Tampa restaurant recommendations, please | FerrariChat

Tampa restaurant recommendations, please

Discussion in 'Florida' started by Jack-the-lad, Jul 23, 2017.

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  1. Jack-the-lad

    Jack-the-lad Six Time F1 World Champ
    Silver Subscribed

    Jun 22, 2004
    69,058
    Moot Pointe
    I have to be in Tampa for a wedding in November. I'd like some recommendations for upscale non-tourist restaurants in the area. Any type of cuisine is fine, but prefer American or Italian. I'm thinking of something along the lines of Seasons 52 or better, but preferably a smaller local establishment. We don't need to be on the water or entertained.

    Thanks!

    Jack

    (PS: Not Bern's. Been there. Done that.):)
     
  2. BartonWorkman

    BartonWorkman F1 Veteran
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    Nov 3, 2003
    6,086
    En El 305
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    Barton Workman
    Lee Roy Selmon's on Boy Scout Road across from the International Mall and a second
    location on North Dale Mabry.

    Best ribs anywhere.

    BHW
     
  3. Jack-the-lad

    Jack-the-lad Six Time F1 World Champ
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    Jun 22, 2004
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    Moot Pointe
    Thanks, but from the web site Lee Roy's doesn't seem what I'm looking for.;)
     
  4. kenneyd

    kenneyd Formula 3
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    Sep 30, 2014
    1,944
    NE FL
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  5. rdefabri

    rdefabri Three Time F1 World Champ

    Jun 4, 2008
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    I'll second Bern's...
     
  6. Jack-the-lad

    Jack-the-lad Six Time F1 World Champ
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    Jun 22, 2004
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    I've been to Bern's. Would like to try something different.
     
  7. Rosso328

    Rosso328 F1 Veteran
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    Dec 11, 2006
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    Central FL
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    Can't go wrong with Bern's.
     
  8. Rosso328

    Rosso328 F1 Veteran
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    Dec 11, 2006
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    On a more serious note, I know you said non touristy area, but perhaps you might consider the Columbia in Ybor City. Cuban / Spanish cuisine, the best sangria going, Mrs. Rosso loves the Chicken and Rice there, I love the Piccadillo and the Saltillo.

    As far as I know, they only have three locations, Ybor City, Sarasota and Celebration.
     
  9. Rosso328

    Rosso328 F1 Veteran
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    Dec 11, 2006
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    Or you could always go with Bern's. :)
     
  10. rdefabri

    rdefabri Three Time F1 World Champ

    Jun 4, 2008
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    I'd second Bern's :D:D:D:D:D

    Ok - I missed that part, but that's all I got.
     
  11. Jack-the-lad

    Jack-the-lad Six Time F1 World Champ
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    Jun 22, 2004
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    Moot Pointe
    I'd forgotten about the Columbia. It used to have a big reputation for authentic Cuban and Spanish, although the two are quite different. I've always wondered why so many restaurants serve both Cuban and Mexican food. Just because they have a common language doedn't mean the cuisines have anything in common.

    By the way......did I mention I'm not going back to Bern's? :D I wasn't impressed the time I went there. Unique facility and concept, but food didn't live up to the reputation.

    I've been looking through the on line ratings (I never pay attention to them) just to get a feeling for the landscape. To be honest, for such a big city Tampa doesn't seem to have that many really good restaurants.

    How about the restaurants at The Vinoy? I know it isn't Tampa, but I'd go anywhere in the bay area

    Thanks again.
     
  12. mkraft3003

    mkraft3003 Formula 3
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    Aug 20, 2016
    1,680
    Tampa, Fl
    Take a look at Eddie V's. I've always had a great meal there.
     
  13. Xcheckme

    Xcheckme Formula 3

    May 10, 2011
    1,682
    Tampa Bay
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    Lukas
    This or ocean prime. For Italian Food: Casa Ludovico in Palm Harbor - outstanding place.
     
  14. Highlow

    Highlow F1 Veteran

    Dec 3, 2006
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    Sac
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    Tyler
    Owned by one of the Hooter's founders ( a huge Ferrari guy).
     
  15. Xcheckme

    Xcheckme Formula 3

    May 10, 2011
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    Tampa Bay
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    Lukas
    Yup - he has quite the stable.
     
  16. Cigarzman

    Cigarzman F1 Veteran
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    Another thought is Donatello . Old school Italian food that I woul drive one hour each way to eat.
     
  17. Cigarzman

    Cigarzman F1 Veteran
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    The Vinoy is nice but it's under heavy construction at the time. My buddy is the rooms manager there so if you need anything let me know.
     
  18. Jack-the-lad

    Jack-the-lad Six Time F1 World Champ
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    Jun 22, 2004
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    Thanks. I love authentic, somewhat rustic, Italian.

    Thank you.
     
  19. Redrrari

    Redrrari Karting

    Oct 17, 2016
    113
    Florida
    Glad to see someone put Casa Ludovico on the list. Much respect for Xcheckme. Carmine does a great job. They have an incredible Grouper Livornese. Eddie V's is a chain but does a great steak - actually going there tomorrow night.

    Council Oak at the Hard Rock is fabulous. Ocean Prime another chain has great scenery but avg food I think. Panne Rustica is another little known great spot in S Tampa. Personally I would stay away from Columbia - too touristy and avg food.

    This is making me hungry!
     
  20. Robin

    Robin F1 Rookie

    Nov 1, 2003
    2,931
    Arlington, VA
    Armani's at the Grand Hyatt is pretty good Italian and the views are unbeatable in the area.
     
  21. bball16

    bball16 F1 Rookie
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    Dec 2, 2011
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    If you want to go to Clearwater, then the Beachcomber is good and fun.
     
  22. Redrrari

    Redrrari Karting

    Oct 17, 2016
    113
    Florida
    Another great restaurant for American cuisine is Cafe Ponte. Upscale place with great food.
     

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