The Gasparilla Knight Parade is coming up in Ybor City on Saturday, February 14, 2026. This parade is different than the Gasparilla parade or Gasparilla Pirate Fest.
We have a complete guide to the Illuminated Knight Parade, but once you have those ducks in a row, you’ll want to find a Knight Parade restaurant for before, during, or after the parade.
<div id="c3be0912bb716eee4ca644c1dfc4ecde4"></div>The Krewe of the Knights of Sant' Yago Illuminated Knight Parade begins at 7 p.m., led by Grand Marshal Carlito Fuente, President of Arturo Fuente Cigars, but you’ll want to snag dinner ahead of time.
If you’ve purchased bleacher seats, you have a little more time, but if you’re hoping to stake out a spot along the parade route on your own, you’ll want to wrap up dinner a little earlier, so keep that in mind when making plans or reservations.
You'll notice many of these restaurants are located directly on 7th Avenue, which is the route for the parade.
Restaurants Near the Illuminated Knight Parade Bleachers
Gaspar’s Grotto
- Location: 1805 E 7th Avenue
- Takes Reservations: No
Gaspar’s is a Ybor City mainstay. This place is sure to be raucous for the Knight Parade since it's located directly on the route, but the sprawling restaurant has a good amount of indoor and outdoor tables, so arrive plenty early and try to snag a spot.
Columbia
- Location: 2117 E 7th Avenue
- Takes Reservations: Yes
Columbia is a delicious spot to hit before the parade. If reservations are full for the evening, walk up to the bar if you’d like to experience the largest Spanish restaurant in the world.
It’s been owned and operated by the same family for well over a century and is a can’t-miss restaurant in Tampa. Columbia is located at the very end of the parade route.
Carmine’s
- Location: 1802 E 7th Avenue
- Takes Reservations: Yes
Carmine’s is another quintessential Cuban restaurant right in the heart of Ybor City and the perfect restaurant for the Gasparilla Knight Parade.
For the past 35 years, Carmine’s has provided its patrons with Italian, Cuban, and Spanish flavors, all three reflective of Tampa’s history. At Carmine’s, you can get a bite out of everything with Cuban options such as Cuban Roast Pork, Cuban sandwiches, and more!
Bernini
- Location: 1702 E 7th Avenue
- Takes Reservations: Yes
Bernini Restaurant is known for its wonderful and authentic Italian cuisine, and it is located directly along the parade route.
The menu includes Italian favorites from pastas to pizzas and much more, as well as a wine list with almost 50 wines to choose from. And you can’t forget to try one of the desserts offered at Bernini. Whether you go for gelato, tiramisu, cake, or any of the other desserts available, you’ll find its a great taste you’ll love.
7th + Grove
- Location: 1939 E 7th Avenue
- Takes Reservations: No
Upscale southern classics, 7th + Grove is a great restaurant to stop by for dinner before the Gasparilla Knight Parade. Next door, you’ll find their deli, Roast, with a hidden speakeasy.
Casa Santo Stefano
- Location: 1607 N. 22nd Street
- Takes Reservations: Yes
There are still a handful of early reservations to be had at Casa Santo Stefano for early evening dining the day of the Gasparilla Knight Parade.
Grab drinks on the rooftop or settle in for a nice, big Sicilian meal ahead of an evening of revelry. Casa Santo Stefano is located one block off the end of the parade route.
Acropolis
- Location: 1833 E 7th Avenue
- Takes Reservations: Yes
Snag a reservation ASAP and you’ll have a seat right along the Gasparilla Knight Parade route at Acropolis. This festive Greek spot will fill you up with falafel and gyros before heading out to the parade.
La Terrazza Ristorante Italiano
- Location: 1727 E 7th Ave.
- Takes Reservations: No
Enjoy a delicious Italian dinner before the Knight Parade! This location is right on the parade route, so you won't have to walk far when you finish your meal.
LARA — Apothecary Bar & Bazaar
- Location: 1919 E 7th Ave.
- Takes Reservations: No
This globally inspired restaurant features dishes from around the world, along with cocktails, beer, and a market!
More Ybor City Restaurants for the Gasparilla Knight Parade
Tampa Bay Brewing Company
- Location: 1600 E 8th Avenue
- Takes Reservations: No
Another place you'll need to stake out your spot early is Tampa Bay Brewing, which is in the heart of Centro Ybor. They've got 2 large bars and abundant indoor and outdoor seating, the perfect complement to a great menu of Americana staples and beer made on the premises!
Samurai Blue
- Location: 1600 E 8th Avenue
- Takes Reservations: No
For sushi you’ll love, you can’t go wrong with Samurai Blue Sushi & Sake Bar! You'll find an extensive sushi menu perfect for kicking off an evening of fun at the Gasparilla Knight Parade.
The Bricks
- Location: 1327 E 7th Avenue
- Takes Reservations: No
Grab a casual bite at the Bricks before a big night at the Gasparilla Knight Parade. The Bricks is located right at the start of the parade and has a great beer and cocktail menu and tons comfort foods to choose from.
Barterhouse
- Location: 1811 N 15th Street
- Takes Reservations: Yes
Barterhouse in Ybor is a hit with the Tampa locals, as a luxurious spot for a delicious dinner. Their creative twist on American cuisine features eclectic flavors.
Madame Fortune
- Location: 1930 East 7th Ave., Tampa
- Takes Reservations: Yes
Madame Fortune is a stylish place for a delicious meal if you're looking to head to the parade afterwards!
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