Downtown Tampa Area Dining Guide
A list of great restaurants in Downtown, Waterstreet, Armature Works, and Ybor.
THE DOWNTOWN AREA
Mis-en Place
$$$
442 W Grand Central Ave, Tampa, FL 33606
(813) 254-5373
www.miseonline.com
Pioneering Tampa’s cuisine, Mise en place aims to take your palette on an adventure. French based cooking techniques implemented into their innovative menu design allow patrons to truly be taken on a culinary excursion. Smoked Salmon Carpaccio, Vadouvan Crusted Scallops and Filet of Beef are just a few offerings to be had at this Tampa fine dining staple.
Edison: Food + Drink Lab
$$$
912 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606
(813) 254-7111
www.edison-tampa.com
Chef Pierola–Local powerhouse and 5X James Beard Semifinalist–leads edison’s crew as they explore flavors using the finest components, precise execution and their collective creativity. The results are new interpretations of everyday food expertly engineered into current, modern cuisine.
Oxford Exchange
$$$
420 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606
(813) 253-0222
www.oxfordexchange.com
European themes in an area designed for engagement, this brunch hot spot serves up quality breakfast fare, tea and more. The overall vibe here is unmatched and has been the starting point for the Tampa brunch scene. French Toast, Eggs Benedict and the Steak Sandwich are just a few favorites.Featuring a gift shop and bookstore, there is always something to discover.
Koya
$$$$
807 W Platt St, Tampa, FL 33606
(813) 284-7423
www.koyatampa.com
Recently Michelin star awarded Koya, is an intimate 8-seat tasting-menu-only experience by Noble Rice. Our tasting menu is a focus on superior ingredients. In the Japanese culture, the peak season of a particular ingredient is called its shun (旬) and the shun of many ingredients are passionately anticipated each year. At Koya, you can expect to experience the concept of shun as our ever-changing, hyper-seasonal, and thematic menu will continue honoring tradition while showcasing new techniques. The tasting bar at Koya is like a stage, where every element of design is meant to highlight the theatre of the tasting experience.
Dio Modern Mediterranean
$$
519 N Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 398-4000
www.diotampa.com
Mediterranean inspired cuisine and ambiance in the heart of Downtown Tampa is sure to be a vibe. Ambiance aimed in transporting you to the mediterranean during your experience, Hummus, Gyros and Dio Bowls are go to’s sure to appease the appetite.
Haiku
$$
808 N Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 644-5787
https://haikutampa.com
Asian Fusion fare and fun are what to expect out of Haiku. Featuring Izakaya style dishes, small and informal by definition are intriguing and tasty. Get your fix of Wagyu offerings varying in pedigree. Ramen bowls and Fried rice are also a strong suit. This notable dining experience wouldn’t be complete with-out sake, sangria or a hand crafted cocktail.
Jacksons Bistro
$$
601 S Harbour Island Blvd, Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 277-0112
www.jacksonsbistro.com
Housed on Harbor Island, Jacksons is a legacy bistro in the area attracting and pleasing guests for over 2 decades. The waterfront restaurant and bar overlooks downtown Tampa and the local waterways offering tons of food & drink options. Jumbo Lump Blue Crab Cake, Cold Seafood Tower and Korean Cheesesteaks are a few menu favorites.
American Social
$$
601 S Harbour Island Blvd #107, Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 605-3333
https://americansocialbar.com/tampa
Showcasing waterfront views, this vibrant gastropub is a local hot spot to be seen. Whether you dine on the patio or inside, the atmosphere says it all. Social Hour, Monday – Friday, 4pm – 7pm, and enjoy discounts on our craft beer, wine and liquor. Plus, on Wednesdays, enjoy 50% off bottles of wine.
Cena
$$$
1120 E Kennedy Blvd UNIT 112, Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 374-8840
https://cenatampa.com
Modern, fresh and simple is the key in Cena’s vision. Cena translates to “Dinner” in Italian and they deliver just that. Enjoy Handmade pasta, meatballs and more at this contemporary Italian restaurant centrally located in the heart of Channelside.
WATERSTREET
Boulon Brasserie and Bakery
$$$
1001 Water St, Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 768-9988
https://boulontampa.com
The Next Level Branded, Boulon is surely set to elevate the Tampa food scene with its eclectic mix of upscale environment and fare. Culinary extraordinaire, Chef Hab & team aim to bring menu item offerings that excite the inner foodie in us all. Featuring caviar service and a wide range of cuisine including Scallop Risotto, Heritage Pork Schnitzel, Shrimp Nola. Definitely worth mentioning the bakery which adds character to the overall theme and promise to providing great food and service in an unmatched atmosphere.
The Pearl
$$
823 Water St C100, Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 709-7776
https://thepearlrestaurant.com
Perfectly placed in the Water Street area, this restaurant, tavern and oyster room is well equipped to satisfy any craving and is sure to become “the” spot for prior engagements to Amalie arena happenings. Devour a delectable Grilled Cheese or a lighter option Beet Salad which is astonishing. A myriad of craft beers can be enjoyed with the pairing of any menu item.
Lilac
$$$$
500 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 771-8022
www.lilacrestauranttampa.com
Within the posh Edition Tampa lies Michelin star Lilac. Modern Mediterranean cuisine in an ultra upscale and refined surrounding. The four course prix fixe dinner menu celebrates Chef John Fraser’s vegetable-forward philosophy. Providing the utmost hospitality as patrons endeavor in a culinary excursion, Lilac immerses the senses in an unforgettable experience.
Wagamama
$$
1050 Water St, Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 429-9242
https://wagamama.us
‘Kaizen’, meaning ‘good change’ is the philosophy that sits right at the heart of wagamama’s operating philosophy. 25 years to reflect and refine recipes, this establishment will surely satisfy any ramen lovers craving.
Small Giant Bar and Restaurant
$$
1051 Water St, Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 921-0571
www.smallgiantbar.com
This bar and restaurant prides itself on feisty dedication to elevated food and real service. Yearning to be a connection-point for the Waterstreet neighborhood and beyond, they feature plenty of menu options. Veggie Pizza, Cheesesteak Eggrolls or the French dip are a few favorites.
Noble Rice
$$
615 Channelside Dr Suite 112, Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 542-2021
www.noblericeco.com
The reinvented Noble Rice stands strong in the Waterstreet district serving up Japanese delicacies. From the creators of the Michelin Star restaurant, Koya, the efforts of achieving culinary greatness is prevalent in this concept as well.
DriftLight Lounge in JW
510 Water St, Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 314-6611
www.driftlighttampa.com
Drawing on inspiration from lighted bridges in Tampa, DriftLight inside of the JW Marriott is a concept focusing on connecting vistors to the region and to each other. Open Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner while maintaining a season freshest ingredient list is a staple of this lounge.
ARMATURE WORKS
Rocca
323 W Palm Ave, Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 906-5445
https://roccatampa.com
Recently awarded a Michelin star, this well deserving Italian eatery knows exactly what they’re doing. Chef Bryce Bonsack eloquently blends his New York culinary experience with Italian training in this effort to transport patrons. Hand made pasta, made to order hand pulled mozzarella table-side and various well thought out dishes. The spaghetti al limone, tossed with blue crab and lemon, shaved garlic and zucchini remains a favorite.
Ulele
1810 N Highland Ave, Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 999-4952
https://ulele.com
Paying homage to Native Americans utilizing ingredients from Florida waters and land in this vibrant fusion of Native Floridian fare set in a rustic chic surrounding. Seafood Risotto or Flank Steak are some favorites at this vibrant eatery.
M. Bird
1903 Market St, Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 296-2702
www.mbirdtampa.com
Nestled above Armature works, This premier rooftop destination allows to take in the growing Tampa skyline engaged in conversation over drinks and small plate options. Hot Fried Chicken Sliders, Roof Top Mac & Cheese or Steak Frites are a few favorites. This destination deco-Inspired bar is a great choice for pre-game, post game or even where the evening begins and ends.
Oak & Ola
1910 N Ola Ave, Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 773-1901
www.oakandola.com
Established by friends for friends, sharing passion for food, beverage & community pillar the very existence of this essential Armature Works destination. Euro-American inspired food fare are only complimented by the drink selection. Check out the seasonally inspired menu featuring thoughtfully sourced delights.
Steelbach
1902 N Ola Ave, Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 693-5478
https://www.steelbach.com
The charming southern-inspired kitchen and chophouse within a restored brick street car warehouse offers a steak lover experience. Mesquite open fire grille, cooking excellently marbled and flavored steaks at over 1,000 degrees compliments the riverfront and historic setting.
YBOR
7th & Grove
1930 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605
(813) 649-8422
https://7thandgrove.com
A quaint shell encases an upscale soul-food spot known as “7th & Grove”. Culturally immersive, on a quest to nurture the spirit and nourish the soul, serving flavor filled southern classics with a savory spin. Comfort food paired with various side combinations and flavor profiles will appeal to those yearning for a hearty meal full of great vibes.
Flor Fina
1412 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605
(813) 462-9660
https://hotelhaya.com/food-drink/flor-fina
Hotel Haya houses a special place that encompasses its surroundings, Ybor City displaying how cultures and people come together around food and drink. The very essence of this concept incorporates coastal Latin American, Mediterranean and our own Gulf Coast in its menu. A live-fire grill and ever evolving ceviche menu allow for a setting to match the flavors.
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