Fine Dining restaurant with "ocean view" (Tampa, Clearwater: university, live)

[sammydread]

Hello,

I am new to the area and looking for a fabulous fine dining restaurant to take my girlfriend. The ideal place would be a restaurant on a high floor overlooking or with a view of the city or ocean.

Or any fine dining restaurant which plays live Jazz music?

Thanks!

[tilli]

It's on a low floor rather than a high, but you might consider Malio's Prime, downtown in the Rivergate Tower (better known locally as the "Beer Can Building"). It has some pretty nice views, I think it is the river on one side and the campus of the University of Tampa with its lovely onion domes on the other. You can check out pictures of their dining area and views, and their menus online. The family who owns Malio's also owns my favorite restaurant - Iavarone's - they have a reputation for providing quality food in an elegant atmosphere.

http://www.maliosprime.com/

[Innertuber]

Oystercatchers or Armanis at the Grand Hyatt. Armanis has a better view. Tell them what kind of table you want to reserve in advance. Both are $$$ as in pricey.

A little more reasonable would be Jacksons on Harbour Island. You could sit outside on the water. Great downtown views and quite pretty at night. It's not high up but you can toss icecubes into the water! Not sure what the entertainment schedule is these days. Again I would call in advance to discuss where you want to sit. Not sure I would call it fine dining really, but the food is good.

That's Amore on Harbour Island. I never was blown away by the food but the ambiance was great. Been a while since I've been there.

For Malios you would really need the right table to see water. The tables along the windows let you see the river. I like the food. Easy to spend 50 bucks on lunch there for two. Meaning totally sober too!

Personally, I would run by Jacksons and see if you like it. Afterwards you could walk to Cafe Dufrain for a drink/coffee/desert on Harbour Island. Or better yet check out That's Amore (food, music and wine). All these are within a few minutes walk (or stumble) of each other.

Have fun!

[Boulder Mama]

I'd recommend Armani's at the Hyatt too. It has beautiful views of the water and the airport. The food is delicious, and there's pianist who plays in the bar. It's expensive, but it's a great place to experience.

[algia]

Sheppard's in Clearwater? never been, but we've been entertaining going at some point....maybe others can shed some light into it?

[wiltznucs]

Armani's has been the single most dissappointing fine dining experience of my life. Upon the recommendation of a friend I took my wife there for our anniversary last year. I made all the arrangements weeks in advance. All I asked was that I get a table overlooking the water, I reminded the hostess of this upon arriving at the restaurant. The restaurant was nearly empty and we were sat overlooking the runway of the airport instead of the water. My wife didnt want to make a scene so we simply endured. The food took an eternity and was the classic small portion and big price restaurant. The food was average at best and even the service was miserable so there was no redeeming quality with that. If your looking for good food and a good experience I'd steer clear of Armani's...

[IAm_FloridaBorn]

What about a Dinner Cruise? have you considered that as well?

[Boulder Mama]

Sheppard's is just so-so food wise. It's a casual place with a "beachy" vibe. It's worth a try, but it's not fine dining.

The Sandpearl Resort on Clearwater Beach also has a fine dining restaurant called: Carretta on the Gulf. I haven't eaten there, but I hear it's delicious.

[Keeper]

How about CKs at the airport. It is a revolving restaurant with views of the water. Very upscale. I haven't been there in a long time but the food was good but then I am not hard to please. If you are looking for something different then I think this would be a good choice

This Tampa restaurant offers the most unique experience of any restaurant in Tampa

[chi_tino]

Originally Posted by wiltznucs

The restaurant was nearly empty and we were sat overlooking the runway of the airport instead of the water. My wife didnt want to make a scene so we simply endured.

This statement makes absolutely no sense to me. Do you say anything to the waiter if they bring you the wrong food, or do you just quietly sit there and eat someone else's dinner?