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

OpenTable

Updated April 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

4.8

4.8 (77)

$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

PamVIP

Dined on Apr 2, 2025

Exceptional place. The food was a 10 out of 10. Two couples. All of us raved. We tried it all. Appetizers, dinner, dessert. A 10 on everything.

Sophie's at Saks Fifth Avenue- Sarasota

4.9

4.9 (748)

$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

SylvainVIP

Dined 7 days ago

We had a great experience and the service was awesome

Mystic Fish

4.9

4.9 (8403)

$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

PatVIP

Dined 5 days ago

As usual, another top notch meal with excellent service and great quality

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4.9

4.9 (1947)

$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

StevenVIP

Dined 5 days ago

From the moment we stepped in the door every moment was delightful. A friendly welcome and taken to our table where a delightful person came to take our drink order. Food well presented and delicious. The view of the garden was superb. We will definitely return soon.

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Popular dish

Wiener Schnitzel Holstein

Popular dish

Steak Diane

Rooster & The Till

4.8

4.8 (164)

$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

AmandaVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Always an excellent dining experience. Tried lots of different dishes from the new chef. Loved the beets, prawns and stuffed peppers!

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Experience

Nightly Table Reservation

Experience

Nightly Kitchen Counter Reservation

Experience

Mother's Day Brunch

Sacred Pepper

4.8

4.8 (7100)

$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

Christopher

Dined 5 days ago

Great food and Dominick was an excellent server , very friendly and attentive.

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Popular dish

Baked Lobster Stuffed Shrimp

4.8

4.8 (1217)

$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

KevinVIP

Dined on Apr 22, 2025

Mushroom Dragon Roll was fantastic! We'll be back!

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4.8

4.8 (14)

$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

Orlando

Dined on Apr 11, 2025

Kevin (the owner) has opened a much-needed wine bistro in the neighborhood. I like the concept of buying wine bottles without the extra corkage fee. He has a very balanced collection of varietals and the house wine selection is excellent. Taylor is a great server and becoming more knowledable regarding wine recommendations. Food choices are good and well prepared, particularly the flatbreads. Been to many wine bistros in St. Pete and Exquisite is quickly becoming my favorite!

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Experience

Happy Hour Everyday!

Parkshore Grill

4.8

4.8 (3741)

$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

RickVIP

Dined 5 days ago

The martinis were huge, the food, wine and Kell’s service were all exceptional - thank you!

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4.8

4.8 (297)

$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

SylvainVIP

Dined 3 days ago

For the Price the buffet would certainly need moré items. But the place the service are great.

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