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With new Water Street Tampa restaurants seemingly popping up every month, this area is on the rise, offering a diverse range of dining options to explore. This vibrant culinary hub is quickly becoming a hotspot for food enthusiasts! From upscale restaurants to mouthwatering fast-casual spots, Water Street Tampa has something to satisfy every craving.
Whether you’re seeking a fine dining experience or a quick bite on the go, I’ve got you covered in this comprehensive guide to the best Water Street Tampa restaurants.
Best Water Street Tampa restaurants
Anchor and Brine
If you’re looking for a chic seafood restaurant with a modern coastal ambiance, head to Anchor and Brine located inside of Marriott Water Street. With a seamless connection to the water, this restaurant offers a delightful fusion of locally-influenced fresh seafood dishes and expertly crafted cocktails. It’s one of the best restaurants on the Tampa Riverwalk!
Led by Chef Richard Sandoval, who also oversees Lona, Anchor and Brine promises an exceptional dining experience.
Whether you’re a seafood enthusiast or prefer land-based options, the menu caters to all tastes. Add in the casual yet inviting atmosphere and breathtaking waterfront views, and Anchor and Brine becomes a must-visit destination for a memorable dining experience in Tampa.
Lona
Lona brings a taste of coastal Mexico to Water Street, combining traditional Mexican flavors with a contemporary twist. The restaurant has lively and colorful decor which perfectly reflects its vibrant menu and cocktail list!
The menu features fresh ceviches, flavorful tacos, and authentic Mexican dishes. I had the lobster quesadilla, which sounds straightforward, but arrived bursting with rich, buttery lobster. And the enchiladas divorciados had a harmony of flavors that are unforgettable!
Save room for dessert because the tres leches paired with the el jefe espresso martini is a force to be reckoned with – even for a tequila skeptic like myself. It’s officially my favorite espresso martini in Tampa Bay. It’s that good!
Their cocktail menu is honestly a dream. For mezcal enthusiasts (me!), the Passion Picante will ignite your senses. I also recommend the Mercado Margarita which is crowned with hibiscus rosemary foam and is pure mixology magic! There’s really no wrong option.
Driftlight
Located on the main level of the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street, Driftlight Steakhouse is where to go if you want to enjoy fine aged steaks and fresh seafood in nice contemporary atmosphere.
Driftlight does a modern take on the classic steakhouse, and it really comes down to the details here where they set classic dishes apart for example touches like a key lime ceasar dressing (such a fun Florida twist!), and crab cakes with a passionfruit remoulade. They do try to use the freshest ingredients so the menu can vary depending on availability.
Wagamama
Wagamama is an Asian-inspired Water Street restaurant that offers a wide range of delicious dishes from stir fries and noodles to curries and salads. With its bold flavors and fresh ingredients, it’s no wonder why Wagamama has become so popular. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a hearty dinner, you can find something that fits your cravings here.
Wagamama also boasts a unique beverage menu with an extensive list of beers, wines, and sake. And if you’re looking for something a little more indulgent, try one of their signature cocktails. And if you aren’t drinking, they even off mindful drinks (mocktails), fresh juices, and boba.
Predalina
Predalina has quickly become one of my favorite restaurants on Water Street and one of the best places to eat in downtown Tampa. It’s owned by Blake Casper and Allison Adams who are renowned for their successful establishments like Oxford Exchange and The Library. This full-service restaurant and bar is a welcome addition to their portfolio!
With a focus on fresh, seafood-driven Mediterranean cuisine, Predalina showcases the finest flavors of the region. The menu features an array of mouthwatering dishes, including the must-try crudité & pita to start, and the absolutely phenomenal blue crab chitarra.
Despite initial mixed reviews, my personal experience at Predalina surpassed all expectations. The attentive service, mesmerizing aesthetic, and each impeccably prepared dish left a lasting impression.
I suggest visiting with a group and indulging in sampling a variety of dishes. And, of course, don’t forget to save room for dessert—the rolled baklava is the perfect ending to a memorable meal at Predalina.
SiX
SiX is a Tampa rooftop bar and restaurant located on the sixth floor of the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street hotel. This elevated dining experience offers stunning bay views and a beautiful indoor-outdoor ambiance. With chef-crafted specialties and a relaxing atmosphere, SiX is the perfect oasis to escape and enjoy a memorable dining experience.
Tampa EDITION restaurants
The Tampa EDITION has a variety of dining experiences, including Lilac, a Mediterranean restaurant known for its four-course prix fixe dinner menu highlighting the chef’s vegetable-forward philosophy with fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients. While it didn’t blow me away, I know people who have went and enjoyed this spot. Service was great, but for the price point I was expecting a more mind-blowing experience.
Azure is another option with its rooftop dining featuring fresh Greek cuisine. However, my personal favorite among the three is Market at EDITION,
While Market at Edition may not boast an overly complex menu, it certainly doesn’t disappoint. Its offerings are inspired by the essence of the Italian coast, particularly shining through with their fresh Neapolitan-style pizzas and meticulously crafted charcuterie. It’s so good it made it to my list of top pizza places in Tampa.
Before dining, you gotta grab a garden margarita from the rooftop first!
The Pearl
Having enjoyed a brunch at The Pearl, I can’t help but feel compelled to return to experience their lunch or dinner menu! The oysters they serve are undeniably delicious, and their huevos rancheros are satisfying and hearty.
The Pearl itself is not just a restaurant, but a welcoming tavern and oyster room. Their menu is packed with a wide range of chef-inspired dishes, all made from scratch with care and attention.
From mouthwatering entrees to shareable plates and seasonal oysters, The Pearl offers an expansive selection of delicious options.
To complement the flavors, they have expertly crafted handcrafted cocktails, a thoughtfully curated wine list, and a rotating assortment of ales, lagers, and stouts.
Cava
CAVA is a fast-casual restaurant that embodies the Mediterranean way of life, where food is a central part of culture and connection. It strikes the perfect balance between health and flavor, so you don’t have to sacrifice one for the other.
Personally, I consider CAVA to be my favorite fast casual spot because every bite is bursting with flavor, and I always feel good after enjoying a meal there.
My go-to dish is the Harissa Avocado bowl, accompanied by a side of their freshly made pita chips. Trust me, once you try their dishes, get ready for a taste experience that will leave you thoroughly impressed.
Other Water Street Tampa restaurants you may want to check out:
- Naked Farmer – farm-to-table restauarant that serves locally-sourced, seasonal, farm-fresh food from farms close to home
- Chill Bros – one of the best ice cream shops in Tampa!
- 3 Corners – NY Style pizzeria
- Toastique – gourmet toast and juice bar
Which of these Water Street Tampa restaurants are you trying first?!
The Water Street Tampa restaurants really offer a vibrant culinary scene with a diverse range of options. The area has undergone significant growth in recent years, and it’s exciting to see new businesses emerge and thrive. While you’re in the area be sure to check out some of the shops, or head here for their monthly market held every third Sunday!
I look forward to continuing to explore and discover all that Water Street Tampa has to offer! And I will be sure to keep you up to date 😉 Before you go be sure to follow @sunkissedintampa_ on Instagram and check out some other Tampa blog posts:
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