<div id="c3be0912bb716eee4ca644c1dfc4ecde4"></div>Planning a dinner date is never easy! If you’re tired of visiting the same old restaurants over and over again, we’re here to help. Lucky for us, Tampa is full of some amazing places and unique restaurants. From new hot spots to classic institutions, our team has selected our favorite restaurants for a special night out.
You can browse the most romantic restaurants in Tampa Bay as well as some of our favorite new restaurants in Tampa Bay. Keep reading for some of our favorite unique and timeless Tampa Bay restaurants, whether you’re looking for casual date night ideas or unique dining experiences.
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Hyde Park Restaurants
Hyde Park is a hot spot where some of the best restaurants in the area plant their roots. While they have a good array of places from casual to upscale, there are a few that stand out.
1. Ro Hyde Park
1500 W. Swann Ave, Tampa
Ro Hyde Park, a modern Asian and sushi concept is the newest restaurant in Hyde Park. At the new hot spot, with a menu by Chef Kiichi Okabe, a multi-Michelin-starred Japanese chef, guests can enjoy unique, immersive tableside presentations.
You and your date can grill your own Wagyu steaks, splurge on caviar service, or indulge in their signature sushi dishes made with ingredients like Maine lobster and king crab. If you’re a fan of Peking duck, plan ahead since this dish is so meticulously prepared, it must be ordered three days in advance.
2. Meat Market
1606 W Snow Ave, Tampa
Meat Market is a contemporary steakhouse and part of the amazing Hyde Park dining scene. This gorgeous steakhouse serves up premium cuts of steak, quality seafood, seasonal produce, craft cocktails and more. Save room for a decadent dessert, like the epic chocolate peanut butter cup s’mores. Know before you go: there is a dress code and reservations are highly recommended.
3. On Swann
1501 W Swann Ave, Tampa
Good food and good drinks can be found at On Swann in Hyde Park. The seasonal menu with local flair includes contemporary American cuisine like short rib, bucatini, beef ribeye, cobia, their signature kale salad, and much more. The location itself also is nicely decorated and makes for a mealtime experience that feels as good as the food tastes.
Check out our full list of The Best SoHo + Hyde Park Tampa Restaurants for Date Night.
MICHELIN Guide Restaurants
If it’s MICHELIN approved, you know it has to be a standout. The MICHELIN Guide Florida includes several Tampa Bay area restaurants. Last year, three restaurants received a MICHELIN star, while several have been awarded the Bib Gourmand and, most recently, got the seal of approval to make it into the MICHELIN Guide. Here are some of our personal favorites.
4. Rocca
323 W Palm Avenue, Tampa
With a fresh Michelin Star to add to its belt, Rocca is sure to please for date night. The ever-changing menu by Chef and Owner for Bryce Bonsack includes fresh, handmade pasta, hand-pulled tableside mozzarella, dry aged meats, and also boasts an extensive Italian wine list. Note: Rocca is closed Mondays.
5. Psomi
701 N Howard Avenue, Tampa
Food = Love at Psomi. It’s also a Michelin awarded spot. Walk through the garden terrace or flower-bordered patio and you’re instantly transported to the Greek islands. Celebrating all things Greek, Psomi offers homestyle food built from scratch with flavors from sweet to savory, an eclectic cocktail menu, an exclusive natural wine list, and an in-house bakery.
“Psomi” means “bread” in Greek and is the cornerstone of every meal at Psomi, where all breads and baked goods are baked in house, daily. Try their loukoumades (Greek donuts with baklava nuts and Greek honey) for breakfast, or lamb burger (with carmelized onion and whipped feta) for lunch.
6. Rooster and the Till
6500 N Florida Avenue, Tampa
A Seminole Heights favorite since 2013, Rooster and the Till continues to offer some of the most exciting food and drink in the Tampa Bay area. The second year as a Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient, its menus and wine list are ever-evolving and cater to adventurous diners (try the Seared Foie Gras with Cashew Pear Nutella). Or, let the Chef choose for you and opt for their 6-course Tasting Menu for $135 per person (add Wine for $55).
Sit at the bar to enjoy Happy Hour (food and drink), every Wednesday – Saturdays from 5:00pm – 6:30pm.
7. Predalina
1001 Cumberland Ave, Tampa
Predalina is one of Tampa Bay’s restaurants taking up residence along the booming area of Water Street, which is one of our favorite date night areas. They serve up seafood-driven Mediterranean cuisine for lunch, brunch, and dinner in their dining room or two outdoor patios. They were also recently one of nineteen Florida restaurants to make it into the MICHELIN Guide for 2024. As a unique touch, they also have an in-house retail store where you can purchase any of the tableside wares, oils, and seasonings used in the dining room.
Check out all the MICHELIN Guide Restaurants in Tampa Bay.
Romantic Restaurants in Tampa Bay
Tampa has absolutely no shortage of romantic restaurants. While there have been some amazing new additions over the years, these two spots have stood over time after time for a romantic date night.
8. Bern’s Steak House
1208 S Howard Ave, Tampa
For over 60 years, Bern’s Steak House has been a staple in Tampa cuisine, providing a dining experience like no other. This restaurant features one of the largest wine collections in the world (be sure to request a tour of their wine cellar), delicious dishes including perfectly aged steaks, and, of course, the famous Harry Waugh Dessert Room. The intimate atmosphere will make your next date be one to remember as you enjoy the fine dining before finishing the date in the dessert room or with a kitchen tour.
9. Mise En Place
Grand Central Place, 442 W Kennedy Blvd #110, Tampa
If you’re feeling like keeping with traditional American cuisine, Mise En Place is the place for you. This restaurant has been serving delicious dishes to the Tampa area for over 30 years. You can “Get Blitzed” with a five course meal or choose your own meal from the constantly changing menu. The talented chef Marty Blitz creates new dishes while still keeping classics on the menu for you to delight in.
Here’s our full list of Tampa Bay’s Most Romantic Restaurants for a Great Date!
Waterfront Restaurants in Tampa Bay
What better ambiance than to look out at the beautiful waters of Tampa Bay with good food and a drink in your hand. There are several waterfront restaurants that we love, whether you want to soak in the sunshine during a day date or catch the sunset.
10. Oystercatchers
2900 Bayport Dr, Tampa
If you’re looking for fresh seafood with a view, Oystercatchers is a great spot for ocean views. This restaurant is one of the best seafood restaurants in Tampa Bay and features a beautiful view whether you’re inside or out on the deck. Dining at Oystercatchers also means you’ll be able to enjoy traditional fish dishes with sauces prepared to perfectly compliment the dish. Or, you can try some more unusual dishes like lobster macaroni and cheese. And of course, pairing your meal with a wine is a must.
11. Ulele
1810 N Highland Ave, Tampa
A meal at Ulele is the perfect way to end a date at the Tampa Riverwalk. This restaurant features native Floridan cuisine like charbroiled oysters and a barbacoa grill that will keep your taste buds dancing. The expansive wine collection offers many options to find the perfect compliment to your meal. And of course, finish your meal off with one of the many delicious desserts offered at Ulele.
Want more? Here is a list of 25 Scenic Waterfront Restaurants Tampa Bay – Around Town and Nearby.
Looking for a great place to sit outdoors and enjoy the beautiful weather? Check out Outdoor Dining in Tampa Bay Guide: 50+ Places to Eat Outside