Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in Tampa

OpenTable

Updated October 05, 2026

Looking for the best restaurants that are fit for foodies in Tampa? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Rooster & The Till

4.9

4.9 (529)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Tampa

About the restaurant

Rooster & the Till is an award-winning, modern American neighborhood restaurant in Seminole Heights. With an always-evolving menu & eclectic beverage program, it's perfect for adventurous diners looking to be challenged by new ingredients and who expect high attention to service.

We offer 2 different reservation options each evening, seats at one of our tables or at our kitchen counter, barstools that overlook the kitchen. The full menu, including tasting, is available anywhere within the restaurant.

Top review

BrentGold

Dined 5 days ago

Every single time I’ve been here the experience, the food, vibe and service have been top notch. Best bites were the tortillini, beef cheek and the squash. The wine pairing is a must, we split ours. My number one restaurant!

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4.9

4.9 (237)

$50 and over

International

Tampa

About the restaurant

The best seasonal ingredients refined in the kitchen by 2 Michelin star Chef Ebbe and his team.

Drawing inspiration from the captivating ambiance of Scandinavia, we have meticulously crafted an intimate restaurant nestled in the heart of Tampa, Florida.

Under the skilled guidance of Chef Ebbe and his talented team, our kitchen becomes a haven where we artfully refine the most exquisite seasonal ingredients. With each dish crafted, we guarantee a culinary experience that transcends boundaries, tantalizing taste buds and transporting diners on a journey of flavors.

Top review

James

Dined on Oct 10, 2026

It was a birthday dinner and what an amazing experience! We were greeted and seated immediately. The food was excellent- my husband and I said oh wow with every bite. Chef was always serving us and explaining each dish - Highly recommend!

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Rooted Wine Bar at Fleming's Flagship

4.9

4.9 (21)

$50 and over

Wine Bar

Tampa

About the restaurant

Discover Rooted Wine Bar, Tampa’s newest destination for immersive wine experiences, located inside our Flagship Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar. Ideally situated near Tampa International Airport and International Plaza in the Westshore Business District, The Rooted Wine Bar offers exclusive wine flights, rare bottle selections, and wine-steward tastings. Enjoy our chef-curated small plates or elevate your evening with our full dinner menu and bespoke pairing recommendations. Rooted also hosts intimate producer events and elevated tasting experiences found nowhere else in Tampa. Settle in, unwind, and explore the art of exceptional wine.

Top review

marieange

Dined on Oct 16, 2026

It was a wonderful experience. I will definitely go there during the day so I can enjoy everything.

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Experience

The Sommelier's Prix Fixe

Arts Club

4.8

4.8 (72)

$31 to $50

Asian

Tampa

About the restaurant

Where refined taste meets bold style. Tailored to those who appreciate the art of experience, this multi-sensory venue blends expertly crafted cocktails, Asian-inspired shareable plates, and curated musical entertainment that comes to life in a striking, multi-room setting designed for discovery. The venue flows from a moody lounge with dark wood finishes to a central bar wrapped in marble, ending in the Red Room: a decadent hideaway glittering with mirrored globes and bathed in red velvet—designed for nights that become stories.

Top review

Tiffany

Dined on Oct 17, 2026

Art Club has such a gorgeous atmosphere! The moody lighting, beautiful lounge areas, and ceiling full of disco balls make it feel like a special night out. The food was beautifully presented, and the birthday dessert was such a sweet touch. Our waitress, Ashley, deserves a special shoutout! She was so cute, sweet, and attentive, and made us feel so well taken care of throughout the evening. She really made the experience extra special. Such a lovely spot to celebrate! 🪩✨

Blackbrick

4.8

4.8 (626)

$31 to $50

Chinese

Tampa

About the restaurant

Blackbrick by Chef Richard Hales is a fine dining modern Chinese restaurant in Hyde Park, Tampa. Awarded Best New Restaurant and Best Chinese Restaurant by Tampa Magazine, Blackbrick pairs chef-authored cuisine with polished service, seasonal ingredients, and a dining room designed for a full evening out. Signature dishes like the Whole Peking Duck make it a refined, destination-worthy experience near Hyde Park Village and Bayshore.

Top review

Mary

Dined 5 days ago

What a delightful evening. Our waiter Britney was excellent. Very attentive she gave great instructions on what to order and what cocktails to order. The food was amazing. The truffle dumplings were out of this world. The duck and sauce if you are a duck person well worth a try. The eggplant is delicious even is you're not an eggplant person.Both of the fried rice dishes we excellent. Cocktails tail are really different and delicious. The coffee martini was my favorite.

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4.7

4.7 (389)

$31 to $50

Contemporary Italian

Tampa

About the restaurant

Ash is a contemporary Italian-inspired restaurant from Proper House Group, the team behind the award-winning Rooster & the Till. Conveniently located in the Water Street district, close to Benchmark International Arena, directly behind The Edition hotel.

Our menu evolves often, guided by seasonality, technique, and curiosity. Expect house-extruded pastas, thoughtfully composed dishes, and globally influenced small plates—each crafted with intention and precision. The experience is elevated yet approachable, where every detail, from the pacing of courses to the final garnish, is considered.

The beverage program mirrors the kitchen: playful, smart, and layered, with cocktails and wines designed to surprise and complement the food.

Ash is best enjoyed by guests who appreciate creativity, refined execution, and hospitality that goes beyond the expected. Reservations are recommended.

Please note: Ash is a cashless establishment.

Top review

KristinGold

Dined 2 days ago

An excellent experience from start to finish! From the eggplant Parmesan and red snapper—the fish of the day—to the delicious pasta, every dish was outstanding. Sunny’s attentive service and spot-on recommendations made the evening even more special. We loved every moment and every morsel!

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4.7

4.7 (27)

$31 to $50

Cocktail Bar

Tampa

About the restaurant

Japanese dining bar from the Michelin star team behind Kosen.

Low lights.
High Taste.
You found us.

Top review

Marissa

Dined 2 days ago

It was a great experience. The food was incredible and the service is top tier.

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Experience

TANTO Omakase

Palmette Brasserie & Bar

4.6

4.6 (22)

$31 to $50

American

Tampa

About the restaurant

Palmette introduces a modern brasserie with a relaxed tropical feel to Tampa. ✨

An inviting space shaped by the symbolism of the palmette motif, where fronds rise from a single base and open outward in harmony.

This idea of natural connection guides everything we do: a place where shared meals, gathering energy, and effortless hospitality create meaningful moments. 🍽️🌿

Take a look at the culinary experience we’re building, where an open-concept kitchen, chef-driven dishes, and alfresco dining set the tone for our mission: bringing people together through thoughtful food and genuine hospitality. ✨🍽️

Top review

Joe

Dined on Oct 11, 2026

All was fine and our server was excellent and attentive

Counter Culture

4.4

4.4 (1853)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Tampa

About the restaurant

5 time James Beard Nominated, Chef Pierola’s modern homage to classic counter dining and its barstool kinship between diners and the kitchen. Elevated kitchen bar dining, open air mixologist bar, Florida patio seating, and sparkling bay views.

Located just off of iconic Bayshore Blvd, in the heart of South Tampa, a few minutes from downtown.

SUN–THURS 4p-9p DINNER | FRI-SAT 4p-10p DINNER | SAT and SUN 8a–3p BRUNCH

Parking? There are select spaces in front of the restaurant and free valet seven days a week. There are additional spaces along the side of the building, as well as in the parking garage around the back on the right.

Top review

LloydGold

Dined on Oct 17, 2026

As always everything was great. Rico prepared the Faroe Salmon bagel as usual. He does a great job. Our server - Caleb - was also excellent. Very attentive. Love this place and all the employees.

RARE 1981

4.4

4.4 (114)

$50 and over

American

Wesley Chapel

About the restaurant

Welcome to RARE 1981, where coastal spirit meets timeless tradition. Anchoring Saddlebrook Resort’s new culinary journey, RARE 1981 is a sophisticated yet inviting dining destination that blends Florida’s Gulf Coast flavors with classic culinary craftsmanship. The menu features regionally sourced meats, seafood, and vegetables, all prepared with locally inspired flair. Every detail, from the slow-burning fire to the bold flavors, is rooted in intention and designed to create memorable moments. Crafted for connection. Grounded in tradition. Perfectly aged, intentionally served. Parking made easy with complimentary valet.

Top review

Lindsey

Dined on Oct 9, 2026

Rare Steakhouse is a great addition to Saddlebrook Resort’s dining options. I enjoyed a filet mignon, Beet salad, and Tuna tartare. The service was amazing and we will definitely be dining again!

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Experience

Thanksgiving at RARE 1981

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