I recently had the chance to experience the new seasonal tasting menu at Lilac at The Tampa EDITION, and I can confidently say it was one of the best dinners I’ve had in Tampa. The Michelin-starred Mediterranean restaurant, led by renowned Chef John Fraser, has introduced a new menu highlighting fresh Florida seafood, European-inspired flavors and incredible attention to detail.
The six-course tasting experience ($225 per person) starts with a selection of canapés and the most amazing warm milk bread served with butter and herb-infused olive oil. I am still dreaming of this combo. From the intimate green dining room to the open kitchen where you can watch the chefs in action, the entire experience is so thoughtfully done.
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The new menu features dishes like Snapper Crudo, Truffle Tajarin with hand-cut pasta, Diver Scallops with pine nut risotto and a tableside seafood bouillabaisse. While every course was phenomenal, my standouts were the warm milk bread (I cannot emphasize this enough), truffle pasta (one of the best pasta dishes I’ve ever had) and scallops (cheesy, nutty, citrusy perfection).
I also loved how accommodating the team was with dietary preferences. As a pescatarian, I enjoyed a customized tasting experience, and note that a fully vegetarian menu is available too. The wine and cocktail pairings were equally incredible, and Lilac has introduced a new sparkling wine cart featuring cocktails inspired by France, Spain and Greece.
What really made this dinner so memorable, beyond the amazing food, was the service. The entire staff was so welcoming, knowledgeable and attentive, and every little detail felt intentional. I loved learning about each dish, watching the chefs work in the open kitchen and enjoying the experience of a multi-course dinner.
It’s rare that I leave a dinner genuinely impressed by every single course, but Lilac absolutely delivered. If you have a birthday, anniversary, date night or special occasion coming up, I cannot recommend this experience enough! It’s definitely a splurge, but one that I think is so worth it for an unforgettable night out in Tampa. Make your reservation here
