Reviews of Ulele. (Restaurant) in Tampa (Florida).
1810 N Highland Ave, Tampa, FL 33602, United States
Description
Information of Ulele, Restaurant in Tampa (Florida)
Discover the opening times, the location, contact, popular times, photos and real reviews by internet users.
We still haven't received any review on this business.
Map
Open hours of Ulele
Sunday
11 am–10 pm
Monday
11 am–10 pm
Tuesday
11 am–10 pm
Wednesday
11 am–10 pm
Thursday
11 am–10 pm
Friday
11 am–11 pm
Saturday
11 am–11 pm
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Reviews of Ulele
Alain JesTravels
Some friends invited my wife and I here for dinner on a Friday evening, but we had no idea what to expect. We were pleasantly surprised in so many ways throughout the dinner and we had a great time. I had the opportunity to try so many different interesting meats that I've only heard about before in one dish, the chili. I was able to try boar meat, venison, alligator meat and a few other exotic meats. I was sure how it would taste with so many things in there, but it turned out good. My server recommended having the chili with the jalapeno muffins and I was not disappointed. The gator bites were also pretty good; a little bit crispy but soft without being mushy.
My wife's shrimp dish was really good as well and everyone at the table seemed to have enjoyed their food. I went with my wife and some friends, but this is a pretty good spot for a date or date night. Unfortunately we couldn't sit outside without a reservation, but the sunset we saw from our table was beautiful.
Certainly a great experience overall, from food, service, ambience, and location. With the right planning, someone could have a beautiful water view date at this place.
Sergio Guerrero
Awesome experience for my first time. I loved the food and ambiance. This place had a large indoor sit down area but also had a huge open air campus right by the water. You could come here hundreds of times and experience a new way to enjoy it every time. The food was delicious and well portioned. Drinks and food very decently priced and affordable in my opinion. Would definitely come back anytime I find myself in Tampa again!
Brian K
Amazing restaurant! We went while visiting family and the area is beyond nice and fun. So much to do and all walking distance.
I recommend eating outside so you can enjoy the views. Food was out of this world and no complaints. Chardonnay was great as was my margarita to go! I had the Cobb salad and it was great! A little extra on the dressing but it was wonderful.
Genevieve K
The freshness and uniqueness of the food was great. Service was quick and friendly. The fried okra fingers as an appetizer was a nice surprise, while the Captain's shrimp was bursting with flavor. Blackened redfish with wild rice was fantastic, as well as the roasted chicken with spinach and risotto. Their unusual drink (Ring of Fire) made with fire ant vodka got the taste buds tingling. The pineapple bread pudding with coconut ice cream was to die for. Overall, an interesting sample of unusual yet delicious flavors.
Mike Vandergrift
You don't hear of "native Floridian" food often, nor does it inspire much confidence, but Ulele delivers. The venue itself is beautiful, both indoors and outdoors. The service was top notch, and although our waitress had only been there a few weeks, she was still very knowledgeable and able to answer any questions we had. The brewery on site is a nice touch as well. Most importantly, the food was well seasoned, well cooked, and presented very well. I would have happily went back the next day.
Nav Singh
Amazing experience this evening at Ulele. We’ve been trying to get a reservation at this restaurant for the past couple days while visiting Tampa to no avail. I even questioned the 9k reviews on Apple Maps so had to witness for myself. The hostess couldn’t seat us due to limited availability and mentioned that they had to move everyone inside this evening due to the inclement weather. We decided to take our chances anyway given it was our son’s birthday. We were able to get a seat at the rear counter and our waiter Joe was very hospitable and accommodating. Tables were starting to become available but we were never offered one and hence the four star rating. As for the ambiance and food, it’s definitely worth the visit. Very attentive and prompt service. The food is very flavorful but it’s not your typical healthy choices. I presume people go here for the ambiance and view which we couldn’t experience since it was late. The cocktails are ok and the calamari and oysters were as expected - more like comfort level food rather that exceptional or creative chef inspired - good flavor though. Joe our waiter was exceptional and made us feel comfortable and special so the service is above standard from the staff. The kitchen is very well managed and seems efficient with over two dozen kitchen staff on a Sunday evening. I wish the hostess was more considerate in making sure we had a seat when many became available. Planning to dine here on a busy day then expect to stand or sit at the bar if you don’t have a reservation.
Angie Shin
We came here for lunch with the family. The hostess in the front was great and service was just ok. He wasn't as attentive as the others seemed to be. The food was good but not as good as the last time I had gone a year ago. The charbroiled oysters were less flavorful and more salty this time but good. The Mac and cheese was great. The Gouda grouper and mushroom were also good but since its a similar base only the protein was different and the flavors were similar. I got the lobster roll but wouldn't get it again next time as their wasn't much flavor and it was overcooked. Their house beer was fantastic.
Paul Jerome
First time here. Good atmosphere and very good service. They offer their own craft beers which were good. Had the Pork Shank. It was good but I probably would try something else next time. We also ordered the red fish which was very good as were the alligator hush puppies.
Syrlane Albuquerque
We went to Ulele on Sunday and we had the most perfect lunch. My drink was Ring of Fire, super delicious. We started with fried okra as appetizers, and let me tell you, it was perfect. My main dish was the Florida Pompano "Pallardy" - it is MARVELOUS!! It is a great portion, so make sure you go there when you are hungry. Staff was awesome and the place is so beautiful (we stayed outside). We will go back because Ulele is a keeper!
Brandi Orr
I had my baby shower here, and it couldn't have gone anymore perfectly!! The staff was so great, all our servers were always available and accommodated our every request. They were so nice and very attentive. I didn't speak to the "boss" personally but my fiance said he was bustling around, working very hard. The food was fantastic and the space itself was very lovely. Their menu was clearly marked with all dietary info, it was easy to select vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options. Drinks were delicious, and they make the meanest "mock-tails"! The event coordinator made the whole process simple and detailed. There is a parking lot strictly for the restraunt so you don't have to pay to park if you are a guest.
T CH
So, we wanted to like this place so much more than we did. I think all the positive reviews from our foodie friends set expectations very high. The ambiance was nice—cool, open kitchen feel. We were seated promptly on our reservation time, which was nice. The food, while we’ll-seasoned, had a few key shortcomings. First, the proteins were hot, while the sides on the plate were just room temperature warm. Also, I expected the “crackling” on the pork knuckle I ordered to have a crusty exterior, having had the dish before…it didn’t. The pork itself was juicy and tender. Last, we’ve had better street corn….we found this corn to be seasoned well, but lacking in size and that snappy mouthfeel you expect from fresh corn. We did appreciate the attentiveness of our server, who arranged for us to receive a nice anniversary box of chocs, which was a thoughtful touch. So, while I would recommend this place, I was not blown away.
Nina Golden
The food is absolutely fantastic. The menu is quite varied with something for everyone, from steak to chicken, seafood and vegetarian options, everything was delicious.
The ambiance is cozy and the outdoor areas are comfortable as well.
This is a great place to dine outside with your pup and they will love all the attention too.
Our waitress, Nin, was very sweet, efficient and attentive to detail.
We made mention to one of the managers that we were missing a salad because they came over to check on us and the second he heard it, the salad came out about 1 minute later.
This restaurant delivers what you pay for and you will not be disappointed.
Jaxx Grispo
Service was good. Busy on Sunday dinner rush. Ambiance was great. They have out door seating ,indoor and upstairs seating.
We started with the calamari which was delicious along with the sauce for dipping.
I had the short rib with mashed potatoes. Both delicious, the short rib melted in my mouth and the mashed potatoes were perfect (I don’t normally get mashed potatoes).
My husband got the tommyhawk pork chop which also melted in your mouth.
Dessert we had the maple bacon ice cream. It was good , but probably needed more bacon for flavor as you couldn’t really taste the bacon in the flavor. My husband said the ice cream was perfect.
We can’t wait to go back and try other dishes!
Nandita Gupta
I am extremely impressed with not just the food here but even the service! We were visiting Tampa from the West Coast and really wanted to check out this restaurant for its food. We usually don’t like oysters in fact we dislike them but the manager , Curtis who was serving us highly recommended them and they were absolutely fabulous!❤️ we also came in really late but we were so touched with the hospitality and with how welcome they made us feel! They didn’t rush at all in fact made sure we were able to enjoy our whole meal. This didn’t know it was definitely our highlight of the visit in Tampa!
Kevin Jackson
This place was excellent. Great mixed drinks, great food and fantastic service. The chefs and the entire kitchen deserved a stand ovation. we went with a party of 8 and everyone single dish from thr appetizer to the main course was scrumptious! Glad to have this establishment in my city.
Nicole
This place is stellar! The food here was all great, but the seafood risotto was fantastic! The other notable dish was their chili- it was so flavorful! The employees we encountered were very professional. It's in a very cool area so we were also able to walk around for a while after dinner.
carlos leal
The place is amazing. I went with my wife to celebrate our anniversary and i wasn’t disappointed it all. My food was perfectly cooked: The alligator hush puppies for appetizer are fire, the calamari was also good. For the entrees, the seafood risotto was SPECTACULAR and the pork shank was delicious. For the last my server Savanah was super nice and attentive. This place it’s a must in Tampa and definitely is on my top 3 restaurants on the city.
Tee O
Beautiful scenery and delicious food. We were told everyone came for the charbroiled oysters, so we had to try it. It was just okay. Didn't really leave an impression on us. But our meal overall was great. My daughter had the seafood risotto and I had the shrimp criollo. Both were very delicious. Will definitely come back.
Kingston Ko
Beautiful restaurant with the food to match! We stopped in for lunch and were quite impressed. Bar and drinks were creative and very tasty. Bar staff was friendly and attentive. Would love to stop back if we are ever in the area again.
Mary Jo Hermiller
We had a wonderful time here. The food was delicious and we had great service. We sat outside and had a great view of the river and park. I had the Water Works Wedge salad. It was unique and delicious. The corn salsa on it gave it just the right touch. The snapper was mild and had great flavor. We will definitely return. There were so many dishes on the menu that I want to try.
Danielle
We went here on a date night and it was great! We had Melissa as our server and she is so sweet and welcoming. She is super knowledgeable about the menu and made recommendations upon request! We got the Fresh from Florida Mojito, Seafood Risotto, Gouda Grouper, and Candied Bacon Maple Ice Cream (which we did not get a picture of because we started eating it too fast). Overall amazing experience, pricey but definitely worth it.
Matt Burnette
We came on a busy night and started off at the bar to wait for our table. Both mine and my dates cocktails had so much flavor. Once we got to our table we ordered some local gulf coast oysters. For my meal I ordered the seafood risotto and my date had the chicken. Both dishes were wonderful as was the service. I will definitely be back again. The restaurant it’s self is very atmospheric and has plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. Perfect for a romantic evening or special occasion.
Mike Galloway
Fantastic food and atmosphere. We liked the open feel and the relaxed vibe. The food came out pretty quick. My Grandson said this place is expensive because the water glasses are so small!
Shweta Nalawade
Went here in a group of 8 people. Great service, beautiful restaurant, flavorful food. The drinks were good as well. We got a bunch of appetizers to share - the gator and shrimp was good. I got the chicken dish. It’s definitely good for sharing if you get a bunch of appetizers to share. Their key lime pie was DELICIOUS. The chocolate torte was good but very rich.
Victoria Bergman
Went there for the first time with my boyfriend and a friend of ours. We made a reservation in advance for 7:30 pm dinner so we didn't have to wait more than 5 minutes before we got seated. Overall, the food was fine for the most part. The alligator hush puppies fell flat for the group overall didn't seem like there was much alligator, mostly hush puppy. Calamari was pretty good, but super salty unfortunately. The stuffed mushroom was good (from what I was told, it was our friend who got it so I didn't try any). Also the crab Mac n cheese was reported to be quite tasty as well. Lastly, the wedge salad that I got was fine, dish was presented nicely, and as far as price goes definitely one of the more budget friendly options for dinner ($12), but probably not something I would order again as it didn't stand out particularly. The main star of the show was the pork shank that my bf got. The meat was super tender, fall off the bone, sauce was divine (sweet, but savory), mashed potatoes were delicious. Only downside to the dish was that my bf said the green beans were a tad on the salty side. Lastly, waiter that took care of us was super friendly and attentive! In summary, I would say if you're looking for a nice outdoor dining scenery/experience (the restaurant had a mirad of fantasy wonderland-esque inspired decor on the outside), then I would say this place would be great to just come in and relax.
Fritz Eichelberger
Great location! Well designed for a date night, large families or just a drink at one of the bars. If you’re from out of town and looking for a place on the river, highly recommend!! Plenty of food and drink options for every. Lovely artwork inside and around the property. Great sunsets!!!
Linda Craig
Visited a friend and decided to go into Tampa for dinner. Started with calamari- cooked just right with a tomato base sauce on the side. My friend had a fish with grouper with a cheese sauce , asparagus; she really liked it. I had a seafood risotto with asparagus (highly recommend it) . Tried a side of Mexican sweet corn - very tasty. And ended with their pineapple bread pudding with a scoop of coconut ice cream (oh my- the best bread pudding I have had - it was sooo good !
Abigail Faith
Great experience, we had a big party and our waitress was extremely patient. Food was just as amazing as the service. I also really enjoyed their ice cream dessert! It’s a gorgeous restaurant from the inside out, we went during a perfect time and the sun was slowly setting.
Rob Greeley
Delicious food, great selection and mid range priced. The staff is very professional and friendly. There is outdoor seating also with fire lamps for colder evenings. The place has a great vibe. One of our menu items (hot entree) was cold when we received it, but we didn't want to make a fuss so we ate it anyhow. We mentioned it to the waiter and the manager came over and comped that specific dish and apologized for it being cold. This is the kind of service that will always have me return again and again. Finally great customer service instead of just a lame apology. Highly recommend.
Mary McDarby-Rios
Always enjoy eating at Ulele. It's more convenient than eating at Armature Works, since it offers table service. The food is always fresh and tasty. It's somewhat pricey, but expected based on the location.
Jimmie Hines
Fantastic food with amazing service!
The place well laid out with seat inside and out. Well decorated and clean. We really appreciated the sun shade before the sunset.
The menu was well written and easy to read. Amazing menu selection offering local inspired dishes.
Our server Rico was great. Allowed us to take our time and relax. Good and drinks were amazing. The restaurant is the best mix of casual and business casual crowd. Family friendly with the ability to accommodate large groups
We can’t wait to go back
Catrina Palmer
Our date night adventure to Ulele was totally unplanned, but we had the BEST time! I really enjoyed the patio and we were blessed with a fantastic sunset. My entree was decadent but the dessert menu seriously blew me away. The dessert wines were the cherry on top! I want to give a special thank you to our sever Mike for being knowledgeable, kind, and so fast! You made our night extra special.
Pam Kelley
My daughter suggested this for my birthday. What we had was good. It was very hot on the lawn even with the big fans so we just did a drink and appetizer. All was fantastic! They have me a birthday card and a box of truffles for my birthday! How sweet!
Tom M
Incredible food selection of interesting recipes. Food quality and quantity were both excellent. 10 of us went together and everyone was happy with their meals. Service from Dan was first class. The building and grounds are park-like with several interesting sculptures and the property is located on Tampa's Riverwalk. A great outing!
Three Eyed Fox
The drink was really good but the oyster shells were not rinsed before serving. I turned the shell over and scraped off a literal layer of mud. But that being said they still tasted good.
The bartender was nice also. So the service was good.
KT LS
This has to be on your list when traveling to Tampa! Eating here was a highlight of my trip! I had the Native Chili and the street corn which were both amazing! James, our server, really made the experience so enriching… telling us the history of the property, about the local artists who contributed to the space, recommending dishes AND even pulled over another staff member to tell us some ghost stories!! What a cool spot with awesome food!
BelovedBQueen Inc
Charbroiled oysters are absolutely delicious and out of this world good! Everything on the menu is good, including their salads and mocktail/non-alcoholic beverage with strawberry and mint. I love sitting outdoors when the weather is nice and the parking lot near Water Works is so convenient. I bring a lot of people here and they love it, as well. The scenery is beautiful, especially in the evenings. It’s a short walk from Armature Works and directly near the Riverwalk.
Christina Price
Tried quite a few appetizers and the mahi mahi. The fried gator tail bites were the best thing we had all night. I didn’t care for the sauce with calamari at all. The rest of the food was good but not great. The mahi mahi was cooked perfectly but over all the dish fell a little flat. I expected better flavors/seasoning considering the price point. Our server was great! Very prompt and checked on us often. I liked the option to pay via QR code on the receipt so we didn’t have to wait for the server to run the cards and come back.
Anil G. Singh
Awesome spot for date night. Food was good and ambiance made it. The okra, and calamari were yummy. The seafood was tasty and well prepared. Service was great, Red, our server was kind and informative.
Elizabeth Lenart
Food was amazing. Mike our server was amazing. We had The Ulele Salad, Gouda Grouper, Mahi Mr. Henry, Key Lime Stack & Pineapple upside down bread pudding. Will definitely be back to try a different meal.
David Webster
The restaurant is so well run. Watching the kitchen is amazing! They work so great together. Erica was our server and she was amazing. We have been here a number of times. I would highly recommend the crab Mac and cheese, Grouper, fresh oysters, and filet. The open kitchen makes it look clean and fun. The oyster bar might be the best seat in the house. Definitely worth 5 stars!!
Jon Martin
Great atmosphere and service! The place is so spacious. The food and beer was pretty
decent; standard issue Florida coastal fare at reasonable prices. We sat outdoors with our dog. The free dog ice cream was a pleasant surprise! Beautiful area overall.
Joshua Rivera
Incredible location just south of Armature Works with a beautiful view of a bend in the Hillsborough river, which is particularly beautiful at sunset 🌅.
The food is excellent and varied with some unique twists on Spanish themed cuisine. They have their own brewery with tasty suds and very nice mocktail options.
It is a more sophisticated culinary experience therefore the prices are higher but well worth it.
Customer service from the hostess to the waiting staff, to bartenders and management is great.
One of the top restaurants in Tampa, in my opinion.
Ashelina Torres
Visited this restaurant over the weekend and was so impressed I had to leave a review! The location is everything, the food and drinks were amazing and we got the best service from April, she was quick and super attentive. 👌 I haven't had a good experience like this in a long time! 🤗 …
david lange
Awesome place, good and ambience is amazing. What I had a hard with was the noise level. You’re constantly having to talk above you normal voice level. My advice would be to sit outside if want a more comfortable talkative night out.
Jason
Went for the first time for a bday dinner. We had a salad, the calamari, seafood risotto, and snapper. We had a gamey cut of fish and they replaced it with another risotto super fast. It was all delicious and it’s so nice to find a place with good customer service. They brought out truffles and a candle for the birthday girl. Really nice touch. Our waitress Sam B was great and friendly and we’ll definitely be back!
Robert Negron
There is a lot to like about this place. Fantastic location, great food and relaxing ambiance. Highly recommended. A delightful lunch in an indoor open air environment. I had the native chili, which boasts having gator, duck, boar and venison, the grilled oysters, Seared Scallops and a Shrimp Po Boy. The star was the chili, it was superb. I detected 4 distinct meat textures. The broiled oysters also met my expectations, a very tasty treat. The scallops were perfectly cooked, well presented and delicious. The lost star is because the Shrimp Po Boy missed the mark. Less batter, more flavor and while I like amoroso rolls, the bread could not hold up, even with 2 large skewers, to the sandwich and was falling apsrt as I ate it. Ulele is a great place to slide into another vibe. Next visit I will delve into a more beefy dish course where Ulele can regain the lost star.
Ryan White
My people have traveled hundreds of miles to witness the miracle of UleleHorse. This magnificent beast, captured in bronze, it's eternal cry resounds a peaceful aura. The food and atmosphere bows to the horse's power. Flavor abounds. Creativity is shown. What was unknown becomes known. Mysteries beyond time, beyond the senses, revealed in one bite.
One does not simply eat a meal at Ulele. You are swallowed whole. With each bite you are enveloped by Ulele's embrace. Once I am reborn, I will return.
Also the burger was perfect with a really nice char. The grouper sandwich with that sauce on the side was excellent. I think next time I try it blackened but fried was delicious.
Allison Newlon, Realtor Greater Tampa Bay
Not my first time here - 9 of us for a Saturday lunch which Ali handled like a pro. The Char-grilled Oysters NEVER disappoint! Also loved the Wedge Salad.
JARED J. WALLEN MD
Always Tasty!! One of our favorite Tampa Spots!
Chargrilled oysters are to die for. Gouda Grouper with green beans and classic grouper sandwich were equally delicious. The ROOT VEGETABLE SUCCOTASH was a delight!! And finally the pineapple upside down cake with home made coconut ice cream was yummy. Expresó and vanilla ice creams equally good!
EVNT PHOTOBOOTH CO Tampa & Pinellas, FL
What a beautiful place to host an event or party. I had the pleasure of providing our Glam Photobooth to an Elopement Celebration in the courtyard area. The staff was so amazing, always on top of everything. The drinks and food were delicious as well as the entire venue from inside to out. Highly recommend checking Ulele out if you are looking for a venue to rent in Tampa that is waterfront with great food & service.
Heather garcia
Food was delicious, some items were a bit salty. However everything was great. Does take a while for the food to come out. The outdoor seating was perfect
Dan & Tracey Vickruck
Really liked this place. Food was very good-liked the bacon/maple ice cream. Our server, Sarah, was outstanding. We sat outside facing the water and the atmosphere was wonderful!
Don’t stop Dancing
The environment itself is what your paying for. I love the scenery. The food is great and fresh. The waiter was helpful and understanding with my parents who have never been there and they enjoyed their meal 10000%.
Natalie A.
Hubby and I came for a date night and it was really nice sitting outside and looking into the field towards the river. The inside of the restaurant seemed very cozy and romantic. We made our reservations through open table and we’re sat down fairly quickly once we arrived. I ordered a glass of Chardonnay and my hubs ordered their house IPA which he said was really yummy. My Chardonnay wasn’t bad but it took me the whole stay to finish it. We ordered gator bites and chargrilled oysters for appetizers. And I got the flank steak and my hubby got the rib eye. I really enjoyed reading the story on the menu and the overall culture of the restaurant. It’s one of the places in Tampa that you have to try at least once and I’m glad I did.
Sandra Lynsdale
I give a 3 stars for the food but 5 stars for atmosphere so I went with an overall 4 stars. The outdoor seating area is beautiful and they have heating lamps. The cocktails were good particularly the mojito as it wasn’t too sweet but I couldn’t taste any liquor, the drink needed to be stronger. The okra fries were the highlight of our meal, everything went downhill from there food wise. The meatloaf I was told was the most popular ordered item but it was so disappointing, it didn’t even taste like real meat and I struggled to finish my meal. The three sisters salad was fresh but lacked any flavor, I could barley taste the dressing. I would suggest coming here for drinks and an appetizer, maybe have a meal elsewhere
Will Abraham
We always love celebrating special occasions or hosting out of town guests at Ulele. The waterfront atmosphere, industrial vibe, and delicious food are a winning combination. This time we tried the braised pork shank and it was amazing. The maple bacon ice cream for dessert takes the whole experience over the top!
Dakota Young
I’m originally from New Orleans and this place gives me the whole vibe! The food, drinks, service and ambiance are perfect! The best part is if you go on a Sunday, after the food you can walk around by the water and hit the market! It’s a really nice experience.
Silvia Ramirez
I go to lots of restaurants and post pictures of my food on social media all the time. Most of the time, the food looks better then it tasted. This is not the case here. Everything I tasted was excellent! I will be coming back. Our waiter Joe was on it the entire time! He is a pleasure! One more thing, the ambiance is so relaxing and kick back. Good for a lazy Sunday. Please come here! You’ll love it!
Blackfoot Abo
I really enjoyed this place, the environment is really inviting. Perfect for a date night, it gives you the white cloth type of dinners without the attire requirement that usually come with those places. I ordered the alligator for an appetizer, that was really great and I think I had salmon for an entree. I really can't remember though but I'm sure it was amazing.
Joe Pezzulich
Excellent restaurant featuring native Floridian cuisine. Reservations recommended. Large wine selection and their own crafted beer. Inside and outdoor dining. Very friendly service.
Linda B
Update 12/21/21: Went with family for the holidays and it was excellent. Loved the food - gator tail apps and charbroiled oysters for for apps, beets & pears salad, snapper, seafood risotto (2) and pork shank - all shared, all so flavorful. Patrick did great getting our changes. We'll be back!
Best dining experience in a long time! Start to finish, valet, host, dining area, view, Ricky our excellent server, drinks, apps, entrees, busing, dessert, all was incredible! Can't wait to go back.
Yuri
Very cool place with a rustic-chic decor and plenty of natural light. The food was overall delicious. I recommend the Captain's shrimp as appetizer.
Tim Bell
Maybe slipping a little bit from what it use to be but still pretty good. The beer list was thin and missing many of their original staple beers. Of our table of four people, two said the food was just okay. We've been coming to Ulele since it opened and I'm hoping exceptional standard returns.
Nicole P
Excellent ! My coworkers and I went for dinner and had a fantastic time. The atmosphere was great and so were the apps, drinks and dessert. We got the Mac n cheese ( better without crab ), oysters, gator tail and the okra fries. The ice cream was delicious! Main entrees were average (Mahi Mahi and short rib). The service was great as well - our waiter was super friendly & helpful.
Kelley
Amazing/fresh food! Great atmosphere- great seating outside and inside. Servers are super nice staff. Highly recommend making a reservation in advance- I ordered the seafood risotto- it was amazing yummy!
Suzy Ekstrom
Great food, the location is fabulous and the Staff are wonderful! The only reason I didn't give 5 stars for the atmosphere is we sat inside and it was so loud! To be fair the restaurant can't control its clientele, and normally I wouldn't mind a loud restaurant at all but I was there for a business meeting. Anyways! The food was fabulous! I had a salad with blackened shrimp and the table got fried carrots and my coworker had the mahi mahi.
Geoffrey Ott
Sooo good. The Ulele burger carries it's name with good reason. The fried leeks and blistered peppers added great flavor along with the house made steak sauce. Delicious. The fries were crispy and well-seasoned as well! Couldn't leave without trying some of the house ice cream... especially when maple and bacon are involved!
Jonathan Durichek
If you have never tried this upscale restaurant, you should definitely check it out next time you are in town or live nearby. The restaurant is right near the river with plenty of walking after your meal.
The story of Ulele is similar to pocahontas, where she saves an englishman for burning at the stake for others wrongdoing. She literally throws her body over the man to save him.
They have killer sunset views on the large spread outdoor seating, which I loved. The atmosphere was peaceful and friendly. The statue of Ulele and the burning fire around it made the story so real. There were also story box scenes around, too, if you look through the pictures.
I decided to live on the wild side and get the chili with an alligator, wildboar, duck, etc. It all tasted like chicken. Lol, jk. You will have to try it yourself when you visit this unique place.
I ended up with the Alaskan goude grouper fish with wild rice. It was amazing. I highly recommend this dish. The sautéed vegetables were not cooked all the way, so they brought amazing mashed potatoes out instead to make up for it.
For dessert, I had flourless chocolate with strawberry sauce that was sweet and salty to had more flavor to the mouth watering chocolate.
There is so much to do here and see.
I would highly recommend this restaurant anytime.
Jordan Pierre
Very nice atmosphere and professional wait staff. The food is good, relatively unique, and not outrageously expensive. Nice place for a Sunday brunch with friends.
Dee Roberts
This restaurant was on my, must visit list. We had a group of 4 and reservations for an early dinner on Wednesday night.
Ulele is uniquely decorated and the water views are a plus. Our waitress was friendly and I excitedly ordered an Alligator appetizer. All I can say is salty. The pieces were thicker, I wanted it to be amazing, however it was so salty it hurt my lips.
I ordered the Snapper, it said pan seared , when I asked I was told blackened so I went with it. The fish was a bit crunchy, overcooked in spots and so incredibly salty it was hard to eat. The rice wasn't very warm and I was disappointed. I can say my side of spinach was delightful.
My coworker told me he thought the alligator was very salty to, it wasn't just me and that his chicken was very salty also. Maybe the cook accidently over salted or whomever prepped the spices for the night doubled the salt. I did drink lots of water, so much we needed two carafes.
The service was great, the food needs to be edible. I boxed mine so I wouldn't offend our partner who thought I would love this restaurant. I just said I was full. I did toss the meal in a trash receptacle, I just couldn't eat it.
For the price it really wasn't worth it. I wish it had been.
Renee “Renee B” Bertschinger
We have been to Ulele's many times. This time we were celebrating an 80th birthday. We had a great table by the window over looking the water. The resturant was fairly crowded and the noise level moderately high. Both the food and service were excellent, which has been consistently true everything we visit.
D C
What an amazing restaurant on an amazing walk. Curtis our bartender, was knowledgeable, pleasant and an expert at crafting drinks and pairing wines. MUST HAVE- Charbroiled Oysters! Best I have ever had. Not chewy one bit. Get here today for one of the nest meals you may ever have.
Joshua Davis
What a wonderful experience we had tonight. Jordan was an absolute pleasure as a server. Started with the hush puppies, charbroiled oyster, crab Mac n Cheese, corn muffins and the captains shrimp. Had the seafood risotto, Native loaded chili, and the pork chop for entrees. We finished with the bread pudding. Everything we tasted was absolutely wonderful. Great experience all in all. Would go again and again.
Tamie C
We didn't have a reservation but were able to grab some seats at a bar area where we could watch the cooking since they were fully booked. We started with the Jalapeño Corn Beer muffins (This was my husband's favorite part), and the Captain's Shrimp, which my daughter and I loved. Great flavor. I had the meatloaf, mashed potatoes and green beans. My daughter had the Crab Mac n cheese. My husband had the grilled Ribeye steak sandwich and Betty got the Three Sisters stuffed Potobello. For dessert we had the Maple-Bacon Ice cream and the Espresso chocolate swirl ice cream. Everything had great flavor. The staff was nice and on top of everything.
Wayna Taylor
Had lunch here while visiting Tampa and loved everything about this place- the location, ambience, staff (hostesses and our waiter Rico), and of course the food!
The restaurant is located on Tampa Riverwalk. The interior including the restrooms is nice and clean and the out side seating is relaxing and offers a nice scenery. I absolutely loved the okra fries, barbacoa shrimp, and the key lime pie! My friends had the ribeye steak sandwich and crab Mac and cheese and loved it as well. I had a little taste of the crab Mac and cheese and it was pretty good. I also had the side salad which looked very good but was just okay compared to the flavors of the other food. I had a native summer cocktail without the simple syrup and it was quite refreshing.
I would definitely go back!
Michael C.
5-stars
My wife, son, daughter, and I stopped by Ulele’s for lunch today. My wife and I had previously gone to Ulele and had a very poor experience. Today, we had a fantastic time.
Today, even though they were busy, we were seated immediately (no wait) upstairs closest to the balcony and windows.
Our food was really good. We had the Captain’s Shrimp and the jalapeño cornbread muffins for appetizers. My wife and I had the fire roasted chicken with spinach and risotto and the meatloaf with seasonal veggies (green beans) and spinach respectively. My kiddos had rhe fire roasted chicken and steak sandwich with fries. My wife and I also each a cocktail. Our total bill was ~$167 after a 20% tip.
The decor is beautiful. I included pictures of the outdoor sculptures and the painted glass windows hanging on the wall over the kitchen entrance.
The managers, James and Michael, are friendly and helpful. Our waitress,Tabatha, was excellent.
During my first visit to the restaurant with my wife we had a real negative experience. We arrived at the restaurant when it opened at 11am and we’re the first guests seated. We were seated at a 2-person table at the very back of what is the sitting area (very close to the bathroom and bar). I asked to be seated further into the main part of the restaurant, but the host told us no. I spoke to the manager, who was great, didn’t understand why weren’t reseated, and offered to reseat us. We declined because, as I told the manager, we thought it would be awkward to remain and dine there that day. He committed to talking to his staff. Obviously we returned and we really enjoyed our second experience.
Again, 5-stars and we’ll be back.
Lauren Perez
Ulele and our waiter Josiahs made for an exceptional experience! Josiah is very knowledgeable with a very warm and genuine care for the customer. His hospitality he provides is something you can’t teach, and he’s got it! The food was to DIE FOR! Also for dessert I highly recommend trying the Candied bacon ice cream… Who knew??!? It was absolutely delicious along with everything else we had! Highly recommend the restaurant, the food and our waiter!
Amy CLE
We drove nearly 2 hours to have the meatloaf featured on 'The best thing I ever ate'.. The meatloaf was sliced thin which was not what we saw on the show. It was a shame that we couldn't enjoy the meats allegedly in that meatloaf because it was so thin and then put on the BBQ; ribeye, brisket, and filet. See photo.
The Seafood risotto was quite good as was oysters on the half shell and corn flake crusted iced cream. Really so disappointed in that meatloaf.
Eric Johnson
Wonderful food and a great atmosphere. This was our first time in Tampa and we ended up visiting for lunch and after all of our other restaurant experiences, we ended up getting a dinner reservation for our last night. The food was delicious and very family friendly. Our toddler loved the food and they provided ways to keep kids entertained.
Chris Cook
Incredible menu. Great views and atmosphere. Friendly, knowledgeable staff. Menu changes periodically. Had seafood risotto and a Pompano in beurre bkanc sauce. The Native chili has alligator, wild boar, duck, and venison...yum!
4898 Inc
Overall, what a stunning place, exceptional ambiance, service, beer, and location. I highly recommended a visit and I’ll be back again and again…
I really want to give Ulele 5 stars but the food… the food is just missing the mark. Don’t get me wrong, the food is good, really good but therein lies the rub, at their price point it needs to be better than “good”. Some examples I’m taking about are the: native chili; while over all pretty good it was over seasoned with chili powder and not allowed to fully simmer out leaving you with a vary harsh taste. The charbroiled oysters: Way over cooked, I assume they are using a Salamander to cook them, and the air-fuel mixture seems off leaving you with that “gas” after taste. The risotto just needed a few more minutes of cook time. On the other hand, the calamari was fantastic and the scallops were spectacular, smack your mama good. Everything else at Ulele’s is 5 stars, the service, the ambiance, the cleanliness, and the beer. They have some amazing craft beers.
Chase Jacobsen
Food was crazy. A little higher end but worth it. The ribeye steak sandwich was excellent(could tell I couldn't wait because I had a bite before the picture). Would definitely come back and try some other dishes. Okra fries were also kinda 🔥.
0GQG0
This restaurant was an unexpected treat. Very nice ambiance. Excellent service including free valet service. High quality tasty food. What more can one desire in a dining experience?
Michelle Balogh
Cool spot for a restaurant with a lot of Instagramable photo spots. Inside the restaurant had a cool vibe and awesome bar with plenty of cocktails and in house made beer options to choose from. Staff was knowledgeable about the food and beer selection. There were two dedicated vegetarian options but not really an option if you are vegan. Overall, food was subpar. I would not come back for a meal but would recommend as a cool spot to get a drink. It was dog friendly though, so that it’s cool!
Jenny McIntosh
Great service and great food!! We really enjoy eating at Ulele. They have a nice spacious outdoor seating area. It’s especially nice with kids since the scenery keeps them occupied. The restaurant is located next to a playground and water park. The food is delicious. Some items can be saltier than others. Service is always good. I would definitely recommend this place for families looking for something to eat after a day of activities in the area.
Larry Underwood
When a place makes its own ketchup, you know it will probably be special… And this was unbelievable. Everything we ordered was perfect… The menu was awesome and our waiter is the best, I highly recommend and can’t wait to go back
Bob Jewell
Great food at an upscale retro restaurant. This place blew me away, literally, when you come to this restaurant, you are greeted by a 6 1/2 foot giant fan. There are 6 fans spread out across their outside dining area, turning the hottest days of summer into a cool place to eat. Our waiter Cameron took great care of us. Knew the menu well, and had good suggestions. My wife got the flank steak and I got the grouper. My wife loved the grouper and I loved the flank steak. The sides of mashed potatoes and green beans or kiwa / rice and greens beans complimented the entrees perfectly. The look and design of this restaurant is so unique and special, located in the center of downtown Tampa. It is worth the cost. To top the evening off, for dessert I had their coffee ice cream, so good I wanted more like eating a coffee float. The coffee had a strong but bold taste. My wife had their coconut ice cream. It was serverd in a coconut shell. The coconut pieces were plentiful and the flavor was just right.
Jasmin Spruill
Food was original and very flavorful. Gator tail was crispy and juicy. the chili was gamey but that was to be expected. Drinks were on point and the view outside was everything a lunch or dinner outside should be. Service was very attentive and informative. We will be back !
Tim Cornely
Went to Ulele for the first time tonight. Had an amazing meal. The building is very cool, open space heavy timber and red brick, very historic. The food was amazing, had the seafood risotto and the pan seared pompano. It was all fantastic and cooked perfectly. Had the key lime stack for dessert, definitely the best key lime I have ever had. Our server Alex was great, very knowledgeable and on the ball. After dinner we walked outside by the river and enjoyed the river walk and gorgeous view of the city skyline at night. Such a beautiful place. We’ll definitely be back again.
Jimmy Productions
When ever your in Tampa, I would highly recommend coming here. The majority of the menu is seafood. I’m not a seafood person so I ordered from the burger menu. The Chargrilled chicken is delicious! Try their ice cream!
Jordan Pellegrino
Made reservations here for my birthday dinner; once arriving we were sat almost immediately. In my reservation note I made a request that we be at a table suitable for someone in the dinner party that was 6’5”, they did fantastic in seating us upstairs so that we were out of the direct line of foot traffic! It really was like the other reviews said, busy but very cozy atmosphere. Austin was our server, and was fantastic! He asked if it was our first time and when we replied yes, gave us the whole history and run down of Ulele as well as what inspired the menu and the features of the restaurant. It was very appreciated! The restaurant sits on/near the only spring in urban Tampa (picture included). We ordered a bottle of wine to drink and gator tail and jalapeño beer corn muffins for appetizers. Entrees ordered included a grouper and scallop special, a steak filet and lump crab meat special, the 1lb crackling pork shank, and the seafood risotto. You guys, every. single. thing. was SOO good. So rich in flavor, perfectly cooked, and small details on each plate were meticulously done. Afterwards we were given dessert menus but were too stuffed to eat anything else. They brought out a thoughtful card and some chocolates for me to take home! Austin was very polite, thoughtful, professional, and attentive (and lemme tell ya we are a needy bunch). Afterwards we wandered outside to look at the Ulele statue, spring, and lawn which was really incredible if you consider all the thought that was put into it. Really all of the details in the restaurant were well thought out (from the tables being made locally to the really cool bathroom stall locks lol). Will absolutely be back again and again and again. 10/10 recommend.
Tyé Grays Real Estate
I was told this was the place to experience and Baby, it definitely is!!! Having just come back from NoLo, the sweet taste of Char-broiled oysters were still on my palette BUT Ulele's Oysters ARE THE BOMB‼️‼️‼️‼️ Sooooo flavorful, soo cheesy sooo garlicky. Pure Perfection!! Hands down THE BEST!!!
Our amazing Server, Christian warned me I was in for a treat, lol, he was right! Chris was attentive, pleasant and professional. A true delight!
Hubs shrimp po boy was also delish. I'm allergic to shrimp soo I can't really say how it taste.
With all their outdoor space, this place just invites you in. I can't wait to return as an official Floridian to partake in all this yumminess lol
Chebrea Clark
This restaurant is so beautiful! There is not one bad item on the menu. I Love the bar and seating options both upstairs and downstairs. I had the Seafood Risotto with a seasonal cocktail.
Dikola Bragg
This is a Tampa treat and treasure! Our server James was perfect. The food was unique, healthy and had amazing flavor. The restaurant embraces the natural spring and being on the riverfront. Loved!
Drew Gentry
Visited during an agriculture conference. Food was insanely delicious. Grilled shrimp, perfect green beans, oysters, charcuterie meats/cheeses, and many more. Staff was outstanding. Views are phenomenal. Didn’t see alligators, which was the only negative!
cskelnik
My husband and I enjoyed a wonderful dinner here. We accidentally stumbled upon this restaurant and what a terrific treat! I had a perfect flank steak with a “jimmy-chiri “, recommended by our fantastic waiter, Luis, accompanied by a wonderfully paired Tempranillo. My husband relished a short rib dinner paired with an in house ipa.
Tracy Miedema
Brogan was awesome as he shared his expertise with us and pairings. The food was excellent and we will be back. We can’t say enough about this place and honestly our terrific waiter Brogan made it.
Kerry Julich
A friend recommended this place to us while visiting Tampa and it did not disappoint! Service was great, ambiance was great, location was great and food was outstanding! Definitely go enjoy and fantastic meal here!
Steve Mark
Had the risotto for an entree. Came with shrimp, Lobster, scallops, and crayfish meat. There were lots of shrimp and scallops. It was served with green beans. It was delicious! Also had the Captain's Shrimp for an appetizer and really enjoyed it! Had a glass of red wine, a red blend which was very good! I am never disappointed at Ulele!
Thelma Kawazoe
I was there with a few friends and one of their parents (they sat at a separate table) for our prom day dinner. We had a wonderful time. Our server, Shanti, was absolutely delightful!!! She was so kind and attentive, and always checked up on us to make sure we were doing okay. She even found someone to close the blinds for us since the sun decided to bake us that day.
The food??? Phenomenal. I got the flank steak and it was the best decision I ever made. There was nothing on my plate that wasn’t seasoned to the gods and my tastebuds very much appreciated it. Plain mashed potatoes? Never heard of her.
jeddmarc diangco
This place is The Vibes. Great food, great atmosphere, great service, clean AF, and feels like a super high end restaurant. Good for family & friends dining and also is a great place for dinner dates. The alligator hush puppies were bigger than how I expected it to be and Tastes fine. The Crab Mac & Cheese by all means was the best appetizer we ordered, 100% bussin. The calamari was great. Our server, Taylor was very sweet and accommodating. She even told us about the Alligator Bites (good for first time alligator meat experience). I recommend using the sauce for Calamari to use with the Alligator bites. The seafood risotto was the bomb. For dessert, we ordered the Bacon Ice Cream, and boy that was legit. Must try.
Danessa Domingo
Ahhh…..Ulele never disappoints. Ever since trying the Seafood Risotto that’s literally all I get so that’s definitely what I would recommend! It’s buttery, tasty, and a decent portion size. It is pricey though (but totally worth it). My husband tried the steak and that was delicious. But there’s nothing like the risotto, in my opinion. We also love the outdoor area because there are huge umbrellas and it’s beautiful! Perfect for our dogs.
Cindy Lou
Love the eclectic decor. Steak was full of flavor. Cocktails were refreshing. Dessert was divine! April was an amazing waitress!
Rachael Jones
The staff....in particular Andrew were spectacular. The ambiance and Native American Theme was new Nd refreshing. The specialty "Froze" melts deliciously in your mouth! Must see and share! Make reservations or be prepared to wait 2 hours.
Ambot Lng Saimo
Don’t come here on weekends for dinner without reservation because it’s always packed. I was here for lunch and the portion was great and customer service is great! I ordered grilled Mahi and a bit dry, when you order this make sure you tell them do not overcook. Other than that, everything is 😊 …
LISA WU
First time visiting with first time meeting girlfriends, it’s awesome experience for the food and nice view ! We all have good time and definitely come back to try another dishes from the menu😊 …
Christian Gin
Very photo friendly place right off the river walk in Tampa. High quality dining area and amazing food/staff. It can get crowded, so a warning is needed to come prepared and make a reservation. Service is mostly good but can be slow depending on the crowd.
Francis S
We arrived straight from the airport and they stored our carry on luggage. Fantastic food, fantastic service, nice views. Our server, Raven, was amazing - friendly and accommodating to our twins fighting over extra onions, extra ketchup etc. Bacon ice cream is a must try!
Tracey Yarlott
Always happy to visit Ulele. Not only for the amazing location, unique and historical/artistic atmosphere, but the food is amazing. I've eaten here many times and I've never been disappointed. On this visit, aside for the deliciously crispy carrot strips, and gator tail, we ordered the Pork Shank entree, as well as the Pork Tomahawk. Delicious as always. Also ordered a really nice Pinot Noir to accompany and it was a perfect match. I will always recommend Ulele as one of my Tampa favorites.
Jerri Allaster
Sunday was a beautiful day so downtown Tampa sounded like a great place to spend it. We went to Armature Works and decided to give Ulele a try. We weren't very hungry so decided on appetizers and a cold drink. We had the Parmesan Baked Oysters and Fried Calamari, both were very good. The atmosphere was festive and everyone appeared to be having a great time. The Wait staff were very accommodating and pleasant. The statues on the ground were well done and the upstairs should be checked out as well. We will be back!
Yuniam Santana
Absolutely spectacular as always!
I have to say that was the BEST meal I’ve ever had. Every time I eat here I’m never disappointed. The service and staff are amazing as well. I had the wedge salad and wow! It was the perfect combination of the salty, with sour and then the sweetness from the corn hitting your taste buds right at the right time. Amazing. That risotto… woah! Outstanding job as always! Thank you!
Beach Bound
Excellent service, great food, great ambiance, slow kitchen. Limited beer selection. Great for date night and a big group. Loud restaurant chatter and not really any music to drown it out. Otherwise, I MUST RECOMMEND the following dish - OMG - sooo good and flavorful. SEAFOOD RISOTTO. It was simply perfection. It is the only dish I have tried and the only one I will continue to order :-). It can get a chilly inside so I prefer the outdoor seating. Besides it has a great view and vibe outside. This is one of the pricier restaurants but it is complimentary to the area.
Jennifer M
Great atmosphere and customer service! My friend booked for the next day on accident and the hostess still accommodated us! Ilias was our waiter and he was very attentive! He went above and beyond for the birthday girl with a gift box full of chocolates and a card with all of the staff's signatures! The food was amazing. Everything we had was astronomical!
Sandy Smith
Food was delicious. Mai Mai cooked perfectly. Service was spot on. Went for out team dinner for work. The only downfall is that is is so loud inside, you struggle to hear anyone talking to you at the table.
The Non Roti Maker
The old is new vibe is right on point at this place. Our server james was very nice and attentive. The dimly lit scene adds to the feel of the place. The food we ordered tasted fresh and mild. They did forget one of our appetizers. Overall i would say its great place to host any major celebrations. The historic vibe of 100 year old building adds to the experience.
Z
Alison you rock; food, you do too. Exquisite food, good vibes and armistice made our fifth wedding anniversary stellar. Our meals were excellent and the oysters were to DIE FOR. Kudos to our chef and server of the night. Thanks for making 14 years together and five married every bit as special.
Julie Blankenship
Traveling in Tampa and this was recommended. I did not disappoint, rustic atmosphere and the food was great. Amazing service!
We quickly realized our table was not big enough for all of the food we ordered, our waiter Jack happily moved us to a bigger booth and brought everything over for us, he was so nice.
Everything we tried was fantastic. Oysters on the half shell, scallops, alligator hush puppies, the grit cakes were so yummy. Beautiful cocktails and the desserts, they key lime AMAZING! I highly recommend.
If you have time, the grounds outside are whimsically decorated and has a fun looking outdoor bar!
blank Blank
We sat at the bar closest to the door. Honestly that was a big mistake. As we ate people kept crowding in and leaning over our food and plates to try and talk to the bartender and order drinks. Someone's baby almost snatched a knife off our plate before the mom noticed and took a step back. People kept using our area as their space to put things down. We had people's trash and drinks right next to our food. (In the 2nd pic you can see someone else's cups next to ours). Calamari was delicious, the crackling pork shank was amazing but it wasn't crackling. Soft all over. The flank steak was rough! We took the coconut ice cream to go because we couldn't sit there anymore with people crowding us. The ice cream was delicious!
Benjamin Rigsby
Summary: it was "fine".
Atmosphere was nice, but a little more casual than I was expecting.
Food was good with good portion sizes. Flavor was hit or miss; some items were excellent while others were just ok.
Chuck L
We have been trying to get to Ulele for the longest time, but you need to reserve a week or two out at the least. I had the tomahawk pork chop and my wife had the grouper. I am typically hesitant on ordering pork at a restaurant, as it is usually over cooked pork jerky, but this tomahawk was superb as was the grouper. We are both on a low carb diet and they were more than happy to accommodate, substituting our rice and potato sides for spinach. We also had the charbroiled oysters which we highly recommend. Our cocktails of choice were dirty martinis and we had 2 each. We will definitely back to try more of their menu!!!
Nicoletta Hanssen
The corn is amazing :) the staff is pretty awesome. Staff gave my pup a huge bowl of water and TWO doggie ice creams. Price is pretty normal. The three sisters salad is a little bland but not bad.
Sheri Edwards
Some friends invited my wife and I here for dinner on a Friday evening, but we had no idea what to expect. We were pleasantly surprised in so many ways throughout the dinner and we had a great time.
Melissa Saez
beautiful spot food was good and drink were great dog friendly... Next time I will ask for the ice cream for my pup, she most definitely enjoyed your fries!
Max Charp
WOW! First stop in Tampa, we went for supper and sit at the oyster bar, we had a great view on the open kitchen. We took the charbroilled oysters, omg so delicious, you will order a second plate I'm 100% sure. We had drinks, appetizers and entrees. Everything was great. But not to mention the friendly waitress, manager and cooks. We felt welcomed and it was nice to discuss a little bit with one the cook in front of us, I really enjoyed my experience 6/5
James McFarland
Visiting from out of town and this was my first visit to Ulele. Overall, the atmosphere was great, the service was excellent and the food was fantastic! Highly recommend and definitely would come back again.
Marek Kucharski
Very pleasant please to visit, great food and service even better. Fish was excellent. Enjoyed dinner with friends
Mike X
Great atmosphere! There's street parking all around. Fried Okra was really good but the Native Saute was pretty bland. Not that it was bad, just really could have used more spices.
Tricia Marcolini
Went for a late lunch. If you are going to have a quiet meal, I would not recommend. Packed with kids and families. The oysters and scallop appetizers were the highlight of the meal. Entrees of red snapper and group sandwich were just ok. Best part of this restaurant is the location, beautiful grounds, and funky decor. Everything else was passable but not amazing.
Sweetness Rima
I had amazing time at Ulele. The Frose was nice. All you need is one maybe two tops to feel nice lol. The Oysters is amazing raw or cooked. My friends made a good choice at surprising me there for my birthday. Oh wait the desert with the ice cream and frosted flakes was to die for.
Mike Trofinoff
Absolutely phenomenal service from the hostess to the waitress to the manager bringing my friend a complimentary box of chocolates for her birthday. The chicken was delicious, and the coconut ice cream was a perfect treat. Thank you for a wonderful dinner.
Jen H.
Good to try. Extensive wine list. Service was so so. Nothing to write home about though. The Jalapeño corn muffins was the best thing.
Nsncy Muggelberg
We wanted to celebrate my niece's promotion and her boyfriend's birthday. Food was excellent. Staff even had these cool cards and little tokens if appreciation for celebrating at Ulele. Was very neat, extra perk.
Weather was picture perfect! Building and grounds beautiful. Great experience.
lizette roberson
Jamie was an awesome outdoor seating bartender. He recommended several dishes for us…always spot on! Loved the grouper and the key lime pie! Delicious! What an awesome experience!
Chenelle Serieux
The food and atmosphere were amazing. Our waiter Adrian was awesome as well. Will definitely be back!
Rachel Munds
We came here to celebrate & it did not disappoint. Quality beers. Tasty & refreshing frose. The ice cream is incredible -def recommend the espresso!
But the fish! Cooked to perfection. We had the red fish & the Mahi Mahi & they were fresh and the sides complemented them perfectly. If you haven't been here, it is a must try.
Wait staff is super friendly and attentive too!
Yvette's Girl
This restaurant is great from several perspectives. There is luxurious seating outdoors complete with bar and views. Several fairy tale figures from Tampa's "Fairyland" circa 1950s are placed throughout the property, which is on Tampa's Riverwalk. The food is fresh and ingredients are from Florida waters and land once home to many Native Americans, including the young princess Ulele. Dishes prepared on the 10' diameter barbacoa grill. Try the Carrot Ribbons as an appetizer!
Kevin Hadden
Some friends invited my wife and I here for dinner on a Friday evening, but we had no idea what to expect. We were pleasantly surprised in so many ways throughout the dinner and we had a great time. I had the opportunity to try so many different interesting meats that I've only heard about before in one dish, the chili. I was able to try boar meat, venison, alligator meat and a few other exotic meats. I was sure how it would taste with so many things in there, but it turned out good. My server recommended having the chili with the jalapeno muffins and I was not disappointed. The gator bites were also pretty good; a little bit crispy but soft without being mushy.
My wife's shrimp dish was really good as well and everyone at the table seemed to have enjoyed their food. I went with my wife and some friends, but this is a pretty good spot for a date or date night. Unfortunately we couldn't sit outside without a reservation, but the sunset we saw from our table was beautiful.
Certainly a great experience overall, from food, service, ambience, and location. With the right planning, someone could have a beautiful water view date at this place.
House work Help
I think the pictures say it all ! Great spot to eat and the atmosphere is wonderful . Shanti was our server she was great and so on point . Parking is on the street by zone (use the parking app ParkMobile) ParkMobile is good for all of Tampa . or use the lot on the opposite side of the street . Inside and outside seating available. Also take a walk on the river walk beautiful views of Tampa.
Kayla Mac Phee
The food was super delicious! We recommend the seafood risotto. Our server was fantastic. Everyone on the staff was so nice. It's a perfect place for birthdays! Everyone said happy birthday and they received a cute card with lots of signatures and a chocolates box. It was such a calm atmosphere, outside was lovely. We definitely will be returning.
Jon Caborn
We came here for lunch and the food and drinks were amazing! They have a great atmosphere inside and outside. If the weather is nice, request a table outdoors. We can't wait to go back and try the dinner menu!
Heather Childs
What an amazing restaurant! We had lunch here & everything was soooo good, fresh ingredients. Amazing staff, ambiance was everything. We had a great experience.
Eric Ealy
What a great dining experience! Awesome service. My gouda grouper was excellent. Highland Rita was superb. My new favorite restaurant in Tampa!
Lori Easterla
Great place that offers indoor and outdoor sitting with a nice view of Tampa Boardwalk along the water. Our waitress provided great service and recommendations. Highly recommend you check this place out.
María Fernanda Mendez
It's an amazing place. Food is just delicious. And the drinks as well. The Crab and mac and cheese is just something that is a must to try and the table plates are just delicious.
Heather Hodges
This was my 1st visit to Ulele, but it definitely will not be my last! The location and the grounds are beautiful- right on the water, and well kept. As a Tampan (ewe), born & bred, I loved the nostalgic touch of the fairyland garden features they saved from the old Fairyland at Lowry Park that I used to play on as a kid.
The wait was about 45 mins around 4pm on Saturday. We decided to pass the time at the outdoor bar. Though the day was hot and humid, they had giant fans pointed in every direction of their patio area which we were so grateful for. The bartender Taylor was as friendly & personable as he could be. The drinks were amazing and full to the brim. We only waited for about 20 mins before our table was ready!
The service is stellar and most of the food was fantastic! The calamari & sea scallops appetizers were both absolutely delicious & perfectly cooked - which is important especially with scallops. My grouper was super tasty and the bechamel sauce was the perfect accoutrement to the seasoned fish & wild rice. My partners lobster roll was perfectly toasted and full of lobster but there was little flavor to the lobster. We realized their garlic aoili that our friend asked for a ramekin of, actually tasted amazing on it though, and the fries too 😋. Definitely worth the money!!!
EJB 3
Probably my favorite restaurant in the downtown Tampa area. A bit upscale and the food is amazing - we’ve been here several times and have tried a few plates but I would highly recommend the Florida Pompano. They have ample seating both inside and outside, along with a walk-up bar outside if you’re just looking to have a drink. Their wedding beer is excellent. This is a popular place (for good reason) so you should make reservations at least a week or two in advance if you don’t want to wait more than an hour for a table.
Ronnie Grosch
I loved this place. Went for lunch. The food was delicious. The grounds and atmosphere are beautiful. The servers are very caring and professional. Ours was Shannon and she was great. We will definitely be going again.
Eric Ellis
On Tampa's Riverwalk
Ulele Restaurant and Brewery serves native-inspired food and spirits from a rich variety of multicultural influences. Open seven days a week.
The food, views, atmosphere and location is perfect.
Ashley Long
Awesome place. Went for lunch
Awesome waitress great food, I had the grouper! Dessert was awash s too the bread pudding
Srisuda Keobangsy
Delicious! Very tender short rib, creamy mashed potatoes and crisp green beans. Seafood Risotto was amazing! Pork shank was tasty.
Jennifer Merkle
Rob was a great waiter tonight for my first time dining at Ulele. His enthusiasm for the history behind the restaurant was infectious. Drinks and food were great. The alligator appetizer was perfectly cooked. I really enjoyed the short rib entree. The green beans were a little crisp for my preference, but otherwise everything was wonderful.
Carlisha Magnarella
We had the best experience at Ulele last night! From the beautiful location to the excellent service and incredible food, it truly was an amazing time. The hushpuppies were incredible and both of our entrees, the grouper and the Mahi were to die for! Not to be missed is the bacon bourbon ice cream... wow! It was so, so good. Brandon was our waiter and gave amazing recommendations for both food and drinks, was helpful, entertaining and so kind. Can't wait to come back here again!
Carlos Millan
One of the top and most original restaurants I have ever been to. Ambiance is simply spectacular. Location is close to downtown with amazing views of the river and park with decoration with classic story tales like the three little pigs. Self parking is free but also Valet is complimentary; which is something I’ve never seen before. We had a minimum wait, which really doesn’t matter in such a beautiful location. Our server, Brandon went above and beyond and made our experience unforgettable by explaining how they’re menu is so special. Food and cocktails were amazing, fresh, full of flavor and original. The kind of menu you cannot experience anywhere else. Toilets were in pristine condition. All in all; one of the best restaurants I’ve ever visited.
Mahmoud ElAwadi
First time here but enjoyed the awesome service and the good food . We ordered oysters , salads , crab Mac & Cheese , seafood orzo , filet steak and desert . Everything tasted good , I wouldn’t say the best but the atmosphere is awesome . Little pricey but you are paying for the experience .
Nick Gunther
Fantastic restaurant, good wait staff, good food. They make their own beer too!! Would come back !!
Kim Smith
If you're interested in dining at Ulele, it's highly recommended to make a reservation.
They offer indoor and outdoor seating. If the weather is nice, and it's not feeling like an oven set to broil, sit outside and watch the sunset while eating a phenomenal meal.
Don't forget the wine, locally brewed beer, and craft cocktails.
The jalapeno corn beer muffins were probably the best cornbread I've ever eaten. Okra fries are not coated in batter. It's okra sliced lengthwise and fried. We ordered the Muenster Chicken, Shrimp and Grits, and Flank Steak. Unfortunately, no pictures were taken of the entrees. They were eagerly anticipated and voraciously devoured.
Sam Phillips
Food was special. The grilled oysters were phenomenal. Pork shank was great. Mahi Mahi was solidly good. The maple bacon ice cream was great. They deserve thier reputation. Happy to recommend this place to anyone
Melissa T
Came to Ulele for a work lunch with 3 colleagues. Server was nice, efficient, and our meals were delicious. I got the grouper (pictured). It's a great place to find locally sourced food.
Adam O.
Very nice place, definitely a staple of the Tampa Bay area! Server was very kind and explained the restaurant's mission with fresh food, their house-brewed beer was very good, and their grouper dish was excellent.
latoya Walker
From the welcoming of the staff to celebrating our anniversary was great. Looking over into the kitchen was amazing, seeing a clean operation of Teamwork delivered
Mobil3g3nocid3
I gotta say for the price it is WELL worth it. First of all are server was extremely nice.
Then I ordered alligator tail.
While we were waiting, I was looking at interior design and it looks very rustic.
The times were also fast getting food.
When I got the alligator tail it also had a nice garnish of kale and spinach.
When I tried the alligator lets just say it was pefectly cooked, well marinated, and the sauce was great.
All in all if your by the riverwalk get a bite to eat here! It's awesome!!
P.S the riverwalk was also really nice looking by the restaurant
Christina Mehriary
The food was simply amazing. The stuffed portobello dish sprinkled with their signature hot sauce enlivened the senses. The textures and flavors, colors and aromas created a symphony. The fresh oysters were tender and flavorful (again with the signature Ulele hot sauce), cocktail sauce, fresh squeezed lemon juice and crisp pita crackers. My husband’s cheese burger was exquisite: ground brisket and other cuts, flame broiled, topped with a thick slice of cheddar, caramelized onions and all the trimmings on a soft, toasted brioche bun aside a hefty serving of delicious seasoned fries. The drinks were perfect, one of their own IPAs, and a fresh, spicy cocktail. And the roasted corn muffins with fresh butter, have to be experienced to understand. Wanted to try the caramel bacon ice cream. Just couldn’t! Next time! Our server, Shanti was sweet and attentive. Made the whole experience very special. We took home a bottle of the hot sauce for 4 bucks, which is a steal! Awesome flavor, not too hot, tiny bits of onion to barely sink your teeth into. And the atmosphere was delightful! The bronzes were both beautiful and meaningful. Paintings, glass fish sculpture, hanging boats, painted brick, exposed ductwork, baseball paraphernalia, sweeping images of the bay through a wall of glass, also revealing a hodge podge of fascinating water craft: a tiki boat, a yellow water bus/ferry, pontoon and jet boats, all coming together to create an extraordinary and captivating environment! The only thing that would have made it perfect would be to have been able to enjoy
the outdoor seating. Will make a reservation next time!!
George Herman
A Tampa treasure. We just had lunch and sat at the bar but we had a great time and great food. Watched the gentleman carefully shuck oysters the whole time we were there...it was great.
Richard Ling
First time going and I definitely enjoyed. Great atmosphere, and beautiful scenery! It's just an overall peaceful and serene feel outside, not to mention the nostalgia from seeing the miniature figures that were once part of Lowry Park Zoo. Inside was just as beautiful, the staff was very friendly and helpful and the food was wonderful. I tried the Ring of Fire mixed drink, a little spicy but good. I would definitely recommend the Gouda Grouper, it was cooked to perfection. I look forward to my next visit to try another item of theirs. Overall, it was a great experience!
Jeanie McAlister
We had an absolutely wonderful dinner and evening. Just a heads up... if you are looking for a quiet evening this is not for you. The dining room is extremely noisy but everything else is great! You could always opt for a table outside. Also, it is a great place to just hang out and walk around.
Julie Eckman
Beautiful bronze statue of Ulele who saved a young Spaniard from being killed in retaliation by the tribe. Lovely pond area with story book characters scattered around. Food was very good, I had the lobster roll, ummm, ummm and the gator hushpuppies. Gator tasted like it area smoked. Definitely need to go for dessert. I had the Key Lime Pie stack, sorta like a deconstructed pie. The other party always gets the maple bacon ice cream, they demolished it.
Carol McGowan
Go or don’t go: yup Go!!! This fabulous restaurant right next to Armature Works and across from the Tampa Riverwalk never ever disappoints!! Hot tip: this is an incredibly busy restaurant and a local favorite so you should make reservations and indicate if you want to sit outside. The service and food are top notch. We always start with the scallops and corn beer jalapeño muffins followed by the blackened mahi entree. The mac & cheese is to die for. Their craft beer on tap and drink menu are on point. The location, however, is easily the biggest attraction. Their outside area is just spectacular and they are quite accommodating about sitting you outside if there is space (which frequently there is not- best to request outside sitting when you reserve). After your meals here you have many options: lounge in their outside area that has plenty of sitting, head over to Armature work, or take a walk on the Riverwalk.
Le-Le Thomas
We had such a great time there last night for my brother's birthday. He's also a chef at the restaurant and they all were so welcoming and sweet to my mom and all of us with him. Thanks to everyone who showered us with love and showing us how much he is appreciated there. Thanks everyone from the bottom of our hearts.
Brianna
Absolutely incredible food, drinks & atmosphere. Came for lunch on a Tuesday and did have to wait for 30 mins so be mindful of large parties even on weekdays. Worth the wait. Our party all ordered fish entrees and seafood appetizers. Everything was fresh and delicious. The drinks are also refreshing and unique. Our server Andrew was knowledgeable & very accommodating. We had 2 babies with us and sometimes servers seem annoyed by that but he was super nice. Between 4 adults we spent about $320 so a splurge for some but very much worth it!! Would highly recommend Ulele!!
Travel Pockets
All the staff here are incredibly professional, courteous and friendly. We love the outdoor space where we ordered a drink and played a few round of corn hole while we waited for a our table.
The food was fantastic and the portions were very generous. You have to order their Bloody Mary, especially o a Sunday brunch, they make a killer one crafted with their in-house Jalapeño Vodka.
Get further details from our blog at Travel Pockets or click the link in our Google Maps profile.
John Cunningham
Service, Atmosphere, and Cost all exceeded expectations. The food was off in that a Risotto dish had to be sent back as it was cold and looked like it was warmed over from the previous day. The chef corrected it deliciously. My companion had short ribs which were tender and tasty. I recommend this restaurant for a fun evening out.
Karen Rogers
Went out to dinner with my sister and her friends. We had a great a at experience. Wonderful food and drinks. Great customer service. Awesome atmosphere. Definitely on my list of places to go when in the Tampa area. A bonus is the story of Ulele... most inspiring.
EV
The service was great and we got a birthday card and chocolates. The bartender made good drinks in the patio too
Roland M
It's one of my favorite places to bring new people too. They never disappoint. We had roasted oysters, of course, and the blacked shrimp, a new favorite, as starters. We then tried the burgers. Everything was amazing, as usual. I can't wait to go again.
Heather Chin
Good eclectic selection. Some of the dishes like the seafood risotto was excellent. But some was tough and salty. Desserts were fantastic! Beautiful place!! Great service!!!
Purpletravelgrrl
Ulele never disappoints! Our server was personable, knew the menu, and took the time to ask questions in order to make thoughtful suggestions. The food was amazing! The seafood risotto, red fish, short ribs and flank steak were favorites of the table. The drinks were on point and the desserts yummy.
Be sure to make a reservation and to use the free valet!
maria alejandra fernandez castejon
Really great food and the service by Sidnie (our amazing waitress )made it even better.
David Saylors
The whole experience was really not five star, more like six! They even treated the wife to chocolates for her birthday and they were amazing! If you can, get Megan, she is awesome!
Darrah Foster
This was a great place to eat with a lively environment and open kitchen! The food was amazing!
Erika N
Ulele didn't disappoint! We had a reservation for four and were seated as soon as we arrived. It's a neat spot with a lovely outdoor seating area as well as indoor dining. Our waiter was fabulous. Attentive, knowledgeable, and funny. Our food was so tasty! Everyone had something different - short rib with potatoes and asparagus; wedge salad with shrimp; crab, lobster claw, and scallops with risotto; and fire roasted chicken with tomatoes and onions, risotto and spinach. All great! The coconut ice cream was heavenly as was the key lime pie stack. If you are in Tampa, make time to visit Ulele.
Felicia Murrell
This place is phenomenal. The food, the grounds, the service were all stellar. I would return here over and over.
Judy York
Food was pretty good. I got a lobster roll. It was good, but not great. My friend got the crab ac and cheese. It was good, but again lacked flavor and needed more sauce. Service was really good as well. Love the ambiance of the place and the outside area is fun for kids.
Diwin Daley
Outstanding ambience and wonderful food. Raven the server was the best part of the evening. Such a beautiful individual and soul. Very knowledgeable about what the restaurant has to offer. She handle our party with the utmost professionalism and grace. We appreciate her for the memories she gave us!
P.S. Please give Raven a BIG FINANCIAL BONUS for representing the establishment will class and honor.
A couple of guests from Minneapolis, Minnesota
Kayla Bush
Food and cocktails were very tasty but it's a little on the pricey side. Very busy, recommend reservations
Bob Ericson
My wife and I had the most wonderful experience at lunch yesterday. Our server Michelle was attentive and had such a pleasant smile. She gave us excellent recommendations for drinks and menu selections. We're so glad we listened because the food was phenomenal! We also got to meet one of the managers on duty named Beau. He stopped by the table early on in our visit to introduce himself, and later on to check on how much we were enjoying everything. We had questions about the water taxi, and he helped us find all of the answers and plan the rest of our day. We mentioned we weren't from the area and he made sure to give us his business card just in case we got lost! What an awesome guy! We'll be sure to visit Ulele again on our next trip to Tampa!
Greg Carlile
I've been to Ulele now at least 10 times and this place never, ever disappoints. If I only have one restaurant to choose from to bring an out-of-town guest for dinner without spending several hundred dollars or more, this is my go-to spot. I've never had a bad meal here and the service is always good. If you're formerly from the Northeast like I am, or just love lobster, their lobster rolls are as good as any that you will find up North. Also, while I rarely ever order oysters, especially raw, the grilled oysters are arguably one of my favorite appetizers that I've had in any restaurant in the Bay area. If you've never been, you gotta check this place out!
Ruslana Studio
Great restaurant for any occasion or just occasional dinner. Close to STRAZ if you go see a show you can walk from and to it. We dined there tonight before the show and walked the Riverwalk on the way back.
Food is delicious and great atmosphere too. Highly recommend ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
ARyan
Food was perfection. Grilled chicken is typically hard to get right but Ulele DID THAT. Chicken was sooo moist and seasoned well. Green beans were crunchyyyy, which I love and you will regret it if you don’t get the crab Mac and cheese! Service was awesome too, with a super cute atmosphere. Will definitely be back
Nathan Patria
A Tampa staple for a nice meal at this point. Ran by the Columbia Restaurant Group.
The atmosphere is a nice upscale casual setting. Due to the open floor plan of the restaurant expect it to be somewhat lively on a weekend night. It isn't so loud that you need to shout to have a conversation. For bar seating, there is both the indoor bar and an outside bar. For actual seating, they offer seating both indoor seating on two floors, rooftop outdoor seating and some tables with umbrella covers outside on the ground floor.
I could rave about the food but saying there is a reason they were just awarded a Michelin Star should suffice. I've never been with children though so I'm unsure how kid friendly the menu is.
Pipin
During the weekends service can be a bit slow but we enjoyed every minute there. The food is still very good and the wine selection and cocktails are great. The risotto is amazing. Our waiter Matthew was excellent. He exceeded our expectations!
Daniel L Williams
Fantastic place to eat at anytime of the day. Take a walk before you arrive on the Tampa river walk. You will love the view and the friendly atmosphere. The service was first class from start to finish.
Olivia Dabrowski
Davonte was without a doubt one of the best waiters I’ve ever had! Incredible food an atmosphere. I highly recommend!!!
Dunia Ortiz
Incredible place! It was such a great dinner!! Service was great, our server Zach was very well informative. Me and my family shared a few appetizers and a few entrees; every single one of them just incredible… All of Zach’s recommendations! Meal cost was surprisingly low for such great quality! It’s now one of my favorite places!
Yari Rafa Perez
The service was phenomenal, the food is the best, delicious desserts, and amazing wines. It's a great experience in general and would recommend it every day!
Teresa Parsons
Went to Ulele for the first time Sept 25th for lunch with some friends. We had April as our server. The food and service were absolutely amazing. If you’ve never been there, I would highly recommend it. Our server was very knowledgeable and on top of making sure our needs were met. The food was fantastic! I was so glad to be able to take home leftovers to eat the next day, extremely tasty. Desserts are a must try too. Between the service, appetizers, entree, dessert and scenery, we left there with the intention to return. Definitely a hidden gem!
The Restaurant Hopper
Ok food, decent environment because its right next to Hillsborough river. Ordered snapper dish, seafood risotto and a kids cheeseburger. The adult meal was alright, price vs taste and portion ratio is off. Risotto and snapper was over salty. I had to request lemon/lime to cut off the salt and bring some acidity to the plate. The cheeseburger came with fries and none of the fries were crispy. However the service was good, hence giving the 3 stars. Would I go again- most likely not!!
Liz Talsky
This place was absolutely INCREDIBLE! Our server was Ricky, and though most servers shy from tables with kids, he did not! He did the opposite he made the kids so happy, and was sure to help with anything we needed. The food was top notch, the service was top notch and we can’t wait to come back!!
Trey R
The food here is great! The ambience is on another level. Don't miss out!
Michael
What an amazing place for celebrating and rejuvenating. We searched for a memorable dining location with refreshing outdoor space with a waterfront experience. We found that and so much more at Ulele. From the inviting grounds, outdoor bar area, beautifully crafted children's entertainment area, the pond teaming with fish and birds to the artfully presented fire pit areas, wonderfully lasting memories were forged on our visit.
The amazing staff was so engaging, inviting, professional and genuine. Everyone we encountered was an absolute delight.
Our server for the evening was above and beyond! Esteban’s attention to detail was first class. He is so knowledgeable and personable. He let us know how special we were by the way he attended to our questions and concerns. It was as if we were blessed with a private concierge for the night. We are so thankful to have connected with him. He is a treasure. We will be back whenever we are in the area.
Michael Simpkins
Fantastic service. The food was even better. You really need to make reservations.
A. Yarde
Earlier in the month, a group of us celebrated my aunt's birthday at Ulele's. Our overall experience was great.
What I regret is not remembering our server's name and taking pictures before digging in. I am big on excellent service, and our waiter did not disappoint.
The food was excellent; from what I recall, I enjoyed the fried alligator tail. This is the second time I've had it. The first time I tried it was on a cruise, and it had too much lemon and was mostly batter.
I also had crab mac and cheese and tasted some of my uncle's calamari. Both were good. My aunt and mom raved about their Maui, Maui.
I usually skip dessert, especially when I have a heavy meal, but I enjoyed the espresso ice cream, and my family enjoyed their pineapple upside-down bread pudding.
Adam Willis
There is a big variety of Florida inspired food. It's all good. Personal favorite is the grouper.
Charbroiled oysters are a delicious appetizer. They also have a good variety of desserts.
Big space but always busy so make reservations. They also have a nice outdoor area too. Highly recommend.
Sharice
The food is amazing. I had the seafood risotto and my husband had the pompano. Soooo good. Our waitress seemed very demure, and a little out of it. The atmosphere is nice but the seating has you pretty close to your neighborhood. Overall really nice experience.
NATHALIA ROGACHESKI
Absolutely amazing experience! This was our first time and we could not be more impressed with everything. The location is so beautiful, we sat inside and the view out was stunning! The food was delicious and super well priced! But, what really made this THE PLACE was our server Red. He was extremely thorough, kind, and knowledgeable. We never had to pour water or look around to get his attention, Red was on point! Definitely will be coming back to sit outside or even just at the bar!
Tom Hunsberger
I just recently moved to the area and I've heard great things about Ulele, so I made a reservation today to stop by for a late lunch and boy am I glad I did. For starters the mojito might have been the best I've ever had. It was delicious. The native chili with gator and wild boar which was a first for me, was incredible and had just the right amount of spice. I had the pineapple upside down bread pudding for dessert on recommendation of the waitress who was incredible and she hit it out of the park with both items she recommended. It was all delicious and came out pretty fast too. I'd give it more stars if I could.
Leslie Christenson
We made reservations and the moment we arrived they sat us. The food and service were fabulous. We will return.
Sarah Alexander
Book your reservations well in advance. This place is busy for a reason. Amazing views and atmosphere with delicious food. Wide variety of original cocktails and home made brews. Muenster chicken was the best we tried, but all were great. Key lime pie was so so good. Loved everything about this place and will go back real soon.
Gaoying Xiong
Dear Ulele,
My family and I ate here on Wednesday, and we really enjoyed the food! It tasted amazing and fresh, and we also loved the appetizers (crab mac and cheese, hush puppies, gator tail, chili). It was our first time because we are from out of state.
The reason I did not rate a 5/5 is because I am disappointed that nowhere was it mentioned that an automatic 20% gratuity tip was already added. The website, menu, receipt, and even our waiter did not mention it. The only reason I know is because the math was not adding up on my bank statements. It was not until after we left the city that we found out, and it was too late to mention it at the restaurant.
The receipt did not include that the restaurant added a tip because it only showed the total of our food, which was $96. I am not implying that servers do not deserve a great tip or a wage because they do deserve it.
However, we feel like it was not honest, fair, or clear that a 20% tip was already added while I added my own tip on the receipt, especially when the bill is a more expensive one.
From now on, Ulele should disclose about the automatic gratuity tip to their customers, and it should be made clear on the receipt and on the menu or verbally.
Scott McAlister
The food was delicious and the service excellent! I had the seafood risotto, which was awesome. Some restaurants skimp on the seafood, but not here. The shrimp & scallops were plentiful. My wife is plant-based. She had the native saute, which she said was very tasty. Her dish came with spinach, which is not listed on the menu. When she told the server that she was allergic to spinach, they remade her dish promptly without it. The place was a little noisy. If you want excellent service and delicious food, you can't go wrong at Ulele. We look forward to our next visit.
Tyler Feeback
Ilias was phenomenal. Best service I’ve ever had. My boy gave me facts and history on some of the dishes and the beer. He went out of his way to help make my moms birthday lunch unforgettable. The drinks and the food were incredible. I highly recommend the maple bacon ice cream, oh it was delicious and I should’ve saved more room to finish it. All three of us gave it a 10/10. Mom really appreciated her little gift.
Br C
This is an amazing date place, the atmosphere is awesome. Remember to make a reservation because the place is so popular it’s always packed!
Megan
This is easily on of my favorite restaurants in Tampa. The oysters are a must every time we go. You should try the baked oysters, they're so good. I usually get the seafood risotto which is never a disappointment. What I'm always most excited for though, is the dessert. They always have a 'flavor of the day'. It's always something that sounds delicious and I get it with a scoop of their vanilla. They make their ice cream in-house so it has its own special quality to it. There's usually a wait when we go so we try to make a reservation if possible.
Frank Gambino
Great restaurant, would 10/10 recommend to anyone in tampa. Though a bit on the pricey side, the meal was great along with the appetizers. I'd recommend the char-grilled oysters, flank steak or seafood risotto.
Steven Concepcion
Ulele is a must experience when in Tampa. We had the short ribs and the filet, and both were excellent. Service was top-notch. Make sure you make your reservations a day in advance.
Mike Palazzolo
Very good experience. Had a reservation, checked in and was greeted by a very friendly hostess. We were seated quickly. Our server was great, very attentive and friendly. Everyone in our group enjoyed their meals and thought the restaurant was excellent. Would highly recommend.
Jennifer Kern
This was my first visit to Ulele and was based on recommendations from friends. Billy was our server. He made excellent suggestions for what to order to eat for lunch. He was attentive to the appropriate degree. The quality of the food, atmosphere and service was excellent. The manager as well was often seen coming to tables and interacted with ours in a genuinely friendly and professional way. I want to return for dinner and try out more selections on the menu. Also, to try the outdoor dining area which is another unique experience to be had there!
adam pasion
Great locally sourced seafood, using native ingredients. Everything from the beer to the ketchup is made in-house and the atmosphere is great with indoor and outdoor dining space
Robert Martinez
Dinner/Anniversary date with my wonderful wife. Great experience for 1st time piña con fuego was eeehhh. Mojito was really good. Food was really good.
Kara Anglin
Food here was delicious! I highly recommend the calamari and charbroiled oysters. Plenty of options to please everyone. Service was also very friendly. We didn’t get to sit outside due to the rain but, it looks like it would be beautiful on a sunny day. I’ll be back if I’m ever in Tampa again.
Mark Benson
This place definitely deserves five stars. The host (older gentleman) that brought us to our table relocated us without us asking when he noticed that the table that we would’ve been sitting next to was being loud. Our server Rico was awesome and checked in frequently. The food was amazing and so were the drinks! We had the grouper and redfish with a few cocktails. Ended the night with some desert. We will definitely come back each time we visit Tampa. Well deserved!
jenn burkhardt
Sat at the bar, had excellent service. Everything I ordered was delicious! Tropical drink menu, but they also have a full liquor bar. The wedge salad was so unique! Definitely the best one I've ever had!! Can't wait to go back again!
Kimberly Jackson
I come from atl and love to eat here. The char broil oysters so delicious, add the rock fella ones on menu like new Orleans
The hostess with the pretty eyes was so kind
Charles Thompson
This place is very chic. My wife and I came for dinner last weekend. I recommend valet parking. It's just steps from the restaurant.
We were seated in a perfect table just above the open kitchen. I was fascinated by the chefs cooking all the food for the restaurant. I've always wondered how they can get everthing to come out at the same time.
Anyway, or waiter was Matt I think. He was a young man who made some great recommendations on food and spirits.
I had the ribyeye whic came with mashed potatoes. It was a bit thinner than I normally see but it was cooked to perfection.
My wife had chicken breasts that were fried in some type of breading then placed over mashed potatoes and finished with a mushroom sauce.
The did was great, the service fantastic, but what really sets this place off the charts is the location.
It is right next to Ulele spring, the river walk, and Armature works. So after dinner, there is plenty to walk around and enjoy. This area is beautiful.
Check it out, you won't be disappointed.
dave davenport
My wife said to give it a five but I thought about giving it a four it's handicap accessible you can get a power wheelchair in there no problem however if you got to go to the bathroom you might need somebody to help you go in and out of the door. You got to remember you are in downtown Tampa and some of the sidewalks aren't exactly handicap friendly especially with all the scooters parked all over the place. But so much for all that the atmosphere is pretty nice and it felt kind of cozy and airy both at the same time which is weird but the place has just an interesting flavor to it that you will enjoy. It's not a quiet intimacy but it sure does smell nice with the open kitchen and the fumes just blowing out into the dining room makes you just want to bite into a good piece of meat
Robert Jones
This entire area is PHENOMENAL!!! Its quite a big restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating. Staff was warm and welcoming. It was a little too dark for my tastes, but I'm getting old man eyes haha. Or waiter was more than willing to make suggestions, and the ones made were on point. Food came out promptly and was DELICIOUS! Definitely worth a visit if you are in the Tampa area.
Paul Greenman
This is a great space and a classy kitchen. I wanted to eat simply, so I just got their cheeseburger, and it was delicious.
I would also strongly recommend their homemade ice cream. The toasted coconut is to die for!
My lunch partner recommended their grilled oysters (apparently one of their specialties.), so that’s going to be what I’ll eat the next time!
Michael Scott
Great beer.🍺 Wonderful oysters. Fantastic location on the water.😳 Plenty of seating both upstairs and downstairs and inside and outside. Giant fans to keep the breeze moving on hot days. Indoor and outdoor bar. 🤩I will say it is always very noisy inside🙉 probably do to the high ceiling and concrete floor.
Plenty of staff. There is never a moment where you can't turn your head and see at least two people bustling about 😳
F Ainsa
Tasty dishes in a fun environment. Located right off the river walk with its beautiful scenery and upbeat energy.
Michelle “Shelley” Grossman
How Wonderful this Experience was🧡 The seared Scallops were Amazing as the Beet & Pear Salad with the Grits Corn Cakes Ohhhh My what Flavors. The Espresso Swirl Ice Cream was Delish!! Our Server Brandon was just The Best Server Ever! Loved all the Works of Art Too! Located along the Hillsborough River🧡💙💚💛❤️ …
BEN
Very good food. Interesting options. $$$
The only thing I would add is I wish they would put a little less salt in some of the entrées.
Nice seafood options. Love gluten free options! Indoor and outdoor seating and both were pleasant.
Tammy Owins
Busy, multilevel, in & outside dining complex on the River. Hour wait late afternoon without reservations but open seating at the bar-make sure you look behind the host stand as the bar extends around the kitchen area. Good local FL dishes, beers & specialty cocktails. Sat at the main bar, had a chicken mushroom dish that was flavorful but was a bad/heavy choice after being out on scorching hot day. Accessible rest areas.
donnadasleben
Still a neat space and very eclectic. Prices elevated but the quality of food and service is stellar. 3rd time sitting upstairs and the ventilation upstairs remains concerning. Once the kitchen gets busy, the fumes and smoke is choking. Clothing smells like they were fried in a skillet. Ask to be seated downstairs. Ulele has outgrown their space but please don't move. Location is first rate and thanks for having your own parking lot.
Jennifer Vasquez
The view was amazing. Delicious food and the waiter was super nice and gave good recommendations. I had the “Captains Shrimp” as well as the “seafood risotto”. The “Native Summer” was nice, refreshing and enjoyable. The food was excellent and to top it off the pineapple upside down bread pudding was delectable and was delicious with the the sauce had a nice hint of rum and went perfectly.
Janet Earls
Great wedge salad in order to enjoy these desserts! Flourless chocolate cake and caramel ice cream eith bacon and cornflakes. De-lish!
Matt Marchese (mrmat127)
Great food and drinks. My table tried all the fish entrees and they were delicious. Drinks were spot on too. My only complaint is that it was a little smokey on the upper level (right above the kitchen) but it wasn't enough to deter from a great meal!
Adriana E
Food is consistently good. Always leave feeling satisfied. Must eat while in the Tampa area
Laura Dunham
Every time I am dazzled by their service. Tonight Floyd tended our table for the special occasion and provided fantastic recommendations that were superb. I continue coming back because love their chargrilled oysters - they’re unmatchably good - the frozé with chambord, and most importantly the staff/service.
J n
This place is fantastic. We were skeptical about the wait (over an hour) and thought it might be a tourist trap. It’s not. The food is excellent. We got the steak, mahi mahi, alligator and two desserts. I will be dreaming about the pineapple upside down cake and coconut ice cream. Don’t skip this place it was a great experience. Oh we also found the prices to be very reasonable compared to similar places.
John Platt
One of the best dining experiences in Tampa. Food was delicious. Devonte our waiter was absolutely one of the best we’ve ever had. Fascinating story behind the name. Interesting trivia related to decor, building, even the tables. Just a great night out with family.
Jonathan Klomp
Great experience.... Food was great, atmosphere was great, beer solid, dessert incredible.... Like seriously incredible. Maple ice cream with bacon, ice cream had a homemade texture, even the slice of bacon and waffle cone garnish.... imaginative as it was delicious. I’m no dessert aficionado, but I do know this.....spectacular. Followed up a great meal with a great walk along the river walk.
sandy
I was not impressed with the crab Mac& cheese! Just my opinion.
The catfish was great& the gator tail.
Awesome atmosphere!
M B
This place is super popular. The menu is impressive, the food was good and the service was excellent. The seafood risotto was amazing. Our service team Jacob and Gavin did a fantastic job. My only recommendation is they carry a bottle IPA (lagunita or goose island) for people who can’t take the bitterness of the in-house IPA. I can’t wait to go back.
Todd Thomas
I stopped in for lunch with some work contacts. The restaurant was open and airy. There is an open yard by the river and outdoor seating. The menu is native as listed. The calamari was the best i have ever tasted and the wedge salad was a unique twist on a classic that is worth getting again. I have to come back for the chili which appears to have many native protein ingredients. 🤔
Robert Mast
Nice fresh high end American food. Generous drinks and standards portion size. Out table had the red fish, the pork chop, the steak and the seafood risotto. Appetizers came in with oysters, alligator, calamari and jalapeño cornbread muffins. Good atmosphere great staff and meets all expectations for newer higher end American south food.
Angela Brunelli
We came for the charbroiled oysters, but we stayed for their bartender, Darius. He was attentive, fun to interact with, and provided us with great recommendations for food, drinks, and local attractions. The views of the water and beautifully maintained landscaping is worth the chance of being caught in the rain sitting at the outdoor bar (however, the chance of getting damp is slim with the overhang). We were delighted with their frozen rosé and LOVED their ice cream so much we took 2 pints to go (candied maple bacon and chocolate espresso!). Darius surprised us with chocolates at the end of our meal and that was truly the cherry on top of the night. Our night at Ulele was one we will never forget!
Kwabena Ansong
Place has a nice tropical oasis setting. Food is also great with multiple options.
RaynJJ Castro
Nice place with good food to start with. We arrived with no reservations, coming from a long walk at the river view and looking like I was run over by a bus but these ladies still treated me with respect and served me well. Already told a lot of friends and will bring my guests here too every time they come. Keep it up Ulele!
Denvir Steele
We have celebrated our engagement, birthdays, and 1 year wedding anniversary at Ulele. It’s always a positive dining experience, the staff goes above and beyond. Excellent atmosphere whether you dine indoors or outdoors. Be sure to take a stroll on the riverwalk after dinner.
Mary O
Incredible place and incredible food! The service was also amazing. James was a great server, made friendly conversation and gave us a lot of history about the place + recommendations of areas to visit. Will definitely come back when I visit next!
Linda Dieguez
We love the restaurant. Our server April was very kind. She was knowledgeable about the menu items and was very attentive. She also educated us on the history of both the building and restaurant. The staff was also very courteous. We will visit again. Great place!
Rebecca Mallari
1st visit and was blown away.. Derek was personable and brought us to our table. April was by far one of the best servers we ever had. Made great recommendations and even though they were busy took her time with our table and was there everytime we needed something. Top that off with great management by Beau you know that this is a well run restaurant. My only complaint is your location. We live in Sarasota and will need to start coming to Tampa every week. The pineapple upside down bread pudding sold us and we will definitely be back and often!
Heather Saylor
Great food, great drinks and amazing service! So pleasantly surprised!
Ken Cooper
SUPERB Experience! The location, atmosphere, service, and the FOOD really do come together as a superb experience. Don’t pass up this wonderful Tampa on the River restaurant experience.
Aaron Salinas
Food, Great
Service, Fair
ordered two wedge salads (lunch) and asked if we could add a protein... Waiter replied, yes of course, any protein can be added... we get the surprising bill.. WOW. waiter then says for the protein add has to be the $45 entree no other way to add protein to salads
:(. 🤷♂️
Liz Centeno
1st time here and I enjoy it. The food was very good, we had outside seating and it qas beautiful though the day was a bit cold. They did offer those heat lamps so it made us a little warmer. I had the grouper fish with veggies... delicious 😋 …
Tyrell
The charbroiled oysters were finger licking good. It was my first experience having them, like why haven’t I tried this sooner! Paired with the alligator pooboy and fish sandwich.
G N
Excellent service with a great view. The food and drinks were amazing too!
kaoutar bensaid
Good location and friendly staff but does it worth the Bib-Gourmand ranking ? I don’t think so. We ordered the Native Chili loaded and The hush puppies for appetizers and Sea Food risottos as main dishes. The appetizers were good but my risotto was cold and not special in terms of flavours. Thanks to the manager that was kind enough to apply a discount for this inconvenience.
Angela Manning
I brought a party of 3 other people to lunch on Monday. Our server Brooke was fabulous, professional and attentive. My issue is with your coffee, it’s like dish water, no taste or aroma. Brooke did brew a fresh pot, but it was still terrible. Also I feel you should offer more vegan food options. These are meant as constructive criticisms.
Megan
Awesome restaurant to check out in Tampa! Ulele has such a great location right by the Tampa riverwalk and we found plenty of parking in their lot across the street. The lunch menu was phenomenal with a good variety of salads, burgers, sandwiches, and seafood! My boyfriend loved their native chili for an appetizer which had a bunch of different meats in it and their alligator hush puppies tasted so fresh! We had the snapper and grouper, which were both very well seasoned and flavorful! Ulele knows what they are doing! I definitely recommend trying this place out if you’re in the area!
sonya barganier
I love this place for guests. It's a perfect way to share the best of the city. The family did this one perfectly. I love the burgers, and the chili is good, too.
Great for a good meal and stroll on the property that is right on the river!
Justin Yoder
We had a wonderful experience. We loved the atmosphere and the food was outstanding. We had supper planned there before a show (Hamilton) at the Straz Center. We suddenly noticed we were a little pinched for time and I asked if I could pay the bill so that as soon as we were done eating we could head out. They came back a minute later and apologized but they dropped our food on the stairs. It was very unfortunate but they made our food again as quickly as they could and comped our bill. I ate most of my pork chop after our show and it was AMAZING despite being cold. The evening wasn't exactly as planned but it's clear this restaurant aspires to make your evening as wonderful as possible. It was our first time there but we will definitely be back.
Danyelle Chisolm
Food was good this time around. I'm not always impressed when we go, but my dad loves this place. Service was Sub par but it may have just been her dry personality... not overly attentive to our party of 8 but we didn't have to go looking for her. Dessert was great!
Vivian Crafa
Not sure this is the same place according to the other reviews. Went to celebrate a family member's birthday. According to the web it was upscale. Said to dress up. The only thing upscale was the prices. Food was good, prices high. Not sure I would do it again. Disappointed!!
Jibril
This is my mother’s favorite place to eat whenever I am in town. Great food and atmosphere!
Jasmine Thomas
It was my first time in Tampa and I couldn’t say enough about this place. Food was amazing and drinks were great! Our waiter was very knowledgeable and gave us awesome recommendations!
Their baked oysters was the best thing on their menu!!!
Tim Whitley
Pro tip: Plan ahead and use the Opentable app to book a a reservation. Wait times can easily be 45+ minutes without one.
Ulele has something for everyone. Wether you have an adventurous palette or just want to try a new take on a traditional dish, this eatery has you covered. Be sure to save room for their delicious desserts and make time to take in the surrounding grounds (corn hole, anyone?). Complementary valet is quick and efficient and there’s a free dedicated surface lot just SW of the restaurant if you’d prefer to park yourself.
Edwin Sutami
I really have a good time here today.. Shout out to my server Lennon. He did go all out in servicing us as to even finding a plastic plate from somewhere for my toddler son.
I was having a late anniversary celebration with my family here and then I ask to order a cake with a happy anniversary written there. He did said that he tried to do it, but unfortunately they can't do it. Nevertheless, the manager even came by to give us a happy anniversary card with sign from all the staff and a box of chocolate to celebrate with us.
Thats a 5 star service right from the beginning.
We also really liked the food. We ordered a scallop appetizer (the best one we had), a grouper dish and a ribeye. They all taste really great even though a bit to salty for our tastebuds.
All in all.. we had a great time there today
Mel G
We had reservations today at noon. I love that they have complimentary valet & their own parking lot. We had lunch with friends today & we were not disappointed. Kenny was our server. I want to request him when we return. He was great!!
Excellent food & service!
Japhat gatura
We ordered the barbacoa shrimp, charred oysters, cornbread muffins, and they were all fantastic. Ulele will be a staple for us for years to come. At the end of our meal, we had the pleasure of meeting the manager Trent who was super kind and professional. Not only is the food amazing but the waitstaff makes the whole experience top-notch.
Mariah Menendez
Our server Matthew was absolutely amazing to say the least! He was very knowledgeable about the menu items and gave the most exceptional service! He made the entire experience phenomenal. I am so excited to come back and dine here and will absolutely be asking for him! Thank you for everything Matthew!
Austin Duncan
Cocktails were amazing, get the mojito! Oysters were the best I've had in FL, alligator hushpuppies were also one of a kind cuisine. The menu is so diverse and fresh and the plating is phenomenal. Besides the food, the location is so beautiful and serene with shops and bars in walking distance! The vibes are so relaxing and stimulating at the same time. The BEST part of Ulele is their staff, make sure to ASK FOR ERICA when you make a reservation. Her joy is contagious and level of service are exemplary. Thank you Ulele staff for making Tampa more special in my stomach and heart.
Isabel Malave
We had a wonderful experience!
We were celebrating my boyfriends birthday. From the moment we sat down, our server RICO was amazing. He was humorous in the right way, polite and attentive. He definitely made the experience worth it. The food was soooooo freaking good!!! I absolutely love the steak sauce lol
Everything was top notch!!!
Rico deserves a raise!!!! And shout out to the chef!!!!
Rafael Castro Mompie
It’s a pleasure to me to give 5 stars to this amazing restaurant. The food it’s delicious and have a great customer service. The bilingual waiter Michael was super nice explaining the menu and getting our order without any problem. I really recommend this place to spend a wonderful family time.
Katie Mags
An awesome restaurant. Dan was our waiter and he was great. We ordered native chili, tomahawk pork chop and seafood risotto. The food was absolutely delicious. Highly recommend this place.
Charlie Smith
Food was great and it's beautiful inside. Menu in photos .
Betsy Atkinson
AMAZING food. The specialty drinks were also fun and delicious. We also loved our waiter who was very funny and attentive! A little on the pricier side.
Marion Starks Jr.
Great meal, service was very responsive, seating upstairs, spacious and comfy. Meal was plentiful, tasteful and very appealing to the eyes. I had Seafood Risotto, my Bride had filet with Garlic Mashed Potatoes.
Ask for Stan to serve you.....
Kenn Miller
Wait staff was outstanding. Our main server Lemmon was over the top in drink recommendation and and food choices
Heather Sultzman
What a lovely spot. My children loved the outdoor space with the flowing spring water, storybook characters, and fish pond as we waited for a table. Once seated we enjoyed alligator tail, oysters, native chilli, and fresh blacked grouper. The food was delicious, our server (Adrian) was so attentive, and the vibe was lovely. Thank you!
Dee Tucker
Food was delicious! Would have given 5 stars but the Redfish was a tad dry. The maple bacon ice cream was odd but delicious. Raven was a very attentive server. Excellent service and very knowledgeable about the food.
John Riley
Had my first visit at Ulele for lunch today , and was a incredible experience. The atmosphere and location was something the Tampa bay needed . I was blow away by the level of service, cleanliness and friendly faces by the staff . My servers name was Devontè he recommended the brand new blacken shrimp app that was mouth watering and we split a steak with avocado sauce , if I didn’t get so full I would have stayed the night . Can’t wait to come back and try some more incredible food .
Michael Jones
Amazing place to eat and chill. Breathe taken view on the outside, also has catwalks etc. Firepit as well
David Turner
We came back from our first visit yesterday after great service from Josiahs and manager Mike. U•l•E•L•E has very impressive hospitality.
Nick the manager was such a phenomenal communicator and has a great professional, personable attitude.
Devonte was our server and was incredible. Very knowledgeable of the menu and has a great spirit. Andrew was Shucking oysters and was speaking to us at the bar area. He had a great energetic personality.
We had the charbroiled oysters and fire roasted chicken. Very delicious.The atmosphere is very unique, modern, and clean. I highly recommend U•l•e•l•e
Edwin West
My wife and I ate lunch here to celebrate our anniversary. It was by far one of our best dining experiences. We arrived early for our reservation, but were accomodated quickly.
The location is beautiful and easy to find. There is complimentary valet parking that we were unaware of, so make sure you take advantage (the nearby lot cost us $20). It is just off the Riverwalk and close to Stones Throw and the Public Market. Our table was on the second floor and had a view of the river. The walls were adorned with sports themed decor. We didn't even mind that our corner was all Yankees memorabilia even though we are Red Sox fans.
Our server, Taylor H, was attentive enough to make us feel valued, but not around so often as to feel pushy. She recognized and congratulated us on our special occasion, answered the questions we asked, and made recommendations when appropriate.
The food was delicious and we felt the portions were excellent when compared with the price. My wife got the gouda grouper and though it was perhaps a touch too salty, we both loved it. The green beans and rice it was served with were also delicious. I got the Florida Pompano. It was my first time having this fish and I will be sure to have it again. The sundried tomato sauce was incredible. It should be bottled and sold.
Ulele's beers (I had the Jonnycake IPA and Green IPA) were very tasty as well. The fruitiness of the Jonnycake hid the IPA's normal hoppiness. The Green was a traditional tasting IPA. My wife tried the Ring of Fire. It was tasty with some good heat, if that's your sort of thing. The crab mac and cheese appetizer and the charbroiled oysters were perfect. The meal was finished with a small box of chocolates in honor of our occasion. We have rarely felt so special upon leaving a restaurant.
To wrap this up, whether you are celebrating a special occasion or looking for a place to eat while you are downtown or at the Riverwalk, Ulele is the place to do it. The quality of the food and service exceeds the price you will pay.
Kathleen Smith
I loved the place and the food! My server Bryan is the best! He recommended the lovely shrimp appetizer and the Indian corn. They were divine.l, wonderfully spiced. I was so happy with the presentation and the taste. The espresso ice cream and the toasted coconut ice cream are homemade and way better than anyone else's. I will come back for the exact meal again soon.
Adam Langston
Every time I've been here everything has been fantastic. I've had excellent fish, pork, drinks, and sides here. Our waitress at our most recent visit was very knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. Definitely worth a visit.
Fernando Toledo
Brought family from out of town, and had such a great experience! Josiah's was our server and he was amazing. He recommended the seafood risotto and his description was on point! Highly recommend!
German Rodriguez
Wow!!! Everything about this place is out if this world. I love that they brew their own beer. The grilled oysters are one in a million. Great service. We had an amazing time. Leave room for dessert.
Misti Bernard Music
I went here solely because of its (well deserved) rating, and because I was in an excruciating traffic jam coming through Tampa. Why sit in traffic when you can try something new? So I popped off the freeway and found myself in the utterly delightful River Walk section, found street parking, and strolled to Ulele. It's got great ambiance, sort of "funky industrial", and had a large shared table in the bar area, which anyone could sit at. I sat down alone, and by the end of my meal had experienced what felt like the best international dinner party I've had since Paris in 2019. The food was great, I was joined by a couple from Mexico and Uruguay, a professor and grad student from Israel, and two other Tampa Bay natives. We laughed and told stories of our travels, ate good food, enjoyed great service, and in general had a fabulous time of it! I will definitely be returning, sooner than later!
Jay Carbonneau
My wife and I brought our parents here to celebrate an anniversary on Labor Day. We made reservations a week or so in advance. In terms of finding a restaurant representative of Tampa, Ulele hit the spot. We had a great view of the riverwalk, sunset and the changing colors of the clouds were on full display. My dad loved the craft beer selection, my wife had plenty of fish options as a pescatarian to choose from, and we were able to make substitutions as needed. Our waiter was attentive and knowledgeable, which impressed my dad and made the experience that much more enjoyable. All of us loved the fact that when paying for our meal we had a list of local charities to donate a portion of our bill toward. FYI, there were a lot of people in the restaurant, so it was on the louder side.
Adam Roque
After looking at reviews I decided to give this place a shot and I am happy I did. The food was very delicious and the service was top notch,our server April did not miss a beat and everything she recommended was exactly what she said. I will definitely be returning to give the other plates a try.
Renee Anderson
We are outside with mega fans blowing in us which made the heat bearable. I had the seared tuna which i funny think was super fresh because it tasted a little fishy. My husband had the burger which he says was great.
Busayo Sobowale
Really nice location right by the Riverwalk. The food was good, needed more seasoning, but the way the food was cooked was really well done. The servers were extremely kind and attentive. Would definitely come here again.
Jorge Ramirez
Great location unique spring fed creek. Excellent outdoor ambiance and great food!
Penny O'Neill
Ahhh, Ulule. A lovely restaurant by the bay. We went to celebrate 2 occasions; our daughter's birthday and her engagement. Our server, Jack was fantastic. Apparently their fish dishes were excellent. My hubby had the pompano and Eric had the snapper. My daughter and I had their version of "seafood risotto." Frankly, it was not good. And not risotto. More like a couple of scallops and a lobster claw over yellow rice. It wasn't creamy or rich or good. I don't recommend it. Thank goodness they allowed us to sneak in a cake which was delicious! The grounds outside were beautiful. A bar, dogs allowed, etc. We watched the sunset. That was a great finish to a special evening. *Note to chef: learn about real risotto!!
Hot Mess
My family and I were coming for the first time and made a reservation for 2:15p on a Sunday, knowing they'd be busy. We wanted an earlier slot but beggers can't be choosers. We did arrive earlier than planned, parked, and went to lunch. I told the hostess that we were early but would be happy to wait as needed. They still were accommodating and seated us before our reservation.
Our server was very cheery and professional. We told her it was our first time and she ran through a little about the restaurant and type of foods they have. Of the 4 people in the party, 2 are vegan. We all ate like royalty and then some.
I'm including a picture of the stuffed portobello adjusted to be vegan (no manchego, no cream marinade). All of the food was delicious. Nothing was plain or boring. The three sisters salad had a great citrus dressing. Usually the fruit dressings are sweet and gross but this was clearly house made and tangy. We got the fried okra which is not breaded, which only added to how good it is. You could really taste the lime and seasoning on it. We got hush puppies, scallops, and a plates of raw oysters. All were super fresh and tasty. We also ordered grouper sandwiches (one blackened, one grilled). Both we gobbled quickly as a testament to how good they both were.
For dessert, we ordered a chocolate torte which came in a raspberry sauce. That was also gone in an instant. They let us linger at the table and chat for awhile which was great since we hadn't seen each other in some time.
Of note, the bathrooms were very clean. I really wasn't sure if Ulele would live up to the hype but it really did. I understand why it's always packed. If you're new to the area, there's a natural spring right outside with tilapia that you can throw fish food to and watch them school. The river walk is also right outside if you wanted to walk around when it's not 95 degrees outside.
Nicole Monroe
Michelle was phenomenal! She truly made our first time here an unforgettable experience, we loved the vibe of this place and the food was superb! Awesome views, wonderful menu, incredible service, we're so excited to keep coming back!!!
Ami Alger
Bring money and enjoy. Every single thing we had was would eat again. Get the cornbread. Skip the tiramisu. Service was wonderful. At night they make it too damn dark, and a sunset bring 😎, but that's their only black mark.
Zamir Brelvi
Nice modern American style restaurant
Friendly service
Loved the charbroiled oysters and the Barbacoa shrimp. Okra fries a good vegetarian option
The short rib and Pompano fish were delicious
Must try the upside-down bread pudding
Good wine selection, reasonable prices
Will certainly go back!!
Lyndie N.
Atmosphere, service and food was definitely the experience I was looking for after having been in quarantine for so long. Jaqueline was friendly, knowledgeable, and provided recommendations of personal favorites we were excited to try and loved! We definitely will be back!
Tetoria Best
This place was excellent! The service is top notch. Their arent many entree options but the limited options are good. The food came out quick and our server was always in eye sight to serve us quickly!
ddup2727
Had the Pompano fish. Cooked to perfection. The sauce they prepared and was exquisite. Everything was cooked to perfection. Nothing was too salty. Staff was extremely friendly and helpful. Great selection of food including fresh seafood. They told me they do not have a freezer for frozen seafood, I found this very refreshing that everything is sourced locally. Outside there is seating throughout as well as games including corn hole and walking along the Riverwalk. I can recommend nothing but excellent positive reviews for this place.
Went back many times. Most recent June 2021. Bryan was such a wonderful person. Great waiter. Had the snapper, other people in the group had the seafood risotto (delicious shrimp and lobster, although the risotto was a little salty). We also had the grouper sandwich which was amazing. The kids had cheeseburgers which were actually pretty amazing (had to taste them because they looked so good).
Antina Carey
The charbroil oysters are amazing and Gator bites are so tasty
Clara B
After strolling around Armature Works we decided to stop here to try something new and were overwhelmed by the amazing food and service. Kamil’s friendly and energetic presence made this experience unforgettable from her spot on recommendations to the way she kept us laughing the entire evening. We will definitely be back for more!
Jazmin Lassiter
I went to Ulele in Nov for my 10th anniversary. It was quite an underwhelming experience. The food was just ok. We actually sent back an appetizer because it was incredibly bland. Our entrees were decent, but we expected much better quality for the price. I think you're more so paying for the swanky industrial aesthetic than having a satisfying dining experience.
Izzy Wingo
Ulele is my boyfriend and I’s favorite spot for date night. They have the best oysters in Tampa. We’ve had Erica H twice now and she is the absolute best. Super attentive and the sweetest. We will be asking for her every time we come!
Cookie Arroyo
Really top notch customer service, would definitely come back for that alone!! Prices were pretty good and food was tasty.
Vonnie
Great location. Easy to get to. Valet outside. Outdoor patios seating was very spaced out. The “frose” was enjoyed by my guests. There is an outside to go drink line that was constantly busy. Food was cold upon arrival and one entree was wrong. The front reception entry is an entrance and exit so it gets a bit crowded and confusing. Lots of “coming thru”, “excuse me”, and scuttling around.
alex encinosa
Great seafood risotto,
Shrimp, scallops, lobster, and crabmeat with a cream corn sauce...
The pork chop and spicy guava sauce is very flavorful.
But what AWESOME and not on the menu is the maple bacon ice cream with a cereal coating is incredible.
Kristi Betts
Great place for conversation and dining. The wines and beers are delightful. Indoor and outdoor dining is available with fun picture taking opportunities. Not far from Armature Works, a location with shops and other dining options.
mary stack
Honest we’ve eaten here a couple times and this time I don’t know it was just a completely different vibe. For somewhere where I spent almost $100 I would expect there to be hooks for bags in the bathroom stalls and it to be WAY cleaner. The waiter was fine but it felt like he had more important tables than the 2 of us. I got the portobello dish and there was just a half of a portobello in the dish. Disappointing. It was a good dish but maybe change the name of the dish isn’t actually mushroom based.
Greg Branam
As usual, the food and service was awesome! Bethany, our server was very attentive. Manager came over to make sure everything was good!
Grilled oysters the best!
Colleen Hendricks
We we're lucky enough to have Devonte as our server and he was simply exceptional! It was my birthday and I brought my best friend from Miami - We had incredible drinks and he brought us truffles as a birthday snack! We were so excited to be there and it was a beautiful day outside. Our trip was even better because Devonte was our server! We love you Ulele!!
Danielle DeJesus
Celebrated our wedding anniversary. Outdoor seating, delicious food and wonderful service! Josiahs was friendly, helpful and a wealth of information! Great experience from start to finish.
Catherine Chen
This is my favorite restaurant in Tampa! The food and service were amazing. We had Oyster and Calamari for appetizers and both are very fresh and delicious. I had Lobster Roll sandwich and my husband had Seafood Risotto (from dinner menu.) Its a lot of food but we almost finished everything since all tasted so yummy!
Lorna O. Davison
What's not to like. We were treated like honored guests. A great table in the center of it all.
A waiter who cared. A happy experience. The popcorn in the mashed potatoes was a pleasant surprise.
Ramon alberto De la cruz
If you’re into oysters, this place is a must. And of course, save room for ice cream because it’s a made right there. It’s in a very good location and I would recommend the outdoor seating and definitely make reservations become I was told it’s the second busiest restaurant in the country !
Mary Thompson
Celiac friendly. Not a huge variety but well marked and staff was knowledgeable. Waiter was perfect. He was there when we needed. Great attitude. Clean, safe, nice outside seating. Next day, nobody felt ill after eating the gluten-free options-which is a plus!!! Fancy ice and top shelf drinks made accurately. The gluten free dishes were a shrimp appetizer-which had great flavor without breading. The dinner we had was: shrimp and scallop risotto which was amazing, 2nd best was the grouper and rice, and closely followed by Mr.Henry mahi. The corn mixture with the mahi did not elevate the dish. Finally, we ended with a chocolate torte-surprisingly delicious. All around, we were not disappointed.
Erica Herrera
Wow where do I even start! The pork shank was amazing the mash potatoes were to die for. Our waitress April was on top of her game. Her personality really shows. I will be coming back for sure.
Brandon Rivera
Everything was great at this place. Starting from the environment and decor in the restaurant. We went here for a birthday party during the pandemic and they used extra precautions and went above and beyond.
We started with the calamari and it was excellent. It came with a Cajun sauce and really complimented the calamari well.
I had the grouper and my gf had the steak. Both came out excellent with lots of flavor.
The coconut ice cream is a must to try when going here.
I would highly recommend this place and will for sure be back.
Roger Cunningham
Our group of 6 had a great time at Ulele. We were seated promptly, our waiter was attentive, friendly & knew the menu well. For apps we shared fresh oysters, cooked oysters, grilled shrimp & fried okra (theirs is unbreaded & excellent). All were big hits. The main courses we had (grouper, mahi mahi, redfish, native saute & crab mac & cheese) were hits. Everyone was happy. We split a few desserts, with the pineapple bread pudding & the chocolate torte being particularly tasty. Overall, a great dining experience. The only downside is that the noise level is quite high.
Emma Nathe
Like it needs another 5 star review but here we go! The okra fries were so good. How did they even do okra without slime? Amazing. I got the mushroom dish and it was like steak, seriously, so good. And this pretty pink frosé. Hubs liked the key lime pie. Our waiter was great as well. Lots to see and walk around by the restaurant as well.
Marybeth Storts
We hosted a Welcoming Party in the beer garden for our son's wedding. The food was very good and the service was exceptional. We will host another event here in the future.
Craig Smith
I would leave more than five stars but that's all there is. This place is truly a gem! The food was wonderful, and the service was even better. Our waiter was Daniel, FYI management. If you are a local or just visiting this should be at the top of the list! Thank you Daniel.
Stephen Dunham
This restaurant is part of Tampa's Armature Works on the Hillsborough River. One of my absolute favorite restaurants. So many delicious and unique culinary choices. I especially love the okra fries and carrot chips. Had a bowl of Native Loaded Chili and it was off the charts. The Barbacoa shrimp was amazing as was the red fish and pompano dishes. Drinks were perfect and the atmosphere is relaxed and amazing. Stop in!
Da Char
10/10. the food, the atmosphere, the servers. husband and i came down from california for a buccs game. i definitely recommend this place to anyone visiting ! will not disappoint. there is a nice patio and a great view of the city. there is also multiple things to do around the restaurant.
Tasha S.
Delicious food and drinks. This place was recommended by a friend, and I’m glad we went! More upscale place which comes with a price, but it was worth it. We got the seafood risotto and snapper, okra, carrot ribbons, and charbroiled oysters. Everything was tasty, I would return!
Patrick Schooley
One of my favorite restaurants in Tampa. They have an awesome seafood risotto that is delicious every time. The oysters and ring of fire cocktail are fantastic
Kenneth Winslow
Where do I start? This place is great!! The food. Man on man, the food!!!!!!!!! The alligator hush puppies!!!!! The native chili!!!!!!!!!! My god, please come here and treat your mouth! Service is great too!! Really close to armature works, like walking distance. I went during mid day hours and it wasn't busy. I'd imagine though this place gets busy during prime hours, so pick wisely.
Ali Fallah
We started with Alligator Hush Puppies and both taste and plate presentation were great. I got the Seafood Risotto which tastes amazing, but plate presentation maybe could be improved, however I think it's difficult to present a seafood Risotto better. Ended the night with the Key West Key Lime Stack and was very impressed with it. Taste and texture were great. Highly recommend saving room for the dessert.
Chosi
Our meals were delicious 🤤. I would had enjoyed the corn bread if it was not spicy. But the Mojito was to die for so good. The Malbec paired so great with the dinner. I can not wait to come back. …
Eduardo Rondón
Ulele is located on the Riverwalk inside the renovated Water Works building in downtown Tampa. Inspired by Florida’s indigenous heritage and cuisine, it create a unique environment, doing so with both the food and the setting. Since it’s opening Ulele has become one of the city’s most popular restaurants through its visually appealing food and vibrant atmosphere.
The food, while unique, was exceptional. The salad was a nice size for a side dish and the dressing and ingredients of this salad create a feast for the tastebuds mixing sweet and savory. When it came to the main plate the steak was cooked to perfection and perfectly sliced while the mashed potatoes with corn were probably the best mashed potatoes I’ve ever had at a restaurant. The chimichurri sauce was perfect company to the steak as well. Last but not least the desert was perfectly crated so that its separate elements when together, would create the perfect lime pie that was the perfect size after such a nice entree.
The service was good too with our server being very attentive to all our needs and having great knowledge of the menu as well as providing great recommendations. If you want a more upscale atmosphere I recommend dinner as lunch has a very different atmosphere that is more family oriented. After visiting ulele, I now understand why it has become and will continue to be a staple of Tampa’s food scene.
Tresha Barrett, MSW
Mom and I went around 4:30pm on a Friday and sat outside. The sun was bright until sundown but the Riverwalk views are gorgeous! Our waitress Taylor was delightful and pleasant. I knew she was getting a good tip after 5 minutes. We had calamari appetizer and it was good.
THE FOOD WAS AMAZING! I ordered the seafood risotto and mom had the oyster, shrimp & grits. My food was perfect. Wonderfully seasoned, robust flavors, and huge portion! I wasn't sure at first about the corn sauce but boy was I surprise! Mom's grits were in a cake form and looked like cornbread. They were sooo delicious and I don't even like grits. She enjoyed her food as well. I was trying not to overreact as if I've never eaten GREAT food before but a few tears welled up in my eyes. LOL. Seriously though, it was great. It may be pricey to some, it was $30 for my plate but it is worth every penny! We paid with joy and tipped Taylor with pride. Just to be clear, I had scallops, shrimp, crab claw meat & a lobster claw! Even the during beans were will seasoned, crisp, and delicious. It's worth every penny!!! We had the ice cream, 1 scoop chocolate and 1 scoop espresso. It was good.
The couple at the table next to us was celebrating a birthday and the manager brought them a gift box of truffles. That was really nice. I'll be back in town and will bring the hubby. He's going to love it.
Vernon Dennis
Excellent Food, Great Customer service and Atmosphere.
Gemmi_7893
Definitely enjoyed the experience! Staff was amazing, my party had gotten the outdoor seeting, got rained out and had to wait to be moved inside, it was around 4pm so it was a little bit of a wait. The gator tail was really tender and juicy with a citrus and peppery taste, the barbacoa shrimp was a favourite. The Florida pompano was pan fried on a bed of wild rice, I've only had it baked so I can say I really would have prefer it baked without a blackening flavour so it's less tough with a deeper blanc sauce. There was also a native saute dish, I loved the tomato but there was only one mushroom. Overall it was a great experience.
Ashja Thompson
My fiancé and I visited two nights in a row the food is so good! The seafood risotto is amazing. The next time we're in Tampa we'll be coming back for sure!
Kimberly Hurley-Hernandez
We went for our anniversary , it was our first time, we didn't get to eat outside because it was so beautiful and it was getting later so they were pretty busy but they still sat us upstairs at a beautiful table, our waiter Ryan was awesome in telling us the history of the restaurant and helping us choose items, the seafood risotto and oysters was delicious as well as the chili and we had alligator hushpuppies and calamari for appetizers, oh and don't forget desert ,we shared a espresso ice cream,very good, the service was great as well as the food! Can't wait to go back!
Jessica Riggs
I visited this place on Wednesday with my father. We decided to sit outside because it was beautiful out and we saw tables in the shade. However, the hostess brought us around the building to the side that had almost no shade, even with their pop up tent things. Despite sweating throughout our meal and trying to rotate around the table to avoid the burning sun, we enjoyed our time. My father started with The Berry wedding beer which he liked but finished it and switched over to a glass of wine. I ordered the Pina con Fuego and it was fantastic. A slight margarita taste at the start but a smooth, slightly sweet finish. The grilled pineapple garnish was a great finishing bite to the drink, I could’ve easily eaten a side of the grilled pineapple by itself. We started with the gator tail appetizer. Although a majority or the pieces were quite small, we joked that they were using baby gator tails because of the size, they were Delicious. They serve the gator tails with a grilled lemon and squeezing that over top just really complimented the spices. For dinner, my father ordered the flank steak. It was cooked to his liking and he ate all but one piece. I was stuck between the bone in steak or the filet. The bone in steak was only a dollar more so I went with that option. We both got the garlic mashed potatoes and the seasonal green beans as our sides. The potatoes were a great match for the steak. The green beans were a bit undercooked, having to use a steak knife to cut them. However, the green beans that were thin and looked over cooked were the best parts! They looked almost dehydrated then sautéed but they were fantastic. We decided to finish with the ice cream, a scoop of the Ugandan gold vanilla and a scoop of the toasted coconut. The gold vanilla ice cream was nothing to write home about. It looked liked normal breyers vanilla bean and it was frost burned. You would get random chunks of ice throughout it. The toasted coconut was much better. It was creamy and smooth with a light coconut taste, and they topped it with toasted coconut. You get two scoops of ice cream for $8, we thought they would be tiny scoops with toppings to add flair but we’re surprised when they were generous scoops and one had a topping.
Now let’s talk about non-food:
We called ahead to find out when lunch ended because we wanted to order from the dinner menu. The host told us 3:45pm so we waited around and hung out before driving to the restaurant to guarantee that we would get the dinner menu. When we were sat down, we were given the lunch menu. Upon asking for the dinner menu, our waitress made us aware that both menus are available at all times. Which was slightly irritating cause we were both starving sitting around waiting for them to “switch “ to dinner menus. We started with one waitress who made several good recommendations. I believe it was around when we were eating our dinner, a new waitress showed up and started helping us. She was just as nice and even more friendly. Being a waitress myself, I felt like I had a general idea of what had happened; The beginning waitress shift ended and instead of staying, she decided to transfer the table and go home. We felt bad as we wanted to tip you, as you had helped us majority of the meal, but you left. When you pay for your meal, they attach the ticket to this piece of card stock that looks like a postcard. One side is photos of artwork found inside the restaurant, the other side has information on this artwork and the restaurant itself. Very cool. My dad enjoyed the one we got so much, the waitress brought him another one that she liked. Very unique and cool idea.
Overall, we will return. Almost every drink on the cocktail menu sounds delicious, and if it’s as balanced as my drink was, they all will be fantastic. The food was delicious, expensive but good. We looked forward to updates to the menu.
jack petty
Fantastic restaurant with amazing views! just love going here, the food is fresh, imaginative, and the dining experience top notch. The Grouper sandwich is amazing, as is the Gouda Grouper, which I add the remoulade the sandwich comes with, and the Muenster Chicken, steaks, and pork chops. the have their own brewery and the beers are good, especially the Hydration Station. Right on the Riverwalk to walk off the meal afterwards or explore Armature Works
Ohmar Land
Absolutely brilliant set up, delicious food, and great service. If visiting like I was you should definitely place this on your list. Great overall experience and go as the sun is setting.
Lisa
Our food was amazing! Our server was outstanding! We will definitely be back to try more menu items. Thanks for a great experience!!
Cayli Posch
The food was incredible! Highly recommend the gator tail and charbroiled oysters. Our server, Devonte was fantastic as well and had great recommendations!
Rosa DeJesus
Just wow!! Beyond the amazing atmosphere, food and drinks the service Josiahs gave us was outstanding!
His knowledge of the menu, his energy and vibe is on point and made everything even more amazing!
Jordon Corbin
Amazing, place. I've been wanting to eat here for years but different things kept prevents but today I decided to go by myself I sat at the bar outside and ordered a pina con fuego, frosé, and wedding beer. All were delicious. I got the new loaded native chili alligator hush puppies char grilled oysters and the seafood risotto everything was excellent and the views and the weather was great and it's right next to armature works highly recommend can't wait to come back
Paul Nguyen
One of popular seafood restaurants in Tampa Bay area. A must visit place if you have a chance to visit Tampa. The charcoaled grilled oyster is must try if you can have oyster and cheese. They have a variety of seafoods and drinks. The French 75 and Martini must have but I'm not a drinker and see what friends and other enjoyed the drinks. I liked small oysters they have here. Never tried some before but these are fresh and quite delicious. Highly recommended this restaurant for any visitors or seafood lover.
Tina Farlow
Loved visiting their patio after strolling the riverwalk. They oysters were delicious. Atmosphere was nice. My server was very sweet.
Ginger Ann
The space is lovely inside and out. The employees were all friendly and welcoming. The service was excellent. Everything we had was delicious. We ordered:
Native Chili
Alligator, wild boar, venison, duck, ground chuck, cranberry beans and chili spices
Alligator Hush Puppies
Alligator, country ham, bacon, fresh corn, jalapeño, honey datil pepper sauce and fresh-ground horseradish aioli
Gouda Grouper
Gulf of Mexico fresh grouper fillet, smoked Gouda ale béchamel. Entrées are served with vegetables and potatoes or golden jewel rice blend with cranberry beans.
Scallops, Shrimp 'N' Grits
Fire-seared and Creole-seasoned Gulf of Mexico white shrimp and scallops with jalapeño Cheddar grit cake and seasonal vegetable.
Amanda Purvus
Food was awesome and so was the service. We finally got a reservation on a Sunday for lunch . We were celebrating my friend's birthday and everything was amazing. View, Food and of course the company 😋 …
Rene Colon
My wife & I ordered their cheeseburgers with fries & that was really good. I had an IPA beer that was great. The only slight setback was the waitress,Sidnie, who did follow up after we recieved our order but did not do a 2nd check, to offer a refill of diet coke for my wife plus a 2nd beer for me,even though the place was not that busy plus she was about 15 feet away from us,chatting with a coworker but in my opinion,should also be scanning her patrons. Maybe she's new or maybe not into her job. I don't know. Thats why I give them 4 stars.
Acct 4 Dedo
Sit inside or outside both are great. The menu is loaded with new and exciting meals.
Oct 2019 we did another visit to and still love the place. The atmosphere is great! I like the unique food options. We had to sit inside this time and were very comfortable. The staff is always great! We started with crab cakes which were delicious. I had the Muenster cheese chicken and I was very pleased. My son had the sliders and he ate them up. We will be back again!
Yoni Brit
The best Restaurant in Tampa, native-inspired food
Runaway Tech Gal
I LOVE Ulele and often choose it for customer dinners. It never disappoints. My it of town guests are often brought here and we live an hour south of it. It's THAT good.
Brittany Hughes
Made a stop here while riding bikes on Riverwalk. Great atmosphere to cool down and grab some food.
James J
The shrimp and grits were good, but the description on the menu didnt define how it's actually presented. Shrimps and grits are usually placed together. I was a little disappointed but the food was still good a little bit. However the drinks & appetizers we awesome!!
Kyle Kellett
This was my second time dining for an afterwork business dinner. The food does not disappoint and anyone can find something they like! Try out the dessert 🤯. Not one
The beer is brewed in house and it is the only beer they carry which highlights the uniqueness. The beer covers all varieties with special one-time brews! They also have special wines and liquors made specifically for Ulele!
The outdoor vibe is great with the natural spring feeding into the river and plenty of stuff to do after wining and dining! Get an outdoor spot and soak in the beautiful sunset.
The unique history of this area is special and gives a fun, enjoyable experience! And this wonderful restaurant was started by the Columbia Restaurant Group!
Timothy Murphy
Delicious food and a lively vibe. Grabbed a seat at the bar and enjoyed a great meal. The fish was so fresh and good.
MarciLynn
What. In. The. World. This place is OUT of this world!! Let me start with the atmosphere. It is special. The ambiance is unique and inviting. Our server Jamie was fantastic. He was attentive and kind. He was fast to anticipate what we wanted and made the meal fun. Everything we ordered was to die for. I could have stopped with the fried okra appetizer and been satisfied but I splurged on the snapper and their homemade vanilla ice cream. I don’t allow myself many cheat meals but this was worth it. The food was decadent. It was seriously one of the best meals I’ve had in years. Thank you for an incredible evening out with coworkers!
Marina Machado
Absolutely LOVE this native-inspired restaurant! I have been a customer of Ulele since 2015 and have always enjoyed my meals when I visit. We brought our friends from CA here one evening and they enjoyed it very much as well. The location of this restaurant is one of the best around the city. I usually request to dine outside unless is 900 degrees out :) Some of our favorite items are: Top Sirloin “Ahaya”, Native Chili (my husband loved it), Mahi-Mahi “Mr. Henry” and Flourless Chocolate Torte. We don't drink beer, but mixed drinks are always made deliciously here. Service is on point each and every time starting with hostesses ending with valet guys. I always tell myself that I need to go to Ulele more often. Such a lovely place! Would 100% recommend for any occasion!
Kurt Sutton
We had a great time at Ulele celebrating my dad's birthday. The food was incredible, the ambiance was great and energetic, and our server, Jacqueline, was very attentive and fun!
Celese Moss
Went for a birthday lunch. Our service from Devion was phenomenal! The okra fries were a real treat. I had the Mahi Mahi and it was so flavorful. I'm thankful that the chef knew how to make Mahi Mahi without drying it out! The garlic spinach was perfect! This was my first visit but I'm sure I will be back for more.
Dom B
Not bad. Probs wouldn’t return if I was in Tampa. The charbroiled oysters were decent assuming you’ve never been to NOLA to have something to compare them to. The Crab Mac n cheese offended me- it seemed like more like Kraft Mac with canned tuna to me... The Frosé was nice especially since it was a beautiful day on the patio. My server Alec was super kind- 5/5 stars to him personally!
Jake Walker
Our food was amazing and Melissa, our server, was very friendly.
The Tuna Salad was a hit and the key lime pie and coconut ice cream we're delicious.
Daniel Reinhart
My wife and I got a table outside where we got a great view of the sunset. I got the Chilli, the cor bread, the street corn, and the Seafood Risotto. It was all delicious and top notch!
Chef Avinash Kapoor
It was such a good experience. Good was great. Service was fantastic. Wines were below winery prices. We had a good time. The atmosphere was amazing
Agnieszka Włodarczyk
I try to visit Ulele every time I am in Tampa. I had several dishes from their menu and all were tasty. Also loved refreshing summer drinks!
Coralee Quintana
The chargrilled oysters were perfect! The Gouda Grouper, Wedge salad our cocktails were amazing. I highly recommend Ulele anytime you're in Tampa.
Welby Lloyd
Great restaurant food is delicious. Service was excellant and the property is beautiful large with great views. Parking is a short walk through the park or along the sidewalk. Would definitely recommend.
Kevin Sewell
Amazing spot in tampa! Known as one of the top two or three best restaurants in the area and features American cuisine. The pork shank was delicious but equally as tasty was the mashed potatoes with some sort of fruit chutney on it. Green beans for crisp. Steak was medium and came with an avocado chimichurri, steak was very juicy even though it was cooked medium. The Ulele Sunrise was both salty and refreshing with the Tajin edge. Definitely would recommend this spot!
Suzanne Stout
Ring of fire cocktail very good. Hush puppies a bit over fried. Steak had good flavor. Noisy inside!
Gary Bennett
We love this place and go there often, one of their signature menu items are the Charbroiled Oysters which I can't seem to get enough of. If you're in Tampa you should have lunch or dinner at Ulele's on the Riverwalk and as an appetizer you should try the Charbroiled Oysters, they are delightful.
U.S.A.
This restaurant is all about having a great time.
Every thing about this place screams having a blast and great food with your friends and family.
Their food menu is filled with everything that will tantalize your pallet .
The location is off the river and you can spend plenty of time walking along the river side and enjoy people watching.....
Randi Hart
We only ordered appetizers, since they looked so good... gator fritters, charcoal oysters and the sea scallops, 2 of their hand mixed cocktail that were awesome! Our bar server was excellent! Skipped the wait and sat at the bar!
Do NOT hesitate...put this on your list of to eats!
Liz
Just ok…
Maybe I went on an off day, but both items of my order came out incorrectly and were nothing to write home about. Service and food were sub-par considering the price point. Beautiful location and atmosphere though.
Todd
Amazing food in a great outdoor environment. Second time here and outstanding each time! Megan was our server and she was absolutely
Amazing!
Gherrel
Food was solid. A tad over priced. We had a ton of oysters that depending on who you ask at the table they were par or sub par. I had the Seafood Risotto, it was the shiznit! Scallops were on point.
Randy Crews
Best dining experience in Tampa! The atmosphere, food and drinks are excellent but what really made our night was our server (Devonte). This guy is super knowledgeable about the menu and was able to suggest the perfect wine pairings for our table. He was so personable and pleasant that we wish we could have invited him to have dinner with us. We'll definitely be returning to Ulele, and will request to have Devonte as our server.
Ron Rogers
Ulele has a great atmosphere and a unique menu. Everything was tasty from the Okra Fries to the main courses (shrimp and grits, meatloaf and steak). The service was top notch as well. This is a great choice for a date, special occasion or just a meal out. The spring, grounds and River Walk are all an added bonus.
Ander Araya
Their steak(cooked Medium ofc) and seafood was delicious, as well as their dessert menu.
Perfect atmosphere, pefect food, and service, the server recommendations were OJ POINT , def. 5 🌟
Only thing is, if you wanna park nearby at Amature Works, its $20
Rose Ricciardella
Excellent food and excellent service. The grilled/charred oysters are fantastic.
Ulele is on the noisy side so be prepared to speak up. Be sure to make a reservation.