Chanta

Review summary

1. T

   Tom

   VIP

   Naples

   8 reviews

   2.0

   8 reviews

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 3

   Had such high hopes for this restaurant. Let me get the good out of the way. The food was quite good (when we got some), and clearly the BOH has it going on. Now the bad the FOH. I had initially thought this place was newly opened (based on some comments from locals) so I was giving it the benefit of the doubt for a bit; however, it has been open since 2020!! So almost 5 years in and you would think it was opening week. 3 people serving as the host/hostess, asked no less than 4 times what our name was and did we have a reservation (we did). Slow to have service, wine and beer only and we still waited almost 20 min for drinks. Ordered 2 apps when we ordered the wine, Frito Misto and some fresh bread, the Misto came first, then the wine, then the bread. While waiting we noticed the 'nonnas' cooking in the back bringing food out to the expediting bar only to sit there while the FOH staff seemed unaware of it being there. Since we had seen this we ordered our Mains as soon as we got the first APP. The bus boys clearly were not trained, walking by tables empty handed and ignoring dirty dishes waiting to be cleared, you get the picture. My very experienced ( I have worked FOH, BOH and owned) opinion is that they have too many people doing the same job, and not enough delegation or organization. Again if this was the first month of operation, I would have given them a pass. 4+ years, nope. Wish it would have been different as the food was good. We will not be returning, for the price 4 glasses of wine, + 2 bottles (just less than $100 ea), 2 apps, 4 mains, almost $600 with tip and having to sit for almost 3 hrs, too many other places to go.
   

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2. M

   Michael L

   Tampa

   10 reviews

   3.0

   10 reviews

   Dined 4 days ago

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 3

   A Quaint European Escape in Hyde Park, Tampa Florida Tucked in the heart of downtown Tampa’s vibrant Hyde Park, Chanta Restaurant offers an intimate dining experience with European-inspired cuisine. While my visit was enjoyable overall, there were a few elements that could use some refinement. Starting with the Polpo Alla Griglia (cost $25) – grilled octopus with gourmet cheese, cherry tomatoes, and Italian parsley – it was unfortunately a letdown. The dish had promise, but the octopus itself was tough and chewy, making it difficult to fully appreciate the flavors of the garnish. This was a minor disappointment, but the Chef’s Special Wellington made up for it in a big way. This dish was perfectly executed, with a beautifully flaky pastry surrounding tender, flavorful meat that was the highlight of the meal. The Chicken Paprikas was just acceptable but still lacked seasoning (had to add salt and pepper). The service, while friendly, was slower than anticipated. However, I’ll give them some slack as it was a holiday, and the restaurant was likely busier than usual. A quick note for those considering dining outside: while they offer sidewalk seating, I can’t understand why anyone would opt for a noisy, traffic-filled table when you could enjoy the cozy, quieter interior. The ambiance inside is charming, albeit a bit cramped due to the restaurant’s smaller size. The tables are packed a little tightly, but this is clearly a necessity to make the most of the space. There are also a few outdoor tables, though I personally wouldn’t choose to eat on the bustling sidewalk with the noise and car fumes. Parking is a bit tricky in this busy part of town, so be prepared to hunt for a spot. Despite these small challenges, Chanta remains a delightful, eclectic place to dine, and I’d definitely consider returning. A more relaxed experience with a pleasant dinner companion is likely to make it all the more enjoyable!
   

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3. MA

   MercedesA

   Tampa

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 4 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   Good was fabulous - server Juliana was so seeet and helpful. I’ll be back!
   

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4. A

   Arthur

   VIP

   Tampa

   84 reviews

   5.0

   84 reviews

   Dined 6 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Chanta is a favorite restaurant of ours. The ambience, service and food have never disappointed us. Their Bolognese is always very good. Their Romanian cuisine is delicious and we like their monthly specials. Unfortunately we never have room for any of their desserts! This past time their Chicken Paprikash and the Pljesksbiva was amazing!
   

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5. R

   Robert

   Tampa

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on February 2, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   First time visiting, food and service were great. Portions are generous and a good value. Will definitely be going back again!
   

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6. R

   Raj

   Minneapolis

   22 reviews

   5.0

   22 reviews

   Dined on February 2, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 4

   Food and service were great. A little loud inside.
   

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7. A

   Andrew

   Tampa

   3 reviews

   5.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on January 27, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   I'm half Romanian so I was excited to see a restaurant owned by Romanians and with some Romanian items on the menu! Everything was quite good, but they especially nailed the mititei -- Romanian "grilled sausages" which appear similar to Greek kofte kebab on the plate, but are completely different in taste. Quite good, especially with a touch of mustard. Enjoy!
   

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8. B

   Bret

   New Orleans

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on January 21, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Fantastic food and atmosphere. We loved it here. We will be back to try more dishes!!
   

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9. J

   Jack

   VIP

   Tampa

   41 reviews

   5.0

   41 reviews

   Dined on January 19, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Very pleased with the experience. Different dishes, terrific wine, just a great dinner. Happy to find this restaurant and intend to return in the future.
   

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10. L

    Laura

    VIP

    Tampa

    16 reviews

    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on January 10, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5

    Romanian good is amazing, and this family owned restaurant does it right!
    

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