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dining . north tampa - Council Oak Steaks and Seafood – Steak and Seafood. Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino 5223 Orient Rd., Tampa (813) 627-7628. Break away from the poker table for the dinner table. Choose from over 200 wines to pair with a USDA prime steak. End dinner with a relaxing cigar from the cigar menu. Reservations reccommened. $$$ Hours: Mon-Thurs: 5pm-10pm & Sun, Fri & Sat: 5pm-12am, dinner. Café Cibo and Uncle Burly’s Steakhouse – Italian, Steakhouse. 17667 N. Dale Mabry in Van Dyke Commons, Lutz (813) 264-6568. These two scrumptious eateries co-exist under one roof to alleviate the struggle between steak and pasta. Pop over to Burly’s side to grab a drink at the bar. $$ Hours: (Both) Mon-Thurs: 11:30am-10pm, (Uncle Burly’s) Fri & Sat: 11:30am-11pm, Sun: 11am-2pm brunch, 11am-9pm, (Café Cibo) Fri: 11:30am-10pm, Sat: 4pm-10pm, Sun: 4pm-9pm. Michael’s Grill - American. 11720 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa (813) 964-8334. Reservations are recommended for this romantic, bistro-style eatery that serves American dishes with a European flair. An open kitchen allows for chef and guest interaction during meal preparation. $$$ Hours: Mon-Thurs: 11am-9pm, Fri-Sat: 11am-10pm. Restaurant Hapa - Eclectic Fusion. 3970 Tampa Rd., Tampa (813)749-8400. The 30-seat restaurant strives to please with a harmonious blend of flavors and a menu that reads “Things that Change with the Season” and “Things the Season Cannot Change.” Entrees delight with a sassy blend of Asian and French ingredients, ranging from subtle to in-your-face. $$$ Hours: Tue – Sun: 6pm – 9:15pm. Splash! An Ocean Grill - Seafood. 3973 Van Dyke Rd., Lutz (813) 269-8611. Features seafood done in creative ways, like maple glazed cedar planked salmon and crab meat portabella. Patio seating and reservations are available. $$$ Hours: Sun-Thurs: 11:30-3pm lunch; 5pm-10pm dinner, Fri & Sat: 11:30-3pm lunch; 5pm-11pm dinner. Closed Mondays. Stonewood Tavern & Grill - American. 17050 Palm Pointe Drive, Tampa (813) 978-0388. Every item is prepared from scratch using the freshest products. Stonewood's signature oak grill is used to prepare most of the entrees. $$ Hours: Sun: 4pm-10pm, Mon-Thurs: 5-10pm, Fri & Sat: 4-11pm. Sukhothai Restaurant - Thai. 8201 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa (813) 933-7990. Savory, authentic Thai cuisine with spicy dishes of pork, fish, chicken or beef. A unique Khan-toke room is also available. $$ Hours: Mon-Thurs:11am-10:30 pm, Fri-Sat: 11am-11pm, Sun: 5-10:30pm. The Melting Pot - Fondue Style Cuisine. 13164 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa (813)962-6936. Enjoy the art of fondue by dipping tender meats, fresh seafood and appetizing fruits and breads in an array of broths, cheeses or chocolate sauces. $$$ Hours: Mon-Thurs: 11am-10:30pm, Fri: 11am-11pm, Sat/Sun: 5-10:30pm. Meto Life Media, Inc. 3902 Henderson Boulevard, Suite 100, Tampa, Florida 33629 (c) Copyright 2008 Tampa Bay Metro Magazine