Tampa Restaurants

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."