Papa Joe's Italian Restaurant

Beautiful restaurant, wonderful vibe. The food and the service was impeccable. The owner came around for a personal touch, which I love. Our waiter (Jason) was great too. I recommend this to everyone, especially for those special occasions, like birthdays and anniversaries. I noticed they also have a banquet room.

Ryan and Nadia provided extraordinary service as always! They worked as a team getting me in and out, showing me my food before I left. I even bought an extra dessert at the last minute. Love this place! Very busy night as it was a Saturday. Ambiance is absolutely beautiful! Also, Gina is the ABSOLUTE BEST 👌 She always goes above and beyond to make us feel special and like part of the Papa Joe's family! The food is always amazing and it was easy to find something on my low calorie diet. We wanted for nothing and we were treated like royalty. This place is absolutely beautiful inside and out! We will definitely be back.

My daughter is building a new home in the area, one of the neighbors had stopped by to say hello. We had told him that we were starving and what was in the area that was good. he recommended Papa Joe’s Italian restaurant. We are so glad that he did!! The food was delicious. Definitely homemade cooking with love. I had the fettuccine Lorenzo delicious, my daughter had the chicken Parmesan. I did not take a picture “Sorry” but they had black-eyed peas soup that was to die for, Maybe a seasonal thing, but still was delicious. Definitely gonna be our new place when visiting our daughter.

Had a wonderful dinner with family tonight. Glad my husband made a reservation they were busy at 5:30. Yvette was our waitress and was amazing. Will definitely go back. Too full so dessert was to go.

Had the best time eating at Papa Joe's! Ask to have Gina as your server if she's available. She is TOP NOTCH! They have a wonderful marinara that was not acidic, garlic is well portioned in and on everything from the bread to the Stromboli. We also enjoyed finishing our meal with desserts and cappuccino. Highly recommend and if you have a large party definitely call ahead. Oh, and the owner is really from Italy 🇮🇹

We spotted Papa Joe's on Google Maps on a drive from Lecanto to Tampa on a Friday late afternoon. Reading the great reviews, we decided we should give it a try. So glad we did! Amazing atmosphere, food and service! We arrived at 5pm and, thankfully had grabbed a quick reservation on Open Table because it was already really busy! 5 stars across the board! We'll definitely make a point to stop in anytime we're up that way!

Talk about amazing Italian food with layers of delightful flavors in each dish. The fettuccine Lorenzo was so good we had to order an extra to take home! Honestly everything was just so good! Also you must stay and get desert with their cappuccino wow wow it’s so good.

We loved everything about Papa Joe's - from the food to the service to the atmosphere. First the place was very, very clean. Always a win to start. Their artist did a great job of making us feel we were in old Italy with faux brick walls and pretty lighting. The ceilings were high, and the tables were not jammed together - plenty of room to enjoy a meal and conversation without feeling your neighbors presence on top of you. We started with their signature Mediterranean Bruschetta, which was a risk for me as a picky eater. It was flavor-town USA. It had eggplant, olives, sun dried tomato, olive oil, roasted whole garlic, and more with mini breads to spread on. The bread was toasty and fresh and the spread was simply delectable. As well, we split one generously sized, nicely presented meatball, which was plenty for two. It sat in a delicious house made marinara sauce. We visited Mother's Day weekend, which prompted me to get the Mothers Day Special. It was a 6 oz sirloin topped with grilled shrimp, with broccoli and three lobster ravioli. Best lobster ravioli I've had and the texture was rich and creamy. The sirloin met the mark, and the shrimp were big, juicy and grilled to perfection. Hubs enjoyed the Beef Tip Toscana which came out in a wine sauce on top of penne. The beef was abundant in quantity and tender in quality. The wine sauce was great for dipping the garlic bread too! Best of all about our visit was our server, Laurie. Laurie was kind but sarcastic, just the way we would want her to be. Clearly, she had a good sense of humor, and joked around with us authentically. We felt very well taken care of by Laurie. I told my husband today I wanted a "good meal" this weekend. Papa Joe's delivered on my husband's promise. I am excited to add them to my list of favorites. Thank you Papa Joes!

It is one of the best Italian restaurants I have eaten at. I don't get here often, but over the 26 years since I started dining here, I have never been disappointed.

Was very busy on a Wednesday night! Got there around 6:50 PM and was sat by 7:17 PM because I opted for a patio table because there was a shorter wait. I was disappointed because the inside seating has such wonderful atmosphere and ambience. I was delighted to discover that the outdoor patio was just as wonderful! Excuse the lighting in the pictures as the lighting is colored. I tried the seasonal Caramel Cheesecake Tini which was delicious. I had the roasted garlic appetizer, the chicken cognac, limoncello cake, and tiramisu. It was all really good and I will be back!

Came here for a fun little lunch date with my daughter. The pan fried cheese is amazing! And my server was super attentive and nice for making my custom pasta 😋 I've already been back twice since my first time. Definitely one of the best restaurants in the neighborhood and portion sizes are huge!

What a wonderful time ( again ).. We're never disappointed in any meal . We also have a blast interacting with staff and customers. Very family friendly atmosphere. Ask for Ryan when you stop by the bar , he'll give you great food and drink advice, is a great cellphone photographer AND is a wonderful server ..!!.He and " Papa Joe " took the time to make it great..!! Don't forget the desserts, you won't be disappointed..!!..Buon Natale !!

First time we've been to this establishment and we'll definitely be back! Nice atmosphere, comfortable seating - we felt relaxed. For appetizers we had the baked whole garlic cloves on bread pieces with garnishes. I didn't know anyone served this - I make them at home sometimes - they were delicious. Shrimp cocktail - some of the best we've had. Entrees: seafood plate with linguini and a garlic butter sauce. It had shrimp, scallops and artificial crab meat. I thought it was really good. My husband ordered the Papa Joe's specialty salad (that includes anchovies if you want - oh I'm in heaven!) - it was also great, with nice crispy fresh greens in it. Dessert we shared a slice of kumquat cheesecake - I would've taken a whole cheesecake home if they'd sold them. There's also a small sweet gift shop type of establishment nearby that has very unique things plus nice aromatherapy oils. It makes Papa Joe's even more worth a second visit soon!

Papa Joes is one of the tastiest, feel at home Italian restaurants in Brooksville! The service is always phenomenal! If they ever mess something up, they fix it right away and go above and beyond to make it right. The food is flavorful, LARGE portions, and satisfying. My favorite is the fresh garlic bread with almost all the meals, chicken romano, calamari, chicken parm subs, meat ball subs, I can go on and on. Oh and their cannolis and rainbow cookies, TO DIE FOR! Lots to try on their menu, giving plenty of options to choose from. Definitely one of my favorite places to eat!!

Always come here for special occasions and when it is nice to sit outside. Food is fantastic, employees are always friendly and on top of their job. Love this place!

The food is always made fresh. The staff has always been great. The plate size gives you plenty of food. When your looking for Italian food look no further. Worth the trip!!

We had dinner at Papa Joe's on our first night in town. I had asked Ai for a good, independently owned restaurant and Papa Joe's came up. I read a couple reviews and made the reservation. One of the best Italian restaurants I have eaten at in quite some time. The lasagna is to die for. The Ricotta made the dish. We had cheesecake, which also was well prepared and tasted great. The atmosphere makes you feel like you are in a cafe in Italy. If we visit the area again, we will make it a point to come back to Papa Joe's.

One of my favorite restaurants!! ❤️ Everytime I go the service is wonderful, the drinks are made well, and the food is amazing. If you haven't been you have to try it!! 🥰

We hosted our son and daughter-in-law’s rehearsal dinner a few weeks back we were so pleased with the service, food, and atmosphere. We had 2 dedicated servers, Yvette and a nice young man whose name I am sorry I can’t recall. They were both wonderful!! So friendly and attentive throughout the entire meal. The room was set up perfectly, the food was delicious, and they stayed on top of drinks for over 30 guests. We will definitely return and highly recommend to anyone. Thank you very much.

This was hands down the best meal I've had my whole trip!! Greeted with a smile. Server promptly came to the table. Pizza and pasta dish came hot and quickly. I noticed all the staff were smiling, working together, and efficient. Food excellent!!! Thank you! A must stop next time we visit.

The food was great, although I only had my entree. Kudos to Papa Joe's for making a sauteed calamari dish. My server, Janine was so nice! I was there by myself and she managed to make me feel welcome and had just the right amount of attention without it being too little or too much. I will definitely be stopping here again. There were too many dishes I still want to try.

We have been trying to get there to try there food, it was absolutely amazing. From the waitress, atmosphere and oh gosh the food, this was one of the best restaurants we've been to in a long time. You are a little aways from us but so worth the drive. We can't wait to come back. Thank you for a Great dinner. Gina was our waitress and we were very impressed.

I love this restaurant! Its a quaint little restaurant with a warm welcoming feel. When you walk in you get the vibe everyone knows each other. The food was amazing. The service was fantastic! I think I just found my favorite Italian restaurant!

The food was absolutely Amazing and Excellent customer service. Great atmosphere on the patio. It's been a long time since I've such delicious Italian food

Awesome food, grest menu, lots to choose from, very nice big dining area. Very busy. Our waitress was super nice 👌 checked on us often.

I had the chicken pecan bacon. It was cold. The tortellinis in white sauce was good. Service was great! We sat on the patio and that was sweet. I suggest that's some kind of music in the background, like a violin.

First time eating at Papa Joe's. I have heard good things about this Italian restaurant and have been wanting to try it. I recommend making a reservation because it gets busy quickly. Let me say the food was fantastic. You get long pieces of garlic bread brought to your table. I got the Chicken Romano with angel hair pasta. Husband got create your own pasta with sausage. The portions were big and we had to take the rest home. They also have a lot of different deserts. Great place, friendly service and everyone was kind as soon as you walk in. A must try if you are into town, passing through or live in the area. Definitely will be back.

Overall, love the place. My sample platter was great,but way too much sauce. Actually, the sauce took away from the whole flavor profile of the dish. The lasagna, meatballs etc. Was great. Cut back on the sauce,.if someone wants more they can ask. Service was great, hope to get back to the area soon.

When you walk in, you're welcomed by the hostesses. After being seated, the waitress came right over and took drink orders. I don't drink alcohol, so I ordered a Shirley temple. I had to ask for additional grenadine, which they had no problem providing. We ordered, and food came out delicious. Chicken parm was amazing, and they had the perfect amount of cheese on it. The sauce was also very good and a perfect texture. You get a good amount of food for your money as well which is hard to find now a days. Now to the good part. Desert. I ordered the strawberry cheesecake. And let me tell you, it was good. I also ordered the rainbow cookie cheesecake, and that was also delicious. Overall, it was a pleasant dinner.

Great authentic Italian food. Had a great time with my family. The wait was a little longer than I wanted but it was worth the wait. The service was really good and quick. The food was delicious. I would recommend this restaurant if your looking for authentic Italian food.

Food was wonderful. Went with another couple and ordered two appetizers and four meals. Husband had an Alfredo meat pasta, and friends had a Italian combo and lasagna. I ordered the veal special they had on Feb 7th. We received the appetizers then served our meals. Asked about the salad which she brought immediately. So I'm just finishing my salad and started on my meal. Then she came with check and boxes while I was still eating due to salad being brought with meal. Others were finished while I started on my meal and said we shouldn't have given a tip and they reduced their tip because we gave 20% where good service we do 25%. The food was so great so will go back again but will make sure we have a different waitress.

Had 2 appetizers stuffed mushrooms with cheese and meatballs (2 big ones). 9.5/10. Had chicken Parm 6.5/10. I like my chicken thin and breading crispy. Sauce 10/10 the best.

We loved the atmosphere at Papa Joe’s — it’s a beautiful space and definitely a refreshing change of pace from the more casual restaurants in the area. The ambiance felt inviting and had a touch of class that made for a nice evening out. That said, as vegetarians, we found the menu a bit limiting. The $25 signature salad, which usually comes with salmon, steak, or chicken, didn’t translate well to a vegetarian option. Instead of a hearty substitute, we received a very small portion of mixed vegetables, which didn’t feel like a fair trade-off for the price. The salad itself was mostly iceberg lettuce with canned black olives — not quite the fresh, elevated experience we expected from a place with such a great reputation. On a brighter note, the pasta was delicious. The sauce had an authentic, homemade flavor — rich, balanced, and truly the highlight of the meal. You can tell they know how to make great Italian sauce. The garlic bread, however, was more like a toasted sub roll, and we would have loved to see something a bit more refined — maybe a crusty artisan bread served with olive oil and fresh garlic. Overall, the food had high points and low points. The atmosphere is lovely, and the potential is there for a really top-notch dining experience. A few small touches — better vegetarian options, upgraded bread, and maybe some soft Italian music to add to the ambiance (rather than just hearing cell phone chatter) — would make a huge difference.

The place is really decorated nicely, great ambience. Service was good, food was alright. Not bad not good either. What you’d expect from a chain restaurant, which is fine if it’s chain prices, which it is not. I have heard great things so maybe it was just an off day. I’ll try again. I love local owned so I want to give the benefit.

Loved this place great foot. Don’t be in a rush food it cooked to order. We recently had a issue ordered a pizza with our 4 other meals it came out with wrong toppings had pepperoni on one in our group could not eat told girl it was wrong and she said what can’t u eat pepperoni. Ya no we can’t. And we didn’t want it on there. She leaves all pissed Comes back all smiles telling us at least it wasn’t my fault I put it in correctly cooks messed it up. Said we would have wait for new one 20 to 40 min. So half of our group sat and watched us eat and they had to speed eat because we had been there for 2 hrs already. Asked if may be a little discount on the pizza. Mind u it was 3 dollars a topping we had 4 Owner papa joe said nope full price. So if u don’t get the food or service you want going out to eat with your money don’t go there will be looking for new place to go for pasta and pizza there is a lot out there to give support and cash to

The restaurant had a really nice setting even in the larger open section you feel like you have space. The staff was wonderful and over all the service was great. My wife thought their stuff mushroom were awesome. I was honestly disappointed with the rest of the meal. An felt it was a little over priced for the quality. I am a huge fan of meatballs and theirs had and over powering taste from a seasoning I could not place, and did not enjoy. The chicken parm. I ordered was literally sitting in a ton of sauce that cause the breading to just fall off the chicken. The spaghetti and the sauce was good. The desserts were really the final nail. I got the cheese cake and it was really dry it hard to describe the texture. Got my teenage daughter a piece of chocolate cake she did take more than a couple bites with a similar complaint that it was really dry.

This restaurant is lovely. Being a Friday, mid afternoon, it was packed. 1 hr wait inside and 20 minutes wait outside for tables to eat at. Communication between servers didn't go well as two servers tried serving us right away. The cheese appetizer was great. The salads were great. But as for our main meals, all three dishes we ordered cooled of too much before it was served to us.

This was takeout order. The meatball sub had literally four tiny meatballs on about a 6 inch sub. I ordered it with cheese and some raw onions. I had maybe four or five pieces of onion on it. The cheese was good sandwich was $15 and some change and it wasn’t very good small would not recommend the meatball sub. So the roll was half stale Might

I ordered salmon with vegetables. The salmon had such a strong and sour smell I could not eat it and the vegetables were mushy seemingly like frozen instead of fresh as I had expected especially based on the cost of the meal. My husband got chicken Parmesan and said his was ok.Again, based on the prices, I would have expected better food. There was nothing special about anything we had. Very sad and very disappointing. Even the pumpkin martinis was disappointing. It was served with coffee beans and tasted noting like pumpkin or even spices. It was good, but it was not pumpkin as expected. It was basically a coffee martini. The service was good and what I would expect from a restaurant like this and the pricing. I’m just glad I didn’t get the steak at $35. That would have been even more frustrating to spend so much money at a nice restaurant and getting food that was on par for a diner. Very disappointed.

Worst Chicken piccata I have ever had. Chicken was not pounded down thin, left thick, cooked dry. Sauce, what sauce, I would barely say it had a gravy. And served with spaghetti noodles, not angel hair pasta. Heather was a good server, tipped full amount, but the entree was terrible. I wouldn’t serve it to my dog. Salad was decent. Sorry, we are foodies and know our piccata and you guys missed the mark by a planet or two. Won’t be back.