While Tampa Bay is home to the largest holiday light display event in the world, Tampa Riverwalk is the perfect place to enjoy spring in Florida (what’s better than exploring and savoring the culinary delights while taking in the incredibly scenic beauty of the area!).
With a stunning waterfront view and an array of top-rated restaurants, this vibrant community in Tampa offers a variety of unique activities along with dining options for travelers looking for a relaxing Florida spring break getaway.
Whether you're in the mood for classic American cuisine, fresh seafood, or authentic international dishes, Tampa Riverwalk has something for everyone. To make things easier for travelers, we've compiled a list of the top 10 must-try restaurants to check out on Tampa Riverwalk based on their ratings and reviews.
10 Ulele (4.6/5 Stars On Google Reviews)
Ulele is a local favorite for its creative and flavorful dishes inspired by Florida's rich history and natural resources. This restaurant serves contemporary Florida fare with a focus on locally sourced ingredients.
With an outdoor patio overlooking the Hillsborough River, Ulele is the perfect spot to enjoy a sunset dinner.
Ulele's specialties:
Try their charbroiled oysters, gator chowder, or roasted portobello mushroom for a truly unique experience.
9 Columbia Restaurant (4.6/5)
Columbia Restaurant is a Tampa institution and the oldest restaurant in Florida, dating back to 1905. It serves up Spanish and Cuban-inspired dishes.
Columbia Restaurant's Specialties
Try their traditional Spanish and Cuban dishes like paella and black beans and rice, as well as their famous "1905 Salad", a signature dish of the Columbia family. Make sure to enjoy a refreshing mojito while dining on their patio.
Malio's Prime Steakhouse (4.5/5 Stars On Yelp)
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As one of Tampa's oldest and most renowned eateries, Malio's is a classic steakhouse with a modern twist that offers an unforgettable dining experience with top-quality cuts of beef and a wine list to match.
Their steaks are dry-aged in-house for 28 days and cooked to perfection.
Malio's Prime Steakhouse's Specialties
Don't miss their signature "Malio's Filet Mignon."
7 Edison: Food + Drink Lab (4.4/5 Stars On Google Reviews)
This restaurant puts a modern spin on American cuisine with the theme of a modern and innovative restaurant that features a "science lab" theme. With dishes like the "Carbonara Gnocchi" and "Crispy Pork Belly." Edison also offers a creative cocktail menu, making it a great spot for a night out.
Edison's specialties:
Their menu includes dishes like the liquid nitrogen popcorn and the "doughnut" burger, which are a must-try. They also offer a creative selection of cocktails.
Osteria Tampa (4.7/5 Stars On Google Reviews)
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Osteria Tampa is a modern Italian restaurant that offers a variety of handmade pasta, fresh seafood, and Neapolitan pizza. With a chic and trendy atmosphere, Osteria Tampa is perfect for a date night or a night out with friends.
Osteria Tampa's Specialties
Make sure to try their delicious Beef Carpaccio and Truffle Risotto.
5 Oxford Exchange (4.6/5 Stars On Google Reviews)
Oxford Exchange is a unique European-inspired dining space that combines an eclectic bookstore, coffeehouse, and restaurant.
Their menu features a variety of sandwiches, salads, and breakfast items like avocado toast. After your meal, browse their impressive collection of books and gifts.
Oxford Exchange's Specialties
Order the Whipped Feta and Fish Tacos for a flavor explosion on your palate!
4 Bavaro's Pizza Napoletana & Pastaria (4.4/5 On Google Reviews)
Bavaro's Pizza Napoletana & Pastaria is an authentic family-run Italian restaurant with a focus on Neapolitan-style pizza. They use only the freshest ingredients, including imported Italian tomatoes and cheeses, to create their delicious dishes.
Bavaro's Pizza Napoletana & Pastaria's Specialties
Their Rigatoni Dish, Woodfired Garlicbread, and Homemade Tagliatelle are strongly recommended by customers.
The Attic Cafe (4.0/5 On Google Reviews)
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A rooftop coffee shop and bar located in the heart of Downtown Tampa, the Attic Cafe is a quirky, eclectic restaurant serving up Southern-style comfort food with a twist.
The Attic Cafe's Specialties
Try their "Crispy Crab Cakes Benedict" or the "Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles" for a unique and satisfying meal.
2 Hattricks Tavern (4.5/5 Stars On Google Reviews)
A local hockey-theme sports bar and restaurant, Hattricks Tavern is simply a sports lovers' dream bar ! It offers classic pub fare like burgers and wings alongside craft beers and cocktails.
With over 20 TVs, it's also a great spot to catch the game.
Hattricks Tavern's Specialties
Don't miss out on their $1.50 Happy Hour (4-8 PM) wing special. They also have game specials on drinks!
1 Armature Works (4.5/5 Stars On Google Reviews)
This historic building has been converted into a food hall, making it an event space, upscale food court, and bars and lounge all in a historic and lofty space.
Featuring a variety of vendors serving up everything from wood-fired pizza at Ava to fresh seafood at the Surf and Turf Market, it offers something for everyone.
With communal seating and a lively atmosphere, it's a great spot to sample a little bit of everything. Don't forget to grab a craft cocktail at the rooftop bar, M.Bird.
Armature Works Specialties
Customers highly recommend their Dharma Southern Chicken, Black Bean Burger, and Sweet Potato Fries.