Bern's Steakhouse
This old standby remains one of the top, five-star restaurants in Tampa. The old-school décor features a dining rooms draped in black and red velvet. The large menu features classic, traditional preparations. Start by sharing the smoked fish tasting, the black truffle tenderloin steak tartare or the delicate, melt-in-your-mouth foie gras. There are two pages of caviar selections---21 different kinds---topping out at $220 for the Iranian Osetra (as of November 2009). All entrees include French onion soup, salad, baked potato, onion rings and organic vegetables. There are several pages of explanations on how to order your steak. If you still have room, head upstairs to the Harry Waugh room for dessert. Ask your waiter for a tour of the wine cellar, too.
Bern's Steakhouse
1208 South Howard Avenue
Tampa, FL 33606
(813) 251-2421
www.bernssteakhouse.com
Armani's
This award-winning restaurant is located on the 14th floor of the Grand Hyatt Hotel and has jaw-dropping views of Tampa Bay and beyond. The modern dining room is elegant with creamy white walls and white-linen-clothed tables. The restaurant features a Northern Italian menu. Most people start with the signature antipasti selection and move on to the primi piatti course, including dishes like the artichoke and ricotta filled ravioli or the pan-fried saffron risotto. The restaurant is known for its quality veal dishes like the grilled veal chop with a goat cheese potato puree. The restaurant has an extensive wine selection as well. It's a wonderful location to watch the sun set over the bay with your loved one.
Armani's
2900 Bayport Drive
Tampa, FL 33607
(813) 207-6800
www.armanisrestaurant.com
Bernini of Ybor
This romantic restaurant may be surrounded by Ybor's pulsating dance clubs and student-friendly bars, but inside it's all adult with soaring ceilings, marble accents and low lighting. Dine in an intimate corner upstairs. The focus is on classic northern Italian cuisine with wood-fired pizzas and pasta dishes. Try the roasted leg of lamb braised in a vegetable marinara with papperdelle pasta and traditional entrees like pork osso bucco, crispy duck and grilled tenderloin.
Bernini of Ybor
1702 East 7th Avenue
Tampa, FL 33605
(813) 248-0099
berniniofybor.com
Article Written By Pamela Wright
Pamela Wright is a freelance writer, author of more than two dozen guidebooks, and hundreds of articles. Her work has appeared in a variety of publications, including "National Geographic Traveler," "Family Circle," "Family Fun," "Backpacker," "Hemispheres," "Cooking Light," "Yankee" and more. An active member of the Society of American Travel Writers, she holds a Bachelor's from Michigan State University
