Water Street Tampa is rapidly emerging as a premier dining destination, with exciting new restaurants joining the scene almost monthly. This dynamic neighborhood is quickly becoming a must-visit for anyone passionate about food, offering a diverse array of culinary experiences. From sophisticated fine dining establishments to delightful fast-casual eateries, Water Street Tampa presents options to satisfy every palate and occasion.
Whether you are in search of an elegant dinner setting or a quick and tasty meal, this guide will navigate you through the top Water Street Tampa Restaurants, ensuring you discover the perfect spot for your next culinary adventure.
Discover the Best Restaurants in Water Street Tampa
Anchor and Brine
For a refined seafood experience with a contemporary coastal vibe, Anchor and Brine is an excellent choice. Situated within the Tampa Marriott Water Street, this chic restaurant boasts a seamless connection to the waterfront, providing stunning views alongside its delectable menu. Anchor and Brine specializes in fresh, locally-inspired seafood dishes and expertly mixed cocktails, solidifying its place as one of the best restaurants on the Tampa Riverwalk.
Under the culinary direction of Chef Richard Sandoval, also known for Lona, Anchor and Brine promises an exceptional dining journey. The menu is thoughtfully crafted to appeal to all preferences, featuring both exquisite seafood and savory land-based options. Combined with its relaxed yet upscale ambiance and breathtaking waterfront scenery, Anchor and Brine stands out as a top destination for a memorable dining experience in Tampa.
Lona
Lona brings the vibrant flavors of coastal Mexico to Water Street, blending traditional Mexican cuisine with modern culinary techniques. The restaurant’s lively and colorful décor perfectly complements its dynamic menu and innovative cocktail selection, creating an immersive and energetic atmosphere.
Lona’s menu is rich with fresh ceviches, flavorful tacos, and authentic Mexican entrees. Personal highlights include the lobster quesadilla, a dish that redefines simplicity with its generous portion of buttery lobster, and the enchiladas divorciados, a flavorful masterpiece with a harmonious blend of sauces.
Lona restaurant vibrant entrance in Tampa
Delicious enchiladas divorciados at Lona Tampa
Make sure to save room for dessert; the tres leches cake paired with the el jefe espresso martini is an unforgettable combination, even for those skeptical of tequila. This pairing has earned the title of favorite espresso martini in Tampa Bay, a testament to its exceptional taste.
The cocktail menu at Lona is truly exceptional. For mezcal lovers, the Passion Picante is a must-try, delivering a thrilling sensory experience. The Mercado Margarita, topped with hibiscus rosemary foam, is another standout, showcasing inventive mixology. With such creative and delicious options, choosing a wrong drink here is nearly impossible.
Award-winning espresso martini at Lona Tampa downtown
Driftlight Steakhouse
Located in the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street, Driftlight Steakhouse offers a contemporary take on the classic steakhouse experience. This restaurant is ideal for those seeking premium aged steaks and fresh seafood in a sophisticated and modern setting.
Driftlight emphasizes the finer details, elevating classic dishes with unique twists that reflect Florida’s local flavors. Examples include the key lime Caesar dressing, a refreshing regional touch, and crab cakes accompanied by a passion fruit remoulade, adding a tropical zest. Driftlight prioritizes using the freshest available ingredients, which means the menu may vary, ensuring each visit offers something uniquely seasonal and delicious.
Exterior of Driftlight Steakhouse Water Street Tampa
Wagamama
Wagamama brings Asian-inspired cuisine to Water Street, offering a diverse menu of stir-fries, noodle dishes, curries, and salads. Known for its bold flavors and fresh ingredients, Wagamama has gained widespread popularity. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a substantial dinner, Wagamama provides a range of options to satisfy various cravings.
Complementing its food menu, Wagamama features an extensive beverage list including beers, wines, and sake. For those seeking something more adventurous, the restaurant offers signature cocktails. Additionally, Wagamama caters to non-alcoholic preferences with mindful drinks (mocktails), fresh juices, and boba teas, ensuring a refreshing option for every guest.
Predalina
Predalina has quickly become a favorite on Water Street and is recognized as one of the best places to eat in downtown Tampa. Owned by Blake Casper and Allison Adams, the duo behind the acclaimed Oxford Exchange and The Library, Predalina is a welcome addition to their impressive portfolio of establishments.
Focusing on fresh, seafood-centric Mediterranean cuisine, Predalina highlights the bright and vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean region. The menu is filled with tempting dishes, notably the must-try crudité & pita appetizer and the exceptional blue crab chitarra pasta.
Fresh pita bread and crudite at Predalina Tampa
Despite some initial mixed feedback, personal experiences at Predalina have been overwhelmingly positive. The attentive service, captivating ambiance, and consistently well-prepared dishes create a memorable dining experience.
It’s recommended to visit Predalina in a group to fully enjoy and sample a variety of dishes. And be sure not to miss the dessert menu—the rolled baklava provides a perfect sweet finish to a delightful meal at Predalina.
SiX
SiX is a premier Tampa rooftop bar and restaurant located on the sixth floor of the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street hotel. This elevated dining spot offers breathtaking bay views and a stylish indoor-outdoor setting. With chef-driven specialties and a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere, SiX is the ideal urban escape for a remarkable dining experience.
Colorful cocktail at SiX rooftop bar Tampa
Tampa EDITION Restaurants
The Tampa EDITION hotel houses a collection of distinct dining experiences. Lilac, a Mediterranean restaurant, is known for its refined four-course prix fixe dinner menu that emphasizes vegetable-forward cuisine, using fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients. While opinions vary, many guests appreciate Lilac for its sophisticated approach and excellent service, though some may find the experience doesn’t quite match the high price point.
Azure provides another dining option with its rooftop setting and fresh Greek cuisine. However, Market at EDITION stands out as a particularly favored choice within the hotel.
Market at EDITION offers a menu inspired by the Italian coast, specializing in Neapolitan-style pizzas and expertly curated charcuterie boards. Its simple yet well-executed dishes have earned it recognition as one of the top pizza places in Tampa.
Before dining at Market, consider enjoying a garden margarita at the rooftop bar for a perfect pre-meal treat.
Refreshing garden margaritas at Tampa EDITION pool bar
The Pearl
After a delightful brunch experience at The Pearl, a return visit to explore their lunch or dinner menus is highly anticipated. The oysters are notably fresh and delicious, and the huevos rancheros are a satisfying and flavorful brunch option.
The Pearl is designed as a welcoming tavern and oyster room, offering a diverse menu of chef-inspired dishes, all prepared from scratch with meticulous attention to detail.
From enticing entrees to shareable plates and seasonal oyster selections, The Pearl provides an extensive range of delicious choices. To complement the food, The Pearl features handcrafted cocktails, a thoughtfully selected wine list, and a rotating selection of ales, lagers, and stouts.
Brunch setting at The Pearl restaurant Tampa Water Street
CAVA
CAVA is a fast-casual restaurant that embodies the Mediterranean lifestyle, where food is central to culture and connection. CAVA perfectly balances health and flavor, proving that you don’t need to compromise on taste to eat well.
Considered a top fast-casual choice, CAVA stands out because every bite is bursting with flavor, and meals are both satisfying and healthful. A recommended dish is the Harissa Avocado bowl, paired with a side of their freshly baked pita chips. Exploring CAVA’s menu promises a taste experience that is consistently impressive.
More Water Street Tampa Dining Options:
- Naked Farmer – A farm-to-table restaurant focused on locally-sourced, seasonal, and fresh produce from nearby farms.
- Chill Bros – Recognized as one of the best ice cream shops in Tampa, perfect for a sweet treat.
- 3 Corners – Offers authentic New York-style pizzeria experience.
- Toastique – Specializes in gourmet toast creations and fresh juice bar selections.
Which Water Street Tampa Restaurant Will You Visit First?
The dining scene in Water Street Tampa is vibrant and continuously evolving, offering a wide variety of culinary experiences. The area has experienced significant growth, making it an exciting place to see new businesses flourish. While exploring the restaurants, be sure to also check out the local shops and the monthly market held every third Sunday.
The ongoing development and new openings in Water Street Tampa make it a continually exciting area to explore. Stay updated on the latest happenings and new culinary additions in Water Street Tampa to make the most of your visits!
