Tampa

12 Amazing Restaurants on the Water in Tampa to Try Out Right Now

September 15, 2022
Food & Drink
jason wolfe
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Do you love Tampa, Florida? Tampa is an incredible area where it is close to the ocean and there are a lot of souvenir shops, restaurants, bars, and more to check out. This is an incredible area where the tourists come to enjoy the sunny and warm weather, but you always have to make sure you get a break in between running around and exploring the area. If you are looking for some delicious food near the water in Tampa, make sure to check out our twelve favorite restaurants right now!

Main image courtesy of Restaurant Clicks. 

Have you ever heard of a GiftYa electronic gift card? If you haven’t, you’re missing out on some incredibly amazing restaurants, shops, recreational attractions, and even the opportunity to get personal services done, such as manicures, massages, and more. Don’t worry about making sure this gift card is in your wallet, because it is actually an e-gift card that you can upload onto your debit card. Make sure to check out some of the best restaurants in Tampa by the water with your new GiftYa electronic gift card today!

Ulele

Try out some of the local favorite dishes with some amazing Floridian dishes here!

Check out Ulele, a restaurant in Florida known for its local recipes and good food right in Tampa! Image courtesy of Wanderlust Chloe. 

1810 N Highland Avenue | Tampa | ulele.com

If you’re looking for some local food in Florida that you can try out with some friends or family? Consider Ulele for a fun and delicious meal in Tampa where you can try a lot of native Florida food! With everything made on a barbacoa grill, this food is truly unique and it is truly something special that you can love.

If you are interested in checking out Ulele, then you need to stop by and try out the charbroiled oysters, seafood risotto, alligator hush puppies, crab mac n’ cheese, pork shank, flank steak, gouda grouper, grilled oysters, and much more. Make sure to check out Ulele right now so you can try out a lot of incredible food and more!

“Ahhh.....Ulele never disappoints. Ever since trying the Seafood Risotto that's literally all I get so that's definitely what I would recommend!” - Yelp Review 

Ulele isn’t accepting GiftYa digital gift cards just yet, but check here for all the other GiftYa cards available.

Salt Shack on the Bay

Casual beachfront bar with freshly caught seafood. 

5415 W Tyson Ave | Tampa | columbiarestaurant.com

Salt Shack on the Bay serves gulf to table food in a prime location. This casual beachfront bar is accessible by land or sea. Boaters can leave their vessels right at their dock! You will get to enjoy the feel of the sand in your toes and the feeling of the ocean breeze against your skin all while enjoying freshly caught seafood from the local watermen. 

The menu is an array of island inspired seafoods. You can try the Caribbean fritters, the lobster bisque, or the smoked mahi for starters, and things like their jerk burger or their jackfruit tacos for a meal. You’ll be happy you chose this place!

“Salt Shack is a hopping place. All outdoor seating with a fun tropical atmosphere. The service team is fantastic. Our food was delicious. The fish tacos are possibly the best I ever had. Grouper fingers were perfectly cooked and moist. There are lots of cocktails to choose from. Nice wine list too. Can't wait to return.”–Yelp review 

Salt Shack on the Bay isn’t accepting GiftYa digital gift cards just yet, but check here for all the other GiftYa cards available. 

The Rusty Pelican

An American-fare restaurant with water views is perfect for the ultimate Tampa experience!

The Rusty Pelican is perfect for anyone who is looking for some delicious food with water views! Image courtesy of The Rusty Pelican. 

2425 Rocky Point Drive | Town N Country | therustypelicantampa.com

Are you interested in some American-fare food that you can enjoy while looking at some magnificent water views? Check out The Rusty Pelican as soon as you can for some incredible food that you will love, and with a view! Whether you want to come for lunch, dinner, and even brunch, this is the place to go when looking for some amazing food.

Check out The Rusty Pelican as soon as you can so you can try out the snow crab legs, shrimp risotto, filet mignon, crab cakes, Belgian waffles, surf and turf, blackened scallops, conch fritters, and much more. Don’t miss out on the delicious food offered at The Rusty Pelican!

“I would highly recommend the cuisine at the Rusty Pelican. I had sea bass and it was fantastic.” - Yelp Review 

Buy a gift card for The Rusty Pelican.

Oystercatchers

Fresh oysters by the sea. 

2900 Bayport Dr | Tampa | oystercatchersrestaurant.com

Oystercatchers has been a Tampa community favorite for over three decades. Housed in the Hyatt hotel, it has been named as one of Tampa Bay’s 25 most iconic restaurants by the Tampa Bay Times multiple times throughout the years. You will definitely understand that classification if you decide to try it out for yourself! 

This restaurant serves food that is of the highest quality. They have great brunch, lunch, and dinner menus. During dinner you can try ceviche amarillo, grilled mojo prawns, or pan seared whole snapper. On the brunch menu you’ll find exotic mushroom flatbread and vegetarian frittata. It will definitely be a great idea to check this place out. 

“Beautiful setting for a sunset dinner. We sat outside and had a gorgeous view of the sunset on Tampa Bay. The dinner started with oysters and I ordered the salmon for my main entree. The salmon was perfectly cooked and seasoned. The cocktails are also delicious. Enjoyed this restaurant while on vacation!”–Yelp review 

Oystercatchers isn’t accepting GiftYa digital gift cards just yet, but check here for all the other GiftYa cards available. 

Whiskey Joe’s Bar & Grill

Enjoy a delicious American dish and a cocktail right on the water in Tampa!

Check out Whiskey Joe’s Bar & Grill for a delicious meal right on the water in Tampa, Florida! Image courtesy of Whiskey Joe’s Bar & Grill. 

7720 W Courtney Campbell Cswy | Town N Country | thewhiskeyjoes.com

There is truly nothing better than some American-fare food on the water in Tampa, Florida. If you’re out with some friends or family exploring the area, make sure to pay a visit to Whiskey Joe’s Bar & Grill right now! This incredible restaurant is perfect for everyone to check out some incredible and affordable food right on the water. 

Come to Whiskey Joe’s Bar & Grill right now to try out some incredible food that you will fall in love with. Try out the fish tacos, shrimp tacos, grouper sandwich, Maryland blue crab cakes, firecracker shrimp, crab cake sliders, a jerk chicken sandwich, and lots more. Don’t miss out on Whiskey Joe’s Bar & Grill today!

“If you are looking for a quick bite after leaving the beach, this is definitely the spot to go too. Has great scenery to view while eating.” - Yelp Review 

Whiskey Joe’s Bar & Grill isn’t accepting GiftYa digital gift cards just yet, but check here for all the other GiftYa cards available.

Hula Bay Club 

Interested in some Hawaiian-style food? Come to this restaurant right on the coast! 

Are you interested in a delicious Hawaiian dish? If you want to try out this incredible cuisine, make sure to check out Hula Bay Club right now! Image courtesy of Uber Eats. 

5210 W Tyson Avenue | Westshore | hulabayclub.com

There is truly nothing better than some Hawaiian food. It is not only delicious, but it is super creative and just beautiful to look at too. If you’re interested in enjoying some tasty Hawaiian-inspired food, make sure to check out Hula Bay Club in Tampa, Florida! This restaurant is right on the water and will blow you away with how tasty their food is and more.

Come to Hula Bay Club right now so you can try out everything from conch fritters, crab cakes, wedge salads, island shrimp, local smoked fish, and so much more. With all of these amazing food options to try out, you need to stop what you’re doing and try out Hula Bay Club right now!

“Absolutely incredible food. Relaxing atmosphere. Great service. Very roomy. Can accommodate a large party or intimate dining. Wonderful views of the bay.” - Yelp Review

Hula Bay Club isn’t accepting GiftYa digital gift cards just yet, but check here for all the other GiftYa cards available.

Bahama Breeze

Caribbean food is perfect for any occasion, especially whenever you’re in Tampa!

3045 N Rocky PointeDrive E | Town N Country | bahamabreeze.com

Don’t miss out on something as incredible as Caribbean food whenever you’re down in Tampa, Florida. If this sounds good and what you‘re craving, make sure to check out Bahama Breeze as soon as you can! Bahama Breeze is perfect because of their delicious Latin and Caribbean recipes that you will absolutely love more than anything.

Enjoy lots of delicious food at Bahama Breeze where you can try out everything from coconut shrimp, fish tacos, jerk chicken pasta, firecracker shrimp, beef empanadas, seafood paella, conch fritters, and lots more. Don’t miss out on the amazing food at Bahama Breeze, so check them out right now!

“Would highly recommend outdoor seating for the view! Food was really good and the service was great.” - Yelp Review 

Buy a gift card for Bahama Breeze.

Jackson's Bistro Bar & Sushi

Look into an eclectic menu that is truly unique with its amazing food options and more!

Come to Jackson’s Bistro Bar & Sushi for some amazing food dishes that you will absolutely love in Tampa! Image courtesy of Jackson’s Bistro Bar & Sushi. 

601 S Harbor Island Boulevard | Harbor Island | jacksonsbistro.com

There is truly nothing better than some unique takes on classic dishes that you love, and even just some new and delicious kinds of flavors you never thought possible. If you’re looking for something truly delicious, make sure to check out Jackson’s Bistro Bar & Sushi right now! This amazing restaurant has lots of amazing food options that you can enjoy right on the waterfront in a comfortable atmosphere.

Don’t miss out on Jackson’s Bistro Bar & Sushi right now where you can try out everything from coconut shrimp, sexy lobster sushi rolls, pan-seared red snapper, jumbo sea scallops, lobster bisque, spicy tuna rolls, pan-seared grouper, and lots more. Don’t miss out on Jackson’s Bistro Bar & Sushi where you can enjoy a lot of delicious food today!

“Nice classy place right at the waterfront. The menu has diversified options for you to try and the seafood, as expected, is good here.” - Yelp Review 

Buy a gift card for Jackson’s Bistro Bar & Sushi.

Columbia Cafe on the Tampa Riverwalk

Fresh steak and seafood in a great environment. 

This is a great place to enjoy lunch during a gorgeous day. Image courtesy of Visit Tampa Bay

801 Water St Ste 1905 | Tampa | tampabayhistorycenter.org/columbia-restaurant

Columbia Cafe on the Tampa Riverwalk is a Spanish and Cuban restaurant in the Tampa Bay History Center. This famous restaurant is over 116 years old. It has been giving customers a great experience the whole time. Some of the most popular items on the menu include Spanish bean soup, the original Cuban sandwich, and cafe con leche and flan. 

The whole menu is filled with many great foods that guests from all over love going back for. They also have an extensive wine and cocktail list with lots of great options. 

“Great casual spot to come to with a relaxing view and good vibes. We got the picadillo empanadas and a pitcher of white sangria. There are a lot of fans and some misting fans as well that keep you nice and cool, even in the summer months. Will definitely be coming back!”–Yelp review 

Columbia Cafe on the Tampa Riverwalk isn’t accepting GiftYa digital gift cards just yet, but check here for all the other GiftYa cards available.

Anchor & Brine

Elegant seaside oasis. 

505 Water St | Tampa | anchorandbrine.com

At Anchor & Brine, an oasis awaits anyone who walks in. It has diverse indoor and outdoor spaces that were made to provide a casual and elegant atmosphere. The terrace was inspired by nature and you’ll feel very connected to it in that space. Locals and visitors alike enjoy their time at this place. With the delicious seafood and refreshing drinks they offer, it's hard not to! 

“First time coming here and it was fantastic. We came right at sunset and it was absolutely beautiful. The service was great. There was live music which was great. The calamari might just be the best I've had in all of Tampa. The A&B Burger was also very very good. Overall this place was awesome and I will be back.”–Yelp review 

Anchor & Brine isn’t accepting GiftYa digital gift cards just yet, but check here for all the other GiftYa cards available.

Rocky Pointe Cafe

You will love a cute little restaurant on the water in Tampa, Florida!

If you’re looking for some amazing food at a cute Tampa restaurant on the water, make sure to consider going to Rocky Pointe Cafe right now! Image courtesy of Uber Eats. 

2502 N Rocky Point Drive | Town N Country | rocky-pointe-cafe.business.site

There is sometimes nothing better than a super cute cafe to go to for breakfast or lunch. If you want to go somewhere truly incredible, make sure to go to Rocky Pointe Cafe right now! The Rocky Pointe Cafe is the perfect place to go to whenever you’re interested in some delicious cafe-style food perfect for brunch.

Come to Rocky Pointe Cafe right now to try out an egg white omelet, fajita burritos, chef salads, cuban sandwiches, BLT sandwiches, turkey bacon wraps, reuben sandwiches, philly cheese, sandwiches, and lots more. There is truly nothing better than Rocky Pointe Cafe, so make sure to check out today!

“Sooo charming! This quaint little place has all the breakfast essentials and a cute couple that prepares everything to order.” - Yelp Review 

Rocky Pointe Cafe isn’t accepting GiftYa digital gift cards just yet, but check here for all the other GiftYa cards available.

P.F. Chang’s

Asian fusion chain with variety. 

4100 George J Bean Pkwy Terminal Hub | Tampa | pfchangs.com

If nothing else on this list so far has appealed to you, you can always go to P.F. Chang’s! This Asian fusion restaurant has been an American mainstay since the 90s, and is still a popular go-to. And it's not directly on the water, but it's really close by! P.F. Chang’s serves a variety of Asian cuisines. They offer Mongolian, Thai, Korean, Japanese, and Chinese food. It has the best of everything! Pad Thai, Mongolian beef, pork and shrimp dumplings are all on the menu along with much more.

On the lunch menu, you’ll find a few great classics. You can get a beef and broccoli bowl, sweet and sour chicken bowl, and kung pao shrimp. There are several other options on the P.F. Chang’s menu you can choose from, though when you order from the lunch menu during lunch hours, you also get a bit of a discount. This chain is an amazing choice when you’re looking to have lunch! 

“The restaurant serves a variety of Asian flare and Chinese dishes which include hand-rolled sushi, Chinese dim sum, Lo Mein, and other Asian inspired dishes.I am sure that we will find ourselves dining more often at P F Chang's.”–Yelp review 

Buy a gift card for PF Chang’s

There are so many amazing restaurants by the water in Tampa that you need to experience right now. If you’re looking for some spectacular dishes in Tampa by the water, check out the top seven best ones in the area!

Is there a restaurant by the water in Tampa that you love, but we didn’t mention? Make sure to let us know in the comments below!

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