Tampa Bay's 25 most romantic restaurants of 2023, according to Yelp

Here you'll find a few of the best local spots for Valentine's Day, or just a good date night for that matter.

To help come up with this list, Creative Loafing Tampa Bay reached out to Yelp for an exclusive rundown of the "most romantic" spots in the Tampa Bay area.

To come up with the rankings, Yelp went through a large number of local reviews that mentioned “romantic,” “Valentine’s Day” and “date night,” ranked the restaurants in order along with other key factors like volume of reviews, and total ratings.

So, if you haven't made and any RSVPs yet, here are a few spots to try.

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CW’s Gin Joint
4 out 5 stars, 402 reviews
633 N Franklin St. Tampa
”My first time in this place and I am absolutely in love! My group of 6 stopped here after dinner for some drinks and had the pleasure of being waited on by Joey. He was amazing and very in tune with his customers wants. I told him that I wanted something using a bourbon, a little sweet but not overly sweet and with a nice strong kick. Joey came back with a Bar hill tomcat vaspa martini and omg it was exactly what I needed! I will definitely be a frequent flier! Over all the ambiance was giving 
Photo via CW’s Gin Joint/Website
CW's Ginn Joint

CW’s Gin Joint

4 out 5 stars, 402 reviews
633 N Franklin St. Tampa
”My first time in this place and I am absolutely in love! My group of 6 stopped here after dinner for some drinks and had the pleasure of being waited on by Joey. He was amazing and very in tune with his customers wants. I told him that I wanted something using a bourbon, a little sweet but not overly sweet and with a nice strong kick. Joey came back with a Bar hill tomcat vaspa martini and omg it was exactly what I needed! I will definitely be a frequent flier! Over all the ambiance was giving
Photo via CW’s Gin Joint/Website
10 & 10
5 out 5 stars, 63 reviews
2223 N Westshore Blvd Unit B217 Tampa (International Plaza) 
”The food is very creative my favorite was the pan brie .The bread was home made and delicious. The customer service excellent, the owner himself goes from table to table to they hello to customers and have a little talk. Very appreciated.” - Christine V.
Photo via Google Maps

10 & 10

5 out 5 stars, 63 reviews
2223 N Westshore Blvd Unit B217 Tampa (International Plaza)
”The food is very creative my favorite was the pan brie .The bread was home made and delicious. The customer service excellent, the owner himself goes from table to table to they hello to customers and have a little talk. Very appreciated.” - Christine V.
Photo via Google Maps
The Barterhouse
4.5 out 5 stars, 146 reviews
1811 15th St., Ybor City
”Wow! This was such a cute place to take my friend our for her birthday. The cocktails were yummy! We tried the Something sweet one. The vibe felt more like for a date, but tbh I'm a romantic with my girls, so it was perfect. The waitress was very charming and helpful. We had an small llate and an entree which we split and tbh jt was more than enough for us, since the creme brulee was just one if the best I've had. So if you choose to get dessert, please get that one. Don't do yourself dirty.!” - Jonathan G.
Photo via Google Maps

The Barterhouse

4.5 out 5 stars, 146 reviews
1811 15th St., Ybor City
”Wow! This was such a cute place to take my friend our for her birthday. The cocktails were yummy! We tried the Something sweet one. The vibe felt more like for a date, but tbh I'm a romantic with my girls, so it was perfect. The waitress was very charming and helpful. We had an small llate and an entree which we split and tbh jt was more than enough for us, since the creme brulee was just one if the best I've had. So if you choose to get dessert, please get that one. Don't do yourself dirty.!” - Jonathan G.
Photo via Google Maps
BellaBrava
4 out 5 stars, 111 reviews
1015 Gramercy Ln., Tampa
”BellaBrava has quickly become one of my favorite restaurants in the Bay Area! Their service is incredible, the food is always delicious and fresh, and their drink selection is super extensive and also delicious. I can't leave the restaurant without having their calamari, stuffed gnocchi and their freshly filled cannolis! Each of their locations is phenomenal, but I love having one in Midtown with so many other things around it. Also, Jenny is an amazing waitress if you want to ask for someone who knows the menu like the back of their hand and will help you have the best experience possible at this restaurant!” - Tiffany B.
Photo via Google Maps

BellaBrava

4 out 5 stars, 111 reviews
1015 Gramercy Ln., Tampa
”BellaBrava has quickly become one of my favorite restaurants in the Bay Area! Their service is incredible, the food is always delicious and fresh, and their drink selection is super extensive and also delicious. I can't leave the restaurant without having their calamari, stuffed gnocchi and their freshly filled cannolis! Each of their locations is phenomenal, but I love having one in Midtown with so many other things around it. Also, Jenny is an amazing waitress if you want to ask for someone who knows the menu like the back of their hand and will help you have the best experience possible at this restaurant!” - Tiffany B.
Photo via Google Maps
Bern’s Steakhouse
4 out 5 stars, 3339 reviews
1208 S Howard Ave. Tampa 
”Such an amazing experience overall! We made reservations 3 months in advance for two couples and it was totally worth the wait. The service is outstanding, our server had the best recommendations of wine pairing to compliment our meals. The steaks are delicious and cooked to perfection, the wine list is extensive and has an unmatched variety of regions and prices. The dessert room was such a fun experience and we got to enjoy many different types of desserts. Overall it was a great experience for a special night out with friends or significant other.” - Cris J.
Photo via Bern's Steakhouse/Facebook

Bern’s Steakhouse

4 out 5 stars, 3339 reviews
1208 S Howard Ave. Tampa
”Such an amazing experience overall! We made reservations 3 months in advance for two couples and it was totally worth the wait. The service is outstanding, our server had the best recommendations of wine pairing to compliment our meals. The steaks are delicious and cooked to perfection, the wine list is extensive and has an unmatched variety of regions and prices. The dessert room was such a fun experience and we got to enjoy many different types of desserts. Overall it was a great experience for a special night out with friends or significant other.” - Cris J.
Photo via Bern's Steakhouse/Facebook
Bocelli Modern Italian
4 out 5 stars, 40 reviews
5427 Bayshore Blvd. Tampa
”Great spot for a night out in South Tampa.  I had my retirement party at Bocelli's and they did not disappoint. The service (by Caitlin) was flawless.  The food was amazing, the party room was immaculate.  My guest became huge fans and all 50 said they would return for dinner with their friends and family.  If looking for a great place to eat, have drinks, and socialize, Bocelli's is it. Lastly, sufficient parking, an outdoor fire pit and large outdoor deck were huge pluses.” - LC.
Photo via Google Maps

Bocelli Modern Italian

4 out 5 stars, 40 reviews
5427 Bayshore Blvd. Tampa
”Great spot for a night out in South Tampa. I had my retirement party at Bocelli's and they did not disappoint. The service (by Caitlin) was flawless. The food was amazing, the party room was immaculate. My guest became huge fans and all 50 said they would return for dinner with their friends and family. If looking for a great place to eat, have drinks, and socialize, Bocelli's is it. Lastly, sufficient parking, an outdoor fire pit and large outdoor deck were huge pluses.” - LC.
Photo via Google Maps
Cena
4 out 5 stars, 280 reviews
1208 E Kennedy Blvd. Tampa
”Really great place with amazing food. Service was very good and friendly. They were checking on us often and took a good care. Menu is pretty good with many different options. Octopus salad was delicious , soft and cooked to perfection. Salad was pretty decent as well. I got lobster linguine which was amazing and had a decent piece of lobster in it. Ambiance is romantic but also good for groups. I would say you can come here for any occasion. We enjoyed this place a lot! It is also located in a good area. Definitely recommend”—Olesya P.
Photo via Google Maps

Cena

4 out 5 stars, 280 reviews
1208 E Kennedy Blvd. Tampa
”Really great place with amazing food. Service was very good and friendly. They were checking on us often and took a good care. Menu is pretty good with many different options. Octopus salad was delicious , soft and cooked to perfection. Salad was pretty decent as well. I got lobster linguine which was amazing and had a decent piece of lobster in it. Ambiance is romantic but also good for groups. I would say you can come here for any occasion. We enjoyed this place a lot! It is also located in a good area. Definitely recommend”—Olesya P.
Photo via Google Maps
Chanta European Cuisine
4.5 out 5 stars, 120 reviews
113 S Hyde Park Ave., Tampa 
”Dining at Chanta for the first time was a pleasant experience. The ambience was comfortable, homey, and romantic all at the same time. We enjoyed the homemade bread and stuffed mushrooms as the appetizer. My husband and I ordered the chicken schnitzel, creamy mushrooms, and paprika chicken. All were cooked perfectly and flavorful.” - Monica Aa.
Photo via Google Maps

Chanta European Cuisine

4.5 out 5 stars, 120 reviews
113 S Hyde Park Ave., Tampa
”Dining at Chanta for the first time was a pleasant experience. The ambience was comfortable, homey, and romantic all at the same time. We enjoyed the homemade bread and stuffed mushrooms as the appetizer. My husband and I ordered the chicken schnitzel, creamy mushrooms, and paprika chicken. All were cooked perfectly and flavorful.” - Monica Aa.
Photo via Google Maps
Jackson’s Bistro Bar and Sushi
3.5 out 5 stars, 1304 reviews
601 S Harbour Island Blvd. Ste 100, Tampa 
”Absolutely amazing if you are hung over or looking for a couple drinks. Service was fantastic by both night and day bartenders. Male bartender at night did a cool balancing glass trick. Female bartenders were very sweet and attentive Meredith and Keme. We had a ball and really enjoyed Jackson's Bistro Bar and Sushi. 10/10 would come again in Tampa. We recommend a fruity drink: mai tai, margarita and for food: Salmon, Miso Soup.” - Bridget K.
Photo via Google Maps

Jackson’s Bistro Bar and Sushi

3.5 out 5 stars, 1304 reviews
601 S Harbour Island Blvd. Ste 100, Tampa
”Absolutely amazing if you are hung over or looking for a couple drinks. Service was fantastic by both night and day bartenders. Male bartender at night did a cool balancing glass trick. Female bartenders were very sweet and attentive Meredith and Keme. We had a ball and really enjoyed Jackson's Bistro Bar and Sushi. 10/10 would come again in Tampa. We recommend a fruity drink: mai tai, margarita and for food: Salmon, Miso Soup.” - Bridget K.
Photo via Google Maps
Vino E Pasta
4.5 out 5 stars, 345 reviews
3603 W Gandy Blvd. Tampa 
”What a vibe this place is! Went here on a terrible date and still had a great time! Between the family singing and entertainment It was hard to have a bad time. And they gave me a flower  
The food was absolutely amazing. I got the lasagna. The freshness of pasta is unmatched. The sauce was delicious. The portion is pretty big (thanks for next day's lunch). I couldn't leave without trying tiramisu! Which, of course, didn't disappoint! The place is small so make reservations, if you can” - Eleonora B.
Photo via Vino E Pasta/Website

Vino E Pasta

4.5 out 5 stars, 345 reviews
3603 W Gandy Blvd. Tampa
”What a vibe this place is! Went here on a terrible date and still had a great time! Between the family singing and entertainment It was hard to have a bad time. And they gave me a flower The food was absolutely amazing. I got the lasagna. The freshness of pasta is unmatched. The sauce was delicious. The portion is pretty big (thanks for next day's lunch). I couldn't leave without trying tiramisu! Which, of course, didn't disappoint! The place is small so make reservations, if you can” - Eleonora B.
Photo via Vino E Pasta/Website
Ulele
4 out 5 stars, 3614 reviews
1810 N Highland Ave. Tampa 
”Been several years and decided it was time to go back and see if it was just as amazing as before... and it was good! Despite reservations and arriving early, we were sat 10min later so not horrible but not pleased. Otherwise Our server was TOP NOTCH 10/5, the food was 4/5 and the atmosphere is 5/5. I thought the food was delish, maybe not as amazing as before but definitely return worthy. I love coming here with a large group of friends and walking around along the water afterwards. Since this is my 2nd review, the answer to the magic question is STILL yes! Would love to come by for the food and atmosphere!.” - Evelyn E.
Photo via Google Maps

Ulele

4 out 5 stars, 3614 reviews
1810 N Highland Ave. Tampa
”Been several years and decided it was time to go back and see if it was just as amazing as before... and it was good! Despite reservations and arriving early, we were sat 10min later so not horrible but not pleased. Otherwise Our server was TOP NOTCH 10/5, the food was 4/5 and the atmosphere is 5/5. I thought the food was delish, maybe not as amazing as before but definitely return worthy. I love coming here with a large group of friends and walking around along the water afterwards. Since this is my 2nd review, the answer to the magic question is STILL yes! Would love to come by for the food and atmosphere!.” - Evelyn E.
Photo via Google Maps
Timpano Hyde Park
3.5 out 5 stars, 571 reviews
1610 W Swann Ave., Tampa 
”If you are looking for somewhere with amazing food and drinks, tons of photo ops, beautiful and festive decor, and great service - go to Timpano! My husband and I went for lunch and we loved everything! To drink we had the espresso martini (they have won awards for it) and the frozen strawberry aperol spritz. Both were yummy! To start, we shared the wagyu beef carpaccio. I could literally eat that every day, it was soo good! For our meals, we had the clam linguini and the cavatelli with Italian sausage. Both were so delicious and filling!” - Jessica M.
Photo via Google Maps

Timpano Hyde Park

3.5 out 5 stars, 571 reviews
1610 W Swann Ave., Tampa
”If you are looking for somewhere with amazing food and drinks, tons of photo ops, beautiful and festive decor, and great service - go to Timpano! My husband and I went for lunch and we loved everything! To drink we had the espresso martini (they have won awards for it) and the frozen strawberry aperol spritz. Both were yummy! To start, we shared the wagyu beef carpaccio. I could literally eat that every day, it was soo good! For our meals, we had the clam linguini and the cavatelli with Italian sausage. Both were so delicious and filling!” - Jessica M.
Photo via Google Maps
Steelbach
4 out 5 stars, 905 reviews
1910 N Ola Ave., Tampa 
"So many recommendations & we finally made it. The atmosphere is so great and the staff was friendly & attentive. Our starters were pretty good.We had salad & shrimp rolls. Not exactly what we were expecting; they had a spicy dipping sauce. Our main meal was INCREDIBLE. Three steaks all cooked to perfection! Mac & cheese, carrots & mushrooms as sides. They were all delicious!! Dessert was good; the pudding was VERY odd and would not recommend. Overall perfect date night or quality place for a special dinner..” - Joanne C.
Photo via Google Maps

Steelbach

4 out 5 stars, 905 reviews
1910 N Ola Ave., Tampa
"So many recommendations & we finally made it. The atmosphere is so great and the staff was friendly & attentive. Our starters were pretty good.We had salad & shrimp rolls. Not exactly what we were expecting; they had a spicy dipping sauce. Our main meal was INCREDIBLE. Three steaks all cooked to perfection! Mac & cheese, carrots & mushrooms as sides. They were all delicious!! Dessert was good; the pudding was VERY odd and would not recommend. Overall perfect date night or quality place for a special dinner..” - Joanne C.
Photo via Google Maps
Resturant BT
4.5 out 5 stars, 251 reviews
2507 S MacDill Ave., Tampa 
”Highly recommend, you will not get food like this anywhere else in the TB area. Every dish that comes out is a price of art and absolutely delicious. One of the most unique menus I've  seen and I got to try so many new things. My fiancé and I get the escargot and duck burrito as an app and they were amazing. Server was also very attentive and was there to fill my water the second I finished it. Small and intimate setting, perfect for our engagement celebration dinner!” - Meghan M.
Photo via Google Maps

Resturant BT

4.5 out 5 stars, 251 reviews
2507 S MacDill Ave., Tampa
”Highly recommend, you will not get food like this anywhere else in the TB area. Every dish that comes out is a price of art and absolutely delicious. One of the most unique menus I've seen and I got to try so many new things. My fiancé and I get the escargot and duck burrito as an app and they were amazing. Server was also very attentive and was there to fill my water the second I finished it. Small and intimate setting, perfect for our engagement celebration dinner!” - Meghan M.
Photo via Google Maps
On Sawnn
4.5 out 5 stars, 1633 reviews
1501 W Swann Ave., Tampa 
”Very charming and chic restaurant. It feels like you're in a television show, everything is so beautiful and perfectly done (not to mention the customers are very trendy). The food was great! We tried the kale salad, a hummus platter, the chicken salad, and the burger. Everything was excellent. The passion fruit cocktail and the Bloody Mary were also favorites!” - Danielle K.
Photo via On Swann

On Sawnn

4.5 out 5 stars, 1633 reviews
1501 W Swann Ave., Tampa
”Very charming and chic restaurant. It feels like you're in a television show, everything is so beautiful and perfectly done (not to mention the customers are very trendy). The food was great! We tried the kale salad, a hummus platter, the chicken salad, and the burger. Everything was excellent. The passion fruit cocktail and the Bloody Mary were also favorites!” - Danielle K.
Photo via On Swann
Oak and Ola
4.5 out 5 stars, 661 reviews
1910 N Ola Ave., Tampa 
”Delicious meal at Oak and Ola. We had a reservation and were sat right away when we arrived.  Started with some wine and a cheese board. The craft cocktails and the extensive wine list are fantastic. For our meal we split the NY strip with chimichurri  and Yukon potatoes. It was cooked perfectly and with wonderful flavor. Our server was fantastic and we never were left looking for him when we needed something, he was always on top of it. They have a beautiful large indoor dining room and a nice sized patio overlooking the River and armature works.” - Lara T.
Photo via Bern's Steakhouse/Website

Oak and Ola

4.5 out 5 stars, 661 reviews
1910 N Ola Ave., Tampa
”Delicious meal at Oak and Ola. We had a reservation and were sat right away when we arrived. Started with some wine and a cheese board. The craft cocktails and the extensive wine list are fantastic. For our meal we split the NY strip with chimichurri and Yukon potatoes. It was cooked perfectly and with wonderful flavor. Our server was fantastic and we never were left looking for him when we needed something, he was always on top of it. They have a beautiful large indoor dining room and a nice sized patio overlooking the River and armature works.” - Lara T.
Photo via Bern's Steakhouse/Website
Oggi Italian
4 out 5 stars, 404 reviews
236 E Davis Blvd., Tampa 
”This was our 3rd time at Oggi's and we definitely feel it's one of the best, if not the best, Italian restaurants for a few reasons. 1. The freshness of the ingredients and flavors are top notch! 2. Portion sizes/value are great; one entree can feed two people and it includes salad and bread. 3. Kids menu, where else can you get $4 spaghetti? 4. Ambience has an intimate feel. All of our dishes were fantastic, no complaints here! We'll definitely be back!” - Monica A.
Photo via Google Maps

Oggi Italian

4 out 5 stars, 404 reviews
236 E Davis Blvd., Tampa
”This was our 3rd time at Oggi's and we definitely feel it's one of the best, if not the best, Italian restaurants for a few reasons. 1. The freshness of the ingredients and flavors are top notch! 2. Portion sizes/value are great; one entree can feed two people and it includes salad and bread. 3. Kids menu, where else can you get $4 spaghetti? 4. Ambience has an intimate feel. All of our dishes were fantastic, no complaints here! We'll definitely be back!” - Monica A.
Photo via Google Maps
Olivia
4.5 out 5 stars, 955 reviews
3601 W Swann Ave., Tampa
”Beautiful restaurant with lots of energy. Be prepare to valet park your car only. The food is absolutely delicious and well presented. Staff is friendly and excited to bring the amazing food to your table. Drinks are a must for this place and complement the food. I think this is one of the best restaurants in Tampa..” - Miguel A.
Photo via Google Maps

Olivia

4.5 out 5 stars, 955 reviews
3601 W Swann Ave., Tampa
”Beautiful restaurant with lots of energy. Be prepare to valet park your car only. The food is absolutely delicious and well presented. Staff is friendly and excited to bring the amazing food to your table. Drinks are a must for this place and complement the food. I think this is one of the best restaurants in Tampa..” - Miguel A.
Photo via Google Maps
Ciro’s
4 out 5 stars, 1010 reviews
2109 Bayshore Blvd., Tampa
"Ambiance is fantastic! Overall service was great! Food and drinks were top notch!! Everything is delicious here. Ive had almost everything on the food menu. I've been multiple times and it's still an all time favorite! I recommend it to anyone who visits or frequents Tampa..” - Shaina.
Photo via Google Maps

Ciro’s

4 out 5 stars, 1010 reviews
2109 Bayshore Blvd., Tampa
"Ambiance is fantastic! Overall service was great! Food and drinks were top notch!! Everything is delicious here. Ive had almost everything on the food menu. I've been multiple times and it's still an all time favorite! I recommend it to anyone who visits or frequents Tampa..” - Shaina.
Photo via Google Maps
Donatello
4 out 5 stars, 314 reviews
232 N Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa 
”We always love coming to Donatello! This place has the best Italian food in Tampa & always provides the best vibes. I normally find angel hair with red sauce boring, but they've found a way to elevate it into being one of the best dishes on the menu. I always love their linguine vongole and osso buco too. You really can't go wrong with anything on their menu. Finish off your meal with a glass of limoncello, kick back, and pretend you're in Italy!” - Caroline D.
Photo via Donatello's/Facebook

Donatello

4 out 5 stars, 314 reviews
232 N Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa
”We always love coming to Donatello! This place has the best Italian food in Tampa & always provides the best vibes. I normally find angel hair with red sauce boring, but they've found a way to elevate it into being one of the best dishes on the menu. I always love their linguine vongole and osso buco too. You really can't go wrong with anything on their menu. Finish off your meal with a glass of limoncello, kick back, and pretend you're in Italy!” - Caroline D. Photo via Donatello's/Facebook
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