Valentine’s Day in Downtown Tampa is an enchanting affair, offering a variety of dining experiences to make your celebration truly memorable.
Whether it’s a rooftop view under the stars, a gourmet meal by the waterfront, or a cozy dinner in a historic setting, Tampa’s culinary scene has something special for every couple.
In the Blog...
1. Elevated Rooftop Dining:
– Beacon
– M. Bird
2. Gourmet Waterfront Dining:
– American Social
– Jackson’s Bistro, Bar & Sushi
3. Gastronomic Tasting Menu:
– Edison: Food+Drink Lab
– The Black Pearl
4. Exotic Cuisine Adventure:
– Ulele
– Bern’s Steak House
5. Historic Elegance:
– Columbia Restaurant
– Oxford Exchange
6. Intimate Chef’s Table Experience:
– Élevage at Epicurean Hotel
– Rooster & the Till
1. Elevated Rooftop Dining
beacon : Located at J.W. Marriott
Beacon, perched atop the JW Marriott on the 27th floor, is not only Tampa’s highest rooftop bar but also the second highest in Florida. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city skyline and the waterfront. The decor at Beacon combines a cool, elegant vibe with mid-century and modern influences, creating an inviting atmosphere for diners.
What Makes Beacon Special:
- Unparalleled views of downtown Tampa and the waterfront.
- Sophisticated and stylish decor with a mix of mid-century and modern elements.
- Varied seating options, including lush couches and barrel chairs.
Menu Highlights:
- Pomme Pave – crispy potato with creme fraiche, chives, black truffle, and caviar.
- Medjool Dates stuffed with blue cheese and wrapped in prosciutto.
- Charcuterie presented in a unique two-tier birdcag
M. Bird : Located at Armature Works
M. Bird, located atop the historic Armature Works, is a stylish deco-inspired lounge offering magnificent views over Downtown Tampa and the Hillsborough River. The atmosphere at M. Bird is trendy and vibrant, perfect for enjoying tropical curated cocktails and shareable small plates
What Makes M. Bird Special:
- Luxurious, deco-inspired design with a blend of covered and open-air seating.
- Panoramic views of Downtown Tampa and the Hillsborough River.
- Trendy, vibrant atmosphere with live DJs and weekend rooftop brunch.
Menu Highlights:
- Truffle fries and spicy garlic shrimp.
- Ahi tuna nachos and jerk chicken eggrolls.
- Jerk chicken tacos and burger sliders.
2. GOURMET WATERFRONT DINING
American Social
American Social, located on Harbour Island, offers a stunning waterfront view of the Tampa skyline. This upscale sports bar and kitchen features indoor and outdoor dining, two bars, and fire pits. It’s an ideal spot for enjoying hand-crafted cocktails and gourmet food in a vibrant atmosphere.
What Makes American Social Special:
- Waterfront dining with views of the Tampa skyline.
- Variety of dining options including brunch, lunch, dinner, and late-night bites.
- Weekly specials like $5 Burger Monday and Ladies’ Night Thursday.
Menu Highlights:
- Brunch favorites like Chicken & Waffles and French Toast.
- Lunch specials including Amso Mac & Cheese and Cast Iron Blueberry Pancakes.
- Dinner options like Cedar Plank Salmon and C.A.B. Filet Mignon.
Jackson's Bistro, Bar & Sushi
Jackson’s Bistro, Bar & Sushi, established in 1997, has become a staple for residents and visitors in Tampa. Offering a menu filled with delicious dishes that tell the culinary stories of Tampa Bay, it provides an exquisite waterfront dining experience.
What Makes Jackson’s Special:
- Located on Harbour Island with sweeping views of the city’s waterfront and skyline.
- Offers a wide range of menu options from Pan-Seared Grouper & Crab Stack to Prime Filet Mignon.
- Renowned for its award-winning sushi and hand-crafted cocktails.
Menu Highlights:
- Savory entrees like the refreshing Poke Bowl and Pan-Seared Grouper & Crab Stack.
- Extensive wine selection to complement the dining experience.
- Diverse sushi offerings and handcrafted cocktail menu
3. Gastronomic Tasting Menu
Edison: Food+Drink Lab
Edison: Food+Drink Lab, located in Tampa, is celebrated for its artistic culinary exploration and unique multi-course tasting menu. This innovative restaurant is known for its modern interpretations of everyday food, creatively transformed into current, modern cuisine. The menu at Edison is continually changing to feature fresh ingredients and exciting flavor experiments.
What Makes Edison: Food+Drink Lab Special:
- Renowned for its creative and scientific approach to cooking, offering an ever-evolving menu.
- Provides a 5-course tasting menu that showcases the chef’s innovation and culinary skills.
- Known for its unique dishes that blend product, technique, and creativity.
The Black Pearl
The Black Pearl in Dunedin offers an intimate dining experience, known for its exceptional service and a frequently changing tasting menu. This venue is celebrated for its fine dining in a cozy and elegant setting, making it a sought-after destination for food enthusiasts.
What Makes The Black Pearl Special:
- An award-winning restaurant offering French and New American fine dining.
- Features an intimate and sophisticated atmosphere.
- Known for its tasting menu that includes a variety of exquisite dishes, carefully prepared to highlight complex and delicious flavors.
Menu Highlights:
- Dishes like lobster risotto, rack of lamb, and tarte tatin are popular among patrons.
- Offers gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options to cater to different dietary needs.
4. Exotic Cuisine Adventure
ULELE
Ulele, situated on the Tampa Riverwalk, showcases indigenous Floridian ingredients through a native-inspired menu. It’s an enchanting dining spot that blends historical significance with modern culinary creativity.
What Makes Ulele Special:
- Offers a menu inspired by native Floridian cuisine, incorporating local and fresh ingredients.
- Located on the scenic Tampa Riverwalk, providing a picturesque dining environment.
- Known for its unique dishes that celebrate the region’s culinary heritage.
Menu Highlights:
- Known for specialties like grouper, steak, calamari, charbroiled oysters, and short ribs.
- Features a diverse menu with options like grilled oysters and chili.
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Bern's Steak House
Bern’s Steak House, a renowned culinary landmark in Tampa, is famous for its exceptional steaks and vast wine collection. The restaurant offers a unique experience, including a visit to its famous dessert room, making it a must-visit for steak and wine enthusiasts.
What Makes Bern’s Steak House Special:
- Offers perfectly aged steaks and one of the largest wine collections in the world.
- Home to the internationally famous dessert room, providing a unique dining experience.
- Recognized for its meticulous attention to detail and award-winning standards in both food and wine.
Menu Highlights:
- Wide variety of steaks, including Filet Mignon, Dry-Aged Strip, and Porterhouse, all aged and cut in-house.
- Extensive caviar selection, including options like Chattanooga Prestige and Osetra Supreme Malossol.
- The dessert room offers a memorable conclusion to the dining experience with a vast selection of sweet delicacie
5. Historic Elegance
Columbia Restaurant
The Columbia Restaurant, established in 1905, is Florida’s oldest restaurant and a true landmark in Ybor City, Tampa. It offers a rich blend of Spanish and Cuban cuisine in an old-world setting. The restaurant spans an entire city block and includes 15 dining rooms with a capacity of 1,700 customers, making it the largest Spanish restaurant in the world. It has earned acclaim for its unique combination of history, atmosphere, and culinary excellence.
What Makes Columbia Restaurant Special:
- Florida’s oldest restaurant, offering a historical dining experience.
- Features traditional Spanish and Cuban cuisine.
- Award-winning for its old-world charm and extensive menu.
Oxford Exchange
Oxford Exchange near downtown Tampa offers a unique experience combining a restaurant, bookstore, and shop. This establishment provides an elegant dining experience in a historic building, featuring fresh and simple ingredients. Its atmosphere is both inviting and sophisticated, making it a favorite for both locals and visitors.
What Makes Oxford Exchange Special:
- Unique combination of a restaurant, bookstore, and shop.
- Located in a beautifully restored historic building.
- Offers an elegant dining experience with fresh and simple ingredients.
6. Intimate Chef's Table Experience
Élevage at Epicurean Hotel
Élevage at Epicurean Hotel, located in the heart of Tampa, provides an exquisite fine dining experience. The restaurant’s ambiance is crafted to speak to lovers of life’s great flavors, offering a celebration of life through indulgent culinary experiences. The menu at Élevage changes seasonally, ensuring fresh and innovative dishes for guests.
What Makes Élevage Special:
- Offers a dynamic seasonal menu that evolves to offer fresh culinary experiences.
- Provides an intimate view of the kitchen’s action, adding an interactive element to the dining experience.
- The atmosphere combines a celebration of life’s flavors with exquisite dining.
Rooster & the Till
Rooster & the Till, located in Seminole Heights, offers contemporary American cuisine with a focus on adventurous and evolving flavors. Co-owned by Chef Ferrell Alvarez, a 2017 James Beard Foundation semi-finalist, this restaurant has become a favorite in Tampa, known for its changing tasting menu and unique culinary experiences.
What Makes Rooster & the Till Special:
- Features an always-evolving menu and wine list, catering to adventurous diners.
- Offers a unique blend of rustic charm and chic elegance, creating a cozy and inviting ambiance.
- Boasts a New American menu that is both inventive and delicious, with locally sourced ingredients.
Menu Highlights:
- Known for innovative dishes that push the boundaries of traditional American cuisine.
- Provides a tasting menu that changes regularly, offering new flavors and experiences.
- Recognized for its creative and locally sourced dishes.
Conclusion
Dive into the heart of Downtown Tampa this Valentine’s Day for dining experiences that promise to delight. From sky-high meals to waterfront treats, your perfect date night awaits.
Tell us your favorite pick for a romantic rendezvous, or if we’ve missed a hidden gem, in the comments below. Your thoughts are the cherry on top of our community’s dining guide!
