11 of the Best Restaurants in Downtown Tampa Florida
We’ve put together this list of some of our favorite downtown Tampa restaurants so you don’t have to worry about making a bad choice when eating in this beautiful city on the Gulf of Mexico.
According to Open Table, 72% of travelers prefer to eat out for every meal. When you think of stunning culinary gems in Florida, Tampa is probably on the list right along with Miami and Fort Lauderdale.
We also have fantastic Sarasota restaurants, excellent restaurants in Bradenton, and quite a few great spots in St. Armands Circle.
But the best places to eat in downtown Tampa hold their own with any other city in the state – and beyond.
Choosing a place to eat can be challenging, from historic dining locations to modern Michelin-starred restaurants. Luckily, we’ve got a list of a handful of the best restaurants in Tampa to help you decide.
Where Is Tampa Located?
Tampa is located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, along the shores of Tampa Bay.
It’s easily accessible from I-4 (the main East-West interstate traversing Florida from Tampa through Orlando and off to Daytona Beach) and from I-75 (the main North-South interstate for western Florida).
Ponce de Leon set foot in Tampa in 1513, but the area was not extensively developed until the 1800s.
Today, Tampa is home to a bustling port area, a military base, and a stylish downtown area, but with plentiful nods to the area’s history.
Why We Love Downtown Tampa
There’s something magical about waterfront areas, and Tampa has one of the best. The Tampa Riverwalk is an area along the Hillsborough River with activities, dining, attractions, and more.
In 2023, it was ranked as the second best riverwalk in the country by USA Today’s Readers’ Choice poll. There are special events throughout the year, from happy hour events to festivals to yoga in the park. Even if you go without a plan, you will find downtown Tampa a great spot to dine.
My Favorite Restaurants in Downtown Tampa and Surrounding Areas
There are plenty of different types of restaurants in Tampa. What my favorite restaurant is at any time depends on what I’m in the mood for! Below are some of the best of the best.
Ulele
Located in Tampa Heights, Ulele sports beautiful grounds along the Hillsborough River and an outdoor seating area. On the property, you can find many statues based on characters from nursery rhymes.
The menu features southern food, including fresh seafood and Florida specialties, as well as craft beers and an extensive cocktail list.
We love a restaurant with lots of small plate choices, and Ulele has a great menu for that. A must-try are the raw oysters, which are some of the best we’ve ever eaten.
If you’re not a fan of oysters, try the Barbacoa Shrimp (huge, blackened shrimp prepared perfectly over a parsnip and celery root puree – so fantastic!)
The Root Vegetable Succotash is filled with parsnips, sweet potatoes, celery root, roasted corn, cranberry beans, and more. It’s to die for!
Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Address: 1810 North Highland Avenue, Tampa
Other notes: Outdoor seating is available, and reservations are recommended.
Lilac
Lilac is a gorgeous Michelin-star restaurant located at the Tampa Edition Hotel. Chefs John Frazer and Joshua Werksman helmed Lilac, which helped usher in Tampa’s first Michelin-starred restaurants in 2023, along with Koya and Rocca.
Lilac offers a three-course prix fixe menu, plus a selection of hors d’oeuvres served for the table. The food at Lilac blends unique ingredients with a focus on fresh flavors and elegant plating.
The first thing I tasted at Lilac was the Pain Lyonnaise, also known as Milk Bread. From that moment on, I knew this was going to be a spectacular meal.
Our first appetizer was the Shrimp a la Plancha. The delicate stuffed pasta was served in a light tomato-based broth with large Pacific pink shrimp and thin slices of Iberico ham. It’s a must.
My husband will never pass up pork belly, so we had to order the Heritage Pork Belly & Spanish Octopus with spicy sausage and sweet corn succotash.
You can also start off with the Marinated Half Maine Lobster, which is served with compressed strawberries, melted rhubarb, and wildflowers.
Why not try all three? We often order appetizers instead of entrees so we can try more dishes. The only problem is that you would miss out on entrees like Duck au Poivre with that incredible confit, along with heirloom citrus glazed carrots and favas.
The mains blend quality local ingredients with Greek and Turkish influences, like the Atlantic Swordfish with Vesuvian tomato puttanesca and roasted eggplant caviar. So many choices.
Of course, you’ll want to save room for the variety of desserts, like the signature dark chocolate souffle or the Olive Oil Cake with candied orange and fennel jam with Campari sprinkles. Divine.
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Address: 500 Channelside Drive, Tampa
Other notes: Reservations are highly recommended and can be made online.
The Pearl
From its original locations in Ohio, The Pearl now is a gem of a place to grab a bite to eat in Tampa.
A classic Tavern Benny with house-made sausage is a solid Sunday brunch staple. For a lunch packed with flavor, don’t skim by the Grilled Cheese. With brie, pear jam, roasted squash, and arugula pesto, it isn’t your traditional grilled cheese!
For dinner, you can’t go wrong with the Catch of the Day. But for a dish that packs a ton of flavor try the Hanger Steak with kimchee fried rice. Oh, and did I mention that they have fresh pies made daily for dessert?
One secret is to just make a meal of their starters and snacks. The Chicken Wing Confit with hot sauce and blue cheese dip is seriously delicious food, but the star of the show is their amazing Old Fashioned Deviled Eggs. They come served on a vintage egg scale!
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Address: 823 Water Street, Suite C-100, Tampa
Other notes: Reservations are available online, and The Pearl also offers carryout and delivery. Outdoor dining on the patio is available. A kids menu is available.
Columbia
When you say Tampa restaurants, the iconic Columbia restaurant immediately comes to mind. Though there are more locations now, the Tampa (Ybor City) restaurant is the original location.
Founded in 1905, this historic restaurant serves dishes with Cuban and Spanish flair in a beautiful setting. Believe it or not, it is not only Florida’s oldest restaurant but also number one on the list of largest Spanish restaurants in the world, taking up an entire block!
Just seeing Columbia Restaurant is a treat in itself. Wine lovers will enjoy something from one of largest wine collections from Spain.
One of the must-try dishes is the 1905 Salad. You’ll want to have your phone ready to video this salad – it’s prepared tableside with ingredients similar to a chef’s salad, but with an incredible garlic dressing.
This salad is one of the most popular dishes, so you’ll probably see it being prepared all around you.
By the way, if it’s date night, you might want to have some mints on hand. The garlic is powerful in this salad!
Of course, you can’t go to a Cuban restaurant without checking out the Cuban sandwich, with its mojo pork, ham, pickles, and mustard pressed in fresh Cuban bread. The version at Columbia was called the Best Sandwich in Florida by Food & Wine Magazine.
If you’re looking to try a bit of every flavor, check out the tapas menu. You can even order the “Tapeo” Sampler for the table. Order that and some of their homemade sangria, and you have the perfect place for happy hour with friends!
For an extra special treat, ask about their Flamenco Dinner Show experience. Reservations are required and there is an extra cover charge, but this is an incredible experience that is unique to the Columbia restaurant in Tampa.
Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Address: 2117 E. 7th Ave, Tampa
Other notes: Reservations are suggested, and curbside pickup is available.
Jackson’s Bistro
Looking for great sushi and fun cocktails? Jackson’s is a fantastic option in the Harbour Island area. With a gorgeous waterfront view overlooking Bayshore Boulevard and the Tampa Riverwalk, this restaurant was made for relaxing with a craft cocktail and enjoying a fine meal. If you’re a sushi lover, you’ll want to try their famous Volcano Roll.
Other great seafood options include their Pan-Seared Grouper & Crab (it’s topped with tequila aioli!). If seafood isn’t your thing, the Steak Frites packs a lot of flavor with its house-made chimichurri sauce and paprika-dusted French fries.
The signature cocktails that they offer provide something for everyone. Love your drink sweet? Go for a Passion-Fruit Mojito. Like a bit of bite to your drink? Jackson’s offers a traditional Dark & Stormy with Goslings Black Seal Rum and Ginger Beer. There’s even a Pickle-Tini – don’t knock it until you try it! I had the French 87, and it was incredible.
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Address: 601 S. Harbour Island Blvd., Tampa
Other notes: Reservations are recommended and can be made online. Outdoor dining is available.
Azure
Azure, like Lilac, is a John Fraser restaurant located in the Tampa Edition hotel. This wonderful spot offers a stunning rooftop view and a more casual setting than Lilac.
You’ll find a variety of Greek-inspired dishes on the menu. The dips with sourdough pita are a wonderful addition to the table, including whipped feta, winter tzatziki, and hummus.
Also on the mezze menu, don’t skip the Tuna Tartare with avocado and tapenade.
The Mussels Plancha with that pink peppercorn-garlic drawn butter is such a great pairing.
One great dish to share is the Fried Organic Chicken for two. It comes with a black sesame hot sauce and absolutely heavenly French fries.
For seafood, you have to try the Mediterranean Branzino Filet. Yes, we had to bring some of it home!
Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Address: 500 Channelside Drive, Tampa
Other notes: This restaurant is open late on Friday and Saturday, with a wonderful late-night menu of small bites if you just want a little something and a drink. An outdoor seating area is available.
Forbici
Forbici is a Modern Italian restaurant featuring quality comfort food with a twist. A good example is the Erica salad, with kale, romaine, and radicchio but elevated with Marcona almonds, dried cherries, and a delicious cashew balsamic dressing.
When we visited, my husband loved the Hot Italian Panini with all the best Italian meats plus lettuce, tomato, pepperoncini, and a wonderful tapenade dressing.
I had to try one of the pasta dishes, so I got the Mushroom Cavatelli. It had scrumptious porcini broth, tomatoes, parmesan, and chili flakes. The pasta was cooked perfectly al dente, and the broth was light with flavors that mingled so well.
With a cozy and casual atmosphere, Forbici makes a wonderful option for family dining or a get-together with friends.
Hours: Monday-Wednesday 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Friday, 11:30 a.m.-12 a.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-12 a.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Address: 1633 West Snow Avenue, Tampa
Other notes: Reservations are available online and Forbici does offer online ordering for carryout.
On Swann
Combining contemporary cuisine with local flavors, On Swann offers amazing meals. But don’t sleep on the appetizers and drinks here.
Start off with one of their share boards, different charcuterie boards with meats, cheeses, and more. There’s also a variety of nibbles like arancini or fried green tomatoes, and a wide assortment of starters from pork belly with coconut orange grits to mussels with chorizo.
On Swann offers an extensive cocktail menu along with a good assortment of wines and local craft beers. They even offer some craft soda drinks, as well. It makes a great location for a casual grazing meal and drinks.
Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Address: 1501 W. Swann Avenue, Tampa
Other notes: Reservations are available online for small groups or by phone for larger groups. In addition to the indoor dining room seating, there is a pet-friendly patio space.
Oak & Ola
If trendy dining is your thing, swing by Oak & Ola. This restaurant offers quality gastropub cuisine in a laid-back setting.
For our visit, we sat at the bar and started with the tender Fire-Roasted Spanish Meatballs in a delicious marinara sauce with cheese and toasted bread for dipping.
Many items on the “provisions” part of the menu caught our eye including the Corn & Crab Pasta with a Lemon Gremolata, the Snappar Amandine, and their take on Chicken Marsala (it comes with Asiago dumplings!)
Be sure to try one of Oak & Ola’s craft cocktails.
The location of this restaurant helps contribute to that hipster vibe. Located in Tampa’s Armature Works shopping and dining district, there’s plenty to see and do before and after your meal. Regular events include the Second Sunday Market and Art Walk, the Rises by the River car show, and seasonal events throughout the year with live music and activities for all ages.
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Address: 1910 North Ola Avenue, Tampa
Other notes: This restaurant can be very popular when there are events going on at the Armature Works. Reservations are recommended. Outdoor seating is available on the rooftop terrace, but reservations cannot guarantee outdoor seating.
The Restaurant at Oxford Exchange
I may have saved the best for last. The Restaurant at Oxford Exchange is one of my favorite experiences in Tampa! Stop by the Champagne Bar and pick up a glass to sip while you look around at the Bookstore and go shopping in The Shop for fabulous kitchen wares, home decor, gift items, and so much more. I could spend hours there!
Then head to dine at The Restaurant – we just had an appetizer of Smoked Salmon Dip with our champagne. This was a great option for a relaxing bite while shopping. The full menu looked incredible, and you can get breakfast and lunch all day. On Sundays, they also offer afternoon tea!
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. (All-Day menu); Saturday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. (Brunch menu); Sunday 3 p.m.-5 p.m. (Afternoon Tea)
Address: 420 West Kennedy Boulevard, Tampa
Other notes: Reservations for dining are recommended, and are required for afternoon tea. No reservations are needed for the Champagne Bar, though – just grab a glass of bubbly to go!
Other Tampa Restaurants We Love
If that’s not enough recommendations, here are some additional spots we love!
Sal Y Mar
Though located in Midtown, Sal Y Mar is the not-to-miss rooftop restaurant in the Aloft Hotel, featuring incredible dishes from Chef Johnathan Rodriguez.
Salt Shack on the Bay
A waterfront restaurant on Tampa Bay with amazing views and a menu of seafood and beach-style baskets and sandwiches.
Tampa Bay Brewing Company
Local craft brewery featuring fruit-forward Florida Weisse beer, hop-centric IPAs, sours, and APAs. There are two taproom locations: West Chance and Ybor City.
Bulla Gastrobar
Yes, it’s a chain restaurant, but it is so good we can’t resist! Amazing tapas and a great selection of cured meats and cheeses along with Spanish-influenced dishes make unique offerings full of flavor.
Where to Stay in Tampa
Tampa is a fantastic destination for a weekend getaway. If you want to stay in the action, here are two wonderful places to stay.
The Tampa Edition
With two of the restaurants on our must-try list, the Tampa Edition is a stylish hotel in a fantastic location. Stay for a spa treatment and a delightful meal and experience the relaxation and rejuvenation vibe of the Edition.
Address: 500 Channelside Dr., Tampa
Tampa Marriott Water Street
Water Street is the heart of Tampa’s Riverwalk, making it the perfect location to stay. This hotel can get busy because of its location near the convention center, but its location is one of its best features. It is near the Florida Aquarium, Sparkman Wharf, Amalie Arena, and other highlights of the Tampa Riverwalk area. It really puts you in the heart of the action in Tampa.
Address: 505 Water St., Tampa
Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve always felt safe in the Tampa area, but anytime you’re in a city, you should always be aware of your surroundings.
Weekends are always busy in Tampa, but the convention center and sports events bring people from all over the country all year long. If you’re planning to visit one of these popular restaurants, it’s best to make a reservation. Happy hour is a great time to try restaurants as they are usually not so crowded, and you’ll often find special pricing.
Yes, there are many things to do in the Tampa area. See Visit Tampa Bay for ideas!
Tips for Visiting
Be aware of metered parking in some areas. No one wants their evening out ruined by a parking ticket.
Taking a taxi or Uber is a great idea if you’re staying in Tampa. It’s so much easier to get around and not have to deal with traffic.
If you’re visiting in mid-June, give Tampa Bay Restaurant Week a try. At participating restaurants for ten days, there are special menus and offers to help you sample some of the best of the best Tampa restaurants. For participating restaurants and more details, check out the Tampa Bay Restaurant Week website.
Which restaurant in the Tampa Bay area are you most excited to try?
