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Cafe Waterside, Tampa, FL

Cafe Waterside

3.9
3.9
408 Reviews
$30 and under
Breakfast
Relax by the sparkling water on Tampa's Riverwalk with hearty breakfast favorites at Café Waterside, our signature morning restaurant with freshly-brewed coffee and traditional breakfast cuisine to help keep you energized through the day.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Breakfast
  • Hours of operation
    Breakfast Daily 6:30 am–11:00 am
  • Phone number
    (813) 221-4900
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive chef
    Joe Pankrath
  • Private party facilities
    Enjoy the view from our terrace, then enter the private dining room for any special event whether it’s a family gathering or a business outing we can accommodate up to 50 quests.
  • Private party contact
    Kelsey Ziemba: (813) 204-6313
  • Neighborhood
    Tampa
  • Cross street
    S. Florida Ave
  • Parking details
    Discounted valet provided with breakfast receipt based on availability (excluding special event days at Amalie Arena).
  • Public transit
    From Tampa International Airport: Take I-275 North for 6 miles to downtown Exit 44. Follow signs to Convention Center & Harbour Island. Hotel is 12 blocks ahead adjacent to the Tampa Convention Center on Water Street. Bus service: $11.00 USD (one way) Estimated taxi fare: $22.00 USD (one way)
  • Additional
    Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 408 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

3.9
3.9 based on all time ratings
  • 3.9Food
  • 3.9Service
  • 3.9Ambience
  • 3.6Value

NoiseModerate

408 Reviews
  1. AdaC

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on June 5, 2021

    Overall5Food5Service4Ambience4
    The host was very inviting and so was the brunch selection. Everything from the fruit, pastries and freshly made eggs/ omelets were delicious. My only suggestion would be to have chicken or turkey meat products for people who don't eat beef or pork.

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  2. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    20 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on June 1, 2021

    Overall4Food3Service4Ambience4
    Service was good, food was good, carrot cake was excellent. Would go again!

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  3. KellyR

    Philadelphia

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 21, 2021

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    Great breakfast buffet, good service. Lovely location.

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  4. JK14

    San Diego

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 9, 2021

    Overall3Food2Service1Ambience3
    Went for the Mother's Day brunch with my wife and kids. Seated very quickly at a nice table, and didn't see a server for 10 minutes. When a server approached, she mentioned that our server was busy and she would get our drinks, which wasn't an issue. It took another 12 minutes to get thee orange juices and one coffee from our actual server. She then took our order without writing it down, and disappeared without asking if the other guest at our table wanted a drink, since they were left out from the original drink order. So we wait for 45 minutes. No server in sight. No food status drop-ins. No refills. No attention. Mind you our order was simple, kids pancakes, avocado toast, and an American breakfast. Another table, which was seated 15 minutes after us had gotten their orders prior, but again no server to even ask for status. The food finally came, and our order was provided totally incorrect (avocado toast came back as a steak wrap, American breakfast was a hash brown and egg). By that time we were so hungry we took what we were presented. But the toast never came, the side of hash browns never came, the fruit bowls (part of pancakes) came in spurts. We came in with very high expectations, and were unfortunately let down pretty hard. We elected not to pursue the buffet because it was no different than the menu items, if anything had less variety. I really hope we were the one-off, because if this is normal this would be an embarrassment.

    1 person found this helpful

  5. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 8, 2021

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    Incredible view of the bay with the best omelette ever! The wait staff we exceptional and very accommodating.

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  6. 1Foodie

    Orlando

    15 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on February 8, 2020

    Overall1Food3Service1Ambience3
    The hostess sat us outside and even after I made a comment about making sure somebody knew we were there, she failed to let anyone know. We sat outside for 15 minutes without the table set and no waitress. My wife went inside and told someone and the response was lukewarm. Blaming of the hostess but no real “service”. The same person proceeded to take care of the table that arrived 15 later than us holding our silverware in her hand gabbing on and on while are food, omelette we had ordered from the buffet, sat in front of us getting cold. We asked for salt and pepper, she forgot of course. Finally a different server showed up and he seemed more genuine and apologetic. Overall, it was a very poor experience!

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  7. RSTAG

    Tulsa

    14 reviews

    2.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on February 3, 2020

    Overall2Food1Service4Ambience5
    It was a shock to find my made to order omelet was prepared using powdered eggs. Having stayed in Marriott's all over the country, this was a first where REAL fresh eggs were not used. I couldn't eat the omelet - it was just awful - sent it back and ordered 3 over medium fried eggs where they had no choice but to use fresh eggs. Using powdered eggs to prepare made to order omelets at an omelet station is not acceptable.

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  8. RachelC

    Orlando

    17 reviews

    3.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on November 17, 2019

    Overall3Food2Service5Ambience3
    Waited 20 minutes for a bagel and eggs Benedict. Hash browns were very overdone. Other than that, Cynthia and the head manager were sweet.

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  9. Chrispat

    Phoenix

    52 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    52 reviews

    Dined on November 10, 2019

    Overall2Food2Service2Ambience2
    Visiting for a Cardinal Bucs game and stayed at Marriott Water St. Ate breakfast at Waterside on patio deck. Beautiful day, sunny, but no umbrellas. One server for 6 tables. Waited 24 minutes to get acknowledged and then told to wait as she was helping those ahead of us. We finally ordered American Breakfast no coffee, juice. Second order was tea with cream, lemon and honey with one everything bagel and one poached egg. A coffee pot was brought to the table by the server but no hot water, no cups. Everything then came staggered, coffee cups, cream, and lemon, honey. Food delivery was another 30 minutes. No juice and plain vs. everything bagel. During our breakfast we observed very aggressive seal gulls diving patrons, pecking at food plates, leaving their droppings on the table and menus. If the Restaurant cannot provide adequate staffing and management oversight they should not be in dining business. Fo it right or don’r bother. This experience just drags the brand down, denigrates employee, and results in very unhappy customers. I did speak to the Mgr. and she wanted to take some fees off our bill. I declined as we had already billed to the room. I explained I would rather have a pleasant experience than be compensated.

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  10. KristineD

    Baltimore

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on October 6, 2019

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience4
    Terrific selection for vegetarians and non vegetarians. Lots of healthy options as well as sweets. Terrific fresh fruit and berries, nuts, oatmeal, cheeses, omelets and more. Very good coffee served by the carafe. Very nice chef and servers.

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  11. AlwaysOut

    Orlando

    33 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    33 reviews

    Dined on August 18, 2019

    Overall3Food3Service4Ambience4
    Service was very good and prompt before a show at the Amelie. Food was good, but too much garlic and seasoning. People were very nice. I'll try it again.

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  12. Elaine57

    Jacksonville

    81 reviews

    4.0

    81 reviews

    Dined on August 18, 2019

    Overall4Food4Service3Ambience3
    The restaurant was very busy because of the queen concert in town. We had a group of nine. The buffet was less than expected but the items that were ordered off the menu were very good. My hamburger was cooked perfectly. My friend ordered hers medium rare and it was raw. Delicious salad but a bit too much dressing. Overall the waiter did a good job being that the establishment was so busy.

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  13. eat2much

    San Diego

    17 reviews

    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on August 1, 2019

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    It was a quiet Thursday night at the restaurant, which was perfect for us, because we were celebrating an anniversary and were able to be fairly private and next to the water. The staff were very attentive, and the food was excellent. Prices were as expected for a very good meal in a nice setting. I will definitely return on my next trip to Tampa.

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  14. Kimi

    Dallas

    26 reviews

    5.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on July 14, 2019

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    This was just as great as the day before. Great buffet, great waiter and great food. Waterside and a beautiful day. Great people and boat watching. Will be back again, as before.

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  15. Kimi

    Dallas

    26 reviews

    5.0

    26 reviews

    Dined on July 13, 2019

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    We have eaten at the Water Street Grille many times and reall enjoy the buffet. We have also eaten off of the menus. We generally sit outside which has a great view of the water, boats and people! Ate there twice this weekend. Thank you for great service!

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  16. ChrisB

    Edinburgh

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 7, 2019

    Overall2Food1Service2Ambience3
    Service was dreadful and the servers body language said she knew it too. Drinks arrived late. Starter arrived twice. Red Snapper main was bad. Fish was cooked to death and accompanying veg was bland and unseasoned. Not great.

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  17. AnitaH

    Tampa

    8 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on July 5, 2019

    Overall4Food4Service5Ambience4
    It would be nice to have a salad offered with entrees.

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  18. emory2001

    Orlando

    3 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on July 5, 2019

    Overall4Food5Service3Ambience5
    The food was great, but they really needed to have more servers on a Friday night. Every step took FOREVER and not because our server wasn't working hard. She was sweating from trying to get to everything and everyone. Since we had a show to catch next door, I had the good sense to (1) make a reservation for 2 hours before show time, and (2) give our server the credit card at the time we ordered dessert and not wait (longer) for the check. I'm glad I did or we would have been late, and I would have been really mad because the whole reason we stayed at this Marriott and ate at the hotel restaurant was to be right by the arena for the show.

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  19. JinLee

    Charlotte

    7 reviews

    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on June 29, 2019

    Overall4Food5Service5Ambience4
    The service was great and the burgers were so delicious and cooked perfectly to order. The grouper that we ordered was amazing too. Would dine here again and this time get a table on the water.

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  20. RonniG

    Orlando

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 25, 2019

    Overall2Food5Service1Ambience1
    It took them 16 minutes to greet us and honor our reservation. Took even longer for the waiter to bring water to the table and menus. Didn’t have enough dish ware set up at the table; food came out under temperature. Food was great, even though the waiter trashed half of my plate while I was in the restroom. Liquor drinks takes 10minutes at the least, half filled and watered down.

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  21. Thrasher

    San Diego

    44 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    44 reviews

    Dined on May 22, 2019

    Overall5Food3Service5Ambience2
    Convenient to convention center but limited on choices.

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  22. FloGrown

    Tampa

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 22, 2019

    Overall4Food4Service3Ambience4
    Our server was a bit overwhelmed. It was definitely a hectic time during the large conference at the Convention Center. Food was very good and served in a timely manner. I would recommend this restaurant to family and friends.

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  23. OpenTable Diner

    Tampa

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 12, 2019

    Overall4Food4Service3Ambience5
    Our second time coming here. Good food, nice view. Good date night location!

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  24. KMKCLT

    Charlotte

    15 reviews

    4.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on April 21, 2019

    Overall4Food4Service5Ambience4
    We ate dinner there on East Sunday. Only a handful of people were there, so it was very quiet. We did not sit outside - the patio is small, but it is on the river. Service was great - so can't confirm if that was because it was slow or a normal night. I had the grouper which was awesome, my daughter had the quinoa and avocado bowl which was also great. They do have a nice Gluten Free/Vegetarian selection which we enjoyed. We also had breakfast the next morning as it was convenient. Good, hotel breakfast with large portions. Would recommend for anyone staying at the hotel, it was a pleasant experience.

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  25. EricP

    Tampa

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 21, 2019

    Overall2Food1Service3Ambience1
    First, while the restaurant was empty we still sat at the last booth next to the server station. We had all the servers congregate near our table but not one of them checked on us. Our first server Christian past us off to Alexis after the appetizer however, Alexis never introduced herself or checked on us. We asked for the employees to keep the side door closed because flies were flying all around us and our food. However, the minute after we asked to close the door another server would come right behind and open the door again. The food was plain awful. The only thing my boys would eat was the Mac and Cheese. I had the worst Duck I’ve ever eaten at a restaurant. None of this could not be corrected because no one ever came by to check on us. Alexis finally came by to clear the table. Now, there was 90% of the food still there but it didn’t occur to Alexis to ask if everything was okay. She took the food away and dropped the bill. Once she did that I voiced my opinion of the Duck. She said okay let me get the manager to take that off. The manager never came out to apologize or check on us since we had complained about the Duck. If he or she did we could of voiced our option then but instead I have to fill this damn survey out. The whole experience was completely different than we had at Christmas. Matter of fact, it was the complete opposite. What ever has happened since our Christmas visit it’s my option you need to correct it. It’s a shame because our family was looking forward to your Easter dinner. Instead we left and went to J Alexanders where we had a GREAT Easter dinner.

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  26. SailorSandy

    Tampa

    48 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    48 reviews

    Dined on April 13, 2019

    Overall4Food4Service4Ambience4
    With a nice waterfront view, the Waterside Grill is convenient to the Amalie arena. The menu is simple but pleasing and satisfied our varied age group.

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  27. DeborahG

    Detroit

    49 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    49 reviews

    Dined on April 4, 2019

    Overall3Food2Service4Ambience3
    I was not blown away by the calamari because I do not believe the other components of this dish should compete with the star attraction. While the calamari was good, there were as many banana peppers and jalapenos in this dish as pieces of calamari. The star should also take center stage. My husband loved the meatball appetizer. He said it was excellent. Well mixed drink.

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  28. donnag

    Tampa

    67 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    67 reviews

    Dined on March 31, 2019

    Overall3Food3Service3Ambience2
    Due to construction we could not have outside seating as requested though some people were seated outside. Menu is simple and food was ok. Nothing outstanding. Service was fine but intermittent.

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  29. LolitaG

    Caribbean

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on March 28, 2019

    Overall4Food5Service5Ambience3
    We visited twice - first for dinner, then for breakfast. My first thought was that the dinner menu was limited BUT the food was delicious. The fish tacos were divine. The servers were very courteous. It’s too bad that this is the only restaurant in the hotel because it gets extremely busy especially for breakfast on the weekend. The weekend breakfast buffet is fabulous...plenty of options. I highly recommend this restaurant.

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  30. ErnestJ

    Philadelphia

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on March 24, 2019

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    Visited Tampa and wanted to have lunch/brunch somewhere near Riverwalk. Very glad I chose Waterside Grill. We had the brunch buffet. Food was outstanding, staff very friendly and professional, and the view along the river beautiful!! The only negative about the experience was getting there. Lots of construction and road closures. It was worth it, though!!

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  31. Gracie

    Tampa

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on March 24, 2019

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    Breakfast on the waterfront deck with a friend...Great buffet, everything anyone could want for breakfast! Beautiful morning too, so great venue, great food, service good, wish it was easier to park at that hotel though. Worth it for us today, though.

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  32. OpenTable Diner

    Tampa

    8 reviews

    3.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on March 24, 2019

    Overall3Food3Service3Ambience2
    Not a date night destination, but good if you're staying locally and have time to relax... service took forever.

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  33. AngieL

    Orange County

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 16, 2019

    Overall3Food4Service2Ambience4
    Food was good. Service was slow and it wasn’t even busy.

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  34. funkdr

    Jacksonville

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on March 15, 2019

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience4
    Great food and service at a very reasonable price point. No need to go offsite to dine at this location. Marriott dining overall has been doing better concepts to keep guests dining on site and that makes for a much easier, more enjoyable experience for any trip or vacation.

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  35. Margaret

    Las Vegas

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 15, 2019

    Overall4Food5Service3Ambience3
    Saffron linguine with rock shrimp in a butter was amazing! Big plate and I couldn’t eat it all. It was busy so it was a little loud.

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  36. TonyW

    Toronto

    5 reviews

    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on March 9, 2019

    Overall3Food5Service5Ambience5
    This was our second time there, the first time you had the buffet dinner and we were expecting that again but when we got there and you weren't having it we were very disappointed. In the future I wish there were a way we could be notified if the buffet was on or not.

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  37. OpenTable Diner

    Tampa

    1 review

    vip
    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 9, 2019

    Overall2Food1Service3Ambience2
    Disappointing. Hoping for a nice dinner before a Lightning game. Food not good. Service mediocre. Noisy. Overall not worth.

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  38. NanK

    Tampa

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 9, 2019

    Overall4Food5Service4Ambience4
    We had an early reservation before the Lightning game. Server was on point. Food was excellent. This was our second time and would definitely dine there again.

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  39. CindyK

    Tampa

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on February 25, 2019

    Overall5Food5Service5Ambience5
    We decided to use the buffet option before a Lightning game on a Monday evening. Great food options and totally enjoyed our experience. Highly recommend the Waterside Grill.

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  40. SusanM

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on February 24, 2019

    Overall3Food1Service4Ambience4
    Service was okay but the food was terrible. Both of us ordered the cheeseburger. One was ordered medium and the other medium well. They both came out like hockey pucks. So hard and dry they were hard to eat. Very disappointing. Sorry but I would not eat there again. Two many fabulous restaurants in that area.

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Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
  • Physical distancing

    • Distancing maintained in common areas
  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks
    • Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Staff temperature check required
    • Contact tracing information collected

FAQs

Cafe Waterside offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (813) 221-4900.

Cafe Waterside is rated 3.9 stars by 408 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Cafe Waterside

505 Water St, Tampa, FL 33602

Additional information

  • Cross street
    S. Florida Ave
  • Neighborhood
    Tampa
  • Hours of operation
    Breakfast Daily 6:30 am–11:00 am
  • Price
    $30 and under
  • Cuisines
    Breakfast
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Discounted valet provided with breakfast receipt based on availability (excluding special event days at Amalie Arena).
  • Public transit
    From Tampa International Airport: Take I-275 North for 6 miles to downtown Exit 44. Follow signs to Convention Center & Harbour Island. Hotel is 12 blocks ahead adjacent to the Tampa Convention Center on Water Street. Bus service: $11.00 USD (one way) Estimated taxi fare: $22.00 USD (one way)
  • Payment options
    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive chef
    Joe Pankrath
  • Additional
    Beer, Cafe, Cocktails, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, View, Wheelchair Access, Wine
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