1. Columbia Restaurant
The original Columbia Restaurant in Tampa’s historic Ybor City neighborhood is a Florida legend and the oldest still-operating restaurant in the state. It is also one of the largest, with space for 1,700 guests in 15 beautifully decorated dining rooms. The restaurant was established in 1905 by the Hernandez/Gonzmart family, who still own and operate it. Columbia is famous for its traditional, authentic Cuban and Spanish food. Its wine list has over 1,000 labels and more than 50,000 bottles. There are several wine labels created in honor of various family members. Columbia’s sangria is mixed at the guests’ table and is extremely popular. In the evening, the floor shakes from the beat of the flamenco dancers while traditional music fills the rooms.
2117 E. 7th Ave. Tampa, FL 33605, 813-248-4961
2. American Social
American Social is a delightful upscale dining experience offering several locations throughout the American South, including a location opened in Tampa in 2017. The restaurant, which is helmed by restaurateurs Tony and Laurie Mijares of the American Social Hospitality Group, offers an award-winning menu in a charming music-centric sports bar space. Four full-service bars are located throughout the concept restaurant space, along with an intimate waterfront dining room, indoor and outdoor VIP spaces, and a full-service raw bar. Diners can enjoy hip all-American food selections throughout the week at brunch, lunch, and dinner, ranging from seafood platter options like Old Bay-seasoned peel and eat shrimp to creative shareables like black truffle pizzas, hickory-smoked chicken wings, and ropa vieja tacos. Signature cocktails are served up alongside an extensive craft beer menu, perfect for relaxing and watching live music performances throughout the evening.
601 S Harbour Island Blvd #107, Tampa, FL 3360, Phone: 813-605-3333
3. Bern's Steak House
Bern's Steak House serves some of the best steaks and meats in the city. Sample exquisitely prepared dishes like the Delmonico Steak or the Goat Cheese & Portobello Ravioli. The produce the kitchen uses is either locally sourced or comes from Bern’s Farm. In addition to their internationally renowned dessert room and 21 choices of caviar, Bern's Steak House is also home to one of the world’s largest wine collections.
Bern Laxer founded Bern’s Steakhouse in 1956 with the help of his wife Gert. Their son David now owns and operates the restaurant. Bern's Steak House is nestled between the Hyde Park and Parkland Estates areas.
1208 South Howard Avenue, Tampa, Florida, Phone: 813-251-2421
Worth checking out: Video of Tampa's On Swann
4. Tampa Bay Brewing Company
The award-winning Tampa Bay Brewing Company offers some of the city’s best beer and classic American pub fare. Try the Beer Battered Cod Sandwich, Wild Warthog Spicy Curry Mussels, or TBBC’s Famous Cheese & Ale Dip and wash it all down with a selection from their line of eight core and 38 seasonal proprietary beers.
John G. Doble, III founded the Brewing Company in 1995, and it is now owned and operated by the Doble family – John, Vicki, David, and Mike. Their original joint is located in the historic Ybor City, and they opened a second location in Tampa’s Westchase neighborhood in 2015.
1600 East 8th Avenue, Ybor City, Tampa, Florida, Phone: 813-247-1422; 13937 Monroe’s Business Park, 813-247-1422
Restaurants For a Date
5. Ocean Prime
Ocean Prime is an upscale restaurant that specializes in steaks, seafood, and cocktails done right. Savor exquisitely prepared dishes such as the White Truffle Caviar Deviled Eggs appetizer, Dutch Harbor King Crab Legs, or the Pork Porterhouse. Be sure to check out their delectable raw bar and honored wine list.
Renowned restaurateur Cameron Mitchell originally founded Ocean Prime in 2006, and the establishment has since expanded to 14 locations nationally, including the Tampa site, which opened in 2009. Stop in to Ocean Prime, located at the entrance of the International Plaza Shopping Center, for a sophisticated and delicious dinner.
2205 N. West Shore Boulevard, Tampa, Florida, Phone: 813-490-5288
6. Gourmet Pizza Company
Gourmet Pizza Company has something for everyone, but pizza is their specialty. Create your own pie or try a signature classic like the Mellow Yellow (curry-infused garlic oil base, capers, garbanzo beans, sweet red grapes, fresh cauliflower, and drizzled with peanut butter sauce) or the Cajun Crawfish pie.
Numerous vegan and gluten-free options are available, and they also offer pastas, calzones, and more. Owner Kristina Lima opened Gourmet Pizza Company in 1999 and has committed to serving only the finest local ingredients and making everything in house from scratch. You will find this delicious pizza place in Tampa’s Hyde Park district.
610 S. Armenia Avenue, Tampa, Florida, Phone: 813-258-1999
7. Al's Finger Lickin' Good Bar-B-Que
Al's Finger Lickin' Good Bar-B-Queserves up some of the best Tennessee-style BBQ in the Tampa area. Stop in and treat your taste buds to Sparky’s Pulled Pork Sandwich, a half slab of ribs, or Ericka’s Spicry Collard Greens. All meats at Al’s are smoked for hours at a time.
A daily special is also offered, as is beer. Al started his business out of a concession stand in 2003 and expanded it into a sit-in restaurant in 2009. His wife, Jackie, and daughter, Tia, help him run the joint. Al’s Bar-B-Que is located in a bungalow off 7th Avenue in historic Ybor City.
1609 Angel Oliva Sr St., Tampa, Florida, Phone: 813-956-0675
8. Besito
Besito (“Little Kiss”) serves authentic Mexican cuisine with bold flavors. Enjoy the intimate, romantic setting as you delight in incredible dishes such as the Pescado a LA Parilla, Chile Relleno Con Hongos, or Costilla Torta (with braised short ribs, queso asado, avocado jalapeno salsa, pickled jalapenos, and frijoles refritos).
Wine, beer, and cocktails are always available. John Tunney, who spent years traveling Mexico, originally founded Besito in 2006. In partnership with restaurateur Chris Sullivan, Tunney expanded the restaurant into a chain with seven locations in five states. The Tampa site, located in the Westshore Plaza, opened in 2015.
205 WestShore Plaza, Tampa, Florida, Phone: 813-287-4800
Plan Your Trip