7 Restaurants Worth the Splurge in Tampa, FL
When we are craving a fantastic meal that is sure to make a dent in the budget, we want to go somewhere that will be worth every penny. The spectacular views that many Tampa restaurants offer can make even the most budget-friendly dinner feel fancy, but this southern Florida city has no shortage of gorgeous high-end restaurants that are totally worth the splurge. When we are searching for a restaurant that checks all of the boxes, we make a reservation at one of these Tampa restaurants that are in fact worth the splurge.
Bern’s Steak House
1208 S Howard Ave, Tampa, FL 33606
(813) 251-2421
With multiple dining rooms and a stunning dessert room featuring intimate nooks fashioned to feel like wine barrels, Bern’s offers an extravagant night out. You can expect beautiful artwork, white tablecloths and the first-class service this steak house is known for. Be sure to dress to the nines since non-dress code apparel will land your party in the lounge for your meal. The towering Plateaux de Fruits de Mer provides the perfect beginning to a meal here with several levels of fresh and spectacular seafood like smoked prawns and King Crab. Indulging in the Caviar Tasting is an excellent precursor to a Dry-Aged Delmonico Steak at Bern’s, but no dining experience is complete without an order of flaming table-side Bananas Foster, a classic steakhouse dessert.
Oak and Ola
1910 N Ola Ave, Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 773-1901
The European influence at Oak and Ola is strong in this beautiful spot’s menu as well as its spare but elegant interior. With marble-topped bistro-style seating combined with a lucky few tables that offer velvet couches alongside tables, Oak and Ola is a less formal splurge spot that we love. Amazing dinner choices like Wild Boar Bolognese, Scottish Salmon and Steak au Poivre on the menu showcase Oak and Ola’s commitment to offering tastes from across Europe. Once you’re through with your entrees, the extensive after-dinner menu is always worth remembering. We love to pair an excellent 20-year port with a sweet splurge like the French Chocolate Hazelnut Torte or the English Toffee Cake to top off a memorable meal.
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
4322 Boy Scout Blvd, Tampa, FL 33607
(813) 874-9463
This well-known steakhouse will indulge both your tastebuds and your wallet, but it will be totally worth it. From the first-class service to the tiniest details, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar promises a top-notch experience every time we visit. We love to begin with Beef Carpaccio or a platter of hand-harvested Chappell Creek Oysters before our main steak meal. Some of the best steaks in Tampa are Fleming’s Prime Tomahawk and their Prime New York Strip. Top them off with fresh Diablo Shrimp or Seared Scallops to create the perfect splurge meal.
Ocean Prime
2205 N Westshore Blvd, Tampa, FL 33607
(813) 490-5288
The only drawback to dining in one of Ocean Prime’s four private dining rooms is you won’t have a waterfront terrace view. But splurging at Ocean Prime’s Tampa location is always an event to remember, especially when your meal starts with the spectacular Smoking Seafood Tower and ends with a classic Espresso Martini and a slice of 10-layer Carrot Cake. In between, be sure to nosh on favorites like local Florida Grouper, Lobster Linguine or a selection of sushi that includes tempura Prime Rolls to fully enjoy Ocean Prime’s attention to detail in both food and ambiance.
On Swann
1501 W Swann Ave, Tampa, FL 33606
(813) 251-0110
The industrial chic design of On Swann only hints at the quality of food and service here, but this spot’s informality, in comparison to other restaurants on our list, might surprise you. But On Swann does everything right. The seasonal menu includes instant favorites like the oversized The Farm share boards, perfect for sampling local meats, cheeses, pate and foie gras along with an expertly crafted cocktail. Mains like blackened Ribeye and Herb Roasted Shrimp, swimming in squid ink pasta, are sure to complete the memorable meal.
Steelbach at Armature Works
1910 N Ola Ave, Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 693-5478
We love to visit Steelbach for a treat at dinnertime but also for their deliciously refined brunch offerings, too. The grass-fed beef here is the star, and Steelbach grills it to perfection over open flames flavored with mesquite and oak wood. We don’t mind racking up a larger bill when we come here because the Baseball Sirloin and Tomahawk Steelbach beef are worth every penny. But we also love the classic offerings here like Duck Breast, Black Grouper and Charred Broccoli coated in a rich smoked cheddar mornay sauce to round out a tasty meal.
The Black Pearl
315 Main St, Dunedin, FL 34698
(727) 734-3463
This cozy little restaurant tucked away in coastal Dunedin is the perfect place to go for an intimate formal dining experience. White tablecloths, attentive service and a candle-lit meal at The Black Pearl all set the stage for fantastic food that is well worth the price. Some of the best choices here are Lobster Risotto, Filet Mignon and Pork Belly. And for dessert, the house-made black licorice Black Pearl Ice Cream is not to be missed.
For more recommendations on where to eat and drink in the city, check out our Tampa page, here!
Featured Blog Posts
The 10 Best Clearwater, FL Restaurants
When we spend time in Clearwater, Florida, the water views and beach time there are always highlights. But picking out a fantastic restaurant is easy, too, because this gorgeous city on the waterfront has plenty of great spots for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Check out of list with some of the very best restaurants in Clearwater, Florida.
The Best Black Owned Restaurants in Tampa, FL
Black-owned restaurants in Tampa have somewhat of a cult following when it comes to regulars–the Sunday brunch crowd is well-versed in where to get the best shrimp and grits, red velvet waffles or perfect baked macaroni and cheese. Visit some of Tampa’s best black-owned restaurants for a taste experience you won’t soon forget.
Can’t Miss Wine Bars in Tampa, FL
Enjoying a glass of wine with friends is our guilty pleasure, and when we are craving a night out in Tampa we love to find a relaxing wine bar. Check out this article with some of our favorite spots that offer wine tastings, flights and even some delicious snacks to round out an already fantastic outing.
9 Healthy (But Delicious!) Restaurants in Tampa
Eating healthy isn’t always about salads and vegetables. Tampa has become quite the foodie scene, and healthy restaurants are filled with flavor and finesse. We’ve found some exciting options regardless of whether you want low-calorie entrees, vegan and vegetarian dishes, or something else with a healthy spin. Check out this article with some of our favorite spots to grab a healthy and delicious meal in Tampa.