Top Romantic Restaurants in Tampa

It is not always easy to find a romantic restaurant that can match the ambiance with good food. I have visited quite a few restaurants, always hoping to find one with a date night in mind, but then you end up with so-so food. Here are a few options that couple romance and good food that you may want to try the next time a special evening comes up.

Armani's is located at the top of the Grand Hyatt, 2900 Bayport Drive, Tampa which is just off the Veteran's Expressway and Courtney Campbell Causeway. This upscale Northern Italian restaurant offers a unique and slightly over-the-top dining experience. You can begin your romantic evening with a drink before dinner in the piano lounge while enjoying the panoramic view of Tampa Bay. Once seated in the restaurant, you can still enjoy a wider panoramic view. I would recommend starting your dinner with a trip to the antipasto bar with over thirty items to choose from including a variety of meats, cheeses, pastas and so much more If you decide to make your own, it will run around $20 and for a few dollars less, your waiter can prepare a plate for you. If you prefer something simpler I would suggest the Caesar salad which is one of the best I've ever tasted. The entrees will run you around an average of $35 and range from delicate salmon to delectable veal. If you want to go that extra romantic mile, you can always reserve a private dining experience and have the most romantic meal anywhere on the property. Call now for reservations Tuesday - Sunday, - (813) 207-6800.

Bern's Steak House at 1208 S. Howard Avenue in Tampa is a visually romantic restaurant and for a special evening, try to make reservations for one of the small rooms. The whole restaurant is dimly lit to enhance the romantic mood. The walls and are dark red and dark wood with embellishments of gold all over, including gold cherubs. A great date night here consists of a starter of caviar and believe me, even if you think you'll hate it, I doubt you will once you try it. My favorite if the Fresh Chattanooga Beluga Caviar and it comes with a variety of flavorful dips to enjoy. A great option for the entree would be the Chateaubriand for two beginning at $62.50 and up for larger cuts. If meat isn't your thing, although this is the place you would want to eat meat, you can also get poultry, seafood and other options. The meals include French Onion Soup, salad, potato and more. Bern's also has the largest wine selection and no matter what your price range is, the sommelier can certainly recommend something that will go perfectly with your dinner and wallet. Once you've finished your dinner, don't forget to make reservations for a table upstairs in the dessert room. You can get a private little nook for two to enjoy a variety of special coffees or after dinner drinks along with cakes, pies and sundaes. Call for reservations at 813-251-2421.

The Melting Pot may certainly not be the most romantic of restaurants but it still rates up there high enough to make my list. The location I have been to is located at 13164 N. Dale Mabry Hwy in Tampa. It is not frequented that much by families with children so it can be an ideal place for a romantic dinner. Enjoy a choice of a delicious cheese fondue with a variety of vegetables and breads. Then share a dinner with choices of meats, chicken, seafood and vegetables. At this particular location you should make a reservation for an out-of-the-way table if you can. The decor is simple and elegant with dim lighting to help set the mood. Call now for reservations at (813) 962-6936.