Visiting Tampa with all its colors and breathtaking views, for me Tampa became my peaceful place where all bad thoughts are easily gone.
And when it comes to Midtown Tampa, all I can say is that this place has quickly established itself as a vibrant hub for food enthusiasts, offering an array of restaurants that cater to diverse palates.
Likely, I had the pleasure to visit Midtown and enjoy the rich culinary scene. We took countless steps through this dynamic and vibrant neighborhood situated in the heart of Tampa, Florida.
We love walking around and exploring new things especially amazing Midtown Tampa restaurants.
With its modern architecture, pedestrian-friendly streets, and lively atmosphere, Midtown Tampa has quickly emerged as a sought-after destination for locals and visitors alike.
We like the fact that one of the defining features of Midtown Tampa is its emphasis on walkability and community engagement. And we have walked a lot and enjoyed quite much in the middle of plenty of beautiful features this neighborhood has.
After visiting fashion boutiques and home decor stores, specialty shops, and wellness centers, with a smile on our faces, we decided to dive into the world of fancy food restaurants and outstanding eateries.
And the result of our research you can find in our list of the best Midtown Tampa restaurants.
Top Three Picks of The Best Midtown Tampa Restaurants
| Restaurant | Top Pick | Our Rating |
| Ponte Modern American | Pan-seared salmon with lemon dill sauce | 5/5 |
| Oronzo | Fettuccine Carbonara | 4.5/5 |
| Bella Brava | Handmade gnocchi with pesto sauce | 4.5/5 |
The 6 Best Midtown Tampa Restaurants
Sal Y Mar
3650 Midtown Dr, Tampa, FL 33607, United States +18136923330
Sal Y Mar on Midtown Drive in Tampa is a great rooftop bar in a fun and relaxed setting where you can really enjoy everything.
I really like the location and views from here. The space is well managed and has comfortable seats inside and outside to enjoy.
I ordered the Cuban sandwich and I have to say, it was a perfect balance of crispy bread, fresh cooked pork, and mustard aioli. The flavor was explosive.
My friend ordered the chicken wrap which featured a bacon jam that was out of this world. We both couldn’t stop craving about our meals.
There is a Spanish fusion cuisine that has a variety of menu items.
If you want to experience great vibes on the weekends, this is the right place for you.
Sunda Tampa
3648 Midtown Dr, Tampa, FL 33607, United States +18134972900
We had an exceptional culinary experience in Sunda Tampa, provided with full attention and amazing food.
Located in the heart of Tampa, Sunda brings a unique fusion of Asian flavors and contemporary dining to the city.
We were happy with the great service, stylish and sophisticated atmosphere. The interior design effortlessly blends modern elegance with subtle Asian-inspired elements, creating a chic and inviting space. The warm lighting and comfortable seating added to the overall ambiance, making it a perfect spot for an intimate dinner or a gathering with friends.
Asian cuisine is something that is constantly neglected by our side, so we were in a rush to order sushi and sashimi. We ordered small plates and larger shared dishes. Each dish was beautifully presented, showcasing the chef’s meticulous attention to detail.
I ordered Sunda Stack, a tantalizing tower of tuna, avocado, and crispy wonton that offered a perfect balance of textures and flavors. The freshness of the ingredients was evident, and the combination of tangy and savory elements made it a standout starter.
For a heavenly good experience, we ordered signature drinks like Lychee Luxury Drop— complete with vodka, elderberry liqueur, lemon, and lychee wasabi syrup.
To complete the meal, I indulged in one of their delectable desserts. The green tea lava cake was a true delight, with a warm, molten center that oozed with rich green tea flavor. It was a sweet and satisfying end to an extraordinary dining experience.
Sunda Tampa exceeded my expectations in every aspect. From the elegant ambiance to the innovative and well-executed dishes, this restaurant showcases the best of Pan-Asian cuisine with a contemporary twist.
Oronzo
1120 Gramercy Ln D-200, Tampa, FL 33607, United States // +16018450347
In a warm ambiance, I experienced a delightful culinary experience that left a lasting impression.
Nestled in the heart of the city, Oronzo offers a unique and authentic taste of Italian cuisine in an inviting and charming setting
The menu at Oronzo celebrates the rich and diverse flavors of Italy, and I found myself drawn to the enticing array of traditional and contemporary dishes.
From antipasti to homemade pasta and mouth-watering mains, the menu showcased the expertise and passion of the culinary team.
For appetizers, we had bruschetta al pomodoro, a classic Italian appetizer that showcased the freshness of the ingredients. I especially liked the combination of juicy tomatoes, fragrant basil, and drizzles of high-quality olive oil on toasted bread. It was a delightful burst of flavors.
My pasta choice was the fettuccine carbonara. It was cooked to perfection, al dente, and generously coated in a rich and creamy sauce. Each bite was a heavenly combination of savory pancetta, grated Parmesan, and a touch of black pepper. It was a true testament to the authenticity and craftsmanship of Italian cuisine.
Another choice was homemade spaghetti with vegetables and red sauce. I also liked the homemade meatballs.
They have an eclectic menu that serves traditional Italian as well as a variety of some interesting and delicious fusion dishes.
As something not very common, is the protein bowl and it was incredibly flavorful and filling.
Oronzo succeeded in capturing the essence of Italy through its exceptional cuisine, inviting ambiance, and attentive service. It is a restaurant that truly embodies the spirit of Italian hospitality and culinary tradition.
BellaBrava Tampa
1015 Gramercy Ln, Tampa, FL 33607, United States +18135245226
Bella Brava offers a vibrant and inviting atmosphere, complemented by a menu that celebrates the flavors of Italian cuisine.
Bella Brava showcases a wide range of Italian classics and inventive creations and has the power to transfer into the warm heart of Italy.
From antipasti to pizzas, kinds of pasta, and entrées, the offerings were diverse and appealing. It was evident that the restaurant takes great pride in using fresh and high-quality ingredients to deliver authentic and flavorful dishes.
For the appetizer, we had rolled crunch crostini topped with goat cheese, fresh tomato, red onion, and basil and drizzled lightly with extra virgin olive oil. This was one of the best bruschetta I have had in some time.
I decided to try their signature dish, the handmade gnocchi with pesto sauce. The gnocchi was pillowy and delicate, cooked to perfection.
The vibrant green pesto sauce was rich with basil and garlic, providing a burst of freshness with each bite. The dish was beautifully presented, and the flavors were truly outstanding.
For dessert, I had their tiramisu. It was a delightful combination of creamy mascarpone, delicate ladyfingers soaked in espresso, and a dusting of cocoa powder. The flavors melded together perfectly, creating a heavenly finale to an already impressive dining experience.
One of my favorites was the Ravioli Genovese with stuffed goat cheese and spinach) topped with toasted pine nuts and gently floating in a basil pesto cream garnished with oven-dried tomatoes and shaved pecorino cheese.
Bella Brava in Tampa is a culinary gem that embodies the essence of Italian cuisine. From the welcoming atmosphere to the exquisite dishes and attentive service, it is a restaurant that delivers on every level.
Ponte Modern American
1010 Gramercy Ln, Tampa, FL 33607, United States +18135827755
Ponte Modern American Restaurant is a modern restaurant with stylish and contemporary decor.
The sleek lines, warm lighting, and tasteful artwork create a welcoming ambiance that sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.
We had a great conversation with the staff. They were attentive and professional, ensuring that every guest felt well-cared for throughout the evening.
I ordered roasted beet and goat cheese salad. The earthy sweetness of the beets paired perfectly with the tanginess of the goat cheese, creating a delightful combination of flavors.
Another dish that made me eager for it was pan-seared salmon with lemon dill sauce. The salmon was cooked to perfection, flaky and moist, while the sauce added a refreshing zest to the dish. Each bite was a symphony of flavors that left me wanting more.
Additionally, we ordered Parker house rolls and burrata. The rolls were delicious and served with amazing black truffle butter. The burrata was creamy, with a beautiful presentation of greens, accompanied by a variety of beautifully presented sauces to enjoy with.
For dessert, I couldn’t resist trying their lava cake. It was a decadent and rich delight, with a warm, oozing center that perfectly complemented the velvety chocolate exterior.
Ponte Modern American is a culinary gem that delivers an exceptional dining experience from start to finish.
This is the place you want to take someone to impress or have a romantic date night out. It is on the more expensive spectrum but I swear it’s worth every penny with the quality you will receive.
Foodies Also Ask
What kind of Midtown Tampa restaurants can we expect?
I must say that the dining experiences I encountered were truly exceptional and we really hope you will enjoy eating in these restaurants as much as we enjoyed.
Expect a variety of casual dining options that cater to different tastes and budgets. These could include popular chain restaurants, gastropubs, family-friendly eateries, and cafes serving comfort food, sandwiches, burgers, salads, and other casual fare.
Are these restaurants expensive?
The pricing of restaurants in Midtown Tampa can vary depending on the specific establishment and its concept. However, based on the initial plans and the intention to create a diverse dining scene, you can expect a range of dining options to cater to different budgets and preferences.
Midtown Tampa aimed to offer a mix of upscale dining experiences as well as casual and more affordable options. Upscale restaurants typically offer higher-end menus, elegant ambiance, and attentive service, which often come with higher price points.
On the other hand, casual dining options like cafes, gastropubs, and family-friendly eateries tend to have more affordable pricing.
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Conclusion: The Best Midtown Tampa Restaurants
The plethora of local cafes and coffee roasters, emergence of gourmet and budget-friendly grocers, and ample opportunity to explore farmers markets and food truck festivals make Tampa a foodie gem in the US.
When it comes to the Midtown Tampa restaurants you will have a chance to spoil yourself, having a chance visiting a range of international restaurants representing diverse culinary traditions. You may find restaurants offering cuisines like Italian, Mexican, Japanese, Mediterranean, Thai, Indian, or fusion concepts that blend different flavors and techniques.
If you want a crowded place with an extensive menu of drinks, Midtown Tampa may feature trendy bars, craft breweries, or lounges where visitors can enjoy craft cocktails, local brews, and socialize in a stylish and relaxed atmosphere.
If you want a place where you will have fun, laugh, feel relaxed and have amazing food, do not miss to visit our picked Middownt Tampa restaurants.
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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