<div id="c3be0912bb716eee4ca644c1dfc4ecde4"></div>Impressing your date can be as simple as knowing what’s new in town. Luckily there are plenty of new restaurants, experiences and attractions on the way, and many are already open. 2024 is wrapping up and our community has overcome a number of challenges. Let’s enjoy life in Tampa Bay by recapping these new restaurants that come along this year and then we will preview what’s coming in 2025.
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, in fact we are in the process of a big update right now.
More date ideas: There are always Things to Do in Tampa Bay with monthly events added regularly.
New Restaurants in Tampa Bay for Date Night
Fancy Date Night Restaurants
Quite a few date night spots opened up in Tampa Bay in 2024 – making them prime for new date ideas.
Among them is The Pearl from Cameron Mitchell Restaurants. Menu highlights include seasonal oysters, craft cocktails, scratch-made entrees, a curated wine list and more.
READ: Complete Guide To Water Street Tampa
Ebbe is a newer Scandinavian restaurant in downtown Tampa. The restaurant keeps it simple with just one tasting menu, inspired by Scandinavian classics, featuring seasonal dishes that are unique and beautifully presented. It’s perfect for a special night out and for those looking to experience something different.
Latitude 28’s new coastal inspired menu has arrived! Discover stunning beachfront views and indulge in the new Gulf-inspired menu at Latitude 28°. From fresh-caught Florida Black Grouper with saffron risotto to the “Clear Water” Piña Colada cocktail, the revamped menu brings the coast to your plate! Located at the JW Marriott Clearwater Beach, valet parking is also included when you dine at Latitude 28!
Open Daily for Dinner 5pm-10pm and Breakfast 7am-11am, (Website and Menus)
New Wine and Cocktails
Escape to Spain without leaving the Bay, Barcelona Wine Bar just opened in South Tampa with Chef Victor at the helm. Bringing deep roots and a menu that’s an ode to the local—snapper pulled fresh from the waters, seasonal produce sourced from farmers he knows, and Spanish recipes revitalized with vibrant, local ingredients. Chef Victor crafts a menu culminating in his journey, Florida’s rapidly expanding culinary landscape, and his passion for letting ingredients speak for themselves.
Beacon is Tampa’s highest (and second highest in Florida) public rooftop cocktail and dining destination, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city skyline and Tampa’s waterfront. This midcentury-meets-modern bar serves up signature drinks and delectable tastes. We had the chance to check it out when it first opened and these are some of our favorite things about one of downtown’s hottest spots.
The folks behind Cru Cellars have also opened two new concepts on Water Street — Wine on Water and Small Giant. The first is a wine and liquor shop with an outdoor wine garden to enjoy select wines by the glass. Small Giant describes itself as a little bar with a big heart and that’s not to mention the excellent food menu.
The same restaurant group has another new concept bubbling in Hyde Park Village — a new champagne and cocktail bar with a ‘fizz-first” menu dubbed Bouzy.
READ MORE: Speakeasies in Tampa Bay
Over in St. Pete, we’ve added a new rooftop bar to our must-visit list. Located on the roof of the AC Hotel St. Pete, you’ll find Cane & Barrel in the heart of downtown. The rooftop bar/cocktail lounge features Cuban-inspired cocktails and bites.
Quirky and Fun
Dunedin Mix opened in February 2024. This new food hall calls itself “a fresh take on the old food hall concept.” It currently features four restaurants, two retail boutiques, and a rotating craft cocktail bar and is the perfect space for a relaxing day or night date – especially when the weather is picture-perfect.
From the owners of Good Night John Boy and Welcome to the Farm, Glamper brings a fun and laid-back vibe to St. Pete. Opened in summer 2024, this outdoor-themed bar is inspired by camping, backyard cookouts, and the Midwest’s chill midsummer vibes. Glamper offers a full drink menu of craft cocktails, beers, and seltzers, along with grilled favorites like burgers and hot dogs.
Rabbit Rabbit is the perfect spot for those looking to enjoy a night out without alcohol. This vegan and gluten-free café and mocktail bar serves up creative mocktails and bites, with a menu inspired by the owner’s love for horror movies, Halloween, and old country music. It’s a great space to unwind, enjoy some tasty, healthy food, and sip on flavorful, alcohol-free drinks.
Beginning Saturday, December 7th, 2024, Posies Flower Truck set roots at the historic Armature Works, a location that perfectly aligns with having a permanent place to make purchasing fresh flowers a fun occasion.
Sesh St. Pete is a must visit for those into quirky new restaurants. Located inside a historic building in St. Pete, just down the road from Sunken Gardens, this restaurant blends modern with historic. Above all Sesh St. Pete takes the rumors that it is haunted (by friendly spirits only) quite seriously.
The decor is equal parts modern and equal parts spooky fun. Famous ghosts like Beetlejuice, Slimer, and more adorn the walls. And if spookiness is not really your thing, then the outdoor bar and front porch seating area will do the trick.
The craft beer list is impressive and the menu presents lots of variety like fresh fish, custom rice bowls, massive salads, and hearty burgers. Be sure to walk around and check out all the art and spooky decor.
The Yard Milkshake Bar opened last year in St. Pete and Carrollwood. This over-the-top ice cream shop serves up insane milkshakes topped with everything from cupcakes to brownies, cookies, and cake slices. They also have loaded ice cream cones, edible cookie dough, and sundaes.
PopStroke Now Open in Wesley Chapel
Two 18-hole experiential putting courses designed by THE Tiger Woods are now open in Tampa Bay. PopStroke combines putt courses and food and drink for the ultimate date spot. Keep score on the course via PopStroke’s in-app scorecard and see top scores on the leaderboard. This is PopStroke’s 6th location.
Get an idea of what to expect with our review of Date Night at PopStroke Orlando from OrlandoDateNightGuide.com (one of our other publications).
Date-Worthy New Tampa and St. Pete Restaurants + Bars to Arrive in 2025
Summer Camp St. Pete will also be a unique experience where guests can feel like they’re back at their childhood summer camp. This new concept will combine a modern day with nostalgia with indoor and outdoor seating, including custom tents.
Set to open in early 2025 at the Vinoy Resort in St. Pete, Elliot Asher promises an elevated dining experience. Created by Chef Lee Wolen, the sophisticated menu will feature exquisite steak and seafood dishes, including standout items like King Crab Tagliatelle. Guests can begin their evening with cocktails and aperitifs on the scenic waterfront patio before indulging in a memorable meal within the stunning dining room.
Spend the day (or night) at JW Marriott Clearwater Beach
The JW Marriott Clearwater Beach is a perfect way to spend a day date or staycation. Situated along the crystal-clear waters of Clearwater, it’s the perfect way to spend the day relaxing in the sand. Reserve one of their beachfront rooms with a balcony overlooking Clearwater Beach, unwind at their resort spa, or take in panoramic views in their rooftop restaurant, Nikki-Peruvian.
Want even more date night ideas for 2025?