Tampa area recommendations

[jhlurie]

I'm going there for a few days.  Does anyone have any recommendations?

[willperson]

Redwood in downtown St.Pete on Central is excellent, and Basha's an Italian place out 4th in St. Pete is very good

[NewYorkTexan]

Bern's Steakhouse has a strong following.  Known for its wine list, it is a huge restaurant.    I am always cautious of restaurants that are this big, but I have friend that swear by this place.

www.bernssteakhouse.com

[Rail Paul]

There are several brewpubs in the Ybor City area, which is a restored, Soho like area on the east side of Tampa.

We enjoyed lunch at one called Ybor Brewhouse, IIRC.  Choice of 4-5 locals, good Cuban pressed sandwiches. 200-250 mugs hung on numbered pegs on the wall.

[jhlurie]

I didn't have anything exceptional when I was there, but the consensus from people I've spoken with are that Steakhouses and Cuban food (in Ybor City) are the highlights.

On the other hand, Tampa is far more pleasant than most of the east coast of Florida, so I'd certainly think of returning if I could be assured of eating well.

[Rail Paul]

Tampa's a very nice place to live and work, except for the annual hurricane evacuation from the outer islands.  Has a fine aquarium, no part of the metro is more than a few minutes from the water.

Clearwater and the Beach are wonderful, you can be on your boat five minutes after leaving your office (in requisite sandals and cut-offs).

One of my associates is on a plane bound for Tampa at this very moment, swim trunks and cut-offs packed in his luggage.

[Jason Perlow]

#Moderation Mode

Moved here

[scaustin1]

Mise En Place is one of my all time favorite fine dining.  Amazingly affordable too.  Top entree price around 25 dollars.  Armanis at Hyatt Regency Westshore, La Teresita for Cuban, Sukothai for Thai.

[Carrot Top]

Bernini's of Ybor City is a very nice place to have lunch.

Elegant but not stuffy, dress code casual but not scruffy . Apparently it is being touted as "the best place to impress". I didn't know that, but liked the way it looked and was not disappointed.

The woodfired pizzas were pretty good (a bit too much cheese for my liking) but the standout was a dish of clams in a garlic butter sauce. Grrrrrr. You can *not* have too many of these. Perfectly wonderful. Add a glass of champagne and all is well with the world.