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Best Restaurants for People Watching in Tampa

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35 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

A photo of Jackson's Bistro Bar & Sushi restaurant
1. Jackson's Bistro Bar & Sushi
4.6
Exceptional(5379)
$$$$
• American • Tampa
Booked 59 times today
Within walking distance from the Amalie Arena, Tampa's Convention Center and Tampa's Downtown Riverwalk, Jackson’s unequivocal dining experience has been a staple for locals and visitors alike for over twenty years. Located in beautiful Harbor Island, right on the water you can enjoy premium handcrafted cocktails accompanied with chef inspired local cuisine all while enjoying a breathtaking view of Downtown Tampa. Big enough for your next business party yet intimate enough to share any of your special occasions, no matter the occasion Jackson's is the perfect venue to celebrate. If your desired reservation time is not available, please call us at (813) 277-0112. Our staff will do their best to accommodate your requests.
A photo of Boulon Brasserie restaurant
2. Boulon Brasserie
4.7
Exceptional(2224)
$$$$
• French • Tampa
Booked 119 times today
Boulon Brasserie is an elegant dining experience featuring modern interpretations of French classics, a vibrant atmosphere and truly genuine hospitality.
A photo of Meat Market Tampa restaurant
3. Meat Market Tampa
4.7
Exceptional(4958)
$$$$
• Steakhouse • Tampa
Booked 84 times today
Meat Market Tampa is a modern American steakhouse known for its glamorous, upbeat vibe and unique dining experience in Florida. Located in Hyde Park Village, the restaurant showcases the culinary artistry of Executive Chef Sean Brasel, who reinvents the classic steakhouse with a contemporary twist. The menu features daily chef’s specials, prime steaks, delicate seafood, sushi and raw bar dishes from our Crudo Bar, signature sides, and indulgent house-made desserts. Pair your meal with an award-winning wine list or handcrafted cocktails from expert mixologists, all enjoyed in a chic, architecturally striking setting. Join us for happy hour daily from 4–7PM, dinner at 5PM, lunch Monday–Friday 11:30AM–3PM, or weekend brunch Saturday and Sunday 11AM–3:30PM, with a live DJ every Friday at lunch and during brunch. With private dining rooms, covered patios, and a lively lounge, Meat Market Tampa is the destination for celebrations, romantic evenings, and corporate events.
A photo of Forbici Modern Italian (Tampa) restaurant
4. Forbici Modern Italian (Tampa)
4.8
Exceptional(2334)
$$$$
• Italian • Tampa
Booked 110 times today
Pizza, Live Music, Italian, Happy Hour, Brunch, Patio Seating, Lunch Specials
A photo of The Pearl - Tampa restaurant
5. The Pearl - Tampa
4.7
Exceptional(2380)
$$$$
• Gastro Pub • Tampa
Booked 67 times today
The Pearl is a well-polished culinary jewel that showcases made-from-scratch food, classically inspired cocktails and an exclusive selection of Ales, Lagers & Stouts. All within one cozy tavern.
A photo of Small Giant Restaurant & Bar restaurant
6. Small Giant Restaurant & Bar
4.4
Awesome(144)
$$$$
• American • Tampa
Booked 5 times today
Small Giant is a friendly neighborhood bar with a heart for elevated comfort food and Columbus-style pizza. Located on Water Street, Tampa.
A photo of Vizcaya SoHo restaurant
7. Vizcaya SoHo
4.6
Exceptional(332)
$$$$
• Spanish • Tampa
Authentic cuisine from Spain. Small Tapas plates and main dishes. FResh fish, fresh seafood and USDA Choice Black Angus steaks.
A photo of Michael's Grill restaurant
8. Michael's Grill
4.9
Exceptional(1825)
$$$$
• American • Tampa
Booked 8 times today
Michael’s Grill, located in the heart of Carrollwood, is a neighborhood favorite that blends upscale American dining with a warm, inviting atmosphere. Known for its fresh seafood and hand-cut steaks, the restaurant offers a menu that highlights quality ingredients and chef-driven flavors, from crab bisque and pasta dishes to perfectly grilled meats. Guests can enjoy dining indoors with views of the open kitchen or relax on the covered outdoor patio, making it an ideal spot for both casual meals and special occasions. With a full bar serving handcrafted cocktails and an extensive wine list, Michael’s Grill provides the perfect balance of comfort, sophistication, and flavor in one of Tampa’s most welcoming settings.
A photo of JOTORO restaurant
9. JOTORO
4.7
Exceptional(797)
$$$$
• Contemporary Mexican • Tampa
Booked 7 times today
JOTORO Kitchen + Tequila Bar is located at Sparkman Wharf in downtown Tampa. Michelin Star chef and partner Joe Isidori has created a Mexican mash-up menu inspired by East LA with fabulous Asian twists and turns. Whether it's date night, late night, or your next event, JOTORO is your perfect place. We like to say JOTORO is where mariachi meets old school hip hop. Our bar serves up hand-shaken cocktails, craft-batched margaritas, and over 50 labels of premium tequilas. JOTORO is a full-service, 220-seat eatery that feels like a neighborhood taco joint featuring a comfortable and rustic feel with one of a kind eclectic art designed exclusively for the space. We have created two outdoor covered patios that flank the prime corner of Sparkman Wharf, which is the perfect spot for people watching and dramatic views of the skyline at night.
A photo of Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine - South Tampa restaurant
10. Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine - South Tampa
4.6
Exceptional(192)
$$$$
• Mediterranean • Tampa
Booked 6 times today
The Turkish food you'll come to love is expertly handcrafted by our experienced chefs and their culinary teams. While many of our staff have Turkish backgrounds, it’s the quality and authenticity of our food that truly define us. At Bosphorous Turkish Cuisine, we prepare each dish daily using only fresh, never frozen, Halal meats. We use the freshest vegetables and the most authentic Mediterranean ingredients, many of which are imported directly from Turkey, in our dips, salads, and sides.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • SusanGold
    Tampa / Central Florida West •11 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    As always, another top-notch dining experience. Particularly loved our sweet hostess Taylor and the service from then on that followed was impeccable. 
    More info
    Meat Market Tampa$$$$• Steakhouse• Tampa
    •
    4.7
  • noah
    Nashville •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    We went to Forbici to celebrate my girlfriend’s birthday and we could not have asked for a better experience. When our waiter greeted us he already knew it was her birthday and made the whole experience one to remember. His recommendations for apps and entrees were top tier and service was even better. Every appetizer and entree were made to perfection and the drinks were amazing as well. 10/10 experience and will 100% be going back for years to come.
    More info
    Forbici Modern Italian (Tampa)$$$$• Italian• Tampa
    •
    4.8
  • David
    Tampa / Central Florida West •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Absolutely wonderful food, service- drinks. All of it. Can’t wait to go back!
    More info
    The Pearl - Tampa$$$$• Gastro Pub• Tampa
    •
    4.7
  • PeterGold
    Tampa / Central Florida West •27 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    This is a great place to enjoy outdoor drinks and dining!
    More info
    Jackson's Bistro Bar & Sushi$$$$• American• Tampa
    •
    4.6
  • EdGold
    Tampa / Central Florida West •12 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 7 days ago
    We love this restaurant. Always a 5 star experience. We love the people who work there. The food is consistently great and the atmosphere just can’t be beat.
    More info
    Boulon Brasserie$$$$• French• Tampa
    •
    4.7

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