Cristino’s Coal Oven Pizza & Italian Restaurant located on the corner of 8th Ave & 17th St had its Grand Opening Celebration in Ybor City. The Ribbon Cutting ceremony had family members attending from New York, New Jersey, Texas, Virginia and Florida with Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn. Sharing the ribbon cutting merriment with brothers Lenny, Marco & Joe Cristino’s was their gracious Italian Mother, Caterina  from New York City. City officials included Tampa’s Economic & Urban Development Administrator, Bob McDonaugh and Vince Pardo, YCDC manager.

    The Ybor City business leaders and area invitees experienced some of the best Italian food Tampa has to offer. On the sampling tables were Chicken Parmesan, Cheese Ravioli, Secret Family Hand Me Down Meatball Recipe, 24 delectable varieties of daily prepared Gelato and of course a lot varieties of the specialty, Coal Oven Pizza! The beautiful Italian singing sensation, Rossana Spallino sang festive Italian songs to the grand opening crowd. Soon she had the crowd dancing throughout the outside courtyard.

    The Italian eatery is a great addition to all the other great restaurants in Ybor City. Cristino’s Italian Restaurant also have an Italian Coal Oven Pizza restaurant in Clearwater on Ft. Harrison. Lines wait for reservations and tables to eat that light smokey flavored pizza.

    “You can’t have anything better than great all handmade prepared food, friendly table service and a wonderful caring staff.” said owner Lenny Cristino. ” I love this historic Ybor City area.”

    Open daily for lunch and dinner with a full liquor bar. And don’t forget to try their famous homemade Italian Gelato! A real treat. Outside or inside seating for your enjoyment.