Tampa’s dining scene is a vibrant blend of tradition and innovation, where fresh Gulf Coast ingredients meet global flavors. From historic steakhouses with world-class wine cellars to waterfront gems serving indigenous-inspired dishes, the city’s 5-star restaurants offer more than just meals—they deliver unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself, this guide highlights the best of Tampa’s luxury dining, complete with map links, phone numbers, and insider tips. Let’s dive in!
Best 5-Star Restaurants in Tampa
- Best 5-Star Restaurants in Tampa
- 1. Ulele
- 2. Bern’s Steak House
- 3. Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
- 4. Ocean Prime
- 5. Ponte Modern American
- 6. Olivia
- 7. Columbia Restaurant
- 8. Sacred Pepper
- 9. Jackson’s Bistro Bar & Sushi
- 10. The Capital Grille
- 11. Donatello Italian Restaurant
- 12. Rooster & the Till
- 13. Rocca
- 14. Oxford Exchange
- 15. Azure at EDITION
- 16. Charley’s Steak House
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1. Ulele
| ADDRESS: | 1810 N Highland Ave, Tampa, FL 33602 |
| PHONE: | (813) 999-4952 |
| WEBSITE: | ulele.com |
Overlooking the Hillsborough River, Ulele celebrates Florida’s Native American heritage with dishes like charbroiled oysters and alligator hush puppies. Housed in a renovated waterworks building, this spot combines history with modernity. It’s using a 10-foot barbacoa grill for smoky, locally sourced meats and seafood. Pair your meal with their craft beers, brewed on-site, and soak in the sunset views from the patio.
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2. Bern’s Steak House
| ADDRESS: | 1208 S Howard Ave, Tampa, FL 33606 |
| PHONE: | (813) 251-2421 |
| WEBSITE: | bernssteakhouse.com |
A Tampa icon since 1956, Bern’s Steak House is legendary for its dry-aged steaks and the world’s largest wine collection (over 6,800 labels!). The old-world charm—think dark wood panels and intimate booths—sets the stage for a meal that’s as much about theater as taste. Don’t skip the Chateaubriand for two or the Harry Waugh Dessert Room, where 50+ sweet creations await. Pro tip: Reservations are essential, and servers here train for years to master the menu’s nuances. It’s a steakhouse that’s practically a rite of passage.
3. Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
| ADDRESS: | 4400 W Boy Scout Blvd, Tampa, FL 33607 |
| PHONE: | (813) 877-7290 |
| WEBSITE: | eddiev.com |
Live jazz, crystal chandeliers, and ultra-fresh seafood define Eddie V’s. The Pacific ahi tuna tartare and truffled mac and cheese are stars, but their prime steaks hold their own. The ambiance? Think Gatsby-era glam meets modern sophistication. Perfect for anniversaries or when you want to feel fancy without the stuffiness.
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4. Ocean Prime
| ADDRESS: | 2205 N West Shore Blvd, Tampa, FL 33607 |
| PHONE: | (813) 490-5288 |
| WEBSITE: | ocean-prime.com |
A sleek hotspot in Westshore Plaza, Ocean Prime masters the art of surf-and-turf. Their Chilean sea bass glazed with miso and the black truffle mac and cheese are iconic. The vibe is upscale yet lively, with a buzzing bar serving creative cocktails. Perfect for impressing clients or celebrating anniversaries, Ocean Prime’s polished service and luxe ambiance never disappoint.
5. Ponte Modern American
| ADDRESS: | 1010 Gramercy Ln, Tampa, FL 33607, United States |
| PHONE: | (813) 582-7755 |
| WEBSITE: | pontekitchen.com |
Helmed by James Beard-nominated Chef Chris Ponte, this Midtown hotspot blends French and Italian influences with Floridian ingredients. The tableside caviar service and mushroom soup are musts, while the glass-enclosed kitchen adds drama. Come for the espresso-rubbed filet; stay for the Champagne cart. It’s experiential dining at its finest.
6. Olivia
| ADDRESS: | 3601 W Swann Ave, Tampa, FL 33609, United States |
| PHONE: | (813) 328-8866 |
| WEBSITE: | oliviafl.com |
Olivia redefines Italian elegance with handmade pasta and a temperature-controlled wine wall. The mini rigatoni and wood-fired pizzas shine, but the open kitchen’s mozzarella-stretching demo steals the show. With its chic, “sexy vibe” (as one Yelper put it), this South Tampa gem is ideal for date nights. Pro tip: Save room for the basil custard—it’s a game-changer.
7. Columbia Restaurant
| ADDRESS: | 2117 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605, United States |
| PHONE: | (813) 248-4961 |
| WEBSITE: | columbiarestaurant.com |
Established in 1905, Columbia Restaurant is Florida’s oldest eatery and a cornerstone of Tampa’s Cuban-Spanish roots. The original Cuban sandwich and paella Valenciana shine here, served alongside live flamenco performances in Ybor City. With a wine list boasting rare Spanish vintages and a dining room dripping with old-world charm, this is a must-visit for history buffs and foodies alike.
8. Sacred Pepper
| ADDRESS: | 15405 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33618, United States |
| PHONE: | (813) 607-8000 |
| WEBSITE: | sacredpepper.com |
A globetrotting menu meets Italian flair at this North Tampa favorite. Sacred Pepper’s eclectic dishes—like duck confit risotto—pair with inventive cocktails (the Parsley Pepper Margarita is a hit). The lively crowd and bold flavors make it a local staple.
9. Jackson’s Bistro Bar & Sushi
| ADDRESS: | 601 S Harbour Island Blvd, Tampa, FL 33602 |
| PHONE: | (813) 277-0112 |
| WEBSITE: | jacksonsbistro.com |
Waterfront dining reaches new heights at Jackson’s, where sushi rolls and filet mignon share the menu. The patio offers prime sunset views, and the lobster tempura roll is a crowd-pleaser.
10. The Capital Grille
| ADDRESS: | 2223 N Westshore Blvd, Tampa, FL 33607, United States |
| PHONE: | (813) 830-9433 |
| WEBSITE: | thecapitalgrille.com |
A bastion of classic luxury, The Capital Grille excels with dry-aged steaks and a Kona-crusted NY strip. The mahogany-paneled dining room and personalized wine service (thanks to in-house sommeliers) make it a power-lunch staple.
11. Donatello Italian Restaurant
| ADDRESS: | 232 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33609 |
| PHONE: | (813) 875-6660 |
| WEBSITE: | donatellotampa.com |
A slice of Venice in Tampa, Donatello charms with Osso Bucco and live classical music. Venetian chandeliers and tuxedoed servers add old-world glam, while the wine list highlights lesser-known Italian gems.
12. Rooster & the Till
| ADDRESS: | 6500 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33604 |
| PHONE: | (813) 374-8940 |
| WEBSITE: | roosterandthetill.com |
A Seminole Heights favorite, Rooster & the Till offers a rotating tasting menu that’s equal parts inventive and approachable. Think beet tartare or pork belly with kimchi—dishes that challenge norms while delighting palates. The intimate, industrial-chic space and curated wine list make it ideal for food adventurers.
13. Rocca
| ADDRESS: | 323 W Palm Ave, Tampa, FL 33602, United States |
| PHONE: | (813) 906-5445 |
| WEBSITE: | roccatampa.com |
This Michelin-starred Italian haven wows with handmade pasta and a tableside mozzarella cart. The Torchio Nero all’Arrabbiata (black squid ink pasta) and basil custard dessert are unforgettable. The sleek, open-kitchen design adds energy to every meal.
14. Oxford Exchange
| ADDRESS: | 420 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606, United States |
| PHONE: | (813) 253-0222 |
| WEBSITE: | oxfordexchange.com |
Part bookstore, part Champagne bar, Oxford Exchange serves artisanal brunch in a historical setting. The avocado toast and Buddy Brew coffee are morning staples, while afternoon tea with scones feels downright royal.
15. Azure at EDITION
| ADDRESS: | 500 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602 |
| PHONE: | (813) 221-4600 |
| WEBSITE: | editionhotels.com/tampa |
Atop the Tampa EDITION Hotel, Azure offers Mediterranean fine dining with skyline views. The Colorado lamb chops and shrimp saganaki pair perfectly with sunset vistas. Dress to impress—this rooftop gem is as chic as it gets.
16. Charley’s Steak House
| ADDRESS: | 4444 W Cypress St, Tampa, FL 33607, United States |
| PHONE: | (813) 353-9706 |
| WEBSITE: | charleyssteakhouse.com |
A carnivore’s paradise, Charley’s dry-ages steaks in-house and serves them with a side of theater—staff present cuts tableside. The cauliflower steak and butter cake are unexpected stars
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