From wine country to beaches and strolling the Seine, a trip to France sounds incredible right about now.
But if visiting Paris isn't in your plans any time soon, we have a few ideas on how to bring the French spirit to Tampa Bay for your next date night!
<div id="c3be0912bb716eee4ca644c1dfc4ecde4"></div>Check out our recommendations below to dazzle your date with the perfect French date night in Tampa.
Dining at the Perfect French Restaurant in Tampa Bay
Boulon Brasserie
- Location: 1001 Water Street, Tampa
This modern French eatery is truly a vision. A gorgeous space with a refined menu, Boulon is a great special occasion spot. Chef Hab Hamde is at the helm of this restaurant and you may know his name from his long tenure as executive chef at Bern's Steak House.
You'll want to make your reservation well in advance; this restaurant fills up fast.
Parts of Paris Bistro & Bar
- Location: 146 4th Ave. N, Safety Harbor
This romantic spot in Safety Harbor is inspired by Parisian bistros. Housed in a 1936 bungalow, the menu is filled with classic French fare like artisanal terrines, pates, and desserts.
They also have a full cocktail bar where you can sip on an authentic French handcrafted cocktail. Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are highly recommended.
Restaurant BT (Tampa MICHELIN Guide Restaurant)
- Location: 2507 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa
For classic French-Vietnamese cuisine with a modern twist, Restaurant BT is a South Tampa staple. There's a reason this unique spot was added to the 2024 MICHELIN Guide and still maintains its spot.
Enjoy traditional French dishes like Coq Au Vin and foie gras, along with dishes with distinct Vietnamese flair.
Mise En Place
- Location: 4100 George J Bean Pkwy, Tampa
Treat the Francophile in your life to a date night dinner at Mise en Place. This incredibly romantic restaurant features modern cuisine with a French twist, and the vibe is upscale and contemporary, perfect for a romantic date night on the town.
If you love a good cocktail, check out the cocktail menu to sip on a selection of classics plus modern offerings.
Gulf Bistro
- Location: 15225 Gulf Blvd, Madeira Beach
A decades-old Madeira Beach institution, Gulf Bistro is a great cozy spot for authentic French cuisine. Just steps away from the beach, you can pretend you’re strolling along the beaches of the French Riviera.
Willa's
- Location: 1700 W. Fig St., Tampa
Willa's is a Tampa favorite. This casual spot combines American and French cuisine and serves up classic fare, handcrafted cocktails, and wine.
They're open for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch with items like Rotisserie Chicken Frites, Grilled Citrus Shrimp Salad, Classic French Onion Soup, and so much more!
Treat Yourself to Something Sweet
LA CREPERIA CAFE
- Location: 1729 E. 7th Ave., Tampa
Sweet or savory? Crepes are such a delicious, casual French fare. Indulge in a sweet treat and an espresso at La Creperia Cafe in bustling Ybor City, then continue the evening by strolling the brick-lined streets and exploring the rich history of one of Tampa’s oldest neighborhoods.
Cafe de Paris Bakery
- Location: 2300 Gulf Blvd, Indian Rocks Beach
After running a bakery in France for more than a decade, the owners of Cafe de Paris Bakery packed up and moved their business to Indian Rocks Beach. Enjoy a casual date here complete with croissants, crepes, salads, sandwiches and charcuterie.
Sucré Table
- Location: 4048 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa
Additionally, Sucré Table is an incredible bakery located in South Tampa. You truly cannot go wrong with any of their confections, but their funky-flavored macarons cannot be missed. Chocolate and almond croissants also offer plenty of French flavors.
Experience Local Art and Culture
Lingering in art museums and soaking up the local culture is part of the French way of live. Take time to explore a local art gallery or museum to mimic this experience right here in Tampa Bay.
At the Dalí Museum in St. Pete, traveling exhibits featuring world-renowned artists complement the impressive permanent collection of Salvador Dalí's iconic surrealist works. And the glass ceiling may even call to mind The Louvre in Paris.
The Tampa Museum of Art also has an eclectic collection from international artists. It's also situated along the Tampa Riverwalk, the perfect for a stroll after taking in all the enchanting art pieces
For film, head to Tampa's historic Tampa Theatre. It's one of the only remaining movie palaces that has the ability to revive its original programming by screening a silent movie with live musical accompaniment.
Other arts and culture events include monthly art walks in St. Pete (second Saturday of each month), Gulfport (first Friday of each month), and free outdoor concerts on the Riverwalk.
Catch free concerts on the first Friday every month at Curtis Hixon Park, and listen to performances from local artists as part of the ongoing Live & Local series at The Straz.
Take a French Cooking Class
Sur la Table in Tampa’s Hyde Park Village offers an array of French-themed cooking classes like French pastries, Tuscan Pasta Dinner, and Date Night: Evening in Paris!
Bring the skills you learn back to your own kitchen for continued travels to France via your taste buds. Classes sell out quickly, so you will want to plan ahead on this one. The schedule lists classes about six weeks out, so check back for the French cooking class of your dreams.
Stroll through Local Gardens
Pretend you're visiting one of France's iconic gardens without leaving Tampa Bay. At St. Pete's Sunken Gardens, explore winding pathways lush with tropical plants, waterfalls, and even resident flamingoes.
To take the experience to the next level, book a decadent picnic experience in the gardens. Grab a custom charcuterie board from local company The Charcuterie Drop or have St. Pete Picnic Co. pack you and your date a picnic with a customizable theme.
Other notable gardens to explore include Marie Selby Botanical Gardens in Sarasota, or plan a day trip to the serene and scenic Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales.
Savor a Wine and Cheese Tasting
Wine and cheese feel like the heart of Parisian romance. Snag a seat at the bar at South Tampa’s Cheese Please and choose from their expertly crafted selection of wines and cheeses, or plan ahead for a tasting event with a private cheese tasting party.
Cru Cellars has a great selection of cheeses and an even better wine selection. They also host private events and wine tastings with cheese boards for a fun group date.
SoHo’s Haven is a personal favorite, with a truly spectacular cheese selection and great wines available by the glass, on draft, and by the bottle.
Cepas is a cozy spot in Carrollwood with an extensive wine selection and amazing charcuterie boards.
Take a Road Trip to Paris in Orlando
Make your way to Epcot to explore a miniature Paris right here in Central Florida. The France Pavilion at Walt Disney World's Epcot boasts a replica of the Eiffel Tower, a traditional bistro, patisserie, and so much more.
Not to mention the countless photo ops! While you're in town, experience even more French-inspired experiences with our guide to savoring a French-inspired date night in Orlando.
Feature image credit: Sucré Table