Whether you prefer yours dry and spirit-forward, blended with bold espresso or infused with fruit, Tampa Bay’s cocktail scene offers a martini for every mood.
The martini has evolved far beyond its traditional combination of gin and vermouth. Across Tampa and St. Pete, local restaurants are honoring the classic while shaking up inventive interpretations with coffee, cucumber, apple, banana and mascarpone. Here are some of the area’s most memorable martinis, organized by classic, espresso and other flavored favorites.
Classic Martinis
The Dapper Martini at Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
4400 W. Boy Scout Blvd., Tampa
Prepared traditionally with a choice of Wheatley Vodka or Beefeater Gin, The Dapper Martini offers a polished, spirit-forward introduction to the classic cocktail. Eddie V’s specializes in prime seafood, hand-carved steaks and an upscale dining experience accompanied by live music in the V Lounge. Its sophisticated atmosphere makes the Westshore restaurant a fitting destination for celebratory dinners, business gatherings and cocktails at the bar.
Classic Martini at CW’s Gin Joint
633 N. Franklin St., Tampa
A fitting choice from one of downtown Tampa’s most cocktail-forward destinations, the classic martini at CW’s Gin Joint is crisp, polished and tailored to the guest’s preferred gin or vodka. The intimate restaurant pairs its extensive spirits collection with a retro-inspired atmosphere, chef-driven food and live entertainment
Puttanesca Martini at Rocca
323 W. Palm Ave., Tampa
Rocca’s elevated take on a dirty martini combines vodka or gin with Bordiga Extra Dry vermouth, Castelvetrano olive brine, a charred Gorgonzola olive and cacio e pepe oil. The Michelin-starred Tampa Heights restaurant is celebrated for fresh pasta, refined Italian cooking (don’t skip the mozzarella cart) and a beverage program that balances nostalgia with inventive details.
Gin Martini With a Twist at OLIVIA
3601 W. Swann Ave., Tampa
Clean, citrusy and timeless, OLIVIA’s gin martini with a twist offers a bright alternative to the traditional olive garnish. The modern Italian restaurant blends the character of a neighborhood trattoria with contemporary sophistication, house-made pastas and an inviting open bar and lounge.
Dirty Martini at Barcelona Wine Bar
2907 W. Bay to Bay Blvd., Suite A100, Tampa
Salty, chilled and unapologetically classic, the dirty martini at Barcelona Wine Bar makes an ideal companion to an evening of shared tapas. The restaurant channels the spirited feel of a European wine bar through rustic Spanish and Mediterranean dishes, a substantial wine selection and a lively indoor-outdoor setting
Diana’s Dirty Martini at Treble Makers
6034 Wesley Grove Blvd., Suite 101, Wesley Chapel
Diana’s Dirty Martini hits all the right notes with vodka, dry vermouth and olive juice, finished with savory bleu cheese-stuffed olives. Located at The Grove in Wesley Chapel, Treble Makers pairs a full scratch kitchen with an energetic lineup of live bands, themed events and interactive dueling piano shows. It is lively, playful and made for a night when a quiet cocktail simply will not do. Come for the martini, then stay to sing along once the pianos take center stage. Save this one for a fun night out!
Vieux Carré Martini at BAB’s Secret Lounge
16540 Pointe Village Drive, Lutz
Rye, cognac and vermouth come together with a few thoughtful finishing touches in BABs Secret Lounge’s smooth take on the Vieux Carré. The experience begins before the first sip: hidden behind bookshelves inside International Beer Garten, this intimate Lutz speakeasy is a true hidden gem tucked away from the bustle of Tampa. Knowledgeable bartenders craft classic cocktails like the Vieux Carré alongside creative house originals, while guiding guests through one of the area’s largest collections of whiskey and premium spirits. Finding the entrance may feel like a treasure hunt, but discovering one of Tampa Bay’s best-kept cocktail secrets is the real reward.
Espresso Martinis
Espresso Martini at Timpano Hyde Park
1610 W. Swann Ave., Tampa
Stoli vanilla vodka, Kahlúa, Baileys and espresso give Timpano’s martini a creamy texture and balanced coffee finish. Located in the heart of Hyde Park, the modern Italian restaurant serves coastal-inspired dishes and signature cuts in a stylish, energetic atmosphere. Guests can settle into its chic bar or breezy patio for cocktails, social-hour bites and a leisurely meal. The perfect way to end an evening in Hyde Park!
Espresso Martini at Hard Rock Cafe Tampa
5223 Orient Road, Tampa
Grey Goose vodka, espresso, Borghetti espresso liqueur and simple syrup are shaken into a frothy, chilled take on the coffee-forward favorite. Located inside Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa, Hard Rock Cafe pairs classic American fare with a lively, music-driven dining experience. Live entertainment and an extensive collection of music memorabilia give the restaurant its signature rock ’n’ roll energy. Needed fuel for an evening of slots or card games!
Espresso Patronum at Counter Culture
2909 W. Bay to Bay Blvd., Suite 100, Tampa
Vodka, Caffè Borghetti espresso liqueur, fresh espresso and Tahitian vanilla are finished with grated coffee beans for an aromatic twist. Counter Culture is chef Jeannie Pierola’s modern homage to classic counter dining, elevated through creative plates and vibrant cocktails. Its open-air mixology bar, Florida patio and views of the bay make it equally suited to dinner, drinks or weekend brunch.
Tiramisu Espresso Martini at BellaBrava
204 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg
Borghetti espresso liqueur and mascarpone whipped cream transform this martini into a cocktail interpretation of Italy’s beloved coffee-soaked dessert. Founded in downtown St. Pete, BellaBrava is a vibrant New World trattoria where traditional Italian flavors meet contemporary flair. The scratch kitchen and lively Beach Drive location offer a welcoming setting for date nights, family dinners and cocktails with friends.
Espresso Martini at District South Kitchen & Craft
3301 S. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa
Banana cordial adds a subtle tropical sweetness to District South’s blend of espresso, vodka and coffee liqueur. The South Tampa neighborhood restaurant was created as a gathering place for quality cuisine, handcrafted cocktails and a warm atmosphere. Its menu combines fresh ingredients and bold flavors with creative interpretations of familiar American favorites. This is a true South Tampa locals-only spot.
Other Flavored Martinis
Black Orchid at Ocean Prime
2205 N. West Shore Blvd., Tampa
Grey Goose Vodka, St-Germain, fresh lemon and white cranberry juice create a floral, fruit-forward martini garnished with dramatic presentation. Ocean Prime combines the glamour of a contemporary cocktail lounge with the polished service of an upscale seafood and steakhouse destination. Its location near International Plaza makes it a popular choice for business dinners, celebrations and drinks before an evening out. Pro Tip: sit right at the bar and people watch.
Appletini at Juno & The Peacock
400 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg
Fresh-juiced green apples, vodka and apple eau-de-vie give Juno & The Peacock’s appletini a crisp, sophisticated interpretation of the nostalgic cocktail. It’s even decorated with an image of an apple on top. Overlooking North Straub Park, the restaurant specializes in New American coastal cuisine inspired by the vibrant spirit of St. Petersburg.
French Martini at Beacon
510 Water St., Tampa
Grey Goose vodka, Chambord, pineapple and lemon create a bright, fruit-forward French Martini that feels especially fitting 27 stories above downtown Tampa. Perched atop the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street, Beacon is Tampa’s highest public rooftop lounge, offering sweeping views of the skyline and waterfront from its polished indoor space and open-air terrace. The elevated cocktail menu and shareable bites make it a natural choice for sunset drinks, date nights or a glamorous start to an evening downtown. This vibrant sip may be French by name, but the sparkling city views are unmistakably Tampa.
Check out who won Best Bar in our Best Restaurants List! Or if you’re interested in advertising, click here.