TAMPA, FL – Looking to impress someone in Tampa? Here are some restaurant options that will help you have a great time and enjoy good quality food and libations at the same time. Don’t forget to tip your matchmaker.

Ro Hyde Park: Ro is certainly upscale, but unlike many other restaurants in Hyde Park and South Tampa, their food quality backs up the ambiance (and price). Love the king salmon and toro and you cannot go wrong with any of their makimono rolls. If you’re on a budget, they have a great happy hour as well at the bar. 1500 W Swann Ave, Tampa, FL 33606.

Bella’s Italian Cafe: For the old school and white tabletop Italian experience, Bella’s will impress anyone who has a heart (and a stomach). All pastas and sauces are made in-house, and they have the best Caesar salad in town and delicious tiramisu. Even their soups are good. I have taken Valentine dates here, and I suggest you do as well. 1413 S Howard Ave #100, Tampa, FL 33606.

The Rusty Pelican: Finally reopened after a hiatus due to hurricane damage and now looking more beautiful than ever. Not enough restaurants use the real estate of the Tampa Bay view the way Rusty Pelican does. It’s so beautiful at sunset and the food is also quite delicious. Star gaze afterwards and then head home. 2425 N Rocky Point Dr, Tampa, FL 33607.

Boulon Brasserie and Bakery: The feeling of being in Water Street can sometimes feel unfamiliar as a long-time Tampa resident, but I absolutely love patio dining at Boulon and think it is the perfect date spot for brunch or for an intimate dinner on a cool night in the fall or winter. The service is always stellar, and the bartenders make great drinks as well. The menu could be more inventive, but the steak and burger are both a great choice and tried and true. 1001 Water St, Tampa, FL 33602.

Harry Waugh Dessert Room: The best part of Bern’s is actually the dessert room upstairs and you shouldn’t skip it, especially when you are celebrating a special occasion. I enjoyed my 30th birthday here and I can’t think of place with a more personal touch when you are celebrating life with someone special. It’s classy and mature. 1208 S Howard Ave, Tampa, FL 33606.

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About me: Hello my name is Carlos Hernandez and I am a writer and journalist with over 15 years of experience. I write the food and travel blog Carlos Eats (https://www.carloseats.com​​​) and also contribute to several newspapers and magazines on numerous topics.