About me: Named after one of Chef Franco LoRe’s favorite haunts in Venice Italy, The Laughing Cat ( Il Gatto Che Ride) brings you the gourmet cuisine and laid back atmosphere of a European bistro. Started in the year 2000 as a small carryout and pizza place on 15th Street in Ybor City, the Cat quickly outgrew it’s home and moved across the street into the historic El Encanto building at the Southwest corner of E. 8th Ave & N. 15th Street. We welcome old and new friends alike to enjoy the pleasures of good company and the finest in food and drink.