or calamari. Eggplant enthusiasts may want to try the eggplant bonanno, fried eggplant stacked with fresh basil and mozzarella, ricotta cheese and prosciutto, with marinara and spinach pesto drizzled on top. The lollipop lamb appetizer gets a lot of attention -- grilled lamp chops covered with mint basil pesto and served on grilled onion hummus.

Wood fired pizzas are fun to share. Traditional pizzas are served, such as margherita, americano (pepperoni and mozzarella), wild mushroom and the New Yorker (peppers, sausage, mushrooms, onions, pepperoni and cheese). If you want a pizza with a little attitude, try the Caesar (with romaine lettuce, grilled chicken, red onions, cheese and Caesar dressing), the Chicken Parmesan (with tomatoes, breaded chicken, Parmesan and mozzarella) or the Gilroy (with grilled chicken, sweet onions, goat cheese, garlic puree, marinated artichokes, tomatoes and mozzarella).  

Pastas feature clams, shrimp, veal, chicken, pork, mussels and blue clams. Entrees include crispy duck, veal chop, filet mignon, grouper, salmon, chicken madeira and pork osso buco. Vegetarians will enjoy the salads and the veggie-filled pizzas. 

Desserts include the award-winning tiramisu, champagne raspberry sorbet, Belgian chocolate cake and the cappuccino hazelnut gelato. 

Before your visit to Bernini, check out the online specials. You might learn about a happy hour, a half price pasta or a discounted valet offer.

HelloTampa Tip: Parties of five of more will be charged an 18% gratuity fee. If you split a meal (excluding a pizza), you'll pay a $3 fee.

- by Jessica Bates, Tampa Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Jessica Bates

Jessica is a freelance journalist residing in lovely southern California. She holds a bachelor's degree in English and journalism. She writes for a green living publication, which she thoroughly enjoys. Once upon a time she was an editorial board member for Steel Toe Books choosing poetry manuscripts for publication.