News
From grand opening buzz to behind-the-scenes stories, stay up to date with the latest press, features, and happenings from Che Vita. Explore how we’re bringing Southern Italy to Tampa—one dish, one story at a time.
Press KitMeet Chef James King: The Culinary Visionary Bringing Southern Italy To Tampa At Che Vita
The Florida Independent has featured Che Vita in a recent article highlighting Executive Chef James King and the inspiration behind our Southern Italian concept. The piece explores Chef King’s culinary journey, his passion for authentic regional flavors, and how Che Vita brings the warmth and soul of Southern Italy to the heart of downtown Tampa.
We invite you to explore the full article and get a taste of what makes our kitchen—and our story—so special.
Read the full articleA Taste of the Mezzogiorno Arrives in Tampa: Sneak Peek at Che Vita
We’re proud to be featured in South Florida Reporter in an exclusive first look at Che Vita. The article explores how our concept brings the flavors, atmosphere, and soulful spirit of Southern Italy—known as the Mezzogiorno—to life in downtown Tampa.
From timeless regional dishes to Chef James King’s thoughtful approach to Italian hospitality, get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of what makes Che Vita a true celebration of “the good life.”
Read the full article12 Mistakes To Avoid When Making Homemade Pizza, According To Chefs
From stretching dough to choosing the right toppings, The Takeout asked expert chefs to share the most common homemade pizza mistakes—and our very own Chef James King weighed in with his pro tips. His insights reflect the same passion and precision he brings to every dish in our kitchen.
Read the full article to see how Chef James keeps pizza night from falling flat—and how his expertise shapes every pie we serve.
Hilton Tampa Downtown Opens Che Vita: A Southern Italian Restaurant Concept – AB Newswire / PR Newswire
We’re excited to share Che Vita’s grand opening featured in AB Newswire. This press release highlights our dedication to warm hospitality, authentic Southern Italian recipes, and creating memorable dining moments inside Hilton Tampa Downtown.
Read the full articleHilton Tampa Downtown Introduces Che Vita – Travel And Tour World
We’re proud to be featured in Travel and Tour World spotlighting Che Vita’s arrival at Hilton Tampa Downtown. The article highlights how we’re setting a new standard for Southern Italian dining with timeless flavors and modern hospitality.
Read the full articleChe Vita – Visit Tampa Bay
We’re honored to be listed on Visit Tampa Bay as a must-visit dining destination. The profile introduces Che Vita as a Southern Italian-inspired experience in the heart of downtown Tampa.
Read the full articleChe Vita Presents The Charm And Cuisine Of Southern Italy – Where The Food Comes From
We’re so excited to share our latest feature in Where The Food Comes From, showcasing how Che Vita brings the charm, atmosphere, and cuisine of Southern Italy to Downtown Tampa.
Read the full articleChe Vita Tampa: Southern Italian Charm & Cuisine – Newsy Today
We’re proud to be featured in Newsy Today highlighting Che Vita’s unique role in Tampa’s culinary scene. The article shares how our authentic flavors and inviting atmosphere bring Southern Italy to downtown Tampa.
Read the full articleDay Tripping to Eat at Chef James King’s New Tampa Restaurant – The Street Food Guy
We’re proud to be featured in The Street Food Guy’s review, capturing the experience of dining at Che Vita. From the dishes to the design, the article shares a firsthand look at what makes Che Vita special.
Read the full articleChe Vita in downtown Tampa stands out with pizza, passion, and authenticity – WFLA
We’re proud to be featured on WFLA, showcasing how Che Vita stands out in downtown Tampa with its passion for authentic pizza, soulful cuisine, and vibrant atmosphere.
Read the full articleChe Vita in downtown Tampa stands out – MSN.com
We’re proud to see Che Vita featured on MSN, highlighting the passion and authenticity behind our approach to Southern Italian dining in downtown Tampa.
Read the full articleChe Vita in downtown Tampa stands out – Yahoo
We’re proud to be featured on Yahoo, spotlighting how Che Vita’s passion, authenticity, and Italian flavors bring a new dining experience to Tampa.
Read the full articleMake Neapolitan‑style pizza at home – WFLA
We’re proud to be featured on WFLA, sharing how to recreate Neapolitan-style pizza at home with insights inspired by Che Vita’s authentic pizza-making approach.
Read the full articleOur Visit to Che Vita for Our Wedding Anniversary – The Frugalista Life
We’re honored to be featured on The Frugalista Life, where a couple shared their anniversary celebration at Che Vita. The review highlights the food, service, and overall charm of the experience.
Read the full articleChe Vita – ConcertHotels.com
We’re proud to be featured on ConcertHotels.com as a recommended dining destination for concert-goers, showcasing our convenient location, atmosphere, and Italian-inspired menu.
Read the full articleNew Che Vita Brings Southern Italy To The Heart Of Tampa – Osprey Observer
We’re proud to be featured in Osprey Observer, highlighting how Che Vita brings Southern Italy’s flavors, hospitality, and traditions to the heart of downtown Tampa.
Read the full articleBest Date Night Restaurants in Tampa Bay – Food Wine Sunshine
Food Wine Sunshine featured Che Vita as one of the best date-night restaurants in Tampa Bay, highlighting our Southern Italian cuisine with a modern twist and the warm hospitality from Executive Chef James and Chef Fabio. Tracy from Food Wine Sunshine says: "Che Vita is the perfect spot to toast, savor, and celebrate over fresh, flavorful dishes you won’t find anywhere else."
Read the full articleNew Tampa Neighborhood News
New Tampa Neighborhood News spotlighted Che Vita’s opening at Hilton Tampa Downtown, introducing the restaurant’s “what a life” spirit and chef-driven Southern Italian menu. The feature highlights Executive Chef James King and Chef Fabio Zaniboni, plus standout dishes like vibrant antipasti, handmade pastas, and Neapolitan-style pizzas, along with an elevated cocktail program, positioning Che Vita as a must-visit downtown dining destination. Check out pages 32-33 to read the full article.
Read the full articlePumpkin cooking mistakes common chefs see. –The Takeout
In a feature from The Takeout, Che Vita Executive Chef James King shares fall-inspired insight on how to cook beyond the usual pumpkin pie and carving. Chef King highlights pumpkin’s naturally sweet-and-savory balance and offers an easy seasonal favorite: a “zuccamore” pasta finished with burrata and toasted nuts.
Read the full articleSkip The Oven And Throw Your Frozen Pizza On The Grill For A Smoky Edge - Food Republic
Food Republic featured Che Vita Executive Chef James King for his expert tips on upgrading frozen pizza on the grill, sharing how high heat and live-fire flavor can deliver a more wood-fired taste at home. It’s a quick, chef-approved way to get crispier crust, better texture, and bolder flavor with minimal effort.
Read the full articleThis Southern Comfort Food Makes A Killer Topping For Your Store-Bought Frozen Pizza - Food Republic
Che Vita Executive Chef James King was spotlighted in Food Republic sharing a creative at-home tip: top store-bought frozen pizza with crispy fried chicken for extra texture and comfort-food flavor. Chef King recommends pairing it with sharper cheeses (like cheddar or provolone) and adding the chicken after cooking to keep it crisp.
Read the full articleA Drizzle Of This Unexpected, Sweet, And Tangy Condiment Can Transform Frozen Pizza Into A Restaurant-Worthy Dish - Food Republic
A simple finishing touch can change everything: Food Republic tapped Che Vita Executive Chef James King for insight on using balsamic glaze to add balance, brightness, and sophistication to frozen pizza— best applied as a light, post-oven drizzle to taste.
Read the full articleRestaurant Review: Tampa’s Che Vita Is An Italian Neoclassical Delight
Where The Food Comes From praised Che Vita as an “Italian neoclassical delight,” spotlighting our understated-elegant downtown setting inside Hilton Tampa Downtown (but independently operated) and our Southern Italian-inspired menu. The review highlights favorites like the Arugula & Prosciutto Salad, Shrimp Scampi with squid-ink pasta, Agnolotti Blue Crab, and the house-loved Tiramisu Semifreddo, plus a pizza lineup that’s anything but ordinary.
Read the full articleChe Vita opens in downtown Tampa with Italian Flair
Tampa Bay Business & Wealth spotlighted Che Vita’s arrival in downtown Tampa, noting our July 2025 opening inside Hilton Tampa Downtown and the chef-led vision from Executive Chef James King and Chef Fabio Zaniboni. The story highlights our Southern Italian inspiration—think elevated antipasti, standout pastas, and Neapolitan-style pizzas—crafted to match the energy of Tampa’s growing urban core.
Read the full article