Looking for recommendations on couple good restaurants in Tampa for dinner. Specially interested in Cuban or Spanish restaurants, and if you have been there, what do you think of Ceviche Tapas/Flamenco bar? Price is not a concern (well, within limits). I am staying at InterContinental off of Kennedy Blvd but willing to drive within 15 miles.

Thanks so much!

Based on recommendations from Starrsville and others on the board, we went to Columbia Restaurant. The food was excellent and the flamenco show was terrific. Can't go wrong here.

Debi

Thanks, DebitNM. I will definitely look that one up. Need one more for the second evening Any one?

The Columbia Restaurant came to mind as soon as I read your thread title Comfy. I hope you are able to go there, I am sure you will enjoy. It has been awhile since I have been in Tampa, I can't remember the names of other restaurants but fortunatly due to family at McDill AFB we sure went to some great restaurants in Tampa.

Hi Comfy,

Ceviche Tapas is a great place. It is tucked in at the bottom of an condo right off Howard Ave and Bayshore Blvd.

I also go to Tinatapas which is at the Channelside complex. I love their sangria and I like it better than the Columbia's although that is a great restaurant too.

While I did note you are asking for recommendations on Spanish/Cuban restaurants I do think that if you are here and want a memorable dining experience you should include Berns in your consideration. It is a steakhouse on S. Howard Avenue, about 10 min. or so from your hotel. Not that it's so remarkable as a steakhouse, but rather that it's a total dining experience and a great way to spend an evening.
The restaurant was once described by a critic as reminiscent of a French Whorehouse (no explanation as to how he knew) and is indeed somewhat gaudy, especially the entrance and bar areas.
Berns is famous for having one of, if not the, largest wine lists in the world. They claim about a half million btls of wine but in fact the inventory is closer to 3/4 million. The last time I was there my wife and I shared a wonderful btl of wine that cost us less than $30. We asked about a wine that was roughly twice that and the sommelier recommended the $30 one---when's the last time you went to a restaurant and were talked "down" in price rather than being "up-sold"?
After dinner you can go upstairs to the dessert rooms and it's another amazing experience. Fairly traditional desserts but also dessert wines and spirits unlike any place I have ever seen. Not many places where you can enjoy a glass of 50 yr old Port or 100+ yr old Madeiras.
As to the comments on the Columbia, I agree but also recommend that when you call for reservations you need to ask specifically for a table in the room where they have the floor show.
You didn't say when you are going but in season I have a feeling that you may want to call a week or more ahead to make sure you get in to that area.

Thanks, coldwar, LoveItaly, and Samschack. Samschack, I have to say I was laughing when I read the "reminiscent of a French Whorehouse" that the critic didn't articulate the reasoning for. With the 3/4 million bottles of wine, somewhat gaudy atmosphere, and references to vintage port and maderia, now I definitely can't miss it. I am going there... this week and will have my reservations as soon as I hit "post my reply". With two evenings in Tampa, I can do both Berns and Columbia.

Thanks a bunch!

You can't go wrong with Bern's. I didn't suggest it because of your initial request but it is a sight to behold along with wonderful service and excellent food. If you are interested, you can ask if they will take you on a tour of the kitchen and the wine cellar too. And don't miss the dessert room!

Btw, Bern's just revamped its dessert offerings to modernize them, they feature more flavors from around the globe now. A more modern experience overall is their sister restaurant, Sidebern's.

Hi Comfyshoes:

I have only been to Miami not Tampa. But you should be inluck. Unlike here on the west coast (where we have a only a handful of "passable" Cuban restaurants, and sadly fewer Spanish restuarants.. ) Tampa should have several good choices.

I read they have their own unique variation on the Cuban sandwich.

Of course there are so many opinions but here is one more (or 3) more from the Three Guys from Miami. This website is also where my husband learned to roast a whole pig.

Here are their Tampa picks in case yo have not already checked.

http://cuban-food-usa.com/tampa.html

Good luck
ams

La Teresita has wonderful Cuban food and Cuban sandwich (Tampa style). La Tropicana (not on the list) in Ybor City has good food too and is more casual.

Why thank you, Debi

If you find yourself in the Westshore area around lunch, drop by Alessi's Bakery. Amazing.

http://www.alessibakeries.com/menu_lunch.asp

As a Cuban, I personally think Columbia sucks. But that's just my humble opinion.

My fave in Tampa is Circles. Family run restaurant in a cute house with an eclectic menu. I love the New Orleans spicy artichoke tortellini. Here's a review: http://tampabay.citysearch.com/profile/2668228

Bern's is a trip, but the food is mediocre nowadays. I prefer it's sister (next door) Sidebern's.

Do not miss Ceviche - it is a fabulous Spanish tapas restaurant with a great atmosphere and wonderful sangria. It is located at 2109 Bayshore (bottom floor of a condo so a bit hard to find). I would recommend dinner there and then a walk to Sideberns for dessert. We did that and it was a very nice night.

Guys, Many thanks. Bern's Steak House is excellent and rather unique. Couldn't go to the other place because I ended up going to someone's home for a dinner (and let's face it, no restaurant can beat THAT). But I will be back here for an entire week in early december and will try the other suggestions.

I love Ceviche!

There is also a cool little hole in the wall in Ybor City called El Puerto...relatively inexpensive and delish!
http://www.elpuertoybor.com/