25 Best Date Night Restaurants in Tampa Bay
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Finding the perfect spot for date night can be a struggle, but don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! Whether you’re looking for a romantic waterfront dinner, a cozy hidden gem, or a trendy spot with amazing cocktails, Tampa Bay has plenty of incredible restaurants to set the mood. In this guide, I’m sharing the best date night restaurants in Tampa Bay, so you can impress your date and enjoy an unforgettable night out!
Best Date Night Restaurants in Tampa
1. Bern’s Steak House
For a truly unforgettable date night, Bern’s Steak House is a Tampa classic! Known for their dry-aged beef, they age their steaks on-site for five weeks, making every bite melt in your mouth.
Plus, their wine list is insane—over 6,800 labels to choose from! After your meal, don’t miss their legendary dessert room, where you can indulge in over 50 sweet treats. The atmosphere is cozy and romantic, and the service is top-notch, making this an absolute must for a special night out.
Just be sure to book WAY in advance—this place fills up fast!
2. Meat Market
If you’re looking for a modern, trendy spot with top-tier steaks, Meat Market is the place to be. Located in Hyde Park, this restaurant blends sleek design with a glamorous vibe. The steaks are the star here, including specialty cuts like Japanese Wagyu and a mouthwatering Tomahawk steak for two.
Seafood lovers will also be in heaven with fresh fish and shellfish options. Pair it all with a craft cocktail or browse their impressive wine list for the perfect drink. It’s the ultimate spot for a date night that’s all about flavor and style!
3. Ponte
For a chic and upscale date night, visit Ponte Modern American. It’s one of the best restaurants in Midtown Tampa!! This stylish spot is known for its expertly crafted American cuisine, made with locally sourced ingredients. The ambiance is sleek and modern, with a well-stocked bar and inviting outdoor seating.
Even if you’ve never been an escargot person, their version—topped with a flaky puff pastry—might just change your mind. And don’t even think about skipping the mushroom soup; it’s legendary. When it comes to entrees, you can’t go wrong with one of their prime steaks or fresh seafood dishes. It’s the kind of place that makes any date night feel extra special!
4. Gin Joint
Gin Joint is the definition of intimate, with a sultry vibe that sets the mood for the perfect date night. And with a name like Gin Joint, you know the drinks are going to be top-tier—and trust me, they deliver.
But let’s talk about the food. The octopus? Absolute perfection, sous-vide until it’s melt-in-your-mouth tender. And the steak? Cooked to perfection with incredible flavor. Plus, the live music in the evenings takes the ambiance to the next level. If you’re looking for a cozy, classy, and unforgettable date night restaurant in Tampa, this is it!
5. Noble Rice
Noble Rice is a must for sushi lovers, serving up top-quality seafood flown in from Japan every week. It’s a little pricier than your average sushi spot, but the freshness and flavor make it so worth it.
Their toro tartare is next-level, and if you’ve never had milk bread before, prepare for a life-changing moment. Oh, and don’t skip the tempura poke roll—it comes with its own shoyu sauce, and the white shoyu? Absolute perfection. Plus, their Japanese whiskey and sake selection will have you feeling like you’ve been transported straight to Tokyo.
6. Predalina
Predalina is the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve been whisked away to the Mediterranean, and trust me, the food is just as dreamy as the ambiance. Start with the crudité & pita (an absolute must), then dive into the blue crab chitarra—it’s that good. And for dessert? Baklava is the move.
Between the elegant vibes and the seriously delicious seafood, this spot is perfect for a romantic night out!
7. Timpano
One of the best restaurants in Hyde Park, Timpano is an Italian chophouse that does classic Italian dishes so well—think handmade pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and live music on the weekends.
The bar is buzzing and fun, but if you’re here for date night, the cozy dining area sets the perfect mood. Their espresso martinis are strong in the best way, and if you don’t get the parm-to-table bucatini al pesto (made tableside in a parmesan wheel), you’re doing it wrong.
8. Oggi Italian
Oggi Italian on Davis Island is all about fresh, high-quality ingredients and authentic flavors. Their Caprese salad with sweety drop peppers is a must, but the real standout? The butternut squash ravioli—it’s next-level delicious.
Every entree comes with a house salad, baguette, and espresso, giving you the full Italian dining experience. They even offer gluten-free pasta and zoodles, so everyone can enjoy.
9. Charley’s Steak House
A Tampa institution since 1947, Charley’s Steak House knows a thing or two about serving up the perfect steak. They bring the cuts to your table, explaining each one so you can pick your perfect match (love that touch).
The whole roasted cauliflower is a surprisingly incredible side, but the real showstopper is the butter cake. Hands down the best dessert in Tampa Bay, and I don’t say that lightly!
10. Oystercatchers
If you love seafood, Oystercatchers is the spot. Sitting right on the water, this place serves up fresh oysters, seafood classics, and killer views. Their tuna steak is perfectly seasoned, the shrimp cocktail is plump and refreshing. Whether you’re catching the sunset on the patio or just indulging in some top-tier seafood, this place knows how to make any night feel special.
It’s one of the best waterfront restaurants in Tampa!
11. Union
Union is one of Tampa’s hottest restaurants, and I totally get why—trendy vibes, next-level cocktails, and a menu that hits every time. The milk bread is insanely good, the Brussels sprouts are an Asian-inspired masterpiece, the crispy tuna roll is fresh, and the Korean BBQ bowl is the perfect mix of warm salmon, cool noodles, and tangy pickled veggies.
Pair all of that with a biscotti espresso martini, and you’re set for the night!
12. Olivia
Olivia is all about modern Italian flavors done right. The mini rigatoni and grape bruschetta are a dream combo. They also have amazing wood-fired pizzas! The ambiance is stylish and elegant, making it perfect for a date night. Plus, the open kitchen lets you watch the magic happen while you sip on a glass of wine.
They also opened up a location in St. Pete, too!
13. Ocean Prime
Ocean Prime brings the fancy with its high-end steaks, seafood, and handcrafted cocktails. The service is top-notch, the dishes are beautifully plated, and the atmosphere is sleek yet inviting. If you’re planning a special night out, this is a solid choice for an unforgettable meal.
Whatever you do, starting with the Sonoma goat cheese ravioli and finishing with the ten-layer carrot cake is an absolute must!
14. Rocca
For one of the best Italian restaurants in Tampa, Rocca is where it’s at. Their tableside mozzarella is a must-try (but you def need a crew to help eat it)! The beet salad and carne crudo took me out of my comfort zone in the best way, and the tagliolini al ragu and spaghetti al limone are both phenomenal.
Even when I was stuffed, I had to make room for the basil custard, and I’m so glad I did! So deliciously unique!
15. Eddie V’s
Eddie V’s brings the luxury to seafood and steak, making it a go-to for an upscale night out. Their seafood is flown in from all over, their USDA prime steaks are cooked to perfection, and the whole experience feels effortlessly elegant. The live jazz in the V Lounge adds to the vibe, and with a wine list that’s seriously stacked, this is the kind of place where you just sit back, sip, and soak in the good life!
Best Date Night Restaurants in St. Pete and Gulfport
16. Parkshore Grill
Parkshore Grill consistently ranks among the best downtown St. Pete restaurants! It’s perfectly placed along Beach Drive, making it great for a special occasion, date night, or birthday celebration. The patio is the place to be on a perfect Florida day.
Their menu is packed with fresh, flavorful dishes, but “The Parkshore” surf ‘n’ turf is a total standout. That filet is so tender and the lobster is melt-in-your-mouth good. And the lemon caper butter sauce is the perfect topper.
They’re also incredibly accommodating—if you’re splitting a meal, they plate it separately, so no awkward half-and-half situations. It’s little things like that that make this place an absolute favorite.
17. Il Ritorno
Il Ritorno is all about modern Italian flavors in an intimate setting. The charred octopus is tender, the Brussels sprouts are crispy and tossed in a pancetta vinaigrette that takes them over the top, and their homemade pasta is unreal.
Whether you go for the simple perfection of Cacio e Pepe or the rich, savory Orecchiette with braised lamb ragu, every bite is a winner. If you’re craving elevated Italian in St. Pete, this is it.
18. Allelo
Allelo is a whole experience, not just a meal. The warm, intimate atmosphere makes it an easy pick for date night, but honestly, it’s great for any night you want something special.
Every dish is plated beautifully, and no matter what you order, you know it’s going to be thoughtfully crafted. We loved the duroc pork chop, cacio e pepe (extra truffle, please!), and oysters! And the drinks are so unique, it’s hard to stop at just one.
19. Juno & The Peacock
Juno & The Peacock is such a date night win. It’s the sister restaurant to Allelo, so the vibes are immaculate—coastal, chic, and totally fitting for St. Pete. The outdoor patio is adorable, and it’s impossible to walk past without taking a pic. It’s just that cute.
Now, onto the real reason for going—the food. After a few visits, the go-to date night order is locked in. Wagyu beef carpaccio paired with Monica’s cornbread (because it’s simply a must) and the California crunch salad for balance. The Dean & Peeler ribeye is perfect for sharing, cooked to perfection every time. Every seafood dish tried so far has also been incredible, making it easy to switch things up without disappointment.
For drinks, their espresso martini is one of the best in Tampa Bay, and that’s not a statement made lightly! Dessert isn’t optional when the key lime tart is on the menu. It’s a fun twist on the Florida classic and the perfect sweet ending to an already perfect night.
20. In Between Days
In Between Days isn’t your typical date night spot, and that’s exactly what makes it so special. This Tokyo-style listening bar in downtown St. Pete is all about the vibes—curated vinyl records, high-end sound systems, and an intimate atmosphere that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled into a hidden gem.
The minimalist aesthetic and dim lighting create the perfect setting for a low-key but unforgettable night. It’s a place to slow down, sip on a sake cocktail, and actually listen—to the music, to each other, to the moment. The menu is small and seasonal, but every dish bursts with bold Asian flavors. And if the ube piña colada is available, it’s non-negotiable.
21. Pia’s in Gulfport
Pia’s feels like stepping into a little slice of Italy right in the heart of Gulfport! Cozy, rustic, and effortlessly romantic, it’s the kind of place that makes you want to linger a little longer over a bottle of wine. The handmade pasta is divine, and if you love grilled calamari, this is one of the only places around that does it right.
Everything about Pia’s is warm and welcoming, from the candlelit tables to the kindhearted service. Bonus points for making a day out of it—Gulfport itself is such a fun little day trip from Tampa!
Best Date Night Restaurants in Clearwater Beach and Dunedin
22. SHOR
SHOR American Seafood Grill is easily one of the best restaurants in Clearwater Beach. Tucked inside the Hyatt, this place serves up some seriously good seafood with a front-row seat to the sunset. It’s upscale without being stuffy, making it perfect for a relaxed but elevated date night.
Their fried calamari is top-tier—crispy, tender, and full of flavor. The blackened redfish and bolognese both hit the mark, and their cocktails? Next level. And if you’re into espresso martinis, they have a few different variations that make for the perfect dessert.
23. HEW Parlor and Chop House
HEW Parlor & Chophouse in Dunedin is all about old-school steakhouse charm with a modern twist. It’s the kind of place where the steaks are perfectly cooked, the seafood is always fresh, and the service makes you feel like a VIP.
The Wagyu beef roll and fried green tomato “Cuban” are both must-orders to start. From there, you can’t go wrong with the filet or the scallops—both are melt-in-your-mouth perfection. And don’t even get me started on the Brussels sprouts and mushrooms on the side.
The bar is sleek, the wine list is impressive, and the whole place just has this effortlessly classy yet inviting feel. Whether it’s an anniversary, a special celebration, or just a night out with someone you love, HEW is a solid pick for a romantic evening.
24. Bon Appetit
Bon Appétit Restaurant in Dunedin is perfect for a romantic night out. The outdoor seating along the dock, lit by blue lights at sunset, sets the mood!
The seafood here is top-notch—the chilled Ahi tuna melts in your mouth, and the French onion soup is a must-try. The three-course specials, including seafood, steak, and chicken, are great deals and always delicious. Don’t miss the Watermelon East Side cocktail, or the martinis—they’ve got an amazing selection!
25. The Restorative
The Restorative is one of those hidden gems that’s well worth seeking out, even if it’s tucked away in a strip mall. Don’t let the unassuming location fool you—this Dunedin restaurant is all about fresh ingredients and bold, creative flavors. Every dish feels like a work of art, and it’s clear the chefs put a lot of passion into their cooking.
From the homemade naan bread to the beef tartare (when it’s on the menu), everything here is a flavor explosion. Even if you don’t see the tartare during your visit, don’t worry—there’s always something new and exciting to try.
It’s a cozy spot, so I definitely recommend making a reservation in advance!
Which date night restaurant in Tampa Bay are you enjoying first?
Whether you’re in the mood for a cozy dinner by the water or something a little more adventurous, these are some of the best date night restaurants in Tampa Bay! I hope you find the perfect spot to enjoy some good food, great drinks, and even better company! Let me know which one you’re excited to try!
Before you go, be sure to follow me on Insta @guidedbydestiny and check out some of my other Florida blog posts:
Best restaurants on Anna Maria Island
Fun things to do in Indian Rocks Beach
