Last night, I had dinner at Spartaco Trattoria Italiana in South Tampa. DeeDee and I went about 6pm on a Wednesday, not your busiest time or day of the week. Still, I expected there to be one or two tables taken. It was DeeDee and me and the rest of the staff. What a shame! This place was really good.

Our waiter was very pleasant and fully knowledgeable regarding the menu and the specials which included snapper, veal scalloppini, and a pasta trio (which I ordered).  When we were seated, we received a plate of appetizers.  I am not sure if this was because we were the first customer of the day, a reason to eat during the middle of the week or they treat everyone to these delicious appetizers.  The plate had the traditional tomato buschetta and a delicious mushroom buschetta.  The plate also covered a bread basket with warm pieces of bread and olive oil on the table.

By the way, water and wine glasses were also on the table. I usually need to have my water glass filled a few times during a meal. At Spartaco. the waiter put a clear, handpainted bottle on the table with cold water. I love that idea! The waiter did have to bring another bottle before the end of the meal, but it was great being able to fill my own glass.

We both had a glass of wine. I wish I could tell you what the exact maker and year was, but I can’t. DeeDee had a Cabernet Sauvignon and I had a glass of Sangiovese. As is our custom, she tried mine and I tried hers. I liked mine and she liked hers. Go figure.

We were both very happy with our entrees. DeeDee ordered the Chicken Marsala.  It came with roasted potatoes and green beans.  I have to admit.  I make a mean Chicken Marsala.  This was good.  Mine is better.  I know, I know… we all think we are one step below a chef, but, luckily for me, DeeDee would never hurt my feelings and agreed with me.  Thanks sweetie!

I ordered the pasta special with three different pastas.  The dish came with stuffed shells with red sauce, a cheese ravioli with alfredo sauce, and a lobster ravioli with a wine cream sauce.  It was tasty!  It is commonplace that I have diner’s remorse everytime I order something I wished I had ordered something else.  This situation is no different.  Make no mistake, I did enjoy my entree, but it was not a meal I will order again.

Even though I will not order that pasta special again, I will return and order something else. I really liked the Spartaco Trattoria Italiana.  It is a little on the pricey side, but it should be.  It is better than any of the traditional Italian chain restaurants.  It is authentic Italian cuisine.

Using the Kansas City Barbeque Society judging scale (1-9), I give it a 7.5. Highly recommended.