Finding a place to eat in Tampa can be easy and challenging at the same time with a multitude of restaurants to choose from as well as new, innovative businesses popping up throughout the area.
Choosing a restaurant on New Year’s Eve can still be tough with all of the choices, but if you’re looking to enjoy a unique locale before the year finishes, consider heading to one of these chill, eclectic restaurants on New Year's Eve in Tampa.
Make reservations at one of these great Tampa restaurants and invite your closest friends for a relaxed New Year’s Eve meal!
Find your paradise retreat at The Getaway on Gandy this New Year’s Eve between 11 a.m. and 10 p.m. Inspired by the coast, this tropical-themed restaurant by the water uses fresh, locally-caught seafood and other local ingredients.
Start off with the Crab Stack which has fresh crab with guacamole, juicy mandarin oranges, and pico de gallo before moving onto the Gulf Grouper sandwich or the Volcano Shrimp tacos with "explosive" volcano sauce, refreshing cilantro slaw, and pico de gallo.
Having lunch or dinner at Green Lemon in SoHo gives a twist on Mexican cuisine this New Year’s Eve. While at this fun, modern Mexican restaurant, try one of their giant margaritas. The Margarona is a 24-ounce glass of the Green Lemon House margarita with a bottle of Corona in it!
Start your New Year’s Eve dinner with elotes, grilled ears of corn dressed with chipotle aioli, cotija cheese, and chili powder. Then dive into one of their Fiesta Bowls, a Green Lemon specialty with a variety of flavors. The Habanero Beef Fiesta Bowl has spicy shredded beef with cabbage and carrots and is topped with cheese crumbles, pico de gallo, and Mexican sriracha aioli!
BluWave Sushi is also located in Soho where you can enjoy great food and atmosphere at the same time. The modern decorations and blue lighting make the whole experience so relaxing. The sushi bridge is highly recommended if you're with a group of friends or family. They have lots of sushi roll options including traditional rolls and specialty rolls, and they also offer dishes like hibachi and fried rice. Their New Year's Eve hours will be 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
The Refinery in Seminole Heights on Florida Avenue is the perfect place for innovative American fare on New Year’s Eve. This quirky, urban restaurant is the place for burgers and more with a diverse menu full of different flavor combinations. Try the Pork Bulgogi Melt made with Korean inspiration, cheddar; spicy, fermented onions and carrots, and scallion aioli on Cuban bread. Then end the meal with something sweet like the Choco-Coco Panna Cotta.
Also in Seminole Heights, Rooster & the Till is a popular modern American restaurant focused on handcrafting perfect meals in an indie-rustic atmosphere. Start off with a cheese board filled with a variety of creamy, sharp, and sweet elements that will tantalize your taste buds.
If you want to enjoy a particularly rich meal on New Year's Eve, opt for the ribeye served with whipped potatoes, mushrooms, and foie gras.
With a glass of beer or wine, sit with your friends under the glistening stringed lights in this restaurant's cozy, wood interior. Finish off your meal with Coconut Milk Banana pudding made with Thai basil tapioca, five spice butterscotch, and macadamia sesame crumble.
Ella's Americana Folk Art Cafe
Ella’s American Folk Art Café is known for their Soul Food Sunday and their quirky folk art that envelops each corner of the restaurant. Thankfully, this once-a-week treat falls on New Year’s Eve and is a great stop for brunch!
Their Fried Chicken and Waffles are served with a Bourbon Maple Gravy, and the chicken is fried to perfection and gives a satisfying crunch with every bite! Ella’s also serves Kansas City-style BBQ and is sure to please all barbeque lovers! A popular choice, the Beef Brisket is smoked to create a supple and tender bite with each forkful.
WTR Pool & Grill on the Courtney Campbell gives Tiki-style fun with American fare on New Year’s Eve.This waterfront restaurant boasts beautiful sunset views, fresh seafood, and thrilling entertainment that will be the highlight of your year.
Bring your friends and split a plate of fried calamari and a plate of crispy coconut shrimp served with mango chili dipping sauce and a mango pear salsa. Sip on a Rum Runner while munching on blackened Mahi Mahi Tacos topped with chipotle guacamole, shredded cabbage, and pico de gallo, or twirl your fork in a plate of Seafood Pasta that is loaded with shrimp, scallops, and mussels!
Spend your New Year’s Eve with the queens of Hamburger Mary’s in Brandon for a night of dancing in your seat and lip-syncing to your favorite female power anthems! At Mary’s, enjoy the upbeat, flashy atmosphere and start the night off with Mary’s Mermaid Won-Tons with ahi tuna on top crispy won-tons and a side of seaweed salad! Order the Gouda Morning Burger topped with a fried egg, crispy bacon, kale, and Gouda (of course) for a satisfying meal! Hamburger Mary’s is the epitome of dining and entertainment in Tampa and will defintely be an exciting place to go on New Year’s Eve.
American Social has come in with a bang in Tampa featuring their amazing weekly specials, waterfront location, and American-fusion vibes! AmSo is known for their brunch specials, which will provide a fun meal with friends the day before New Year’s Eve.
Clink your champagne glasses together and split a dish of spinach and artichoke dip before you dive into a plate of Maine Lobster Benedict with avocado mousse, poached egg, fresh spinach, babyloom tomatoes, feta cheese, and smothered-tomato hollandaise sauce.
For a more sweet dish, try the Strawberry French Toast with a thick slab of sliced challah bread, strawberry coulis, mascarpone, cream cheese, crème fraiche, and topped with lemon whipped cream!
Bulla Gastrobar in SoHo gives Spanish flair and inspiration to your New Year’s Eve meal. This restaurant is buzzing with friendly staff, contemporary vibes, and delicious meals!
Share tapas with your pals and order the Croquetas de Pollo which has chicken and kimchi or the Tartar de Atun with ahi tuna, fresh mango, avocado, a soy sesame vinaigrette, and a creamy Sriracha aioli!
For a more satiating meal, Bulla has large plates such as Paella with calamari, king prawns, clams, and sofrito integrated into rice as well as a Salmon entrée served with a side of baby spinach, chickpeas, and a lemon cream. Bulla also has their Luna Lounge, a rooftop bar that will have you starting off the new year in style.
Related Content: 19 of the Best New Year's Eve 2019 Parties in Tampa
Cheers to the old, cheers to the new, cheers to Tampa, and cheers to you! Celebrate the holiday at one of these chill, eclectic restaurants on New Year's Eve in Tampa!
Find more restaurants in Tampa by registering on 813area, your free guide to everything in the Tampa Bay area.
Cover photo courtesy of Unsplash
