A Tampa Restaurant That Delivers Plates Of Florida’s Culinary Heritage With Stunning Waterfront Views

Ulele (pronounced You-lay-lee) offers a dining experience that goes beyond just a meal.

This native-inspired restaurant celebrates Florida’s rich culinary heritage with dishes crafted from local ingredients.

The striking industrial-meets-elegant atmosphere, complemented by waterfront views of the Hillsborough River, creates a fantastic backdrop for enjoying their innovative menu and house-brewed craft beers.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking for an exceptional dining experience in Tampa, Ulele delivers on all fronts.

Menu Highlights

Seafood Risotto: This is a big standout favorite among diners!

This creamy dish comes perfectly prepared with an assortment of fresh seafood, including succulent scallops that are consistently cooked to perfection—warm, juicy, and never overdone.

The cream corn sauce adds a delightful sweetness that elevates the entire dish.

Charbroiled Oysters: If you’re not a fan of raw oysters, these are a must-try.

Cooked on their impressive 10-foot barbacoa grill, these oysters come with a perfect char and flavorful seasoning that makes them approachable even for seafood skeptics.

Gator Tail: Don’t let the name intimidate you. This Florida specialty is surprisingly delicious.

It’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and somewhat reminiscent of fried calamari.

It’s the perfect conversation starter and a great way to sample a truly local delicacy.

Okra Fries: These crispy, flavorful alternatives to traditional french fries offer a unique twist with just the right amount of acidity.

The thinner pieces can sometimes be a bit overcooked while the thicker pieces can feel a bit chewier (like any kind of fries). But the taste is unique and these offer a delightful accompaniment to any meal.

Wild Game Chili: The venison and wild hog/beef chili is absolutely spectacular. Not something you’ll find on many menus elsewhere.

Rich, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned, it’s worth ordering even if you’re just stopping in for a quick bite.

Decor & Atmosphere

Historic Setting: The restaurant occupies the beautifully renovated City of Tampa Water Works building, which dates back to 1903.

The industrial bones of the building create a unique century-old backdrop that’s both rustic and elegant.

Stunning Views: Floor-to-ceiling windows and doors offer beautiful scenic views of the Hillsborough River and Tampa’s Riverwalk. The natural light floods the space during daytime hours, creating a truly inviting atmosphere.

Outdoor Options: A spacious patio and courtyard area provide ample outdoor seating options.

There’s even an outdoor bar and a grassy area with Adirondack chairs where you can relax with a beer after your meal.

Artistic Touches: Throughout the restaurant you’ll find beautiful stained glass window panels with historical significance (they’ll tell you their story at the end of your meal) and restored statues from the old Fairyland attraction at Lowry Park, adding whimsical charm to the space.

Pricing & Value

Portion Sizes: The dishes at Ulele are pretty generously portioned, with some entrees like the lobster roll even coming as two smaller rolls rather than one large one.

You won’t leave hungry!

Price points: The prices reflect the restaurant’s upscale nature, so this is not the cheapest meal you can get.

But the quality of ingredients like the fresh seafood and locally-sourced produce are what you’d expect at this range of pricing.

Complimentary Extras: Nice touches like bottles of water for the table and complimentary valet parking (when you get your ticket validated) add value to the overall experience.

Special Occasion Worthy: For birthdays and anniversaries, they often provide special treats like boxes of truffles or chocolates at no extra charge. This makes the restaurant an excellent choice for celebrations.

Other Considerations

Reservations Recommended: The restaurant is quite popular and waits can be lengthy without a reservation, especially during peak hours and weekends.

If possible, do try to schedule in advance.

Parking Options: There’s a dedicated lot where parking is free with validation (if you spend $50 or more), and complimentary valet is also available. Street parking is another option if both are full.

Craft Beer Selection: Their house-brewed craft beers are exceptional. These offer unique flavors including fruity options like strawberry that pair well with their food menu.

Dessert Highlights: Don’t skip dessert!

The pineapple upside-down bread pudding, bourbon butter cake, and creative ice cream flavors (like candied bacon maple) are all worth saving room for.

Family Friendly: While the interior does have an upscale feel, the restaurant welcomes families and it even has areas outside where kids can play during private events.

Special Events Space: The restaurant offers spaces for larger gatherings like company parties, with customized buffet options that maintain the same high quality ingredients as their regular menu.

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Ulele
📍 1810 N Highland Ave, Tampa, FL 33602
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