Tampa, a city teeming with culinary diversity, boasts a multitude of dining options spanning the spectrum from casual eateries to upscale fine dining establishments. Regardless of your gastronomic inclinations, whether it’s seafood, succulent steaks, smoky barbecue, or exotic ethnic fare, Tampa has a culinary treasure trove to explore. Below, we’ve curated a list of 10 exceptional restaurants in Tampa, Florida that deserve a spot on your must-visit list.
1. Rome + Fig Bistro
New on the scene since 2022, Rome + Fig Bistro offers Mediterranean-inspired cuisine crafted from locally sourced ingredients. Chef Joshua Hernandez, a Tampa native with experience in Michelin-starred restaurants in New York and California, presents a tantalizing menu featuring dishes like lamb meatballs with fig jam, lemon and rosemary roasted chicken, and ricotta gnocchi with wild mushrooms. The restaurant also boasts a rooftop bar, providing patrons with cocktails and breathtaking city views. You can find Rome + Fig Bistro at 1515 W Cass St, Tampa, FL 33606.
2. Mr. & Mrs. Crab
If you’re a seafood enthusiast, Mr. & Mrs. Crab is your go-to destination for Cajun-style boiled seafood, customizable with a variety of sauces and spice levels. Dive into crab, shrimp, crawfish, lobster, and more, accompanied by delectable sides like corn, potatoes, sausage, and garlic bread. This lively and indulgent seafood experience awaits you at 1251 E Fowler Ave Unit D3, Tampa, FL 33612.
3. Columbia Restaurant
Steeped in history, the Columbia Restaurant has been serving Cuban and Spanish cuisine since 1905. As Florida’s oldest restaurant and the world’s largest Spanish restaurant, it offers a menu filled with classics such as ropa vieja, paella, Cuban sandwiches, and flan. Don’t miss the opportunity to sip on sangria or mojitos while enjoying live flamenco shows and exploring the restaurant’s captivating history. Columbia Restaurant is located at 2117 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605.
4. Ulele
Ulele stands out with its unique focus on Native American fusion cuisine, using ingredients sourced from Florida’s bountiful waters and lands. Chef Eric Lackey crafts innovative dishes like alligator hush puppies, charbroiled oysters, venison burgers, and seafood pot pie, along with delectable desserts like guava pie and maple bacon ice cream. To complement the cuisine, Ulele offers craft beers infused with native flavors such as honey and berries. This dining gem resides in a beautifully restored 1903 waterworks building along the Tampa Riverwalk, providing picturesque views of the Hillsborough River. Ulele’s address is 1810 N Highland Ave, Tampa, FL 33602.
5. Bern’s Steak House
A legend since 1956, Bern’s Steak House is renowned for its prime steaks and extensive wine collection. Select from a variety of beef cuts, all aged and expertly prepared in-house. Accompany your steak with sumptuous sides like onion rings, truffle macaroni and cheese, and creamed spinach. The restaurant boasts an impressive wine list featuring over 6,800 selections from around the globe. For dessert aficionados, the dessert room offers more than 50 delectable options, including cakes, pies, and sundaes. Bern’s Steak House is located at 1208 S Howard Ave, Tampa, FL 33606.
6. Rooster & the Till
Rooster & the Till is a modern American restaurant renowned for its small plates showcasing seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. Chef Ferrell Alvarez, a James Beard Award semifinalist, crafts an eclectic menu featuring dishes such as crispy chicken skin with hot honey butter, roasted bone marrow with onion jam, and pork belly with kimchi fried rice. The restaurant also boasts a curated selection of wines, beers, and cocktails that harmonize perfectly with its culinary offerings. You can find Rooster & the Till at 6500 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33604.
7. Edison: Food + Drink Lab
Edison: Food + Drink Lab is a culinary laboratory where creativity takes center stage, resulting in innovative and inventive dishes. Chef Jeannie Pierola, a four-time James Beard Award semifinalist, dazzles guests with creations like foie gras PB&J, duck confit tacos with mole sauce, and wagyu beef carpaccio with truffle aioli. The restaurant’s bar is equally captivating, offering cocktails made with house-made syrups, bitters, and infusions. Edison: Food + Drink Lab can be found at 912 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606.
8. The Refinery
At The Refinery, casual dining meets comfort food with a twist. Chef Greg Baker, a five-time James Beard Award semifinalist, curates a menu featuring delights like fried chicken and waffles, macaroni and cheese with bacon and jalapeños, and pork belly with grits and collard greens. The restaurant also boasts a rooftop deck where you can savor city views and enjoy live music. You’ll find The Refinery at 5137 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33603.
9. Datz
Datz, a gastropub with a quirky edge, serves up American classics with a twist. Dive into dishes like bacon-wrapped meatloaf, macaroni and cheese-stuffed meatballs, and chicken and waffles Benedict. Cap off your meal with indulgent desserts like doughnut ice cream cones and Nutella cheesecake. Datz also features a bar offering craft beers, wines, and cocktails, along with a bakery that tempts with breads, pastries, and cakes. Datz is located at 2616 S MacDill Ave, Tampa, FL 33629.
10. Oxford Exchange
Oxford Exchange is a multifunctional haven encompassing a restaurant, bookstore, coffee shop, tea bar, and gift shop all under one roof. The restaurant offers a diverse range of dining experiences from breakfast to afternoon tea, featuring dishes such as avocado toast, eggs Benedict, chicken salad sandwiches, and scones with clotted cream. The restaurant’s pièce de résistance is a glass-enclosed conservatory, bathing diners in natural light and lush greenery. Visit Oxford Exchange at 420 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Tampa’s culinary landscape is a treasure trove of diverse and enticing dining options. Whether you’re craving seafood, prime steak, innovative fusion cuisine, or classic comfort food, these 10 exceptional restaurants offer an array of flavors and experiences to satisfy every palate. However, this list is just the tip of the iceberg; Tampa’s food scene has much more to offer for those willing to explore and indulge in its culinary delights.