A new dining experience is coming to Tampa. D’Rose Gastrobar, Ybor’s newest addition, will feature small plates and a big emphasis on drinks, blending a casual bar experience with elevated culinary options. Located at 2238 E Seventh Ave, the Latin-inspired D’Rose is perfectly situated in Historic Ybor City, and is expected to open soon.
Owner and head Chef Victor Lopez, who was most recently the Executive Chef at Barcelona Wine Bar, will open D’Rose Gastrobar with executive chef Osyamil Milian. The space will be able to fit roughly 130 guests, featuring a large wraparound bar alongside dining accommodations and outside seating, pending city approval. The interior blends muted undertones and natural elements that complement an already elevated cuisine.
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Ahead of the grand opening, Lopez spoke with That’s So Tampa about what locals can expect from the ambitious and highly anticipated project.
“D’Rose is a modern Latin-inspired gastrobar with Colombian DNA that reimagines what Latino dining can be,” Lopez said. “It’s a place where food, design, music, architecture, and hospitality come together to create an immersive experience—not just a meal.”
Where culture meets heritage
Ybor’s Latin heritage remains at the beating heart of Tampa’s history. As time and industry threaten that sacred status, D’Rose Gastrobar aims to bolster old bones with a fresh perspective.
“For too long, Latino culture has often been represented through stereotypes,” Lopez said. “We want to show another side—one that is sophisticated, artistic, innovative, and world-class without losing its soul. D’Rose is our way of saying that our culture belongs among the finest dining experiences in the world.”
The culinary composition of D’Rose is “deeply personal” for Lopez. Lopez was born in Colombia, and the menu at D’Rose reflects his cultural pride. Inspired by his father and grandfather, who were both woodworkers, Lopez believes that creating with his hands is “an act of love.” He brings that same ethos with him every time he steps foot into the kitchen.
“Our menu is rooted in Colombian cuisine but interpreted through a modern lens,” he said. “Guests will recognize familiar flavors and ingredients, but they’ll experience them in ways they’ve never seen before. We’re taking recipes inspired by our families and traditions and elevating them through technique, presentation, and storytelling. Every plate is designed to spark conversation and emotion. What excites me most is watching people rediscover Colombian cuisine. I want someone who has never tasted our food to leave inspired, and someone who grew up with these flavors to feel proud seeing their culture presented at this level.”
A future Tampa favorite?
Tampa is home to many incredible Latin eateries. But Lopez wants D’Rose Gastrobar to be something more than just a place where yummy food and drink are served. Like a true artist, Lopez believes that food isn’t just for bodily sustenance, but that it encapsulates the moments that make us human.
“Tampa has embraced cultures from around the world,” Lopez said, “and we hope D’Rose becomes another chapter in that story. More than anything, we want to create a place where people celebrate life’s biggest moments, build memories, and feel a sense of belonging. We’re also committed to investing in our community by creating careers, supporting local artists and creators, collaborating with local businesses, and helping elevate Tampa’s culinary scene on a national level.”
While D’Rose Gastrobar does not yet have a specified opening date, Lopez said the team expects the restaurant will open this summer. D’Rose is a personal dream come true, where every plate, drink, the location, and seating are intentional brushstrokes in what could very well be Chef Lopez’s magnum opus.
Follow D’rose Gastrobar on Instagram to keep up with the latest. We’re expecting an opening announcement any day now.
