The Laughing Cat Restaurant

We used to go to the old location and loved it. Last night we chose to follow a recent recommendation and try it out again with the couple next door. We arrived at 8:00, placed our order, which was recommended by the waiter, and sat for an hour before finally asking the waiter what was taking so long. He said our food was on the way. 30 minutes later, he came out and told us that the dish he recommended wasn't available. We asked to speak to the manager, who quickly told us it wasn't his fault, but that he would be able to cobble together one of the meals we ordered and that (with my second choice being a simple staple meal) our food would be out in 2 minutes. 20 minutes later, they delivered our food. Mine, the replacement meal, was cold in the middle (obviously frozen), the one my wife received (which was the one the said they ran out of) was dressed to look like a full plate, but was actually a little more than a half serving. When we called the manager out to ask, he admitted it was less than a full serving and offered to remove it from our bill (it was the most expensive dish on our order). During our meal, the chef came out, and (didn't apologize either) told us it wasn't his fault. Long story short, we were staring and just ate what we had. When the check came, the manager actually removed the cheapest meal from our check and charged us for the most expensive meal, which as mentioned above was the one that was delivered with less than a full serving portion, contrary to what he told us. We brought it to his attention and he acted like he didn't realize why it happened. He ended the night, discounting our bill the price of a half sized meal and telling us to come back and give it another try soon. Honestly, the food wasn't bad, but the experience was probably the worst I've ever had. Someone jokingly said that we should have gone to Outback, because their service, even if the food is predictable, is never bad. As funny as that sounded, they were right. As a business owner and parents of 3, my wife and I rarely get time out with friends. So when you do, you want it to be special. When you spend $150 on dinner and wine, you should get better. Next time we have time to ourselves, for a special night out, it will not be at the Laughing Cat!! Skip it. more

We went to this restaurant as a party of 4 on a Saturday night in August 2011. The menu is very enticing... more

We went to this restaurant as a party of 4 on a Saturday night in August 2011. The menu is very enticing and we were excited to try it out. The Lau... more

After about 3 hours of drinking beers and smoking cigars at King Corona around the corner our group ran the Bing Scout feature and found TLC listed as 4.5 starts. The new location just opened 4 weeks ago. It was a great experience. Nicely done restuarant, large delicious portions, and great service. Ulysses was our server. We tried several appetizers and main courses. All delicious. After dinner Franco came out to meet us. What a character. He gave us a tour of the kitchen and showed us his custom motivational sign. You gotta see it! more

The food is outstanding. The prices are more than reasonable...especially when you consider that you will easily get a 2nd meal from the leftovers. Our group of 8 friends go out to eat all over Tampa and this is by far our favorite. Hell, even the bread is to die for. Get the Chicken Yolanda! more

The food was unreal!. My wife and I split a meal and still had to take some home. Anyone who thinks they are ""overpriced"" obviously did not actually eat there and see the portions. It was enough to feed us for 2 dinners. We would highly reccomend! \r more

We came here from out of town based on 5-star reviews and were terribly dissapointed. The prices are not at all justified. Yes, the sauce was good, but the veal was not the most tender, the side salad was not at all worth almost $6 (and should have been included). Oh, and we were practically ignored in the beginning - I guess because we were not ""regulars""? To top it off, on the way back to our car we were acosted by a man trying to ""give away"" something he had made into a heart from a box tie. Pros: Good Sauce Cons: Downtown Parking, Lighting out, Unappealing Appearance more

My boyfriend and I are always on the lookout for new places to dine, and after reading a review in a local paper, we decided that this place was worth a shot. We were still a bit skeptical even after being seated at our table, but the long list of items on the menu and the fantastic service we received immediately from our server, Peter, changed our minds. The gnoochi was perfectly cooked, the chicken parm was incredibly tender, and the homemade vodka and marinara sauces were amazing! Although the menu warns that the wait for the freshly made entrees may exceed typical wait times, our dinners came out relatively quickly. The restaurant closed as we were waiting for our entrees, but even still, customers were welcomed inside by staff. The portions are large and the ingredients are the freshest I've tasted! If you're in the mood for amazing Italian food, great service, and a small intimate atmosphere, this is the place for you!! Pros: Everything more

Wonderful food and good service. The chef personally showed us what each dish on the buffet was and outlined the ingredients for my mother Pros: Good buffet Cons: No traditional italian (i.e. meatballs) on the buffet more

At first glance you would not believe this is a top notch restaurant; however once you taste the food, you are immediately transformed to gourmet heaven.\r \r This is the type of restaurant you can take your family to and know you will receive wonderful service; the wait staff treated us like family. They were very obliging to allow us to take pictures of them posing with us (approximately 40 Admin professionals enjoying a night out).\r \r You can be sure the food will dazzle your tastebuds. The chef is very talented and I did not find one thing I did not love!! In fact, every comment from my companions reinforced my thoughts that this is indeed a 5-star restaurant. Pros: Great service and staff. Close to the Trolley line. more

Thank you for a wonderful night of relaxation! The food was terrific! The wine was terrific! Our server -- Peter -- was TERRIFIC! \r \r If you go to Tampa or live there ... do not bypass this place! You will not be dissappointed ... \r \r When (if) I'm back in Tampa, The Laughing Cat will be on my agenda! \r Pros: Everything! Cons: Nothing! more

We pre-arranged a menu for our group of 42 which was fantastic. Absolutely wonderful authentic and delicious Italian food like we never had before. Waiters and Franco fit right in with our crazy group. Received kudos from every member of the group for the best ever. The salmon dish was particularly fantastic as was every dish served. It was all you can eat for one price from appetizer through dessert. We all highly reccommend The Laughing Cat! Pros: Delicious Food, Great Group Location more

I have eaten at The Laughing Cat twice in a period of 2 weeks. Both times I was extremely pleased with the service and the food. The dinner items are made fresh with each order and the experience truly satisfies the palate. more

Oh the quandry I find myself in! It's a restaurant you HATE to tell people about because you simply don't want to share it with anybody but this jewel deserves attention. LC is an unbelievable restaurant. Cozy charming chic interior makes you think you're in a (non-pretentious) european cafe, friendly service, spectacular food, no detail overlooked in this small restaurant. Incredible to find a chef who stays true to his vision of bright, flavorful, fresh food without mainstreaming the food for the masses. Service so friendly & outgoing you don't appreciate how good it is. The bread basket, wine, & water refill themselves. Food comes out of a tiny kitchen when finished, no hot lamps here. Wonderful restaurant with a ""my favorite corner place"" coziness. Prices are even ""middle of the week"" affordable. Pastas from $12 to indulgent specials at $25+. Great wines under $20. Pros: Food, Service, Ambiance more

The Laughing Cat is, hands down, the best restaurant in Tampa. Great Food! Great Service! Great Ambiance! Generous portions! It's got more personality than any other place I've been. more

The best lunch in the Bay area, no kidding. A small but top-notch gourmet buffet for about $8, unless they've change it. Always patronized; an addictive steal. Just wish they might include some desserts in the buffet. Pros: Inexpensive, Excellent Quality, Service more

I have been eating at the Laughing cat for years, since they were an 8 seat hole in the wall with no air conditioning. The current location has all of the same aromas rushing out of the front door, combined with elegant seating and a friendly professional staff. The cuisine is assembled with care, the service is top notch, and as the food on the Lunch Buffet is better than the majority of the Bay Area's restaurants' made to order dinners. If you go once, you will be back again and again. more