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Tampa Bay Date Night Guide
Top 10 Tampa Riverwalk Restaurants with a View for Romance
By Molli Keller,
16 hours ago
The Tampa Riverwalk has so much to offer, from water activities, to casually strolling along with a friend or that special someone. When all of this exploring leaves you hungry, it’s easy to satisfy your appetite – or your thirst. We have outlined the best places to eat along the scenic Tampa Riverwalk.
From seafood to burgers, these top 10 Tampa Riverwalk restaurants offer delicious menus and beautiful views of the water.
One of the most popular food halls in Tampa, Armature Works allows guests to choose between counter service and full-dining service options. What used to be a TECO streetcar warehouse has been transformed into an amazing space with a variety of food featuring BBQ, ice cream, coffee, Asian Cuisine, locally owned eats, and more!
Hemmingways Cuban Cuisine Pollo Sandwich with Yuca Fries – Image by Molli Keller
One of my favorite places to eat at Armature Works is Hemingway’s Cuban Kitchen. The Pollo Sandwich with Yuca Fries and a specialty Sangria are my go-to. The two main full-service dining spots are Steelbach (amazing Mimosa flight) and Oak & Ola , both Michelin Guide restaurants.
Parking: There are 4 guest parking lots surrounding Armature Works, as well as the Heights District parking garage, and metered street parking.
Dress Code: Casual for counter service and smart casual for full-dining
Armature Works Inside Seating – Image by Molli Keller
Just upstairs at Armature Works, you can find one of the best rooftop bars in Tampa. M.Bird offers unparalleled waterfront views of Tampa’s ever-growing cityscape, as well as curated cocktails and sharable small plates.
With a covered patio and set entertainment (Elevate Thursdays, Friday Nights, Saturdaze, Sunday Funday) 4 days a week, this is perfect for a get-together with friends or a date night out. One of my favorite drinks is the Billy Ocean Water!
Not directly riverfront, but only steps away from the Hillsborough River is one of the most tastiest and elegant riverfront restaurants in Tampa , Ulele.
Ulele celebrates the vibrant fusion of ingredients from Florida waters and land once home to many Native Americans, including the young princess Ulele. The Filet Mignon 8oz. with garlic mashed potatoes and green beans is incredible! This is one of mine and my partner’s favorite places to celebrate birthdays.
Parking: Complimentary valet after 5pm Fridays, lunch and dinner Saturday and Sundays
Dress Code: Casual or formal attire, but note that men must wear sleeves and those dressed more relaxed may be sat outside
Another restaurant that is great for celebrations is Malio’s Prime Steakhouse. Located on the lobby level of Rivergate Tower, guests can enjoy views of the waterfront and the University of Tampa. Malio’s offers Creekstone All-Natural Prime Beef & Pork, the freshest seafood available, and a selection of over 200 wines. Guests rave about amazing service, as well as the Blackened Scallops, Crab Cakes, and Chef Special Filet and Lobster Tail.
Parking: Rivergate Tower parking garage (complimentary parking with validation after 6pm) or valet parking at $6 for the first 3 hours with validation in front of the building off Ashley Dr.
Located in Hotel Tampa Riverwalk, River’s Edge allows guests the choice of and indoor dining room and an outdoor pool bar. River’s Edge offers gourmet dining with modern flair in a beautiful waterfront setting, and features local, freshly caught seafood.
With special nights like Taco Tuesdays and Wine Wednesday, this is a nice place to stop for a cocktail, and even take it to go as you continue along the Riverwalk!
Parking: Valet or street parking
Dress Code: Casual
Rivers Edge Riverwalk Entrance – Image by Molli Keller
Located inside the JW Marriott along the continually growing Water Street , Anchor and Brine is a gorgeous venue with incredible views of the river. Guests can access the restaurant from inside the hotel or via a direct entrance off the Riverwalk onto their dog friendly patio- Mondays are Yappy Hour- so cute!
Featuring a refined yet approachable seafood-forward menu, guests can enjoy locally-influenced fresh seafood favorites and craft cocktail pairings.
One of our favorite items on the menu is the Seafood Tower, which includes oysters, shrimp, crab claws, and poached lobster tail, and can be ordered for different group sizes or 2, 4 or 6 people. Please come prepared as this is a cashless venue!
Parking: 3 hour complimentary valet parking with validation on non-event nights
Dress Code: Casual elegant
View from Anchor and Brine Patio – Image by Molli Keller
Also located at the Tampa Marriott Water Street, Lona by Chef Richard Sandoval offers authentic Mexican cuisine and over 200 tequila and mezcal options- you can even access your own tequila locker filled with Lona’s vast spirits collection! Whether you are looking to enjoy lunch, dinner, bottomless brunch , or happy hour, Lona has you covered.
Happy Hour Lona Margarita, Nachos, and Guacamole – Image by Molli Keller
The happy hour is decent, with three half-off cocktails and a limited food menu, we were able to try a variety of different foods. I really liked the Lona Margarita, Traditional Guacamole, and Nachos (note there is an additional charge for meat). I was surprised that the happy hour menu included 1 Al Pastor Taco for $6 when guests can order 3 Al Pastor Tacos for $15 off the regular menu.
The Churros were our favorite part! Please come prepared as this is a cashless venue.
Parking: 3 hours of complimentary valet parking with validation on non-event nights, or 50% off the daily rate on event nights
Right off the Riverwalk next to the Tampa Convention Center is the Sail, a 360-degree waterfront bar serving cold, refreshing craft cocktails and beer. This covered outdoor patio is dog friendly and you can catch live music every Friday and Saturday.
Watch your favorite Florida sports teams on the TVs at the bar. Two of my favorite cocktails are the Lightning Lemonade and Gasparilla Punch.
Parking: Tampa Convention Center parking garage, Pam Iorio parking garage, or street parking
If you’re at The Sail, you’re also at Big Rays Fish Camp & Grille on the Riverwalk. Guests can access Big Rays Fish Camp through the walk-up window at the back of The Sail. Try the award-winning Grouper Sandwich, and get it blackened with the garlic parmesan fries!
Columbia Café at the Tampa Bay History Center is one of the 7 locations of the famous Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City. Right off the Riverwalk, guests can dine in the open-air, fully covered patio, or choose the indoor dining room for those sometimes scorching Florida days.
This venue features live music on the patio every Friday and Saturday evening from 6pm-9pm. Even though the menu is more limited than the Ybor location, it does offer favorites like the Original “1905” Salad, Ropa Vieja, and Picadilla “Criollo.”
Parking: Street parking or public parking garages
Dress Code: Business Casual
Columbia Cafe Riverwalk Entrance
By the way, if popping into Tampa Bay History Center sounds like you’re kind of thing, then consider these Tampa Bay museums for date night.
From casual to romantic, we hope you enjoy your date night along the Tampa Riverwalk!
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