Best Restaurants in Tampa: Guide to Where to Eat in Tampa in 2025

Tampa's culinary scene has blossomed into a vibrant tapestry of flavors, reflecting its rich cultural heritage and embracing innovative gastronomy. Whether you're a local resident or planning a visit, discovering where to eat in Tampa in 2025 promises an array of delightful experiences. This guide highlights some of the city's top-rated restaurants, each offering unique cuisines and exceptional dining atmospheres.

Where to Eat in Tampa in 2025: 10 Must-Try Tampa Restaurants 

Ulele

• Address: 1810 North Highland Avenue, Tampa, FL 33602
• Cuisine Style: Native-inspired dishes with a modern twist
• Featured Menu Items: Alligator hush puppies, charbroiled oysters, and freshwater catfish
• Approximate Cost: $$

Nestled along Tampa's Riverwalk, Ulele celebrates the vibrant fusion of ingredients from Florida's waters and lands, honoring the area's Native American roots. The restaurant's open kitchen and 10-foot barbacoa grill offer guests a glimpse into the intricate preparation of their dishes. With its waterfront views and commitment to locally sourced ingredients, Ulele provides a dining experience that's both authentic and contemporary.

Bern's Steak House

• Address: 1208 S Howard Ave, Tampa, FL 33606
• Cuisine Style: Classic American steakhouse
• Featured Menu Items: Dry-aged prime ribeye, chateaubriand for two, and an extensive caviar selection
• Approximate Cost: $$$

A Tampa institution since 1956, Bern's Steak House is renowned for its perfectly aged steaks and one of the largest wine collections in the world. Each steak is cut to order and dry-aged in-house, ensuring unparalleled quality. The restaurant also boasts an internationally famous dessert room, offering a sweet conclusion to an exceptional meal.

Rooster & the Till

• Address: 6500 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33604
• Cuisine Style: Innovative American with global influences
• Featured Menu Items: Seasonally rotating tasting menu featuring dishes like beet tartare and pork belly with kimchi
• Approximate Cost: $$

Located in Seminole Heights, Rooster & the Till offers an ever-evolving menu that challenges diners with new flavors and presentations. Co-owned by Chef Ferrell Alvarez, a James Beard Foundation semi-finalist, the restaurant has garnered accolades for its adventurous dishes and intimate dining atmosphere.

Ponte

• Address: 1010 Gramercy Lane, Tampa, FL 33607
• Cuisine Style: Modern American with French and Italian influences
• Featured Menu Items: Premium steaks, fresh seafood, and handcrafted pastas
• Approximate Cost: $$$

Situated in Midtown Tampa, Ponte delivers an elegant dining experience under the guidance of James Beard-nominated Chef Chris Ponte. The glass-enclosed kitchen allows guests to observe the meticulous preparation of dishes, enhancing the overall dining experience. With its sleek full bar and upscale atmosphere, Ponte is ideal for special occasions or business meetings.

Sunda New Asian

• Address: 3648 Midtown Dr, Tampa, FL 
• Cuisine Style: Modern interpretations of Southeast Asian classics
• Featured Menu Items: Signature sushi rolls, crispy rice with spicy tuna, and lemongrass beef lollipops
• Approximate Cost: $$

Sunda New Asian offers a contemporary approach to traditional Southeast Asian dishes, blending flavors from Japan, China, and the Philippines. The restaurant's chic ambiance and innovative menu make it a standout choice for those seeking a unique dining experience in Tampa.

Paul's Fusion Kitchen

• Address: 4034 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33609
• Cuisine Style: Fusion cuisine blending various culinary traditions
• Featured Menu Items: Diverse dishes reflecting a mix of global flavors
• Approximate Cost: $$

Paul's Fusion Kitchen is known for its creative fusion dishes that combine elements from different culinary traditions. The restaurant offers a unique dining experience for those looking to explore innovative flavor combinations.

Seasons 52

• Address: 204 N Westshore Blvd, Tampa, FL
• Cuisine Style: Seasonally inspired American cuisine
• Featured Menu Items: Rotating menu featuring fresh, seasonal ingredients
• Approximate Cost: $$

Seasons 52 is a grill and wine bar that offers a seasonally inspired menu, with dishes prepared using rustic cooking techniques like brick-oven roasting and open-fire grilling. The restaurant emphasizes fresh ingredients and a casual yet sophisticated dining atmosphere.

Columbia Restaurant

• Address: 2117 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605
• Cuisine Style: Spanish-Cuban cuisine
• Featured Menu Items: Original Cuban sandwich, paella a la Valenciana, and 1905 salad
• Approximate Cost: $$

Established in 1905, Columbia Restaurant is Florida's oldest restaurant, offering a rich history and a menu filled with Spanish and Cuban classics. Located in Ybor City, the restaurant features live flamenco performances, adding to the immersive cultural experience.

Boulon Brasserie 

• Address: 1001 Water St, Tampa, FL 33602
• Cuisine Style: Contemporary French brasserie
• Featured Menu Items: Beef tartare, croque monsieur, French onion soup
• Approximate Cost: $$

Boulon Brasserie brings Parisian flair to Tampa with its beautifully curated menu of French classics. Whether enjoying a buttery croissant at brunch or indulging in a seafood tower, Boulon impresses with elegant plating and bold flavors. The sophisticated ambiance, with floor-to-ceiling windows and a wine wall, makes it a perfect spot for date nights or weekend brunch.

Ocean Prime

• Address: 2205 N Westshore Blvd, Tampa, FL 33607
• Cuisine Style: Upscale seafood and steakhouse
• Featured Menu Items: Chilean sea bass, filet mignon, lobster bisque
• Approximate Cost: $$$

Ocean Prime is a top-tier Tampa restaurant that blends an elegant steakhouse with a refined seafood menu. Known for its luxurious atmosphere and impeccable service, this Westshore destination caters to special occasions. Signature cocktails and a robust wine selection complement the expertly prepared dishes, making Ocean Prime a must-visit for food enthusiasts.

Where to Stay in Tampa: Sailport Waterfront Suites

After indulging in the best Tampa restaurants, a comfortable stay is essential. For a waterfront retreat with all the comforts of home, Sailport Waterfront Suites offers the perfect escape. Located on Rocky Point, Sailport Waterfront Suites combines resort-style amenities with the convenience of a suite-style hotel. Guests can enjoy:

• Spacious condo-style suites with full kitchens and private balconies
• A heated waterfront pool perfect for relaxation after a day of dining
• On-site waterfront dining at Big Bamboo Bayside, offering fresh seafood and tropical cocktails
• Complimentary shuttle service to Tampa International Airport
• Proximity to top Tampa attractions, including downtown and the Tampa Riverwalk

Whether you're visiting Tampa for a foodie adventure, one of the 2025 events in Tampa or a winter getaway, Sailport Waterfront Suites offers an inviting, scenic, and comfortable place to stay.

Book your stay at Sailport Waterfront Suites and experience the best of Tampa’s dining scene from a front-row waterfront seat.