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Are you planning to attend an event at Amalie Arena in Tampa and looking for the best local dining options nearby? Whether you’re craving sophisticated seafood, mouthwatering Cuban cuisine, or trendy tacos, Tampa has something delicious for everyone. In this guide, I’ll introduce you to ten must-visit restaurants near Amalie Arena. These spots offer iconic, distinctive flavors with local flair, so you can pair your exciting night out with a standout meal.
1. Columbia Café at the Tampa Bay History Center
- Distance from Amalie Arena: Approximately 0.21 miles
- Average Price: Moderate
- Description: A scaled-down version of the historic and beloved Columbia Restaurant, this café serves authentic Cuban dishes like their famous “1905 Salad,” real Cuban sandwiches, and decadent churros. Its location by a waterfront boardwalk makes the experience even more delightful, and live music adds to the atmosphere.
2. Firestick Grill
- Distance from Amalie Arena: Located inside the arena
- Average Price: All-inclusive dining experience
- Description: Firestick Grill is perfect for event-goers looking for convenience without sacrificing quality. The open-fire stations serve fresh, hot meals ranging from carving stations to pasta bars. It’s the ultimate pre-show or game-night dining option for all the foodies out there.
Explore Dining at Amalie Arena
3. American Social
- Distance from Amalie Arena: Approximately 0.35 miles (via Harbour Island Bridge)
- Average Price: Moderate
- Description: American Social is a vibrant gathering spot with a waterfront patio, upscale casual American cuisine, and an expansive beer list. Try their popular burgers, crispy chicken wings, or truffle mac and cheese, all while taking in the stunning scenery of Tampa Bay.
4. Jackson’s Bistro
- Distance from Amalie Arena: Approximately 0.34 miles (via Harbour Island Bridge)
- Average Price: Moderate to upscale
- Description: Known for its romantic ambiance and a menu that caters to every palate, Jackson’s features options like sushi rolls, flatbreads, and hearty entrees. With a wine cellar boasting over 500 selections, it’s a great date night spot for pre- or post-event dining.
5. Watervüe Grille
- Distance from Amalie Arena: Approximately 0.25 miles (via Harbour Island Bridge)
- Average Price: Moderate to upscale
- Description: Seafood lovers, rejoice! Watervüe Grille is the prime location for fresh fish, creative cocktails, and unparalleled water views. Their lobster ravioli and coconut shrimp are customer-favorite picks, adding a unique twist to traditional dishes.
6. JoToro
- Distance from Amalie Arena: Approximately 0.32 miles
- Average Price: Moderate
- Description: Located within the trendy Sparkman Wharf development, JoToro is a must-visit for lovers of Mexican cuisine. Try their wood-fired tacos, queso fundido, or Mexico City-style street corn for a culinary journey bursting with bold flavors.
7. Anchor and Brine
- Distance from Amalie Arena: Approximately 0.13 miles (via Water Street)
- Average Price: Upscale
- Description: Anchor and Brine is all about fresh seafood paired with Tampa Bay’s locally-sourced ingredients. This chic, upscale restaurant offers not only incredible food but also jaw-dropping views of the waterfront. Their raw bar and lobster rolls are the culinary stars of the show.
8. Harpoon Harry’s
- Distance from Amalie Arena: Approximately 0.19 miles
- Average Price: Under $30
- Description: For a more casual setting, Harpoon Harry’s serves exceptional seafood dishes paired with a relaxed vibe. Their crab cakes often steal the show, but don’t sleep on their seasonal specials and fried fish platters, either!
9. Café Dufrain
- Distance from Amalie Arena: Approximately 0.35 miles (via Harbour Island Bridge)
- Average Price: Moderate
- Description: Tucked away on Harbour Island, this quaint café focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients in its New American dishes. Pair your meal with one of their expertly curated wines or craft beers for a delightful dining experience.
10. Noble Rice
- Distance from Amalie Arena: Approximately 0.32 miles
- Average Price: Moderate to upscale
- Description: Noble Rice redefines modern Japanese dining in Tampa. Known for its meticulous attention to quality, dishes like wagyu beef tartare and chef-prepared sushi feature ingredients flown directly from Japan. Don’t miss their Omakase experience!
Final Thoughts
Tampa’s culinary scene is diverse, flavorful, and full of history. These ten local favorites near Amalie Arena are ideal for pre- or post-event dining, and each one offers something memorable to suit your tastes. From waterfront bistros and casual seafood joints to upscale Japanese cuisine, these options showcase the rich culinary identity of Tampa.
Have you dined at any of these restaurants? Share your thoughts in the comments, and if you’re planning a visit, make your reservation today to ensure a spot at these popular venues!
Be sure to bookmark this guide or share it with anyone heading to Amalie Arena for a night out in Tampa!
*Notes*
Meta description: Discover the 10 best local restaurants near Amalie Arena in Tampa, offering iconic and high-quality dining experiences with unique local flair – perfect for pre- or post-event meals!
Tags: Tampa restaurants, Amalie Arena dining, best restaurants near Amalie Arena, Tampa dining guide, top places to eat in Tampa, pre-event dining Tampa, waterfront restaurants Tampa, Columbia Café Tampa, Tampa seafood spots, best tacos in Tampa
Longtail tags: iconic restaurants near Amalie Arena, upscale dining options Tampa Bay, waterfront dining near Amalie Arena, local Tampa cuisine guide, Japanese sushi restaurants in Tampa Bay
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