Élevage SoHo Kitchen & Bar is the signature restaurant of the Epicurean Hotel, a boutique hotel that caters to guests wishing to experience life's indulgences, especially when it comes to food. Developed by the owner of Bern's, one of Tampa's most established restaurants, Élevage maintains the tradition of serving high quality, expertly prepared food. Dishes are modern versions of classic recipes from around the world including India, the Mediterranean, and Asia among others. While the quality of the cuisine may indicate a level of formality, the restaurant's ambiance is contemporary but casual and comfortable and includes a stylish outdoor lounge area.
Recommended for Best of Tampa's Hyde Park and SoHo because: Élevage features innovative, modern cuisine and is a SoHo favorite for both visitors and locals to enjoy a special night out.
Skye's expert tip: For a memorable end to your evening, check out the Edge Rooftop Cocktail Lounge to enjoy tropical breezes and an expertly crafted nightcap.
Bella's has been a favorite of locals in South Tampa for over three decades. Featuring home-cooked flavors, everything is prepared from scratch here including their pizza dough and pasta. Diners return often to tuck into the delicious wood-fired pizzas and full menu of classic Italian favorites. Although the decor could easily seem overdone, thanks to subdued lighting and gracious details, Bella's greets guests with a relaxed charm. The open kitchen provides a hint of what's to come for inside diners, and there is also a patio with outdoor seating. Late hours and favorable prices heighten Bella's appeal with the after-clubbing crowd.
Recommended for Best of Tampa's Hyde Park and SoHo because: Bella's has been serving from-scratch Italian favorites in Tampa's SoHo neighborhood for almost 30 years.
Skye's expert tip: Bella's doesn't take reservations so it's a good idea to call ahead for seating.
Ciro's is a 1920's style speakeasy and they take their prohibition-era theme very seriously. In addition to the discrete entrance that is void of external signage or advertising, you must call ahead to get the password in order to gain admittance. Once inside you are greeting by staff dressed for a 1920's night out who, for the most part, stay in character throughout the evening. As is befitting, specialty cocktails are their specialty with expert barkeeps creating mostly original concoctions that are both delicious and slightly dangerous. Their small but intriguing menu offers a variety of succulent entrees and some really interesting snack foods like their black truffle popcorn.
Recommended for Best of Tampa's Hyde Park and SoHo because: Ciro's offers diners the unique opportunity to experience the fun and romance of a 1920s speakeasy.
Skye's expert tip: For added privacy, ask to be seated in one of their intimate curtained lounge areas.
Conceived by the same culinary group behind Ciccio Cali and Daily Eats, this ultra-contemporary eatery fits in well with the SoHo vibe and features big city style. Bright, fanciful cocktails and a cool, underwater motif recall Pan Asian spots you might find in a place like South Beach. The menu features an emphasis on perfect pairings of fresh fish and seafood, and delivers a few surprising twists and turns. For example, the sushi rolls, called "water rolls" are clear - rolled in thin rice paper. Overall, it's sexy and cosmopolitan, popular with young professionals and the perfect place to be seen.
Recommended for Best of Tampa's Hyde Park and SoHo because: Located in the heart of "restaurant row" in Tampa's SoHo neighborhood, Ciccio's Water is a favorite with the young and hip.
Skye's expert tip: If you're trying to cut down on carbs, their rolls are available without the sticky rice.
Edison Food + Drink Lab is the popular creation of Chef Jeannie Pierola, a 4X James Beard Best Chef Semifinalist. From dishes to decor, an industrial science theme invades all aspects of the restaurant. Patrons enjoy an ever-changing menu of "engineered" food "experiments" such as jalapeno Cracker Jacks and a fried oyster and bacon po-boy with kimchee. Expect to be surprised by the flavor combinations on this menu. The decor is fun as well, with an entrance disguised by corrugated metal fencing and the interior featuring polished concrete floors. The industrial look is cleverly broken up by colorful, graphic word art and pops of color on the tables.
Recommended for Best of Tampa's Hyde Park and SoHo because: Conveniently located on Kennedy Blvd, Edison is the go-to spot for local foodies eager to try innovative cuisine.
Skye's expert tip: Don't forget to try an artisan cocktail, it's not just the food that's inventive!
Datz is one of Tampa's most popular restaurants. At one time or another, almost everyone has visited this trendy gastropub and market. The interior is warm and inviting with a funky, industrial vibe and no one stands on ceremony here - flip-flops and shorts are welcome. The food is as comforting as the environment lifting America's favorite dishes to a whole new level. Looks for twists on the traditional such as their chicken and waffles served with jalapeno-maple syrup or their famous meatloaf stuffed with mac 'n cheese. They are known for their large portions, so bring an appetite. If you have room after lunch, wander next door to their new sister-restaurant, Dough, for some sweet treats and coffee. Brunch is served on weekends from 8:30am - 3:00pm
Recommended for Best of Tampa's Hyde Park and SoHo because: Enjoy America's favorite comfort foods at Datz, a popular local restaurant in Tampa's SoHo neighborhood.
Skye's expert tip: If you love mac 'n cheese, then this is nirvana! Enjoy mac 'n cheese everything from deep-fried bites to sandwich buns.
Mise en Place is an intimate, well-appointed restaurant located across from the University of Tampa. As a pioneer of the chef-driven restaurant model a signature of this bistro is the ever-rotating menu specializing in New American cuisine. You are almost guaranteed to find something you've never had before, like sous vide venison loin or mustard pecan crusted rack of lamb. The flavors reflect the Chef Marty Blitz's creativity and love of food and the region. Mise en Place also offers a substantial cheese and charcuterie selection, as well as a decadent dessert menu listing creations such as the molten chocolate beignet.
Recommended for Best of Tampa's Hyde Park and SoHo because: Close to the University of Tampa, Mise en Place is a longtime local favorite for their take on New American cuisine.
Skye's expert tip: The intimate ambiance makes this the perfect spot for a romantic rendezvous.
The wildly popular On Swann restaurant is located in Tampa's Hyde Park neighborhood. Led by well-regarded Chef Chris Ponte, the restaurant's cuisine is contemporary American with seasonal menus that incorporate locally sourced and locally grown ingredients. The focus is on small artisan businesses, heirloom varieties, organic cultivation, and sustainable farming techniques. The bar menu includes an impressively large and creative array of craft cocktails and a carefully curated wine and beer list. Although it can be a little noisy due to all the hard surfaces, the quirky combination of industrial and vintage decor creates a comfortable and casual ambiance.
Recommended for Best of Tampa's Hyde Park and SoHo because: Located in Hyde Park, On Swann is a stylish eatery with a focus on creative contemporary American cuisine featuring fresh, local ingredients.
Skye's expert tip: Plan ahead, this is a very busy restaurant that unfortunately doesn't take reservations for parties under 6.
Fresh Kitchen is a healthy fast food option for lunch and dinner located in Tampa's SoHo neighborhood. On offer is a full range of fresh and delicious ingredients that are combined in a handy bowl to eat in or take out. Set up cafeteria-style, diners head to the counter and order their bowl ingredients from the menu, picking a base such as noodles, rice or Quinoa, then veggies and a protein, topping it all off with a delicious house-made sauce. There is also a range of yummy, but healthy, desserts to choose from and they cold-press a variety of juices made fresh each day.
Recommended for Best of Tampa's Hyde Park and SoHo because: Capitalizing on the fast and healthy trend, Fresh Kitchen is a popular new concept focused on fresh, whole foods covered in delicious, home-made sauces.
Skye's expert tip: Not in South Tampa? This popular local chain has already expanded to 5 other regional locations. Check their website for the latest.
Bern's Steak House is one of Tampa's best-known restaurants. Family-owned since opening in 1956, this venerable steak house is legendary for its impeccable service, top-quality food, and incredible attention to detail. Not to mention their astounding wine list, consisting of one of the largest private wine collections in the world. Guests rave about the aged, charcoal-grilled steaks, which are ordered according to weight and thickness. Going against the current "al a carte" trend, Bern's serves full meals complete with soup, salad, and sides, so bring your appetite. As an added plus, many of the restaurant's vegetables are locally grown on the Bern's farm. After dinner, head to the Harry Waugh room for decadent desserts, after-dinner drinks and dancing. The dress code is business casual to semi-formal and reservations are required.
Recommended for Best of Tampa's Hyde Park and SoHo because: Located in SoHo, Bern's is Tampa's oldest and most celebrated steakhouse with one of the world's finest wine cellars.
Skye's expert tip: The staff at Bern's welcome you into their kitchen and wine cellar. Just ask your server for a tour.