TAMPA, FL - July 11, 2025 - Hilton Tampa Downtown proudly announces the opening of Che Vita, which translates to “what a life” in Italian — a new Southern Italian restaurant designed to elevate the hotel dining experience and bring a fresh culinary identity to the heart of the city. Nestled near Riverwalk, close to Tampa Convention Center and Amalie Arena, Che Vita invites guests, locals, and visitors alike to experience refined Southern Italian fare in a warm and welcoming setting. The opening is part of Hilton’s continued focus on distinctive, chef-driven concepts rooted in local culture, designed to offer travelers more than just a meal—an experience.
At the helm is Executive Chef James King, a seasoned culinary professional with over 20 years of experience and training from London’s Le Cordon Bleu. Originally from the Northeast, with roots in the Boston area, Chef King is a certified Master Pizzaiolo from Naples and brings an expert touch to every dish, using locally sourced ingredients to deliver authentic Italian flavors with modern flair.
“Italian food culture prioritizes slowing down and connecting over food,” said James King, Executive Chef at Che Vita. “That is our goal with Che Vita, to encourage guests to be present and embrace the moment in a venue reminiscent of what you would find in Southern Italy.”
Blending the soul of Southern Italy with the spirit of Tampa, Che Vita offers a dynamic place to gather over handmade pastas, wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas, and classic Italian cocktails—all crafted with a focus on simplicity, seasonality, and genuine hospitality.
Che Vita offers seating for 120 guests in a thoughtfully designed indoor-outdoor layout that blends modern touches with rustic charm—think warm wood tones, fun artwork, and pops of vibrant color that reflect the beauty and artistry of Italian culture. With 3,200 square feet of elegantly appointed interiors and a breezy patio space perfect for al fresco dining, Che Vita is also available for private events, from intimate celebrations to larger gatherings.
Whether popping in for a quick espresso or settling in for a multi-course dinner, guests will find that Che Vita captures the essence of “la dolce vita”—celebrating life’s simple pleasures, one dish at a time.
Hilton Tampa Downtown is located at 211 North Tampa Street, Tampa, Florida 33602. For more information about Che Vita and to make reservations, please visit www.chevitatampa.com. High-resolution media assets available for download here.
About Hilton Tampa Downtown
Hilton Tampa Downtown is a contemporary, full-service hotel located in the heart of the city, just steps from the Tampa Riverwalk, Amalie Arena, the Tampa Convention Center, and downtown’s top dining, shopping, and cultural attractions. The hotel features 520 guest rooms and suites, over 30,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, a resort-style rooftop pool, a 24-hour fitness center, and elevated dining experiences. Whether visiting for business or leisure, Hilton Tampa Downtown offers a convenient, comfortable, and stylish stay in the center of it all.
About Che Vita by Hilton Tampa Downtown
Located within the Hilton Tampa Downtown, Che Vita offers an immersive journey into Southern Italy's rich culinary traditions. Under the guidance of Complex Executive Chef James King—a Le Cordon Bleu London graduate and certified Master Pizzaiolo from Naples—Che Vita presents a menu that honors time-honored recipes while embracing modern culinary techniques. Executive Chef King's commitment to sourcing local ingredients ensures that each dish reflects both authenticity and innovation. From morning espresso to evening aperitivo, guests are invited to experience the warmth of Italian hospitality in a setting that celebrates the art of 'dolce far niente'—the sweetness of doing nothing—and encourages guests to slow down and savor life’s simple pleasures.
Media Contact
Company Name: Hilton Tampa Downtown
Contact Person: Maria Puente
Email: Send Email
Phone: (+1) 954-218-4723
Country: United States
Website: https://www.chevitatampa.com/
