A Taste of Luxury: Exploring the Best Restaurants and Bars in Tampa

Tampa, Florida, is a large coastal community on Florida’s west coast, bordered by Tampa Bay and the Gulf Coast. The city is renowned for its beaches, luxury homes, attractions, and sports teams. Locals can enjoy sites like The Florida Aquarium, the Tampa Zoo, or the Raymond James Stadium to watch the Buccaneers.

Tampa is known for its vibrant culture, picturesque beaches, and vibrant nightlife. Unsurprisingly, the city is home to some of the best luxury restaurants and bars in the state. Visitors and locals can indulge in delectable cuisine and unique cocktails that showcase the flavors of Tampa. Whether you’re seeking a romantic date spot or want to enjoy a cooking-free evening, Tampa’s luxury restaurants and bars offer an unparalleled experience prepared to impress. Here are some of the best restaurants and bars in Tampa.

Malio’s Prime Steakhouse was established in 1969 by the owner, Malio. It is located in the iconic Rivergate Tower, known as the tallest limestone building and for its cylindrical design. The tower features nearly 2,000 windows and 13 feet from one floor to the next representing the Fibonacci mathematical series. The steakhouse has served the community for more than 35 years and strives to provide an exceptional space to dine and socialize. The restaurant is known for its traditional atmosphere and superior service. The steakhouse primarily serves USDA Prime Beef and fresh-caught seafood. Guests can also try one of the 200 wines while enjoying the water views. Dinners also come to the restaurant to view the incredible artwork by University of Tampa professor Joe Testa-Secca.

EDGE Rooftop Cocktail Lounge is a fantastic bar making waves in Tampa’s luxury dining scene. Located on the rooftop of The Epicurean Autograph Collection Hotel, the lounge offers stunning views of the city skyline and Tampa Bay. The atmosphere is sophisticated and elegant, with plush seating and warm lighting that create a cozy yet upscale ambiance. As for the drinks, EDGE’s mixologists are experts in their craft, creating inventive cocktails that use fresh, local ingredients and innovative flavor pairings. Popular cocktail flavors include peaches and berries, dutch mule, and aged Corazon. Dinners can also enjoy small plates with drink pairings, like a fresh cheese charcuterie board, cheeseburger bites, shrimp lettuce wraps, and three-tier chocolate cake.

Mise en place is a French phrase referring to the practice of preparing and organizing all the necessary ingredients and tools before cooking or mixing drinks. At Mise en Place, the concept is taken to the next level. Every detail is meticulously executed to create a seamless and unforgettable dining experience. The restaurant also hosts special events like tasting dinners and wine shows. Signature entrees that locals love include spatchcock grilled chicken with a zaatar spice rub topped with a scallion vinaigrette, American red snapper with a chorizo spice crust and street corn, and molasses pecan-crusted rack of lamb with cayenne buttermilk onion rings and trumpet mushrooms.

Ciro’s is a luxury bar focused on serving elevated drinks in a bar and lounge atmosphere for individuals over 21 years of age. The bar was inspired by Old Hollywood and European bartenders with experience in the Soho and Greenwich Village districts of New York. The classic space is in the historic Bayshore Royal Building, adding to its old-world charm. The bar creates delicious drinks with traditional and historic mixology techniques. The bar also has a backroom for private events. Signature drinks include the Penicillin with honey ginger, lemon, egg white, and Laphroaig spray, the Old Cuban with angostura bitters and champagne, and Little Foot with Diplomatico Reserva, spiced syrup, and bitters.

Bern’s Steak House is one of the most famous luxury restaurants in Tampa. Since its opening in 1956, it has been a premier destination in the city for international travelers. The restaurant features an incredible wine collection with thousands of labels and is known for its delicious dry-aged steaks. Bern’s stands out for its unique, old-world decor, with multiple dining rooms and a world-famous dessert room to complete your dining experience.

CW’s Gin Joint is another popular luxury bar offering an entirely different experience than modern destinations. This speakeasy-style bar has an intimate, cozy atmosphere, dim lighting, and vintage decor. Guests can enjoy classic and signature cocktails, including the infamous old-fashioned with in-house barrel-aged syrup and Michter’s rye. The bartenders are highly-trained and passionate about their craft, making CW’s Gin Joint the perfect spot to try new drinks and find a new favorite.

Looking for a dining spot that pairs high-quality Italian fare with a luxurious atmosphere? Timpano Hyde Park should be at the top of your list. This Tampa restaurant offers an extensive menu of pasta dishes, fresh seafood, and wood-fired pizzas that surpasses your expectations. The interiors of Timpano are rustic and elegant, featuring an open-concept kitchen, an impressive wine cellar, and multiple dining areas, including a charming outdoor patio. From the impeccable service to the expertly prepared cuisine, Timpano Hyde Park is a community staple. Fresh pasta dishes include a bucatini al pesto, rigatoni with charred tomatoes and Calabrian chilies, and gnudi with ricotta, spinach, sage, and brown butter.

If you are curious about experiencing the luxury lifestyle in Tampa beyond dining and bar-hopping, it’s worth speaking to a local real estate agent. They can show you some of the city’s most exclusive properties and top-rated neighborhoods and provide detailed information on the best clubs, attractions, and restaurants. Whether you’re looking for waterfront views, vibrant nightlife, or a peaceful retreat, Tampa has it all. Get in touch with a real estate agent today and start living like a true local.

Lori Rivero is a Tampa real estate agent focused on custom client services to help buyers and sellers achieve their goals. You can make Tampa your home and learn about the best sites in the city with Lori as your real estate guide, offering invaluable insights into the vibrant Tampa, FL real estate market.