Walking along the sidewalks of Davis Islands is an odyssey of opulence. Grand mansions, charming modern coastal homes, and Mediterranean-style architecture are ensconced in lavishly green lawns. At any time of the day, friendly locals driving golf carts can be seen heading to the Yacht Club, the beach, or the golf course.
When David P. Davis began his dream of building a self-sufficient city on the islands in 1926, even he may not have foreseen the luxurious living that would result from his efforts. With stunning views across the canal of Tampa, residents are close enough to the city to take advantage of its amenities while still living in their own quiet island setting.
Davis Islands is a highly walkable area, and walking to one of its many fine dining venues is one of the locals’ favorite pastimes. Here is a list of ten of the best restaurants near Davis Islands. Whether you walk, drive, or bike to one, you will not be disappointed.
Oggi Italian
236 E Davis Boulevard, Tampa, FL
Oggi Italian is a small restaurant with authentic and delicious Italian food. Eggplant meatballs, pei mussels, and lasagna siciliano are a few of their savory dishes. A local favorite, Oggi Italian has been the subject of news pieces and magazine articles over the years. One can enjoy a hearty Italian meal paired with wine inside the venue or in their outdoor seating area.
Anchor and Brine
505 Water Street, Tampa, FL
Anchor and Brine features a seafood-forward menu inspired by the waterfront. Anchor serves locally-inspired fresh seafood favorites and craft cocktails. Chef Richard Sandoval creates uniquely exquisite cuisine, such as charred octopus and cavatelli primavera, in this relaxed and refined restaurant. Whether eating inside the elegant dining room or outside on the waterfront terrace, Chef Richard’s delectable cuisine will satisfy any appetite.
Jackson’s Bistro, Bar & Sushi
601 S Harbour Island Boulevard, Tampa, FL
Serving the best in American cuisine, fresh seafood, and sushi, Jackson’s Bistro & Bar is where locals go for exquisite cuisine and wine pairing. Its contemporary atmosphere is upbeat, with excellent views of the water and Tampa Riverwalk from inside the restaurant. This restaurant provides special and private events.
Mise en Place
442 W Grand Central Ave, Tampa, FL
Chef Marty Blitz carefully creates and prepares his Michelini star New American fare inside the highly beloved Mise en Place. Diners can relax in this warm contemporary venue while savoring their favorite dishes, like the cornmeal-crusted oysters with green tomato chutney. Mise also has one of the best wine menus in the area.
Lilac
500 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL
John Fraser is a Michelin-starred chef and California native. He oversees Lilac, a modern Mediterranean restaurant in the heart of Tampa. Lilac's four-course prix fixe menu combines Chef Fraser's Mediterranean cuisine elements with coastal Florida ingredients. Housed in the elegant Edition Hotel, the pendant globes and walnut flooring create an intimate and elegant ambiance. Dishes like duck au poivre and Atlantic swordfish set the tone for luxurious dining.
Koya
807 W Platt Street, Tampa, FL
Koya, a Michelin-star restaurant, features Japanese-style cuisine uniquely prepared with an infusion of Western and Eastern comestible insight. Fresh uni and bluefin tuna are flown from the Toyosu Market each week. Diners are served at an intimate eight-seat counter amid the softly lit, sophisticated black and wood decor. Their beet- and vodka-smoked macaron is just one of the unique dishes on the menu.
Timpano Hyde Park
1610 W Swann Avenue, Tampa, FL
This Hyde Park Village culinary standard has a distinctive atmosphere thanks to its chic remake. The tropical island décor and lush greenery give the room a tropical island feel. While the music adds a youthful vibe to the restaurant, the food is traditional Italian American. Fried calamari and sausage-stuffed mushrooms, both in a savory red sauce, paired with wine or a specialty cocktail, have earned Timpano Hyde Park its Michelin star.
Columbia Restaurant
2117 E 7th Avenue, Tampa, FL
Columbia Restaurant is an impressive Cuban-American cuisine restaurant housed in Florida’s longest-running restaurant buildings. The elegant Spanish-style facade and opulent dining room can accommodate over a thousand guests. Ybor City Devil Crab Croquettes and Scallops Casimiro are just two of the elegant dishes served. Unique cocktails and fine wine add the finishing touches to a sumptuous meal.
Élevage SoHo Kitchen & Bar
1207 South Howard Avenue, Tampa, FL
Nestled in the Epicurean Hotel, Élevage SoHo Kitchen & Bar is a culinary trip around the world. The menu offers both classic American fare and international dishes. Heritage half-chicken, tandoori spiced duck, and smoked pastrami carpaccio are just a few diverse menu options. The modern, chic design exudes a relaxed and sophisticated feel.
Watervue Grille - Downtown Tampa - Harbour Island
700 Harbour Post Drive, Tampa, FL
Seafood freshly caught from Florida waters is the focus of Watervue Grille- Downtown Tampa - Harbour Island. With its massive windows showcasing the view of the Bay and downtown Tampa, diners can enjoy the red chili-rubbed mahi mahi or steamed mussels with a glass of wine. After dinner, a draft-crafted cocktail while watching the sunset over the water can add the finishing touch to an idyllic dining experience.
Seafood freshly caught from Florida waters is the focus of Watervue Grille- Downtown Tampa - Harbour Island. With its massive windows showcasing the view of the Bay and downtown Tampa, diners can enjoy the red chili-rubbed mahi mahi or steamed mussels with a glass of wine. After dinner, a draft-crafted cocktail while watching the sunset over the water can add the finishing touch to an idyllic dining experience.
Davis Islands: Once here, you will never want to leave
Davis Islands has everything you need to live a luxurious and relaxed lifestyle. Its restaurants are just one of the many attractions that keep residents contented and fulfilled. Living near the water provides locals with boating, fishing, and water recreational activities. The Davis Islands Yacht Club hosts regattas where residents participate and enjoy attending.
The community has a laid-back feel, and residents are afforded a happy and healthy lifestyle. It is dog-friendly for those who have furry family members, and there is even a beach, Davis Islands Dog Beach, devoted to families and their dogs. This tight-knit community reaps the benefits of living close to downtown Tampa’s urban amenities while maintaining a more secluded and easy-going island life.
With all the benefits Davis Islands has to offer, it is no wonder people find it a desirable city in which to relocate. If you are ready to make the move to Davis Islands to experience all the luxury and fun, connect with an expert realtor at 360 Realty.
