Award-winning

Ulele

Name: Ulele
Address: 1810 N Highland Ave., Tampa, FL, United States, 33602
Telephone: (813) 999-4952
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.8

4.8

12984 Reviews

$31 to $50

American

Top Tags:

Ulele (pronounced you-lay-lee) celebrates the vibrant fusion of ingredients from Florida waters and land once home to many Native Americans, including the legendary young princess Ulele.

Located on the Hillsborough River in Tampa Heights, 400 yards from the Straz Center for the Performing Arts. Indoor and outdoor waterfront dining. Lunch and dinner daily. Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Featuring intricately flavored, visually appealing dishes prepared on our 10' round barbacoa grill.

Ulele operates in the lovingly re-imagined 1903 Tampa Heights Water Works building, which also includes its Ulele Spring Brewery to provide a number of craft beers on tap. Next door to Water Works Park.

Casual attire is fine, but we don’t allow sleeveless shirts on men in the indoor dining rooms.

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 5, 2023

7:30 PM

Booked 228 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
American, Contemporary American, Brewery
Hours of operation
Mon–Thu, Sun 11:00 am–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–11:00 pm
Phone number
(813) 999-4952
Website
http://www.ulele.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Contactless Payment, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Business Casual
Executive chef
Patrick Quakenbush
Private party facilities
Ulele has several areas for dining that may be used for business meetings, social affairs, wedding events, charity functions, etc. These include inside the restaurant or outside in the beer garden, on the upper patio deck and on the riverside lawn (tents available).
Private party contact
Emily Johnston: (813) 513-2661

Location
1810 N Highland Ave., Tampa, FL 33602
Award-winning
1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
Neighborhood
Tampa
Cross street
Henderson Avenue or 7th Avenue
Parking details
Ulele offers complimentary valet after 5 p.m. Fridays, lunch and dinner Saturdays and Sundays (with Ulele validation). There also is street parking near the restaurant, and a free private lot on Doyle Carlton Drive (southern extension of Highland) across from Water Works Park)
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Popular dishes

What 12,984 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.8Service
4.7Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Tampa / Central Florida West
Most Booked
Tampa
Great for outdoor dining
Tampa
American
Tampa
Most Booked

12,984 Reviews

OT
OpenTable Diner
Grand Rapids
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 1 day ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food was absolutely phenomenal and our waitress BG was the definition of flawless service.
Is this helpful?
B
Budman254
Orlando
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience4
A little loud but a great meal and great service. Will definitely go back
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Orlando
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Ulele was amazing. The service was great. Good was excellent. My daughter ordered the Guda grouper and I ordered the Seafood risotto. Both choices were delicious. I would definitely go back again.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Tampa
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
The waitress was awesome. She didn’t care that it was raining — still took care of us seated outside.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Tampa
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our family of 4 loved our meal and everything about our lunch!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
New York Area
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service4ambience4
The food is amazing! music was alittle too loud but the food >>>>>
Is this helpful?
C
Cathy
Tallahassee
19 reviews
5.0
19 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Okay, I was supposed to meet someone there but they didn’t show….I stayed anyway. First, the drink was awesome The work of art, appetiser green fried tomatoes, awesome too then I had coconut ice cream it was good but needed more coconut….then I had the classic burger with fries and it was very good. Over all I would go again!!! Wish they had cameras in their private parking lot though, my car was hit by somebody, ugh.
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D
Debbietampa1
Tampa
38 reviews
vip
3.0
38 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall3food3service5ambience4
I have not been back for over a year. The drinks were great, and old fashioned and Charles Krug Cabernet. The menu does not seem to have changed at all for years. The okra fries were not as good as I remember. I had the sliced steak which was tasty and a good size serving, and my other half had mahi-mahi which he said was just ok. Our waitress was excellent. The acoustics is terrible, making talking difficult. I would go back for drinks.
Is this helpful?
t
thanks
Tampa
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Our server Red was amazing!!!!! The seafood risotto gave me life. We will definitely be back again!
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SR
SherriR
Key West
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Ulele never lets you down. Reservations were made and we were seated quickly. I hade the Pompano which is my favorite dish there. My friend had a burger and said it was great as well. Love the view.
UleleResponded 3 days ago
We are so glad to hear that you had another great meal and dining experience with us, Sherri! We look forward to serving you again soon!
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p
pg123
Tampa
4 reviews
5.0
4 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Seafood risotto and the native chili are the beat
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Hawaii
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
overall4food4service4ambience3
Very busy Saturday lunchtime excellent server called Floyd.
UleleResponded 3 days ago
Thank you for your feedback. We appreciate the compliment for Floyd, feel free to request him as your server when you make your next reservation.
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K
Kita5
Tampa
4 reviews
3.0
4 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall3food4service3ambience3
The entres were really great! The appetizers were below average (alligator tails were tough, almost rubbery and the oyster sliders were decent, I liked the pickling flavor). There were too many errors with our service...a side salad was forgotten and came after the entre was received and one of the entres came almost when the rest of us were almost (practically) done eating. Too many excuses for a table of 4. It was my first time at Ulele. Outside of everything negative, the entres tasted amazing, balanced seasoning.
UleleResponded 3 days ago
We are sorry to hear that the service you received during your first visit was a bit disappointing, Kita. We would like to share your feedback with our operations team so that we may improve training. Please respond here or email us with your contact information so that someone may reach out. Thank you.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Tampa
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
The Pompano dish with carrot ribbons...phenomenal! If you're into oysters, that was amazing! Hospitality was 1st rate!
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MM
MarkM
Orlando
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 4 days ago
overall5food4service5ambience5
Brought out menu items quickly for our kids and that helped keep them quiet and occupied, very much appreciated.
UleleResponded 3 days ago
You're welcome, Mark! Glad to help entertain the little ones with delicious food. We hope that you will dine with us again soon!
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JF
JFox
Baltimore
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Love the atmosphere- food was amazing! Service was excellent
UleleResponded 3 days ago
We appreciate the great rating and compliments, J!
Is this helpful?
B
Bigcccc
Tampa
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Absolutely perfect from start to finish. Great atmosphere and value for the experience
UleleResponded 3 days ago
Thank you for the great review and feedback!
Is this helpful?
p
pammyk
Tampa
8 reviews
vip
5.0
8 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
I cleaned my plates: Oyster sliders; crackling pork shank; key lime pie. Everything was perfectly cooked. Our server was engaged, upbeat and helpful. Can’t wait to go back!
UleleResponded 3 days ago
We are so glad to hear that you had a great meal and experience, Pammy! We look forward to serving you again soon!
Is this helpful?
j
jessicak
Dallas
2 reviews
vip
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Amazing service and amazing food! Will definitely return next time we are in Tampa.
UleleResponded 3 days ago
We are so glad to hear that you had a wonderful visit and we look forward to your return!
Is this helpful?
MD
MindyD
New York Area
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall4food4service4ambience2
First time there, the service was wonderful, food was delicious, but they turned the lights down for dinner & it was way too dark. We told the waitress, who sent over the manager. He scrounged up a candle, but honestly, it's better to have some lights, couldn't see in the bathroom either. At least put a candle on ea table or adjust the lights. Would go again
UleleResponded 3 days ago
We appreciate your feedback, Mindy, and will share it with our operations team. We do hope to see you again in the near future!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Tampa
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Very loud today inside. Brought new customers for the first time and they loved it.
UleleResponded 3 days ago
We appreciate the 5 stars! We are so glad that your guests enjoyed their first visit to Ulele, thank you for bringing them in!
Is this helpful?
SS
SpiceSpiceGravy
Tampa
24 reviews
vip
5.0
24 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Service by Red was outstanding. Loved the new Oyster Sliders and BLT appetizer.
UleleResponded 3 days ago
Thank you for the great review and feedback for Red and our new menu items! We are so glad that you enjoy them!
Is this helpful?
d
dinav
Tampa
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Chris Was an amazing server, paying very good attention to us. Despite it being jam-packed last night. The bartender was also extremely attentive and talented. The hostesses were polite. I couldn't ask for a better experience.
UleleResponded 3 days ago
Thank you for the great review and feedback for our staff, Dina! We are so glad you had a wonderful experience.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Orlando
3 reviews
4.0
3 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall4food4service3ambience5
We made a reservation for 6:45pm and had to wait another 20 plus minutes for a table. Service was slow. The waitress was nice however she forgot our cocktails which caused more of a delay. I had the chili appetizer and the Gouda grouper entree. Both were excellent! However, my husband had the ribeye and it was tough and full of grizzle- a huge disappointment. ( I tried a piece too) This was our second time going within a month. I will say the first experience was much better in every way, so perhaps it was just an off night. The restaurant does have quite a good reputation.
UleleResponded 6 days ago
We are sorry to hear that your recent visit was disappointing. Please accept our apologies for the service delays. We hope that you will return again in the future to try a few more of our menu items and so that we may have another chance to fully impress you.
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JC
JoseC
Washington DC
7 reviews
5.0
7 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Ulele never disappoints!! Food and service as always excellent!
UleleResponded 7 days ago
We are so glad to hear that you had another great visit, Jose! Thank you for the 5-star review!
Is this helpful?
JP
JPMII
Tampa
5 reviews
5.0
5 reviews
Dined on November 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food, service and ambience was excellent as always. We will continue to visit Ulele. Thank you!
UleleResponded 7 days ago
We are so glad to hear that you had another great visit and we look forward to serving you again soon!
Is this helpful?
LP
LauraP
Atlanta Metro
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Went to Ulele for our anniversary. Loved it! The food, setting and our waiter-Josh were amazing. Want to go again when less crowded to view all of the amazing artwork. Josh gave great recommendations, was easygoing and very helpful with the outdoor heating-without asking. Will absolutely go again
UleleResponded 7 days ago
Thank you for choosing to celebrate your anniversary with us, Laura! We are so glad that you thoroughly enjoyed the experience and we appreciate your wonderful feedback. We look forward to serving you again in the future.
Is this helpful?
J
Janey
Exclusive
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 27, 2023
overall5food4service5ambience5
We got there and hour before closing but our waiter, Red, was very enthusiastic to serve us. Although the place was emptying, I felt the service would have still been exceptional with Red. The food - we had the Fried Green tomatoes, the Mac n Cheese app, The Oyster sliders, Mahi and Redfish - all were delicious. I would not recommend the fried okra - it was too charred for my liking. I would definitely return and try other items on the menu. Great dining experience, great food, atmosphere and service.
UleleResponded 7 days ago
We appreciate your review and feedback, Janey! Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We hope that you were able to let Red know that you were not enjoying the okra fries so that we could remake them for you. We always appreciate the opportunity to make any corrections necessary. We look forward to serving you again soon and feel free to request Red as your server when you make your next reservation if you would like.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Tampa
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 26, 2023
overall5food5service4ambience5
Celebrated my son’s 25th. Food was delicious and the server was good.
UleleResponded 7 days ago
Thank you for choosing to celebrate with us! We are so glad it was a great experience!
Is this helpful?
ML
MLKeyWest
Key West
4 reviews
4.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 26, 2023
overall4food3service5ambience5
Limited menu. Food was good but my cheeseburger was undercooked. 😟
UleleResponded 7 days ago
We are sorry to hear that you were not happy with our menu selections. We would have been glad to recook your burger to your preferred doneness and we hope that you were able to let your server know about the error.
Is this helpful?
SG
SteveG
Tampa
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on November 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Ulele is always a wonderful place to go with friends!
UleleResponded 7 days ago
Thank you for sharing your feedback, Steve! Glad to be a go-to for a great meal!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Tampa
10 reviews
vip
5.0
10 reviews
Dined on November 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was excellent as always and Xena provided great service to myself and my family.
UleleResponded 7 days ago
We are so glad to hear that you had another great meal and excellent service provided by Xena! Thank you for sharing!
Is this helpful?
DS
DianaS
Coastal Georgia
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on November 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Fabulous food and a casual riverside energy. I will definitely be back!
UleleResponded 7 days ago
We are so glad to hear that you had a great dining experience and that you will be returning, Diana! We look forward to it!
Is this helpful?
M
Mark
Nashville
4 reviews
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on November 26, 2023
overall3food3service4ambience3
Simple fare, cool neighborhood, too big of a space to be somewhere I would return. Felt a bit too much like a chain restaurant.
UleleResponded 7 days ago
We appreciate your feedback, Mark. Even though we are a large restaurant, we are family owned and operated, support other local and small businesses, and are involved in many charities. Weather permitting, we recommend an outdoor table for a more intimate experience.
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d
drewh
Chicago
13 reviews
vip
4.0
13 reviews
Dined on November 26, 2023
overall4food4service5ambience4
A positive overall experience . the service was excellent and the food was very good.
UleleResponded 7 days ago
Thank you for your review and compliments, Drew!
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Philadelphia
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on November 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
The short ribs are delicious. The drinks are also really good
UleleResponded 7 days ago
Thank you for your feedback. We are so glad that you enjoyed your meal and hope that you will dine with us again soon!
Is this helpful?
JJ
JaJlmfl
Orlando
12 reviews
vip
5.0
12 reviews
Dined on November 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Ulele is always a favorite of ours when in Tampa Downtown and yesterday did not disappoint. Our waitress Mariah was great and we thoroughly enjoyed a leisurely dinner outside on the lawn as the sun set. I love the fact that each time we come there are new seasonal dishes to try.
UleleResponded 7 days ago
We are so glad to hear that you had another great meal with excellent service. Thank you for sharing your feedback. We look forward to serving you again soon, and feel free to request Mariah as your server when you make your next reservation.
Is this helpful?
DB
DianaB
Tampa
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 25, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
We were given an awful table by bar and restrooms. We had reservations and are regulars since first opened. We then asked if we could eat outside with Shanti as our server. The Wait was too long so the four of us took a table upstairs which was better with Nick as our server. My husband and I ordered vodka martinis and when served realized they were warm. UNACCEPTABLE! Nick asked if we wanted them reshaken??? Drinks we already tasted put back in a shaker??? We will always return but this was not our best experience.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Tampa
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on November 25, 2023
overall3food3service4ambience5
Server was great and made our birthday special. food was nice and hot. took about 50 minutes to come out. It was good but nothing special. espresso ice cream was the best part
UleleResponded 7 days ago
Thank you for choosing to celebrate your birthday with us. We are sorry that we were not able to fully impress you but we do hope that you will return in the future to try a few more menu items and find your favorites.
Is this helpful?
JR
JosefinaR
West Palm Beach
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on November 25, 2023
overall3food5service4ambience3
We had two huge tables near us that were celebrating birthdays so they were screaming a lot. Other then that great service and great food
UleleResponded 7 days ago
Thank you for your review and feedback, Josefina. We are sorry that your table assignment happened to be between two large parties. We would have been glad to see if there was another table to move you to if it didn't cause an inconvenience to you and your party. We hope that you will return again soon for another great meal.
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Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing
- Common areas deep-cleaned daily
- Contactless payment available

Screening
- Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Ulele offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (813) 999-4952.

Ulele is rated 4.8 stars by 12984 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Dec 5, 2023

7:30 PM

Booked 228 times today

Order delivery or takeout

1810 N Highland Ave., Tampa, FL 33602

Dining areas

Additional information

Award-winning
1. MICHELIN Plate 2022
Cross street
Henderson Avenue or 7th Avenue
Neighborhood
Tampa
Hours of operation
Mon–Thu, Sun 11:00 am–10:00 pm Fri, Sat 11:00 am–11:00 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
American, Contemporary American, Brewery
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Business Casual
Parking details
Ulele offers complimentary valet after 5 p.m. Fridays, lunch and dinner Saturdays and Sundays (with Ulele validation). There also is street parking near the restaurant, and a free private lot on Doyle Carlton Drive (southern extension of Highland) across from Water Works Park)
Payment options
AMEX, Contactless Payment, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
Patrick Quakenbush
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Gluten-free Options, Non-Smoking, Outdoor Firepit, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.ulele.com/
Phone number
(813) 999-4952
Private party facilities
Ulele has several areas for dining that may be used for business meetings, social affairs, wedding events, charity functions, etc. These include inside the restaurant or outside in the beer garden, on the upper patio deck and on the riverside lawn (tents available).
Private party contact
Emily Johnston: (813) 513-2661

Ulele

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Dining areas

Additional information

Featured in

100 Tampa / Central Florida West Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

50 Tampa Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day

The Best Bars for Foodies in Tampa

Popular dishes

Seafood Risotto

Blackened Redfish

Coconut Ice Cream

Menu

What 12,984 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing

Screening

FAQs

Does Ulele offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Ulele restaurant rated?

Is Ulele currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

Featured in

100 Tampa / Central Florida West Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

50 Tampa Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day

The Best Bars for Foodies in Tampa