Tampa Bay, Florida is a culinary experience – whether you delight in locally-grown creative cuisine or a filet at a world-famous steakhouse, Tampa Bay is a city for food-lovers. Here are some of Tampa Bay's best restaurants:

• For steak lovers, Bern's Steak House and Dessert Room - a Tampa landmark – has been owned and operated by the Laxer family for more than 50 years. Wine Spectator named it the best of all steak houses in America. Bern's purchases U.S. Prime, then ages it five to eight weeks in a room built to control humidity and temperature. Bern's offers the largest wine collection in the world, and grows its own fresh vegetables and salad greens. The Dessert Room features a 65-page dessert menu, private booths made from old wine casks and an atmosphere that lends itself to after-dinner beverages, quieter conversations and a tantalizing array of unique, decadent desserts.

• In Tampa's historic Ybor City is the oldest restaurant in Florida and the largest Spanish restaurant in the world – The Columbia Restaurant! Family owned for over 100 years, the Columbia is a must visit since opening in 1905. Today the Columbia is owned and operated by 4th and 5th generation members of the founding family. Try the “Original” Cuban Sandwich – the official sandwich of Tampa – or one of the other many authentic Cuban infused Spanish menu selections, and enjoy a nightly Flamenco show. 

• For 1920's-inspired good times, Ciro's Speakeasy brings the Great Gatsby to the 21st century! Located in an unmarked building and requiring guests to say a password to enter, Ciro's bills itself as beverage-centric and uses traditional and historic techniques of mixing cocktails. It also features an extensive dinner menu of options ranging from steak to seafood. 

• For locally grown food, there are many options in Tampa Bay! In the historic Hyde Park neighborhood, Boca Kitchen and Market is committed to using fresh ingredients from local farms. The menu includes comfort food as well as more adventurous, experimental options, and sharing is encouraged. Just up the road you will find Edison Food + Drink Lab. With a name that conjures the scientist, this is definitely food experimentation as its best – it brings creativity to the palette of every foodie in a hip, urban setting.   Further up the road in the hip Seminole Heights neighborhood is Ella's Americana Folk Art Café, where you can admire the owner's extensive collection of folk art while you wait for your pizza or burger to arrive. On Sundays the menu consists entirely of soul food. Also in Seminole Heights is The Refinery where the menu changes every Thursday with creative new dishes!

Looking for something different? Of course we have laid-back pub-style eateries and the perfect places to enjoy craft beer!

• Cigar City Brewing regularly brews over 30 seasonal and core beers with unique tastes from Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Brown Ale to Guava Grove Farmhouse Ale. Brewing its beer onsite, Cigar City Brewing recently expanded its tasting room to 15,000 barrels and is also brewing several at the brewpub. In our Latin Quarter of Ybor City, Tampa Bay Brewing Company serves nine house beers on tap along with great food – and some dishes are even made with the tasty brews! In the hip neighborhood of Seminole Heights, Cold Storage Brewery offers five craft beers including Florida Avenue Ale and Betchy Brown Ale – all which pair perfectly with the Tampa Bay weather!

About Tampa Bay

A dynamic and diverse region, Tampa Bay enjoys an excellent quality of life. From the waterfront location to the Southern hospitality of its residents, the area takes prides in its vibrancy and welcoming spirit.  The only city to be invaded by a band of pirates during the annual Gasparilla celebration, special events and festivals are part of the area's cultural fabric.  From balloon rides, strawberry farms and lush nature to walkable neighborhoods, the region's character is hard to match.  It easily blends its rich, cultural heritage with big-city style.  With much to experience, one quickly discovers an exciting, authentic metropolis.

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