5-Star Restaurants in Tampa That Should Be on Your List

When you’re looking for a place to eat, sometimes trying something new or unknown can be fun, but sometimes you want to know going into your dining experience that it will be top notch. Whether you’re looking for the perfect backdrop for a celebration, you need a restaurant that will impress your boss or that awesome person you’re taking on a date, or you’re just in the mood for some truly fine dining, we’ve got you covered.

Tampa has many fine upscale and high-end restaurants and eating establishments, so if you’re looking for a 5 star restaurant in Tampa, FL, where do you begin?

With many different styles and cultures of cuisines, and a myriad of upscale atmospheres, the restaurants in Tampa have more to offer than meets the eye. Although there are many options to choose from, in this article today we have compiled a list of some of the top rated 5 star restaurants in the whole Tampa area. 

The list includes the restaurant's location, a Yelp review, a summary of the restaurant's style, and even a convenient link to the restaurant's website in case you want to order takeout or just want to preview the menu before you go in person. We’ve even included links where you can get a GiftYa E-Gift Card for each and every one of the participating restaurants. 

Sound awesome? We think so too. So let’s get started?

First of all, what’s the deal with GiftYa digital gift cards?

If you’ve seen our content before (we have an extensive catalogue of blog posts on things to do, places to stay, and local favorite restaurants in cities across the country), you’re probably already familiar with what a GiftYa is.

If you’re new here or just need a refresher, a GiftYa is a digital gift card that can be sent within seconds right from your phone. These gift cards can be used at a variety of locations but are particularly popular for restaurants. Sound convenient? We think so too.

This is especially true if you are out traveling and don’t love to carry cash around with you. Instead you can just carry your gift cards right on your phone that you take with you everywhere already. You don’t even have to worry about keeping track of the gift cards and the balances because your phone does all of that for you. There really isn’t a more convenient option when it comes to buying gift cards and gifts for yourself or others.

When you send a GiftYa, you don’t have to be an expert on local restaurants and things to do to give a loved one a gift they’ll truly love. We partner with a variety of national brands as well as a carefully curated list of establishments that locals in cities across the country love, so you can rest assured that when you select a GiftYa from our site, it will be a brand people in your loved one’s hometown actually love.

What could be better than that?

OLIVIA

Get a Taste of Italian Fine Dining Without Leaving Tampa

3601 W Swann Ave | South Tampa | oliviatampa.com

Italian restaurants are always crowd-pleasers – after all, who can resist plates of pasta piled high with sauce and cheese, scrumptious salads, fresh seafood, and delicious desserts? If you’re looking for Italian food that packs all of the authentic flavor of a mom and pop shop but offers a more elevated atmosphere, OLIVIA is your place.

OLIVIA’s chef expertly combines the traditional flavors found in an Italian trattoria or taproom with plenty of creative culinary flair to deliver a dining experience unlike anything else in Tampa. 

More than simply a restaurant, OLIVIA is a 5 star experience – watch OLIVIA’s team prepare pizza dough, fresh mozzarella, and house-made pasta through the open kitchen, enjoy a full open bar, relax in the lounge or check out the amazing selection of wines in OLIVIA’s temperature-controlled wine wall.

“I've been looking for a favorite restaurant to become a regular and thus far Olivia is winning. The vibe is pretty sexy. Can be cute casual or more dressy. It's a really nice aesthetic. Perfect for date night. Fantastic wine selection and VERY friendly staff. I've been like 4 times this week.” - Yelp Review 

OLIVIA doesn’t offer GiftYa digital gift cards just yet, but check back soon because we are always adding 5 star restaurants and attractions in Tampa!

Ciro’s Speakeasy & Supper Club

Savor Scrumptious New American Cuisine and Creative Cocktails at Tampa’s Favorite Speakeasy 

2109 Bayshore Blvd | SoHo | cirostampa.com

Looking for a unique 5-star restaurant experience in Tampa? Look no further than Ciro’s. Travel back in time and allow yourself to be transported across the ages to Old Hollywood. Inspired by and named after a famous Sunset Boulevard nightclub frequented by celebrities and stars of the silver screen in the 1940s, Ciro’s Speakeasy & Supper Club offers all of the elegance and mystique of stepping back into a bygone era for dinner.

At Ciro’s, enjoy an exquisite cocktail crafted by the restaurant’s staff of expert mixologists, and be sure to grab a seat at the bar while your drink is being concocted – it’s quite a show!

In terms of food, visitors can enjoy a range of meals and appetizers, including fan favorites like crab cakes, fondue, steak frites, oven roasted duck, lobster deviled eggs, and more.

Visitors must be 21 or older to dine at Ciro’s.

“I love love love this place. It's on the higher end of drink pricing, but you get what you pay for. Don't have something on the menu that sparks your interest? Have the expert bartenders create you something you are guaranteed to love. Our drink adventure ended here with dinner AND dessert and we did not leave disappointed.” - Yelp Review

Yes, Ciro’s Speakeasy & Supper Club is one of the thousands of restaurants that accepts digital GiftYa gift cards, but it is also among one of the highest rated 5 star restaurants in Tampa. Grab yours here.

Ocean Prime

You Don’t Have to Choose Between Surf and Turf at Ocean Prime – Enjoy All of Your Steak and Seafood Favorites

2205 N Westshore Blvd | International | ocean-prime.com

Ocean Prime is truly a Tampa favorite. According to the restaurant’s website, locals have bestowed a number of awards upon it, including voting Ocean Prime “Best Piano Bar,” “Best Seafood Restaurant,” and “Best Outdoor Scene.” And these distinctions only begin to set the stage for the 5 star dining experience visitors can expect from Ocean Prime.

With a Wine Spectator-honored wine list, an array of fresh seafood, and a variety of prime cuts of steak, Ocean Prime has something for everyone. Plus, its location is a convenient five-minute drive from Tampa International Airport as well as sporting arenas like Raymond James Stadium and George Steinbrenner Field. 

“Finally a date night at one of my favorite places. Ocean prime has a very sexy vibe and perfect for an intimate dinner. Definitely one of the hot streak houses in the Tampa area. Must try at least once for perhaps a special occasion. You will not be disappointed.” - Yelp Review 

Grab a digital GiftYa gift card to Ocean Prime and treat yo self to one of the best 5 star restaurants in Tampa!.

On Swann

One of Tampa’s Favorite Spots for High-Service, High-Quality Casual Dining Since 2016

501 W Swann Ave | Hyde Park | onswann.com

When you consider that On Swann’s founders have made maintaining a culture that supports their team, their guests, and their community a priority from day one, it’s no surprise that Tampa’s food community has great things to say about the restaurant. Open daily for lunch service, closing in the afternoon, and opening again for dinner service, On Swann has a philosophy of “guest indulgence” that carries through to every part of the dining experience.

On Swann’s knowledgeable staff is dedicated to providing truly exceptional service, from maintaining a friendly attitude to carefully answering any questions about the menu. Whether you’re looking for a table for two or need accommodations for a larger group, On Swann is ready to meet all of your dining needs.

But you don’t earn five star reviews purely for service – the food at On Swann is also known as some of the best in Tampa. From simple appetizers like the kale salad to scallops, short rib, lamb meatballs, and more, if you come to On Swann hungry, you’ll certainly leave satisfied.

“AMAZING dinner at On Swann before heading to the airport. Every bite was delicious, our server Thomas couldn't be any better, and all -- including the friendly people dining around us -- were so nice!! Will definitely be back next time we are in the Tampa area!” - Yelp Review 

You can’t get a digital GiftYa gift card to On Swann at the moment but be sure to check back soon as new 5 star restaurants and locations in Tampa are added all the time!

Sacred Pepper

Bringing Unique Flavors From Around the World to North Tampa’s Bustling Food Scene

15405 N Dale Mabry Hwy | Quail Run | sacredpepper.com

It can be hard to define the exact style of cuisine Sacred Pepper serves up – that’s because, inspired by the flavors she experienced around the world on her travels, founder Candy DeBartolo wanted to bring something to North Tampa’s food scene that it had never seen before. The result? An eclectic contemporary American menu with Italian flair that is dedicated to putting a fresh twist on the flavors visitors already know and love.

Just like their food menu, Sacred Pepper’s creative assortment of cocktails transport guests around the world and across time. Whether that means a glass of high quality wine or a modern, traditional, or pre-prohibition style cocktail, you’re sure to find the perfect drink to pair with any appetizer or entree you order. 

“Great food. Great variety. Great ambiance. Good prices. Never had a bad meal. Highly recommend this restaurant. Other than the noise level because it gets crowded it's one of Tampa's unique and best.” - Yelp Review 

Treat yourself or a loved one to Sacred Pepper in Tampa and enjoy one of the best 5 star restaurants by grabbing a GiftYa digital gift by following the link!

Now go enjoy some fine dining at the best 5 star restaurants in Tampa!

There you go you finally have it, a list of 5 star restaurants you can find in Tampa. You will be sure to find something that fits your appetite and your wallet somewhere on that list I’m sure of it. And don’t worry the list is composed of some of the best reviewed 5 star restaurants in Tampa on the internet so you can be sure everything on the list has been well vetted. 

But even if you didn’t find what you’re looking for here, GiftYa has something to offer for everybody when they are in Tampa looking for 5 star restaurants. And remember you can grab a GiftYa digital gift card to the participating restaurants for you or a loved one and send them instantly and keep track of everything digitally.

But even if you pick a restaurant that doesn’t accept GiftYa you are sure to get a delicious meal in Tampa. There is a real diversity of cuisine offered just on this list alone. With everything from fresh seafood fare to some of Tampa’s highest rated steakhouses, you are sure to find the restaurant that meets your needs somewhere in Tampa. And if you don't, GiftYas are available in countless other cities all across America.