Diners' Choice: Good for special occasions restaurants in Tampa

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for the best special occasion restaurants in Tampa? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Paul’s Fusion Kitchen

4.9

4.9 (78)

$30 and under

Asian

Tampa

About the restaurant

We are a family with a rich Thai heritage that has been passed down for generations. Our love for Thai food and culture inspired us to create a fusion of traditional Thai dishes with a modern twist. Growing up in a Thai household, we were taught to appreciate the balance of flavors and the use of fresh ingredients in our cooking. Our menu features an array of dishes that combine Thai spices and flavors with other cuisines. Our goal is to showcase the beauty and complexity of Thai cuisine while infusing it with modern and creative flavors. We are excited to share our passion for food with you and hope you enjoy our unique fusion creations.

Our restaurant is located at 4034 W Kennedy Blvd right next to The British Shop and in the same plaza as Sucre and Chicken Salad Chick. Place a to-go order for your office or dine in with us in our cozy dining room!

We're looking forward to serving you in South Tampa, Florida.

Top review

CindyVIP

Dined on Jun 4, 2025

Wonderful food, attentive service and a nice atmosphere. A favorite!

Umu Japanese&Thai

4.8

4.8 (114)

$31 to $50

Japanese

Wesley Chapel

About the restaurant

The new chapter at UMU, After 4 years of connecting with our community and exploring the best local, Japanese, and Thai ingredients, we are ready to share a new dining experience with you. By combining the authentic flavors we are known for with modern takes on classic dishes, we have reimagined our menu and our restaurant to create an intimate experience that welcomes newcomers and regulars back to our table.

Top review

VinceVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Food and service are second to none. Atmosphere is calm and inviting. Our go to Asian restaurant in the Tampa area!

Kōsen

4.8

4.8 (31)

$50 and over

Japanese

Tampa

About the restaurant

A 2024 & 2025 MICHELIN Star Restaurant. Kōsen, which translates to "ray of light", embodies brilliance and enlightenment. This philosophy is reflected throughout every element of the dining experience, from the carefully crafted menu to the striking design. Kōsen seamlessly blends tradition with innovation, delivering a refined Japanese concept to the vibrant Tampa Heights district.

Experiences include our Signature 20+ course Omakase at our Chef's Counter, and multi-course Kaiseki menus in our dining room. By Executive Chef Andrew Huang and Chef de Cuisine Alex Chamberlain.

***
We are proud to unveil our environmental sustainability initiative, which introduces comprehensive practices to reduce waste across every facet of our operations. From our in-house fermentation program to partnering with local regenerative farmers for responsibly sourced produce, and eliminating single-use plastics, we are dedicated to making sustainable dining the foundation of our restaurant philosophy.

Top review

LaBresha

Dined 6 days ago

Great experience! It’s a little pricey but truly worth the experience. Will be attending again in the future.

Ruth's Chris Steak House - Tampa

4.7

4.7 (3896)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Tampa

About the restaurant

Now Open: We look forward to serving you soon.

Ruth's Chris Steak House in Tampa, FL serves the finest USDA Prime beef available, broiled at 1,800° and served on 500° plates, so your steak stays hot, juicy and delicious from first bite to last. Enjoy our New Orleans-inspired appetizers, USDA Prime steaks, fresh seafood, signature side dishes and homemade desserts. All this while you enjoy our warm, inviting atmosphere and Ruth’s Chris’ genuine hospitality. So whether you’re a regular or have just been wondering what all the buzz is about, Ruth's Chris is the perfect excuse to enjoy the perfect night out. Dinner is served nightly, reservations are suggested and private dining and offsite catering may be arranged.

Top review

randilynnVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Another amazing dinner at Ruth’s Chris! It never disappoints!

Discover more

4.6

4.6 (50)

$31 to $50

Asian

Tampa

About the restaurant

Where refined taste meets bold style. Tailored to those who appreciate the art of experience, this multi-sensory venue blends expertly crafted cocktails, Asian-inspired shareable plates, and curated musical entertainment that comes to life in a striking, multi-room setting designed for discovery. The venue flows from a moody lounge with dark wood finishes to a central bar wrapped in marble, ending in the Red Room: a decadent hideaway glittering with mirrored globes and bathed in red velvet—designed for nights that become stories.

Top review

danielVIP

Dined on Jun 22, 2025

Always an amazing experience with great food and drinks

Discover more

Experience

CHEF ANDREW YEO TAKEOVER | ASIAN TAPAS (FRIDAY)

Experience

CHEF ANDREW YEO TAKEOVER | ASIAN TAPAS (THURSDAY)

Spain Restaurant & Toma Bar

4.4

4.4 (630)

$30 and under

Spanish

Tampa

About the restaurant

Enjoy Mediterranean atmosphere in Tampa’s most unique, modern, urban setting complimented by excellent authentic Spanish (tapas) cuisine at affordable prices. Just blocks around the corner from Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center and the Tampa Theater, the Spain Restaurant and Toma Tapas Bar is the perfect place to be before or after a show.

We offer Live Music every Friday and Saturday nights.

Authentic Flamenco Dinners show is at 8pm the last Saturday of each month.

Top review

Michael

Dined on May 17, 2025

I was made aware of this Spanish gem via a Facebook ad (believe it or not), and we're glad we made a reservation - great food, great service, and authentic atmosphere. We will return, there's so many wonderful menu choices to experience! Hey, they also make a decent dirty martini.

Discover more

Tapas Tasting Experience

Punch Room

4.3

4.3 (163)

$50 and over

Cocktail Bar

Tampa

About the restaurant

Innovation rooted in tradition. At Punch Room, cocktails have never been just drinks—they are stories in a glass, experiences that transport, and rituals that connect us to the past and the future. With our latest menu, we embark on a journey through North America, inviting guests to explore the flavors, traditions, and hidden histories of the continent. Whether enjoyed as a single glass or in a punch bowl, its drinks are meant to be shared, savored, and remembered.

Top review

JasmineVIP

Dined on May 11, 2025

Everything was great. Clean and great service!! Will be back

P.F. Chang's - Brandon

4.1

4.1 (221)

$30 and under

Chinese

Brandon

About the restaurant

We are an Asian & Chinese restaurant offering dine-in, takeout, to-go, delivery, and catering. Make a reservation online to dine in. Order Asian and Chinese food delivery, takeout, and catering online or through the P.F. Chang's mobile app. Let us cater the perfect feast for you - corporate office catering menus are also available. P.F. Chang's offers a variety of signature Asian, Thai, Korean, Japanese, Mongolian, and Chinese food dishes including Chicken Lettuce Wraps, Chicken Pad Thai, Signature Lo Mein, Fried Rice, Mongolian Beef, Chang's Spicy Chicken, and Pork and Shrimp Dumplings. Order online for sushi delivery and takeout. Many gluten-free and vegetarian menu items are available. Try our seasonal cocktails and seasonal menu items.

Top review

WimberlyVIP

Dined on May 7, 2025

Food is always good. Service was attentive. Enjoyable evening all the way around

Sal Rosa

4.0

4 (769)

$31 to $50

Contemporary Latin

Tampa

About the restaurant

Welcome to Sal Rosa Island Kitchen + Bar, where bold Latin-American flavors, handcrafted cocktails, and vibrant energy collide inside Tampa’s historic Courthouse. More than a restaurant, it’s a vibe—a lively social hub where every visit is a celebration of flavor, connection, and good times. Serving daily brunch, afternoon lite bites and dinner, the menu showcases a variety of dishes with a modern twist. For a quick pick-me-up, Café + Scoops serves up freshly brewed coffee, flaky pastries, house-made ice cream, and seasonal gelato. From weekly happenings to happy hour, late-night bites to private gatherings, Sal Rosa is where Tampa comes to savor, sip, and celebrate.
Located on the 2nd floor of the Le Méridien Tampa hotel.

Daily Brunch | Light Bites | Dinner
Weekly Happenings | Weekend Brunch | Cafe + Scoops
Le Méridien Tampa, The Courthouse | 2nd Floor | Open Daily

Top review

MichaelVIP

Dined on Jun 6, 2025

A refreshing change from the typical hotel restaurant menu, Sal Rosa had very interesting selections. Everything was tasty, the pork belly starter was really nicely executed.

Santos Kitchen + Lounge

3.6

3.6 (23)

$31 to $50

Latin American

Downtown

About the restaurant

Step into Santos Kitchen + Lounge, a slice of Tulum's vibrant spirit nestled in the heart of downtown Tampa. Embark on a culinary journey that transcends borders, as our gastronomy menu fuses flavors from around the world, delighting your taste buds with each bite. Our talented kitchen staff skillfully infuse local ingredients into every dish, giving you a taste of the region's finest produce.
Whether you seek a gastronomic adventure or a spirited night out, Santos Kitchen + Lounge is your passport to a Tulum-like experience right in the heart of Tampa. Let us whisk you away on a journey of flavors and sensations, where every moment is an escape to paradise.

Top review

Jennie

Dined 7 days ago

Love the music, food and service. Linda took great care of us and had great suggestions. Santos is amazing!

Explore Diners' Choice best of Tampa

Explore more Diners' Choice lists