Lous54

Have the 25th coming up and could use some suggestions on Romantic Restaurants in the Tampa area that offer great food, atmosphere, music and dancing if possible any ideas?? Please! Thanks!

SkaiSW

Berns, silly.
It's unofficially recognised one of the worlds greatest restaurants, and all of the visiting dignitaries eat there (even though the snooty restaurant guides keep giving it only 3 stars). Ask to be seated in the Piano Bar for dessert. You can request your favorite song be played, and dance there. Call aahead to make certain they have a good piano player on the night you go. (I also love their Cherries Jubilee.)

Trigold

If your 25th has already passed, congratulations! Here are some romantic suggestions for future anniversaries:

Cafe Don Jose in Temple Terrace - Old World Spanish and superb sangria. (Food beats Columbia by a mile; no flamenco dancers, though.)

The Toasted Pheasant in Carrollwood - Country French and fantastique.

Council Oak Steakhouse at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino -- as great as Berns used to be.

Mise En Place Near Performing Arts Center - Great pre-theatre classic dining.

Parrothead

Oh too bad, my favorite restaurant in the world is 26 miles away from Tampa.

Sorry for being such a smart ass, you just made it so easy!

But seriously, I have nothing to offer, never been to Tampa.

kvilia

Don Jose closed some time ago - it's Indian restaurant Cilantro now.

nolefan1

I vote for Berns also. If you like wine, you will not be disappointed. They have one of the most extensive wine lists in the world. It is always voted as one of the top steak houses in the country.

My husband's favorite dessert is the King Midas...carrot cake topped with macadamia nut ice cream and chocolate.

rncheryl

Another vote for Bernes. Would also suggest Colombia. Lovely views, good food. But Bernes first

Trigold

Kvilia,

Don Jose didn't close -- it moved a block north. Here's their web site with the new address:

http://www.cafedonjose.com/

It's still as good as ever.

Trigold

Dana_M

I agree with Berns for (a) a romantic place; (b) the great wine list; and (c) fantastic desserts. But, I am not at all impressed by the steaks at Berns. That said, it still a wonderful experience, and I would return. For dessert, request one of the private rooms/booths.

Cher

I visit Tampa often and have eaten at most restaurants mentioned. Here's my humble opinion: Cafe Don Jose - Nice restaurant, but really nothing special. Seemed like a typical, non-chain family restaurant. Berns - great food, but I found the atmosphere a bit over-the-top and dark. One of my favorite places has been the Columbia restaurant at the end of the pier in St. Petersburg. Nice, elegant, yet modern atmoshere with beautiful sweeping ocean views, and great food.

LN

A delightful, romantic restaurant for an anniversary would be the Beach Bistro on Anna Maria island and that's probably within the 25 mile radius.

The food is superb, Atmosphere is great and the waterfront setting is perfect.