9 Great Tampa Restaurants on the Water

Travel Smarter! Sign up for our free newsletter.

By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

Sign Up

Few things are more pleasant than dining with a view of the water—something that’s always within reach in Tampa, where eclectic flavors and gorgeous waterfronts go hand in hand.

Tampa Restaurants on the Water

Get a meal with a view at these top waterfront restaurants in Tampa.

[viator_tour destination=”666″ type=”3-mod”]

Ulele 

Locally sourced seafood is the the specialty at Ulele. All of the ingredients are organic, and those which can’t be sourced in Florida come from farms in the U.S. Throw in some great vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, along with an astonishing view of the Tampa Bayfront, and it’s no wonder that this young member of the Columbia Restaurant Group is making such a splash. Don’t miss the Seafood Risotto and the Native Sauté.

Rusty Pelican

One of the best Tampa restaurants on the water, the Rusty Pelican has nearly reached landmark status in the city. It’s the place to go for fresh food and views that may leave you speechless. Come for the sunset menu, which complements the experience of the sun setting on the Gulf of Mexico with carefully paired flavors.

Cafe Dufrain

A modern American menu that changes seasonally guarantees the oh-so-fresh local flavors of this classic waterfront restaurant. Complement your dishes with a craft beer and take in the downtown views for a perfect dining experience. Bring your dog or come straight from your boat onto the restaurant— yes, Cafe Dufrain really is that accommodating.

Waterside Grill

Located inside Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina, the Waterside Grill is a great place for casual dining on the Tampa Riverwalk. The menu is inspired by the diversity of the Tampa Bay Area, and as such includes Southern flavors like shrimp and grits, as well as fish tacos, Cuban sandwiches, and griller mahi salad.

Yacht Starship

Travel Smarter! Sign up for our free newsletter.

By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

Sign Up

The only Tampa restaurant that’s literally on the water, Yacht Starship takes you on a dining cruise along Tampa Bay, where you can enjoy views ranging from the downtown’s sky rises to wild dolphins greeting the sunset. After dinner, get even more romantic by dancing on the promenade or lounge deck and enjoying a unique experience brought to you by America’s first dining yacht to receive AAA three diamond rating.

Malio’s

You normally don’t equate family-owned with fine dining, but that’s exactly what Malio’s is. Offering prime beef, fresh seafood, and a selection of more than 200 wines, Malio’s is one of the most popular waterfront restaurants in Tampa. If you like safe and familiar, order the superb chicken alfredo. For something more adventurous, go for the lobster escargot and steak tartare.

Jackson’s Bistro Bar & Sushi

Perfect views with fresh seafood keep people coming back to Jackson’s. With more than 500 wines and an extensive seafood menu, this bistro bar is a local favorite for catching sunsets at the outdoor patio or enjoying a sunny brunch.

Oystercatchers 

At Oystercatchers inside the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay, you’re guaranteed fresh seafood because all of the fish served here is wild and line caught. The Sunday brunch is popular, with numerous buffet bars bringing a variety of flavors. If you’re an adventurous eater, try the delightful lobster mac and cheese.

Armani’s

Another fine restaurant located in the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay, Armani’s is acclaimed for its varied Italian menu. The restaurant is on the 14th floor of the hotel, and its floor-to-ceiling windows grant unparalleled views of the water while you dine.

More from SmarterTravel:

• Tampa Destination Guide
• The 10 Best Hotels in Tampa
• The Best Cheap Hotels in Tampa for Budget Travelers
• The 10 Best Tampa Beach Hotels
• 10 Fun Things to Do in Tampa
• 10 Must-See Tampa Attractions
• 10 Best Beaches in Tampa
• The Best Cheap Eats in Tampa
• The 10 Best Restaurants in Tampa
• What to Wear in Tampa
• What to Pack for Tampa: 10 Must-Haves in Your Suitcase

[viator_tour destination=”666″ type=”3-mod”]

– Original reporting by Mariana Zapata

Travel Smarter! Sign up for our free newsletter.

By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

Sign Up