Best Hot Spot Restaurants in University of South Florida

Tonight was my 40th dinner at Sacred Pepper in the last 7 months and it was just PERFECT as all the others have been. After enjoying a glass of one of their fine wines, I started with the Buffalo Cauliflower which is fresh-fried cauliflower bites topped with Sriracha aioli and served with cool-herbed ranch dressing, house-made pickled cucumbers. And plenty to share. For my entrée I had the Blackened Tenderloin Steak Bites with crispy polenta, herb horseradish sauce, and house-made marinara sauce. I added 2 sides, the vegetable medley and the Fresh Tillamook Cheddar Creamed Corn w/Applewood bacon. It was all cooked perfectly and very flavorful and delicious, a true favorite of mine. The service staff at Sacred Pepper is the BEST around and all are very friendly, attentive, and welcoming. And my regular server “Adam” is the best server I have ever had, and he always makes sure my dinner experiences are very special and memorable! Sacred Pepper is my favorite restaurant in the Tampa Area.

A Night to Remember at Ocean Prime Tampa Last night, Danielle and I had an unforgettable experience at Ocean Prime Tampa, and I can confidently say that this is what dining should be. We opted to sit at the bar, which turned out to be the perfect choice. From the moment we arrived, the energy in the room was electric yet sophisticated, filled with both engaging guests and an incredibly attentive staff who made us feel like we were part of something special. We started with the truffle popcorn—simple yet indulgent, the perfect opening bite. What followed was a salad so fresh and vibrant it was out of this world—each bite bursting with flavor and precision. Then came the star of the night—the steak. Perfectly cooked and paired with three incredible sides, it was an experience in itself. The portions were generous enough that we even had leftovers to take home, but every bite made it hard to stop eating. What elevated this experience beyond just great food was the exceptional service. The bartenders and servers weren’t just attentive; they were engaged, charismatic, and passionate about what they do. They brought the Cameron Mitchell experience to life, making sure every guest felt valued and immersed in the Ocean Prime atmosphere. If you haven’t been to an Ocean Prime, you haven’t been to a restaurant that truly cares. From the ambiance to the hospitality to the flawless execution of every dish, it’s an experience worth savoring. We’ll absolutely be back!

Parm to Table experience is ABSOLUTELY worth the price, and for 2 people is actually better pricewise than most two-entree combinations. Atmosphere was lovely, our server was kind and knowledgeable, and amazing Italian food.

My boyfriend and I were completely amazed with the entire experience. From the host stand to bread service, to cocktails, to appetizer, to wine service, to meal time and finally desert. Everything tasted fantastic. Amy, our server , was delightful and knowledgeable. Her service helpers were tentative and friendly. We were celebrating a birthday and were so pleased to have been given champagne for a toast. Jorge, the GM, checked on us to make sure we were having a wonderful time. We could see he has a way with the crowd. He was shaking hands and greeting everyone warmly. Later when we got home, we spoke at length about how we have not had such a wonderful experience like this in a very long time. A++++ for the A5 Wagu . The scallops and king crab legs were incredible.

Every year we meet friends here & enjoy a Spanish / Cuban meal in one of many rooms of this historic restaurant. There are three large parking lots, a gift shop and always a wait. Today we discovered that the restaurant is expanding and taking over the gift shop. The gift shop will be moving across the street. We always start with the sangria which Victoria prepared table side in a Spanish pitcher. The warm bread & 1905 salad is excellent. We shared 4 small devil crab croquettes, beef saltedo & we finished by sharing a warm white chocolate bread pudding. Portions were huge & prices reasonable. Our lunch was delicious. All four of us devoured our meals. We went next-door into the gift shop with a sell, their beautiful pottery, tiles, wine, cigars, cookbook, and ingredients