Cuisines by the Coast: 10 Highly Recommended Waterfront Restaurants in Tampa

When you’re in Tampa, one thing you can’t miss is the selection of exquisite waterfront restaurants. These dining spots offer delicious food and stunning ocean and skyline views, allowing you to bask in the beauty of Tampa while enjoying a delightful meal!

Dining at these establishments is about the food and the enchanting environment that leaves you with a memorable experience. Let’s take a tour of some of the top-rated, under-the-radar waterfront restaurants in Tampa that have won the hearts of their patrons.

1. Watervue Grille- Downtown Tampa- Harbour Island

Address: 700 Harbour Post Dr, Tampa, FL 33602

Hours:

  • Monday – Saturday: 8 AM–4 PM, 5–10 PM
  • Sunday 8 AM–2 PM

Phone: +1 813-642-7980

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Among the top-rated waterfront restaurants in Tampa, Watervue Grille stands out with its charming views, perfect for a romantic dinner or a casual lunch. The restaurant’s chic decor is complemented by a relaxing atmosphere, making it an excellent choice for food lovers and peace seekers.

Best Sellers:

  • Red Chili-Rubbed Mahi Mahi is a gastronomical delight with creamy jasmine rice, asparagus, and lobster brandy cream sauce, giving your palate a mix of tangy and savory flavors.
  • Pecan-Crusted Pompano is a must-try, served with fingerling sweet potatoes and haricot vert, presenting a burst of flavors in every bite.

2. Anchor and Brine

Address: 505 Water St, Tampa, FL 33602

Hours:

  • Monday – Thursday: 11 AM–12 AM
  • Friday 11 AM–1 AM
  • Saturday 10 AM–1 AM
  • Sunday 10 AM–12 AM

Phone: +1 813-204-6391

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An icon among waterfront restaurants in Tampa, Anchor and Brine is a dreamy waterfront destination where you can savor a cocktail or a seafood delight, watching the sun dip behind the horizon.

Best Sellers:

  • Charred Octopus is a gluten-free delicacy served with shaved fennel, celery, citrus, castelvetrano olives, aji amarillo aioli, and charred lemon vinaigrette.
  • NY Strip Steak is a meat lover’s paradise, served with charred cippolini onion, roasted fingerling potatoes, roasted garlic, and chimichurri.

3. Rivers Edge

Address: 200 N Ashley Dr, Tampa, FL 33602

Hours:

  • Monday – Sunday: 12–8 PM

Phone: +1 813-226-4400

Perched on the banks of the Hillsborough River, Rivers Edge is one of the must-visit waterfront restaurants in Tampa, presenting a breathtaking view of the waterfront and the downtown skyline.

Best Sellers:

  • Atlantic Salmon Roasted Mushrooms feature sweet corn succotash, spinach, and umami glaze, promising a flavorful experience.
  • Gulf Grouper is a seafood lover’s dream, served with mussels, Velancian-style rice, and lobster cognac cream.

4. The Pearl Tampa

Address: 823 Water St C100, Tampa, FL 33602

Hours:

  • Monday – Thursday: 11:30 AM–10 PM
  • Friday 11:30 AM–11 PM
  • Saturday 10 AM–11 PM
  • Sunday 10 AM–9 PM

Phone: +1 813-709-7776

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Nestled in the city’s heart, The Pearl Tampa is a charming eatery among the waterfront restaurants in Tampa. Its elegant interior and waterfront view create a warm, inviting ambiance for patrons.

Best Sellers:

  • Jalapeño Corn Spoon Bread, served with whipped butter and local honey, is a must-try for those with a penchant for spice.
  • Southern Fried Chicken, served with a cinnamon-sticky bun and creamed corn, promises a fulfilling, hearty meal.

5. Duke’s Retired Surfer Bar and Grill

Address: 5212 W Tyson Ave, Tampa, FL 33611

Hours:

  • Monday – Thursday: 11 AM–10 PM
  • Friday – Saturday: 11 AM–11 PM
  • Sunday: 11 AM–10 PM

Phone: +1 813-837-4852

Duke’s Retired Surfer Bar and Grill is a tropical paradise among waterfront restaurants in Tampa. This beach-themed restaurant offers a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, where you can enjoy a delicious meal while admiring the stunning waterfront views.

Best Sellers:

  • Loco Moco, a famous Hawaiian comfort food, features a burger patty over a coconut rice cake topped with beef gravy and a sunny-side-up egg.
  • Shrimp & Grits present grilled shrimp over creamy cheese grits topped with linguica sausage, red peppers, and caramelized onions with a Cajun cream sauce.

6. Haven

Address: 2208 W Morrison Ave, Tampa, FL 33606

Hours:

  • Tuesday – Thursday: 5–9 PM
  • Friday – Saturday: 5–10 PM

Phone: +1 813-258-2233

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Haven is a hidden gem among waterfront restaurants in Tampa. It features a modern, sleek design and a mouthwatering menu that will tantalize your taste buds with each bite.

Best Sellers:

  • Shaved Beef Tacoco with coal-roasted onion, danger sauce, cabbage, and smoked paprika, provides a culinary journey to remember.
  • Coal Grilled Octopus, served with potato, Hungarian peppers, salsa verde, and urfa pepper aioli, is a treat for seafood enthusiasts.

7. Oak & Ola

Address: 1910 N Ola Ave, Tampa, FL 33602

Hours:

  • Monday – Thursday: 11 AM–3 PM, 5–10 PM
  • Friday: 11 AM–3 PM, 5–11 PM
  • Saturday: 10 AM–4 PM, 5–11 PM
  • Sunday: 10 AM–4 PM, 5–10 PM

Phone: +1 813-773-1901

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Among the stunning waterfront restaurants in Tampa, Oak & Ola stands out for its European-style dishes and inviting warm environment. With a view that is as beautiful as its interior, this restaurant is a must-visit destination for food lovers.

Best Sellers:

  • Branzino Crudo is a classic dish that teases the palate with its unique flavor profile.
  • Burrata Toast, a crowd favorite, will leave you wanting more.

8. Blue Harbour Restaurant

Address: 725 S Harbour Island Blvd, Tampa, FL 33602

Hours: Monday – Sunday: 12 PM–10 PM

Phone: +1 813-229-5000

Blue Harbour Restaurant is a vibrant choice among waterfront restaurants in Tampa. Overlooking the scenic Harbour Island, this restaurant offers a diverse menu with a strong emphasis on seafood.

Best Sellers:

  • Red Hot Chicken Wings, served with cracked black pepper, sea salt, and house hot sauce or honey garlic sauce, promise a fiery, flavorful experience.
  • Fried Catfish Basket features cornmeal breaded catfish with house-made slaw, remoulade, and fries, offering a southern touch to the menu.

9. Aqua

Address: 7627 W Courtney Campbell Causeway, Tampa, FL 33607

Hours: Monday – Sunday: 7 AM–10 PM

Phone: +1 813-675-8700

With a prime location and an exquisite menu, Aqua stands among the finest waterfront restaurants in Tampa. It offers a sweeping view of the Bay, adding an unmatched charm to your dining experience.

Best Sellers:

  • Grilled Romaine Salad features split romaine heart, parmesan, croutons, and mixed herbs, offering a healthy and refreshing choice.
  • Garden Greens presents mixed greens, beets, pickled onions, goat cheese, candied walnuts, and balsamic vinaigrette, making for a delightful salad.

10. Stones Throw

Address: 304 W 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33602, United States

Hours:

  • Monday – Thursday: 11 AM–11 PM
  • Friday – Saturday: 11 AM–1 AM
  • Sunday: 11 AM–10 PM

Phone: +1 (813) 605-5800

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Stones Throw rounds out our list of waterfront restaurants in Tampa. It offers a trendy, relaxed vibe with a menu that’s as diverse as delicious, making it a favorite amongst locals and visitors.

Best Sellers:

  • Tots and Tentacles uniquely combines fried calamari, crispy tater tots, “bang bang” sauce, pickled peppers, and cilantro.
  • Loaded Guacamole features fresh pico, cilantro lime crema, pickled onion, and corn tortillas, giving a flavorful twist to this classic appetizer.

Dining by the Bay

These 10 waterfront restaurants in Tampa represent a taste of the city’s vibrant food scene. They beautifully encapsulate a unique combination of culinary innovation, classic dishes, and stunning waterfront views that Tampa is known for!

The next time you find yourself in Tampa and want to combine fantastic food with beautiful views, check out these highly-recommended spots. Immerse yourself in the pleasure of these restaurants’ waterfront dining and add an exciting flavor to your Tampa visit. Bon appétit!

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