Best Steakhouses in Tampa

The Carne ChopHouse is located in the heart of historic Ybor City and offers steakhouse fare with a Cuban twist. Situated in the historic El Centro Espanol Building that originally served as a social center for Spanish immigrants working in the cigar industry, the ambiance and decor are nostalgic reminders of Ybor's golden age. The menu features an surprisingly affordable selections of steaks, chops, and seafood with house specialties including the Pork Shoulder Pot Pie, Pork Chop and Lamb Shank. Full meals are served here with soup or salad to start, bread, and a side, all traditionally prepared using the best ingredients. There is live entertainment and outdoor seating is available.

Owned by football legend Don Shula, this restaurant is a tribute to the 1972 Miami Dolphins and their perfect season. One of 32 locations, Shula's has garnered accolades nationwide that reflect the owner's penchant for perfection. As you enter, you realize that this is no sports bar. The ambiance is light and airy with crisp white walls and tablecloths. Football memorabilia is relegated to understated black and white photos. It's clear that the star of this show is the food. Featuring custom center cuts of aged Premium Black Angus steaks "The Shula Cut" is the steak of choice; popular cuts include filet mignon, New York strip and top sirloin.

Malio's has been a Tampa landmark since it opened in 1969. Reinvented in 2007 as Malio's Prime Steakhouse, the restaurant moved downtown and picked up where it left off as a Tampa favorite, but with updated décor and menu offerings. Malio's is frequented by Tampa's movers and shakers, from mayors to professional athletes, and was the favorite of late New York Yankee's owner, George Steinbrenner. As befitting the clientele, the dress code here is business casual. The décor is modern classic and the ambiance is romantic featuring dim lighting and intimate seating. Take advantage of the views offered by Malio's location on the Hillsborough River by requesting to sit on the upper tier of the restaurant, or outside on their cigar-friendly patio.

Charley's is an old-school steakhouse located in Tampa's Westshore business district. From the moment you step into this esteemed steakhouse, the aroma of the wood-fired grill envelopes you. The selection of cuts is extensive and Charley's uses only the best U.S. Choice and Prime three-year-old, grain-fed beef which is aged on-site for at least 4 - 6 weeks. Also featured are naturally organic Bison, and Kobe selections. More than just steak, the fresh, grilled fish and seasonal shellfish also make a terrific choice. Pair with the perfect bottle of wine from the extensive list with over 800 selections and finish with a rich dessert.

Texas de Brazil is a Brazilian-American churrascaria, which is the Portuguese word for "barbecue," and has its origins in the campfire cooking of the gauchos of Southern Brazil. Be prepared for a different dining experience. You start your meal with a trip to the 50-60 item salad bar area that includes appetizers, soups, salads and other traditional side items. Once you return to your seat, the real fun begins. Each diner is provider with a two-sided card; green on one side, red on the other. You use the green side of the card to summon waiters, known as Passadores, to your table. The Passadores will then arrive with knives and a skewer speared with various meats including pork, filet mignon, lamb, chicken, or sausage. This is called "rodizio" service. This is an all-you-can-eat dinner, so make sure you come with a big appetite.

Billed as the "Home of Serious Steaks," Ruth's Chris is a perennial favorite in meat-loving cities all across the US. One visit to the well-appointed, comfortable Tampa edition will tell you all you need to know. Their steaks' signature sizzle is achieved by a dollop of butter dropped on the hot-from-the-oven cuts, and your choice will still be sputtering on 500 degree plates when it's placed in front of you. Entrees are served a la carte with side items ordered family-style separately. If you prefer, you can choose to order a "Ruth's Classic" which includes limited choices of appetizer, entrée, side and dessert for a fixed price.

Sleek and sophisticated, Council Oak Steaks & Seafood is located in Tampa's Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. A popular destination for prime steaks, fresh seafood and selections from the award winning wine list, the atmosphere is contemporary and upscale, and the service is second-to-none. The steaks at Council Oak are 100% U.S.D.A. prime, dry aged 21 to 28 days, and cut on-site by celebrity master butcher, Walter Apfelbaum. Seafood options include fresh and local fish, Alaskan King Crab legs and live Maine lobsters. Enjoy nightly entertainment in their lounge which also offers a carefully curated menu of happy hour appetizers and craft cocktails. Reservations are recommended.

The trademarks of Tampa's popular Capital Grille are its refined interior with Frank Lloyd Wright inspired decor, top-notch service, and of course, spectacular steaks. Beef is dry-aged on the premises so quality is well-controlled. And while the Kona-crusted sirloin and Delmonico are sublime, the Steak au Poivre with Courvoisier Cream is a true show-stealer. Other choices include broiled lobster, grilled swordfish, and seared salmon with mustard sauce. As with many high-end steakhouses, entrees are served a la carte. The wine list ups the ante with more than 350 choices from Europe, South America and the US picked by Master Sommelier George Miliotes.

A rich, welcoming environment of wood, leather, and subdued lighting greets visitors to this upscale establishment. Along with great ambiance, people enjoy the selection of impeccably-prepared steaks and chops. Each steak is seasoned only with kosher salt and black pepper before being broiled at 1600 degrees. The New York strip is fantastic (try it with Bearnaise sauce!), but the Australian lamb chops, and veal or pork chops also elicit rave reviews. Main courses are served a la carte with sizable steakhouse-favorite sides sold separately including a delicious lobster macaroni and cheese. Fleming's is also well known for their by-the-glass "Flemings 100" awarding-winning wine list.

Bern's Steak House is one of Tampa's best-known restaurants. Family-owned since opening in 1956, this venerable steak house is legendary for its impeccable service, top-quality dishes, and incredible attention to detail. Guests rave about the aged, charcoal-grilled steaks, which are ordered according to weight and thickness. Each comes as a complete meal with salad/soup and sides, so bring your appetite. Many of the restaurant's delicious organic vegetables are locally grown on the Bern's farm and vegetarian dishes are also available. The wine list is astounding and represents one of the largest private wine collections in the world. After dinner, head to the Harry Waugh room for decadent desserts, after-dinner drinks and dancing. Jacket and tie are encouraged, and reservations are strongly recommended to avoid disappointment.