Cena is one of the most celebrated restaurants in the city of Tampa, and its extremely gourmet menu has wowed diners for years. It was also recently recognized by The Michelin Guide. Chef Michael Buttacavoli recently told the Tampa Bay Business Journal that he plans to debut a new casual gathering spot in Tampa. The restaurant doesn’t have a name yet, but according to a report by TBBJ it will serve the very same meatball parmesan sub that Buttacavoli used to beat Chef Bobby Flay.
It won’t be a far expansion for Cena. The chef and his team are just taking over the space next door at the Grand Central at Kennedy Courtyard. This spin on your favorite old school pizza joints will include top notch pizzas, and giant subs. The TBBJ notes that the meatball recipe is the same as the one used at Cena.
ADVERTISEMENT
Cena is a modern, fresh and simple Italian food served in a contemporary and stylish setting.
Located in the Grand Central building at the heart of the vibrant Channel District of Tampa, Florida. Born in Huntington Long Island, and raised locally in New Port Richey, Chef Michael Buttacavoli grew up surrounded by authentic, family Italian cooking. Chef Michael spent his formative years as the Chef de Cuisine at Boca and SideBern’s. Following his tenure, he served as Executive Chef of the Fresh Harvest Buffet and the flagship restaurant, Council Oak, at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.
Cena is located at 1120 E. Kennedy Blvd Suite 112. If you make the time to visit Cena, make sure to save room for the Pistachio Honey Panna Cotta dessert.
What to read next:
- Broadway sensation SIX arrives at The Straz Center
- New film starring Bryan Cranston could bring production to Tampa
- Box of Cubans Coffee and Gourmet Sandwich Shop opens new location
- Coco N’ice brings vegan ice cream waffle tacos to Tampa
- New renderings show a car-free Ybor City
ADVERTISEMENT
