Whether it’s for a celebration or simply to savor the finer things in life, fine dining is an experience to be remembered. Tampa’s stellar restaurant scene continues to blossom, offering an ever-increasing mix of established favorites and hot, new options. Below is a sampling of local restaurants that deliver luxury service and top-notch cuisine.
The Lounge by Meat Market
Tucked away inside the Hyde Park Village hot spot, The Lounge by Meat Market is an exclusive, reservation-only sophisticated guest nightlife experience for those who appreciate the finer things. The setting is high energy but low key; each reservation comes with your own plush, private pod, a dedicated cocktail waitress and access to both the full Meat Market menu and an exclusive selection of dishes, cocktails and top-shelf bottles. Live music brings the space to life every Friday and Saturday night.
1606 W. Snow Ave., Tampa | (813) 804-8166 for reservations | meatmarket.net/the-lounge
THERE’S A NEW STEAKHOUSE IN TOWN WHERE FRIENDS, FAMILY, FOOD, AND FLAVOR MEET
Located in the Winthrop plaza, this modern American meatery boasts a clean, masculine interior, wood-fired grill, open kitchen, locally sourced steak, hand-crafted cocktails, specially selected wines, fresh flavors and weekly unique specials.
Although its claim to fame is its appeal to carnivores — the menu offers reserved cuts of grilled steak like Certified Angus Porterhouse and the American Wagyu New York Strip — they don’t stop there. Guests can savor raw or charbroiled oysters, BBQ chicken and prime rib flatbreads, tempura-fried lobster tail, and a 12-ounce grilled lobster tail. Finish off with mojito pie or bourbon chocolate cake, paired with wine from its exclusive reserve list or a craft cocktail.
Donovan’s | 11206 Sullivan St., Riverview | (813) 295-8445 | donovansmeatery.com
VOTED BEST INDIAN RESTAURANT 2021 IN TAMPA MAGAZINES
Chef and Owner, Sanjay Verma, promises to take you down memory lane by evoking the authentic North-Indian flavors from his hometown, Delhi. Each dish on the menu is made from scratch, with fresh ingredients, and aromatic spices. A charming dining area, a full-service bar, and a love for service and hospitality create the perfect setting for dinner with friends, family, and business associates. Takeout and UberEats delivery are also available.
SPICE KITCHEN, 11653 COUNTRYWAY BLVD., TAMPA | 813-475-4200 | SPICEKITCHENTAMPA.COM
DONATELLO
Rooted in tradition and quality, Donatello’s has served Tampa for over 25 years with authentic Italian cuisine based on century-old recipes. The Abbacchio Al Forno Alla Ciociara (For Two) serves up a rack of lamb seared and baked with mustard and herb breadcrumbs, finished in a rosemary demi-glace sauce; Fiorentina and Porterhouse steaks come at 32 ounces each; and Lobster Thermidor is available at 3 pounds and up. Nightly entertainment is provided in the piano bar, while a banquet room offers private dining. Zagat rated Donatello among America’s 1,000 Top Italian Restaurants, and Wine Spectacular bestowed an Award of Excellence.
232 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa | (813) 875-6660 | donatellotampa.com
MARITANA
Inspired by the Spanish gypsy from the William Wallace opera of the same name, the Maritana, located in the heart of the luxurious Don Cesar hotel, transports visitors to a AAA 4 Diamond Dining experience filled with seductive, glamorous ambiance. Its menu is centered on hand-crafted dishes created from sustainable food by Chef de Cuisine Emily Ferrari from regional farms and fishermen. An extensive wine list and delectable desserts round out your experience at one of USA Today’s 10 Best Restaurants.
3400 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach | (877) 859-2146 | doncesar.com | maritana@doncesar.com
WATERVUE GRILLE
Watervue Grille focuses on fresh, locally sourced Florida seafood right on the Harbour Island waterfront, with the city’s best views of downtown Tampa’s growing skyline. Current favorites include the red chili-rubbed corvina, porcini-dusted cubera snapper and the shellfish combo. Watervue Grille’s full bar, featuring handcrafted and draft cocktails, a wine list sourced from around the globe and local craft beers, is designed to complement the atmosphere and enhance the diverse flavors of the menu.
700 Harbour Post Dr. | Tampa | (813) 642-7980 | watervuegrille.com
BERN’S STEAK HOUSE
Since 1956, Bern’s Steak House has provided Tampa with an un-paralleled food and wine experience. Its aged steaks are the talk of the town, and its wine cellar houses one of the largest collections in the world with over half a million bottles, rated a 2016 James Beard Awards Outstanding Wine Program. The cozy dessert room upstairs puts the cherry on top of an indulgent evening. Voted Tampa Magazines’ Best Fine Dining Restaurant, Bern’s continues to be a legendary choice for the finest occasions. Reservations are recommended months in advance due to high demand.
1208 S. Howard Ave., Tampa | (813) 251-2421 | bernssteakhouse.com
MISE EN PLACE
Mise en Place is “for the adventurous in palate and spirit.” The establishment has been offering modern, French-inspired cuisine since 1986, but recent renovations transformed the dining room into an ultra-contemporary setting. For a memorable meal, try their molasses pecan crusted rack of lamb with Amish cheddar grits, sauteed seasonal vegetables, cayenne buttermilk onion rings and trumpet mushroom bourbon lamb jus or their venison with celery root puree, blood orange rabbit olive red onion radish salad, blood orange agave glazed baby carrots and red wine mushroom thyme jus.
442 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa | (813) 254-5373 | miseonline.com
ROOSTER & THE TILL
Rooster & the Till keeps adventurous diners on their toes with an ever-changing menu of seasonal dishes. Chef Ferrell Alvarez (a 2017 James Beard Foundation semi-finalist), Ty Rodriguez and Chon Nguyen opened the new American restaurant in 2013 and evolved it into a 72-seat, award-winning establishment. Its tasting menu includes exquisite wine pairings. Notable recent selections included the A5 miyazaki hand roll with grilled enoki mushrooms, uni and osetra caviar; cinco jotas 100% Iberico ham with olive oil compressed cantaloupe; and seared scallops with salsa macha, boniato puree, lamb neck agridulce and lamb consomme.
6500 N. Florida Ave., Tampa | (813) 374-8940 | roosterandthetill.com
Check out our 2022’s Best Restaurants List
