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Olivia, Yah Mon named two of the most romantic restaurants in America by Yelp

Rendering of a new Italian Restaurant in Tampa

Two Tampa gems were named among the most romantic restaurants in America by Yelp. Those local hubs are Olivia (3601 W. Swann Ave) and Yah Mon (301 W Platt St C). “This is an all-time list of the most romantic places to eat in the United States according to Yelp<‘ write the editors behind the list. “We identified businesses in the restaurants and food categories with a large concentration of reviews mentioning words and phrases such as “romantic,” “date night” and “valentine,” then ranked those spots using a number of factors including the total volume and ratings of reviews mentioning those keywords.”

Acclaimed Chef Chris Ponte, and his wife Michelle, originally named the restaurant after their daughter. You can feel the affection in every single dish served at this Italian treasure. We should note this foodie gem will soon expand with a new restaurant in downtown St. Pete.

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pasta covered in sauce
Tomato bucatini made with amatriciana sauce, pancetta bacon, guanciale and pickled fresnos.

A family-run passion project in Tampa

Nestled in the heart of our vibrant city, this bustling Italian-inspired eatery prides itself on culinary excellence and meticulous attention to detail. From handcrafted pastas, expertly extruded and slowly dried in-house, to creatively reinvented classics, every dish reflects a commitment to quality and innovation. It’s one of the select Tampa restaurants currently featured in the MICHELIN Guide.

While rooted in timeless flavors, the menu surprises and delights with its unique twists. Take, for instance, the mini rigatoni dressed in savory ragù Bolognese and topped with a dollop of herbed ricotta—a delightful departure from the ordinary. Even the pizzas boast inventive combinations, like the enticing blend of truffle honey, smoky speck, and fresh scallions. At this venue, culinary traditions merge seamlessly with contemporary flair, ensuring an unforgettable dining experience for all.

Multiple plates of food on a table
Photo via Yah Mon

The best Caribbean cuisine in the region

Yah Mon has consistently garnered praise as the best Caribbean restaurant in Tampa. Popular dishes include their exceptional Caribbean beef patties, jerk chicken wings, wild caught fried red snapper, and signature ribeye steak. The owners note that a vast majority of items on the menu are gluten-free.

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Vegan options include organic tofu curried in vegetables, and an organic vegetable patty dinner. Save room for dessert because the ultra moist rum cake, and bread pudding.

Their dishes are made with organic products and seasonings, and contain no MSG, artificial preservatives, fillers, hormones, antibiotics, or injections, according to their website. “Meals may take approximately twenty-five to thirty-five minutes to prepare and cook,” write the owners. “Depending on demand, meals can be finished before or after the approximate time…everything is made fresh.”

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