Bernini's of Ybor City was once the Bank of Ybor, an institution that served a community rich in culture and history. The marble floors and columns reminiscent of the Parthenon create an old world Italian atmosphere. A sweeping marble staircase leads you to the loft dining area that overlooks the main floor and a former bank vault is repurposed as a wine cellar. Simple tablecloths and dark paneling along with dozens of framed prints of old Ybor City residents covering the walls give the effect that this restaurant has been around for a century, as solid an institution as the bank once was.

Bernini's Main Dining Room — Photo courtesy of Bernini's

One cannot help but make the comparison between NYC's Little Italy and Ybor City. The same lively pedestrian traffic on just these few short blocks filled with restaurants and nightclubs matches the energy of the Big Apple.

Bernini's menu includes Osso Buco and Veal Chop along with other favorites like Veal Lasagna and homemade soups. Service is lovely and efficient, and from 4-7 pm they feature half priced Entrees and Pasta and $2 Finlandia Martinis of every flavor in the rainbow.  The fillet was melt in your mouth delicious and came served with garlic mashed potatoes and a sweet corn puree that was velvety smooth.