Tampa's dining scene is one of the best in all of Florida and South Tampa is where you'll find many of the city's hottest restaurants, cocktail bars, and bistros. From the Gulf Coast's freshest seafood to the best steaks in town, here's a closer look at just some of South Tampa's best restaurants.
On Swann
1501 W Swann Ave, Tampa, FL 33606
Quite literally On Swann - 1501 W Swann Avenue to be exact - this restaurant is a dearly-loved staple of Tampa's revered dining scene. It first opened in May of 2016 and has since served thousands of locals and tourists with some of the best Contemporary American cuisine in the entire city. Flip through the menu and you'll find a range of classic dishes for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Everything is inspired by locally sourced ingredients and rotated on a seasonal basis. How about dinner and a show? You'll certainly get one here, with an open kitchen that offers a view of the cooks at work. On Swann is one of those places that are just as good for special occasions as it is for regular old weeknight dinners. The atmosphere here has an elegant yet relaxed vibe, with exposed brick walls and timber wood elements to be found throughout.
Bulla Gastrobar
930 S Howard Ave, Tampa, FL 33606
There are restaurants, and then there are restaurants. Complete with a lounge, rooftop patio, and expansive dining area, Bulla Gastrobar is the latter. This particular establishment sets itself apart from the many others on S Howard Avenue in more ways than one. There's the menu for starters - and appetizers, main courses, and desserts. Popular items include ham croquettes, potato tortillas, grilled steak, salmon, and solomillo moruno. Slightly different than Applebees or McDonalds, the dishes here are meant to be shared in a communal atmosphere. It's a style that draws straight from the Spanish countryside's dining scene with food that tastes just as authentic.
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Water + Flour
1015 S Howard Ave, Tampa, FL 33606
Before you decide to skip and keep scrolling, rest assured that Water + Flour has a lot more to serve than just bread. In fact, the name is kind of ironic when you consider the sheer breadth of dishes available to try here. We're talking soups, bowls, salads, quesadillas, fries, pasta, pizza, and oh yeah - tons of sushi. Many items on the menu are plant based, gluten free, vegetarian, or dairy free, so there's sure to be something for everyone in your party. Regular specials and weekend brunch are the perfect excuse to return time and again.
Bern’s Steak House
1208 S Howard Ave, Tampa, FL 33606
Established in 1956, Bern’s Steak House has a pretty unique origin story. Founders Bern and Gert built it out of a business block on Howard Avenue that once contained a grocery store, barber shop, and dime store. Old-world carpenters, metalworkers, painters, and electricians helped bring the classy venue we see today to life. Walking through the door, you'll feel as though you've stepped back in time to one of those bygone eras your grandparents talk about. The interior is enameled with stone, metal fixtures, and classic wallpaper that adds to the ambiance. The menu is focused on impeccable cuts of beef, with multiple varieties of steak dishes available. Bern’s Steak House is also an homage to vintage liquor, beer, and wine; they just so happen to offer one of the largest selections in the country, consisting of everything from classic spirits such as bourbon whiskey, rye whiskey, brandy and vodka to various red and white wines.
Timpano Hyde Park
1610 W Swann Ave, Tampa, FL 33606
An Italian restaurant with a twist, Timpano Hyde Park offers Tampa patrons a dining experience that no other establishment in the city can parallel. It's warm and leafy decor invites you in for an escape to the countryside complete with its biggest staples - oysters, calamari, tuna, burrata, rigatoni, filet mignon, boneless ribeye, rock shrimp risotto, and so much more. If you're feeling original, the grilled octopus is certainly worth a try. Timpano Hyde Park's abundance of space, diverse menu, and regular specials make it an easy choice for nights out with friends or a significant other.
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