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Armani's
Category: Restaurants Italian Italian [Edit]
6200 W Courtney Cmpbll CswyTampa, FL 33607
(813) 207-6800
- Price Range:
-
$$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Valet
- Attire:
- Dressy
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Romantic, Classy, Upscale
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
22 reviews for Armani's
Review Highlights
-
"With terrific views and an antipasto bar to die for." In 3 reviews -
"By far the best view in Tampa, especially during sunset." In 5 reviews -
"Swanky with spectacular views atop the Westshore Hyatt." In 3 reviews
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22 reviews in English
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Review from Alicia P.
Tampa, FL
For our anniversary this year, my husband took me to a fabulous dinner at Armani's. Pricey. WOW. But so awesome. Definitely a "special occasion" kind of place. On the top floor of the Grand Hyatt overlooking the bay. From the Chef's choice or pick your own antipasti to the lobster bisque - seriously the best I've ever had.
Our dinners were perfect. And I mean perfect.
Dessert and coffee were wonderful as well.
The staff (and we mean staff) were all so professional and made you feel like the royal family dining there.
Will return.....when we save more money! ;) -
Review from Karyn L.
The view gets four stars. The food ..... it was a three and a half.
We had the same issue as another reviewer with making a reservation and requesting a seat on the water side and getting sat on the opposite side. However, we've had the water view on a separate occasion and I didn't mind the change. There's a lot to look at with the city view- we could see the stadium, all of downtown Tampa, the HF bridge, CC bridge and even across to downtown St. Pete.
Plus, it was kind of cool to watch the planes land at TIA.
I guess if you want a waterview you need to call and speak to someone, not just note it on Open Table (which is what we did). But either way, it worked out fine.
To drink: Canvas Chardonnay, which is a private label from Mondavi. Super smooth.
Their bread and white bean dip is a great start to the evening.
We had the gnocchi as an appetizer. Pros: Definitely homemade. Roasted veggies served with it were wonderful.
Cons: The sauce was really bland and muted the flavors of the dish.
Entrees: We had the Chicken (I don't eat veal and wasn't hungry for fish) and the Yellowfin Snapper. The chicken was surprisingly good. Sliced thin and sitting atop a creamy polenta with fresh asparagus.
The fish wasn't as flavorful.
Dessert was a definite disappointment. We tried the pears in vin santo. It weirdly didn't taste like pears OR vin santo, so I'm not sure what it was. -
Review from Tina D.
Albuquerque, NM
Can't beat the view here. Food was excellent as well. Minus one star because the service wasn't bad, but nothing stellar.
Attended with a group. Cocktail hour in the bar during sunset. Wine was tasty, and there was beautiful live piano music.
Antipasti plate for an appetizer was tasty. Cesar salad was OK. Very lightly dressed, and hefty shavings of Parmesan cheese.
I had the veal piccata for my entree. It was De.Lish. Wonderful mushrooms and truffle sauce with it, and the polenta served on the side was creamy and had a wonderful flavor. Portion not huge, but not too small either.
I would visit again when in the area. Well done, Armani's. -
Review from Eric H.
Tampa, FL
Possibly the very best service and food in Tampa. Add to that the amazing view of the Bay from the Grand Hyatt's 14th floor. Not cheap but this is a "you get what you pay for" place. This IS fine dining. Go for an Anniversary, take that very special client, or any reason at all. Just go here.
Also check out the amazing outdoor terrace veranda 14 floors up. -
Review from David C.
Lakeland, FL
Known for its authentic Northern Italian cuisine, the new Armani's restaurant features a fresh, sophisticated design and an atmosphere ideal for a romantic dinner for two, a get together with friends or an upscale business function. With floor to ceiling windows overlooking Tampa Bay, guests can take in spectacular panoramic views during dinner and enjoy a drink on the outdoor patio before or after their meal. Armani's signature antipasto bar allows guests to create their own first course from a selection of more than 30 items and a dedicated station offers fresh made to order Caesar salads. Armani's "primi piatti" menu includes vegetarian, pasta and soup selections, while main courses range from veal scaloppini in a truffle sauce over mascarpone polenta to wild salmon on pan fried risotto bianco.
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Review from Danielle V.
Fairfield, CA
Amazing. By far the best view in Tampa, especially during sunset. I went last month with my husband for my birthday and, wow. Valet parking can be validated with your visit to the restaurant... spectacular, for people like me who don't go to snazzy restaurants like these on a regular basis. Definitely do the Antipasto Misto... so worth the price. Everything on the menu looked superb, but I ordered the veal cutlet with the seafood pasta and my husband ordered the veal chop. Great meal.
All in all, we were treated spectacularly and I got a birthday cheesecake at the end! Great night. -
Review from Kelly D.
Clearwater, FL
Absolutely excellent.
Service, Scenery, and food were all outstanding. The staff treated us like kings.
We both ordered drinks at their waiting/bar area since we arrived early. Both drinks were good.
To start we had the Calmari - Excellent (they must have put a form of crack in this) We couldn't stop eating it. And then that was followed with the Lobster bisque, It was good served at the perfect temperature. (It is pretty heavy for a starter)
I had the Seabass Special and my boyfriend had one of their steak dishes. Nothing but the best. The food was exceptionally good.
Everything was served at the proper temperature and at the right time.
We cannot wait to go back and take some friends along. -
Review from Christine G.
Brandon, FL
My husband and I have gone to this place several times celebrating our Wedding Anniversary or other special occasions. We like to be seated in time to watch the sunset.
Our favorite thing about this restaurant is their create your own Antipasto Misto. You get to go up to their Antipasto bar and point to everything you want on your plate (or plates, as in our case because we get so much). It's definitely enough to share. Their cheese selection is awesome and they give you several slices of each type. We ended up with over 10 pieces of cheese the last time we ordered this.
Their gnocchi is OK, not great...it has good flavor, but the texture is too dense. We have had delicious fish entrees and desserts in the past, but since this is a AAA four-diamond restaurant (it used to be, not sure if it still is) it's expensive to eat an entire meal there. When we go now we just split the antipasto, split an appetizer, and we each get a glass of wine. It turns out to be a great, gourmet meal for around $50! -
Review from Elizabeth D.
Tampa, FL
Great view, great food, tasty dessert. I would definitely recommend the calamari and the seafood carbonara on papardelle- rich but so worth it!
Minus one star for the hostess alone. If you care to hear my rant, read on. Otherwise, just skip the rest...
I made a rezzie on Open Table for 7:30pm then called twice. Once to request a window table. Again to request that it face the sunset. I was polite and sweet and emphasized that it was a special occsaion, my big sister's birthday. When we arrived the weather was rainy. We expressed concern about not being able to see the sun set. The hostess piped in saying "The sun might poke out of the clouds. It doesn't usually set until about 8:10 lately." She then proceeded to take us to the opposite side of the restaurant facing the highway. ???????? She refused to acknowledge that I had called (and I know I spoke to her personally twice because I remembered her name). I understand if tables aren't available but to 1) not acknowledge not being able to meet a request and 2) to add the bit about possibly being able to see the view when you knew you were seating us facing the highway. It's like rubbing salt in a wound!
I'd return but probably only as a party of 2 since there seem to be more two tops next to the bay-facing window. I just can't justify the price if I'm facing the highway. -
Review from Paul M.
Clearwater, FL
I'm astonished at the critical reviews Armani's has collected here. I won't belabor the view and ambiance as it has been appropriately lauded in other reviews. My wife and i have been there twice and we've had fabulous meals both times.
This is NOT a typical hotel restaurant. It is elegantly appointed and definitely in the fine dining category. The service is professional and very attentive. We were introduced to a staff of three who would be caring for us and one or the other of them was always available for any need,but not overbearing.
This time around we availed ourselves of the antipasto bar where you can make you own platter from over 50 items - just fabulous. My wife had a salmon and scallops special which was impeccably prepared and delicious. I had the veal scallopini on the recommendation of the server and it was fabulous with truffles and exotic mushrooms.
Except for the well heeled this may be a special occasion place so dig up a special occasion and take your beloved to Armani's at sunset. you won't be disapointed. -
Review from Diana D.
Pasadena, CA
The place is lovely on the top floor of the hotel. We came later in the evening so we didn't see much of the view. But you can see the lights outside which was very nice. Our waiter, Wesley was very nice and helped us with our order. We had the calamari as an appetizer. It was really good. It had a lot of meat inside. Just a thin layer of fried batter. So it was very tasteful. Then my boss and I shared the special (lobster tail and rack of lamb) and the veal scalpolini. They were both delicious. But I wouldnt say its the best I've ever had. I don't eat veal much but I would recommend that as an entree if you had to pick. We enjoyed it with red wine.
Then we ended with an order of tiramisu but the waiter ended up giving us chocolate cake. So we got to try both and I actually liked the chocolate cake better. The tiramisu had too strong coffee taste.
Overall, wonderful classy restaurant with an awesome view. Food and service was good. This would be a good place for a date. -
Review from Mr A.
Dallas, TX
if you are unfortunate enough to have to stay at the tampa grand hyatt (not deserving of being grand), escape the filth of your room and head up to the 14th floor to armanis. Its a great view and respectable food. Price point is on the higher side, but what do you expect at a hotel. The anti-pasta bar was something different with a great variety of options to choose from. Im glad i tried it, though i would probably say the options are more impressive than the taste. Not that it was bad, but nothing to blow your socks off either. I will definitely eat here again next time I cant escape this hotel.
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Review from Marcos O.
Tampa, FL
Armani's, a great restaraunt on top of the Hyatt in Tampa. This used to be my favorite restaraunt until recently. Their view is by far one of the best out of any Tampa restaraunt. However, their food was slightly disappointing. I had the lamb which was good, but not great like it used to be, especially for the price. The service is okay and timely. Additionally, it seems like their aesthetics on the property are lacking maintenance such as non-working lights, and broken water fountains.This may have been an anomaly, but it is still a good place to visit since their view makes up for some of the negatives.
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Review from Minh D.
San Francisco, CA
So this place is great I think! If you wanna get away from the everyday run of the mill dinner joint, this is a place to try out if you have the money. Super romantic, I recommend coming here around 6-7 because when the sun sets, its AMAZING! =) But yeah...
Food- I wouldnt say its the BEST i have ever had but you do enjoy the time and thought they put into the dish. You wont find many other places trying 2 replicate the sophisticated dishes Armani has unless u go to NYC or Cali has to offer.
Staff is amazing, top notch service, and you cant beat the view =) -
Review from Bill B.
Milwaukee, WI
Really nice place. Swanky with spectacular views atop the Westshore Hyatt. The food is great with the Anti pasta displays overwhelming. the service is excellent. So, why can I not give this place five stars? I think it is because it lacks that special something that puts it over the top. the food is good, but I have had better. When you figure in the price it leaves you a little wanting.
My most recent visit, I felt rushed. I was having a leisurely dinner with great conversation and wanted the evening to last. We were done in less than an hour! And I told the waiters I was in "no hurry." It just was not leisurely, but rushed. This should not happen in a restaurant like this..
The food is very good, but if it is just food you are after, try Donatello's. -
Review from Angela C.
Gaithersburg, MD
So the only reason why this place even has 1 star is for its view. I admit, the view is fantastic - from the 14th floor of the Grand Hyatt, you can sip on some wine and watch the sunset over the bay, cars driving down the Courtney Campbell Causeway Bridge, while listening to a live pianist.
Aside from that, I think Armani's should be embarrassed to serve the food they do at the prices they charge. For appetizer, I ordered the tagliatelle. Pasta - the test of a true Italian restaurant. Tagliatelle was slightly over-cooked but veal ragout was okay. Some friends ordered the lobster bisque. From what I heard, there was a weird bitter wine taste. Maybe the wine wasn't reduced down?
For dinner, I ordered the sea bass with a side of risotto. Sea bass was also overcooked and a little bland. Risotto was by far the worst I've ever had. Very undercooked center - the result of trying to cook risotto too fast. When we returned it to the server, his reaction was "oh". He took it and walked away. No "I'm so sorry" or "Is there something else we can get for you". Maybe they're just hotel staff and really don't care about the restaurant.
I hope Armani's gets their food on track. Otherwise, it's a spectacular location and view gone to waste.
PS - Armani's, I have a great risotto recipe from Epicurious. If you want it, I can send you a link. -
Review from Ashley A.
New Orleans, LA
Way overpriced. People that say this is the best restaurant in Tampa have clearly not dined out very much. I think this place actually gets five stars, which baffles me even more.
We went here with another couple (who was treating us, thankfully), and my first reaction was "this is Armani's?" It is your basic run-of-the-mill hotel restaurant with zero ambiance (but it does have a pretty view of the bay). The staff was pleasant and friendly enough, and we had a bottle of Cakebread which always makes me happy, but the food was lousy. My husband had a steak, which he described as mediocre at best, and I had some fish that was covered in sauce. The service throughout the meal was fine, but I was shocked at the quality of food for both the price and location. If this is the best that Tampa has to offer (which I don't believe it is), then Tampa is in some serious need of restaurant help.
I wouldn't waste your money...I am not sure I can tell you where to go in Tampa for a five star experience, but you won't get it at Armani's despite what people say. -
Review from Virginia G.
Saint Petersburg, FL
One of our favorite places to have cocktails at. With terrific views and an antipasto bar to die for! They ahve everything on it, peppers, meats, cheeses, olives, ohmy god. We've had dinner here before and put ourselves in the hands of the waiter and let him choose the freshest food or specials for the night. It was a great experience. Our fav is stopping by to watch the sunet over a couple glasses of wine and grazing through the antipasto.Oh, and for those of you looking for a bargain, don't look here!
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Review from Winston C.
Palm Beach, FL
Honestly, the food is okay- the view and bar are truly highlights. Worth checking out for a quiet drink on the balcony but don't race here for the food.
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Review from Chris Y.
Apollo Beach, FL
-Food was incredible
-Service was good
-Nice, romatic place to take your significant other
-I had to remind the staff three times about my wife's birthday "surpise, not......." -
Review from Mark S.
Tampa, FL
When asking people in Tampa about the best Italian restaurant, chances are the answer is "Armani's"...very wrong, in my opinion (see review of Caffee Amaretto)!! My experience in this place was quite mediocre. The "chef special" lobster and crab filled lamb shank was very salty and encrusted with an almost uneatable crust comprised of too many spices not fitting the lamb or the sea food ($56!). My wife's seafood dish was also sub par (-the chef definitely should take some evening classes in Italian cooking!) The only outstanding aspect of this meal was the appetizer plate, which is maybe the way to enjoy this restaurant: just go there for the appetizer and view over Tampa bay and then move on somewhere else once the sun has set.
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Review from Jeff G.
Saint Petersburg, FL
I'm shocked at the negative reviews of this restaurant. I have been dining here for years and have had many fine meals here. I first of all love the fact that the restaurant is on the top floor thus allowing for a fantastic view of the bay. I also love the wonderful live piano music playing in the back ground. Its never too loud but just loud enough to hear throughout your meal. I also love the professional service here. These servers have been working here for years and they always welcome us back everytime we're here. The menu is varied and has something for everyone. Every meal has always been delicious. I wouldn't recommend this place for children as it is more a place for a business meal or a romantic evening.
