<div id="c3be0912bb716eee4ca644c1dfc4ecde4"></div>From wine country to beaches and strolling the Seine, a trip to France sounds incredible right about now – especially if you’ve been watching the gorgeous scenery from the Paris Olympics.
But if that’s not 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. Check out our recommendations below to plan the perfect French date night in Tampa.
Dining at the Perfect French Restaurant in Tampa Bay
Boulon Brasserie
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. This new concept has chef Hab Hamde at the helm. 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
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
2507 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa
2024 MICHELIN Guide
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. Enjoy traditional French dishes like Coq Au Vin and foie gras, along with dishes with distinct Vietnamese flair.
Mise En Place
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
15225 Gulf Blvd, Madeira Beach
A decades-old Madeira Beach institution, Gulf Bistro is a great cozy spot for authentic French cuisine. With a location just steps away from the beach, you can pretend you’re strolling along the beaches of the French Riviera.
The Nest at Caracara
730 Broadway, Dunedin
The Nest at Caracara is a French colonial themed cocktail bar that celebrates a love for French cuisine with Asian influences. Bar snacks include puff pastry escargot, and the wine list is made up exclusively of French wines. Cocktails feature French spirits. Located in the heart of downtown Dunedin, behind sister restaurant Caracara, The Nest is the perfect stop on an evening strolling the waterfront.
Willa’s
1700 W. Fig St., Tampa
Willa’s is a Tampa favorite. This casual spot combines American and French cuisine and serves up classic fare, hand crafted cocktails, and wine. They’re open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch (we’ve heard they have the best Croque Madame in town).
Treat Yourself to Something Sweet
LA CREPERIA CAFE
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
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
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 compliment 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 – 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.
If you missed the French inspired Broadway love story, Moulin Rouge! The Musical, you’re in luck. The show is returning to The Straz Center this November 7-10, 2024, and makes for the perfect romantic date night out at the theater.
Other arts and culture events include monthly art walks in St. Pete (second Saturday of each month) and Gulfport (first Friday of each month), and free outdoor concerts on the Riverwalk. Catch free concerts once a 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, with themes like French Pastry Shop, Parisian Bistro and a Classic Croissant workshop. Bring the skills you learn back to your own kitchen for continued travels to France via your tastebuds. Classes sell out quickly, so you will want to plan ahead on this one. The schedule lists class 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 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 chartuterie 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 experience with our guide to savoring a French-inspired date night in Orlando.
Feature image credit: Sucré Table