Tampa Restaurants? Things to do?

P-600 · Post by **P-600** » Wed Nov 11, 2009 3:42 pm

Hi
We will be heading to Tampa next Friday to visit my daughter. I wanted to see if any of you have restaurant suggestions for Tampa. She is in the Harbour Island area. She has been there since September and has only found a handful good restaurants ie Capital Grill (which we have here). We plan on going to Busch Gardens for a day and both Clearwater and Saint Pete beaches. Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Julie

mindehankins · Post by **mindehankins** » Wed Nov 11, 2009 5:31 pm

We've had several excellent meals at Bern's Steakhouse. Be sure to tour the kitchen, and book a dessert room, if you go!
It's expensive but a big treat. You can check out their menus online.

mindehankins · Post by **mindehankins** » Wed Nov 11, 2009 5:33 pm

Ooops, also, their zoo is great. If you're going to Clearwater, check out Honeymoon Island!

PA Girl · Post by **PA Girl** » Wed Nov 11, 2009 6:04 pm

We like The Wharf in St. Pete Beach for lunch. It is on the bay/inlet side, right on the water. Nothing fancy but the food is very good and it has outdoor seating.

Always wanted to try Bern's but haven't made it yet.

The ILs are in Largo so we get down to that area occasionally.

P-600 · Post by **P-600** » Wed Nov 11, 2009 6:24 pm

Thanks ladies!! I will definitely try those.

Chickadee · Post by **Chickadee** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 1:30 pm

We recently spent the day at Fort Desoto beach and it was a wonderful day. Not like a day on the beach in STJ, mind, but was my 3 and 5 year olds' first time in the ocean - the weather was good, water calm, beach very nice and not crowded, and everyone enjoyed themselves very much. There is other stuff to do and see there too - some big long pier, a walking tour of the Fort, some wild life areas - but we didn't do any of those things.

alw1977 · Post by **alw1977** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 4:05 pm

Yes - you must try Columbia - http://www.columbiarestaurant.com/ybor.asp

I go to the one in Sarasota each time I visit my sister. I LOVE this place. Great sangria and I love the Salteado. Apparently the one in Ybor City is the flagship. This place has won all kinds of honors and has been around forever.

mindehankins · Post by **mindehankins** » Thu Nov 12, 2009 5:22 pm

Forgot Columbia! Their Paella rocks! Tampa/Sarasota USED to be my vacation mecca (before I found St. John

)

Marcia (Mrs. Pete) · Post by **Marcia (Mrs. Pete)** » Fri Nov 13, 2009 11:50 am

We've been to Columbia a number of times since my parents now live in Sarasota. Good choice!!

P-600 · Post by **P-600** » Fri Nov 13, 2009 12:50 pm

Thanks everyone so much-- I can't wait to try these restaurants. I also just found out there is an Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza nearby.. Have any of you tried their pizza? It is soo good! I consider myself a pizza snob

AquaGirl · Post by **AquaGirl** » Sat Nov 14, 2009 12:37 am

Hi - I took a day trip to Tampa while visiting my parents in Venice and visited the Florida Aquarium in Tampa. I love aquariums and this one is very well done. Its not quite the same as snorkeling, but I enjoyed it very much. My parents' favorite restaurant in Tampa area is Columbia, a Cuban restaurant that has been there for many years. Enjoy your trip. I wish I was going some place warm and sunny!

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Tampa Restaurants? Things to do?

Tampa Restaurants? Things to do?