25 essential date night 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

Bern’s Steak House

1208 S Howard Ave., Tampa, 813-251-2421
This award-winning steak house might blow you and your date’s minds with their wine collection, as it contains over half a million bottles and 6500 labels from all over the world. Offering steaks, caviar and diverse entrees, Bern’s is the perfect place for those not on a budget and willing to spoil their significant other.
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
Pia’s Trattoria self proclaims as “a romantic, cozy Old Italy atmosphere” with a green garden ambiance. Their cakes and desserts, all made from scratch, add a nice finishing touch to a meal with a loved one.
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