Spend just five minutes in Francesco Lapi’s Cafe Italia Fort Lauderdale, and there’s little doubt that this professional lives his passion. An evening in this restaurant on the ground floor of an office building begins with a warm welcome followed by seating at one of 14 or so
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Cafe Italia really has what you would call old school charm! It's not much to look at from the outside (obviously located in one of Florida's Endless strip malls) but it's what's inside that counts!
We randomly decided to check out Fabio, the Venician wine bar, but they had stopped serving food so we walked next door and low and behold we found something excellent.
Francesco, the owner introduced himself at the door with his charming Italian accent and gave us a few recommendations. I ordered the penne with shrimp and broccoli and my bf ordered the veal Marsala. Both of our dishes were outstanding and so flavorful. The prices were also very reasonable and our server was very friendly and accommodating. The ambiance was also very minimalistic, but charming and there was even a live piano player.
Cafe Italia is my new neighborhood Italian go-to!
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Four of us came to Fort Lauderdale for a week to escape the cold and snow. Early on in the trip, we decided we wanted some Italian food and decided to try Cafe Italia. To say that we enjoyed our meals is an understatement. We have never had Italian food that tasted as good in any restaurant ever. Two of us grew up in Italian homes, and the food, and atmosphere, reminded us of our cherished family and the wonderful meals we shared. We already made a return visit and plan to go one more time before we leave. Try anything on the menu. You will not be disappointed. 
- Home cooked food made to order. Ask them for the stuffed veal chop. Mom and pop restaurants but that is the best kind. Francesco the owner was great, greeted everyone properly and got to know them.Would definitely try again.
- Everytime we come into this place it blows us away, literally the most amazing italian food I've ever had. Its never usually busy but everything is always so spectacular. The owner is always friendly and definitely cares about his patrons. I would give it ten stars if i had the option.
- Excellent restaurant! My boyfriend and I got the filet mignon. It was better than any steakhouse! Large steak cooked to perfection with amazing flavor. To start, they gave us baskets of bread and olives with cheese. The bread was so good I couldn't stop eating it.
My parents had the lasagna and devoured it! My mom says it was one of the best lasagnas she's ever eaten.
The staff was very friendly and efficient. The owner greeted us at the door and was very welcoming.
The bathrooms were very very clean.
The prices are very good.
All meals made when ordered which we really appreciate.
My family and I will definitely be back!
- Food was well prepared and delicious. Service was very lacking. Wait staff needs basic training in how to serve and treat customers .Went for dinner and the restaurant was not crowded. The food was brought to the table in a timely manner. The waiter did not come back to the table to ask if we were enjoying our meal. When we finished our meal he came to ask if we wanted dessert. We placed the order for dessert and coffee. To my utter dismay and shock he brings the dessert and was about to place it in the dirty fish and pasta dishes .THE TABLE WAS NOT CLEARED OF DISHES !!!!!!!! .The entree and pasta dishes along with dirty flat wear and bread basket was still on the table .WHO DOES THIS???????? I had to instruct him to clear table of dishes etc. before placing dessert and espresso on the table.
What a tragedy. I had to give this restaurant 5 stars because the preparation of the food was excellent. But PLEASE TRAIN YOU STAFF in rudimentary table service.Always clear the table before bringing the next course.Please next customer will not be as forgiving and will give you one star instead of the five stars you deserve 
- My husband and I were looking to find a quiet little, family run, Italian restaurant for dinner. When we walked in, there were plenty of tables with white linens, and even a baby grand piano in the corner.
The menu was lovely with all our favorites and much more. The food was delicious! Grouper with tomatoes, onions and olives, cooked to perfection! My husband had the spaghetti with lamb meatballs, all amazing!
The only unfortunate part for us was when the establishment ordered the large screen television turned on, along with the existing overhead music, then he added a phone playing a tv show with more loud music. It was overwhelming and my husband thought it to be rude. We deliberately avoided some of the more popular Italian spots due to the loud noise, televisions and difficulty in having a conversation during dinner.
Food and service and pricing was amazing, sensory overload not so much. 
- If you like authentic Italian pasta and food you are in the right place. We had an antipasti and since it was not mentioned on the menu we asked if we could get a Carpaccio. The Waitress said I will ask the Chef and when she came back it was acknowledged that the Chef was willing to make it for us. All tasted great and freshly made. Dinner was perfectly seared sea bass, fillet Mignon in pepper saus again on request since my wife does not like mushrooms. Freshly made Parpadella pasta with shrimps and spaghetti Carbonara. We enjoyed this dinner very much and the owner and his wife thanked us when we left. We will be back
- Absolutely delicious food been coming here for years I would definitely recommend to everyone.
The bread is amazing
- Beautifully prepared and totally delicious! All 7 of us were delighted with our dinner entrees. Osso bucco got rave reviews--large portions, too! Red Snapper Livornese was so good, with olives and capers. Pasta was authentic and cooked perfectly. Salmon and seafood were enthusiastically consumed. House wine ok. Only one anonymous beer: "Italian birra". Tiramisu and espresso finished our memorable meal.
TripAdvisor Reviews
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The real test of a small restaurant is when a large party is to be served. As a group of 12, we were amazed at the quality of the food... read more 
- We celebrated my nieces 17th birthday here and were blown away by the quality of food, service, and overall hospitality shown by not only the owners Francesco&Valerie but the entire... read more
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Wife and I both liked our dishes. Can’t say it was the best carbonara I ever had, but it filled me. Slow enough service that it seemed food was made... read more
- Been in FLL for years and have never stopped in and we finally did last night for dinner. What a treat! We found our new Italian favorite! With little touches... read more
- With its friendly, attentive staff and a nice, reasonably priced wine selection, Café Italia is a neighborhood Italian restaurant that will win you over with its high quality, well prepared... read more
