Best Restaurants for Outdoor Dining in University of South Florida

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!

The food was exceptional—truly top tier. Every dish we tried was fantastic. While our entrée took a bit longer to arrive, the appetizers came out quickly. The service was good. The standout dish was the goat cheese croquettes with guava sauce—absolutely incredible. The guacamole and chips, as well as the ceviche, were also delicious. For the main course, the steak frites were cooked perfectly, with tender, flavorful steak complemented by a delicious chimichurri sauce. The potatoes were equally impressive. Overall, a wonderful dining experience!

This was our second time dining at Ulele and it was just as good if not better than the first. Despite it being Valentine’s Day the food and drinks came out in good time and everything we ordered was exactly as it should have been. The Barbacoa shrimp was delicious and the oysters are some of the freshest and best tasting we’ve had in Florida. Two of us ordered filet mignon medallions as a special and they were cooked perfectly. For dessert we had the bourbon butter cake with vanilla ice cream and it was the perfect end to a delicious meal. Overall it was an enjoyable experience and we will definitely go back again!

We were there on an early reservation valentines day. We had several appetizers, salad and sushi. we ordered as we went and never felt rushed. Our server, McKenzie, was friendly and efficient she had no issue with us ordering multiple times. I watched her work multiple tables and she was very high energy. I also noted that when she was busy that other staff members pitched in and brought our drink and sushi. The food and drinks were very good. I'm glad that there is now a nicer steakhouse in Lutz.

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.