At Ricky&Mela Real Italian Restaurant , we believe in more than just serving food — we believe in offering an experience rooted in tradition, refined through study, and delivered with heart. Located in the heart of Riverview, Tampa, our restaurant brings the soul of Italy to your table through freshly made pastas, artisanal baked goods, and thoughtfully crafted dishes that celebrate the beauty of simplicity and the power of great ingredients.
Founded by Riccardo and Carmela, Ricky&Mela Real Italian Restaurant is a reflection of our lifelong passion for Italian cooking. Our mission is to provide an elevated yet welcoming dining experience that showcases the best of what Italian cuisine has to offer — handmade, heartfelt, and deeply rooted in time-honored techniques.
Every dish at Ricky&Mela Real Italian Restaurant begins with a commitment to tradition and excellence. We specialize in lievitati — naturally leavened breads and baked goods — as well as fresh pasta, all prepared daily using premium, thoughtfully sourced ingredients. From long-fermented pizza doughs to delicately folded ravioli, our menu pays homage to the regions of Italy while allowing room for creative expression and modern refinement.
We believe that technique matters. That’s why we devote ourselves to the study and mastery of authentic Italian cooking methods — from precise fermentation processes to the balance of flavors in a traditional ragù. Every element on the plate is intentional, and every meal is made with care.
Whether you’re stopping in for a casual lunch or celebrating a special occasion, Ricky&Mela Real Italian Restaurant offers a culinary experience that is elegant yet approachable — perfect for those who appreciate quality, craft, and a genuine connection to the food they enjoy.
At the heart of Ricky&Mela Real Italian Restaurant is a menu that evolves with the seasons and celebrates the richness of Italian culinary culture. We believe in using the best ingredients available — both imported from Italy and sourced locally — to create dishes that are vibrant, flavorful, and honest.
Our offerings include:
Made in-house daily, including fettuccine, ravioli, and gnocchi.
Homemade bread.
Rice flour and type 1 flour dough
And slow-simmered ragùs, crafted from scratch with the utmost respect for tradition.
Featuring expertly brewed Italian coffee and classic café offerings for the perfect morning or afternoon break
That highlight seasonal ingredients, creative pairings, and inspiration from across Italy.
We invite you to be part of our journey and discover the difference that care, precision, and heart can make. Whether you’re seeking a quick espresso and pastry, a full-course Italian dinner, or something in between, Ricky&Mela Real Italian Restaurant offers something for every occasion and every palate.
We also offer catering services, private dining options, and seasonal events — all thoughtfully curated to reflect the same quality and passion found in our daily offerings.
At Ricky&Mela Real Italian Restaurant, we don’t just serve food — we serve people. Hospitality is at the heart of everything we do. From the moment you step through our doors, you’ll be greeted with the warmth and familiarity of an Italian home. Whether you’re joining us for a quiet weekday lunch, a family dinner, or a celebratory evening, our team is dedicated to providing a seamless and memorable experience.
Our space is designed to evoke comfort and elegance, blending rustic Italian charm with modern touches. It’s a place where you can linger over a cappuccino, share a glass of wine with friends, or savor a handmade pasta dish that transports you to Piedmont or Naples — all without leaving Riverview.
The foundation of Ricky&Mela Real Italian Restaurant lies in the shared vision of its founders, Riccardo and Carmela. What began as a childhood love for “pasticciare” — mixing, testing, and creating in the kitchen — grew into a deep, lifelong study of Italian culinary arts. Our restaurant is the culmination of years spent refining technique, studying tradition, and developing a philosophy of food as expression.
For us, food is not just a craft — it’s a language, a way of sharing emotion, memory, and joy. Every recipe tells a story. Every dish is an invitation.
We carry this passion into every detail of our restaurant — from our menu development and ingredient sourcing to our customer service and community involvement. Our goal is not only to serve exceptional food but to inspire connection, spark curiosity, and elevate everyday dining into something truly special.
Conveniently located in Riverview, Ricky&Mela Real Italian Restaurant is proud to serve our local community and visitors alike. We welcome families, couples, professionals, and anyone who appreciates fine food and genuine hospitality. Come enjoy a dining experience that blends Italian soul with local charm — and leave with a little more joy than you arrived with.
Benvenuti. Welcome. Your table is ready.
