Oak Ola - Tampa

For appetizers, we tried the burrata toast with pesto, which was a bit on the bland side, as well as the roasted red pepper and eggplant salad topped with goat cheese and carrot—my favorite dish! It was bursting with flavor, and all the elements worked beautifully together. We also had the pork belly, which garnered mixed reviews from the table, and the charred Brussels sprouts, which were fantastic, complemented by a delicious sauce. For our entrees, we sampled the snapper almondine with haricot verts (green beans)—although it was slightly buttery, it was absolutely delicious. The scallops with farro and zucchini were perfectly proportioned, with flavors that harmonized beautifully; I really enjoyed that dish! Additionally, they had a special entrée they were testing for the fall menu: Wild Boar Bolognese served with rigatoni pasta. The flavors in that dish were excellent, though the texture was a bit mealy due to the lean meat—still very tasty, though. To wrap up the evening, we shared several desserts: English toffee cake, goat cheese panna cotta, and chocolate croissant bread pudding. All were delightful, but my favorite was the goat cheese panna cotta—it was light, mildly sweet, and the perfect way to end the meal.

As for the food, we ordered the Burrata Toast, Spanish Meatballs, and the 16 oz. Pepper Rubbed Steak. Each dish was delicious and well-seasoned. The portions for the meatballs and steak were quite decent, but I did notice that the burrata came with only two slices of toast, so just a heads-up if you're planning to share with a larger group. I'm not sure if they adjust the serving sizes based on the number of people at the table, but I suspect they don’t. Regardless, we polished off every last bite! We chose to sit outside, and the atmosphere was lovely both indoors and outdoors. On a Friday night, the place wasn’t overly crowded or loud, which was a nice bonus. I would definitely recommend this restaurant to anyone visiting Tampa who is looking for a more upscale dining experience. It’s conveniently located in Armature Works, giving you the opportunity to explore other nearby restaurants and attractions, along with enjoying a stroll along the Riverwalk, which is right outside the restaurant. Parking is convenient, with a large lot adjacent to Armature Works that charges a flat rate of $10 for the evening. It’s worth mentioning that valet parking is also $10, so if you’re opting for the parking lot, you might as well get your car valet-serviced to save time! I’m not sure about street parking rates, but they’re likely cheaper.

Fantastic food with uncomplicated ingredients and inventive combinations. There are some intriguing experiments with fermentation as well. The atmosphere is lovely, and I enjoyed the music too. By the way, the octopus dish is among the best I've had! Food: 5/5

Oak Ola in Tampa exceeded all my expectations! From the moment I stepped in, I was captivated by the chic yet cozy ambiance. The menu is a true culinary masterpiece, offering a creative fusion of flavors that delighted my taste buds. Each dish was a work of art, beautifully presented and bursting with freshness. The staff's attention to detail and genuine passion for their craft shone through in every interaction. I was impressed by their extensive knowledge of the menu and their willingness to accommodate dietary preferences. The carefully curated wine list perfectly complemented the meal. Whether it's a special occasion or a casual outing, Oak Ola provides an exceptional dining experience that lingers long after the last bite. I can't wait to return and explore more of their culinary wonders!

Just a wonderful spot on the river in Tampa. I am familiar with the executive chef from prior locations and nothing here disappoints! Absolutely wonderful spot.