Diners' Choice: Contemporary American restaurants in Tampa / Central Florida West

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best overall Contemporary American cuisine in Tampa / Central Florida West? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyzes more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favorites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

The Restorative

4.9

4.9 (84)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Dunedin

About the restaurant

Husband and wife Chef Owners Jason & Erin "Cricket" Borajkiewicz create a small menu changing two-three times a week. After working seasonally in Nantucket, Martha's Vineyard, Puerto Rico, and Charleston, the two chefs decided to put down roots in Jason's hometown.

With an ever changing menu, there's no telling what you'll have when you dine with us, but rest assured that you'll leave feeling restored

Top review

Leslie

Dined 3 days ago

It's so wonderful to have such an amazing restaurant within waking distance of our home. Even if we had to drive 25-30 miles it would still be a go to place for us. The owners are amazing and the food is sold off the best in tampa bay.

Sophie's at Saks Fifth Avenue- Sarasota

4.9

4.9 (752)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Sarasota

About the restaurant

Sophie's offers globally influenced yet decidedly American cuisine in a luxurious intimate setting featuring an outdoor terrace, open kitchen and private dining area. Sophie's dining experience captures the style and elegance of Saks Fifth Avenue, with a passionate focus on outstanding food and drink. Sophie's Chef Andrew Thompson changes his innovative menu seasonally using the best locally-sourced ingredients. The menu is complemented by a selection of craft cocktails and a thoughtfully curated wine list.

Top review

Sally

Dined on May 7, 2025

Mike, the manager, and Dino, who was our Server, were both fantastic and went above and beyond to be sure that our visit was memorable. The food was outstanding as always!

Mystic Fish

4.9

4.9 (8444)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Palm Harbor

About the restaurant

The Mystic Fish Seafood Grill and Bar has been rated among Tampa Bay Top 30 Restaurants since opening in 2001. Offering affordable, casual, Florida dining at its best. Mystic fish serves some of the freshest and most creative seafood dishes as well as bison, duck, beef and nightly specials. You may choose your favorite wine from the stellar wine list or enjoy their generous cocktails from their full liquor bar. A grand selection of homemade desserts along with espresso and cappuccino will be a delightful way to finishing off your dining experience. A stylish decor of film sculptures abalone shells and custom fish tanks is the backdrop for a special relaxing evening. Located one mile East of US 19, just five minutes from Salamander Innsbrook Golf Resort. When down at the beach please visit our sister restaurants, Guppys and E&E Stakeout Grill.

Top review

KristinVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Delicious cocktails, amazing food, terrific service. Cory was wonderful and went out of her way to make sure everything was perfect!

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4.8

4.8 (192)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Tampa

About the restaurant

Rooster & the Till is an award-winning, modern American neighborhood restaurant in Seminole Heights. With an always-evolving menu & eclectic beverage program, it's perfect for adventurous diners looking to be challenged by new ingredients and who expect high attention to service.

We offer 2 different reservation options each evening, seats at one of our tables or at our kitchen counter, barstools that overlook the kitchen. The full menu, including tasting, is available anywhere within the restaurant.

Top review

Daniel

Dined on Jun 4, 2025

Great food, creative dishes. Everything we tried was delicious. The golden banana cocktail is a standout! The staff were all knowledgeable and attentive. Overall it was great experience.

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Experience

Nightly Table Reservation

Experience

Nightly Kitchen Counter Reservation

Experience

Rooster Summer Brunch

The Park Grille

4.8

4.8 (311)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Sarasota

About the restaurant

Discover the crown jewel of the University Park Country Club, The Park Grille, where you can indulge in gourmet dining while enjoying stunning views of the 9th and 18th greens and a serene, shimmering lake. Celebrated by Sarasota Magazine as the "Best of the Best Restaurant with a View," The Park Grille's renowned Sunday Brunch Buffet has also been honored by Sarasota Magazine, the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, and SRQ Magazine readers.

Dining Options:
Lunch: Open to the public daily from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm. Please note that Mondays feature a lunch buffet only.
Sunday Brunch Buffet: Available every Sunday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

**Dinner service is exclusively for MEMBERS.**

Dress Code:
To ensure an elegant dining experience, proper attire is required. Blue denim, cut-offs, tank tops, and workout attire are not permitted in the dining room.

Top review

SueVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Consistently good, fresh food. Great service. Love the ambiance and the setting by the golf course. Reasonably priced.

Exquisite Bistro

4.9

4.9 (19)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

St. Petersburg

About the restaurant

Exquisite Bistro is a hidden gem in downtown St. Petersburg, offering a unique dining experience that blends contemporary French and American cuisine with a curated selection of wines and craft beers. The warm and inviting atmosphere features high ceilings and exposed brick walls, creating a modern yet cozy setting. Our menu boasts a tempting array of small plates perfect for sharing, including artisanal charcuterie boards filled with cheeses, cured meats, and fresh fruits. Each seasonal dish is crafted with the finest ingredients and presented beautifully. Whether you're planning a romantic evening, a casual gathering with friends, or a special celebration, Exquisite Bistro is the ideal choice. Our attentive staff ensures a seamless experience, while the intimate ambiance fosters meaningful connections. Join us for a culinary journey that will delight your taste buds. Exquisite Bistro is not just a restaurant; it's a destination for those seeking an unforgettable dining experience.

Top review

nadia

Dined 2 days ago

We decided to have my husband birthday party at the Bistro, we ended up with a party of 12 !!!! and it was a total blast! The food and wine were incredible, and the service from Brooke and Kevin was spot on! If you're looking for a fun place to celebrate, I can't recommend this spot enough!

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Experience

Happy Hour Everyday!

Lila

4.8

4.8 (1227)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Sarasota

About the restaurant

Lila (pronounced lee-lah) means creative play. Lila is a spontaneous, playful, organic, healthy, mostly vegetable restaurant which does serve sustainable meats.

Top review

KimVIP

Dined on May 30, 2025

Always fresh and delicious…chef uses unexpected food combinations to create a unique experience.

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4.8

4.8 (7161)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Tampa

About the restaurant

Food. Flavors. People. Style.

Inspired by her flavorful travels, Candy DeBartolo set out to bring something different to North Tampa’s food scene: a dining destination where everything that happens around the table is considered sacred—a place where every detail matters. Together with her team of passionate experts, she opened Sacred Pepper to provide the community with new twists on classic favorites in an inviting atmosphere. Locally sourced ingredients and made-from-scratch pastas and sauces highlight a Contemporary American menu with dashes of Mediterranean flair. Cocktails are inspired by cultures from around the world as well as modern, traditional, and pre-prohibition tastes.

Top review

NancyVIP

Dined 3 days ago

We were celebrating my birthday, and our server, Sydney, did an excellent job of serving us. The food was correctly prepared and delicious.

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Popular dish

Raviolo & Lobster

Popular dish

Baked Lobster Stuffed Shrimp

Popular dish

Salmon Piccata

Parkshore Grill

4.8

4.8 (3785)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

St. Petersburg

About the restaurant

Indoor and Outdoor dining along Beach Drive and overlooking the Vinoy Yacht Basin and beautiful Banyan trees at North Straub Park. Serving Lunch, Dinner and a Weekend Brunch. Chef Tyson Grant proudly serves All-Natural beef, pork and chicken, Gulf fish and organic produce. Accolades include the coveted Florida Trend Golden Spoon Award, the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, OpenTable's Top 100 Best Alfresco Restaurants in America and Diner's Choice Awards, Best Chef in Tampa Bay and Best Sidewalk Dining.

Top review

Andrea

Dined 4 days ago

Love their PICNiC menu until 6pm. Brought friends whom had never been there and they loved it! Bob was an awesome server.

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4.8

4.8 (1976)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Sarasota

About the restaurant

WE CANNOT WAIT TO SEE YOU!
PLEASE NOTE WE CAN NOT ACCEPT RESERVATIONS FOR OUTSIDE DINING, PARTIES OVER 6, OR HOLIDAYS THROUGH OPEN TABLE. PLEASE CALL THE RESTAURANT IF YOUR TIME IS NOT AVAILABLE. THANK YOU!!! 941 966 5688

Top review

BillVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Wonderful menu and fabulous service! Always a reliable place for fine dining in a beautiful environment.

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Popular dish

Wiener Schnitzel Holstein

Popular dish

Steak Diane

Explore Diners' Choice best of Tampa / Central Florida West