Tampa, known for its vibrant culinary scene, offers a diverse array of restaurants that cater to various tastes and preferences. Here’s a guide to some of the top-rated and most recommended restaurants in Tampa.
Latin Cuisine
For those craving authentic Latin flavors, several restaurants stand out:
Columbia Café
Located in downtown Tampa at the Tampa Bay History Center, Columbia Café is a must-visit for Cuban cuisine. This historic café is famous for its Cuban sandwich, Columbia’s Original 1905 Salad, and margaritas. The outdoor seating area and bar add to the charming atmosphere[1].
JOTORO Kitchen and Tequila Bar
At Sparkman Wharf, JOTORO offers a blend of traditional Mexican dishes with modern twists. Known for its delicious chips and queso, this restaurant is a favorite among locals and visitors alike. After dining, you can explore the rest of Sparkman Wharf and enjoy additional drinks or ice cream[1].
Jimmy’s Tacos
In the heart of Ybor, Jimmy’s Tacos is renowned for its birria tacos. This family-run taqueria serves a variety of Mexican dishes, including tacos, quesadillas, and taco bowls. The churros with chocolate dipping sauce are a highlight, and the daily happy hour is a popular attraction[1].
Steakhouses
If you’re in the mood for a high-quality steak, here are some top recommendations:
Meat Market Tampa
Known for its upscale dining experience, Meat Market Tampa is a very expensive but highly rated steakhouse. With excellent service and a packed atmosphere, especially on weekends, it’s a place where reservations are highly recommended[2][4].
Fleming’s Steakhouse – Tampa Flagship
Fleming’s offers a premium steakhouse experience with a wide range of steak options. The restaurant is praised for its attentive service and delicious meals, including vegetarian options like the stuffed portobello mushroom[2][4].
Charley’s Steak House – Tampa
Charley’s Steak House is another highly rated option, known for its top-quality steaks and excellent service. It is one of the more expensive options but is well worth the visit[4].
American and Contemporary Cuisine
For a taste of American and contemporary cuisine, consider the following:
Ulele
Located in Tampa Heights, Ulele is an award-winning restaurant offering American cuisine with a focus on local ingredients. It is known for its outdoor ambience and delicious meals, including vegetarian options. The restaurant can accommodate large groups and is highly rated for its service and food[2][4].
Union New American
Union New American is another highly rated restaurant, offering a contemporary American menu. It is praised for its excellent service and is a great option for those looking for a sophisticated dining experience[4].
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant
Cooper’s Hawk combines American cuisine with a winery, offering a moderate price point compared to other upscale restaurants. It is known for its extensive wine list and friendly service[2][4].
Seafood and Other Cuisines
For seafood lovers and those interested in other cuisines:
Ocean Prime – Tampa
Ocean Prime is an award-winning seafood restaurant known for its high-quality seafood dishes and excellent service. It is one of the more expensive options but is highly recommended[2][4].
Sunda New Asian – Tampa
For Asian cuisine, Sunda New Asian is a top choice. It offers a variety of Asian dishes in an upscale setting and is highly rated for its food and service[2][4].
Byblos Cafe
For Mediterranean cuisine, Byblos Cafe is a great option. It is known for its delicious dishes and is one of the more expensive but highly rated restaurants in Tampa[2].
Highest-Rated Restaurants According to Tripadvisor
Some of the highest-rated restaurants in Tampa, according to Tripadvisor, include:
Terra Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse
Known for its Brazilian steakhouse experience, Terra Gaucha is highly rated for its food, service, and value. It offers a unique dining experience with a variety of meats served tableside[5].
Wright’s Gourmet House
Wright’s Gourmet House is a top-rated restaurant with perfect scores for food and high ratings for service and value. It is a great option for those looking for a gourmet dining experience[5].
Most Important Facts About the Best Restaurants in Tampa
Columbia Café and Jimmy’s Tacos are top recommendations for Latin cuisine, with Columbia Café offering Cuban dishes and Jimmy’s Tacos specializing in Mexican cuisine, particularly birria tacos[1].
Meat Market Tampa, Fleming’s Steakhouse, and Charley’s Steak House are highly rated steakhouses, offering premium dining experiences with excellent service and high-quality steaks[2][4].
Ulele and Union New American are standout options for American and contemporary cuisine, known for their excellent service and delicious meals[2][4].
Ocean Prime and Sunda New Asian are top choices for seafood and Asian cuisine, respectively, offering high-quality dishes and excellent service[2][4].
Terra Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse and Wright’s Gourmet House are among the highest-rated restaurants in Tampa according to Tripadvisor, known for their exceptional food, service, and value[5].
Many of these restaurants, such as Ulele, Fleming’s Steakhouse, and Ocean Prime, offer large seating capacities, making them suitable for group dining and special occasions[2][4].
