25In Tampa, there are a plethora of restaurants with spectacular waterfront views; the only challenge is deciding which ones are perfect for that weekend brunch or romantic sunset dinner. While it is nice to have an aesthetic view alongside your meals, we understand that the quality of the dining experience is equally important. For you to enjoy your day out, we highlighted eateries that serve the freshest fish and tastiest cuts of meat. Check out some of these hotspots for waterfront dining in Tampa!
Rick’s On The River
Rick’s On The River is a great place to get started if you are looking for a popular waterfront hangout spot. The menu consists of pub food with a focus on seafood such as shrimp, oysters, catfish, and clams. Traditional Tampa delicacies to savor such as the deviled crab and the fish spread. Spacious outside seating and a wide bar area offer excellent viewpoints for admiring the river and the downtown skyline. When you combine beautiful scenery, delicious food, and reasonable rates, you have the perfect combination for a lovely time.
Café Dufrain
Another recommendation is to visit Café Dufrain, an award-winning restaurant that is located amongst high-rise apartments and condo projects. Serving modern American comfort food specialties, they focus on regional, sustainable, and organic foods blended in their dishes. Lunch or supper at Café Dufrain is likely to please even the most sensitive palates, thanks to their outstanding service and well-curated premium wine and craft beer selection. As an added treat, the scenery of downtown from the waterside patio is spectacular, especially at night.
Yacht Starship
Prepare for a glamorous night out by opting for the Yacht Starship three-course meal experience. Dance under the stars as you take in the night view while cruising the waters of Tampa Bay. Enjoy a menu that changes seasonally and offers the regional best delicacies. If you have any dietary requirements, you do not have to worry as they can accommodate both gluten-free and vegetarian diets. Asides from the night cruise, they also conduct lunch, party, and special event cruises.
Columbia Cafe
This Spanish-inspired cafe is part of the Columbia Restaurant Group and offers some famous dishes from the Ybor City restaurant for lunch and dinner. While it is located inside the Tampa Bay History Center, you can choose to dine indoors or outdoors, with live music accompanying you on the weekends. It is recommended to try out their signature sangria, a refreshing beverage that comes in red and white variants.
Oystercatchers
The Oystercatchers are known not only for their picturesque view of Old Tampa Bay but also for exceptionally fresh seafood and prime steaks. This seafood restaurant, hidden among beautiful landscaping, makes the most of its waterfront location. The menu’s main attraction is a range of locally sourced fish that is blackened, wood-grilled, or sautéed. The recipes are not only imaginative and fresh but they have also been curated with sustainability in mind. If you are looking for a place to have a celebratory meal, Oystercatchers has a very popular Sunday lunch that is highly raved.
