HOTEL REVIEW: MY PUPPY STAYCATION AT HOTEL X TORONTO

Whenever I get the chance to look at the Toronto skyline it becomes ever so apparent to me how much this city is changing. In the last 15-20 years, Toronto has seen a massive boom in new buildings and the truth is the demand for more is still going strong. With the influx of new residents and businesses comes more work opportunities, neighbourhood gentrification and development, and my favourite, more options for cuisine! Toronto has never been a more popular travel destination than it is now. And not just for fellow Canadians, but for international visitors, students, and businesses. In the past three years, Toronto has seen at least a half a dozen hotel openings or redesigns (Broadview, Andore, Bisha, Saint James, and Le Germain all come to mind), but none have been more highly anticipated than the newest and first Canadian Library Hotel Collection property, Hotel X Toronto.

Why was it so highly anticipated you may ask? Well because of the service of course! The Library Hotel Collection group is known for raking in the awards on TripAdvisor – a customer ranked awards system! That means that they are the clear leader in customer ratings for consumer satisfaction, and service – no small feat! In 2017 alone they won 18 TripAdvisor awards including ‘Best Hotel IN THE WORLD’ – an outstanding achievement for their new property in Budapest, the Aria Hotel! So when I heard they were setting up their first Canadian location in Toronto, I had super high expectations.

As you can imagine, when Hotel X Toronto invited to host me for a staycation with my little puppacino and some girlfriends I had to say yes! One of the hardest things about going away for me is having to leave my beloved little fur baby, Ms. Sophie, behind. No matter where I go there isn’t a day that goes by where I am not looking at old photos of her on my phone or showing them to other people I meet. Since she’s a little squishy face French Bulldog I have always been scared to travel with her in the case she faces any breathing issues or heaven forbid becomes a victim to one of those horrific airline news stories *shutter*. Anyways, pushing those thoughts out of my mind, I was excited to have my first ‘away from home’ experience with Ms. Sophie and hang out with my girl gang to boot!


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Upon our arrival to Hotel X Toronto (Krystle and I showed up together in a jam-packed car that must have made us look like we were a travelling caravan that was moving in! Haha!) and checking into our room, Sophie and I immediately noticed why Hotel X is already ranking so high in customer satisfaction. Travelling with your furry friend in tow, I quickly learned, can often be hard especially when it comes to them adjusting and becoming comfortable with their new surroundings. At first, I could tell that Sophie wasn’t sure about what was going on and stayed low to the floor, but both our large One Bedroom Suite and the friendly staff made her feel welcome. It didn’t take long for her to settle in and start running around, dodging furniture comfortably like she owned the place. I could really tell that Hotel X knew a happy fur baby makes for a happy mom and if I was going to enjoy my stay, they needed to make both Sophie’s and my stay as comfortable as possible. Their efforts definitely showed and they scored some much deserved brownie points from me for their addition of dog bowls, distilled bottles of water, and a lovely dog bed in our room.

Once Sophie was settled and I felt comfortable enough to leave her in the room alone, I went to check out the rest of the hotel. The hotel itself is located on seven acres of property right downtown within Exhibition Place. At first, I thought it was kind of a strange location, but it soon became apparent that it was actually quite well positioned. Being across from the Enercare Convention Centre, walking distance to Budweiser stage, BMO Field, Liberty Grande, Medieval Times, and a few minutes from Billy Bishop Airport, Union Station, Liberty Village, Toronto’s downtown core, the ACC (now Scotiabank Arena!), and the Rogers Centre (forever the SkyDome to me) make it a perfect location for people visiting the city. Also, if being close to all those things doesn’t sound convenient enough for you, Hotel X Toronto offers complimentary luxury car service to and from Billy Bishop Airport and Union Station, and outbound car service within a 5 km radius. Yup, you heard me right! That includes Billy Bishop Airport and Toronto Union Station! Did I mention it would be in a BMW X5? Double brownie points there!

After spending a total of two nights and three days at the hotel I feel like both Sophie and I really got to explore the hotel and take full advantage of the experience. Although there are many great things to say about the hotel including their friendly staff and impeccable service, here were some of my favourite features:

Massive Sports Complex - I am putting this feature first because I have never seen anything like it at any hotel I have ever stayed at IN THE WORLD! It was quite INSANE and to put it in any other way would be doing it an injustice. Ten X, Toronto’s newest sports complex is attached to Hotel X Toronto and is a huge feature if you are staying at the hotel. That is because guests are able to access this otherwise members-only facility. The complex itself is massive and houses:

-   4 indoor tennis courts
-   9 squash courts
-   4 fitness studios with classes daily (Technogym’s GroupCycle, Pilates, Group Fitness & Hot Yoga)
-   6,500 sq. ft. fitness centre with brand new state-of-the-art equipment
-   3,000 sq. ft. play centre for children
-   pro shop with a juice bar
-   members lounge and cafe
-   junior sports lounge where you will find a pool table and an awesome basketball arcade game, which you know I had to play!

Yes, it’s as insane as it sounds and since you are a guest of the hotel and are likely travelling from a different city or country you don’t need to worry about lugging your tennis racket or sports equipment with you because they have all of it available to rent at your convenience!

Ready for a tennis match at Ten X Toronto - Picture Credit @SincerelyKn

Large Garden and Outdoor Area - Most of the time I wouldn’t think of this as being an important feature, but since I was travelling with my pup having a safe place for her to run around, play, and do her business was important to me. When we are at home Sophie and I often go for at least one long walk a day and at least ten minutes of that she’s off leash (I want her to gain some independence). I wanted to make sure she was happy and comfortable so having a large outdoor area right on the property made it easy for both of us to step out for fresh air, run around, and enjoy ourselves. Since the area was on hotel grounds it was also well lit at night, gated, clean and felt very safe. I never had to worry about Sophie if she was wandering around off-leash, which I truly appreciated.

‘The Pond’ Rooftop Pool - A huge feature of the hotel is their rooftop pool and although many similar pools have recently opened up in Toronto this one has become quite the hot spot for both hotel guests and resident Torontonians alike. Getting a chair by the pool was sometimes tough especially towards the afternoon, but while the girls and I were staying at the hotel we made sure to get up early and reserve our chairs to ensure we had somewhere to sit. I’m not going to lie we spent most of our staycation hanging poolside both during the day and at night because it was the perfect spot to beat the heat and enjoy a sunset cocktail.

Library Club Lounge - Depending on your booking at Hotel X Toronto, certain rooms like the Library Club Guestroom or a Suite, include access to the Library Club Lounge on the 3rd Floor. During our stay, the girls and I spent a lot of time at the Library Club Lounge because unlike the pool it was dog friendly. Also given how much time we spent there and how much free wine and food we consumed, it definitely would have been worth the extra charge. The girls and I would find ourselves there first thing in the morning for the Continental Breakfast (6:30-10:30 AM) and then again for complimentary Wine & Hors d'oeuvres hour (4:30-7:30 PM) every day with our little fur babies in tow. There is a large patio space (the dogs are not actually allowed inside) with comfortable couches and tables making it a super convenient place to hang out, drink, eat, and get work done if you so choose.

Two Cinemas - That’s right! TWO! One is a smaller (60 person) screening room for a more intimate setting and the other is a full-blown 11,000 sq. ft. cinema (the same as you would find at a major movie theatre)! I was so impressed and blown away by this feature! Imagine being able to watch a movie in the screening room without even having to leave your hotel! Complimentary! See what’s playing at Hotel X Toronto this month -> HERE!

A Nespresso Cafe and a Starbucks - So as you probably already know I love my morning coffee. Having two high-end coffee shops to choose from was the icing on the cake for me. Every morning I would get up, grab a quality coffee and head out with Ms. Sophie for our morning walk around the garden. Not only are there two coffee shops to choose from but each room has a Nespresso machine making it even easier to get your caffeine fix without having to leave the room. Well played Hotel X, well played!

A Photography Gallery - A lot of the photography art you see around the hotel is actually by a Canadian photographer named Neil Dankoff, whose work consists of mainly beautiful landscapes from all over the world. In fact, he was specifically commissioned by Library Hotel Collection to travel the world and create over 800 pieces to be put on display and scattered around the hotel. The best part about this collaboration is that if you see a piece that you like around the hotel you can head down to Kandy Gallery, a 2,200 sq. ft. art gallery showcasing more of Neil Dankoff’s work, and purchase a piece right on the spot!

Sophie and I in the Kandy Gallery - Picture Credit @Dineandfash

If I have one bad thing to say about the hotel it’s that they don’t have any fine dining options… YET. Most of the food we had was in the Library Club Lounge, which was simple buffet style food, at Falcon Bar, which was more bar-bites, and some in-room dining, which in my experience is never that exceptional and I have low expectations for anyways. Since Library Hotel Collection is a well revered hotel group, somewhat comparable to service standards you would expect at The Four Seasons, you would expect to be able to find an elevated dining experience in the hotel. The good news is that the hotel’s lobby bar and restaurant Petros 82 (a Mediterranean style restaurant) is scheduled to open in late 2018 and I have no doubt it will fill my need for elevated cuisine. I expect nothing more than a mouthwatering Mediterranean menu that will delight my senses, and I can’t wait to come back once it opens with a full report!

The girls and I hanging on my room balcony enjoying some rose and in-room dining ! Left to Right @SincerelyKN, @theCuriousCreature, @DineandFash, Me


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EXPLORING THE MILE HIGH CITY! DENVER, COLORADO

Grabbing a Scoop at Little Man Ice Cream!

Grabbing a Scoop at Little Man Ice Cream!

Welcome to Denver! I had the chance to visit the Mile High City this year and have to say I was thoroughly impressed! Denver, the capital city of Colorado, has created quite the name for itself with it's booming craft beer industry, it's amazing outdoor activities, weed dispensaries, and urban development. While in Denver I did come across quite a few fun places and thought I would share them with you here!


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THINGS TO DO IN DENVER COLORADO - LOHI NEIGHBORHOOD

Little Man Ice Cream - The cutest spot to get a delicious scoop of tasty homemade ice cream in Denver! I had the chance to check out Little Man Ice Cream while in Denver and believe me when I say it is a spot not to be missed! Their LOHI location stands within an iconic 28ft tall cream can that brings back vintage American nostalgia. Since opening in 2008 it has become a favourite for locals and visitors alike and their cookies and cream ice cream alone is definitely worth the visit. *Drool*

Root Down -  Denver locals take their brunch very seriously, so it was a little bit of a shock to Andrew and I when we found out how hard it was to get a table. We wandered around LOHI for a while before we were lucky enough to score a table in the bar area of Root Down (after hovering around two people occupying a high top that were paying their bill) and the rest is history. We easily enjoyed a couple hours of bottomless mimosas and brunching at Root Down! The restaurant scene in Denver may be super laid back, but I suggest if you want to enjoy brunch in Denver coming to this place early and hungry because the food is delicious and on weekends it's crazy busy.

Recess Beer Garden - located in Denver’s LOHI neighbourhood, this beer garden and eatery is a fun spot. My cousin who lives in Denver took me here after dinner at Linger to meet up with a bunch of her friends and it was packed. In the last 10 years Colorado has seen a huge boom in craft brewers and if you are a big fan of beer and are looking for a cool place to enjoy casual fare and sample a handful of local Denver breweries on tap - this is it! They also have a large patio area, serve more than just beer, and allow dogs, which to me, a dog lover, is always a bonus!

Enjoying a glass of wine inside Union Station

Enjoying a glass of wine inside Union Station

THINGS TO DO IN DENVER COLORADO - DOWNTOWN DENVER

Union Station - This iconic 100-year-old building has recently undergone renovations and has been elegantly and brilliantly refitted with a modern sensibility while still paying homage to its pioneer spirit! Definitely worth checking out, Denver’s Union Station houses numerous restaurants, cafes, bars, shops and even a hotel - The Crawford Hotel Denver! Every Saturday between May 12 and October 27 you can also enjoy live music, fresh produce, and cooking demos as part of the Union Station Farmers Market curated by Boulder County Farmers Markets.

Denver Union Station Address - 1701 Wynkoop Street Denver, CO 80202

Stoic and Genuine - Although Colorado is located nowhere near an ocean, Stoic and Genuine serves up fresh, sustainable seafood on the daily. I stumbled upon this restaurant in Denver Union Station while spending an afternoon getting some work done there and thoroughly indulged in their happy hour wine and oyster selection. If you are dining alone I definitely recommend snagging a spot along the seafood bar so you can catch all the action in their open-concept kitchen. Although I was eating alone, many people tried to chat with me throughout my meal and I never felt like I was actually solo. As a matter of fact, this spot made me feel like I received a warm Denver welcome from many friendly locals! Yay to good vibes all around!

Milk Market - North America seems to be obsessed with the new food hall concept so it’s no surprise that Denver’s Ballpark Neighbourhood recently opened its doors to the Milk Market - arguably one of the best markets in Denver.  Open daily from 11 am - 3 pm, the Milk Market houses a healthy mix of 16 local vendors ranging from take-away to dine-in restaurants concepts, and is considered a cornerstone of the historic Dairy Block. If you are travelling with a large group or are just an indecisive foodie, head to the Milk Market Denver and feast your eyes on some delicious food and drink options, all conveniently located under one roof.


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At the Red Rocks Amphitheater with Andrew Lovesey and Chris Heywood to see One Republic

At the Red Rocks Amphitheater with Andrew Lovesey and Chris Heywood to see One Republic

THINGS TO DO IN DENVER COLORADO - OUTSKIRTS

Red Rocks Amphitheatre - OMG - this place is a MUST!! I don’t usually go on vacation and grab tickets to a concert but if you are ever in Denver, you need to go see a concert at Red Rocks Amphitheater. Not only are the acoustics amazing and the venue outstanding from a bigger-than-life standpoint, but it is also the only naturally-occurring, acoustically PERFECT amphitheater in the world. Every musician aspires to play on this stage! If you are a huge music lover and want to hear the best acoustics of your life, you gotta check out a concert at Red Rocks!

Denver Botanical Gardens - a beautiful spot to snap some pictures and spend the afternoon, the Denver Botanical Gardens is a lovely spot to spend an afternoon while in Denver. Although it a little bit of a trek from the downtown core, if you are into biospheres and cool outdoor pieces of art you need to check this place out. Tickets are $12.50 for adults and $9 for students and children. They currently have a pixelated sculpture exhibit going on by the artist Mike Whiting called Pixilated. The sculptures remind me of characters in my favourite childhood vintage video games like Mario Brothers and PacMan! Very cool!

Exploring Denver Botanical Gardens

It is definitely safe to say that Denver has not seen the last of me. I had so much fun visiting and feel like I have only scratched the surface. It's a young city, it's a booming city, and it's a creative city. The people are warm, welcoming, and even on the days I was solo, I felt completely safe and had no problems getting around. I must say 3-4 days is not enough as Denver is also known for its amazing outdoor activities. If you want to explore both the city and take advantage of their amazing athletic activities you need at least a week! Although my time there was short, Denver definitely gets my stamp of approval and is DEFINITELY worth adding to your travel bucket list. 


If you have any questions about my trip, have anything to add to my list of things to do in Denver Colorado or want to know more information about restaurants in Denver, feel free to hit me  up in the comment section below!



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MANGIARE A ROMA: A TRAVEL GUIDE FOR FOODIES!

Traveling to Rome - Colosseum - Rome.jpg

* Last updated in Fall of 2023 *

Rome - the heart of Italy, the emperor of pasta, the epicenter of some of the best food in the world. This past September my boyfriend and I did a big Italy trip. Throughout the trip we ate at some pretty amazing restaurants but nowhere came close to the food in Rome. It was literally knockout after knockout and by the end of the trip, it was safe to say that the food in Rome was some of the best meals/restaurants we experience during the entire trip! That is why I am devoting a whole travel blog post to just food in Rome  - cuz man, you gotta try these places if you are traveling to Rome anytime soon.

Just a disclaimer before I begin - prepare to gain weight because the pasta in Rome is the bomb.com. Between my boyfriend and I, we ate 12 pastas within 4 days. If there was truffles on it, i wanted it! If there was a spicy sauce, you bet I was ordering it! Artichokes - don’t get me started! There is no wrong decision when it comes to pasta in Rome - pizza too if I’m being completely honest.

Okay are you ready to eat? Stupid question I know…

ROME FOOD GUIDE

Dinner at Taverna Trilussa in Rome

Taverna Trilussa - I literally died and went to pasta heaven! This place was so amazing! Talk about rustic Italian food, award winning pastas, death by truffle, great patio, mouthwatering fried artichokes, fantastic wine list, and a favourite of both locals and tourist alike. Although these restaurants are in no ranking order, this one definitely deserves to be at the top of my Rome food guide because it’s just that good!

Located in the heart of the Trastevere neighbourhood this place is buzzing with people. The restaurant’s inside is heartwarming with parma ham hanging from the ceiling against a backdrop of rustic wood finishings, while the patio is lined with ivy-covered trellises that give it wonderful evening energy.

Pasta is served in the same silver pans they are cooked it in, a simple presentation that enhances the experience.

Another great thing about this restaurant is that it’s in one of the best neighbourhoods to go out in. So after you finish your meal make sure to walk it off and explore the bars because there are tons of young people/places to party in the area after.

I recommend making a reservation unless you want to eat at 10 PM because otherwise it’s so busy and walk-ins won’t be able to get a table until then. Also since it is very busy expect service to be a little slower than average - definitely worth the wait though and a must when traveling to Rome!

Taverna Trilussa
Via del Politeama, 23/25, 00153 Roma
Tel: (+39) 06 5818918


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Italy food guide - best restaurants in rome - Ristorante le Mani in Pasta

Our grilled whole fish for dinner at Ristorante le Mani in Rome

Ristorante le Mani in Pasta - Always packed, (and for good reason!) Osteria Le Mani in Pasta is an informal yet intimate neighbourhood joint beloved by both local and tourists alike. A reservation at this Trastevere hot spot is definitely recommended so plan ahead (the day before) or be prepared to be turned away from this traditional-style trattoria. Adam and I recently visited the restaurant in September of 2023 following our wedding in Tuscany and it was easily one of the best meals we had while in Rome. They serve exquisite Roman cuisine as well as yummy seafood, meat and pasta dishes from different Italian regions.

We got a table right beside the kitchen window so dinner came with a show! The chefs were very nice and playful and it was obvious that they use the highest quality ingredients and extremely fresh seafood. The portions are quite large and are also great for sharing. Adam and I ended up ordering a fresh artichoke salad, the Amatriciana (tomato and bacon) pasta, grilled whole fish and a bottle of Rosso di Montalcino, and left with no room in our bellies to spare. If I remember correctly, the bill also only came out to €120 (wine included) which, having just come from Croatia - felt like great value compared to the prices we were paying while there.

Osteria Le Mani in Pasta
Via dei Genovesi 37, 00153 Rome
Tel: (+39) 06 581 6017
Call for reservations!

Italy food guide - best restaurants in rome - Ristorante le Mani in Pasta

Amatriciana (tomato and bacon) from Osteria le Mani in Rome

Lunch at Roscioli!

Roscioli - this gourmet grocery store is also home to an amazing restaurant. With a multi functional deli in the front and an unconventional restaurant in the back, this is a great spot to send your taste buds fluttering right to food heaven. With over 300 types of cheese, 150 varieties of cold cuts, and 1000+ bottles of wines to choose from - this place is a great spot to hit up for lunch. We had their burrata and practically fought over a plate of pata negra! Their pastas were also exceptional and their popularity indisputable. You had to wait outside for your table to be ready since the place was so small and packed with people. I would recommend making a reservation for lunch while you are in Rome or at least stopping by to grab a selection of meat, cheese, or at the very least some preserves and spreads to take home with you as the ultimate ‘food from Rome’ souvenir.

Roscioli
Via dei Giubbonari, 21 - 00186 Rome
Tel: (+39) 06 687 5287
Reservations: https://www.salumeriaroscioli.com/en/book-old/

Dinner at Renato e Luisa in Rome

Renato e Luisa - I would go back to this quaint, tucked-away restaurant any day of the week. Located across from Hotel dei Barbieri you would literally walk right past this place if you didn’t know what it was. Tucked down a cobblestone walking street this restaurant is a local gem and a great place to experience where they like to eat food in Rome. The restaurant consists of two small dining rooms with a small open kitchen in the back. Everything is served hot, fresh, and ready to eat! We had some great meat dishes along with some pastas and to be honest they were all really good. They weren’t shy with the truffles and their carbonara was to die for! Although it may lack in appearance, this little restaurant stole my heart from the first bite of food. Don’t even get me started on their desserts! Brava!

Renato e Luisa
Via dei Barbieri, 2500186 Roma, Italy
Tel: (+39) 06 686 9660


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Lunch at Urbana 47!

Urbana 47 - This contemporary eatery offers fresh handmade dishes using high-quality local ingredients. The restaurant itself at first may appear small but as you explore further inside opens up to quite a large room in the back. The modern industrial design is just as memorable as the food and features a lot of steel and wood accents.

We ordered a couple of different pizzas (for a change) and we were not disappointed. A great spot for lunch, we showed up without a reservation and got a table within 10 minutes.

Urbana 47
Via Urbana, 47, 00184 Roma
Tel: (+39) 06 47 884 006
Reservations: thefork.it

Inside Urbana 47

Trattoria Da Teo - This restaurant was recommended to me by a friend who lived in Rome. It is one of their personal favourites and happens to be a family owned and operated restaurants. Even though we had a reservation the restaurant was packed with locals and we had to wait for a table to vacate before we could sit down to order. Although a tad on the salty side, the food was delicious! The restaurant has tables inside but the real experience is to be had out on their ‘patio’. The restaurant is set in a corner of a small cobblestone square making for a quiet intimate setting. It is also only a 15-minute walk from the hip and trendy Trastevere neighborhood making it a great spot to enjoy some local food in Rome before heading out for a late-night of drinking.

Trattoria Da Teo
Piazza dei Ponziani, 7A, 00153 Roma
Tel: (+39) 06 581 8355
Reservations: quandoo.it

MORE PICTURES OF THE FOOD FROM ROME!


I hope you enjoyed this Rome Food guide as much as I enjoyed traveling to Rome! If you have any questions about food in Rome or want to recommend some delicious food from Rome you found (all Rome Foodie are welcome!) while there, feel free to leave them in the comments below!


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COCKTAILS AND GASTRONOMY IN TAMPA

Although you may never of suspected it Tampa has a booming Gastronomy scene. In the last 10 years there has been a lot of development to revitalize downtown Tampa, especially along the Riverwalk, which made its premiere about 2 years ago. Now Tampa has seen a huge growth in their food and entertainment industry with new farm to table restaurants, cocktail bars and upscale dinning experiencing popping up everywhere. With all those options where would one start, you may ask…


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1.     ANISE GLOBAL GASTROBAR - 777 N. Ashley Drive Tampa, FL

Anise is one of downtown Tampa’s trendiest cocktail bars and restaurants. What once started off as a food truck selling Asian-style stinky buns, Anise has become a young professional hotspot for lunch and after work drinks. With killer cocktails and an expanded menu (which still includes those delicious sticky buns they got their start with) the restaurant is always busy for weekend brunch, dinner and lunch during the week. The comfy lounge chairs outside on the patio also make Anise a great place for people-watching as the sun goes down and downtown’s lights along the Riverwalk come up.

2     FLY BAR & RESTAURANT - 202 N. Franklin St. Tampa, FL

This craft cocktail bar pioneered Tampa’s downtown bar scene.  10 years ago when there was nothing going on in downtown Tampa, Fly Bar was the first bar to open its doors and soon after became a legendary hot spot for craft cocktails and live music. What once was a destination bar is now see as the pioneer to Tampa’s downtown revitalization and started the boom of bars and restaurants opening up in the area. With a great global inspired Tapas menu and their rooftop patio/bar weekends at fly get packed with college students and young professionals often pouring out onto the sidewalk patio. Arrive before 9PM Thur – Sat to ensure you can get in without waiting in line.

3.     ULELE - 1810 N. Highland Avenue Tampa, FL

This once public water pump house, situated on the banks of the Hillsborough River and at the North end of the Riverwalk features a menu inspired by Tampa Bay’s early native and Spanish explorers. With seasonal seafood options and a large selection of offerings (including their very own award wining craft beer) Ulele is an absolute local favourite! The restaurant also features a great outdoor patio and beer garden making it a great place to enjoy the sunset or to grab a drink after you bike down the Riverwalk.

4.     HOTEL BAR – 200 N Tampa St Tampa, FL

Tampa’s newest cocktail bar is the sister bar to downtown’s legendary Fly Bar (remember #2?) When the owners opened Hotel Bar 2 months ago they were looking to reinvent hotel cocktails in a modern cocktail bar setting.  With a swanky atmosphere, cool music and late night bites (serving food until 2AM) Friday night at Hotel Bar is the place to be.

5.     OXFORD EXCHANGE - 420 West Kennedy Boulevard Tampa, FL

The Oxford Exchange offers one of the most historic settings in Tampa. Located near the University of Tampa this once upon a time horse stable was redeveloped into what is now the Oxford Exchanged. Inspired by the architecture of the building and English interior design the owners decided to use the space to combine a restaurant, coffee bar, bookstore and home décor shop. Now the Oxford Exchange is a popular place for locals and tourists to pass time drink coffee, eating in their courtyard and perusing through their masterfully selected boutique and bookstore features. Not to mention it’s a great place to snap some photographs!

6.   EDISON FOOD + DRINK LAB - 912 West Kennedy Blvd Tampa, FL

The Edison is one of the most innovative restaurants in Tampa. Chef Jeannie Pierola creates every dish with the intention to push the boundaries of what’s possible in a kitchen. With the help of liquid nitrogen and other unusual cooking techniques her dishes make this restaurant rise to the top when it comes to Tampa’s gastronomy scene. With strong cocktails, an excellent wine list and classic workingman's beer on tap it’s the perfect place to make yourself right at home.

7.     BERN’S STEAK HOUSE – 1208 S Howard Ave Tampa, FL

Bern’s Steak House is truly a Tampa staple. Known for having the largest private wine collection in the world, Bern’s draws every politician, well to do businessmen and movie star that passes through Tampa. Their reputation as the finest steak house in Tampa holds true and many locals will easily put this restaurant on their top 10 list. From their dry ages stakes to their dessert room Bern’s Steak House is a destination within itself and is always packed which is why I recommend making a reservation well in advance.

8.     FRANKLIN MANOR - 912 North Franklin Street Tampa, FL

Franklin Manor is downtown Tampa’s newest venue. With a large outdoor patio featuring a stage for nightly live performances Franklin Manors adds a whole new dimension to the food and entertainment in downtown Tampa. Often filled with young professionals Fraklin Manor is the place to see and be “scene”. Hand crafted cocktails, vibrant live music, delicious bar bites and Taco Tuesday specials (try the oyster taco – it is a delight!!!) this is a place you want to be on a night out.

9.     EDGE - 1207 S. Howard Ave Tampa, FL

The Edge cocktail bar located on the roof of the Epicurean Hotel is completely open to the public. With a view of Tampa’s posh Hyde Park neighbourhood the Edge cocktail bar tends to draw a more affluent crowd that has no qualms paying $11 for a drink. Offering small snacks and drinking accompaniments the Edge rooftop is a place you would go for a pre dinner cocktail or a delicious night cap.

10.      HAVEN - 2208 W. Morrison Ave Tampa, FL

Located just down the street from the Epicurean Hotel, Haven is the sleek contemporary sister restaurant to the famous Bern’s Steak House (remember #7). Having just opened in 2015 Haven is one of the most popular restaurants in Tampa. With an always-delicious modern Mediterranean dinner menu that changes seasonally Haven’s menu focuses on charcuterie, a large selection of cheese (more than 60 types), and a variety of meat options. This upscale date night spot also features an extensive bar selection and is famous for its 300 varieties of bourbon and 40 different wines by the glass. They also have a $2 oyster and $4 cocktail happy hour from 5-7PM Monday to Saturday!

11.     CIRO’S SPEAKEASY & SUPPER CLUB –  2109 Bayshore Boulevard Tampa, FL

Although Ben Afflicts 1920 blockbuster Live By Night was based on Tampa Bay in the 1920s – this speakeasy is the real deal. At Ciro’s Speakeasy you can really get a feel for what it was like during prohibition thanks to their intimate setting, private cocktail booths and well crafter cocktails. This small cocktail bar fills up fast on weekends with a capacity of only 70 patrons so make sure to call ahead for a reservation or you may find yourself left out in the cold, sugar. This small cocktail bar is also password protected and it changes nightly so check their website for info.

12.   DATZ – 2616 S. MacDill Tampa, FL

If a gluttnous boozy breakfast/brunch is what you are after this place is perfect. A very popular spot among locals, Datz is always busy for brunch on weekends. This south Tampa gastropub smokes all of the meat in house and bakes all of their bread nextdoor at their bakery Dough. The family friendly restaurant doesn’t take reservations on weekends however you can go on their website and get on their waitlist via a text app. Make sure to try their monkey bread and eggs barbacoa (a gluten free option), two dishes they are absolutly famous for. Also if you need a little hair of the dog they have many local craft beers on tap and make amazing bloody marys!

13.    COLUMBIA - 801 Old Water St Tampa, FL

Columbia is Florida’s oldest Spanish restaurant! Located in the heart of Ybor City (Tampa Bat’s historic Latin Quarter). Columbia brother restaurant to Ulele (remember #3) has been around since 1905. This family run restaurant expanded over the years from a bar and sandwich shop to a restaurant that now spans the entire block and seats 1,700 people. Columbia, like Bern’s is a major attraction in Tampa Bay and draws politicians, movie stars and big businessman that are passing through. With great menu offerings (like their famous salad and paella) there is no wrong choice. Want a little entertainment with your dinner? Columbia has a flamenco show six nights a week! Olé!!