11/01/09

You Have Got to Be Related to the Owners to Rate them High

by lainiew

We came here from out of town based on 5-star reviews and were terribly dissapointed. The prices are not at all justified. Yes, the sauce was good, but the veal was not the most tender, the side salad was not at all worth almost $6 (and should have been included). Oh, and we were practically ignored in the beginning - I guess because we were not "regulars"? To top it off, on the way back to our car we were acosted by a man trying to "give away" something he had made into a heart from a box tie.

• Pros: Good Sauce
• Cons: Downtown Parking, Lighting out, Unappealing Appearance

01/18/09

Simply Exquisite!

by ccrespo1

My boyfriend and I are always on the lookout for new places to dine, and after reading a review in a local paper, we decided that this place was worth a shot. We were still a bit skeptical even after being seated at our table, but the long list of items on the menu and the fantastic service we received immediately from our server, Peter, changed our minds. The gnoochi was perfectly cooked, the chicken parm was incredibly tender, and the homemade vodka and marinara sauces were amazing! Although the menu warns that the wait for the freshly made entrees may exceed typical wait times, our dinners came out relatively quickly. The restaurant closed as we were waiting for our entrees, but even still, customers were welcomed inside by staff. The portions are large and the ingredients are the freshest I've tasted! If you're in the mood for amazing Italian food, great service, and a small intimate atmosphere, this is the place for you!!

• Pros: Everything

10/05/07

Best in Ybor

by ljb3

Wonderful food and good service. The chef personally showed us what each dish on the buffet was and outlined the ingredients for my mother

• Pros: Good buffet
• Cons: No traditional italian (i.e. meatballs) on the buffet

08/07/07

Fantastic food

by 2shultz

At first glance you would not believe this is a top notch restaurant; however once you taste the food, you are immediately transformed to gourmet heaven.

This is the type of restaurant you can take your family to and know you will receive wonderful service; the wait staff treated us like family. They were very obliging to allow us to take pictures of them posing with us (approximately 40 Admin professionals enjoying a night out).

You can be sure the food will dazzle your tastebuds. The chef is very talented and I did not find one thing I did not love!! In fact, every comment from my companions reinforced my thoughts that this is indeed a 5-star restaurant.

• Pros: Great service and staff. Close to the Trolley line.

08/07/07

Only one word -- FANTASTIC!!!

by clogteachr

Thank you for a wonderful night of relaxation! The food was terrific! The wine was terrific! Our server -- Peter -- was TERRIFIC!

If you go to Tampa or live there ... do not bypass this place! You will not be dissappointed ...

When (if) I'm back in Tampa, The Laughing Cat will be on my agenda!

• Pros: Everything!
• Cons: Nothing!

08/06/07

Fantastico!

by jgaulin4

We pre-arranged a menu for our group of 42 which was fantastic. Absolutely wonderful authentic and delicious Italian food like we never had before. Waiters and Franco fit right in with our crazy group. Received kudos from every member of the group for the best ever. The salmon dish was particularly fantastic as was every dish served. It was all you can eat for one price from appetizer through dessert. We all highly reccommend The Laughing Cat!

• Pros: Delicious Food, Great Group Location
• Cons: None

05/31/06

User review by watchful1

by watchful1

I have eaten at The Laughing Cat twice in a period of 2 weeks. Both times I was extremely pleased with the service and the food. The dinner items are made fresh with each order and the experience truly satisfies the palate.

03/24/04

Mine mine all mine!!!!

by skating11

Oh the quandry I find myself in! It's a restaurant you HATE to tell people about because you simply don't want to share it with anybody but this jewel deserves attention. LC is an unbelievable restaurant. Cozy charming chic interior makes you think you're in a (non-pretentious) european cafe, friendly service, spectacular food, no detail overlooked in this small restaurant. Incredible to find a chef who stays true to his vision of bright, flavorful, fresh food without mainstreaming the food for the masses. Service so friendly & outgoing you don't appreciate how good it is. The bread basket, wine, & water refill themselves. Food comes out of a tiny kitchen when finished, no hot lamps here. Wonderful restaurant with a "my favorite corner place" coziness. Prices are even "middle of the week" affordable. Pastas from $12 to indulgent specials at $25+. Great wines under $20.

• Pros: Food, Service, Ambiance

02/19/04

Best Restaurant in Tampa!

by murph

The Laughing Cat is, hands down, the best restaurant in Tampa. Great Food! Great Service! Great Ambiance! Generous portions! It's got more personality than any other place I've been.

02/02/04

High Quality for Cheap

by navarre23

The best lunch in the Bay area, no kidding. A small but top-notch gourmet buffet for about $8, unless they've change it. Always patronized; an addictive steal. Just wish they might include some desserts in the buffet.

• Pros: Inexpensive, Excellent Quality, Service