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

Do you love Tampa, Florida? Tampa is an incredible area because it is close to the ocean and there are a lot of souvenir shops, restaurants, bars, and more to check out. This is a fantastic 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 top favorite restaurants right now!

Have you ever heard of a GiftYa electronic gift card? If you haven’t, you’re missing out on some 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!

1. Ulele

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

📍 1810 N Highland Avenue | Tampa | ulele.com

Are you 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  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 feel free to browse all the other GiftYa cards available.

2. Salt Shack on the Bay

Casual beachfront bar serving up freshly caught seafood

📍 5415 W Tyson Ave | Tampa | salt-shack.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 out the other gift card options for restaurants in Tampa!

3. The Rusty Pelican

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

Buy a gift card for 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 when you click the link!

4. Oystercatchers

Delicious fresh oysters that can be enjoyed by the serene seaside 

📍 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 out all the other GiftYa cards available. 

5. Whiskey Joe’s Bar & Grill

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

📍 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 delish 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.

6. Hula Bay Club 

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

📍 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 want to enjoy 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.

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 out the other GiftYa cards available.

7. Armature Works

An innovative event space in Tampa with an abundance of dining options to explore

📍 1910 N Ola Ave | Tampa Height | armatureworks.com

This historic and striking mixed-use hub serves as an exciting waterside event space offering a host of different, unique experiences, from an upscale food court to a fully-packed event calendar featuring things like movie nights and yoga clubs. While it may not be the average spot you would typically grab dinner at, Armature Works is a place worth checking out with friends and family. 

There is a lot to unpack at Armature Works, but you are probably mostly interested in the food offerings. We get it. Carefully curated culinary eateries are what makeup the food court here. Customers can get everything from specialty coffee and signature craft cocktails to hand-cut meats and custard-based ice cream while enjoying the many experiences of Armature Works. Other food selections include high-quality pasta, superfood smoothie bowls, all-day breakfast staples, sushi hand rolls, Cuban cuisine, and plenty of good local brews and beer. 

“For anyone visiting the Tampa Bay area, Armature Works should be on your list of places to visit. Armature Works is a food court style fun spot! I have eaten at almost every restaurant within, but M.Bird by far is my favorite. It's a trendy rooftop bar that provides a beautiful backdrop of downtown and the Hillsborough River. Service is great and quick in any of the restaurants too.” – Yelp Review

8. Bahama Breeze

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

Buy a Bahama Breeze gift card 

📍 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 

Pick up a gift card for Bahama Breeze when you follow the link!

9. Watervue Grille

Dine on the water in Tampa in a modern restaurant setting 

📍 700 Harbour Post Dr | Downtown Tampa | watervuegrille.com

Whether it’s for a casual night out of modern dining in a gorgeous waterfront venue or for a private event space that you can enjoy with dozens of guests, Watervue Grille is an excellent spot in Tampa to hit up for fresh Florida seafood. 

Watervue Grille of course serves exquisite seafood dishes as well as plenty of offerings for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Try out a range of menu items like French toast, chicken biscuits, blackened mahi mahi tacos, coconut black tiger shrimp, macadamia nut-crusted grouper, herb-marinated salmon, and so much more. For drinks, craft cocktails, seltzers, beers, and wines make for a fantastic meal garnish. 

“Watervue was lovely! We went here on a whim while on vacation before we went to the aquarium. Because it was a weekend, we were able to get street parking near by. The interior was very clean and bright, and the tables outside were just a few steps away from the water.” – Yelp Review

10. Cafe Dufrain

Enjoy a range of global flavors in the heart of Tampa 

📍 707 Harbour Post Dr | Downtown Tampa | cafedufrain.com

If dining on global cuisine on the water’s edge with your loved ones is your idea of an ideal evening out, then Cafe Dufrain is the spot for you. This humble, relaxed space offers warm ambiance and a smorgasbord of happy hour specialties, exactly what you want when spending a night out in town. 

As far as the menu at Cafe Dufrain is concerned, modern dishes with an international twist are their forte. The dinner menu is packed with an abundance of great flavors to try out, including options like buffalo gulf shrimp, house-made hummus, southwest salad, beef bolognese, grilled top sirloin, and plenty of drinks to wash it all down. 

“The portions are fairly large so it's nice to come with a group or other people and share some dishes. The service is great, speedy and prompt between sitting down and being able to put in our drink order.” – Yelp Review

11. Jackson's Bistro Bar & Sushi

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

Get a Jackson’s Bistro Bar & Sushi gift card

📍 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 from GiftYa with the link!

12. Columbia Cafe on the Tampa Riverwalk

Fresh steak and seafood in a great environment

📍 801 Water St Ste 1905 | Tampa | columbiarestaurant.com

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 we encourage you to check out all the other great restaurant gift cards available at GiftYa!

13. Anchor & Brine

An elegant waterfront oasis with a gorgeous terrace and seafood specialties

📍 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 out all the other GiftYa cards available right now!

14. Rocky Pointe Cafe

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

📍 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 be sure to check out all the other GiftYa cards available.

15. P.F. Chang’s

Asian fusion chain offering a variety of tasty dishes 

Buy a P.F. Chang’s gift card

📍 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 service was great, the staff was friendly and we immediately got seated. I had the wonton soup and it was so tasty. We also ordered the lava cake and it was cooked to perfection! I usually don't like eating at airport restaurants but PF Changs was definitely worth it. If you are traveling through this airport and get a craving for Asian food, I highly recommend PF Changs!” – Yelp Review

Buy a gift card for PF Chang’s with the link!

16. American Social

Eat good food, drink great drinks, and make hospitable conversation 

📍 601 S Harbour Island Blvd | Downtown Tampa  | americansocialbar.com 

Even though dining in Florida comes with certain expectations like fresh seafood and other staple local cuisine including soul food, Cuban, Jamaican, and barbecue, you can always find establishments serving up classic American comfort foods anywhere you go. American Social in Tampa is a waterfront haven of contemporary American fare with a tasty twist, giving patrons a beautiful view of the Tampa skyline while they dine. 

If there is one thing to know about dining at American Social, it is that you won’t leave with an unsatisfied stomach or with a want for hospitality. From the food to the rich conversations, American Social ensures customers are content with all aspects of their restaurant experience. American Social hosts their iconic brunch every weekend and serves a twisted fusion of breakfast and lunch classics alongside tasty cocktails to keep the mood good. Share a premium side dish of buttermilk biscuits, try out protein-rich ahi tuna avocado toast, sip on a bubbly mimosa, and be merry!

“Brought my family from California to American Social and they loved it!!! We ordered so much food and it was my first time ordering dessert which was great. We got the red velvet cake (which was HUGE), donut holes and a scoop of salted caramel gelato. The environment and vibes were amazing as usual!” – Yelp Review

17. Ocean Prime

A fantastic destination to dine on prime seafood and steaks in Tampa

Buy an Ocean Prime gift card

📍 2205 N Westshore Blvd | Northwest Tampa | ocean-prime.com

Our last addition to this list is Ocean Prime, an upscale chain restaurant that enchants diners with an atmosphere of elegance and fine-dining. Though it is not technically on the water as some of our other restaurants are, Ocean Prime offers a tasteful view of a nearby lake that patrons can bask in as they try out spectacular seafood dishes. 

Ocean Prime serves a wide range of lunch, dinner, and dessert options that is sure to delight every person who comes through their doors. Try out a bold appetizer such as the white truffle caviar deviled eggs or prime steak tartare. For specialties, they have ahi tuna, sushi salad, sea scallops, and blackened salmon salad. Guests may also peruse a long wine list and plenty of delicious craft cocktails. 

Pick up an Ocean Prime gift card with the link!

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 best ones in the area!