DINING
out
Mediterranean Cuisine
Authentic Lebanese Specialties
1901 West Bay Drive #14
Largo, Fl.
727.216.6221
182 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE | JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2020
the Original Cuban Sandwich, Curt’s
Meatloaf Sandwich, the Original “1905”
Salad®, and Chicken and Rice “Ybor.”
Open Sun-Thurs 11 AM-9 PM;
Fri-Sat 11 AM-11 PM. $-$$, X, W.
Columbia Restaurant,
2117 E. Seventh Ave., Ybor City, Tampa,
(813) 248-4961. As Florida’s premier Spanish
Restaurant for more than 100 years, they
serve the finest authentic Spanish/Cuban
cuisine. Try their Spanish Bean Soup, the
Original “1905” Salad®, Roast Pork a la
Cubana, Paella a la Valenciana, and the
Original Cuban Sandwich. There is a live
flamenco dance show Mon-Sat, and the
Columbia Cafe Cigar Bar features live
jazz Tues-Sat. Valet parking. Banquet
facilities available. Open Mon-Thurs
11 AM-10 PM, Fri-Sat 11 AM-11 PM,
Sun 12 PM-9 PM. $$, RS, CM, E, X, C, W.
Council Oak Steaks & Seafood
5223 N. Orient Road, (Seminole Hard Rock
Hotel & Casino), Tampa, (813) 627-7600.
Your dining experience will take you on a
culinary journey to exceed your palate’s
expectations, including an award-winning
wine selection with hard-to-find wines.
Open Sun-Thurs 5-10 PM;
Fri-Sat 5 PM-midnight. $$$, X.
Fresh Harvest Buffet
5223 N. Orient Road, (Seminole Hard Rock
Hotel & Casino), Tampa, (813) 627-7625.
This premier buffet is the place to embark
on a culinary tour of the world.
Open Mon-Thurs 11:30-9PM;
Fri 11:30 AM-10 PM; Sat, 10 AM-10 PM;
Sun 10 AM-9 PM. $$. X.
Hard Rock Cafe
5223 N. Orient Road, (Seminole Hard Rock
Hotel & Casino), Tampa, (813) 627-7757.
Classic American fare, authentic rock
atmosphere and live music on an elevated
stage, a place where burgers and bands
come together. Open 11:30 AM-midnight
daily. $$, X.
Jubao Palace Noodle Bar
5223 N. Orient Road, (Seminole Hard Rock
Hotel & Casino), Tampa, (866) 388-4263. If
you’re looking for quick service and authentic
Asian cuisine, look no further. This 44-seat
restaurant features an open kitchen for an
up-close dining experience. Open Sun
11 AM-4 AM, Mon-Thurs 11:30 AM-4 AM;
Fri-Sat-11:30 AM-5 AM. $$, X.
Maestro’s Cafe,
1010 N. WC MacInnes Place (Carol
Morsani Hall Lobby, Straz Center),
Tampa, (813) 229-STAR (7827). For light
buffet dining before a show in Morsani
Hall, this lobby restaurant is open
90 minutes before most performances.
Reservations are recommended.
$$-$$$, RS, X, W.
Salt Rock Grill,
19325 Gulf Blvd., Indian Shores,
(727) 593-7625. This beach landmark is
legendary, and it’s still on fire with a
burning passion for delectable food, enticing
drinks and pleasurable surroundings. For an
evening of fine dining, elegant atmosphere,
superior service and genuine hospitality,
Salt Rock Grill should be your destination.
Open Mon-Thurs 4 PM-10 PM, Fri-Sat
4 PM-11 PM, Sun 12 PM-10 PM.
$$$, RS, CM, X, C, W.
Sea Salt,
183 Second Ave. N., St. Petersburg,
(727) 873-7964. Located two blocks from
St. Pete’s waterfront, this stunningly
appointed restaurant boasts intimate
dining niches, alfresco seating, a lively
bar scene and a 20-foot-tall glass-enclosed
wine room housing nearly 5,000 bottles.
Influenced by coastal Italian fare, they
utilize the freshest, highest quality
ingredients with a focus on seafood.
Open daily from 11:30 AM-Closing.
$$, RS, CM, S, C, W.
Hillsborough County
BurgerMonger,
10412 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa,
(813) 968-6860, and 3838 West Neptune St.,
Tampa, (813) 254-0290. Proudly founded
in Tampa Bay, at BurgerMonger they say,
"We Build a Better Burger." Featuring 100
percent pure Japanese-bred Akaushi Beef,
BurgerMonger sources the finest and
healthiest ingredients in the world. Their
naturally satisfying menu includes burgers,
hot dogs, chicken, salads, beer and wine.
Incomparable food; warm, friendly service;
and comfortable ambience is found in their
five Tampa Bay area locations.
Open Sun-Thurs 11 AM-10 PM,
Fri-Sat 11 AM-11 PM. $-$$, CM, X, W.
Cipresso
5223 N. Orient Road, (Seminole Hard Rock
Hotel & Casino), Tampa, (813) 627-8130.
Cipresso is Seminole Hard Rock Tampa’s
captivating Italian restaurant featuring
items inspired by old-world classics to
new favorites. Enjoy an elevated dining
experience in an elegant and stylish setting.
The menu is filled with rich flavors and the
freshest ingredients. Open
Mon-Thurs-Sun, 5 PM-11 PM; Fri-Sat,
5 PM to midnight. Closed Tues-Wed. $$$.
Columbia Café,
801 Old Water Street, Tampa,
(813) 229-5511. The Tampa Bay History
Center has partnered with the famous
Columbia Restaurants in opening the
first Columbia Café on the first floor of
the Center. With both indoor and outdoor
seating, it serves authentic Spanish/Cuban
cuisine, including Cuban Black Bean Soup,
Da Pollani s '
Ristorante Italiano
13688 Walsingham Road, Largo
(727) 239-7855
South Pinellas continued
Cafe Sahara,
1901 W. Bay Drive, Largo, (727) 216-6221.
This is a real find for those who love
homemade Mediterranean cuisine. This
is authentic Lebanese cooking at its finest.
There are wonderful vegetarian dishes.
You can order online and pick up and go.
The adjoining wine bar, The Cork, serves
fine European wines and has a wine club
that features tasting events.
Open Mon-Fri 11 AM-7 PM; Sat 11 AM-5 PM;
Closed Sunday. $, X, C, W.