Disappointing First Experience
My family and I decided to try Timpano in Hyde Park for the first time, and unfortunately, it will probably be our last.
We were a party of three, and the appetizers started the meal off well. The real issue began when we ordered our entrées. All three of us ordered the Chicken Parmesan, which is around $34–$38 each. At no point did our server explain that these were essentially family-style portions, and we did not see anything on the menu clearly indicating the massive portion size.
What makes this even more frustrating is that we actually ASKED our server about the Chicken Parmesan before ordering. She told us that she had eaten the entire thing herself along with a side. Based on that answer, we had absolutely no reason to believe this was some enormous family-style portion meant to be shared.
When the food came out, we were genuinely shocked. Each order came with THREE huge pieces of chicken. We had ordered three of them, meaning an absolutely ridiculous amount of food was brought to a table of three people. Only after the food arrived did our server casually tell us, “Oh yeah, it’s family portions.”
How does that make sense? Before we ordered, we’re told that our server personally ate an entire order herself WITH a side. Then, after three orders arrive at our table and we see how massive they are, suddenly we’re told they’re “family portions.”
That is something you tell your guests BEFORE they order, especially when three people at the same table are ordering the exact same entrée. A properly trained server could have easily said, “Just so you know, these are very large portions and you may want to share.” Instead, despite us specifically asking about the dish, nothing was mentioned until after the food was already sitting in front of us.
To make matters worse, at roughly $34–$38 for the entrée, a side is still additional. If you’re going to charge those prices, I expect either a complete meal or, at minimum, clear communication about what exactly I’m ordering.
Our final bill was $213 for three people, and the food itself was mediocre. For that price point, the overall experience and level of service simply did not match what we paid.
What bothered me most wasn’t even the size of the bill, it was the lack of transparency. Whether this is an issue with how the restaurant trains its servers or how the menu is presented, customers should not have to find out that they’ve ordered an enormous family-sized amount of food only after it arrives at the table, especially after directly asking their server about the dish beforehand.
There are too many great restaurants in Hyde Park and Tampa to justify this kind of experience. For a $200+ dinner for three, I would much rather spend my money at On Swann, Forbici, or Meat Market.
First impressions matter, and unfortunately Timpano left us with a terrible one.
HC
Heather Culhane
Aug 16, 2026
Currently here… they are slow only a few tables. We sat at the bar and it was just my husband I and one other couple at the bar. Took 30 minutes to get meatballs and Bruschetta. Meatballs were cold. Service super slow sitting at the bar. This is the second time giving this place a try and will not be coming back or recommending.
Our visit to Timpano was a real pleasure. Service was A+ – friendly, attentive, and always one step ahead of our needs. The atmosphere was great – a stylish interior perfect for both a romantic dinner and a night out with friends. The food was good, fresh, and nicely presented. We’ll definitely be back and recommend it to anyone looking for a place with class!
EC
Emiliya Cogdill
Aug 10, 2026
Having such a great time at Timpano in Hyde Park! Beautiful atmosphere, delicious food, and such a fun vibe. Our server Carlos was fantastic — friendly, attentive, and gave us the best recommendations. Everything he recommended I absolutely loved, especially the cavatelli — it was incredible! Carlos really made our evening special. Definitely coming back!
Timpano Hyde Park is a Michelin Plate recognized restaurant offering a more approachable mid-range dining experience. A group of us visited during their weekend Social Hour from 4-7 PM and were seated on the patio. The restaurant had a lively atmosphere indoors during Social Hour, but the patio gave us a quieter and more relaxed space to enjoy our meal while still enjoying the beautiful Hyde Park setting.
We ordered the Parmesan truffle fries, semolina-dusted calamari, burrata caprese, wagyu beef carpaccio, and rigatoni. Unfortunately, they were out of the Mediterranean tuna tartare, and our rigatoni was missed from the order, though it was removed from our check. Our server was friendly, attentive, and made sure we were taken care of throughout the visit.
The Parmesan truffle fries had great flavor and they definitely did not skimp on the truffle. However, based on other reviews, we were expecting them to have more of a crispy texture, but ours arrived softer than expected. The semolina-dusted calamari was our favorite dish, with a nice kick from the cherry peppers and a fresh squeeze of lemon. The wagyu beef carpaccio was solid with plenty of arugula, but the bread pairing was hard and stale. The burrata caprese was a simple, average dish.
Overall, we left satisfied. The portions were great for sharing, the patio atmosphere was enjoyable, and the service helped make up for the small hiccups. While not every dish stood out, it was a nice spot for a casual weekend meal in Hyde Park.