Tampa, Florida, is a city full of flavor and fun. From juicy steaks to fresh seafood and international cuisine, Tampa has something for everyone. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, these 16 best restaurants will leave you wanting more. Each spot has its own vibe, top-notch service, and meals that make every bite special. Let’s get into the best places to eat in Tampa with simple, delicious food and welcoming atmospheres. Plus, we’ll throw in some tips for exploring Tampa’s other attractions, like the best beaches near Tampa for families, so your trip is unforgettable.
Best 5-Star Restaurants in Tampa
- Best 5-Star Restaurants in Tampa
- Ulele
- Bern’s Steak House
- Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
- Ocean Prime
- Ponte Modern American
- Olivia
- Columbia Restaurant
- Sacred Pepper
- Jackson’s Bistro Bar & Sushi
- The Capital Grille
- Donatello Italian Restaurant
- Rooster & the Till
- Rocca
- Oxford Exchange
- Azure at EDITION
- Charley’s Steak House
- Final Thought
- Frequently Asked Questions
Ulele
Best Riverwalk Restaurants in Tampa
| ADDRESS: | 1810 N Highland Ave, Tampa, FL 33602 |
| PHONE: | (813) 999-4952 |
| WEBSITE: | ulele.com |
Ulele is a gem on the Tampa Riverwalk, blending Native American and Florida-inspired flavors. This restaurant is famous for its barbacoa grill, where they cook everything from burgers to charred oysters. The menu mixes local ingredients with creative dishes like alligator hushpuppies and pumpkin-crusted tuna. The atmosphere is rustic yet modern, with views of the Hillsborough River that make dining here extra special. Try their house-brewed beers or a signature cocktail for the full experience. Ulele is perfect for a relaxed yet upscale meal after a day of eating at restaurants on the Tampa Riverwalk.
Bern’s Steak House
Best Wine Lover Restaurants in Tampa
| ADDRESS: | 1208 S Howard Ave, Tampa, FL 33606 |
| PHONE: | (813) 251-2421 |
| WEBSITE: | bernssteakhouse.com |
Bern’s Steak House has been a Tampa institution since 1956 and is known for its dry-aged steaks and huge wine selection. With over 6,800 wine labels, it’s a wine lover’s paradise. The steaks are hand-cut and come with sides like French onion soup and baked potatoes, so every meal is a feast. The vibe is classy with dark wood and vintage charm, perfect for date nights or celebrations. Don’t miss the dessert room upstairs for treats like butter cake. Pair your meal with a visit to Tampa’s best Cuban restaurants for the full Tampa experience.
Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
Best Seafood Restaurants in Tampa
| ADDRESS: | 4400 W Boy Scout Blvd, Tampa, FL 33607 |
| PHONE: | (813) 877-7290 |
| WEBSITE: | eddiev.com |
Eddie V’s brings the ocean to your plate with seafood and prime steaks. Located in Tampa’s Westshore area, this spot has a lively yet elegant atmosphere with live jazz music. Favorites include lobster tacos and crab cakes, and their signature banana foster dessert flambéed tableside. The service is top-notch, so every guest feels special. It’s a great choice for a night out after hitting the best sushi spots in Tampa for more seafood.
Ocean Prime
Best Downtown Restaurants in Tampa
| ADDRESS: | 2205 N West Shore Blvd, Tampa, FL 33607 |
| PHONE: | (813) 490-5288 |
| WEBSITE: | ocean-prime.com |
Ocean Prime is all about luxury, serving prime steaks and fresh fish in a modern setting. Located in downtown Tampa, it’s perfect for business dinners or special occasions. The menu shines with dishes like Chilean sea bass and truffle mac and cheese. Their cocktails, like the cucumber gimlet, are a hit, and the dessert menu has a warm butter cake that’s a crowd-pleaser. Enjoy the upscale atmosphere and then head to Tampa’s best breweries in Ybor City for a nightcap.
Ponte Modern American
Best Midtown Restaurants in Tampa
| ADDRESS: | 1010 Gramercy Ln, Tampa, FL 33607, United States |
| PHONE: | (813) 582-7755 |
| WEBSITE: | pontekitchen.com |
Ponte, in Midtown Tampa, is a modern American restaurant with local ingredients. Chef Chris Ponte creates dishes like caviar service and Wagyu beef that feel fancy and approachable. The atmosphere is chic and cozy, with an open kitchen. Try the wild mushroom soup or pork Milanese for a taste of the menu. After dinner, head to the Water Street Tampa restaurants.
Olivia
Best South Restaurants in Tampa
| ADDRESS: | 3601 W Swann Ave, Tampa, FL 33609, United States |
| PHONE: | (813) 328-8866 |
| WEBSITE: | oliviafl.com |
Olivia is a love letter to Italian cuisine named after the owner’s daughter. In South Tampa, it serves handmade pasta and wood-fired pizzas with fresh seasonal ingredients. Mini rigatoni and grape bruschetta are fan favorites. The vibe is warm and inviting, perfect for a date night. Pair with one of Tampa’s best Hyde Park hotels for the full experience.
Columbia Restaurant
Best Oldest Restaurants in Tampa
| ADDRESS: | 2117 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605, United States |
| PHONE: | (813) 248-4961 |
| WEBSITE: | columbiarestaurant.com |
Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City is Florida’s oldest restaurant since 1905. Famous for Cuban sandwiches and Spanish dishes like paella. The sprawling dining rooms are filled with colorful tiles and history. Try the 1905 salad tossed tableside for a fresh start. Live flamenco shows too after dinner, head to the best restaurants in Ybor City.
Sacred Pepper
Best Modern Restaurants in Tampa
| ADDRESS: | 15405 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33618, United States |
| PHONE: | (813) 607-8000 |
| WEBSITE: | sacredpepper.com |
Sacred Pepper in North Tampa offers modern American cuisine with a global twist. Think burrata with peaches or short rib with gorgonzola polenta. The decor is trendy, with cozy booths and open spaces great for groups or date nights. Their craft cocktails are a highlight, especially the lavender martini. It’s a spot that feels both upscale and welcoming, perfect for a night out after a best couples massage.
Jackson’s Bistro Bar & Sushi
Best Waterfront Restaurants in Tampa
| ADDRESS: | 601 S Harbour Island Blvd, Tampa, FL 33602 |
| PHONE: | (813) 277-0112 |
| WEBSITE: | jacksonsbistro.com |
Jackson’s Bistro on Harbour Island is a waterfront spot with sushi rolls and seafood dishes. The outdoor patio has stunning views of Tampa Bay perfect for a romantic dinner. The menu is diverse from tuna tartare to filet mignon. Live music and a lively bar keep the energy high. After dinner try some of Tampa’s best tacos for a casual bite.
The Capital Grille
Best Classic Restaurants in Tampa
| ADDRESS: | 2223 N Westshore Blvd, Tampa, FL 33607, United States |
| PHONE: | (813) 830-9433 |
| WEBSITE: | thecapitalgrille.com |
The Capital Grille is a classic for dry-aged steaks and fine wines. In International Plaza, it’s a go-to for business lunches or upscale dinners. The Capital Grille is a 5-star restaurant. The food is good, but the service is better. Try the bone-in ribeye and lobster mac and cheese. The wine list has over 350 selections. The atmosphere is polished, and the service is always on point. After dinner, head to one of Tampa’s best yoga studios.
Donatello Italian Restaurant
Best Italian Restaurants in Tampa
| ADDRESS: | 232 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33609 |
| PHONE: | (813) 875-6660 |
| WEBSITE: | donatellotampa.com |
Donatello in North Tampa serves real Italian food, including homemade pasta. Cannelloni and veal piccata are made with love and the tiramisu is perfect. The old-world romance, with soft lighting and white tablecloths, is perfect for special occasions. It’s a hidden gem for Italian food lovers. Visit one of Tampa’s best used bookstores.
Rooster & the Till
Best Modern Restaurants in Tampa
| ADDRESS: | 6500 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33604 |
| PHONE: | (813) 374-8940 |
| WEBSITE: | roosterandthetill.com |
Rooster & the Till in Seminole Heights is a cozy spot for modern American with a twist. Chef Ferrell Alvarez’s menu has gnocchi and cobia collar, and Michelin Bib Gourmand nods. It’s casual yet refined with bold flavors. Great for foodies who like to try new things. After dinner, go to Tampa’s best bowling alleys.
Rocca
Best Elegant Restaurants in Tampa
| ADDRESS: | 323 W Palm Ave, Tampa, FL 33602, United States |
| PHONE: | (813) 906-5445 |
| WEBSITE: | roccatampa.com |
Rocca in Tampa Heights is a Michelin starred spot for modern Italian with handmade pasta. Chef Bryce Bonsack’s dishes like rigatoni carbonara and spaghetti al limone are elegant and approachable. The mozzarella cart with fresh cheese pulled tableside is a fun touch. It’s relaxed yet upscale perfect for a special night. Explore more Italian at Tampa’s best Italian restaurants.
Oxford Exchange
Best Downtown Restaurants in Tampa
| ADDRESS: | 420 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606, United States |
| PHONE: | (813) 253-0222 |
| WEBSITE: | oxfordexchange.com |
Oxford Exchange in downtown Tampa is a chic spot for brunch favorites and craft coffee. Avocado toast, truffle fries and salmon bowls are served in a beautiful space with a bookstore and coffee bar. Great for a leisurely meal before exploring Tampa’s best things to do.
Azure at EDITION
Best Mediterranean-inspired Restaurants in Tampa
| ADDRESS: | 500 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602 |
| PHONE: | (813) 221-4600 |
| WEBSITE: | editionhotels.com/tampa |
Azure inside the Tampa EDITION hotel serves Mediterranean-inspired dishes with a Florida flair. The menu features diver scallops and roasted Dover sole in a sleek, open-concept dining room. The Champagne trolley serving tableside cocktails is a highlight. It’s a luxurious spot for a special meal. After dinner, go to one of Tampa’s golf courses.
Charley’s Steak House
Best Families Restaurants in Tampa
| ADDRESS: | 4444 W Cypress St, Tampa, FL 33607, United States |
| PHONE: | (813) 353-9706 |
| WEBSITE: | charleyssteakhouse.com |
Charley’s Steak House is a Tampa staple for wood-fired steaks and fresh seafood. The steaks are cooked over oak and citrus wood for a one of a kind flavor. Sides like lobster mac and cheese and creamed spinach are rich and decadent. It’s warm and cozy perfect for families or date nights. End your evening with a ghost tour in Tampa.
Final Thought
Tampa’s five-star restaurants have it all, from Cuban classics to modern Italian to juicy steaks. Each has something special, whether it’s a waterfront view, a Michelin star, or a historic vibe. These 16 restaurants are perfect for special occasions or just a great meal. Book a table, bring your appetite, and get into Tampa’s food scene. You won’t regret it! Michelin Guide Florida – Check out Michelin-starred restaurants in Tampa and beyond. OpenTable – Book reservations easily for Tampa’s top restaurants.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a restaurant 5-star in Tampa?
A 5-star restaurant in Tampa offers great food, great service, and a memorable experience. It uses fresh local ingredients and creates dishes that are award-winning, often earning Michelin stars or Bib Gourmands.
Are these restaurants good for special occasions?
Yes, all 16 are good for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or date nights. Bern’s Steak House and Azure at EDITION are especially great for special occasions and romance.
Do I need to reserve at these restaurants?
Most of these restaurants, like Rocca and The Capital Grille, recommend reservations, especially for dinner or weekends. Booking ahead ensures you get a table at the time you want.
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