Impressing your date can be as simple as knowing what’s new in town. Luckily there are plenty of new Tampa Bay restaurants, experiences, and attractions on the way, and many are already open.
Read on for the scoop on the best new date night experiences for couples in the year ahead. Check back often as we update this page with new info!
<div id="c3be0912bb716eee4ca644c1dfc4ecde4"></div>More date ideas: There are always Things to Do in Tampa Bay with events added regularly.
New Tampa Bay Restaurants for Date Night
Fancy Date Night Restaurants
Quite a few date night spots have opened up in Tampa Bay—making them prime for new date ideas.
Predalina in Downtown Tampa has reopened with brand new menus for dinner, brunch, dessert, and happy hour! We love a good brunch, so we can’t wait to taste the new menu, which features items like Steak and Eggs, Lamb Chops, Stuffed Peppadews, Steak Frites, and so much more!
Bosc Modern Bar + Kitchen and sister concept Parker Street Bakery are now open in South Tampa, featuring a California-forward menu, full sushi and raw bar, premium steaks, and lively after-hours! The location is introducing a modern dining and nightlife concept to Tampa with a mix of West Coast culinary influences and Tampa soul. From early morning coffee and baked goods from Parker Street to vibrant dinner at Bosc, this new location promises great all-day vibes!
Ceviche Tapas Bar & Restaurant is back in Tampa at International Plaza. This new location will bring its iconic Spanish flavors and a vibrantly modern atmosphere for a great date or gathering with friends!
Stop for authentic Italian Gelato at Mazzaro’s Italian Market‘s new Gelato shop, Zagara! From Italian Ice to Gelato, all flavors are made in-house. Try an Affogato with their Hazlenut Gelato, its the perfect end to a wonderful date night!
New Wine and Cocktails
The Winfield is a great new spot for cocktails located in St. Pete, and it’s bringing total subterranean vibes with light bites and delicious drinks!
Hotel Bar in Tampa is also serving up great drinks, but it’s not a hotel, and they’re not located in one either! The cocktail menu showcases drinks originating in and made famous by various hotels throughout the world. This spot does not take reservations, so be sure to plan accordingly.
READ MORE: Speakeasies in Tampa Bay and Complete Guide To Water Street Tampa
Quirky and Fun
ClawZania is now in Tampa! This cute claw-arcade will feature a bunch of claw machines with the cutest plush toys and collectables that are perfect for any couple looking for something unique and fun to do for date night!
Good Luck Chucks is bringing retro vibes to Tampa in 2026! This groovy hangout on South Howard Avenue is playing the best tunes of the 70s, 80s and 90s, with craft cocktails to match.
Related: Check out more date ideas for fun-loving couples in Tampa Bay!
A lot of fun can be found in St. Pete with the addition of Chuck’s Arcade and The Capybara Cafe! If Chuck’s Arcade sounds vaguely familiar, that’s because it’s the adult-focused Chuck E. Cheese. Seriously! This place is packed with old school and new school arcade games and claw machines, perfect for anyone looking to game the classic way.
The Capybara Cafe is a concept that made it’s way from St. Augustine. Here, guests can hang out, learn about, and feed cute Capybaras! During the animal encounters, employee’s will detail the history of these adorable animals and their docile nature. While at the cafe, visitors can sip on coffee or water, and enjoy cookies — just don’t give any to the animals! The Capybara Cafe will also have a Lemur Lounge where you can experience all the lovely things about Lemurs!
Calling all gamers! Sandcastle Bar-arcade is a brand new spot out in Clearwater that will have you bringing out your competitive side! And the best part? Drinks and games! From claw machines to old school consoles, pinball, yard bag, giant four-in-a-row, and more, this trendy new spot is sure to be a hit!
Atomic Claw is a new claw-cade inspired by the Tokyo claw machine craze! Purchase some credits and score some awesomely cute prizes like Hello Kitty, anime, Capybaras, and so much more! If you’re not into claw machines, they also have some “gacha” vending machines to try your luck at some collectable figures, keychains, and other fun trinkets!
New Everyday Dining
Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach is introducing Squiki Tiki with Dr. BBQ, a new restaurant and bar opening in the fall of 2026. The menu will offer smoky BBQ classics like a pulled pork sandwich and St. Louis-style ribs, alongside creative dishes like a burnt ends bao and smoked shrimp summer rolls, complemented by a lineup of tiki-inspired cocktails. While guests enjoy the menu of beachside favorites, the decor will transport them to paradise with bamboo accents, thatched roofing, plush lounge seating and the warm glow of string lighting.Â
Whataburger is now in Lutz! This joint is a great stop for a delicious burger, fries, and a shake, not to mention their spicy ketchup is all the rage. What’s the best part? They’re open 24 hours!
If you love “build-your-own” style spots, BiBimGo out in Lutz is a great place where you can build your own Bibimbap rice bowl! What is Bibimbap? Well, it’s a Korean dish featuring rice, and your choice of protein (usually beef, chicken, tofu, or steak), with your choice of onions, lettuce, rice, bean sprouts, and more! It’s a very healthy option if you’re looking for something that is full of nutrients.
Giancarlos Cafe & Spirits in Tampa is a new spot serving up Pizza, like their Jersey Style Bar Pie, featuring a crunchy crust that is never heavy, salads, burgers, and TONS of sandwiches. They also have a Happy Hour every day from 3 p.m.-6 p.m., and 9 p.m. to close.
Haraz Coffee House is a new coffee shop out in Wesley Chapel, exclusively serving Yemeni coffee while sharing its culture and heritage. This spectacular spot originated in Dearborn, Michigan, with its first location in 2021, and has since grown to 31 locations across metro Detroit and other cities with 185 more locations in the works.
The previous Dunedin Mix is under different ownership as the West End Market, and it’s the perfect spot to stop for a delicious bite and some drinks before exploring downtown Dunedin!
H&H Bagels has made its way from New York all the way to Tampa! The store has become synonymous with the New York City bagel, earning appearances on shows such as “Sex and the City” and “Seinfeld”. H&H Bagels has maintained its original recipe and artisanal water bagel method to make high-quality bagels with simple ingredients. Find them at 1155 S Dale Mabry Highway!
Tampa Bay Area Restaurants, Bars, and Experiences Arriving in 2026
White Wolf Specialties is a multi-faceted culinary destination featuring a neighborhood pizzeria with a new American menu, bakery, cafe, market, and rooftop bar, and is slated to open soon as well. The Carnivore Club, a 28-seat chef’s counter centered around a wood-fired grill, utilizing an array of meats from its own dry-aging chamber, will open in the space above White Wolf.
While we are still waiting for Summer Camp St. Pete to open, it’s set to be a unique experience where guests can feel like they’re back at their childhood summer camp. This new concept will combine modern-day with nostalgia, featuring indoor and outdoor seating, including custom tents.
Spitz Wine Bar is building its beginning out in the Grand Central District of St. Pete. The upcoming spot will feature wines and small bites, and while the bar undergoes construction, the owners have opened up smallbar, as a little taste test of the real deal to come!
Spend time at JW Marriott Clearwater Beach!
The JW Marriott Clearwater Beach is an ideal spot for a romantic date or a relaxing staycation. Situated along the crystal-clear waters of Clearwater, reserve one of their beachfront rooms with a balcony overlooking Clearwater Beach.