Good food is a great way to connect with someone. And when you’re surrounded by lots of delicious choices it can be fun deciding together what to try. The restaurants at Sparkman Wharf are a great way to explore a variety of local food and have fun nibbling on different delicious eats. It’s one of our favorite date ideas in Tampa Bay.

Sparkman Wharf is situated along the waterfront of downtown Tampa taking over the space formerly known as Channelside. They’re known for their large, astroturf lawn and open-air dining garden that includes food truck style restaurants that are housed in old shipping containers. It’s the perfect spot to go before or after an event at Amalie Arena or during one of their popular Lighting Watch Parties.

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From authentic ethnic cuisine to gourmet ice cream, our to dining at Sparkman Wharf covers it all.

Restaurants at Sparkman Wharf

Outdoor Dining Restaurants:

• Fit Bowl Co.
• Jeni’ Splendid Ice Creams
• Murph’s BBQ
• edison’s swigmajig
• Gallito Taqueria
• Dang Dude
• JoDog

Fit Bowl Co

Fit Bowl Co. offers a fruit-forward menu including superfood bowls, smoothies, and plant-based treats. Choose from their menu or build your own. They also have adult beverages such as the Sorbet & Prosecco Float.

Must-try items: Island Bowl, Glow with Greens Smoothie, Pina Colada Smoothie

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

Jeni’s originated in Atlanta and has made quite an impact in the ice cream industry. The ice cream comes in an array of unique flavors and boasts a smooth, buttercream texture.

Must -try items: Maple-Soaked Pancakes, Gooey Butter Cake, Brambleberry Crisp

Murph’s Barbeque

Known for mouth-watering 12-hour smoked brisket, tender pulled pork, roasted chicken, and scratch-made sides, Murph’s BBQ is not to be overlooked. To honor their namesake, a legendary pup named Murph, they also serve dog treats.

Must-try items: Texas-style Brisket, Crispy Brussel Sprouts, Charcoal Roasted Chicken Wings

edison’s swigmajig

Created by James Beard semifinalist, Chef Jeannie Pierola, this funky container reinvents Florida’s iconic seafood shack. Though they have staple items on hand, their menu changes daily with the fresh catch.

Must-try items: Tarpon Springs Charred Octopus Greek Salad, Jerk Chicken Breast Sandwich, Fries

Gallito Taqueria

Gallito is a modern taqueria that puts a spin on classic Mexican Street Food. Created by Chef Ferrell Alvarez, restauranteur Ty Rodeiguez, and Chon Nguyen, their menu is loaded with fresh, authentic ingredients.

Must-try items: Quesabirra Tacos, Grilled Mojo Chicken, Esquites (Street Corn)

Dang Dude

From the same creators of Gallito, Dang Dude puts a unique twist on Asian-inspired street food, bringing together the diverse flavors of the region.

Must-try items: Steamed Pork Dumplings, Double Fried Chicken Wings, Chilled Dan Dan Noodles

JoDog

JoDog offers chef-inspired riffs on one of America’s most iconic food items, the hot dog. Created by Michelin-starred chef, Joe Isidori, they also serve up beer, sake bombs, and chilled signature cocktails.

Must-try items: Carolina Slaw Dog, New York Style Chili Cheese Dog, Joe’s Famous Kimchee Dog

Everglazed Chicken & Donuts

Everglazed is the perfect spot for a taste of sweet and savory. They serve up handcrafted glazed donuts, chicken tenders, fries, and more. You can also select one of their “Awesome Sauces” and pickles to top it all off.

Must-try items: Nutella Boston Cream Donut, The Funky Chicken Sandwich

Gordito’s

Gorito’s serves up freshly made empanadas and shaved ice in a unique way by infusing Thai and Latin influenced flavors.

Must-try items: Guava and Cream Cheese Empanada, Watermelon and Lime Shaved Ice

Eat indoors:

If you’re looking for something a little more traditional, there are also several dine-in restaurants at Sparkman Wharf.

• Battery
• Noble Rice
• Splitsville
• BurgerFi
• Jotoro
• Half Moon Seafood

Battery

If you’re looking for something a little more upscale, check out Battery. Known for fine bourbon, wines, and elevated plates. It’s the perfect cozy date night spot to enjoy dinner before grabbing a cocktail and heading out to the lawn to watch the sun set over the water.

Must-try items: Charcuterie Boards, Bourbon-Glazed Salmon, Roasted Red Pepper Bucantini

Noble Rice

You’ll find a modern Japanese restaurant and a gorgeous space at the reimagined Noble Rice located at Sparkman Wharf. Dine on sushi and ramen while sipping from an amazing menu of Japanese whiskey and sake.

Most-try items: Sushi, Salmon Crispy Rice, Tan Tan Men

Splitsville

This isn’t your average bowling alley fare. The reimagined Splitsville Southern + Social has a menu inspired by two-time James Beard award winner, Chef Art Smith. Their menu features made-from-scratch southern fare, specialty cocktails on tap, and 45 varieties of ice-cold canned beer. Eat, drink, and challenge your date to a game of bowling for a date night with a competitive twist.

Must-try items: Hot Honey Chicken Sliders, Southern Goddess, KBBQ Bacon Burger

BurgerFi

BurgerFi serves up chef-created fresh food in an eco-friendly environment. From freshly made burgers, to fresh cut fries and beer-battered onion rings, it’s simple fare with big flavor.

Must-try items: Spicy Wagyu Burger, Vegefi Burger, Fresh-Cut Fries with Truffle Aioli

Jotoro

Chef Isidori’s Jotoro menu is filled with fine Mexican provisions and global inspiration in a rustic, industrial chic setting. You can also enjoy tequila flights and batched margaritas alongside your food.

Must-try items: El Gringo Beef Tacos, Steak Burrito “East L.A.” Style, Tijuana Caesar Salad

Half Moon Seafood

Half Moon Seafood offers a menu that showcases responsibly sourced seafood, chicken, and an array of innovative sandwiches with a unique flair. 

Must-try items: Nashville Hot Fish sandwich, Po Boy

Looking for more outdoor date ideas? Check out 30 Outdoor Activities in Tampa Bay to Try Together.