Tuscany Caffe

In town the night before our cruise. OMG. You must go here. Exceptional service and amazing food.

Friendly, quaint, and out of sight food. You can not make a mistake. Everything is top shelf.

It’s been awhile since my «go-​to» Italian restaurant closed it’s doors; actually, it’s more along the lines of three years. Of course, other options are out there but I don’t want trendy with the possibility of «fair» food and inflated prices… and I don’t want upscale and I don’t want commercial restaurant chains either.
What I do want is somewhere we can (1) eat «excellent» Italian food, (2) laugh and be ourselves without worry that we are too loud or disturbing other patrons, (3) find that perfect balance of not too upscale that we have to overdress (no Bruno Magli and fancy threads) but at the same time, not a dump (leave the shorts and flip flops at home), (4) offer fair prices and (5) most importantly, it must have that Ma & Pa feel…
THE SKEPTIC IN ME
My pop knows about my search… places have come close but they haven’t fulfilled the criteria I wished for. On this one particular day, my pop was telling me about this hidden Italian café that he happened to find a month earlier when he was taking backstreets due to an accident on US1… I checked it out on Unilocal and to be honest «I was NOT impressed» but my pop told me to be openminded; and since we were already in the car heading north from Miami he convinced me to give it a try…
Hesitantly, I agreed
CUTE BUT…
I have to admit that the pictures on Unilocal were blah, but when you actually arrive it’s more charming than expected… the pictures look old and beaten up but when standing at the door it feels more like what is expected in a back street in Italy… small, charming, worn and perfect.
Starting to be openminded and getting excited, we enter the café and inside is small, intimate and includes the same charm.
Of course, any great restaurant MUST have great food but for any restaurant to truly be great other factors are important (atmosphere, staff and service)… Giovanni was our waiter and from the moment you meet Giovanni you can’t help but smile and laugh with his sharp humor and one liners… and nice to have a true Italian serve Italian food.
THAT FIRST MEAL
Being that Pop has been here a few times, he suggested we start with FIOCHETTI DI CASA (pasta that looked like purses filled with some sort of pear and cream)… UN-​REAL !
The menu was simple but had plenty of options to satisfy most moods… classics like Pollo Parmigiana and Caprese and house specialties like their Gnocchi Di Casa and Filletto Di Baccala Vino Biano. In addition to the menu, Giovanni rattled off a few specials of the night… but all I heard was Lasagna (with hard boiled eggs)… say what!!!
So, of course, I ordered the HOUSE LASAGNA (with those hard boiled eggs) and was quite pleased with the choice. Once I finished my dish (and before being offered espresso or dessert), we were brought a plate of Clementines… different, but I like the novelty.
I couldn’t resist… Giovanni said the word «TIRAMISU»… I don’t say OMG often, but OMG.
First visit was a home run…
STILL SKEPTICAL ?
I was excited to bring Marisol here and she immediately thought of another couple that would love to try this as well (since he has Italian blood). Marked on the calendar and our double date commenced…
Although, I should not have been skeptical anymore since I have already been here and was impressed but sometimes friends can be discerning and disappointed… fingers crossed
ROUND 2
The four of us enter the restaurant and welcomed by none other than GIOVANNI. This alone removes most my «Hope My Friends Like This» stress (even if the food is bad, I’m confident the service will be top notch and entertaining).
I was right… and wrong !
I was right about everyone loving Giovanni… his personality shined and the service was excellent. He’s an older gentleman but clearly has been a server for many decades…
We decided to place a couple appetizers on the table:
COZZE VINO BIANCO (Muscles in White Wine)… a bit small but cooked to perfection and the sauce was a great dipper for the garlic toast on the table.
PROSCIUTTO E MOZZANELLA… simple dish with fresh made Burrata; good but I’d opt for another choice next time.
The main dishes delivered strong:
EGGPLANT PARMIGIANA… not fried, not breaded, not layered with cheese, not overly doused with olive oil… this was done the way Eggplant Parmesan was meant to be done.
LINGUINE ZUCCHINI E GAMBERETTI (Linguine with Zucchini and Shrimp)… Great balance of virgin olive oil, small bits of parmesan and garlic made this lite dish a knock out.
ROOM FOR DESSERT ?
Before we even had a chance to consider dessert, our bowl of Clementines arrive. Still not sure if done as a «novelty» or if meant to cleanse the palette, as some french restaurants do with sorbet.
We ate the Clementines and passed on dessert but did take a round of cappuccino (de-​caf available too)… and washed it all down with some holy water
ANYMORE SKEPTICISM ?
Nope… None… Nada.

My husband Daniel, my son Noah and I go there often. We live in Dania Beach and love this restaurant. I always get the lamb chops which are amazing. My husband gets seafood dish. My son Noah always gets the spaghetti with two large meatballs. To top it off the lemon sorbet yummy great place I totally recommend it small town restaurant A must.

4.0 — Lasagna: excellent seasoning, healthy amount of sauce and meat
4.0 — service: quick, friendly, with a nice authentic and cozy atmosphere

Absolutely amazing food with the most hospitable service, it’s a must if you are in the area, you won’t find a more service oriented staff that! One of the best hole-​in-​the-​wall places I’ve ever been to!

I can’t say enough good things about this place! I was in Fort Lauderdale for one night to catch an a.m. flight and I wanted wine. I typed wine and Unilocal and this place popped up! The reviews look good so I Ubered over there from my hotel. It’s behind the main road and I didn’t see much parking. The place is really small and quaint. I went in and there were about 10 – 12 tables that could seat 4 people.
The servers were amazing and had great advice in what to order. The specials were also really great. My mother ordered the Manicotti and I ordered the Lobster Ravioli. We also ordered a bottle of red wine. Everything was sooooooooo sooooooooo amazing. The food was obviously fresh and cooked to order and cooked to perfection. Actually it was so good that I felt blessed to be in such a cute place with great food surrounded by all sorts of people from different places.
The server tried to get me to try the Sambuca! I didnt like it but it was fun tasting something new. I truly enjoyed this authentic night in «Tuscany». The next time I am in Fort Lauderdale I am definitely going back.

Found this restaurant through Unilocal and it’s great rating. I can’t believe I live in the area and didn’t know it existed. Well after eating here last night all I can say is what a discovery!
I wanted someplace new and good to eat at. This place is a perfect 5.
We parked out front very close to the restaurant. Upon entering we were asked if we had reservations. We did not but since they had three empty tables for 2 they were able to accommodate us. There is one waiter and another person who brings out the food. They were magnificent how well they served every one well and with ease. My husband ordered the House Salad to start with balsamic and the Lasagna special. I had the stuffed shells and we both had the Italian Beer Peroni.
The portions were generous but we were able to finish as the food was so delicious and fresh.
As we were about to leave a little after 9 PM this place was at full capacity. We skipped dessert as we were full and we were given little oranges as well as wrapped Italian cookies, such a nice touch and pleasant surprise.
The check was extremely reasonable for a restaurant of this size and with beautiful white table cloths.
This restaurant will be forever on the top of our list and we will definitely make reservations in the future so we don ‘t miss out.

Excellent Italian fare. Authentic sauce. My wife and I enjoyed dinner here with our two kids. Service was excellent, food was excellent. The restaurant has a very small dining room, reminiscent of little Italy in NYC or Federal Hill in Providence — there are 10 tables.
Everything we had was excellent. Would recommend to anyone.
Make reservations ahead of time, even if that means calling a few hours ahead just to make sure you are all set before you head over there.

After reading the review I was excited to try this place out. You definitely need a reservation. We called the same day and got in for 2 people at 7:30pm. The place was full though. There are only about 10 tables in a small room. You feel like you are in someone’s home. The staff is friendly. They bring you complimentary bruschetta and white bread. The bread is toasted with some dried herbs and olive oil on top… nothing great.
I had the gnocchi and a meatball on the side. the meatball was large and cost $ 6. It had good flavor along with the fresh marinara sauce. The gnocchi was nothing special and they claim to make it in house.
My friend had the chicken parm. This was delicious and a huge portion for the $ 18. It came with a side of linguini, which is the only type of pasta they have besides stuffed shells.
You pay for bottled water. $ 1.50 for a small bottle. They didn’t offer free tap water. There is parking along the street in front of the restaurant. It’s not located in the best neighborhood.
Overall, a neat place but not great enough with the food for me to return. It is also loud inside.

great little hole in the wall that we would like to be kept a secret because now to many know about it so we need a reservation to get it. always a great sign for a good dinner night.
Love it …

Upon arriving, we were eager to eat at a cozy spot, that had great reviews. It was small, but there were several tables that were open. My husband greated the server, and asked if we sat ourselves or waited.
We were completely denied service, even though there was plenty of tables to seat two people. We even suggested sitting outside, and the server said «No, it’s too cold outside.» Cold, in Florida?! Okay, we can take a hint.
My husband and I dined elsewhere, and was able to enjoy real service.

This place is truly a little gem in Dania Beach! Reservations are a must! Again reservations are a MUST.
The food is spectacular! The red sauce is not acidic and you can truly taste the flavors of the freshness. I ate the manicotti, my daughter had the stuffed shells, and husband ate the lamb. Everything was exquisite!
This is a little whole in the wall. I lived in dania for 8 years and never knew about this place because it’s not located on a main road and is hidden by all the antique shops.
The service is okay. The servers I believe don’t really speak English so they don’t interact with you, but the food is authentic Italian food and we’ll worth your money.

Went with two friends and we all loved it! Cozy little restaurant with romantic but dark lighting (in the evening) and very unassuming looking on the outside but it feels authentic and from the servers to the food it’s clear that’s exactly what this restaurant is.
I forgot to take pictures of our meals since we were all excited to eat but the Eggplant Parm, Steak, and Linguine with Meatballs were all fantastic. Homemade marinara sauce will tell tales. Before the entrees they brought us toast with seasonings and bruschetta as well. Before dessert they brought us watermelon, and with the check we got little amaretto cookies!
Dessert, by the by, was what topped off the experience as perfect. We tried all three they offered, ice cream, cannoli and tiramisu. The cannoli was perfect, the ice cream was sweet but delicate and fluffy, and the tiramisu was heavenly and agreeably the best any of us had ever had. It was moist, not too sweet, incredibly fluffy and full of flavour. Wrap up your meal if you need to save room for dessert because it’s so worth it.
P. S. The server were very kind and attentive. Not overly sweet like you’d expect in an American restaurant, but rather in a genuine way you’d expect from an Italian man. He very much deserved our tip and I can’t wait to go again when I’m in the area. :)

Don’t go to this little place. My wife and myself had made a reservation for dinner on Saturday night, showed up 15 minutes early and were told by a mustachioed waiter that they had given our table away to friends. We had made the reservation over 24 hours earlier.
They are not honorable people as it was evident they knew exactly what they were doing.
Gene M

The hidden Italian gem in Dania Beach… The REAL Italian trattoria!!! Starting with the REAL Italian experience: small, cozy place, handle by the owners, you literally feel in Italy. The food is real, made from scratch, no BS. Good prices, good selection on the menu, no surprises here.
Complementary bruschetta to start, watermelon and sambuca to finish… Is just AMAZING!
I couldn’t stress more: if you are around the area, or even a little far… Take the trip! You would not regret!
BRAVO!

Authentic Italian, super nice and warm staff, complimentary sambuca, brushettas, watermelon, and small cookie.
Cozy, good prices $$ and makes you feel in Italy! Loved this place, don’t be fooled by the exterior. Little hidden treasure.

Finally got to try this place and I have def been missing out! Cute little atmosphere — great spot for an intimate dining experience. It only hosts about 10 tables and is a bit off the beaten path. The service is spot on and the menu has a great selection. The waiter greeted the table with fresh bread and a small plate of bruchetta crostinis. Both very fresh and very good. The pasta is fresh and the sauces are amazing. It was def a hard decision as everything on the menu sounded amazing. Get the linguine with clams! Very yummy and they do not skimp on the clams! And the tirimisu. Def get the tirimisu! 5 stars all around for this place.

I would have never found this place, had it not been for Unilocal! Thank you! This restaurant is very small. It has less than 10 tables, and is located on the corner of a side street. MAKE A RESERVATION!!! We happened to have gotten lucky, because we went in on terribly rainy day and most people had made cancelations, their loss, our gain. The service is incredible. The moment we walked in, we felt welcome. They sat us right away, brought out menus, and explained their specials. The brought out a bruschetta for everyone to start with. It was really good but needed a pinch more salt for my taste. The came with our bottle of wine and allowed us to sample before making our final decision. Any time our glass ran low, the server came over and refilled the glasses for us. The bread they bring out was toasted and buttery, all plusses in my book.
I ordered the house special lasagna… BEST I HAVE EVER HAD! No joke. I am very particular about my lasagna, it’s my favorite dish and It needs the right cheese to meat ratio, a flavorful sauce, not dry, noodles al dente and so forth. I have a criteria I go by. This hit the spot. It was a large portion and I was not shy about eating the entire thing. One surprise I had yet to experience was the addition of hardboiled egg. I liked it, it gave a whole different textural experience. Well done.
My two friends, super original, both ordered chicken parmesan with linguini. One thought there was a little to much sauce, but in that same note, he ate all of it with the bread provided on the table. And the other thought that the chicken was a little tough, but still ate everything.
After our plates were licked clean, they brought a fresh slice of watermelon for each of us to clear our palettes. We ordered the tiramisu to share. This is where I went wrong. The tiramisu is way too good to share. It was delicious and creamy and you could tell that they used a richer cocoa powder to top it. Amazing!
When we got they check, they also brought little amaretto cookies as well. A nice finish to a great meal.

I was kind of hesitated to write this review at first. I know many other Unilocalers had given this place rave reviews. So if I were to gave an unfavorable review, I might be getting a few messages from people telling me that I was wrong. But if I don’t do a honest and fair review about this place based on my own personal experience, then I am not doing my job as a Unilocaler! So here goes. let the messages flow.
First of all, reservations are strongly recommended. We showed up at 5:30pm on a Saturday afternoon thinking that we beat the dinner rush. But apparently that’s not the case. We walked in the door and the older waiter asked if we had made a reservation in which we replied no. Then he went on and said something like well, we will be very busy tonight so all I can offer you is this small table by the door. Okay fine, no big deal but I just wish he’d have said it more friendlier. So we sat down and this older gentleman proceeded to take our order. He seemed he doesn’t really care about us as the customers because he never really look at us when explaining the specials off the menu. That doesn’t really matter to us neither as long as the food is good, well.
I ordered the lobster ravioli. I think my ravioli was undercooked because the pasta was thick and it was chewy. And the sauce was a little plain which a little salt or pepper could help. My wife ordered the sausage and mushroom with pasta. I tasted the sausage and it was very tough and salty and the pasta was very watery. Maybe our expectation was too high before coming here after reading all the good reviews. And when we finally got here, the food did not deliver to our expectations.
One thing I did notice was that at the time we asked for the check, a gentleman dressed like the head chef walked in the door and greeted a few guests at another table. So, perhaps our meals was prepared by the line cook or sous chef. Therefore, I am willing to give this place another chance. Only this time I will call ahead and make the reservation at the normal dinning hour at 7pm. And if I got great meals at the next visit, I think I will be coming back and write an updated review.