As Valentine’s Day approaches, the quest to find the perfect place to bring your significant other begins, and the deadline to make a reservations looms. Look no further, as we collected a few of the most romantic restaurants in Tampa Bay.

Barterhouse Ybor 1811 N 15th St. Suite A, Tampa, 813-542-1710 Barterhouse’s passion for food and drinks “influences guests to eat, sip and experience outside of what’s commonplace” making it a perfect place for those who seek some adventure on date night. Photo via Barterhouse Ybor/Facebook
Bella’s Italian Cafe 1413 S Howard Ave #100, Tampa, 813-254-3355 The way to someone’s heart is through their stomach is what people say and what better way to do it than with authentic Italian cuisine. Bella’s offers pizza, pasta, vegetarian dishes and a long list of wines worthy of a chef’s kiss. Photo via Bella’s Italian Cafe/Website
Best Steakhouse Bern’s Steak House Finalists:Council Oak, Fortu Credit: Photo via Bern’s Steak House/Instagram
The Black Pearl 315 Main St., Dunedin, 727-734-3463 The Black Pearl only has 12 tables, making the experience intimate and exclusive to savor the flavors of their French and New American cuisine. Photo via The Black Pearl/Instagram
Bon Appetit Restaurant 148 Marina Plaza, Dunedin, 727-733-2151 With a wonderful waterfront view, Bon Appetit makes a romantic setting for a quality sunset dinner. Photo via Bon Appetit Restaurant/Instagram
Cena 1208 E Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, 813-374-8840 Located in the heart of the vibrant Channel District, Cena serves elevated spins on classic Italian dishes suited for an elegant-style dining experience. Photo via Cena/Facebook
Ceviche Tapas, Bar & Restaurant 332 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg, 727-209-2299 Ceviche is the perfect place for anyone with flexible plans. Whether you’re looking to have a sit-down meal, or a quick tapa, or spend the night drinking and dancing, this St. Pete classic is ideal for you and your date. Photo via Ceviche Tapas, Bar & Restaurant/Instagram
Ciro’s Tampa 2109 Bayshore Blvd., Tampa, 813-251-0022 This classic cocktail bar requires a password to get in, elevating the exclusive-feeling experience. Ciro’s offers an intimate and cozy environment to enjoy some of its specialties from its drink-centric menu or gourmet meals. Photo via Ciro’s/Instagram
Columbia Restaurant 2117 E 7th Ave., Tampa, 813-248-4961 In the original, colorful and majestic Columbia Restaurant you will be able to enjoy Spanish culture and some of its recipes like “Paella a la Valenciana,” “Red Snapper Alicante,” and a Tampa Bay favorite, the Cuban sandwich. Photo via Columbia Restaurant/Website
CW’s Gin Joint 633 N Franklin St., Tampa, 813-816-1446 Chandeliers hang from the roof that light up the black painted walls inspiring style and gentility that translates into their food and beverages. Live music fills up the air creating an atmosphere of soothness that lets you enjoy a quality conversation with your date. Photo via CW’s Gin Joint/Instagram
Donatello Italian Restaurant 232 N Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa, 813-875-6660 The red lighting of the restaurant brings love and lust to the table with its authentic Italian cuisine with dishes like “Calamari Amalfitama,” “Capelli al Pomodoro” and “Medallion Napoletana.” Photo via Donatello Italian Restaurant/Facebook
Lingr Restaurant 400 6th St S, St. Petersburg, 727-471-6120 Lingr adds to the diverse food scene of Tampa Bay with its Nordic and Asian-inspired eatery. Located in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg, this restaurant is a great choice for an upscale night out experience. Photo via Lingr Restaurant/Facebook
Luv Child Luv Child 516 S Howard Ave., Tampa, 813-213-0100 Luv Child brings the flavors of Cuban and Latino cuisine through its colorful presentation of both the restaurant and its dishes. If you’re looking for a different and fun date, you can also book a “Drag Brunch” for some extra money to dine with some of Tampa Bay’s most famous drag queens. Photo via Luv Child/Facebook
Malio’s Prime Steakhouse 400 N Ashley Dr., Tampa, 813-223-7746 Labeled as one of Tampa’s oldest family-owned steakhouses, Malio’s pairs a fine quality ambience with its signature steaks, seafood and over 200 wines to provide a memorable dining experience. Photo via Malio’s Prime Steakhouse/Website
Mise En Place 442 W Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, 813-254-5373 This French-inspired cuisine is not for someone on a budget. The concoctions of food and drinks are deserving for the celebration of a special occasion with a hand-crafted meal and high-end wine. Photo via Mise En Place/Instagram
Oak and Ola 1910 N Ola Ave, Tampa, 813-773-1901 This EuroAmerican restaurant offers a timeless setting to explore unique flavors and experiences. Their mix of high-end ingredients create dishes worthy of curious palates. Photo via Oak and Ola/Facebook
Olivia 3601 W Swann Ave, Tampa, 813-328-8866 Olivia’s dishes reflect the care and thoughtfulness of the chef worthy to share with that special someone at any time of the day or over drinks during a relaxing evening. Photo via Olivia/Facebook
On Swann 1501 W Swann Ave., Tampa, 813-251-0110 With three different menus offered throughout the day, On Swann offers a fine selection of shareable boards with cheeses, cured meats and sides, in addition to an extensive list of drinks to spark up a date. Photo via On Swann/Facebook
Pia’s Trattoria 3054 Beach Blvd S, Gulfport, 727-327-2190 One of the best reasons to make the hike to Gulfport, Pia’s Trattoria describes itself as “a romantic, cozy Old Italy atmosphere” with a green garden ambiance, and that’s definitely the truth. This Best of The Bay winner is a local favorite for Italian fare, and offers up cakes and desserts, all made from scratch. Photo via Pia’s Trattoria/Facebook
Red Mesa Cantina 128 3rd St S, St. Petersburg, 727-896-8226 With an enclosed courtyard dining area showcasing mostly Mexican culture, but also other Latin and Caribbean pieces, Red Mesa serves staple dishes such as “mofongo” and “picadillo” and iconic drinks like their whole margarita selection. If dinner wasn’t enough, you can relocate the date to its rooftop bar overlooking downtown St. Pete. Photo via Red Mesa Cantina/Website
Best Seminole Heights Restaurant Rooster & the Till Finalists:The Rollin’ Mullet, Three Dot Dash Credit: Photo via Rooster & The Till/Facebook
Steelbach 1902 N Ola Ave., Tampa, 813-693-5478 Steelbach states that its food “is meant to be shared” and bringing someone to the brick-built Southern-inspired restaurant might be the right move to enjoy its signature chophouse dishes. Photo via Steelbach/Instagram
Ulele 1810 N Highland Ave., Tampa, 813-999-4952 With a natural spring view and the sounds of water and wildlife build a relaxing atmosphere to enjoy one of their Native American inspired foods and spirits. Photo via Ulele/Facebook
Samurai Blue 1600 E 8th Ave., Ybor City / 13703 N Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa A long-running, trusted Ybor City sushi staple with a second location in Carrollwood. In a city swimming in sushi options, you’ll never go wrong here. Photo via Samurai Blue – Sushi & Sake Bar/Facebook
Meat Market 1606 W Snow Ave., Tampa, 813-280-1113 This sophisticated “after-dinner experience” will let you enjoy some of the finest things in life with a private cocktail waitress and a plush private pod. Photo via Meat Market/Facebook

Sofía García Vargas, born in Colombia, South America and raised in Costa Rica, Central America, is a journalism student at the University of South Florida and Editor-in-Chief of The Crow’s Nest, USF...