Savoring Tampa Bay – A Local’s Guide to Iconic and Michelin-Starred Dining
Tampa Bay’s culinary scene has evolved into one of Florida’s most compelling — a mix of storied institutions, imaginative newcomers, and kitchens where technique meets creativity. For those who live along Tampa Bay’s western waterfront, including the Westshore Marina District, these celebrated restaurants are not just destinations; they’re part of a lifestyle where great dining is always within reach.
Below, discover a few of Tampa’s most noteworthy restaurants — and how they shape the broader lifestyle around Marina Pointe and the surrounding district.
Rocca | Italian Artistry in Tampa Heights
Rocca carries the kind of quiet confidence that comes from mastery. Each morning, the team hand-rolls pasta that later becomes glossy strands of tagliolini dressed in truffle, or delicate ravioli that melt in the center. The tableside mozzarella — impossibly soft and warm — has become a local legend, as has Chef Bryce Bonsack’s dedication to refined simplicity.
The atmosphere feels intimate yet energized, the kind of place Marina Pointe residents might visit for a celebratory dinner or a weekend ritual. It’s no surprise Rocca earned a Michelin star in 2023.
Bern’s Steak House | Where Time, Wine, and Craft Collide
Few places define Tampa’s dining legacy like Bern’s. The moment you step inside, the red velvet walls, flickering candlelight, and deep scent of dry-aged beef transport you somewhere timeless. Steaks arrive perfectly cut and aged, the wine cellar reads like a novel, and the Dessert Room — with its private booths and vintage ports — feels like a chapter all its own.
For those who love tradition and character, Bern’s remains a quintessential Tampa experience — one that feels remarkably close to home for residents of the Westshore Marina District.
Lilac at THE EDITION | Modern Grace & Mediterranean Soul
At Lilac, the culinary language shifts to Mediterranean minimalism. Inside the Tampa EDITION, Chef John Fraser presents dishes that are refined without losing their warmth — scamp grouper with eggplant caviar, octopus paired with nduja, or tuna brightened by spice and citrus. Each plate arrives with sculptural precision, yet feels grounded in sun-loved flavors.
For Marina Pointe residents, it’s an ideal choice for unforgettable dinners downtown. As one of Tampa’s first-ever Michelin-starred restaurants, it’s where the mood is relaxed luxury and the pacing encourages conversation.
Ocean Prime | Polished, Coastal, and Effortlessly Sociable
Ocean Prime is the definition of polished dining near Tampa International Airport — close enough to the Westshore Marina District that many residents treat it as a go-to choice for anniversaries, business dinners, or last-minute evenings out.
Inside, warm lighting creates a welcome glow; outside, the terrace catches vivid streaks of sunset. The menu is an ode to modern American dining — buttery crab cakes, perfectly seared steaks, crisp sushi rolls that arrive like tiny works of art. It’s polished, yes, but never pretentious.
Elevated Dining Close to Home: Cru Cellars at Marina Landings
Closer still to Marina Pointe, the Westshore Marina District’s own Cru Cellars offers a refined neighborhood favorite that still fits within this elevated dining landscape. Known for its sommelier-curated wine list and seasonally driven kitchen, Cru pairs coastal ingredients with a modern sensibility — think seared scallops, handmade pastas, charcuterie boards arranged like still-life art, and wines selected to match the mood of the evening.
Its warm, candlelit interiors and waterfront-adjacent setting make it a natural extension of life at Marina Pointe. Whether it’s a lingering Sunday brunch, a spontaneous glass of wine, or a dinner with friends, Cru demonstrates how exceptional dining exists moments from home.
A Lifestyle of Taste and Discovery
Across Tampa Bay, dining is more than a meal — it’s a reflection of the city’s energy, history, and constant evolution. For future residents of Luna, the second Marina Pointe tower, this culinary landscape becomes part of everyday life. From Michelin-starred destinations downtown to refined neighborhood favorites within Marina Landings, the Westshore Marina District places an entire spectrum of dining experiences within effortless reach.
Marina Pointe’s thoughtfully-designed collection of waterfront condominiums range in size from approximately 1,800 to over 4,500 square feet. The residences include spacious one- to three-bedroom floorplans as well as grand penthouses—each designed to capture expansive views of Tampa Bay through floor-to-ceiling glass and oversized terraces.
Discover Luna at Marina Pointe
Experience a life surrounded by artistry, taste, and Tampa Bay’s ever-growing culture of refinement. Visit the Marina Pointe Sales Gallery, open daily at 4900 Bridge Street, to explore the architectural model and full-size designer kitchen.
Schedule your private appointment at MarinaPointe.com or call 813-683-8944.
