A signature dish is the crème de la crème of a restaurant. It’s the meal that put the restaurant on the map or a guest favorite that proprietors wouldn’t dare remove from the menu. These dishes capture the essence of a culinary concept — and they’re pretty delicious, too. The following offers a glimpse into the culinary talent shaping Tampa Bay’s dining scene.
CW’s Gin Joint – Shrimp and Scallop Linguini
633 N. Franklin St., Tampa | (813) 816-1446
A refined seafood pasta featuring shrimp and scallops in a silky Canaïma gin cream sauce, layered with sweet and melted heirloom tomatoes, smoky Nueske’s bacon, bright capers and shaved Ubriaca cheese. Balanced and indulgent.
Driftlight Steakhouse – Bone-In Ribeye
510 Water St., Tampa | (813) 314-6611
At Driftlight Steakhouse, indulgence begins with a signature bone-in ribeye—masterfully grilled, impeccably marbled and rich with depth. It’s paired with silken creamed corn enriched by smoky bacon béchamel, a whisper of cayenne and molten Chihuahua cheese. Served alongside a perfectly selected glass of wine, this dish is a statement of elegance.
Restaurant & Bar
Esposito’s Italian Restaurant & Bar – Pasta Zozzona
14306 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa | (813) 769-9098
It’s become a cult favorite in Rome, and New York City’s best have begun experimenting with it, but Esposito’s is the only Italian restaurant in Tampa serving this trendy, indulgent Roman dish. Pasta Zozzona takes elements of cacio e pepe, amatriciana and carbonara, combining them with ground sausage into a deliciously rich pasta, truly putting Esposito’s ahead of the pack.
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