Tampa is a vibrant city located on the western coast of Florida, in the United States.
It is the largest city in the Tampa Bay Area and serves as the county seat of Hillsborough County. While visiting, we savored the charm of the warm weather, beautiful beaches, and diverse culture. Tampa attracts millions of visitors each year.
Downtown Tampa is a bustling area with a diverse culinary scene, offering a wide range of dining options to suit every taste. We were with a group of friends, and we didn’t have complaints when it came to our favorite hobby.
From upscale eateries to cozy cafes, there is something for everyone. Here is a review of some standout restaurants in Downtown Tampa.
Downtown Tampa offers a plethora of outstanding restaurants that cater to diverse palates.
Whether you’re in the mood for seafood, global fusion, or classic Italian dishes, the dining in Downtown Tampa has something to satisfy every craving.
And we can easily guarantee that, based on our great experience in this marvelous city.
In addition, take a look at the Tampa restaurants we picked for you and get ready to start feeling hungry.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Downtown Tampa Restaurants
| Restaurant | Top Pick | Our Rating |
| Naked Farmer | Charred broccoli | 5/5 |
| Anchor and Brine | Fried avocado | 4.5/5 |
| Pint and Brew | Pretzel | 4.5/5 |
Best Downtown Tampa Restaurants
TASTE Downtown Tampa
513 S Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33602, United States +18137698300
If you’re feeling adventurous, head to the Taste Downtown Tampa restaurant. This place offers a dining experience that combines picturesque views with delectable cuisine.
This is the restaurant at Embassy Suites at the Convention Center. The food and drinks are great.
There are seats at the bar, plus tables, plus some padded seats around the edge. The ambiance is nice and fun.
We all decided to order the surf & turf, flatbread, wings, shrimp, and grits. They were full meals and absolutely delicious!
I will suggest Pepperoni Pizza if you need a fusion of flavors and incredible tastes. Other staff recommendations included medallion of steak, grilled shrimp, and the pimento burger with seasoned fries and a beer.
The staff there was all very attentive and friendly!
Whether you’re seeking a sophisticated evening out or a memorable meal with loved ones, Taste Downtown Tampa restaurant is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Naked Farmer
1001 Water St., Tampa, FL 33602, United States +18136080329
From the moment you step into Naked Farmer, you’re enveloped in an ambiance that effortlessly blends rustic charm with modern sophistication.
The open kitchen allows glimpses into the culinary craftsmanship taking place, adding an element of culinary theater to your dining experience.
The heart and soul of Naked Farmer lie in the freshest, most seasonal, and locally-sourced food.
From the appetizers to the main courses and desserts, the menu takes you on a culinary journey, highlighting the natural flavors and textures of the carefully selected ingredients.
In this cute yet fancy Tampa restaurant, you will have absolutely incredible, healthy food.
I had the salmon bowl and a side of street corn. The food looked incredible and tasted divine.
The charred broccoli was great! It was a delightful twist on a classic vegetable that takes the humble florets to a whole new level of flavor and texture.
We were really enchanted by the way this food was prepared and the combination of flavors. It was hard picking just a few items for our bowls. The ingredients were super fresh, and everything looked amazing.
The carrots, Brussels sprouts, and Mac and cheese were all delicious.
Naked Farmer is a true culinary treasure that celebrates the beauty of locally sourced ingredients and sustainable farming practices.
If you are seeking something healthy, organic, flavorful, and heavenly delicious food, do not miss this downtown Sedona restaurant.
Haiku Tampa
808 N. Franklin St., Tampa, FL 33602, United States +18136445787
Haiku Tampa, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of the city, offers an exquisite dining experience that combines the art of Japanese cuisine with a touch of contemporary flair.
With its tranquil ambiance, attentive service, and delectable dishes, Haiku Tampa captivates diners with its blend of elegance and culinary mastery.
Haiku Tampa prides itself on its authentic Japanese cuisine, expertly crafted by skilled chefs.
The menu showcases a diverse selection of sushi, sashimi, tempura, and other traditional Japanese dishes.
I tried the Tonkotsu Shoyu Ramen. My friend got the American Wagyu vs. Japanese Wagyu beef with bao buns and crab cake.
We all shared some edamame, pot stickers, and sliders. A couple of us split the pork belly, fried rice, and the short rib.
Haiku Tampa is a captivating dining destination that combines elegance, authenticity, and culinary excellence.
With its serene ambiance, expertly prepared dishes, and attentive service, Haiku Tampa offers an immersive experience that transports guests to the heart of Japanese gastronomy.
While there is alway room for improvement, the overall dining experience at Haiku Tampa is delightful, making it a top choice for those seeking a serene and memorable culinary adventure in a Tampa restaurant.
Dio Modern Mediterranean
519 N. Franklin St., Tampa, FL 33602, United States +18133984000
From the moment I walked inside Dio Modern Mediterranean, I took a glance at the food on other people’s tables, and it looked amazing. I couldn’t wait to get my food.
Dio Modern Mediterranean offers a delightful dining experience that will transport your taste buds to sun-kissed shores.
It excels in capturing the authentic essence of Mediterranean cuisine.
The menu boasts an enticing array of dishes, from flavorful mezze and salads to succulent grilled meats and seafood.
Each plate is crafted with care and precision, using high-quality ingredients that reflect the freshness and authenticity of Mediterranean flavors. The dishes are expertly seasoned, striking the perfect balance of herbs, spices, and textures that evoke the diverse culinary landscapes of the region.
We chose a number of items to share, like the mixed mezzo, which allows you to sample four dips, the vegetable crudites, the Dip salad, and the Salmon salad.
The Lamb chops were perfectly flavored, and my friend liked the salmon with couscous. It was a delightful dish that brought together the rich, tender texture of salmon with the light, fluffy grains of couscous.
Beet salad with goat cheese was earthy and good.
With its contemporary twist on classic dishes, warm ambiance, and attentive service, Dio Modern Mediterranean offers an enchanting dining experience that celebrates the rich culinary heritage of the region.
Anchor and Brine
505 Water St., Tampa, FL 33602, United States +18132046391
Anchor and Brine restaurant in downtown Tampa has a very innovative approach to seafood dishes.
We experienced that while we were dining in this charming waterfront ambiance. The restaurant’s location by the waterfront adds to the overall ambiance of Anchor and Brine. The picturesque views of the water create a serene and romantic backdrop, immersing diners in a relaxed and charming atmosphere.
The food here is amazing. Every bite you have here shows the talent of the chefs and the power of each dish to embody the essence of the ocean.
From succulent oysters to perfectly seared scallops and expertly grilled fish, every item on the menu showcases the exceptional quality and freshness of the seafood.
The flavors are carefully balanced, allowing the natural taste of the seafood to shine through while incorporating creative and complementary elements that enhance the overall dining experience.
We ordered the grouper sandwich with French fries and grilled octopus. The sandwiches were good, as well as the octopus.
We also had the mussels and fried avocado.
The mussels were a dish full of flavor and came with nice thick bread to dip into the sauce.
The fried avocado was a mouthwatering dish that takes the creamy, buttery goodness of avocados and elevates it to a whole new level with a crispy outer coating.
Whether for a special occasion or a memorable seafood feast, Anchor and Brine stands out as a top Tampa restaurant choice for those seeking exceptional seafood dining in a picturesque waterfront setting.
CW’s Gin Joint
633 N. Franklin St., Tampa, FL 33602, United States +18138161446
GW’s Gin Joint effortlessly transports us to the golden era of classic cocktail lounges.
Tucked away in the heart of the city, this place exudes an air of sophistication and refinement that will captivate even the most discerning gin connoisseur.
The decor pays homage to the 1920s speakeasies, with plush leather seating, vintage chandeliers, and a stunning mahogany bar that takes center stage. It’s a seamless blend of old-world charm and contemporary style, creating an enchanting space that invites you to unwind and savor the moment.
The star of the show at CW’s Gin Joint is, of course, the remarkable gin selection. With an impressive array of both classic and artisanal gins from around the world, this place is a gin lover’s paradise. It is probably the most extensive gin list I’ve seen. There are a ton of flavor profiles to choose from whether you are a fan or a novice with gin.
The food was amazing. We had oysters as appetizers, and our duck and grilled cheese entrees were perfectly prepared. It was inevitable to praise the chefs and give them applause.
Others in the group ordered the catfish and grits, shrimp and grits, and shared the bananas foster dessert because the entrees were really so filling. The warm and gooey caramel sauce that envelops the bananas is simply irresistible. It is thick and velvety, with a deep caramel flavor that is both sweet and slightly tangy.
If you are in downtown Tampa, do yourself a favor and stop by here. It is a place that combines timeless elegance with a contemporary twist.
The Pint and Brew
200 N. Tampa St. g118, Tampa, FL 33602, United States +18138678804
The Pint and Brew is a lively and inviting Tampa bar that promises a memorable experience for beer enthusiasts and casual drinkers alike.
As we entered The Pint and Brew, we were immediately greeted by a warm and welcoming ambiance.
The rustic yet contemporary decor creates a cozy and convivial atmosphere, perfect for unwinding with friends or enjoying a casual evening out.
The star of the show at The Pint and Brew is undoubtedly its impressive assortment of craft beers. From hoppy IPAs and rich stouts to refreshing lagers and unique seasonal brews, the beer menu caters to a wide range of preferences and palates.
Beyond its impressive beer selection, The Pint and Brew also offers a menu of delicious pub fare to complement your libations. From hearty burgers and gourmet sandwiches to shareable appetizers and flavorful wings, the food menu is designed to satisfy your cravings and enhance your overall enjoyment.
I had grilled cheese sandwiches, and they were really good. I liked the tomato soup, too; it was awesome! The soup had a tiny little kick of spice to it.
And the pretzel was hard to forget. It was a delightful treat that combined a soft and chewy texture with a savory flavor that is hard to resist. As you take your first bite, you’ll be greeted by a satisfying combination of flavors. The outer layer offers a subtle hint of saltiness, perfectly balanced to enhance the overall taste.
Others tried Cuban grilled cheese, smokehouse grilled cheese, and porky Mac and cheese. All of them tasted great!
The Pint and Brew in Tampa is a welcoming destination for beer enthusiasts seeking a relaxed and enjoyable experience. With its impressive beer selection, satisfying pub fare, and inviting ambiance, it’s an ideal spot to unwind and discover new craft brews.
Foodies Also Ask
What kind of downtown Tampa restaurants can we expect?
Tampa, a city with sandy beaches, harbors top-rated restaurants. You’ll find everything from a simple sandwich to fancy dishes, top wines, and special cocktails. Whether you prefer sitting inside or outside, you can enjoy the bay view, city view, or a restaurant’s interior artwork.
Are these restaurants expensive?
The pricing of downtown Tampa restaurants can vary depending on the restaurant and the type of cuisine they offer. While some restaurants near the airport may be more upscale and have higher prices, there are also plenty of options available that cater to different budgets.
Best Downtown Tampa Restaurants: Conclusion
The dining scene has been becoming more elevated in Tampa in recent years. With overwhelming culinary choices, innovation never stops. These picked downtown Tampa restaurants provide a diverse range of dining options to suit various tastes and budgets. From casual eateries to mid-range and upscale restaurants, there is something for everyone. Our journey will explore the highlights of downtown Tampa restaurants, showcasing their unique offerings and the overall dining experience.
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Igor Jovanovski is an aspiring digital nomad, travel blogger and graphic designer who really loves food. He also has a creative side, and he works as a freelance graphic designer in his spare time. He has traveled across Europe quite a few times since he was young and recently started his mission to visit every country in the world! Igor’s favorite thing about traveling is the way he gets to know new people, food, places and cultures.
This exciting experience helps him create his own stories and make memories that will last forever