On Swann is a trendy new American restaurant located on Swann Avenue in Hyde Park Village that supplies local foodies with a broad range of sophisticated meals. Opening this past summer, the restaurant prides itself on having locally and thoughtfully sourced foods and a seasonal menu, both of these being reasons why its become such a popular spot for dinner in Tampa.

The restaurant is a unique addition to Tampa as there are not many others like it. It carries a mix between a contemporary and organic vibe to it, hosting many farm-to-table food options while also maintaining a modern ambiance. The farm-to-table movement is one that has become increasingly popular lately, and can be described as the drive for restaurants to have as much knowledge as possible about their ingredients and obtain their foods from places that are humane and, preferably, local.

Inside, there are long community tables, which can be useful for events or birthday dinners with large parties, as well as separate corners, and a stylish seating area for those waiting to get a table. The formality of the restaurant is flexible, you can either dress up or dress down and both are fine. Exposed air vents on the ceiling aid in the trendy style and large windows open up the space and allow one to see a view of Hyde Park Village, though currently obstructed by construction.

On Swann’s popularity is evident as soon as you walk in, as shown by the hustle and bustle of the waiters and the large crowds. As it is a newer type of dining in the Tampa area, it has attracted a lot of interested customers. Making a reservation is recommended, but another easy way to avoid the wait is to sit in their small outdoor dining area. While one could be concerned about the Florida heat, they have fans set up to cool down the area. Their outside is also pet friendly, so feel free to bring your dog!

Providing everything from small appetizers and cheese platers to chicken and steaks, the menu is diverse but might be too sophisticated for someone with basic tastes. The farm-to-table idea can be seen through the menu as all meals are described in detail. If you are looking for anything simple, this is not the restaurant for you. On Swann’s meals are very intricate and contain many unique and flavorful ingredients that are not usually found at just any restaurant, making it the perfect place for a foodie or someone interested in food consciousness, but not a good place for someone looking for a quick or plain bite. The prices are also high for their entree section, but their appetizers and other items are still big enough to be a meal and are not as expensive. Recommended items are the Hot Chicken, a spicy fried chicken, and the Burger, complete with delicious french fries.

The friendly staff also is a plus to On Swann. Waiters are nice and always open to recommend any foods they particularly like or explain what an item on the menu is if you are not a food expert.