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Looking for the perfect Tampa date night restaurant? I’ve got you covered! Since moving here in 2017, I’ve explored so many amazing spots, and I’m always keeping up with the latest openings. Whether you’re a Tampa local looking for new date night ideas or visiting for a romantic getaway, these Tampa date night restaurants will make your night extra special!
Tampa Date Night Restaurants
1. Bern’s Steak House
Bern’s is a Tampa icon and the definition of a classic date night restaurant in Tampa. Known for their incredible dry-aged steaks, they age them in-house for five weeks, creating melt-in-your-mouth perfection. But it’s not just about the steak—Bern’s also boasts one of the largest private wine collections in the world with over 6,800 labels.
And then there’s the legendary Harry Waugh Dessert Room, where you can cozy up in a private booth and indulge in one of 50+ decadent desserts. Get the Bern’s Cappuccino—it’s a must!
From the moment you walk in, the service, ambiance, and attention to detail make this an unforgettable experience. Reservations book months in advance, so plan ahead!
2. Meat Market
If you’re looking for a trendy steakhouse with a lively vibe, Meat Market in Hyde Park is the move. This spot brings the heat with prime cuts, creative sides, and killer cocktails.
Their menu is stacked with high-end steaks like Japanese Wagyu and fresh seafood. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, go for the Tomahawk steak for two—it’s a showstopper. The stylish setting and buzzy energy make it perfect for a Tampa date night restaurant that feels a little glamorous.
3. Ponte
One of the top restaurants in Midtown and a go-to for special occasions, Ponte Modern American delivers elevated American cuisine with locally sourced ingredients. Even if you’ve never been into escargot, their version might just change your mind. The mushroom soup and calamari? Absolutely iconic.
The apps are tempting enough to fill up on, but trust me—you’ll want to save room. Their prime and aged steaks are cooked to perfection, making this Tampa date night restaurant a must!
4. Gin Joint
If you’re in the mood for a moody, intimate setting, Gin Joint is it. The dim lighting and sultry vibe make it perfect for a cozy date night. With a name like Gin Joint, cocktail expectations are high, but they deliver every time.
The food is just as impressive. The octopus is next-level—sous-vide to perfection until it’s melt-in-your-mouth tender. The steak is packed with flavor. And if you love live music, they often have performances in the evening, adding to the already killer ambiance.
5. Noble Rice
For a more elevated sushi experience, Noble Rice is worth every penny. Their contemporary Japanese menu features fresh, high-quality seafood flown in from Japan every week. The menu changes often, but if you get a chance to try their milk bread or tempura poke roll, don’t hesitate!
The bar is just as impressive, with a strong selection of Japanese whiskey and sake that pairs perfectly with their dishes. While the price tag is higher than your average sushi spot, the quality is unmatched! They fly in their catch from Japan weekly!
6. Predalina
One of the most stunning date night restaurants in Tampa, Predalina is a seafood-driven Mediterranean spot that feels straight out of a dream. Starting with the crudité & pita is a must—it’s the perfect way to kick off your meal.
When it comes to entrees, the blue crab chitarra is beyond words, and ending with baklava is the only right move. The atmosphere is magical, making it an unforgettable Tampa date night restaurant you’ll want to visit again and again.
7. Timpano
Nestled in Hyde Park, Timpano serves up handmade pasta and juicy steaks in a setting that feels both lively and intimate. The bar area is buzzing, but step into the dining room, and the cozy ambiance sets the stage for a perfect Tampa date night restaurant.
Start with an espresso martini—non-negotiable. And for dinner? The parm-to-table experience is a must. Bucatini al pesto, prepared tableside in a wheel of parmesan, and meant for two? Say no more.
8. Oggi Italian
A Davis Islands favorite, Oggi Italian takes pride in serving authentic, top-quality Italian fare. The Caprese salad with sweety drop peppers is a fresh and flavorful way to start your meal, and the butternut squash ravioli is perfection. Every dish is made with care, using only the freshest ingredients!
This spot is a hidden gem, and such a great charming and romantic choice for a date night!
9. Charley’s Steak House
Charley’s Steak House has been serving up incredible steaks for over 70 years. It’s my go-to for anniversaries with Remi, and for good reason.
They take their steaks seriously, offering only the finest cuts and presenting them tableside while explaining the different flavor profiles. It’s an experience in itself! And while the menu has plenty of tempting starters, do yourself a favor and save room for their whole roasted head of cauliflower—it’s a game-changer.
But the real showstopper? The butter cake. It’s one of my all-time favorite desserts in the entire Tampa Bay, and trust me, you don’t want to skip it.
10. Oystercatchers
If your date is a seafood lover, Oystercatchers is a guaranteed win. This waterfront restaurant is known for its fresh oysters and incredible seafood dishes, all served in a casual but sophisticated atmosphere.
The tuna steak is seasoned to perfection, and the shrimp cocktail is a must! For the best experience, go at sunset—the views make for an unforgettable date night in Tampa!
11. Union
If you’re looking for your new favorite Tampa restaurant, Union just might be it. With its trendy ambiance, innovative menu, and incredible cocktails, it’s easy to see why this spot has become a favorite—including mine!
The milk bread is next level—soft, indulgent, and perfectly balanced between sweet and salty. The crispy tuna roll highlights their use of fresh seafood, while the Korean BBQ bowl blew me away. The mix of warm salmon, cool noodles, and tangy pickled veggies was pure perfection.
End the night with a biscotti espresso martini—trust me, it’s the perfect nightcap.
12. Olivia
Olivia blends modern creativity with traditional Italian flavors, making it a go-to date night restaurant in Tampa. Named after the owner’s daughter, this spot is a true labor of love, serving handmade pasta, artisanal pizzas, and seasonal dishes crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
I absolutely loved their mini rigatoni and grape bruschetta—each bite is packed with bold, balanced flavors. Their wood-fired pizzas are also supposed to be delish!
13. Rocca
For one of the best Italian restaurants in Tampa, Rocca is a must. While their focus is handmade pasta, they’ve also earned a reputation for their tableside mozzarella presentation and an impressive wine selection.
As tempting as the tableside mozzarella is, just know the portion is huge—but if you’re cool with leftovers, go for it! I stepped outside of my comfort zone with the beet salad and carne crudo, and honestly? No regrets. When it came to the main course, the tagliolini al ragu was absolutely next level.
If you can, save room for dessert—the basil custard is a unique and unexpectedly perfect way to end the meal.
14. Sunda New Asian
Sunda New Asian brings together traditional and modern Asian flavors, creating a bold, innovative dining experience that’s nothing short of amazing.
Their menu is packed with fresh sushi, flavorful noodle dishes, and creative fusion plates, and honestly, everything I’ve tried has been ridiculously good. The atmosphere here is also a total vibe!
I don’t say this lightly, but Sunda might just be my favorite restaurant in Tampa. If you haven’t been yet, run—you’re going to love it!
Which of these Tampa date night restaurants are you checking out first?
Tampa has so many amazing date night restaurants, whether you’re in the mood for romantic Italian, fresh seafood, or a trendy new spot with killer cocktails. No matter what vibe you’re going for, there’s a perfect place to make it a night to remember!
Which one are you adding to your list first? Let me know!
Before you go be sure to follow @sunkissedintampa_ on Instagram and check out some other Tampa blog posts:
Awesome Tampa Riverwalk restaurants
Best Water Street Tampa restaurants
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