Tampa Bay’s Most Romantic Restaurants for a Great Date!

Over the years, we’ve discovered quite the assortment of romantic locales throughout Tampa Bay worthy of inclusion in your date night rotation. To help you sift through all of the options and to better aid you in your quest to have a perfect romantic evening, here’s a summary of top picks for romantic restaurants in Tampa, based on accolades and ambiance. Whether it’s your weekly date night, Valentine’s Day or you’re celebrating a special occasion, make sure you’re toasting together by making reservations at any of these romantic restaurants in Tampa. Enjoy!

This Post: Tampa Bay’s Most Romantic Restaurants for a Great Date!

What are the Most Romantic Restaurants in Tampa?

When it comes to date night, don’t settle for just any old restaurant. Impress your date by reserving a table at one of the most romantic restaurants in the Bay!

Note: Some of the restaurants in this list may currently have limited hours or menus. We recommend visiting each restaurant’s website for current updates on closures, menus and hours.

Bern’s Steakhouse

1208 S Howard Ave, Tampa, FL 33606

Open since 1956, this legendary award-winning restaurant is the best place to enjoy a classic steak house experience and an exceptional dessert spread. It’s also one of the most romantic restaurants in Tampa Bay.  From selecting your preferred cut of steak and weight to expert wine-pairing advice and savoring each delicious course, Bern’s Steakhouse really can’t be beat when it comes to celebrating a special occasion. This much-loved steakhouse was again named Best Steakhouse in Tampa Magazine‘s 2022 Best Restaurants List. It also boasts one of the largest wine collections in the world. See it for yourself on a special behind-the-scenes tour of the kitchen and wine cellar.

Make sure to save room for a selection of 50+ specialty desserts and 1,000+ dessert wines and spirits. After dinner, you’ll be led upstairs to the Harry Waugh Dessert Room for your after-dinner treat. Here you can snuggle up in a cozy booth for decadent treats and  live entertainment amidst the moody ambiance.

Tip: Reservations for this romantic restaurant typically book up sometimes weeks in advance, so plan ahead. Dinner reservations include a reserved table at the dessert room.

Reserve online or call (813) 251-2421.

Élevage SoHo Kitchen & Bar

1207 S Howard Ave, Tampa, FL 33606 (located at The Epicurean Hotel)

Foodies will be right at home at Élevage, the upscale eatery located within the stylish Epicurean Hotel. Expect global fare from Executive Chef Adam Hyatt, to be enjoyed on the restaurant’s patio or inside of the well-appointed dining room. There’s also a notable Sunday brunch. While you’re here, stick around for drinks at the lobby bar. Or, head upstairs to Edge, the hotel’s rooftop bar, to continue your date night.

Reserve online or call (813) 999-8726.

Haven

2208 W Morrison Ave, Tampa, FL 33606

Enjoy exotic flavors and an upscale ambiance at Haven, a contemporary romantic restaurant and wine bar serving up small plate creations and craft cocktails. Start by sharing a cheese and charcuterie board featuring selections straight from the chef. You can make a full meal, however, out of a selection of salads and fresh seafood. Don’t miss the dirt pie or sticky toffee pudding for dessert.

Reserve online or call (813) 258-2233.

Ciro’s

2109 Bayshore Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606

Want to really wow your date with a romantic restaurant? Take a step back in time to the roaring twenties at Ciro’s. This New American romantic restaurant was designed with a Prohibition-era theme and offers speakeasy ambiance. You won’t find the venue easily, but here’s a tip: the speakeasy is tucked inside the historic Bayshore Royal building. True to speakeasy form, you’ll need to knock — and offer up the daily password — to get in. Tip: Reserve a private booth for extra romance.

Call (813) 251-0022 to reserve and obtain the daily password.

Meat Market

1606 W Snow Ave, Tampa, FL 33606

Meat Market is a contemporary steakhouse and one of the latest additions to the Hyde Park dining scene. For romantic restaurant date night, treat yourself to one of the house creations, like an American Style Kobe Meatloaf with bacon, mango BBQ, sweet and sour onion rings, and a buttermilk potato mash. Or, go all out with something from the reserved cuts section, like the 7oz Wagyu Filet Mignon. Make sure to adorn your meat with something special from the sauces & butters menu.

Reserve online or call (813) 280-1113.

Timpano Tampa

1610 W Swann Ave, Tampa, FL 33606

Recently reopened in Hyde Park, Timpano Tampa is a great romantic restaurant to enjoy when in Hyde Park Village. Specializing in Italian cuisine, the menu features an assortment of classics and modern dishes. Dive into decadent bites like truffle arancini, pesto pasta prepped tableside in a parmesan wheel, Wagyu beef and more. The elegant decor acts as the perfect backdrop for snapping a few date night photos together.

Reserve online or call (813) 254-5870.

On Swann

1501 W Swann Ave, Tampa, FL 33606

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Looking for a super romantic restaurant on your date night? Be sure to check out On Swann, a contemporary American restaurant with food that is locally sourced with a seasonal flair. Grab a bite of the Portuguse chicken for a unique but delicious blend of flavors. Complete your night out with a stroll around the surrounding area in the hip Hyde Park Village. Read more about this date night favorite in our post about Date Night at On Swann.

Reserve online or call (813) 251-0110 (between 10-11am or 3-5pm).

Edison: Food + Drink Lab

912 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606

Helmed by Chef and Owner Jeannie Pierola, Edison: Food + Drink Lab is a must-visit for foodie couples. Featuring an ever-evolving menu rooted in flavor experimentation, creativity and fresh ingredients, date night dinner at this inventive restaurant is sure to spark conversation. Pair dinner with inventive craft cocktails, some of which feature Florida spirits. Feeling adventurous? Opt for the 5-course tasting menu, which can be upgraded to include optional wine pairings. This is a pricier spot, so plan accordingly.

Reserve online or call (813) 254-7111.

Mise en Place – a Top Romantic Restaurant!

442 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606

Treat the Francophile in your life to a date night dinner at Mise en Place. This incredibly romantic restaurant features modern cuisine with a French twist and the vibe is upscale and contemporary, perfect for a romantic date night on the town. If you love a good cocktail, check out the cocktail menu to sip on a selection of classics plus modern offerings.

A well known Tampa staple for 20+ years, this romantic restaurant recently underwent a major facelift and interior design upgrade; the beautiful interior design is a great compliment to the always-amazing food and wine.

Reserve online or call (813) 254-5373.

The Battery

615 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602

Conveniently located at Sparkman Wharf, The Battery is one of Tampa’s newest restaurants, and a nice upscale addition to this lively waterfront hub. It serves as a sister restaurant to The C House (another one of our favorites!), with a specialty in fine bourbon, wine, and elegant fare. Nibble on decadent charcuterie boards loaded with house-cut meats, cheeses and goodies, or split a few appetizers to start. Entree selections include everything from steak to salmon and pasta, best enjoyed with a fancy cocktail from the bar menu. Finish the evening with a slice of cheesecake to end on a sweet note. The Battery also offers Sunday brunch from 11am – 3pm.

Reserve online or call (813) 498-0008.

Cena

1208 E Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33602

Treat your date to an Italian-inspired date night at Cena, a modern Italian eatery located in Tampa’s Channelside District. Come for the date-night worthy romantic ambiance and stay for Italian favorites with a twist and delicious wines. The restaurant also hosts regular wine tasting events — check social media for details. Enjoy your meal indoors or outside on the restaurant’s new courtyard.

Reserve online or call (813) 374-8840.

Casa Santo Stefano

1607 N 22nd St, Tampa, FL 33605

Treat your date to a taste of Sicily at Casa Santo Stefano, a newer addition to Ybor City’s dining scene. The historic building and decorative touches enhance the romantic experience. For a complete date night, plan to head upstairs after dinner  at Santo’s Drinkeria, the restaurant’s rooftop bar. Sip wine while enjoying gorgeous views of historic Ybor City.

Reserve online or call (813) 248-1925.

Columbia Restaurant

2117 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605

Open since 1905, this Ybor City staple serves up Cuban cuisine and boasts the title of Florida’s oldest restaurant, and it’s a great choice for a romantic restaurant, too. While there are multiple Columbia Restaurant locations throughout the state, the Ybor City institution is where it all began. The layout is well known for being a “city within a city.” Maxing at over 1,700 people, this restaurant has customers spread throughout fifteen distinct spaces each with their own story.

Make sure to share the 1905 Salad, which got an award from USA Today for being “One of the 10 Great Places to Make a Meal Out of a Salad.” I can personally vouch for its deliciousness.

Get the full scoop on this must-visit restaurant in our writeup, The Columbia.

Reserve online or call (813) 248-4961.

Steelbach

1902 N Ola Ave, Tampa, FL 33602

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A steakhouse known for its excellent marbling and premium flavor, Steelbach should definitely be on your list of romantic restaurants to experience here in the Tampa Bay area. Located inside of Armature Works, the chophouse menu includes local grass-fed beef and Southern-inspired favorites. Steaks are cooked over a 1000-degree oak fire grille, lending a unique flavor. Looking for something other than a dinner date? Check out the sweet and savory brunch menu while sipping on mimosas.

Reserve online or call (813) 693-5478.

Oak & Ola Romantic Restaurant

1910 N Ola Ave, Tampa, FL 33602

Created by a group of close friends, Oak & Ola is a EuroAmerican romantic restaurant located right in Tampa’s Armature Works. Enjoy a classic and comfortable setting with a timeless design. Check out the Blue Crab Spaghetti for a fun twist on a classic Italian dish.

Reserve online or call (813) 773-1901.

Ulele

1810 N Highland Ave, Tampa, FL 33602

Named after the Native American princess by the same name, Ulele offers a vibrant fusion of ingredients all wrapped up into a visually appealing romantic restaurant experience. Speaking of fusion, Ulele recently received the honor of being named “Best Fusion Restaurant” in Tampa Magazine‘s 2022 Best Restaurants List. It took home accolades in the “Best Waterfront Restaurant” category, too. Diners will love the romantic restaurant’s waterfront location, situated along the Tampa Riverwalk overlooking the Hillsborough River. When it comes to the menu, all of the food is harvested in the United States and comes from family or independently owned companies. Check out the seafood risotto for a fun twist on a classic dish.

Reserve online or call (813) 999-4952.

Sal Y Mar

3650 Midtown Dr, Tampa, FL 33607

Find this rooftop roost located atop the Aloft and Element Hotel at the fast-growing Midtown Tampa. Drawing inspiration from Tulum, Mexico, Sal Y Mar features an assortment of tapas and street tacos alongside cocktails that will get you in a vacation state of mind. Sip libations while taking in the beautiful skyline views of Tampa, Westshore and St. Pete.

Call (813) 692-3330 to reserve.

BellaBrava Tampa

1015 Gramercy Lane, Tampa, FL 33607

Already a favorite in St. Pete, BellaBrava opened an additional location in Tampa in 2021. Head to this romantic Italian eatery in Midtown Tampa for fresh pasta dishes, wood fired pizzas, classic Italian cocktails and an assortment of wines.

Reserve online or call (813) 524-5226.

Ocean Prime

2205 N Westshore Blvd, Tampa, FL 33607

Ocean Prime‘s Tampa outpost features a stunning interior and vibrant energy with a tasty menu to match. At this Tampa romantic restaurant, feast on classic surf & turf options paired with excellent wines. Wine lovers will be impressed with the Wine Spectator-honored wine list.

Tip: Plan your visit during the weekly happy hour for a budget-friendly dining experience in the lounge. Select small plates are $5 off and pair wonderfully with featured wine and cocktails. Order the Berries & Bubbles, a smooth blend of Belvedere citrus vodka, Cassis, Domaine Chandon Brut, marinated berries and lemon. This showy cocktail is poured tableside into a frozen glass, causing the drink to bubble as dry ice envelopes the glass in smoke.

Reserve online or call (813) 490-5288.

Armani’s at the Grand Hyatt

2900 Bayport Dr, Tampa, FL 33607

Look forward to a fine dining experience with views of the water at Armani’s, an Italian romantic restaurant located on the top floor of the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay on Bayport Drive. This romantic restaurant is unsurprisingly a popular destination for business meetings and special events. But this locale, known for its Northern Italian cuisine and a large selection of reserve wine, also drips with romance. Taste your way through the antipasto bar and the dazzling desserts, including tiramisu and a chocolate hazelnut bar.

After your meal, visit another one of our favorite rooftop bars for a nightcap with a view to complete your evening.

Reserve online or call (813) 207-6800.

 

Feature image credit: Bern’s Steakhouse