Ulele makes OpenTable’s 100 Best Brunch Restaurants list

exterior of a restaurant along the river. a big Ulele sign is over the front door
Photo courtesy of Ulele

Ulele, located at 1810 N. Highland Ave. along the Tampa Riverwalk, has just been named one of the best brunch spots in the country by OpenTable. This beloved Tampa Heights restaurant earned a spot on OpenTable’s 2025 list of Top 100 Brunch Restaurants, a distinction based on diner reviews and demand metrics.

Although Ulele (pronounced you-lay-lee) does not offer a traditional brunch menu, diners consistently praise it as a top destination for a mid-morning or early-afternoon gathering. Many guests agree that the fresh oysters, beautiful waterfront views, and vibrant atmosphere perfectly capture the spirit of a leisurely brunch outing.

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outdoor dining area at a restaurant. Yellow umbrellas are arranged over tables

Ulele serves up Florida’s freshest ingredients

Located on the Hillsborough River steps from Armature Works, Water Works Park, and the Straz Center for the Performing Arts, the restaurant offers indoor and outdoor waterfront dining. Housed in the restored 1903 Tampa Heights Water Works building, the restaurant also features Ulele Spring Brewery, which serves a selection of house-made craft beers.

Ulele’s menu showcases a fusion of Florida’s freshest ingredients, cooked on a distinctive 10-foot barbacoa grill, delivering intricate flavors and eye-catching presentations. While casual attire is welcome, guests should note that sleeveless shirts on men are not permitted inside the dining rooms.

The restaurant’s connection to Tampa’s history and natural beauty — not to mention its close proximity to Water Works Park — makes it an ideal spot for a relaxed weekend meal. As OpenTable’s latest honors show, Ulele continues to captivate locals and visitors with its unique setting and exceptional food.

Make a reservation online.

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