.
dining . south tampa - Armani’s - Italian. 2900 Bayport Dr., Tampa (813) 207-6800. Indoor and outdoor patio seating in a romantic and trendy dining environment. Delicious Northern Italian specialties of pastas, seafood and mouthwatering desserts. $$$ Hours: Mon - Thurs: 6-10pm, Fri-Sat: 6-11pm. Bahama Breeze - Caribbean Cuisine. 3045 N Rocky Pt. Dr. E, Tampa (813) 289-7922. www.bahamabreeze.com. Fresh and contemporary dishes with a tropical flair. Serving famous drinks in an upbeat tropical island paradise. $$ Hours: Sun-Thurs: 11am-12am, Fri-Sat: 11am-2am. Bamboo Club - Chinese, Japanese, Thai & Vietnamese. 2223 North Westshore Blvd., Tampa, at International Plaza (813) 353-0326. Get cozy and be prepared to share over 100 dishes on the Asian Fusion menu. $$ Hours: Sun: 12pm-9pm, Mon-Thurs: 11:30am-10pm, Fri-Sat: 11:30am-11am. Bella’s Italian Café - Italian. 1413 S. Howard Ave., Tampa (813) 254-3355. Bella’s have perfected their homemade pastas, wood-fired pizzas and delectable desserts. Street-side patio dining available. Casual yet classy. $$ Hours: Mon-Wed: 11:30am-12am, Thurs: 11:30am-12:30am, Fri-Sun: 4pm-1:30am. Berns Steak House - Steakhouse, American. 1208 South Howard Ave., Tampa (813) 251-2421. Red velvet walls, ornate gold mirrors and Greek statues comprise the extravagant decor of this world-class steakhouse. Famous for its steaks and extensive collection of wine. By reservation only. $$$$ Hours: Sun-Thurs: 5pm-10pm, Fri-Sat: 5pm-11pm. The Capital Grille - American/Steakhouse. International Plaza and Bay Street. 2223 North Westshore Blvd., Tampa (813) 830-9433. Famous for dry aged steaks, chops and fresh seafood in relaxed elegant surroundings. Also features an impressive wine list. $$$ Hours: Mon-Thurs. 11:30am-4pm lunch, Fri-Sat: 5pm-11pm, Sun: 5pm- 9pm dinner. Lounge hours: Mon-Fri: 11:30am-close, Sat-Sun: 4:30pm - close. Ceviché Tapas Bar - Spanish Cuisine. 2109 Bayshore Blvd., Tampa (813) 250-0203. Meet and greet over pleasant nibbles in an intimate and cozy setting of dim candle light. Located on the ground floor of the Royal Condominiums. Choose from authentic Spanish tapas and be sure to sample the tangy Sangria. $$ Hours: Tues-Thurs: 5pm-12am, Fri-Sat: 5pm-3am, Sun-Mon: 5pm-10pm. The Cheesecake Factory - American. International Plaza and Bay Street. 2223 North Westshore Blvd., Tampa (813) 353-4200. www.thecheesecakefactory.com. Serving a grand variety of appetizers, entrees, cheesecakes and more. Offers a delicious brunch with all the fixings. $$ Hours: Mon-Thurs: 11am-11pm, Fri-Sat: 11am-12:30am, Sun: 10am-11pm. Chez Bryce – Mediterranean, French. 238 E. Davis Blvd., Tampa (813) 258-8100. Trained in Paris, Chef Whittlesey brings delectable bites from smoked salmon to a bittersweet chocolate tart. Courtyard seating is dog friendly. $$ Hours: 11am-3pm Tues-Sun lunch, 6pm-10pm Tues-Thurs & Sun, 6pm-11pm Fri & Sat dinner Closed Mon. Donatello - Northern Italian. 232 N. Dale Mabry Ave., Tampa (813) 875-6660. For a special occasion or intimate and romantic dining experience, Donatello’s provides delicious Northern Italian cuisine combined with impeccable service. The entrees are superb, but save room for their delectable desserts. $$$ Hours: Dinner Daily: 6pm-11pm, Mon- Fri: 11:30am-2:30pm. Flemings Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar - Steakhouse. 4322 W. Boy Scout Blvd, Tampa (813) 874-9463. A powerful menu of steaks and seafood are complemented by a large variety of wines by the glass. $$ Hours: Mon-Thurs: 4:30pm-10pm, Fri: 4:30pm-11, Sat: 4pm-11pm, Sun: 4-9pm. Fly Restaurant and Bar - New American. 1202 N. Franklin St., Tampa (813)275-5000. Filled with the nightlife crowd, and hip with urban decor, this restaurant and bar is both appealing to the tastes and a great place to spend a Friday night. $$ Hours: Mon-Fri: 11:30am-3am, Sat: 5:30pm-3am. Closed Sun. Gallery Bistro - New American. International Plaza and Bay Street. 2223 North Westshore Blvd, Tampa (813) 353-3838. Beautiful bistro-style dining in a casual atmosphere with creative upscale cuisine. Live entertainment and outdoor seating available. $$ Hours: Mon-Thurs: 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat: 11am-11pm, Sun: 11am-9pm. Gourmet Pizza Kitchen - American, Pizza. 610 S. Armenia Ave., Tampa (813) 258-1999. Pizza lovers wanted. Experiment with nontraditional veggies, fish, peanuts and more. Try the Cajun Crawfish pizza or the Thai Chicken pizza with a peanut sauce. $$ Hours: Daily 11am-10pm. Il Terrazzo - Italian. 700 S. Florida Ave., Tampa (813)204-6343. Looking to spend a special night out? The view of the water alone is breathtaking, but the ambiance is what puts this place on top. $$$ Hours: Daily: 5:30pm-10pm. Jackson’s Bistro - Eclectic & International, Sushi. 601 S. Harbour Island Blvd., Tampa (813) 277-0339. Popular with business and younger crowds. Patio seating available. $$ Hours: Mon-Thurs: 11:30am-2:30pm lunch, 5pm-10pm dinner, Fri.-Sat:11:30am-11pm Sun: 10:30am-10pm, brunch buffet 10:30am-2:30pm, dinner 5pm- 10pm. Lee Roy Selmons - Southern Homestyle. 4302 W. Boy Scout Blvd; Tampa (813) 871-3287. Down-home, American cookin', just like Mom used to make. The menu features saucy and spicy creations of steak, seafood, pasta, mashed potatoes and fried green tomatoes. $$ Hours: Mon-Fri: 11am-10:30pm, Fri.-Sat 11am-11:30pm Sun: 11:30am-10pm. Maggianos Little Italy - Southern Italian. 203 Westshore Plaza, Tampa (813) 288-9000. Reminiscent of the New York City’s pre-World War II Little Italy dinner houses. Maggianos specializes in lavish platters of Southern Italian fare. $$ Hours: Mon-Thurs: 11:00am -10pm, Fri-Sat: 11:00-11pm, Sun: 11am-10pm. Malio’s Prime Steakhouse - Steakhouse. 400 N. Ashley St., Tampa (813) 223-7746. Steak reaches a new level. Enjoy a 16-ounce prime rib eye or Gorgonzola salad, with an a la carte menu, the possibilities are endless just don’t forget the cheesecake. $$$ Hours: Mon-Thurs 11am-11pm, Fri 11am-12am, Sat 4pm-12am. Mangroves - American. 208 S Howard Ave., Tampa (813) 258-3302. Suave and contemporary in style, the colorful bar attracts late-night crowds for drinks. Flavorful dishes of chicken, pasta, steak and seafood are prepared with a twist. $$ Hours: Sun-Thurs: 5pm-10pm, Fri-Sat: 5pm-10:30pm. Mise En Place - Continental Cuisine. 442 W Kennedy, Tampa (813)254-5373. Simple decor sets the scene for a decadent French meal – duck, pastas with cream sauce, salmon, grouper, and rich desserts. Popular power scene for the business crowds. $$$ Hours: Tues- Fri: 11:30am-2:30pm lunch, Tues-Thurs: 5:30pm-9:45pm dinner, Fri- Sat: 5:30pm-10:45pm dinner. Mitchell’s Fish Market - Seafood. 204 Westshore Plaza, Tampa (813) 289-3663. Freshness is the staple at Mitchell’s with fish flown in daily from the coasts. Only the best is selected for preparation. The menu is printed twice daily with an assortment of over 80 dishes. $$ Hours: Sun-Thurs: 11am- 10pm, Fri-Sat: 11am-11pm . P.F. Changs - Chinese. 219 WestShore Plaza, Tampa (813)289-8400. Dine in an elegant atmosphere that serves fresh Chinese staples. $$ Hours: Mon-Thurs: 11am-11pm, Fri-Sat: 11am-12pm, Sun: 11am-10pm. The Palm Restaurant - American/Italian. 205 Westshore Plaza, Tampa (813)849-7256. www.thepalm.com The place to see and be seen that offers a variety of specialties - steaks, lobsters, pastas and seafood. $$$ Hours: Mon-Fri: 11:30am-3:30pm lunch, 5pm - 11pm dinner, Sat: 5pm-11pm, Sun: 4pm-9pm. Pane Rustica - Bakery & Cafe. 3225 S. MacDill, Tampa (813)902-8828. Stop by in the morning to enjoy the aroma of freshly baked bread, croissants, cookies and pastries. For lunch, create a sandwich with one of the freshly baked breads for a delicious meal of texture and taste. Breads are baked in a stone oven. $ Hours: Tues: 8am- 5pm, Wed.-Sat. 8am-10pm, Sun: 8am-3pm. Dinner hours: Wed-Sat: 5-10pm. Pelagia Trattoria - Mediterranean. 4200 Jim Walter Blvd., Tampa (813)313-3235. Casual dining featuring a menu using the freshest ingredients presented dramatically with a Mediterranean flair. Pizza Bianca and Crunchy Fried Olives are popular appetizers that go well with the drink specials between 5pm and 7pm daily. $$$ Hours: Breakfast: 6:30am-10:30am, Lunch: 11am-3pm, Dinner: Mon-Fri: 5:30pm-10:30pm, Sat-Sun 5:30pm-10:30pm. Restaurant BT - French/Vietnamese. Old Hyde Park Village. 1633 W. Snow Ave., Tampa (813) 258-1916. Southeast Asian dishes such as stuffed tofu and sesame chicken for lunch or dinner in a spacious setting that can accommodate large parties. In-house or take-out catering available. $$$ Hours: Sun-Thurs:11:30 am-10pm, Fri-Sat: 11:30am-10:45pm. Roy’s - Californian, Japanese, French. 4342 W. Boy Scout Blvd. Tampa (813) 873-7697 Contemporary and fresh - the menu includes a variety of dishes with a French, Euro-Asian, Pacific flare. $$$ Hours: Sun-Thurs: 5:30pm-10pm, Fri-Sat: 5:30pm-10:30 pm. Ruth’s Chris Steak House - Steakhouse. 1700 N. Westshore Blvd., Tampa (813) 282-1118. A fabulous meal with a touch of class, this fine dining steak house specializes in prime aged beef along with large portions of vegetables, desserts and excellent wines. $$$ Hours: Mon-Thurs: 5pm-10pm, Fri-Sat: 5pm-11pm, Sun: 5pm-9pm. Sangrias - Spanish. 315 S. Howard Ave, Tampa. (813) 258-0393. There are over 40 selections to indulge in among friends and homemade sangria served in a pitcher with chunks of fresh fruit. $$ Hours: Mon-Thurs: 5pm-12am, Fri-Sat: 5pm-1am. Seven One Seven South - Italian/Pacific Rim. 717 South Howard Ave., Tampa (813) 250-1661. This dining concept of two separate kitchens inside the same restaurant has made its mark on Tampa Bay. The menu is split in two and both have a large selection of creative appetizers and main courses. The restaurant has an edgy look while maintaining a comfortable feel. Live piano music is offered Monday through Thursday. $$$ Hours: Mon-Thurs: 11:30am-2:30pm, 5-10pm, Fri-Sat: 5-11pm. Shula's Steak House - Steakhouse. 4860 West Kennedy Blvd. Tampa (813) 286-4366. Proudly serving only custom center cuts - The Shula Cut is a cut above prime. Private dining rooms also available. $$$ Hours: Lunch: Mon-Fri: 11:30-2:00,Dinner: Sun-Thurs: 5:30-10:00, Fri -Sat: 5:30-10:30. Side Berns - Continental. 2208 W. Morrison Ave., Tampa (813) 258-2233. Fun fusion and hip energy are the attractive features of this trend-setting restaurant. Unusual ingredients bring these culinary specialties together for a menu that’s a delicious, worldly treat. $$$ Hours: Mon-Wed: 6-10pm, Thurs-Sat: 6-11pm, Dim Sum lounge stays open until 12am on Fri & Sat. T.C. Choy’s - Asian. 301 S. Howard Ave., Tampa (813) 251-1191. The focus is on fresh seafood at this Chinese restaurant located in the SoHo district. $$ Hours: Mon-Thurs: Lunch: 11:30am-3pm, Dinner: 5:30pm-10pm, Fri-Sat: Lunch: 11:30am-3pm, Dinner: 5:30-11pm. Timpano Italian Chophouse - Italian. 1610 W. Swann Ave., Tampa (813) 254-5870. www.timpanochophouse.net. Timpano is a Sinatra-saturated salute to the 1950s restaurants of New York and Chicago. The menu features big flavor steaks, chops, pasta and many selections of robust red wines. $$ Hours: Lunch Mon-Fri: 11:30am-4pm, Sat-Sun: 11am- 4pm, Dinner: Sun-Tues: 4-10pm, Wed-Sat: 4-11pm, Sat-Sun Brunch: 11am-2pm. Wine Exchange Bistro and Wine Bar – Continental. 1611 W. Swann Ave., Tampa (813) 254-9463. The Euro-style café in the center of Hyde Park olds true to the name offering a grand variety of wines. Go light with a salad or choose from delicious pasta dishes. Outdoor dining available. $$ Hours: Mon-Sun: 11:30am-5pm lunch, Sun-Thrus: 5pm-10pm, Fri & Sat: 5pm-11pm dinner. (return to top) 3902 Henderson Boulevard, Suite 100, Tampa, Florida 33629 (c) Copyright 2008 Tampa Bay Metro Magazine