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Ulele offers native-inspired riverfront dining. - Ulele, Tampa, FL
Award-winning

Ulele

4.7
4.7
12709 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

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 220 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • 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

What 12,709 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

4.7
4.7 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

12,709 Reviews

  1. GeorgeF

    Jacksonville

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Ulelee location is very nice. They are attached to an upper tier park with a boat dock. The is a very nice sunset view. There is alot of outdoor seating. The setvice was very good and timely. The menu is mostly seafood. $30s range. Steak pork and vegan options.

    Is this helpful?

  2. MichaelO

    Greater Boston

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was my third time at Ulele. I was celebrating my birthday with my family and once again Ulele did not disappoint. Our server, Zack was outstanding! There was a slight delay with out appetizer order which Zack brought to the attention of a manager. The manager brought our appetizer directly to us and apologized for the issue and did not charge for it. Our meals were tasty, delicious and very satifsfying. I also really liked the birthday truffles that I received. Ulele is my favorite restaurant in Tampa! Can't wait to go back!

    Is this helpful?

  3. Kirsti

    Tampa

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Once again WOWed by my experience at Ulele. The server was so accommodating and helpful. All of our food was fantastic: gator tail, raw oysters, seafood risotto, side salads, veggies, fire roasted chicken, entree salad and the candied bacon ice cream dessert.

    Is this helpful?

  4. JamesB

    Tampa

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always enjoy Ulele; great food, excellent service, fun atmosphere and location.

    Is this helpful?

  5. TroyS

    Tampa

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always excellent.... great place to meet up with friends,

    Is this helpful?

  6. Gracie

    Tampa

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We go to Ulele's for special occasions and are never disappointed. We went for our wedding anniversary yesterday, sat outside (with our dog) and had a great time. At the end we were presented with a small box of special chocolates as an anniversary gift. So special!

    Is this helpful?

  7. JenniferN

    Hawaii

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    This was my 4th time to this restaurant. This time I brought my teenage daughter and my niece. My daughter ordered a Filet Mignon medium well and when it was served, it was a little bit too medium for her taste. We told our server and she promptly took the steak away. A few minutes later a manager came with a fresh new steak prepared exactly the way my daughter wanted it. I was impressed. Excellent service.

    Is this helpful?

  8. OpenTable Diner

    Tampa

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food and drinks were amazing and the staff are super nice.

    Is this helpful?

  9. KevinK

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We arrived 45 minutes early and added an extra person. The hostess was very accommodating and got us a table after about 30-45 minutes or so. Honestly, we didn't care about the wait as we went to the bar and had a nice beverages and conversation. Once sat, our server Liz took great care of us. We ordered a couple drinks and appetizers. The Loaded Native Chili is out of this world good. Okra fries were tasty too. For mains, we had Short Ribs, Mahi and the meatloaf. All were so perfectly cooked and seasoned. The portions were perfect and we all took some home for the next day. We were too full for dessert so maybe next time. My only 'complaint' if you could call it that is it's a bit loud. My father had a hard time hearing us in conversation but it wasn't unbearable by any means. Check out this Tampa gem immediately, you won't be sorry.

    Is this helpful?

  10. JeffA

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I would recommend this restaurant to anyone who lives in the Tampa Bay area or who is visiting Tampa Bay the valet service was very convenient the food was absolutely awesome our server was quite professional and polite and we will be going back again

    Is this helpful?

  11. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Joe was the very best service we ever had in Tampa. The very much have wonderful food and ambience ; but Joe put them over the top for us.

    Is this helpful?

  12. OpenTable Diner

    Tampa

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a great time. Food was delicious. Dessert was delicious!! What a special place!

    Is this helpful?

  13. JamieN

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall4food5service2ambience1
    Food was great. Service/server was not great. Waited forever - check and when we got ice creams, no spoons. We weee able to get some but long after we were done, he brought spoons. Food was great, as usual!!!

    Is this helpful?

  14. Blondie

    Fort Lauderdale

    99 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    99 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall3food3service3ambience5
    Food is good. Portions are plentiful. Indoor seating is very noisy so unless you don’t want to shout during dinner, ask for seating outside. Ambiance outside is great, particularly on the tables facing the lawn.

    Is this helpful?

  15. OpenTable Diner

    Baltimore

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We chose to eat outside due to cooler temps and clear weather, and to avoid the noise level inside. No disappointments whatsoever. Food was A+, service A+. This was our 5th visit. We tried something new on the menu. Short ribs didn't meet the expectations and quality of the other items on the menu, so if that's the only "non-perfect" experience in our 5 visits, they still get an A+. We look forward to going every time.

    Is this helpful?

  16. Tinman

    Tampa

    29 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    29 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    As always the food was amazing, making this a favorite dining spot. I took my mom there for her birthday and it was a chance to remember the past with the historic outdoor decor. There were great vegan options for her and numerous savory options for me. The three sisters stuffed portobello and Mr. Henry Mahi Mahi were both delicious! Save room for desert though! Also, our server Anna was very attentive and kind.

    Is this helpful?

  17. LisaK

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Ulele is on it's way to being an old Tampa favorite. The owners know hospitality and have hit another home run with Ullele. Food and service are great! The location is excellent along Tampa's Riverwalk.

    Is this helpful?

  18. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was a great experience for going for the first time. Would definitely go again

    UleleResponded 2 days ago

    We are so glad to hear that you had a great first visit and that you will be returning!

    Is this helpful?

  19. DaveF

    Tampa

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Always a home run! This was my 5th visit and I have never been disappointed.

    UleleResponded 2 days ago

    We are so glad to hear that you continue to have great experienced dining with us, Dave!

    Is this helpful?

  20. MandM

    Tampa

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We came for a birthday celebration. Everything about the evening was awesome. Von, our server was exceptional- attentive, helpful and sweet. Calamari appy was great! Rib eye and filet mignon were done to perfection. Seafood risotto was delish! Jalapeño muffins so good! The mashed potatoes were even loved by my husband who has been scarred with having instant as a child! Finished with vanilla and coconut ice cream and a candle in a box of chocolates for the bd celebration! Can’t wait to return!!!

    UleleResponded 2 days ago

    We are so glad to hear that the birthday celebration was great, Mand! Thank you for the wonderful feedback and compliments.

    Is this helpful?

  21. OpenTable Diner

    Richmond

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We ate outside and really enjoyed the atmosphere. The food was exceptional. The service was perfect.

    UleleResponded 2 days ago

    We are so glad that you had a great experience dining on our patio! Thank you for sharing your feedback.

    Is this helpful?

  22. Trudy

    Tampa

    2 reviews

    2.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall2food3service3ambience2
    We arrived about 10 min early for our 645 dinner reservation. We took a seat at the outside bar, ordered drinks, and waited. And waited. And waited. 30 minutes after our reserved time our table was ready. The service was average and regrettably so was the food (with the exception of the fire roasted oysters- delicious). My husband and I used to be regulars here, but something has slipped. There are better dining experiences to be had.

    UleleResponded 2 days ago

    We are sorry to hear that your recent visit was disappointing, on several levels. As you know, we are capable of providing a much better experience and we apologize for letting you down. We hope that you will allow us to redeem ourselves in the future.

    Is this helpful?

  23. KKTB

    Tampa

    76 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    76 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing meals - loved the seafood risotto- short rib and pork shank - also loved the desserts - bread pudding - chocolate torte and key lime stack - Alison the server was also amazing!

    UleleResponded 5 days ago

    We are so glad that you enjoyed your meal and the service that Alison provided. Thank you for sharing your feedback.

    Is this helpful?

  24. karen

    Tampa

    19 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    19 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    We went to Ulele for our anniversary . The noise level was very loud but the food was delicious. My husband had the seafood risotto which he loved and I had the short ribs. Everything was amazing but, again, it was very loud.

    UleleResponded 5 days ago

    Thank you for choosing to celebrate your anniversary with us, Karen! We are so glad that you enjoyed your meal. May we suggest an outdoor table for your next visit? Our patio provides a quieter atmosphere. We hope to see you again soon!

    Is this helpful?

  25. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always an amazing meal at our favorite place to go in Tampa.

    Is this helpful?

  26. OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta Metro

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food Great vibe Great service As usual - will be back again

    UleleResponded 5 days ago

    Thank you for the great review and compliments! We look forward to serving you again soon.

    Is this helpful?

  27. RebeccaM

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    We had a delightful meal celebrating a birthday and Shanti helped to make it special. The food was excellent and it was nice to have different dishes to choose from.

    UleleResponded 5 days ago

    We are so glad you had a great celebration, Rebecca! Thank you for the wonderful feedback. We hope that you will dine with us again soon.

    Is this helpful?

  28. PrivateRev

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    The food was really good and the service was great.

    UleleResponded 5 days ago

    Thank you for the great review and compliments! We hope that you will dine with us again soon.

    Is this helpful?

  29. KathyD

    Las Vegas

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 18, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    We were seated at an odd table with a great view of the kitchen and the walkway to the restroom which detracted from the overall experience.

    UleleResponded 5 days ago

    Kathy, we would have been happy to see if there was another table available for you to move to if you were unhappy with the one you were assigned. In the future, please do not hesitate to let us know if there is anything we can do to improve your dining experience.

    Is this helpful?

  30. LewT

    Tampa

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Waitress was fantastic! The food and experience is always consistently good!

    UleleResponded 6 days ago

    We are so glad to hear that you had another great experience with us, Lew! Thank you for sharing your feedback.

    Is this helpful?

  31. LeahJ

    Houston

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Best ever for a first time visitor to Tampa! Would go again in a second! Everything was perfect.

    UleleResponded 6 days ago

    We are so glad that your first visit was a great one and we hope to see you again in the future!

    Is this helpful?

  32. Sky33629

    Tampa

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The reservation for our party was ready when we arrived. The waiter was very knowledgeable and friendly. The ambience was great. As always the food was excellent. The portions were perfect. The experience overall was outstanding. The dinner was important as it was my wife’s birthday. Ulele delivered as expected.

    UleleResponded 6 days ago

    We are so glad to hear that your wife had a great birthday celebration! We look forward to serving you again soon!

    Is this helpful?

  33. JamesR

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was our second time here and the service and quality of the food was excellent as it was the first time. There were 6 in our party, everyone had something different and raved about how good it was!! If you are wanting a quiet dinner I would recommend selecting outside dining as it can be a bit noisy inside depending on who may be seated at nearby tables.

    UleleResponded 6 days ago

    We are so glad to hear that you and your guests all enjoyed your meals, James! We do recommend outdoor dining for a quieter, open air atmosphere. Thank you for the recommendation.

    Is this helpful?

  34. Miggy

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was delicious both times I have been there. Would not hesitate to order any item!

    UleleResponded 6 days ago

    Thank you for the great feedback, Miggy! We look forward to serving you again in the future!

    Is this helpful?

  35. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The meal was spot on. I had the flank steak with chimmechurie sauce and my partner had the pampano fish. Both were fantastic. I mean - cooked to perfection good. We are both foodies and hope for the experience we had and consistently have at Ulele. Service was excellent. Love this place and have been here many times. It never disappoints.

    UleleResponded 6 days ago

    We are so glad to hear that you had another great meal at Ulele! We look forward to many more in the future!

    Is this helpful?

  36. Foodlover11

    Jacksonville

    20 reviews

    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food and service were excellent. A wide variety of menu options in all categories including land, sea, grill and vegetarian. You won’t be disappointed.

    UleleResponded 6 days ago

    We are so glad that you had a great visit! We hope that you will dine with us again soon!

    Is this helpful?

  37. SteveT

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food, Great atmosphere. Friendly staff and great service!

    UleleResponded 6 days ago

    Thank you for the wonderful compliments, Steve!

    Is this helpful?

  38. OpenTable Diner

    Detroit

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall3food2service5ambience4
    Seems good quality is slipping lately. Will give it a few months and try again.

    UleleResponded 6 days ago

    We are sorry to hear that you were disappointed with your meal during your recent visit. We would have been glad to remake any items that you were not enjoying. Please do not hesitate to let us know if there is ever anything we can do to improve your experience. We hope that we can get it right for your next visit.

    Is this helpful?

  39. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Sunday lunch date. Great food, drinks, atmosphere

    UleleResponded 6 days ago

    We appreciate the 5 stars and great feedback!

    Is this helpful?

  40. ElissaH

    Tampa

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful service. We prefer sitting upstairs as it is less noisy than downstairs.

    UleleResponded 6 days ago

    Thank you for the 5-star review, Elissa!

    Is this helpful?

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 4.7 stars by 12709 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
Booked 220 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Ulele

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
  • 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

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