SEARCHING FOR THE BEST TAMPA RIVERWALK RESTAURANTS?
We can help! We’ve spent months living in Florida since we started traveling as a family in 2015, and we’ve had so much fun in Tampa. The Tampa Riverwalk is a fun part of the city to explore.
We love that it’s such a safe, family-friendly, and convenient way to enjoy the outdoors while walking (or bike riding) to the different city attractions it connects.
Even if you just visit to take in the waterfront views and some delicious food along the way, it’s a captivating and fun way to experience the city.
Food is such a fun part of traveling for us, and we’re happy to report that there are some amazing Tampa Bay Riverwalk restaurants you have to try while you’re in town. In this article, we’ll give you the scoop on where to go and what to order at the top Tampa Riverwalk restaurants.
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Where to Eat on the Tampa Riverwalk
Whether you’re looking for the perfect setting with a view for a date night or just want to score the tastiest meal around, here’s our breakdown of the best riverwalk restaurants in Tampa!
Tampa Riverwalk Restaurants on the Water
1. American Social
601 S Harbour Island Blvd #107
813-605-3333
What to Order:Deviled Eggs with Candied Bacon, Hot Chicken Sliders with Buttermilk Biscuits
American Social is one of the most impressive Tampa Riverwalk restaurants and bars. Spanning over 15,000 square feet of waterfront in The Pointe Marina at Harbour Island, this is one of the trendiest and tastiest places to eat in Tampa.
The restaurant features an impressive dining room with both indoor and outdoor seating. Known for its patriotic spirit, happy hour diners can enjoy pitchers of Bloody Marys while they enjoy typical pub-style appetizers and burgers.
Vegetarian options are also available, and even pets are welcome to join you for outdoor dining at one of the best Tampa Riverwalk dog-friendly restaurants!
Not popular for the food alone, American Social is also a hot spot for nightlife events, known for good music and epic views!
2. Cafe Dufrain
707 Harbour Post Dr
813-275-9701
What to Order: Dufrain Steak Burger with Truffle Brussel Sprouts
Cafe Dufrain is one of the most quaint waterfront restaurants Tampa Riverwalk has to offer. If you’re looking for a comforting, family-owned-style restaurant experience, this is the place for you. They specialize in American cuisine but also have a stacked wine and craft beer offering.
Cafe Dufrain is a great place for a quiet and enjoyable meal. And the amazing views of the downtown Tampa city skyline over the river aren’t too bad either!
3. Ulele
1810 N Highland Ave
813-999-4952
What to Order: Alligator Bites, Coconut Ice Cream
Ulele is one of the most unique Tampa Riverwalk dining experiences you can come by. This establishment is influenced by both the Florida waters and Native American influence. By combining the two, they’ve created some of the most expertly designed delicious dishes.
The restaurant offers an elegant but not over-the-top setting. The atmosphere is really enjoyable, making it a great place for couples and families alike.
All entrees are prepared on a barbacoa grill, and many of them feature seafood. Aside from grouper and pompano, you can also find sandwiches and even mac and cheese for the kids!
4. Maestro’s Restaurant
1010 N Macinnes Pl
(813) 229-7827
What to Order: Salad Bar
Maestro’s Restaurantis located inside the Starz Center for Performing Arts on the Riverwalk. This restaurant is the perfect spot to refuel after spending the day exploring the area. It’s a sophisticated setting but offerstop-notch food fare the whole family will love like a charcuterie board beautifully set with cheese, fruit, and crackers.
The paninis and a selection from the expansive salad bar are some additional family-friendly choices on the menu.
They also boast some excellent gourmet dishes for more advanced palates, like Heart of Lamb Tartare. No matter what you order for lunch or dinner, be sure not to leave before dessert. The fudge brownie is huge and is an excellent choice for sharing with family.
5. River’s Edge
200 N Ashley Dr
(813) 226-4400
What to Order: Grouper Sandwich
River’s Edge is located at the Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk Hotel, one of our favorite Tampa Riverwalk hotels, and has one of the best waterfront views in town. In fact, it’s one of the best places in all of Tampa to watch the sunset, so if you’re able, try to make your reservation around that time.
One of the best Riverwalk Tampa FL restaurants, this spot offers both a classy and comfortable dining room as well as a refreshing outdoor patio where you can enjoy your meal with the wind blowing through your hair.
Fresh seafood-based appetizers are a big hit here, with calamari and creole garlic shrimp being the most highly acclaimed. It’s the sandwiches and flatbreads that really take the top spot at Rivers Edge, though!
6. The Pint and Brew Downtown Tampa
200 N Tampa St G118
(813) 867-8804
What to Order: Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup
The Pint and Brew Downtown is Tampa’s answer to that cozy, familiar neighborhood pub type of atmosphere you’re looking for. This property’s main attraction is the taproom experience, where a beer master is happy to help you find your perfect beer.
Once you’ve got your drink in hand, relax in one of the lush and incredibly comfortable leather lounge chairs to visit with your group, make new friends, or enjoy a big game on the television.
As for food, this spot is known for an impressive selection of sandwiches, soups, and bar-style appetizers. With so much to choose from when looking for a hearty comfort meal, you can’t go wrong with the tried and true classic grilled cheese and tomato soup!
Tampa Riverwalk Seafood Restaurants
7. Watervue Grille
700 Harbour Post Dr
813-642-7980
What to Order: Mahi Mahi
Watervue Grille has been a staple in Tampa for a while, but after a fresh update, it’s become one of the best restaurants around the Riverwalk Tampa area. The laid-back coastal vibe, in combination with some really stellar views of downtown Tampa, makes this an excellent stop for lunch or dinner when hanging out on the riverwalk with your family.
This spot offers both indoor and outdoor seating. While dining outdoors can be a really fun experience, we understand some families prefer sitting inside. Keep in mind reservations are required for indoor seating at this location.
No matter where you sit, you are sure to thoroughly enjoy the wide array of seafood specialties offered here. Ranging from mussels and calamari appetizers to salmon, snapper, and swordfish mains, you can’t go wrong here!
8. The Pearl Tampa
823 Water St, C100
813-709-7776
What to Order: Oysters
The Pearl Tampaprides itself on being a restaurant, a tavern, and an oyster room. One of the best seafood Tampa restaurants near the riverwalk, this spot specializes in both a hot and cold selection from their oyster room. The famed Shellfish Tower is a sight to see and a great option for a group looking to enjoy a taste of a variety of seafood fare.
You’ll also find a wide variety of steak and fish entrees here, as well as some tasty salad and sandwich options. Bringing kids along to a seafood joint can be challenging, but you don’t have to worry about that at The Pearl Tampa, as they feature a kid’s menu stacked with familiar favorites for all ages.
Cuban Tampa Riverwalk Restaurants
9. Columbia Cafe
801 Water St #1905
What to Order: Cuban Sandwich, 1905 Salad
When we head to Tampa, we love finding some delicious and authentic Cuban food. Columbia Cafeis one of our favorite Tampa Riverwalk outdoor restaurants.
If you sit outside, you can enjoy spectacular views of the Garrison Channel. The restaurant also offers indoor seating where you can dine on their popular 1905 Salad, which is made tableside!
They also have other Spanish-Cuban favorites like tapas and paella.
Food aside, it’s also one of the most fun Riverwalk Tampa Florida restaurants for live entertainment. Known for their Flamenco dancing productions, you’re sure to have a great time at Columbia Restaurant Cafe.
10. Cuban Eats
601 N Morgan St
813-223-0023
What to Order: Cafe Con Leche & Breakfast Sandwich on Cuban Toast
Cuban Eats is a wonderful spot to consider if you’re craving Cuban or American food with a twist for breakfast or lunch in Tampa. Known as one of the most affordable restaurants around, their rates are reasonable, and their portions are plentiful.
The authentic homemade Cuban food and coffee are tasty and impressive. The breakfast sandwiches and Cuban sandwiches are the most raved about, but the whole menu is stacked with Cuban-inspired favorites you won’t want to miss.
11. Hemingway’s Cuban Kitchen
1910 N Ola Ave
813-435-6482
What to Order: Build Your Own Bowl, Yuca Fries
Hemingway’s Cuban Kitchen is located in a remodeled warehouse in the Heights Public Market portion of the riverwalk area. This restaurant is an excellent place to dine if you’re a fan of Cuban food and don’t mind a little creativity when it comes to your food.
Hemingways’s Cuban Kitchen takes some favorite Cuban sandwiches and bowls and recreates them with fresh and unexpected zest. Classic Cuban bowls with rice, steak, and plantains are some of the most enjoyed entrees here.
There are seating areas both inside the warehouse and out, so you can enjoy your meal wherever you’re most comfortable. Both vegan dishes and a kids menu are available, so chances are the whole family will find something they enjoy at one of the most unique but tasty restaurants near Riverwalk Tampa FL.
Italian Restaurants on the Tampa Riverwalk
12. Eddie & Sam’s NY Pizza
203 E Twiggs St, Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 229-8500
What to Order: Lasagna Pizza
Sometimes, only a slice of pizza will do. If you find yourself along the Tampa Riverwalk with such a craving, Eddie & Sam’s NY Pizzacan save you! It’s a popular spot to grab an authentic New York-style slice of pizza.
With both indoor and outdoor seating, you can choose from a classic like pepperoni or dive into the more creative dishes like chicken parm pizza or lasagna pizza! You can buy a slice or full pie, so it’s a fun way to let the whole family choose what they want if you have different favorites.
Garlic knots and wings in a variety of flavors are other must-try sides at this fun pizza joint!
Mexican Tampa Riverwalk Restaurants
13. Urban Cantina
200 E. Madison St.
(813) 221-8226
What to Order: Margarita, Chimichanga
Who doesn’t love Taco Tuesday? Or tacos any other day of the week? If your family is on the fun for some spicy and delicious Mexican food, follow the riverwalk directly to Urban Cantina.
One of the riverwalk’s most popular spots for tacos, tortas, and burritos, Urban Cantina offers a cool and modern spin on the classic Mexican food experience.
Along with some stellar, fresh, and tasty food, the establishment also has an impressive bar spanning across both the indoor and outdoor dining areas. It’s the perfect place to hang out during happy hour and enjoy some amazing margaritas!
For great food at a great price and a fun atmosphere, you can’t go wrong with Urban Cantina!
14. Gallito Taqueria
615 Channelside Dr
(813) 345-5881
What to Order: Quesabirria Tacos
If hunger strikes you near the end of the riverwalk in the Sparkman Wharf area, we highly recommend you take a detour over to Gallito Taqueria for some amazing Mexican street food. This Tampa Riverwalk restaurant has a limited menu, but trust us, it’s all delicious.
Order at the to-go window and then enjoy your food under one of the umbrella-shaded tables on the patio area. Appetizers include some of their amazing chips and queso, followed by some of the most phenomenal tacos, available in a variety of meats or just veggies.
If you’re not in a taco mood, be sure to give their nachos a whirl or a quesadilla for the kids.
This spot comes through on the beverage front as well, with both beer and sangria options available.
Tampa Riverwalk Restaurants for Breakfast
15. Zudar’s Bourbon St. Bar & Grill
201 W Platt St
(813) 250-6272
What to Order: Huevos Wrap
A Tampa Riverwalk breakfast doesn’t come any heartier than the menu at Zudar’s Bourbon St. Bar & Grill. Known for epic egg platters, prepared by preference along with toast or hashbrowns, it’s a great way to start the day. Other favorites include pancakes and breakfast sandwiches.
The Huevos Wrap is Zudar’s real claim to breakfast fame and a great option for a Sunday Brunch. This early morning delight features eggs and ham, enhanced with the likes of jalapenos and black beans. The breakfast Reuben featuring egg and corned beef is a popular dish here, too!
There’s lots of seating in their clean dining room or on their outdoor patio. Zudar’s is definitely one of the best places to enjoy breakfast on an early morning Tampa Riverwalk adventure.
16. Samaria Cafe
502 N Tampa St.
(813) 223-1674
What to Order: Eggs Benedict
Families looking for an old-school, comforting dinner experience will have the time of their lives at Samaria Cafe. The dining area here is designed to be comfortable, filled with cozy booths, it’s the type of place you can savor your meal and the moments spent together around the table.
The atmosphere isn’t the only thing nostalgic about this place. The portions and prices are old school as well. You can expect to get a hearty eggs benedict or some loaded avocado toast for an excellent price at Samaria Cafe.
17. Buddy Brew Coffee
400 N Tampa St Suite 110, Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 258-2739
What to Order: Coffee & Hangover Sandwich
Buddy Brew Coffeeis one of the most centrally located restaurants along the Tampa Riverwalk. Its handy location makes it a great spot to stop in for a cup of coffee, breakfast sandwich, pastry, or maybe even all three!
With a variety of breakfast options like croissants, biscuits, and donuts, we most highly recommend the Hangover Sandwich. It’s packed with egg, ham, bacon, and cheese! The beverage game is top-notch here, too, with options from matcha to nitro cold brews!
Tampa Riverwalk Restaurant Map
FAQ: Tampa Riverwalk Restaurants
Is Tampa Riverwalk Worth it?
We definitely recommend checking out the Tampa Riverwalk if you’re planning a trip to the city. A walk or bike ride down the path, or even a water bike ride on the Hillsborough River, is a fun way to explore Tampa.
Is Tampa Riverwalk Free?
Yes! There’s no charge to explore the Tampa Riverwalk. It’s a fun and family-friendly place to spend some time when exploring the city.
Is Tampa Riverwalk Safe at Night?
Yes! There’s so much to enjoy along the riverwalk day or night, and it is a safe part of town. The bridges are lit up at night to offer a different experience and keep the pathway well-lit.
What is on the Riverwalk in Tampa?
Some of the most popular attractions along the riverwalk in Tampa include the Florida Aquarium, Glazer Children’s Museum, Straz Center, Sparkman Wharf, the Tampa Bay History Center, Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, and plenty of places to eat or take a ride on a water bike!
Can you Drink on the Tampa Riverwalk?
Drinking is permitted on the Tampa Riverwalk, but only in the riverwalk’s specialty cup. You can purchase the Friends of the Riverwalk cup at select vendors along the riverwalk.
How Long is the Riverwalk in Tampa?
The Tampa River Walk is 2.6 miles long. It’s lined with fun city attractions and plenty of delicious Downtown Tampa Riverwalk restaurants.
Where Do I Start on the Tampa Riverwalk?
There are no set entry and exit points on the Tampa Riverwalk. You can jump on the path or leave it at any point. If you’re looking for a recommendation, Heights Market, located at Armature Works, is a great place to start your journey down the riverwalk.
What Shops are on the Tampa Riverwalk?
The Tampa Riverwalk is one of the best places to shop in the city. From the Florida Aquarium Gift Shop to the gift shop at the Tampa Museum of Art and so many retailers at Hyde Park Village, there are retail options for everyone!
Conclusion: Tampa Riverwalk Restaurants
We always enjoy wandering the riverwalk whenever we get the chance to visit Tampa. And we think your family would love the fun ambiance, attractions, and, of course, the food, too!! We hope this guide gets your tastebuds fired up as you decide which Tampa Riverwalk restaurants to try first!
If you are going to be out along the coast, there are also lots of great restaurant options in Clearwater and St. Petersburg.
