Uleue: Exotic, indigenous, unique. Set in a more secluded part of the city on a water park overlooking the Hillsborough River, Ulele has a picturesque location. A large, two-story building lined with floor-to-ceiling windows, the restaurant provides the perfect location to watch a colorful setting sun. Following a Native American theme, ingredients are local. Among the exotic fixings are alligator hush puppies and frog legs, however most dishes feature more typical seafood. From the beef selection, the filet mignon and the New York strip loin are great choices, the flank steak, although named one of the specialties, is not worth its size and flavor. Falling mediocre among the flavorful appetizers and main dishes, the desserts offer limited choices, with nothing outstanding. Prices range from $20- $36 for the main dishes.

Osteria Natalina: Although not as well known, Osteria Natalina is one of the best Italian restaurants in Tampa. Owned by an Italian family, everything is homemade, handmade, and fresh. Seafood dishes dominate the menu, however, almost any Italian dish can be cooked up if ordered. Among the best dishes are the hearty-sized lasagna, which comes in a variety of meats, and the gnocchi filled with asiago cheese and covered in pink sauce. Dessert is a must- options range from creamy gelatos, typical tiramisu and the mascarpone limoncello. Due to the relatively small size of this restaurant, it would not make a good choice for a large group of people. Osteria Natalina makes an ideal choice for a group under ten people.

Del Frisco: A recently opened restaurant, Del Frisco, provides a more affordable, varied range of food. A good option for either lunch or dinner, Del Frisco’s menu offers everything; from the best cheesesteak egg rolls, juicy burgers served with tiny adorable ketchup bottles, to a mouthwatering Nutella bread pudding. This restaurant has it all. For guests hoping for a more elevated dish, there are great steak and fish options as well. A two-storied, roomy restaurant, Del Frisco makes a great option for large dinner parties.

Bern’s dessert room: If parents are looking for economic dinner options, Bern’s is not the place. However, as an alternate to a traditional dinner, Bern’s dessert room makes a great option. Having enough room to accommodate large groups, an all dessert grad dinner would be a unique alternative to the typical dinner. With a large menu of options, every guest can find their perfect dessert. Coming in at the top of the list, the macadamia nut ice cream features a just-right chocolate fudge sauce while the trio of lava cakes presents three small cakes with perfect liquid centers and three scoops of Bern’s special ice creams. If people are looking to share, the banana’s foster, prepared right at the table, combines delicious flavors and also provides a good source of entertainment. Unique to the dessert room, tables are partitioned by “barrels” which provide a sense of privacy for each party. Desserts range from $10-$18 (Taste of Bern’s- sample portions of multiple desserts) allowing for an affordable yet classy night.

Ocean Prime: Coming in as one of the best steakhouses in Tampa, Ocean Prime offers great options for both lunch and dinner depending on the desired price range. The large interior easily accommodates parties with many guests, however, oftentimes busy during dinner, reservations are necessary. From the selection of appetizers, the French onion soup ranks the best, being just salty enough to compliment the cheesy Swiss topping. With the five different kinds and size steaks, there are options for the entire family. Sides are served family style, allowing the table to share various choices. If Ocean Prime is the choice of the night, make sure to place an order ahead of time for the decadent dessert: lava cake. It requires advance notice for preparation, so when served, the perfect mix of hot fluffy cake, delicious chocolate sauce and complimentary vanilla ice cream ends the night with satisfaction.