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Local Luxury: Top Six Fine Dining Restaurants in Tampa, Florida

by Sheryl Young (RSS feed) — Apr 10th 2010 8:02AM

As a Tampa resident for over twenty years, I've had the gastronomical pleasure of experiencing these fine dining establishments. Trade those beach shorts for something more cosmopolitan, and come hungry.

Here's my rating scale: $$ - Comparatively Inexpensive. $$$ - More Expensive. $$$$ - Very Expensive. Upscale = dress nice. Chic = dress to kill.

Charley's Steakhouse
(813) 353-9706
4444 West Cypress Street, Tampa, 33607.
Upscale $$$$. Charley's has graced Tampa since 1974 with a quiet, sophisticated ambiance. The service is as upscale as the clothes. Everyone should be waited on like this at least once in their lives. Cozy and elegant, chandelier-decked setting. The specialties are mouth-watering cuts of steak and Surf & Turf.
Rated number 5 out of the Top 10 Steak Restaurants in the U.S. at Prime Top 10, a list of America's Finest USDA Prime Steakhouses & Restaurants.
Reservations not usually needed.

Mitchell's Fish Market
(813) 289-3663
204 Westshore Plaza, Tampa, 33609.
Upscale $$$. Mitchell's is reminiscent of the classy mid-nineteenth and twentieth century 'men only' dining clubs. But women are allowed, of course. All varnished wood and frosted glass with some miniature ships on display. Mitchell's hasn't been in Tampa that long (several years), but it's made a name for itself. The broiled tilapia is succulent, for one. The seafood-many varieties obtained from one coast to the other-is always fresh, never frozen. A relaxed, classy ambiance. Reservations not needed.

Most Romantic Skyscraper Restaurants - Win their Hearts with These

by Sheryl Young (RSS feed) — Feb 12th 2010 9:02AM

Skyscraper restaurants are widely favored for a romantic evening like Valentine's Day, special anniversaries or on a honeymoon. Or, a skyscraper restaurant is a great way to get your first full view of the sights in a once-in-a-lifetime trip to any of these famous cities, even with a whole family.

When it comes to prices we're not talking Denny's. You're going to pay for the view, but these skyscraper restaurants are worth it. Most serve lunch and dinner and some serve breakfast or Sunday brunch. This price scale is based on dinner entrees (main courses):
$ = Reasonable for the View, entrees at $22-$40 per person.
$$ = Expensive, entrees at $30-55 per person.
$$$ = Very Expensive, entrees $55 and up per person.

Eiffel Tower Restaurant, Paris Hotel, Las Vegas, NV. $$
An 11th floor view of the famous Las Vegas Strip, inside this nearly life-size replica of the real Eiffel Tower. Ride the same kind of elevator up as in the real tower, too. French cuisine with accent on seafood and soufflés. (702) 948-6937. Best time for View:Nighttime.

Top of the World, Stratosphere Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, NV. $$
Competing with the Paris, this off-the-Strip hotel restaurant gives a skyscraper view from 800 feet above Las Vegas, and takes 80 minutes to revolve a full 360° circle. Las Vegas Review Journal has named it "Best Gourmet Room" in the past. Its signature dish is Chateaubriand. (702) 380-7777. Best time for View:Daytime.

The Signature Room at the 95th�, John Hancock Building, Chicago, IL. $$
(See a spectacular photo here at the website). A wide choice of popular American cuisine, and classic view of the Magnificent Mile in downtown Chicago. (312) 787-9596. Best time for View: Day or Night.

Sixteen, Trump International Hotel and Tower, Chicago, IL. $$$
Shows Lake Michigan, The Wrigley Building and the Tribune Building often seen in movies. This is a Four-Star rated skyscraper restaurant experience, with a large variety of favorite dishes, with seasonal specials added. (312) 588-8000. Sixteen is closed on Sundays unless it is Valentine's Day weekend. Best time for View: Daytime.