5 Best Restaurants for a Graduation Dinner in Tampa, Florida

Earning a degree and graduating from high school, college, a vocational school, or trade school is a huge accomplishment. So how should you celebrate the graduate's achievement in Tampa, Florida? Take him or her out for a celebratory dinner!

There are many great restaurants in Tampa where you and the new graduate can enjoy a good dinner. Check out these 5 restaurants that will definitely serve up a new graduate a dinner worthy of celebrating the attainment of his or her long-awaited degree.

Bern's Steak House
1208 South Howard Avenue
Tampa, Florida 33606
(813) 251-2421

Bern's Steak House has become a Tampa tradition over its many decades of serving up some of the highest-quality meals on Florida's West Coast. Known for its vast selection of fine wines and dry-aged steaks. The service at Bern's Steak House is truly second-to-none and the dining atmosphere is unparalleled in the Tampa area.

A meal that includes a soup or salad, side dish, and main entree can cost anywhere from $40 to $50. Adding a wine to the order could mean a per-person dinner price of over $100.

When you go to Bern's, don't forget to order one of their famous desserts!

Bern's is open from 5 PM to 10 PM Sunday through Thursday and 5 PM to 11 PM Friday and Saturday.

The View at CK's
Tampa International Airport at the Marriott
Tampa, Florida 33614
(813) 878-6500

Are you looking for a Tampa restaurant that is literally a cut above the rest? Don't look any further than The View at CKs'. Located at Tampa International Airport, The View at CK's is a fine dining experience with a 360-degree panoramic view of Tampa Bay.

The View at CK's fare includes seafood, steak, sushi, a wine selection, and dessert. Typical prices for dinner range from around $30 to $50.

CK's is open Tuesday through Thursday from 5 PM to 9 PM and Friday and Saturday from 5 PM to 10 PM. The restaurant is closed on Sundays and Mondays. You'll want to call to make reservations.

When heading to The View at CK's, you'll want to bypass parking at Tampa International Airport's short-term parking and instead park in the Marriott's parking garage; CK's will validate your parking ticket if you park your car in the Marriott parking garage.

Columbia Restaurant
2117 East 7th Avenue
Tampa, Florida 33605
(813) 248-4961

The Columbia Restaurant has been a Tampa institution since 1905. Famous for its authentic Spanish food, the Columbia Restaurant offers up some longstanding favorites that you'll want to try, such as its famous 1905 salad, paella, and flan. Lunches can be had for around $15 to $20. Dinner will set you back $20 to $40.

The Columbia Restaurant is located in Tampa's historic Ybor City district and is a simple drive from most anywhere in Tampa Bay.

Reservations are recommended. The Columbia Restaurant serves lunch and dinner every day. Restaurant hours are 11 AM to 10 PM Monday through Thursday, 11 AM to 11 PM Friday and Saturday, and 12 PM to 9 PM on Sunday.

Maggiano's Little Italy
203 Westshore Plaza
Tampa, Florida 33609
(813) 288-9000

One of the country's most delicious Italian food restaurants has a location at one of the most well-known hubs for dining and entertainment in Tampa -- Westshore Mall.

Maggiano's Little Italy offers Tampa residents its menu of Italian American favorites, including spaghetti, stuffed mushrooms, veal porterhouse, tiramisu, and a large menu of wines. Dinners cost around $20 to $30.

You don't need reservations to enjoy dinner at Maggiano's Little Italy, but you can call if you would like to reserve seating for you and your graduation party. Maggiano's Little Italy is open Sunday through Thursday 11 AM to 10 PM, and Friday and Saturday from 11 AM to 11 PM.

Ruth's Chris Steak House
1700 North Westshore Boulevard
Tampa, Florida 33607
(813) 282-1118

Ruth's Chris Steak House is known nationwide for its incredible steaks. With a Ruth's Chris in Tampa, graduates and their families have the option to enjoy a Ruth's Chris steak right in their own backyard.

Dinner options at Ruth Chris don't stop at steak. Seafood, salads, and lunch are all available options. Expect to spend $20 to $40 for dinner at Ruth's Chris Steak House. Reservations can be made by phone or online. Ruth's Chris Steak House is open Monday through Thursday 5 PM to 10 PM, Friday and Saturday 5 PM to 11 PM, and Sunday 5 PM to 9 PM.

Resources

First-hand knowledge & experience
Bern's Steak House
The View at CK's
Columbia Restaurant
Maggiano's Little Italy
Ruth's Chris Steak House