Tampa, Florida, is a city filled with vibrant energy, rich culture, and, most importantly, some truly amazing restaurants. Whether you’re planning a romantic evening with your partner to celebrate an anniversary, a special date night, or just want to enjoy a cozy meal together, Tampa has a diverse selection of eateries that cater perfectly to couples seeking an unforgettable dining experience. Over the years, I’ve explored many of these restaurants, and I’m excited to share my personal favorites that I believe offer the perfect blend of ambiance, great food, and excellent service.
In this post, I will take you through my top 3 romantic restaurants in Tampa, offering you insight into their standout dishes, pricing, reservation tips, and how to score some great discounts. Let’s dive into a culinary journey that I promise you and your loved one will never forget.
1. Bern’s Steak House: A Classic Tampa Experience
Location: 1208 S Howard Ave, Tampa, FL
Bern’s Steak House is one of Tampa’s most iconic restaurants, known for its romantic atmosphere and world-class steaks. It’s been around for over 60 years and has built a reputation for offering not just a meal, but an experience. Walking into Bern’s feels like stepping into another time – the lush, dark wood interiors, soft lighting, and white-tablecloth elegance immediately set the stage for an intimate evening. It’s perfect for couples who enjoy a sophisticated setting and exceptional service.
Must-Try Dishes:
- The Bone-In Filet Mignon: This is hands down one of the best steaks I’ve ever had. The marbling and tenderness of the meat are perfect, and it’s cooked exactly to your liking.
- The Lobster Tail: If you’re in the mood for seafood, their lobster is a perfect complement to the steak. Sweet, juicy, and succulent, it pairs beautifully with the wine selection.
- Chocolate Soufflé: End your meal with their decadent chocolate soufflé, which is rich, velvety, and a perfect indulgence for two.
Costs:
- Entrees: Expect to pay between $40-$80 per person, depending on the cuts of meat and additions like lobster or truffle butter.
- Wine: Bern’s boasts an extensive wine list, with bottles ranging from $50 to several thousand dollars. However, you don’t need to go overboard; there are great options for around $50-$100 a bottle.
- Desserts: The soufflé is around $12, and it’s well worth every bite.
How to Book:
Reservations are essential, especially on weekends. I recommend calling a few weeks in advance, especially if you’re planning a special occasion. You can also book a table via platforms like OpenTable to make the process smoother.
Tips for Saving:
- Check for Promotions: Occasionally, Bern’s offers prix-fixe menus for holidays or special events. Look out for these deals, which offer a curated experience at a better price point.
- Ask for Wine Pairing Suggestions: Bern’s staff is incredibly knowledgeable about wine pairings, and they’ll suggest wines that enhance your meal. Sometimes they offer lesser-known wines that are just as good as the more expensive ones.
2. Ulele: The Perfect Blend of History and Modern Cuisine
Location: 1810 N Highland Ave, Tampa, FL
Ulele is another gem in Tampa, offering a unique fusion of Native American-inspired cuisine and Florida’s rich history. Situated right on the Tampa Riverwalk, the restaurant boasts stunning views of the river and a modern yet rustic atmosphere. The indoor and outdoor seating areas provide the perfect setting for a romantic evening, and the gentle river breeze enhances the dining experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Charbroiled Oysters: These oysters are a must-try. They’re charbroiled to perfection with a spicy, creamy sauce that will make your taste buds dance.
- Florida Grouper: Ulele specializes in seafood, and their grouper is absolutely delicious. It’s tender, flavorful, and always fresh.
- Prickly Pear Margarita: For a refreshing drink, try their signature Prickly Pear Margarita. It’s fruity, tangy, and a fun twist on a classic.
Costs:
- Entrees: Prices range from $25-$40, depending on the dish. Seafood dishes tend to be on the higher end.
- Drinks: Cocktails range from $10-$15, and they have a great selection of local craft beers.
- Desserts: The bread pudding with bourbon sauce is a hit, costing around $9.
How to Book:
Ulele takes reservations via OpenTable, but it’s also popular for walk-ins. If you’re visiting during peak times, like weekends, I’d recommend booking ahead.
Tips for Saving:
- Go for the Lunch Menu: If you’re looking for a more affordable option, Ulele also offers a lunch menu with smaller portions at lower prices. The food is just as delicious, but you can save a few bucks.
- Happy Hour: Ulele has happy hour specials from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., offering discounts on drinks and appetizers. If you want to enjoy a casual, romantic pre-dinner drink, this is the perfect opportunity.
3. Oystercatchers: Seafood and Sunset Views in One Spot
Location: 7700 W Courtney Campbell Causeway, Tampa, FL
Oystercatchers is a waterfront restaurant located in the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay, offering stunning views of Tampa Bay and a tranquil, romantic atmosphere. The open-air dining area lets you enjoy the natural beauty of the bay while indulging in fresh seafood. It’s the perfect spot for a sunset dinner – I’ve spent many memorable evenings here with my partner, watching the sun dip below the horizon while sipping on a chilled glass of wine.
Must-Try Dishes:
- Oysters on the Half Shell: Their oysters are fresh, briny, and perfectly chilled. It’s a great way to start your meal, and they offer a variety of mignonettes and sauces to pair with them.
- Pan-Seared Scallops: Oystercatchers prepares their scallops to perfection – crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, with a delicate citrus glaze that elevates the dish.
- Key Lime Pie: A Florida staple, their key lime pie is creamy, tart, and the perfect end to a meal.
Costs:
- Entrees: Expect to pay around $30-$60 for most main courses, with the seafood dishes being on the higher end.
- Drinks: Cocktails range from $10-$15, and they have a lovely selection of white wines that pair well with seafood.
- Desserts: Key lime pie and other desserts are around $8-$10.
How to Book:
Reservations can be made via OpenTable or by calling the restaurant directly. It’s highly recommended to book in advance, especially if you want to secure a spot with a view.
Tips for Saving:
- Go Early for Sunset Views: Oystercatchers is a prime spot to catch the sunset, but it can get crowded as the evening progresses. Arriving early will give you a better chance of getting a table with the best views.
- Join the Hyatt Loyalty Program: If you’re staying at the Grand Hyatt, you can join their loyalty program to earn points that can be redeemed for discounts on meals.
Final Thoughts: Booking and Travel Tips
When planning your romantic night out, the convenience of booking your dining experience through platforms like OpenTable can make things much easier. For those who are traveling to Tampa, I recommend checking out travel platforms like Expedia to book flights, hotels, and car rentals. By booking your flights and accommodations through these platforms, you may also find package deals that offer significant savings.
Additionally, if you’re planning to explore more of Tampa and enjoy local attractions, consider booking tickets in advance through platforms like Viator. This will help you avoid long waits and ensure you don’t miss out on the city’s best activities.
Whether you’re indulging in a world-class steak at Bern’s, savoring seafood by the water at Oystercatchers, or experiencing something unique at Ulele, Tampa has a wealth of romantic dining options that will make your night unforgettable. Don’t forget to plan ahead, make reservations, and keep an eye out for special deals to make your evening even more special. Cheers to love, food, and all the memories you’re about to create!
