Where To Dine Near Tampa International Airport
Tampa has grown to become quite a food-oriented city. Whether you just flew in and find yourself ravenous or simply want to explore what this side of town has to offer, we’ve got some great restaurants for you to check out near the Tampa International Airport. You’ll taste some of what Florida is known for as well as a few other gems that may just become your favorite hangouts!
Photo credit: Yelp
Ulele
1810 N Highland Ave, Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 999-4952
Ulele is a Rustic chic restaurant that has been popular due to its native Floridian flare. The restaurant offers barbacoa grilling, a kid-friendly atmosphere, and a lengthy selection of house-brewed beers. There’s a gorgeous dining room as well as an outdoor patio. It’s dog-friendly, and they’ll even offer pup ice cream.
Photo credit: Yelp
Bazille
2223 N Westshore Blvd, Tampa, FL 33607
(813) 356-7916
Bazille has a convenient location inside Nordstrom’s department store at International Plaza. The food is exceptional whether you’re in the mood for a burger or some portabella mushroom ravioli. The chef creates a number of specialty dishes based on the season. While there is interior seating, the place to sit is on the covered balcony that overlooks the shopping center. There’s always a crowd for happy hour, so it’s best to make reservations.
Photo credit: Yelp
Cooper’s Hawk
4110 W Boy Scout Blvd, Tampa, FL 33607
(813) 873-9463
Cooper’s Hawk is a winery and restaurant concept that originated in Chicago. You’ll find a tasting room when you first walk in, allowing you to taste some of their seasonal wines by the glass or as a flight. If you’re looking for something of substance, grab a table at the bar or in the dining room. You’ll enjoy creative entrees that include gnocchi, crabcakes, steak, and much more.
Photo credit: Yelp
Donatello
232 N Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33609
(813) 875-6660
Donatello is a mainstay on the Tampa food scene. When you’re craving old-school Italian food, there’s no place better. You’ll find all of the classics on the menu along with a few creative spins. The interior is dimly lit and romantic with stucco arches. Tuxedo-clad waiters will take good care of you, including helping you to explore the expansive wine menu. Live music takes place every night, too, ensuring that this becomes the ultimate date venue.
Photo credit: Yelp
Whiskey Cake Tampa
2223 N Westshore Blvd, Tampa, FL 33607
(813) 535-9955
Whiskey Cake is a growing chain that has delicious, New American fare. Located at the International Plaza, it has an artsy vibe throughout the interior. The bar opens up to the outside, allowing you to do some people-watching. Sandwiches, soups, and a variety of mesquite wood options are available, such as ribeyes, salmon, and more. The real gem is the dessert, which is their famous whiskey cake. There’s also a brunch menu featured over the weekend.
Photo credit: Yelp
Ocean Prime
2205 N Westshore Blvd, Tampa, FL 33607
(813) 490-5288
Ocean Prime is an upscale restaurant where you can find exquisite steak and seafood. The moment you enter, you’ll be greeted by sophisticated décor. It’s the ultimate date-night location, and the covered patio looks out over the water. The menu is diverse with sushi, oysters on ice, and more to start. From there, you can have your pick of countless seafood and steak options. You’ll always find the perfect wine or cocktail to pair with your meal, too.
Photo credit: Yelp
Miller’s Ale House
3860 W Columbus Dr, Tampa, FL 33607
(813) 330-2175
Miller’s Ale House is a Florida-based chain of sports bars. You’ll always find a sports game on the many TVs around the bar and throughout the dining room. The family-friendly environment gets busy on game days as well as during happy hour. You may want to try their Zingers, also known as boneless buffalo wings. And with plenty of beer on tap, you’ll stay hydrated. If you get bored with sitting at the table, there are pool tables that you can take advantage of as well.
Photo credit: Yelp
1823 Kitchen and Bar
3000 Bayport Dr, Tampa, FL 33607
(813) 874-1234
1823 Kitchen and Bar is nestled inside the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay. You don’t have to stay there to take advantage of the amazing food. You’ll find American fare with a twist along with a hip lounge area where plenty of cocktails are served. Large display windows also provide a grand view. Enjoy everything from small plates to chef’s specialties. They open early for breakfast and stay open late, ensuring you’ve got a place to eat at any time.
For more recommendations on where to eat and drink around Tampa, check out our city page.
Featured Blog Posts
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.
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.