Best Restaurants for Foodies in Tampa

I can’t believe we’ve lived in Tampa and haven’t been to timpano until last night. What a great restaurant! Food was great, service was great, atmosphere was great and everything is at a price point that won’t kill your wallet.

11/10 highly recommend. Atmosphere, food and service were all exceptional

Took my wife here for a date on a Friday evening. While I can’t say there was anything particular bad (other than the NY strip that I ate half of and left behind) I don’t think I will ever go back. All employees were extremely nice. Served was attentive and the GM came by twice to check on us. Food and drink was prepared promptly and delivered efficiently. The ambiance was great in the dining room but there were little details missing for a dinner that we ultimate spent $350 on for the two of us with tip. It’s all minor details but the paper towels in the bathroom were in a dispenser and were what you’d find in a McDonald’s; I would think that there would be some type of softer almost cloth like disposable napkin. The fixtures in the bathroom were what you’d see in a chilis, again this is just nitpicking but important in at a restaurant at this price point. Out of respect, I had my steak boxed and I would have expected it to be brought to the table in a branded bag but instead it was in a cheap box and left on the table. Parking lot is small and there is no valet, not a big deal but again it’s the details. You walk in through the back door past the bathrooms which I found odd. We had two appetizers the oysters and foie gras - both were fantastic. My wife had the scallops which she found delightful. I had the NY strip ordered medium rare and it came out closer to medium. I could tell as soon as it was set down that it was going to be dry. The sear marks on it looked nice but unfortunately carried an extremely charred and burnt taste that made it inedible. The dryness coupled with the burnt flavor absolutely ruined it for me. The rest of the plate was tasty but it felt like the dish was doing too much. I had similar thoughts about the other entrees and figured it would be hard to mess up a steak. We had the butter cake to finish and split an espresso martini. The cake was dry and the basil sauce was odd. Overall, I think it’s worth a try at least once.

Haven in Tampa exceeded all our expectations! From the moment we walked in, the ambiance was inviting and chic, especially in the bar area—it’s beautifully designed and perfect for enjoying a drink. Speaking of drinks, the Berns cappuccino was an absolute highlight, with rich flavors that were perfectly balanced. The Brussels sprouts were phenomenal, easily one of the best dishes of the night. They were so well-prepared, packed with flavor, and left a lasting impression. Our waiter made the evening truly unforgettable, delivering impeccable service with a warm and attentive attitude. They went out of their way to make my wife feel special on her birthday, adding a personal touch that elevated our experience. We’d give our server a 10 out of 5 if we could! Haven is a spot I’d wholeheartedly recommend for any occasion—whether a casual evening out or a special celebration. We can’t wait to return!

I recently dined at Ebbe to celebrate my anniversary and was thoroughly impressed by the overall experience. The ambiance is cozy and modern, and it feels both welcoming and chic. The staff were incredibly friendly , offering prompt service and genuine smiles throughout the evening. The chef is extremely attentive. Overall, Ebbe offers a fantastic dining experience, perfect for a special occasion. I’ll definitely be returning.