Dining
Traditionally Tampa was famous for Cuban-Latin cuisine but there is a lot more on this city’s menu! Dining in Tampa is changing as the global table of international cuisine pops up all over! Below are some of our must-trys while you are in this great Canadian city.
Columbia Cafe
Named “One of Florida’s Top Restaurants” since 1967.
Relax outdoors on our waterfront, canopy-covered patio and bar with an ice cold pitcher of sangria or mojitos. Live music Friday & Saturday nights.
Spanish-Cuban immigrant Casimiro Hernandez, Sr. helped to open the Columbia Saloon, which became the Columbia Restaurant in 1905.
Over nearly 120 years, the original restaurant has expanded to an entire city block and is now the largest Spanish restaurant in the world.
As Florida’s oldest restaurant, the Columbia has seven locations in Florida and is still owned and operated by family members.
Known For: Florida’s oldest restaurant. Cuban Style
Lilac, the upscale Mediterranean restaurant of Michelin-starred Chef John Fraser, elevates dining to new heights. Housed on the ground floor of The Tampa EDITION, the restaurant welcomes guests with a selection of hors d’oeuvres to share, followed by a sumptuous three-course prix fixe menu. Fraser’s signature dishes feature locally sourced Grouper cooked in a cataplana, Short Rib cooked on a rotisserie, and Herbed Pasta with a soft egg and sherry-braised chanterelle mushrooms.
Drawing inspiration from Fraser’s Greek heritage and his love for Turkish cuisine, the restaurant’s balanced dinner menu showcases his vegetable-forward philosophy, utilizing only the freshest and locally sourced seasonal ingredients from the Tampa area.
Known For: Using fresh and seasonal veggies. Mediterranean Style
Ulele is a popular restaurant located on the northern end of Tampa’s Riverwalk. The menu is inspired by the indigenous people of Florida and brings together fresh and local ingredients in unique flavor combinations. While the menu is changed seasonally, past examples include a deconstructed seafood pot pie, Yellowfin Tuna crusted with pumpkin seeds, and alligator hush puppies. To accompany the delicious dishes is a selection of hand-crafted signature cocktails and house-brewed beers. Housed in the renovated city waterworks building, the restaurant could be described as rustic, industrial chic, with an open and airy dining space. Outside dining options include a patio, beer gardens and rooftop lounge.
Known For: offers diners a unique menu inspired by Tampa’s indigenous peoples and ingredients located in a beautifully restored historic landmark.
The first thing you notice as you enter Oystercatchers is the amazing view. This seafood restaurant, nestled among lush, tropical landscaping, takes full advantage of its location at the edge of Tampa Bay. Inside, the decor is bright, simple and modern, serving as the perfect backdrop for both the views and the expertly prepared food. The star of the menu is a selection of locally sourced fish served wood-grilled, blackened or sauteed. Not only are the dishes inventive and fresh, but they are also gathered with conservation in mind. While the food and the view will cost you, the experience cannot be beaten. Part of the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay, Oystercatchers has cemented itself as one of the great restaurant spaces in Tampa.
Known For: Seafood and the view
The Rooster & the Till is located in Tampa’s trendy Seminole Heights neighborhood and has become one of the most popular restaurants in the city. A wonderful example of the city’s chef-driven creativity, this exclusive eatery is putting out some big flavors specializing in farm-to-table fare, superior service, and smaller portions. Meals are prepared using only fresh and local ingredients and diners are raving over the beautifully plated and delicious, innovative cuisine that is winning multiple awards. Find a seat at the bar and enjoy the view of the chefs at work creating their masterpieces.
Known For: Farm to table fresh food
Tucked away in a corner of Tampa’s Channelside district is Cena, a popular Italian restaurant that has gathered a loyal following despite a somewhat out-of-the-way location. Chef Michael Buttacavoli presents simple, modern menu items that are elevated by expert preparation, creative presentation, and quality ingredients. Chef’s mastery of rustic Italian cuisine shines in his risotto dishes, a definite must-try, as well as in his charcuterie and cheese selections. The wine and cocktail lists are very well curated featuring the classics as well as more modern options. The decor matches the cuisine and is also modern and minimal, but still very cozy and friendly, with diners raving about the great service.
Known For: sleek, modern space serving expertly prepared rustic Italian cuisine
Found in the SoHo District, or on South Howard in Hyde Park, Green Lemon is one of the best restaurants in Tampa. Here you’ll find expertly combined traditional Mexican cuisine and modern healthy options!
First, when you enter, you’ll see the walls covered in murals. The modern, upbeat style evokes an authentic atmosphere. While there are over 100 Mexican restaurants in Tampa, Green Lemon stands out with its Latin-infused Tapas and Fiesta Bowls!
Known For: traditional Mexican Cuisine
If you’re a Tampa native, there’s a good chance you’ve been to Bern’s for a special occasion. If you’re coming in to visit, you need to have a meal at Bern’s Steakhouse to understand why this restaurant is so beloved in the Bay Area.
Since 1956, Bern’s has been serving up perfectly-aged prime steaks always cut to order. Vegetables are prepared with incredible care and are grown locally on the Bern’s farm.
Bern’s hold the very high honor of winning the James Beard Award for Outstanding Wine Program. You’ll find a perfect pairing for every bite with Bern’s wine selection. Take a tour of the wine cellar to see half a million bottles and over 6,500 labels.
Known For: Steak paired perfectly with fine wine