Fine dining elevates mere cooking to culinary art. Chefs ignite gastronomy, creativity and skill to dream up dining experiences for guests to savor. In Tampa Bay, a mixture of audacity and innovation in the kitchen meld with an atmosphere of elegance and sophistication to create an impressive array of venues for fine dining. We’ve curated these selections to satiate the gourmand in you.
Haven
This dining concept from the masterminds behind Bern’s puts shareable plates at the forefront of the menu — eclectic and carefully constructed.
“At Haven, we pride ourselves on constantly evolving and progressing,” executive chef Chad Johnson says. “Whether it’s a dish focusing on a seasonal ingredient or the newest whisky from a small distillery, we always have something new and fresh to offer our guests.”
Artisanal charcuterie and cheese selections and a boast-worthy wine list are a treat for the tastebuds at this contemporary restaurant.
2208 W. Morrison Ave., Tampa
(813) 258-2233 | haventampa.com
Cru Cellars
With three popular locations, Cru Cellars boasts a sleek, contemporary, sophisticated atmosphere.
“The amazing wine selection and focus on unique and small-production bottles makes Cru Cellars an exciting place,” owner and sommelier Jennifer Bingham says. “Cru’s Wine Spectator award-winning cellar and dedicated wine team encourage curiosity with new wines.”
Beyond wine, Cru’s chef-designed menu consists of elegant small plates, entrees and indulgent desserts.
Locations in Armature Works, Palma Ceia & Westshore Marina | crucellars.com
Meat Market
A sexier, more glamorous take on the traditional steakhouse, Meat Market is where Tampa goes for an upscale night out.
“Meat Market Tampa offers a vibrant, sophisticated dining experience for lunch, brunch, happy hour and dinner,” Meat Market COO Sebastien Tribout says. “Our extensive menu choices include daily chef’s creations.”
Among its popular selections are signature steaks, a raw bar and Instagram-worthy cocktails. The Lounge by Meat Market adds an elevated, private nightlife element.
1606 W. Snow Ave., Tampa
(813) 280-1113 | meatmarket.net
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
Fleming’s is the perfect setting for prime steak, best-in-class seafood and innovative, plant-forward offerings.
“The secret ingredient to our dining experience is our people,” operating partner Jorge Diaz says. “Our team has a tremendous amount of passion for serving this community and strives to personalize every moment a guest spends with us when they walk through our door.”
Guests won’t be disappointed with irresistible options like Fleming’s chilled seafood tower, a multitude of specialty and classic steak cuts, savory sides and decadent desserts.
4322 W. Boy Scout Blvd., Tampa
(813) 874-9463 | flemingssteakhouse.com
Sola Bistro & Wine Bar
Along Gulf Boulevard on St. Pete Beach lies an unassuming bistro and wine bar that serves some of the best dinners and global wines in the Bay area. Sola is a bistro with a heavy emphasis on wine. An eclectic menu features specials influenced by world cuisines and the owner’s Armenian and Russian roots.
“We love experimenting with unique ingredients and fusing different techniques and preparations,” owner and proprietor Tigran Khachaturyan shares. “We believe in utilizing the whole animal. That’s why we feature so many unique specials using the highest-quality seafood, meats and poultry. We make as much as possible in-house to cut out unnecessary preservatives.”
In a tourist-heavy location, Sola has become a neighborhood favorite.
6700 Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach
(727) 360-7500 | solabistrostpete.com
Rococo Steak
In a historic 1920s building in Downtown St. Petersburg, Rococo’s atmosphere and decor are almost as impressive as the restaurant’s exquisite food and wine.
“Our team of culinary professionals comb tirelessly through dozens of purveyors to ensure Rococo has the best,” Lee Karlins, owner of Caledon Concepts, proclaims. “We source our beef from the historic Allen Brothers butchers in Chicago. A similar philosophy is used to build our award-winning wine program, which has remarkable depth and high value considering the collection’s moderate size. The bar team loves providing the classics, but we also mix in sensory-stimulating cocktails with a modern twist.”
655 2nd Ave. S., St. Petersburg
(727) 822-0999 | rococosteak.com
