Restaurants to Celebrate a Special Occasion in Tampa Bay

Bern's Steakhouse

Bern’s is a household name in the Tampa Bay area, for good reason!  This classic steakhouse and dessert lounge opened long ago in 1956, perfecting their steaks, wines, and top-quality service.  Bern’s is an amazing restaurant to celebrate a birthday or any celebration – frequented for anniversary’s, special dates, and graduations.

Pro-Tip: If you’re not feeling steak or if you just don’t want to spend too much, make a reservation at the Bern’s dessert room.  Located upstairs, the dessert room offers private booths serving a huge menu of desserts and after dinner drinks!

Hours & Location

Monday | Closed
Tuesday | 5:00pm-10:00pm
Wednesday | 5:00pm-10:00pm
Thursday | 5:00pm-10:00pm
Friday | 5:00pm-11:00pm
Saturday | 5:00pm-11:00pm
Sunday | 5:00pm-10:00pm

?1208 S Howard Ave, Tampa, FL 33606

Olivia

If you’re looking for a modern twist to your Italian favorites, then Olivia is the spot for you.  Able to attend to large groups, this is one of the popular restaurants to celebrate a birthday, or to hold a dinner party!  You and your group will love to view their wide open space, full of natural light during the day and a dimmed atmosphere at night.  We especially love their crafted cocktails, like the Indigo – a signature drink of blueberry, cucumber, and gin!

Hours & Location

Monday | 5:00pm-10:00pm
Tuesday | 5:00pm-10:00pm
Wednesday | 5:00pm-10:00pm
Thursday | 5:00pm-10:00pm
Friday | 5:00pm-11:00pm
Saturday | 10:00am-11:00pm
Sunday | 10:00am-10:00pm

?3601 W Swann Ave, Tampa, FL 33609

The Library

The Library is a beautiful St. Pete restaurant created by Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, inspired by the Peabody Library in Baltimore.  This space changes throughout the day – from a coffee bar to a quick lunch cafe to a New American dinner destination, so the possibilities are endless!  Maybe add them to your list of restaurants to celebrate a birthday, brunch, or a fancy lunch before heading to the nearby museums?  We love how you can mix up a celebration, instead of the regular dinner and drinks.

Hours & Location

Monday | 9:00am-9:00pm
Tuesday | 9:00am-9:00pm
Wednesday | 9:00am-9:00pm
Thursday | 9:00am-9:00pm
Friday | 9:00am-10:00pm
Saturday | 9:00pm-10:00pm
Sunday | 9:00am-4:00pm

?600 5th St S, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Rooster and the Till

Nothing beats a good farm to table concept restaurant, especially one that has received a Michelin Bib Gourmand.  The chefs at Rooster and the Till have perfected this idea for the Tampa Bay community.  Serving New American dishes that use ingredients from local farmers and vendors, you’ll truly get the freshest flavors in your meal!  Order up their amazing small plates for your group, have a few glasses of wine, and you’re set for an amazing, local inspired celebration!

Hours & Location

Monday | Closed
Tuesday | Closed
Wednesday | 5:00pm-9:00pm
Thursday | 5:00pm-9:00pm
Friday | 5:00pm-9:00pm
Saturday | 5:00pm-9:00pm
Sunday | Closed

?6500 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33604

Rumfish Grill

Want a break from the norm? Next on our list of restaurants to celebrate a birthday or special occassion, is Rumfish Grill. This spot is a true Tampa Bay experience that you can’t skip out on!  Right in the dining room of this St. Pete Beach spot is a 33,500 gallon aquarium with fish, sharks, and coral. While feasting on their creative seafood dishes, you can marvel at the sea life moving past you and enjoy their nightly entertainment.

Pro-Tip: If you’re looking for an activity before your meal, they even offer scuba diving!

Hours & Location

Monday | 4:00pm–10:00pm
Tuesday | 4:00pm–10:00pm
Wednesday | 4:00pm–10:00pm
Thursday | 4:00pm–10:00pm
Friday | 4:00pm-10:00pm
Saturday | 12:00pm–10:00pm
Sunday | 12:00pm–10:00pm

?6000 Gulf Blvd, St Pete Beach, FL 33706

Brick and Mortar

Located on the bustling Central Avenue in St. Pete is Brick and Mortar, a rustic New American spot featuring delicious small plates and even better wine! With beautifully decorated seating indoors and outdoors, it’s a super chill setting before a night out in Downtown St. Pete and one of the perfect restaurants to celebrate a birthday.  Check out their snackable Pulled Pork Poutine!

Hours & Location

Monday | Closed
Tuesday | 5:00pm-9:00pm
Wednesday | 5:00pm-10:00pm
Thursday | 5:00pm-10:00pm
Friday | 5:00pm-10:30pm
Saturday | 5:00pm–10:30pm
Sunday | Closed

?539 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Ulele

Donovan's Meatery

If you’re looking to celebrate in the Riverview area, you need to check out Donovan’s Meatery. This new kind of steakhouse experience is part of the Datz Restaurant Group family.

We recommend starting with the ‘Split Personality’ cocktail and Lobster “Escaragot” appetizer. You can’t go wrong at Donovan’s… their menu is amazing and truly has something for everyone! Next time you’re on the hunt for restaurants to celebrate a birthday or special occasion, put Donovan’s on your list!

Hours & Location

Monday | 4:00pm-9:00pm
Tuesday | 4:00pm-9:00pm
Wednesday | 4:00pm-9:00pm
Thursday |  4:00pm-9:00pm
Friday |  4:00pm-10:00pm
Saturday |  4:00pm-10:00pm
Sunday |  4:00pm-9:00pm

Happy Hour Everyday 3:00pm -6:00pm

?11206 Sullivan St, Riverview, FL 33578

Salt Rock Grill

One of the local favorite restaurants to celebrate a birthday or special occasion is Salt Rock Grill! This legendary beach spot offers delectable food, savory drinks, and a laid back atmosphere

They are well know for their prime and choice grade beef, fresh dayboat caught seafood, raw bar, and wine cellar that is a must-visit. Next time you find yourself in the Indian Shores area, stop by in the evening for a romantic waterfront dinner, or a hearty lunch!

Hours & Location

Monday | 4:00pm-10:00pm
Tuesday | 4:00pm-10:00pm
Wednesday | 4:00pm-10:00pm
Thursday | 4:00pm-10:00pm
Friday | 4:00pm-10:00pm
Saturday | 12:00pm-10:00pm
Sunday | 12:00pm-10:00pm

? 19325 Gulf Blvd, Indian Shores, FL 33785

Rusty Pelican

Every celebration is better with a waterfront view! Celebrate like the locals at the popular Rusty Pelican – an upscale bar, dining room, and private events venue.  Join the amazing staff at the Rusty Pelican for a classy dinner, a bright and exciting brunch, or for happy hour if you’re looking for a deal!

The featured dishes at the Rusty Pelican have to be their seafood creations.  With local access to the freshest seafood, it results in the most delicious oysters, the most succulent shrimp, and the best fish you’ve ever had!

Hours & Location

Monday | 11:00am-10:30pm
Tuesday | 11:00am-10:30pm
Wednesday | 11:00am-10:30pm
Thursday | 11:00am-10:30pm
Friday | 11:00am-12:00am
Saturday | 11:00am-4:00pm, 5:00pm-12:00am
Sunday | 11:00am-4:00pm, 5:00pm-10:30pm

?2425 N Rocky Point Dr, Tampa, FL 33607

Edison: Food and Drink Lab

For the imaginative foodie in your life, a trip to Edison will make their year! Edison is an inventive culinary marvel that re-engineers modern cuisine. As soon as you walk in, you’ll see why Edison has been consistently voted one of the best restaurants in the area in the Tampa Bay Times, year after year!  From Potato Crusted Oysters to Olive Oil Poached Octopus, there’s something new for every one to try.

Edison is also a great option for larger groups as they have a full private dining room for cocktail parties and dinner parties – doesn’t that sound amazing for a wedding reception or baby shower? Keep them on your list of restaurants to celebrate a birthday dinner or special occasion!

Hours & Location

Monday | 4:00pm-9:00pm
Tuesday | 4:00pm-9:00pm
Wednesday | 4:00pm-9:00pm
Thursday | 4:00pm-9:00pm
Friday | 4:00pm-10:00pm
Saturday | 5:00pm-10:00pm
Sunday | 5:00pm-9:00pm

?912 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606

Terra Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse

Maybe you’re not into inventive dishes and you’re more into celebrating by doing a lot of what we do best – eating loads of delicious food. Terra Gaucha is an all you can eat Brazilian style steakhouse serving up the best meats, seafood’s, and salads – all on a sword, of course!  This white tablecloth setting is a glamorous destination perfect for those who love an exciting show with their dinner.  All around you, skilled waiters are carting around different grilled meats and seafood’s to your table – you don’t even need to get up for seconds!

Hours & Location

Monday | 11:30am–2pm, 5:00pm–9:30pm
Tuesday | 11:30am–2pm, 5:00pm–9:30pm
Wednesday | 11:30am–2pm, 5:00pm–9:30pm
Thursday | 11:30am–2pm, 5:00pm–9:30pm
Friday | 11:30am–2:30pm, 5:00pm–10:30pm
Saturday | 11:30am–3:00pm, 4:00pm–11:00pm
Sunday | 11:30am–3:00pm, 4:00pm–9:30pm

?1108 S Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33629

Dio Modern Mediterranean

For a fun celebration in the Downtown Tampa area, you need to check out Dio Modern Mediterranean.  This Greek restaurant turns into a fun block party at night – where the sangria flows, there’s plenty of hookah, and DJ and their dancers keep you dancing the whole night through.

We especially love Dio as one of the Tampa restaurants to celebrate a birthday bash because their staff will go all out for you and your party!  At Dio, the staff will bring out a cake with huge sparklers and play a drum to get all the attention on you.

Hours & Location

Monday | 11:00am-12:00am
Tuesday | 11:00am-12:00am
Wednesday | 11:00am-12:00am
Thursday | 11:00am-12:00am
Friday | 11:00am-2:00am
Saturday | 11:00am-2:00am
Sunday | 11:00am-12:00am

? 519 N Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602

Élevage SoHo Kitchen & Bar

For the epicurean and wine extraordinaire in your life, Elevage is one of the perfect special occasion restaurants to celebrate a birthday dinner or anniversary with a mellow vibe. If you want to get away from the theatrics and fully just chill with your friends over some great food, Elevage is an amazing option.  From the moment you drive up to the time to check out, you will have a very smooth experience.  Their valet staff is top notch and free most of the day, plus their restaurant even caters to last minute reservations!

Hours & Location

Monday | 7:00am–2:30pm
Tuesday | 7:00am–2:30pm
Wednesday | 7:00am–2:30pm
Thursday | 7:00am–2:30pm
Friday | 7:00am–2:30pm
Saturday | 7:00am–10:00pm
Sunday | 7:00am–10:00pm

? 1207 S Howard Ave, Tampa, FL 33606

Oxford Exchange

For any occasion, Tampa Bay locals often visit the Oxford Exchange – whether you’re looking for a restaurant to celebrate a birthday lunch, or if you just want to have a Sunday treat! From brunch to lunch, you will absolutely need to make a reservation well in advance – tables fill up quick here!  But upon being seated, you’ll be greeted with amazing service and feast on filling brunch foods like Nutella french toast and the best Chicken Paillard you’ve ever had.

Not too hungry, but still want to visit? Stop by their adorable Champagne Bar, featuring signature champagne cocktail concoctions. They also have a British style afternoon tea – one of the few afternoon tea experiences in the area!

Hours & Location

Monday | 7:30am–5:30pm
Tuesday | 7:30am–5:30pm
Wednesday | 7:30am–5:30pm
Thursday | 7:30am–5:30pm
Friday | 7:30am–5:30pm
Saturday | 9:00am–5:30pm
Sunday | 9:00am–5:30pm

?420 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa FL 33606