The 17 Best Restaurants in Tampa, Florida
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Finding the best restaurants in Tampa is honestly one of my favorite things to help people with because this city has so many good spots! Whether you’re craving fresh seafood, incredible pasta, a fun date-night vibe, or something super casual, Tampa’s food scene has just what you’re looking for.
I’ve lived here long enough to try a little bit of everything, so this list pulls together some of my go-to Tampa restaurants that I always recommend to friends visiting or locals looking for something new. Trust me, you’ll be coming back for seconds (or thirds)!
Best Restaurants in Tampa
1. Bern’s Steak House
Kicking things off strong with one of the most iconic restaurants in Tampa—Bern’s Steak House! Serving top-tier steaks since 1956, this legendary spot is known for its in-house dry-aged beef and one of the largest wine collections in the world (over 6,800 labels!).
The vibe? Classic steakhouse charm with dark wood paneling and vintage furnishings. Unlike most steakhouses where everything is a la carte, Bern’s hooks you up with sides—a major win. Plus, the service is next level. Servers go through extensive training, including time on the farm and in the kitchen, before hitting the floor.
And whatever you do, save room for dessert! The Harry Waugh Dessert Room is a whole experience, with over 50 decadent treats to choose from. No matter what you order, trust me—the Bern’s Cappuccino is a must!
It books up months in advance, so make sure to make a reservation ASAP!
2. Charley’s Steak House
Charley’s Steak House is another Tampa staple when it comes to top-quality steaks. One of the coolest things? They actually present the cuts of beef to you and explain the flavor profiles—such a unique and informative touch!
Remi and I have our go-to order down: we split a steak (switching it up based on our mood), get their insanely flavorful whole roasted cauliflower, mushrooms, and always save room for their butter cake—which, by the way, is my favorite dessert in all of Tampa Bay!
When I say I’d come here just for the cauliflower and butter cake, I mean it. This spot is perfect for date night—Remi and I actually celebrate our anniversary here every year!
3. Olivia
If you’re craving authentic Italian, Olivia is one of the best Italian restaurants in Tampa! Named after the owner’s daughter, this spot is a true passion project, bringing fresh, seasonal ingredients to every dish.
Everything is crafted with care, from their handmade pasta to their wood-fired pizzas with the perfect crispy crust. A couple of my faves? The mini rigatoni and grape bruschetta—such a fun and delicious combo!
The modern, elegant decor includes an open kitchen, so you can watch the magic happen. And fun fact—Olivia’s owners also run Ponte and On Swann, two more amazing restaurants in Tampa!
4. Sunda New Asian
Sunda New Asian effortlessly blends traditional and modern Asian flavors. From the first time I tried Sunda in Chicago, I knew it was special. So when they opened a Midtown Tampa location, I was beyond excited!
Their menu is stacked with incredible sushi rolls, flavorful noodle dishes, and creative fusion plates. They also are one of the best brunch spots in Tampa! Serving up dishes like ube waffles, Japanese fried chicken, and tempura French toast! And their Sumo Mary is not just a bloody mary, it’s an entire meal in a glass—seriously, the most over-the-top, iconic brunch drink I’ve ever seen.
If I had to pick a favorite? Their crazy rice is hands-down the best fried rice I’ve ever had, with just the right amount of heat. Their sushi? So fresh. The Emerald mocktail? A masterpiece. The atmosphere? Total vibe.
I don’t say this lightly, but Sunda might just be my favorite restaurant in Tampa. If you haven’t been yet, run—you’re going to love it!
5. Oggi Italian
Tucked away on Davis Islands, Oggi Italian is a hidden gem that instantly transports you to a cozy alley in Italy. The outdoor dining area is so charming, and the food is top-tier authentic Italian.
Their Caprese salad with sweety drop peppers is a must, and the butternut squash ravioli is pure heaven in every bite. You can tell they use fresh, high-quality ingredients and put so much love into every dish.
Every entree comes with a house salad, garlic baguette, and espresso, giving you the full Italian dining experience. They even have gluten-free pasta and zoodles, so everyone can enjoy!
6. Rocca
If you’re looking for elevated Italian dining, Rocca is known for its handmade pasta, tableside mozzarella, and extensive wine list! This Tampa restaurant takes Italian food to the next level.
We tried the tableside mozzarella, beet salad, carne crudo, and tagliolini al ragu, and every bite was flawless. The chefs at Rocca clearly put so much care and precision into each dish. If you have room for dessert, the basil custard is an unexpected but amazing way to end your meal!
7. Tori Bar
Tori Bar is a local Japanese gastropub that focuses on hand rolls, skewers, and super fresh, flavorful small plates—plus some of the most fun and creative cocktails in Tampa. The atmosphere is always lively and buzzing!
We always order a bunch of different dishes to share, and their tuna is easily one of our favorites. The small-plate style makes it really easy to sample a ton of things without feeling overwhelmed, which I love.
And if you haven’t been for happy hour yet… go. It’s seriously one of the best happy hours in Tampa. Every day from 4–6, they offer such a huge selection that I can’t even list it all. Just know there’s a little bit of everything, and it’s all worth showing up early for.
8. Gin Joint
Gin Joint is one of the best restaurants in downtown Tampa! It’s one of those spots that instantly feels special. The atmosphere is cozy yet classy, and in the evenings, live music adds the perfect touch to your night out.
As for the food the octopus is absolute perfection, sous-vide until it’s melt-in-your-mouth tender, and the steak is cooked to perfection with incredible flavor. Pair that with one of their thoughtfully crafted cocktails, and you’ve got a truly unforgettable Tampa dining experience. This is definitely a spot for when you want a cozy, elevated night out.
9. Union
Union is one of those restaurants in Tampa that will have you HOOKED! The chic atmosphere, creative menu, and craft cocktails make it an easy spot to love.
The menu changes often, which keeps things exciting, but I’ve honestly never been disappointed. Their sushi rolls are always fresh and creative, the steaks are cooked to perfection, and the cocktails are phenomenal. The crispy tuna roll is another must-try, featuring the freshest seafood (sourced straight from St. Pete!).
I just love the whole vibe of this spot—it’s consistently a go-to for lunch or dinner in Tampa when we have friends visiting.
10. Ponte
Ponte in Midtown Tampa has a contemporary American menu that is full of locally sourced goodness. We have been a few times and really enjoy their escargot, the puff pastry on top is the perfect touch. The mushroom soup is also solid. And for mains, the prime steaks are incredible, and I can confidently say the steak is 10/10.
And if you’re feeling a little extra, they do table side caviar and champagne.
11. Oxford Exchange
Oxford Exchange is one of those Tampa brunch restaurants that just makes your dining experience feel extra. The interior is gorgeous, the menu is delicious, and honestly, you really can’t go wrong. French toast? Seasonal pancakes? Yes, yes, and yes.
I’m obsessed with their Buddy Brew coffee. If you’re not up for sitting down, you can grab coffee at the Buddy Brew counter and browse their bookstore while you’re at it.
It’s also such a fun spot for celebrating—think bachelorette brunches, catching up with friends, or just treating yourself. They even have a champagne bar and do a Sunday afternoon tea if you’re feeling fancy.
If you find yourself in St. Pete, be sure to check out Oxford Exchange’s sister location, The Library. It’s one of the best downtown St. Pete coffee shops and brunch spots around!
12. Willa’s
If you’re looking for unique, flavorful dishes, Willa’s is an amazing scratch kitchen. Everything here is made with care, and the craft cocktails—especially the Parsley Pepper Margarita with mezcal—are an experience in themselves!
The menu has a bit of everything, so don’t be afraid to try something new! Their weekend brunch is especially worth checking out, with fantastic coffee and an excellent menu to match. And if you’re after something alcohol-free, their mocktails are just as delicious as the real thing!
13. Driftlight
Driftlight Steakhouse in downtown Tampa is a spot that really delivers across the board. We went with the guidance of our server and honestly, everything we tried was a hit. I was convinced to get their jumbo lump crab cakes with passionfruit remoulade, and yep—absolutely a must. The Japanese Wagyu melted in our mouths, the scallops were delicate and full of flavor, and the local shrimp mac & cheese—truffle mac style—hit all the right notes.
What I loved most is that these were all dishes we’d normally avoid ordering because we’ve been let down at other restaurants before, but Driftlight genuinely did not miss.
Drinks here are just as good as the food. If it’s on the menu, I highly recommend the Farmer’s Margarita (Milagro Select Silver, carrot juice, lemon, agave, jalapeño). I subbed mezcal for the tequila, and it was everything I hoped for—smoky, bright, and totally refreshing.
14. Noble Rice
If you’re in Channelside and craving modern Japanese cuisine, Noble Rice has you covered! This Tampa restaurant serves high-quality fish and seafood dishes alongside a full bar focused on Japanese whiskey and sake.
Although the prices may be a little higher, the freshness and quality are worth every penny. They fly their seafood in weekly from Japan, ensuring only the best for your plate. Don’t miss out on their toro tartare and the milk-bread—a truly heavenly experience. The tempura poke roll with a white shoyu is also a must-try!
15. Lona
If you’re craving Mexican cuisine with a chic twist, look no further than Lona! Enjoy dishes like lobster quesadillas that are as buttery as it sounds, to enchiladas divorciados that’ll blow your taste buds away.
For dessert, tres leches paired with an el jefe espresso martini is a must-try—even for those who aren’t usually into tequila! As a mezcal enthusiast, I can’t recommend the Passion Picante enough. The Mercado Margarita, crowned with hibiscus rosemary foam, is also a standout.
For a little fun while you sip, the TopGolf swing suites add some extra entertainment!
16. Élevage
Located inside the Epicurean Hotel in South Tampa, Élevage is one of those Tampa restaurants where every dish feels like a little work of art. The menu changes often, which means you’re always in for something new—but also slightly heartbroken when your favorites disappear (RIP to a few I still think about). But trust me, the chefs here don’t miss.
During our most recent visit, we started with the Epicurean Salad—artisan greens, peach, goat cheese, pistachio lavash, and a lavender-hibiscus vinaigrette. Like… are you kidding?! It was fresh, flavorful, and honestly could’ve been a main dish.
We also had the grilled octopus, which was so delicate and perfectly cooked, and their signature Homage to Bern’s—a nod to their legendary sister restaurant right across the street, Bern’s Steak House.
17. Anchor & Brine
Anchor & Brine is one of the best restaurants along the Tampa Riverwalk! It’s all about fresh, high-quality seafood. Oysters, shrimp, and fish dishes dominate the menu, and their lobster roll is better than some I’ve had in Maine! And the ceviche is so fresh and flavorful.
The bar program is strong too, with craft cocktails that pair perfectly with whatever you order. The vibe is casual but polished, and did I mention it’s waterfront dining? Bonus: it’s walking distance from other downtown spots, so it’s easy to turn a meal here into a full day out exploring the Riverwalk or nearby attractions.
Are you ready to experience the best restaurants in Tampa?!
So there you have it, my ultimate list of restaurants in Tampa you’ve got to try for yourself! Whether you’re planning a girls’ night out, a date night, or just looking for a new spot to vibe with friends, these places have something for everyone. Let me know which one you’re most excited to check out or what your favorite spot in Tampa is!
Before you go, be sure to follow me on Insta @guidedbydestiny and check out some of my other Florida blog posts:
Best Things to Do in Tampa with Kids
Beautiful Botanical Gardens in Tampa Bay
