Where to Eat in Tampa, Florida

I didn’t think I would have much to write about our 3 days in Tampa, Florida. I was wrong. It turns out that we ate pretty well, despite our teenagers’ very specific requests (e.g., Diet Coke not Coke Zero, must have a pizza option). I actually think that I could write paragraphs alone about the last restaurant on this list- design inspiration was everywhere! Spoiler- there was a disco ball. Obsessed.

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Where to Eat in Tampa, Florida

If you know my husband, you know that real estate listings were sent and restaurants were revisited. He was there longer than we were and had already scouted out some great spots within walking distance of the hotel. The Pearl came highly recommended from him. Unfortunately, our son wasn’t feeling great, so it turned into a 2 person outing. R and our daughter enjoyed a delicious dinner including oysters, cuban sandwiches, fried pickles, etc. It was a hit and our daughter wouldn’t have minded going back for Sunday brunch (we ended up somewhere else because… siblings). (Photo taken by R earlier in the week and people edited out by AI and me- definitely not a perfect process yet lol.)

Our daughter and I walked to Hyde Park (a must visit!) while the boys were fishing. We wandered into Timpano. The atmosphere was so trendy- I feel like pictures don’t do the interior justice. The menu was of the Italian variety, complete with a very large, hollow parmesan round in which pasta was mixed with pesto. Actually, several of dishes seemed to have some sort of a presentation when brought to the table. (I didn’t take a ton of photos because the restaurant was already quite busy at 4pm, but below is the entryway. It was such a cheerful space!)

We had dinner on Water Street back in the city. R had also eaten at Small Giant previously. Unfortunately, they had a wait but said that we could order the same food at their sister restaurant Wine on Water next door. Wine on Water was technically a wine and liquor shop so inside seating was limited to the tasting bar and two small tables. They did, however, have several outdoor tables. We ordered, got some appetizers, and …. it started to pour rain. The staff at Wine on Water were incredibly accommodating, allowing the outside tables to crowd into their small interior space. The pizza was absolutely wonderful; we were still talking about it the next day. Same story for the Cobb Salad. I wish I had taken a photo of Wine on Water but here are some R took earlier in the week in Small Giant.

If you are looking for a beautiful Tampa sunset spot, Beacon at the top of the JW Marriott has to be it. We did not eat a full meal here, but the appetizers were unique and really good. There were windows everywhere as well as a spacious, luxuriously decorated patio.

Last but not least, the kids and I wandered into my dream for Sunday brunch. Where to begin with Predalina… It was all I could ever ask for in a restaurant. It was a vibe. When the OUR STORY page has words like: Mediterranean, Portuguese tradition, Positano, the south of France, Copacabana, golden disco ball… I am all in. I think I would have enjoyed a tour of this restaurant more than any museum. The tile, the wallpaper, the lighting, the art… even the dinnerware created an ambiance like no other. I sort of wished people weren’t eating, so I could stand and stare longer. But the eating… yesss… even the food was amazing. Full stop.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

One more thing…

Hyde Park had excellent shopping and house dreaming. There were several brand name stores with boutiques mixed in. Everything was very well done. We stopped into charming Stoney Clover Lane and it was decorated so well. The old brass, gingham, scallops, stripes, checkerboard, and happy colors were inspiring! I will leave you with a photo of the entryway.

Travel-Inspired Design

Predalina was incredibly inspiring. Mulling over how to incorporate some of the inspiration into our home, I was reminded that this wallpaper was in my Top 2 for our back staircase, so perhaps a striped wallpaper is in our home’s future after all. I love how the designer layered the most fun art over the wallpaper. Probably (fine, definitely) too expensive, but this makes me laugh and this also makes me smile. We don’t ride horses but I like how this one plays with the design. I love the beautiful energy that this would add to a gallery wall! (Unfortunately, this particular piece is sold out but the artist has a great selection available.) A line drawing is always a good idea. This is another good one or this one to add some winter vibes (although I currently am over that energy). Last one, I promise, but this would be so sweet in a gallery wall (or anywhere, really). A vintage-inspired mirror and a golden disco ball would be such a fun surprise on the top landing. But then, I might want a darker wallpaper (my other choice) to really pick up on the sparkle? I’ll keep you posted on the stairway. But here is the design board that looks nothing like the genius that Predalina is but was somehow inspired by it.

In the meantime, I had already been thinking about adding some blue and white into our home for spring. The tile wall in Predalina was beautiful and sort of unexpected (which is something I love in design). While I won’t be adding a blue and white tiled mural anywhere in our home, I did buy this umbrella stand for the entryway and I actually love its larger pattern against the dainty floral wallpaper. I purchased something similar to this for a friend/client project and think I may need one for myself now. And maybe a new pillow cover for the sofa. Oh- and this tablecloth for the dining room! Okay, that’s it- I’m done.

Have a Great Week!