Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Tampa

We have eaten at Columbia in St Augustine a couple of times and this was our first at the original restaurant in Tampa. It was a Monday night and we’re glad we had reservations because it was really busy. The interior of the restaurant was very beautiful and the walls showcased the history (from 1905). Jim, our waiter was great. Very helpful regarding the menu and sharing the history of Columbia. I had sangria to start and it was good. The Cuban bread and butter was absolutely wonderful. We didn’t order tapas because we knew the entrees were pretty large. We shared the Pollo Manchengo and Shrimp Gonzalo (not sure on the spelling). Both were good. We thought the Pollo had more flavor than the shrimp. The yellow rice was okay and the vegetable was broccolini, and was good. We finished with the bread pudding. Definitely enough for 2. It was very good. The restaurant doesn’t have good acoustics and is very loud….just from conversations. We also found that to be true in St Augustine. Prices were average, in the range from $28-48. Overall, we had a very nice meal and were glad we went. So much history both at the restaurant and in Ybor City. If you are in the area we would recommend giving it a try. We don’t get on the west coast of Florida very often but will definitely go back to the St Augustine location in the future.

There has never been a bad experience at Timpano. They go above and beyond to make your experience amazing. The food is always incredible and consistently delicious.

The food was exceptional—truly top tier. Every dish we tried was fantastic. While our entrée took a bit longer to arrive, the appetizers came out quickly. The service was good. The standout dish was the goat cheese croquettes with guava sauce—absolutely incredible. The guacamole and chips, as well as the ceviche, were also delicious. For the main course, the steak frites were cooked perfectly, with tender, flavorful steak complemented by a delicious chimichurri sauce. The potatoes were equally impressive. Overall, a wonderful dining experience!

The Valentines Day Menu was a Perfect Blend of everything this place has to offer. The service was above board. The food was amazing and so tasty. Their whiskey is some of the smoothest whiskey i have ever had, no burn, no problem. Amazing Quality. The first time i had Wagyu and it was the best beef i had ever eaten. I will for sure be back!

Meat Market is an absolute gem! From the moment you step in, you know you're in for a treat. The happy hour is fantastic – a perfect blend of delightful cocktails and an ambiance that's both vibrant and relaxing. **Ambiance:** The weather couldn't be better for sitting in the garden. Whether you're there for a casual hangout or a special occasion, the outdoor seating makes for an exceptional experience. **Drinks:** The cocktails are top-notch, crafted with precision and creativity. The happy hour menu offers a great selection, ensuring there's something for everyone. **Food:** The highlight, however, has to be the food. The tuna tartare nachos are a must-try; they're fresh, flavorful, and absolutely delicious. The king salmon roll is another standout, with its perfect balance of taste and texture. Both dishes are highly recommended and exemplify the quality and care put into the menu.