Tampa Travel Guide

Watch the "sun set over Tampa Bay" at this "high-in-the-sky" Northern Italian on the 14th floor of the Grand Hyatt that's a "heavenly" "spot to celebrate" "special occasions"; it's equally "high on service, romantic atmosphere and price", and the "outstanding antipasti bar" adds to its appeal; P.S. a post-Survey contempo remodel should help with digs that some felt were "stuffy" – and most likely outdates the Decor score.

Carnivores insist the steakhouse "chains just can't compete" with this 53-year-old Tampa "icon" (voted Most Popular in the Tampa/Sarasota area) where "everything is fabulous" – right down to the "old-school" "charm" and the "veggies they grow themselves"; "if you can get past the bordello appearance" and the big check, fans extol the "flawless" service, "encyclopedic" vino list, "outstanding kitchen and wine-cellar tour" and "fabled" upstairs dessert room, dubbing it an overall "incredible experience"; N.B. jackets are encouraged.

"Graze on tapas and check out the hip crowd" at these "lively", "see-and-be-seen" Spaniards serving up a "large variety" of "creative, delicious" small plates (including "authentic" versions of the namesake) plus "delicious" "homemade sangria" in a "stylish" milieu; the Tampa location has "nicely done" quarters with "more room" than the others, which may help to alleviate the "long waits" – "it doesn't take reservations" for less than six – and occasionally "slow service."

"Filled with corporate expense-account types", this "steak lover's dream" "in steak-crazy" Tampa serves up huge cuts of "fabulous" meat (and seafood) infused with "so much flavor" from being "perfectly cooked" over oak and citrus wood; while some suggest it "can get pricey", especially given the "hit-or-miss" service and "dark, noisy" environs, fans insist it's "better than the decor implies" and "promise you won't be disappointed."

Proprietors "Guido and Gino Tiozzo set the standard for tip-top service" at this "old-school" "institution" in Tampa that "dazzles" diners with "sensational" Northern Italian cuisine, "much of it prepared tableside" by a "superb" staff; while a few suggest it's "past its prime", most insist the "low lighting", "romantic" ambiance and "fresh roses on every table" make for an experience that's "ideal for a special occasion" – so "rob a bank and then indulge."

"Among the better chain steakhouses", these "upscale" cousins of Outback ("who knew?") are "particularly attractive" options, combining "consistently fine steaks" with "a huge selection of well-priced wines" by the glass or bottle; while they can be "noisy" at times, the "elegant" decor and "gracious" service make them "excellent choices for a special occasion" or "to meet and greet clients"; P.S. the Sunday prime rib special is one of the "best deals in town."

Located "across from the University of Tampa", this casually "elegant" "stalwart" "keeps its clientele coming back for more" of chef/co-owner Marty Blitz's "creative" New American food that "remains current and fresh" via "seasonal" à la carte and "chef's tasting menus"; a sophisticated cheese selection and a "witty staff" with "wine smarts" are two more reasons it's "still going strong."

"A Zen atmosphere that's unusual for Tampa", "hip tunes and a posh staff form the backdrop" for what fans call the city's most "exquisitely prepared French-Vietnamese" fusion fare, overseen by chef-owner B.T. Nguyen; "unique cocktails" provide a counterpoint to the "beautifully presented" dishes, and if some say "portions don't quite justify the price", the "buzzing bar" offers a more affordable menu.

Celebrity chef Roy Yamaguchi's national chain (with links in Sarasota and Tampa) remains "a favorite for special occasions" courtesy of a "lively, loud" ambiance, "service with an aloha spirit" and "signature Hawaiian fusion cuisine" that includes macadamia-crusted fish and "out-of-this-world" chocolate lava cake; while the à la carte menu is "pricey", regulars attest "the prix fixe dinner is a real bargain."

"If you really want a steak", "reward yourself" at one of these links in a "consistently terrific" national chain, where the "melt-in-your-mouth filets" are "served sizzling in butter" to "make them even more decadent" and the "delicious sides" come in "huge" portions; the à la carte pricing can "add up fast" ("go with someone on an expense account to enjoy"), but while a few feel the straightforward decor is a little "dark", most agree "the service gleams."