What is the best steak and / or fish restaurants in Tampa area ?

[irwin]

Going to Tampa in a week or so, and was wondering what hounds have to say about some good restaurants in that area ??

[askdrtodd]

Honestly right now the most impressive steakhouse in Tampa to me is Council Oak, the other big names don't have to fight for business, it comes to them, and that shows both in the management and quality of service & food. I've been taking customers to steakhouses at least 2-3 times a month in this city for over 5 years now and I don't think that any of the big dogs really impress any more, and they really darn well should when we're spending $1000+ each time. Want to impress someone? Go to Savant or Chateau France (4th St. in St. Pete).

[juli5122]

It is old school and very "Rat Pack" but I love Charleys Steak House in Cypress.

[irwin]

Thanks everyone. My wife will be in surgery next week in Tampa, so I will try them all.

[TampaNativeThatLovesNYC]

I think for steak Ruth's Chris is the best

[steakman55]

Having gone to Bern's for more than 35 years, and Ruth's Chris all over including Tampa, I have to state a very strong preference for Bern's.

[steakman55]

Bern's Steak House on South Howard is a must. So are reservations. Prime dry aged steak expertly grilled over charcoal and one of the top wine lists in the world, yes the world, and an absolute devotion to perfection and quality make this possible.

[gourmrtcook]

under one roof it has to be Ocean Prime at West Shore. They have by far the best seafood in Tampa and from what I've heard the steaks are very good too. Most of the others are just steakhouses with a few fish Items Ocean Prime has it all and it's a gorgeos classy restaurant.

[Miss E]

It's also wicked noise, and the waitstaff are shameless upsellers. I like the food, but the atmosphere just kills me.

[askdrtodd]

I second Miss E's reco, 3 of the 5 meals I've had at Ocean Prime were weak at best, and two were OK, but hardly worth the $. It's more stuffy than classy (I think of Council Oak as classy) and the waitstaff is mostly college students that are hit or miss for attitude, talent, and accuracy. Actually I'd take Capital Grille over Ocean Prime. Any day.