Treat Your Partner to a Romantic Night Out at One of These 9 Restaurants in Tampa

Whether you are just starting to date someone new or you have been going out with your partners for years, it’s always fun to get out of the house once in a while and enjoy a nice meal at a restaurant. Tampa boasts a wide selection of romantic restaurants that are perfect for enjoying a delicious meal with your beloved partner. From rustic cafes to upscale bars, there are plenty of options for you and your better half to try out. Check out our top 9 picks of the most romantic restaurants in Tampa now!

Does your partner love trying out new restaurants and bars? Then they’ll love GiftYa’s collection of virtual gift cards! GiftYa offers a wide selection of gift cards to the top restaurants and bars in Tampa. Within seconds, you can text your loved one a gift card for a restaurant they’ve always wanted to try. Or, if your partner is a creature of habit, you can send them a card to their favorite restaurant! If you want to add a special touch to the card, you can also add a custom message for them. It’s that simple.  

1. Ulele

Chic, modern restaurant that pays homage to Native American culture

1810 N Highland Ave | Tampa | ulele.com

Want to treat your partner to a delicious dinner with a view? Take them to Ulele! Inside the restaurant, you’ll be surrounded by stunning paintings and a gorgeous view of the water that will make you feel like you’ve been transported to a relaxing resort. 

Ulele, pronounced “you-lay-lee,” celebrates the local land and waters by sourcing many of its ingredients from Florida. All of the craft beers are even made on-site at the Ulele Spring Brewery. The restaurant also pays tribute to the Native Americans that inhabited the land, including princess Ulele, through its unique menu. The menu is comprised of unique foods with Native American and multicultural influences that are all prepared on a barbacoa grill. From start to finish, you are sure to have a great time here! 

“What a complete dining experience! Ulele gets our praise for tasty food, expert service, and outstanding location. The Gonzmarts have struck gold yet again. We eat here on a Wednesday evening for my partner's birthday. For that, we received a decadent, homemade box of chocolate truffles as a gift for celebrating at Ulele!” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Ulele. 

2. The Rusty Pelican

Seafood restaurant that offers a romantic waterfront dining experience

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

If you want to enjoy a great meal near the water, we recommend hitting up The Rusty Pelican. Voted Best Waterfront Dining by Tampa A-List in 2014, The Rusty Pelican will immediately transport you and your partner to a tropical paradise. The restaurant’s palm trees, market lights, ocean view, and a grand piano all come together to make it the perfect spot for a romantic date. 

Do you and your partner have varying tastes? The Rusty Pelican boasts an extensive menu that caters to a variety of different preferences. The dishes are a little pricey, but The Rusty Pelican offers a great Happy Hour menu Tuesday through Thursday evenings. Whether you stop by for a full dinner or just drinks, you are sure to have an enjoyable time with your partner here! 

“I would give 10 stars if I could! The food and service are outstanding along with the beautiful views of Tampa Bay! The property has recently had a fresh update where the ballrooms and dining rooms are bright and inviting.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for The Rusty Pelican.

3. Bern’s Steakhouse

Upscale steakhouse located in the SoHo neighborhood

Share a mouthwatering Baked Alaska with your partner. Image courtesy of Yelp.

1208 S Howard Ave | SoHo | bernssteakhouse.com

Located in the SoHo area, Bern’s Steakhouse offers a romantic, high-class experience for couples. Inside its elegant dining room, you will be treated to some of the finest steaks in Tampa. All of the prime steaks are cut to order while the vegetables are grown locally on the restaurant’s private farm.  The restaurant also boasts a massive wine collection and an internationally-renowned dessert room. So you can expect to be treated well here. 

Before you go, it’s important to note that the dress code for Bern’s Steakhouse is business casual to semi-formal. Many guests can actually be spotted in formal wear. So it you’re planning a special occasion, you’ll want to have Bern’s Steakhouse at the top of your list. 

“This restaurant is truly an experience from start to finish. You have to make a reservation about 3 months in advance, but it is worth the wait! Our waiter was phenomenal and gave great recommendations. The food from appetizers to dessert was some of the best food I've ever had in my life!” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Bern’s Steakhouse.

4. Ciro's Speakeasy and Supper Club

Prohibition-era themed speakeasy that will transport you back to the 1920’s

2109 Bayshore Blvd | SoHo | cirostampa.com

Want to try something exciting and different? Travel back to the Prohibition-era with your loved one at Ciro’s Speakeasy and Supper Club! Like all speakeasies back in the day, Ciro’s requires a special password to enter. In order to receive the password, you need to call the restaurant ahead of time. 

The bar’s main attraction is its extensive drink menu. From alluring elixirs to classic wines, Ciro’s has something for everyone. Savory plates like the Beef Tartare and Chicken and Waffles are also available to accompany your drinks. If you have enough room for dessert at the end, we recommend splitting the Raspberry Brulee. Yum!

“Such a fun and exciting experience! A hidden gem in the south Tampa area. We loved our handful of cocktails, oysters, duck fries, and cookies! I absolutely can not wait to come back!” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Ciro's Speakeasy and Supper Club.

5. Oystercatchers at the Grand Hyatt

Upscale restaurant that offers stunning views of the nearby bay

2900 Bayport Dr | Tampa | hyatt.com

Oystercatchers is another great spot for enjoying an intimate date with your partner. Located just minutes from the beach, this waterfront restaurant is perfect for your next romantic night out. Want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city? The restaurant’s secluded location is also great for couples looking for a little privacy. 

On the menu, you’ll find fresh seafood dishes such as the Pecan Wood Grilled Swordfish and Whole Maine Lobster. A Raw Bar featuring oysters, tuna poke, shrimp, and seafood towers is also available and perfect for sharing with your better half. Craving a refreshing cocktail? Oystercatchers has an extensive drink menu filled with cocktails, beer, and wine. 

“Beautiful restaurant with a nice water backdrop. I got baked and my husband got raw oysters as starters, both very good. For mains hubby got lobster Mac and cheese that he couldn't stop raving about!” - Yelp Review

6. Columbia Restaurant

Florida’s oldest and largest Spanish restaurant

2117 E 7th Ave | Ybor City | columbiarestaurant.com

Craving some savory and authentic Spanish cuisine? Reserve a table at Columbia Restaurant! What started as a small corner cafe quickly turned into one of the biggest Spanish restaurants in Tampa. Inside, you’ll find gorgeous artwork and old photos detailing the restaurant’s meteoric rise. You may even forget that you’re in Tampa! 

On the menu, you’ll find delicious meals like the Palomilla and Roast Pork. Tapas such as the Champinones Rellenos and Empanadas de Picadillo are also great for sharing with your partner. And, of course, don’t forget to order a cocktail or family wine to go along with your meal! You’ll be surprised at how fast time goes by in this lively and vibrant restaurant. 

“A must visit in Tampa! We learned that Columbia is the largest Spanish restaurant in the US and the oldest restaurant in Florida. The place is massive - there are so many rooms and each of them has their own unique charm.” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Columbia Restaurant. 

7. Ocean Prime

Award-winning restaurant located inside the International Plaza shopping center

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

Ocean Prime is a popular chain restaurant with locations all around the country. While chains don’t always have the best reputation, Ocean Prime consistently provides top-tier service and delicious food at every location. The Tampa branch is no exception. This waterfront restaurant was voted “Best Piano Bar” and “Outdoor Scene” by Tampa Bay Metro and one of the “Best Seafood Restaurants in the Bay Area’ by Creative Loafing. 

Due to its location near Raymond James Stadium and George Steinbrenner Field, Ocean Prime is a popular destination for dining before or after sporting events. But if you’re hoping to avoid large crowds and a long wait, it’s best to reserve a table when there aren’t any games. That said, you’ll find an impressive seafood and steak menu as well as a great selection of cocktails to go alongside your meal. Enjoy!

“We chose this place to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary & we couldn't have been happier! As soon as we walked in & gave our reservation name, we were handed two chilled glasses of champagne! How nice!” - Yelp Review

Purchase a GiftYa card for Ocean Prime. 

8. Steelbach

Popular chophouse specializing in Southern cuisine

1910 N Ola Ave | Tampa | steelbach.com

Southern-inspired cuisine and fresh seafood await you and your partner at Steelbach. This charming restaurant will make you feel right at home with rustic touches and friendly service staff. 

One of its main draws is its beef, which is aged for 4-7 weeks before being trimmed, cut to order, and cooked over a 1000 degree Florida oak-fired grill. If steak isn’t your thing, you still have plenty of options to choose from. Along with its extensive brunch, lunch, and dinner menus, Steelbach also has a full drink menu filled with cocktails, whiskey, beer, and wine. Want some dessert? Split some Oreo Cheesecake or Lime Pie before calling it a night!

“The outside seating area, as well as the inside, is absolutely beautiful! You're actually able to see the kitchen when seated inside which I thought was pretty cool. The staff and everyone we interacted with including our waiter were all very pleasant and gave us suggestions and explained items on the menu.” - Yelp Review

9. Meat Market

Upscale steakhouse located in Hyde Park

1606 W Snow Ave | Hyde Park | meatmarket.net

Last, but certainly not least, on the list is the Meat Market. If you love steaks, you need to add Meat Market to your restaurant bucket list. This modern steakhouse is a meat lover’s paradise. Zagat even named it one of the 14 Hottest Steakhouses in South Florida. 

From the BBQ Meatloaf Burger to the Wagyu Filet Mignon, Meat Market’s famous plates are sure to delight and satisfy you. Feeling a little thirsty? Meat Market offers tons of creative cocktails like the Fig Old Fashioned and Tangerine Dream. 

“If I could give them 6 stars I would. We had already sat outside at a previous visit and they were so professional and helpful to try and get us inside the bar area so we could experience inside. Such a well trained, professional staff.” - Yelp Review

Tampa is one of the most exciting cities in the country. Whenever you want to treat your partner to a romantic night out, you can easily find a fun, top-rated restaurant that they will love. What restaurant do you want to visit next? Let us know!