Any restaurant worth its salt can cook a steak, but few can do it exceptionally well. Whether it’s the art of dry aging in-house or the expertise of grilling directly on hardwood for that extra flavor, each establishment on our list of Tampa Bay’s Top Steakhouses takes the culinary experience to a new level. Paired with mouthwatering sides and culminating in a sweet finish, these steakhouses offer a symphony of flavors that elevate the dining experience.
Driftlight Steakhouse
Downtown Tampa’s staple steakhouse is located in Tampa’s first true luxury hotel, JW Marriott Tampa Water Street. The restaurant boasts an elevated menu that prioritizes the use of the freshest seasonal ingredients and features an array of fine-aged steaks and fresh seafood. Indulge in the 30-day dry-aged prime bone-in ribeye or the bison bone-in filet, complemented by delectable sides such as bacon béchamel creamed corn or creamy lemon butter asparagus. In addition to dinner, the steakhouse also offers a lunch menu in the lounge and an expansive breakfast selection.
JW Marriott Tampa Water Street, 510 Water St., Tampa | (813) 314-6611
Meat market
Meat Market offers a sophisticated twist on the traditional steakhouse, providing an upscale atmosphere alongside top-tier steaks, diverse entrees, sumptuous sides, daily chef specials and refreshing cocktails.
Among the noteworthy offerings is the 64-ounce Flaming Wagyu Swinging Tomahawk, a standout dish featuring ancho-roasted peppers, onions, compressed mango and charred shishito peppers. Elevate the meal further by heeding the chefs’ recommendation to pair this premium cut with grilled bone marrow. Enhance your meal further by selecting indulgent sides like the lobster mac and cheese.
If the description alone captures your attention, wait until the table-side experience. Witness the spectacle as the server presents the dish, setting it ablaze for a mesmerizing display in the dining room. This fiery presentation becomes a catalyst for excitement, sparking a chain reaction of delight among guests.
For a sophisticated nightlife experience, Meat Market also boasts the Lounge with a resident DJ, local musicians and live entertainment paired with bottle service, artisanal cocktails and flights of ultra-premium spirits.
1606 W Snow Ave., Tampa | (813) 280-1113
1200 Chophouse
Known as the “Anti A-La Carte Guys,” 1200 Chophouse guarantees a complete and satisfying dining affair. Premium steaks, pork or seafood take center stage, accompanied by bread, salad and a variety of sides. The restaurant’s dedication to culinary craftsmanship is evident in the bustling line at opening. Favorites include the seven-ounce filet with garlic mashed potatoes, but owner Connor Casey recommends the medium rare ribeye with the add-on of gorgonzola cream. At 1200 Chophouse, each dish ensures a fulfilling and unforgettable dining experience, leaving guests thoroughly satiated and eagerly returning for more.
5007 Gulf Blvd, Saint Pete Beach | (727) 367-1300
Bern’s Steak House (Featured Photo)
For nearly seven decades, Bern’s Steak House has been a Tampa institution celebrated not only for its legendary steaks but also for its profound community ties. Recent renovations to the bar and lounge increased seating capacity while the kitchen’s transformation reintroduced post-meal kitchen tours. Chef-driven and devoted to quality, Bern’s crafts everything in-house, from daily fresh bread to the iconic macadamia nut ice cream. Their commitment to sourcing USDA prime beef, along with in-house butchering and dry-aging, ensures an exceptional steakhouse experience. The core menu remains consistent, but seasonal adjustments bring fresh, innovative culinary experiences, solidifying Bern’s as a timeless gem in Tampa’s dining scene.
1208 S Howard Ave., Tampa | (813) 251-2421
Terra Mar Brazilian Steakhouse
Terra Mar Brazilian Steakhouse hit its stride in 2011 under the ownership of Geraldo Ferreira and Marlete Grichoswski, who have since expanded the menu and the salad bar. Marlete, the culinary maestro, crafts fresh dishes and delectable desserts, while Geraldo takes command of the grill. Providing an authentic Brazilian steakhouse experience, guests are presented with an array of over seven meat varieties on skewers—steaks, lamb, chicken and pork—all masterfully grilled over an open flame. Geraldo’s sweet recommendation to conclude the meal is the caramel flan, a timeless Brazilian classic.
6715 49th St., N, Pinellas Park | (727) 525-1100
J. Alexander’s Restaurant
With a presence across the United States, J. Alexander’s Restaurant is renowned for its menu featuring in-house cut meats, award-winning slow-cooked prime rib and made-from-scratch sauces and glazes. A standout among its offerings is the Steak Maui, a Delmonico cut ribeye marinated for four to seven days in a blend of pineapple juice, soy sauce, brown sugar and ginger finished on the hardwood grill and crowned with a luscious Hawaiian glaze. For dessert, manager John Persichilli recommends the Powerful Stuff with Oreo, Snickers, Heath bars and cream or a slice of carrot cake with cream cheese icing.
913 Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa | (813) 354-9006
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Hayli Zuccola – Photography by Gabriel Burgos
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