Fine Dining in Tampa: Midtown & Beyond
Tampa’s fine dining scene is elevated, diverse, and ever-evolving. From Michelin-recommended steakhouses to globally inspired restaurants, the city offers unforgettable dining experiences that cater to every palate.
At Midtown Tampa, fine dining meets a vibrant, modern atmosphere, making it one of the city’s premier dining destinations. With chef-driven menus, top-tier hospitality, and elegant ambiance, Midtown’s restaurants set the standard for fine dining in Tampa.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, planning a date night, or indulging in a gourmet culinary experience, Midtown Tampa’s upscale restaurants offer everything from hand-cut steaks and fresh seafood to elevated Italian and modern Asian cuisine.
Midtown Tampa: A Hub for Fine Dining
Midtown Tampa blends sophisticated flavors with a dynamic city vibe, making it a go-to destination for the best fine dining in Tampa. Home to chef-driven romantic restaurants, rooftop lounges, and globally inspired cuisine, Midtown delivers elevated dining experiences that rival the city’s best.
Whether you’re indulging in a dry-aged steak, savoring fresh seafood, or enjoying an inspired fusion dish, Midtown’s upscale restaurants offer an unforgettable culinary journey. Here’s a closer look at some of the best fine dining restaurants in Midtown Tampa:
1. Ponte Modern American
Ponte Modern American brings refined elegance to Midtown Tampa, offering a luxurious, romantic atmosphere with impeccable service. Led by Chef Chris Ponte, this modern American restaurant blends French and Italian influences to create an exquisite seasonal menu that highlights local ingredients.
Signature Dishes:
- Beef Wellington – Filet mignon wrapped in prosciutto and mushroom duxelles, finished with foie gras and red wine demi-glace.
- Chilean Sea Bass – Miso-glazed, served with lobster ginger sauce and bok choy.
- New Bedford Scallops – Perfectly seared scallops with hazelnut brown butter and crispy prosciutto.
For Valentine’s Day:
Ponte’s Valentine’s Day menu offers an elevated prix-fixe experience, featuring premium cuts, fresh seafood, and indulgent flavors—perfect for a romantic night out. Reservations are highly recommended.
2. Sunda New Asian
Sunda New Asian brings a vibrant, modern twist to fine dining in Tampa, showcasing flavors from Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, and China. This stylish Midtown Tampa destination is known for its innovative sushi, dim sum, and chef-driven entrées, blending bold flavors with an upscale atmosphere.
Signature Dishes:
- Lobster Wagyu Nigiri – Seared wagyu topped with creamy lobster and foie gras aioli.
- Miso Bronzed Black Cod – Sweet miso-marinated black cod with eggplant and herbed oil.
- Signature Crispy Rice – Pan-seared sushi rice topped with spicy tuna or wagyu, finished with truffle vinaigrette.
For Valentine’s Day:
Sunda offers a prix-fixe Valentine’s Day dinner menu for two, featuring dishes like Beating Heart Maki and Miso Bronzed Black Cod, alongside indulgent à la carte specials like Bulgogi Stuffed Lobster and Hong Kong-Style Ribeye. Whether sharing sushi or indulging in a curated Asian-inspired dining experience, Sunda is a top choice for a romantic evening. Reservations are encouraged.
3. Sal Y Mar Rooftop Lounge
Perched atop Aloft & Element Midtown, Sal Y Mar Rooftop Lounge offers a unique fine dining experience with panoramic views of the Tampa skyline. Inspired by Spanish and Latin flavors, this rooftop restaurant brings a refined yet laid-back ambiance, making it an ideal choice for a romantic date night or a special private dining celebration.
Signature Dishes:
- Deconstructed Paella – Saffron risotto infused with manchego cheese, chorizo, shrimp, mussels, and scallops.
- Whole Fried Snapper – Tempura-fried and topped with a spicy cilantro & mango sauce, served with tropical rice.
- Surf & Turf Bifongo – Cilantro shrimp paired with marinated steak, Spanish onions, and garlic butter.
For Valentine’s Day:
Sal Y Mar is elevating the romance with chef-curated entrées and specialty cocktails, making it a prime destination for Valentine’s Day in Tampa. The rooftop setting and Latin-inspired fine dining make for an unforgettable evening with stunning city views. Early reservations are recommended.
4. BellaBrava: New World Trattoria
Bringing a modern twist to classic Italian cuisine, BellaBrava: New World Trattoria blends Tuscan flavors with a contemporary, urban flair. Known for its handmade pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and fresh seafood, BellaBrava offers a casual yet refined dining experience that makes it a standout among fine dining restaurants in Tampa.
Signature Dishes:
- Black Truffle Pasta – A rich, indulgent dish featuring gemelli pasta, roasted wild mushrooms, and black truffle cream.
- Seafood Fra Diavolo – Squid ink fettuccine, wild-caught shrimp, bay scallops, and a spicy arrabbiata sauce.
- Hot Honey Pepperoni Pizza – A stone-fired pizza topped with Calabrian chili honey, mozzarella, and pecorino for the perfect balance of sweet and heat.
For Valentine’s Day:
While BellaBrava does not have a dedicated prix-fixe Valentine’s Day menu, its inviting Italian trattoria ambiance makes it a great choice for a romantic dinner. Reservations are recommended to secure a spot for an authentic Italian dining experience in Tampa.
More Fine Dining Restaurants in Tampa
While Midtown Tampa is home to some of the city’s best fine dining restaurants, Tampa’s broader culinary scene offers Michelin-recognized destinations, high-end steakhouses, and globally inspired fine dining experiences. These top fine dining restaurants in Tampa are perfect for special occasions, gourmet dining, and elevated tasting menus.
Bern’s Steak House (Hyde Park)
A legendary steakhouse known for perfectly dry-aged cuts, an extensive wine cellar with over half a million bottles, and the famous Dessert Room.
Best for: Steak lovers and wine enthusiasts looking for a classic fine dining experience in Tampa.
Lilac Restaurant (Downtown Tampa)
A Michelin-starred restaurant inside the Edition Hotel, led by Chef John Fraser. Lilac offers refined modern cuisine with a creative tasting menu.
Best for: A luxurious, chef-driven fine dining experience in Tampa.
Ebbe Restaurant (Tampa Bay)
A high-end seafood destination, emphasizing locally sourced fish, sustainable ingredients, and seasonal flavors.
Best for: Seafood lovers and elevated coastal cuisine.
Koya Restaurant (Hyde Park)
An exclusive, reservation-only Japanese omakase experience with premium sushi, wagyu, and uni flown in from Japan.
Best for: Luxury chef’s tasting menus and high-end sushi dining.
Rocca Restaurant (Downtown Tampa)
Upscale Italian fine dining featuring housemade pasta, seasonal tasting menus, and tableside mozzarella service.
Best for: Authentic Italian cuisine with a modern flair.
Kosen Restaurant (South Tampa)
A Japanese kaiseki-style restaurant offering a multi-course culinary journey inspired by traditional Japanese fine dining.
Best for: An immersive, high-end Japanese dining experience in Tampa.
Rooster & The Till (Seminole Heights)
A modern American fine dining restaurant, known for its seasonal tasting menu and craft cocktails.
Best for: Farm-to-table dining and innovative flavors.
Ulele Restaurant (Tampa Bay Riverwalk)
A waterfront fine dining restaurant, focusing on native-inspired cuisine and locally sourced ingredients.
Best for: A casual-yet-elevated Tampa fine dining experience with scenic views.
Columbia Restaurant (Ybor City)
Florida’s oldest restaurant, offering classic Spanish cuisine, housemade sangria, and live flamenco performances.
Best for: Historic charm, Spanish fine dining, and lively entertainment.
Midtown Tampa Fine Dining
Midtown Tampa stands out as a premier destination for fine dining in Tampa, offering an array of upscale bars and restaurants featuring modern American cuisine, elevated Asian fusion, rooftop Latin flavors, and refined Italian trattorias. Whether you’re indulging in a Michelin-recommended steakhouse experience or savoring a chef-driven culinary masterpiece, Midtown Tampa delivers on ambiance, innovation, and exceptional service.
Beyond Midtown, Tampa’s fine dining scene extends to award-winning steakhouses, Japanese omakase, and historic Spanish restaurants, ensuring a diverse and dynamic culinary experience across the city.
Whether you’re planning a romantic evening, a Valentine’s Day Dinner, or an unforgettable gourmet meal, these top fine dining restaurants in Tampa offer the perfect setting for luxury dining, creative cuisine, and five-star hospitality.
