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Ulele is a popular native-inspired restaurant and brewery on Tampa's Riverwalk, known for its Florida-sourced ingredients cooked on a large barbacoa grill, waterfront views, and on-site brewery. Owned by the same family as the Columbia Restaurant, it offers a unique menu with dishes like meatloaf and short ribs, and provides options for outdoor seating, valet parking, and is accessible via water taxi. This place is just amazing from decor to service and ambiance , you'll stay all day lol !
Parking is limited even though they do have a dedicated parking lot for the establishment. Right on armature works property so walkable area and crowded. The actual experience is so-so. Very expensive for not very attentive. Knowing your clientele is very important. We were seated upstairs and 10 mins into our meal they dimmed the lights very low, kind of killing the warm ambience. People complained on the floor and pulled out flash lights to look at the menu and still no change. Ordered two drinks to start with oysters and Mac and cheese to start. Oysters seemed okay and the Mac and cheese for $8 was an absolute gem and steal. Definitely worth getting. The drinks were also phenomenal. Then comes our meals- I ordered seafood risotto and he got short rib. Seafood risotto- didn't seem like a lot, just tastes like sweet rice with a medley of seafood. Green beans are way over seasoned and salty to my taste and my stomach was upset after 6/10 The short rib- delicious no complaints, he enjoyed the green beans. A little spicy with tons of salt. Short rib was soft and tender but no change of knife so expect a butter knife to cut. Not nearly enough mashed potatoes to meat portion but the better of our meals. 8/10 For $200 dollars we've had better service and food so I feel like you're really paying for the location.
We came to celebrate my boyfriend's birthday on a Saturday night and overall had a really great time. I made reservations about 2 weeks in advance which I highly recommended since this place seems pretty popular! There is a park next door so we arrived a bit early to walk around. Luckily, there is complementary valet parking so parking was a breeze. We were seating right away and got straight to eating and drinking. For appetizers, we shared the tuna salad (super fresh) and the gator bites (very unique). We also split the seafood risotto which I loved because we got a little taste of everything - scallops, shrimp, lobster. We also split the pineapple upside down cake which was delicious and some complementary birthday truffles. Our waitress was attentive and provided great recommendations. The ambiance was not quite what I expected. It was a bit more casual than I wanted for a birthday dinner with lots of large groups and casual wear but it was still a great night out. The view of the sunset was great!
It has been a while since I have been to Ulele and here are just a few observations. So that iconic water they used to serve tastes like tap water now. Nothing really special about it. Just hard warm water in a cool vessel. The waiter said it was triple filtered, but it may have been the residue from the dish washer coming through on the glass. They did bring us the good water and it was good and also cold. They don't do flights anymore, but they do do samples of no more than 3 so between the 2 of us we got to try 5 of their beers. I was most impressed by the Green Cannon Ball Tampa IPA 7.5% ABV. Honorable mention for the Dam Buster Weizenbach 5% ABV. But honestly, all the beer I sampled was good and I am a beer guy. The service is great here, but on a weekend like Sunday when they are slammed they still do a good job of keeping it all together. Our server was Matt and he was both responsiveand accommodating. It was definitely 4 or 5 star service l, even with the wait for the food. We started with the soft shell crab app. For like $20 we literally got one crab which was disappointing. Still it was quite good and for an app it was almost worth it. We got the braised short ribs and a burger and did take a while for it to get to the table. Good thing we had drinks and that app or the wait would have been awkward. The braised short ribs was great and they burger was also quite good. Want sure about the pineapple on the burger, but it didn't disappoint. The green beans that came with the short ribs were super al dante equals hardly cooked. Still the food was great. I really wanted to give 5 stars, but honestly, Ulele is a consistent 4.
Ulele never disappoints. From the moment you walk in, the vibe feels intentional -- warm, inviting, and perfectly Tampa. The food is consistently fresh and thoughtfully prepared, with flavors that feel elevated without being overcomplicated. You can tell care goes into every plate. Service is attentive but never intrusive, and the setting along the river makes the whole experience feel like a mini escape, whether you're there for a casual meal or a special night out. It's one of those places you confidently bring out-of-towners to -- and still love returning to yourself. A solid go-to when you want great food, great atmosphere, and an experience that just feels right. Ulele never disappoints. From the moment you walk in, the vibe feels intentional -- warm, inviting, and perfectly Tampa. The food is consistently fresh and thoughtfully prepared, with flavors that feel elevated without being overcomplicated. You can tell care goes into every plate. Service is attentive but never intrusive, and the setting along the river makes the whole experience feel like a mini escape, whether you're there for a casual meal or a special night out. It's one of those places you confidently bring out-of-towners to -- and still love returning to yourself. A solid go-to when you want great food, great atmosphere, and an experience that just feels right.
This pet friendly restaurant is located a short walk away from Armature Works (thanks Jeff) which is off the Hillsborough river. The atmosphere is inviting, with both indoor and outdoor seating. Sadly, there is only one entre option for vegans and no dessert options; the pet menu has more options. My family of carnivores enjoyed their meals. The presentation of each meal was nice. Unfortunately, most of our meals were lukewarm or cold, when they arrived to the table. We didn't complain, we had a large party. The prices for food and alcoholic beverages are standard for the area. Our server was great. Overall, members of my family will definitely go back. As a vegan, I wouldn't rush back for the meal; however, I will sit by the water and sip their spicy margarita.
This place has great food, the indoors and outdoor seating both great, outside you can people watch and has an outside bar. Inside had some stained glass and statues. We wanted to try a little bit of everything, the okra was good but I felt it was on the salty side.My husband enjoyed the meatloaf , in fact he finished the whole thing. It was the perfect size and no left overs. I had the grilled oysters and I usually don't like oysters but these were delicious. The shrimp was just the right size for an appetizer and I wasn't too hungry so it was perfect with the oyster as a meal. Lastly the homemade ice cream was delicious. Aside from the salty okra overall the experience was great! The staff was very prompt, friendly and helpful
Love this Tampa staple! Came here for lunch this past weekend and was blown away. I've been several times before, and I've always had a stellar experience. The venue itself is placed perfectly on the outskirts of Armature Works, with beautiful greenery on the patio, and the inside is nicely decorated. The noise levels also weren't too crazy. Our waitress Nataleigh was amazing! She was so nice, attentive, and patient with our party. We started off with a dozen charbroiled oysters, which never disappoint. I was stuck between a few of the sandwiches and she actually ended up showing up the steak sandwich on the specials menu. I went with that and I am so happy I did! The steak was extremely tender and the datil pepper aioli was a perfect addition. Overall 5/5 star experience.
The food at Ulele was absolutely fantastic. I ordered the seafood risotto, and my guest had the pompano -- both were beautifully prepared with complementary, well-balanced flavors. Every element on the plate felt intentional, and we genuinely left wishing we could lick them clean. It was that good. The drinks were also strong and well mixed, which rounded out the meal perfectly. Where the experience faltered slightly was with seating and service. When we arrived, there were no available tables due to an event, so seating was first-come, first-served at the bar. While I understand hosting events, I was surprised that more space wasn't reserved for regular diners. The staff seemed stretched thin and a bit overwhelmed, which felt more like a planning issue than an effort issue. The decor is interesting -- there are some beautiful art pieces and what appear to be Tiffany-style stained glass windows inside, which add elegance. At the same time, there are sports jerseys and assorted memorabilia throughout the space that don't quite align with the more refined elements. The mix made the overall aesthetic feel slightly disjointed. That said, the quality of the food alone makes Ulele worth visiting. If you go, I'd just recommend checking ahead about events or peak times.
Ulele was absolutely out of this world--an absolute must if you're in Tampa. It's great for large groups and had a nice, comfortable atmosphere that wasn't too loud. The drinks were amazing (highly recommend the house margarita ). I ordered the seafood risotto and it was packed with flavor, plus the portions were huge. Make sure to grab a reservation, this place fills up quickly and would be hard to get seated without. In the warmer months, there's a nice patio outside and would be so nice! The real star, though, was dessert. The maple bacon ice cream was to die for. I honestly could've eaten the entire thing myself. Our waitress was so kind and attentive, with great suggestions throughout the meal. Can't wait to come back!
5 stars all the way for Ulele! Such a cool and unique dining experience right on the Riverwalk. The location and atmosphere are fantastic -- beautiful outdoor seating, great energy, and really interesting decor that makes the whole restaurant feel special and very "Tampa." Everything we ordered was delicious. Ordered the pompano topped with crawfish and a sun-dried tomato sauce with garlic green beans, wild rice, and fried carrot ribbons -- absolutely incredible and cooked perfectly, paired with a local Tampa IPA that complemented the fish perfectly. Others at our table had the seafood risotto and the tomahawk pork chop, and both were a huge hit. All fab!! Great service too. The food, drinks, ambiance, and setting all came together for an amazing experience. Highly recommend if you're visiting Tampa or just looking for a memorable dinner spot!
Beautiful location down by armature works and I learned today it's the same owners as the famous Columbia restaurant! At night they had the gas fires going and it was very pretty. I had to try the meatloaf and it definitely delivered! The sauce was amazing and it was charred and crispy edges. The short ribs I thought were just okay, the meatloaf sauce was better. Service was exceptional and the kind where they box your leftovers for you. Definitely order wine off the menu, I ordered a house Cabernet which has never done me wrong and it ended up being $16 a glass vs the $11 or $12 menu prices for other red wine.
4 months ago
Every single time we come here for dinner we are met with every expectation. Always attentive staff. Always amazing food. Always a great time. We love coming here whether it's for a birthday, a business meeting, or just because date night. read more
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Fran B.
Thank you for the great review, Antonella! We are so glad that you…
1 month ago
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Jeff H.
We just dropped the ball, Howard. We train on special events…
24 days ago
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Jeff H.
We love when well-behaved pets and their owners visit. Be sure to…
10 months ago
Let me just say--divine doesn't even begin to describe the brisket mac 'n' cheese I had at Ulele. Creamy, rich, cheesy perfection laced with tender, smoky brisket... it's the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes and pause mid-bite. Yeah. That good. We didn't have a reservation (rookie move, I know), but the staff was super accommodating and we were lucky enough to grab a spot at the food bar--no wait, no problem! Honestly, watching the action in the kitchen added an extra layer of flavor to the experience. Service was chill, efficient, and friendly--the kind of vibe that matches the atmosphere: upscale but approachable. The interior is stunning, and you really feel like you're in a space that respects both history and creativity. Ulele continues to prove why it's a Tampa staple. Whether you're here for the ambiance, the elevated comfort food, or just need an excuse to indulge in that brisket mac again (guilty), it's worth the trip every time. read more
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Fran B.
Thank you for the great review and for recommending us, Marquese! We…
9 months ago
Oh my goodness...what an awesome find I had from yelp on my last business trip to tampa! It was busy on a Tuesday evening in june 2025- but they had ample outdoor seating for walk it's without reservations. Dining im the heat isnt a big deal to me, and I ordered a cocktail that was refreshing and a bit sweet- unfortunately I forgot the name of it. I had just flown in that afternoon and was starving! I couldn't decide between the meatloaf and the pork shank- I am so happy my waiter convinced me to give the pork shank a try! I have never had pork prepared this way! It reminded me of oso bucco! There was a delicious cranberry sauce with it too that was sweet and tart and really balanced out the savory and salty pork. Absolute perfection! They do validated parking for a lot down the street and I was able to enjoy a nice after dinner stroll alongside the water and through the park on the way back to my car. Tampa's food scene is impressive and the next time I am in town I need to come back and try that meatloaf! read more
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Jeff H.
Thanks for taking time to share, Karissa. We hope you come back…
Definitely check this place out for good vibes, food and drinks. We got seating at the outdoor bar, which was perfect with the weather. We grabbed a couple of drinks and then some dinner after walking a bit of the Riverwalk. I tried a couple of different drinks, one mango margarita and the other was a charred pineapple marg. As for dinner, my boyfriend got the ribeye and I ordered the fire roasted chicken. Both entrees were super tasty and cooked really well. The star here was definitely the charbroiled oysters though! The oysters were huge and the flavor was 10/10. read more
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Jeff H.
Hard to top the charbroiled oysters. Glad you enjoyed, Nicki.
1 month ago
The food is delicious, the portion sizes are great, the service is classy and the ambiance is gentle and inviting to all. 10 out of 10 highly recommend and the reservation is worth the wait my friend! read more
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Jeff H.
Thanks for your overflowing compliments, No. Thanks also for your…
First time at Ulele. It is in Armature Works where there is a beautiful view of the Channel and also beautiful areas for sitting outside on a sunny day. There are whimsical metal structures outside and when you enter the restaurant the decor is industrial chic. Our server was super friendly! We started with the jalapeño corn beer muffins were outstanding. Just the perfect amount of kick and sweet. We followed with a Shaved Brussel Sprout salad which was just ok. For our main meals we ordered the Mahi Mahi and the Pompano fish. Both were very good but the sauce on the Pompano was delish. Son ordered the NY Strip with mashed potatoes and it was a very large portion. Everything was going well up to there and it would've been enough for us to want to come back again but we decided to order dessert. The three of us shared the Pineapple Upside Down Bread Pudding and the Bourbon Butter Cake and O.M.G!!!! It was out of this world. They were both the most exceptional desserts I've ever had but the Bourbon Butter Cake is just another level. We will definitely come back to Ulele on our next trip back to Tampa!!! read more
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Grace G.
Thanks so much for sharing your first Ulele experience with us,…
Lots of great restaurants in Tampa. What sets a place apart. Service! Josh was awesome. We had a great time. His recommendations matched what we were looking for. The Shrimp app was the bomb. The Pompano fish dis was hearty and fresh. The Meat Loaf was probably the best I have ever had. Great craft beer selection all at the right price. Ask for Josh! read more
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Grace G.
Thanks for visiting and for the kind words about our team, Jeff!…
2 months ago
Birthday outing was fantastic. Recommend the Gator, cornbread and okra! Hadn't been there in ten years. Still a solid place for chow. read more
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Jeff H.
Welcome back, Andy. Thanks for choosing Ulele for your special…
5 months ago
Best thing that hit our table was the pork chop omg everything was good but omg that pork chop delicious! I ordered the meatloaf and I think it was a little sweet but my dad loved his the oysters were super fresh and chilled to perfection the server was really nice and the vibes were nice it was like upscale pub food if that makes sense. My dad and I were celebrating our birthday and we got a sweet treat from the server which was really nice. read more
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Jeff H.
The pork chop is a customer favorite for a reason. Glad you enjoyed…
After living in the area for almost a year, I finally had the chance to try Ulele, and it did not disappoint. The food was delicious, and the atmosphere had a charming, cozy vibe. The restaurant was also very kid-friendly, which made the experience even better. We started with the charbroiled oysters as an appetizer, which were absolutely delicious. I especially loved dipping the bread in the rich, buttery sauce. For my main dish, I ordered the meatloaf. It was flavorful and well-seasoned, though I found it slightly on the cooler side temperature-wise. It came with mashed potatoes, green beans, and crispy onion strings, which complemented the meal nicely. My friend ordered the crab cakes and thought they were pretty good. The service was excellent, and we had a delightful time overall. I'd definitely go back! read more
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Jeff H.
Love when families visit Ulele. So much for everyone at the table to…
I've been to Ulele a few times, and every visit has been a little different--which I love. I've sat in different spots, tried new dishes, and this time, I went during lunch. Let me tell you, I had been waiting to try the frosé--and baby, it did not disappoint! If you're the passenger for the day, do yourself a favor and add the floater. Trust me. We started with the McKay crab cakes--light on the breading and seared just right. My cousin convinced me to try charbroiled oysters for the first time. I had to close my eyes to take the first bite, but they were surprisingly good--I'd try them again. For my main, I had the Shrimp Po' Boy. Seasoned shrimp, slightly crunchy bread, and well-seasoned fries on the side. Overall, not a single dish disappointed. Ulele continues to impress. read more
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Jeff H.
Thank you, Shena. Looks like you got to really explore the menu!…
5 months ago
Really love this place ! I come here VERY often! And for drinks even more! Here recently, it seems like they are starting to fall off with the quality of their food unfortunately. The past 2 times, I have had very mediocre food. I even came recently for a Christmas work dinner & believe me when I say.. over 60% of our team left disappointed. It seemed as if everything was thrown together. The rice pilaf was hard, the chicken was so bland and the steak was totally undercooked for a large party. read more
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Jeff H.
Courtney, please email your review and your phone contact info to…
5 months ago
Enjoyed happy hour drinks with my coworkers tonight. I had an espresso martini with Bailey's. So good! We sat at their outside bar. Service was phenomenal! I've been for dinner a few times and have had a consistent experience. Didn't get it tonight but my fav is their pork chops. It is massive. The atmosphere is upscale, yet casual. Definitely recommend. read more
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Jeff H.
The pork chops, as you said, are phenomenal. Glad to hear you had a…
I really thought we were going to be impressed by Ulele going in and boy was I wrong. Yes the location is stunning, and yes the spot screams Tampa when you go - but beyond that, this is not what we thought it would be. Ulele is in essence a brewpub on the Riverwalk in Tampa with brewpub food. Nothing was at all elevated about this spot, and the best two things they served were grilled oysters and a side of corn! Everything else was so mid, and basically fried. The service is perfectly fine, if you're going for a brewpub, and the ambiance is of course great for semi-outdoor dining in Tampa. I cannot imagine doing this for a date night or anything beyond a guys night out. The side of corn though is really quite good! read more
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Jeff H.
Without knowing what hit you as "mid," we can't really address except…
2 months ago
Great experience! We sat outside and it was beautiful with wonderful ambiance. The food was so delicious! read more
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Jeff H.
Such a great time of year to dine outdoors at Ulele on the patio…
11 months ago
Normally have better experience at Ulele not sure what's going on but I need to explain what we experience. Our entire table had green beans as seasonal vegetables (however, they were raw not cook. The waiter and manager brought some spinach and it was terrible. They took lemon and salt added to which extremely terrible. Because of the compliment we suggested that we received dessert for entire table the manager agreed. He also took picture to take his chef and executive team to address this issue. Beef Shank 3/5. Not really season because they are allowing the graze to provide the favor. Mash potatoes were really good. Calamari 4/5. ButterCake 5/5 Maple Bacon ice cream 3/5.. interestly weird . But you like bacon and crunch you might like it. Everybody compared it to like a science project for food. Ambiances is always on point. However, this was definitely a off night. Because other guests was experiencing longer than wait times as well. read more
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Jeff H.
Addessa, please DM your contact info. Our GM would like to speak with…
I took my mom and kid to Ulele before seeing a show at the Straz. The food is tasty, if a little pricey, and the location is beautiful (plus we had a nice walk after our meal). We started with okra fries for the grown ups and mac n cheese for the kid. They were fine- I wish the fries has been crispier. My kid got the meatloaf and annihilated it. My mom and I both got fish dishes and were stuffed. I'm sure I'll be back, but tend to save Ulele for more of an occasion. read more
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Jeff H.
Appreciate your kind words, Renee. Would have been happy to bring…
11 months ago
Met a friend here for a weekend lunch. Sat outside close to one of the fans to stay cool. Loved that they have their own parking lot which is very convenient, just don't forget to get your ticket validated or you'll be paying $50. Service was great. My friend and I shared the Calamari to start and the Steelhead Trout as our meal. Both were delicious and I'd recommend both. read more
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Jeff H.
Great tip on the parking, Samantha. Glad your visit went so well for…
One of my favorites in Tampa. Went for a recent lunch and it was excellent as always. Great service. I had the 1528 burger for lunch. It was HUGE, I could not finish it. Delicious pineapple jam topping with crisp onion straws. Great compliment of favor and texture. read more
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Fran B.
We are honored to be one of your favorite Tampa restaurants, Jen! We…
I'm almost embarrassed to admit it took me five years to finally try this place. I'm always on the Riverwalk and constantly pass by, but I'd never stopped in until my boss took us out for a farewell dinner -- and wow, I've been missing out. The fried oysters were a first for me, and they were incredible. Flavorful, crispy, and nothing like the typical slurp-and-go oysters. We also ordered the carrot ribbons for the table, and those were surprisingly delicious -- how can a carrot look and taste so elevated? Perfect crunch, perfect flavor. For my entrée, I ordered the Florida pompano and, to my delight, it came with more carrot ribbons (YUM). The fish was fresh, beautifully cooked, and the sauce paired perfectly with everything on the plate. And let me just say... the ice cream was to die for. I only got a few spoonfuls of the coconut and guava since it was meant to be shared, but those few bites were enough to make me want my own next time. And the ambience? Honestly, that's part of the charm. I love how close it is to the river -- you can finish your meal and take a peaceful walk along the water to digest. It just adds to the whole experience. I'd definitely go back, maybe for happy hour, because you can easily make a meal out of just the oysters and carrots. read more
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Jeff H.
No embarassment necessary! There are a ton of great spots on the…
Ulele... So Great! Wow! This place is firing on all cylinders. Beautiful spot, great design... we sat upstairs on the rail, so a great view. The menu is fantastic... so much to like, it's not easy to choose. Need to return for dinner, to try the pork chop. Crab cake, Barbacoa Shrimp, Charbroiled Oysters, Fuego Street Corn... all great. Great Service from Xena T. This place is owned and operated by the Gonzmart family, the same people who own Columbia, now fifth generation restauranteurs. Basically, you can't go wrong with any of their places. They are professionals who aim for the highest quality in everything they do... and they deliver! I love it here! VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED read more
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Jeff H.
We hope you come back to try more of the menu, Steve.
What a cool spot, decor and ambience were lovely. They have outdoor seating available. Food was fantastic. Service was great, server very attentive and walked us through the menu options. My plate ended up on the floor as the server was dropping it off so I had to wait for a redo. The food was worth waiting for. Manager and server apologized for the delay. You should go check this place out read more
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Jeff H.
Glad our management team addressed the spill. Thank you for your…
The boyfriend wanted to come here since he lives in downtown Tampa and he rode his bike here and so I met him out here for a quick drink and snacks. It has bike racks right next to the building which worked out perfectly. We were able to sit at the bar immediately there were spots open. We really wanted to sit outside, but the sun was literally really beaming hot down on the bar outside so we decided to sit inside. The service is very fast and very attentive. The espresso martinis here with tequila are very delicious. read more
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Jeff H.
Thanks for using the bike racks! Such a great way to get to Ulele.
3 months ago
My frose' is always good & we enjoyed our Saturday lunch. The mac & cheese with crab was delicious! I tried the oysters rockefeller for the first time & it was simply amazing! read more
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Jeff H.
So many delicious choices, Tina. Thanks for sharing -- and for…
I so greatly appreciate it when my friends indulge my foodie whims, as Ulele had been on my radar for some time and there was no other choice for a final night dinner on this visit to Tampa. From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere felt vibrant and unique, blending Florida's rich native heritage with a modern, upscale twist. We arrived a bit earlier for our reservation, so spent some time walking around the outside space. I love how Ulele fits in seamlessly on the Riverwalk, as well as the attention to detail with each statue, the selection of plants, and the overall feel. Let me tell y'all about the food! The highlight for me was the Native Chili--a bold and unforgettable dish loaded with alligator, wild boar, venison, and duck. It was rich, flavorful, and genuinely unlike any chili that I've ever had before. While I debated going with one of Ulele's signature dishes, the filet mignon was calling my name. It ended up being a solid choice--aged 21 days, tender, and satisfying with your usual steak accompaniments of mashed potatoes and green beans but elevated. Last was the candied bacon maple ice cream with a corn flake crust. I got hooked on corn flake ice cream thanks to Chef Christina Tosi, so couldn't pass this up. It was a perfectly delectable dessert to bring such a wonderful meal to a crescendo. I feel terrible, but I cannot remember our server's name. They were delightful and accomodating throughout our stay, and helped me find a delicious red wine to complement my meal. If you're visiting Tampa, Ulele should be at the top of your food itinerary. I will definitely be making a return visit the next time that I'm in town. read more
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Jeff H.
Mandy, we're thrilled that so much of your Ulele visit went so well.…
3 months ago
Stopped by for wine and dessert after running in the Gasparilla race. We sat at the bar and it was amazing to watch the kitchen at work. What a well oiled machine! Every dish looked so delicious I have to go back to try something other than dessert! The key lime pie was wonderful! Ivan was so attentive and we will definitely be returning! read more
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Jeff H.
Ivan is a great ambassador for Columbia. And yes, Key lime pie makes…
Our friends who live in Tampa took us out for dinner here and it was amazing!! The service and food and drinks were all 10/10, would definitely come back next time I'm in Tampa. For food, I HIGHLY recommend their barbacoa shrimp and steelhead trout. The trout is like salmon and cooked to perfection, not dry at all! It was on a bed of crispy Brussels sprouts that were amazing as well! The shrimp was plump and juicy and flavorful and the corn on the cob was the perfect side dish and came with extra butter! This meal was a great experience and the restaurant was a great vibe. It's super big and in a great location, you can go to other spots nearby after! read more
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Jeff H.
Great observation about the trout. Such a feast of flavors! Thanks…
3 days ago
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Jeff H.
Welcome back, Christopher! We hope you get a chance to return often.…
Came here for lunch with a big group on a Sunday and had a wonderful time! They were great about accommodating our large party. The inside is a cool, industrial looking building with beautiful windows overlooking their lawn and the river walk. Our service and food were both great! They have a nice menu with some unique dishes and classics. I got the burger, which was tasty. I also got to try the chili (10/10) and crab Mac and cheese. I'd definitely come back, especially with visitors not local to Tampa! read more
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Jeff H.
We hope you visit again soon, Krista! So glad you found so much to…
Great spot! Highly recommend this place! They have a little of everything. The food was great, drinks were great and the inside/outside of the restaurant is super spacious with a ton of seating. The staff was kind and helpful on our first visit. Really enjoyed my meal - very filling and delicious. Will be back again for sure! read more
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Jeff H.
We look forward to your next visit, Joanne! Thanks for your tasty…
7 months ago
Very Unique Restaurant Many sculptures inside and outside. Service was very great. Our waitress Skylar Was extremely attentive. We told her we were Hungry! Appetizer: Charbroiled Grilled Oysters. It was A bit salty for our taste. Entrees: Blacken Grilled Gulf Grouper Sandwich with Fries. and Crispy Pork Shank with Apple / Cranberry We didn't have room for dessert. If you are in the area. At least Come to see the ART.... read more
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Jeff H.
Thanks for your feedback and positive review, Niss. At any time a…
4 months ago
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Jeff H.
Thank you for your enthusiastic endorsement, Tiffany. Much…
1 year ago
I was curious about Ulele because the website describes it as a "native-inspired restaurant" and quite honestly, I don't think I've ever been to a restaurant that is native-inspired. Also, my veggie friend loves this place so if she likes it, the veggie dishes must be good. The online menu clearly marks what is vegetarian and vegan which I always appreciate. The drink menu instantly caught my attention when I saw the word "mango purée" in the Ulele Sunrise. It also comes with tequila, muddled cucumber, lime juice, triple sec, and syrup. It's not as mango-forward as I would have liked but I appreciate the strength of the buzz I was feeling. https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/ulele-tampa?select=_Bnfjn1-SzYsG-hudK0vuA Our friends are fans of the Carrot Ribbons and I can see why. Crisp carrot ribbons, dusted in flour then fried. Very addicting! I avoided the honey aioli but Hubby and our friends are fans of it. https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/ulele-tampa?select=Jjb3HuEdjOzHvJKeJR8J9Q We also shared Okra Fries which have a prominent citrus flavor. I also appreciate that this was unbreaded because I don't always need the extra carbs. https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/ulele-tampa?select=stgWNeVtKZUYNDm0TQBKMg For my entrée, I have the Native Sauté which was big enough to feed me for dinner while still having enough for leftovers. It comes with sautéed portobello mushrooms, red onions, zucchini, squash, green beans, white wine, a tomato sauce, and wild rice blend. I love the freshness of the veggies and the vibrant colors! https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/ulele-tampa?select=nI-FDTXurxWU43-7EEJayw This restaurant is huge! We dined on the 2nd floor. Our waiter was friendly. Love the indoor and outdoor art, including the statues. I also appreciate the complimentary valet parking. This spot is pretty popular and we had a nearly 1-hour wait upon arrival. This gave us an opportunity to walk over to the nearby Armature Works to explore for a bit. All around great experience! read more
Business owner information
Jeff H.
We love being a place vegetarians can enjoy. Glad it hit the mark for…
4.6* (out of 5) Food: 4* Atmosphere: 5* Value: 4* Service: 5* Would I go back / Recommend?: 5* (Definitely) Total check/person: $50 03/24/2025 While still one of our favorite places to go when we visit our son in Tampa, we honestly thought that the quality of the food has slipped a little since our last few visits. Several in our party of 5 commented about the temperature of their food being a little on the cool side. Our table ordered a variety of dishes (all pictures below): Water Works Meatloaf, SEafood Risotto, Aji Amarillo Ceviche, Barbacoa Shrimp, Water Works Wedge and Fire Roasted Chicken. With the exception of the Ceviche, all of the plates were really liked by each with the caveat as mentioned above (several were barely warm). I'll just say beware of the Ceviche, as it is not your typical ceviche - I've eaten a lot of ceviche and everything about this is different (texture, flavor, sauce vs. juice, etc.). It likely is a different style that I'm just not familiar with, but make sure you know what you are getting before you order it, as it was something that I will definitely never order again. If you found this review helpful, please show your appreciation with a Like or a Follow. read more
Business owner information
Fran B.
Thank you for sharing your experience and your photos, Todd! We are…
3 months ago
Always great food and service!! Awesome atmosphere. Definitely one of the best restaurants in the area read more
Business owner information
Jeff H.
Thanks for your compliments -- and your tasty photos -- Alexis. Hope…
More info about Ulele
1810 North Highland Ave
Tampa, FL 33602
Directions
(813) 999-4952
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Visit Website
https://ulele.com
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Ask the Community - Ulele
Is there free parking for midweek lunch?
They have parking not too far. They also have valet option.
Is there a dress code?
Hi, Stephanie! Here's what is listed on Ulele's website: Dining atmosphere is casual elegance and while many guests wear formal attire, it is discretionary. Men must wear sleeves. If you are dressed in more relaxed attire, you may be seated in our… Read more
Is there a similar restaurant close by, they are already booked for the weekend?
Steelbach is one of the other nicer restaurants in Armature Works. Not far from there is a newer upscale restaurant called Rome & Fig, which is named for the SE corner it sits on: Rome Ave and Fig St. Smaller than Ulele but classy enough, nice… Read more
Until what time do they serve lunch?
Lunch is served from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. daily.
Does Ulele have a happy hour, thanks?
No they do not. Was just there last night. They don't one because they say their prices are already fair
What kid items are available?
Yes they do have a kids menu with about 6 menu item choices.
Are there tables to sit by the water? How is the view? Or can you only see the water from the window inside?
Yes they do and the view is amazing. Especially at sunset 💕
Do you serve brunch buffet?
Hi Erika, sorry for the delay in response. We do not serve a brunch buffet.
Are you Pet Friendly?
There's outside seating & there were definitely plenty of pets around when I was there:)
Do you all accommodate dairy allergies? I'm having trouble finding a place for a friends birthday that has a good amount of options for dairy free.
I believe they do, but if not the Columbia does an AMAZING job accommodating any/all allergies - they have a special allergy menu, you just have to ask for it.
Can I get some details on the happy hour if there is one and if there is still an oyster happy hour as well?
No happy hour other than the oyster happy hour which I believe they still have. It's only on Tuesday's from 4-6 and they are $1 raw oysters. The offer is only available at the oyster bar.
Are any of the lunch items available at dinner time? i.e. hamburger or steak sandwich
While many items cross-over to the dinner menu, sandwiches like the steak sandwich and the hamburger are not on the evening menu
How far ahead can you make reservations?
Alyssa, You can go online at Ulele.com to make a reservation. The system we use, OpenTable, will… Read more
Can we ( should we - safe?) walk to the Straz center after dinner for a 7:30 show TKS
Yes, Janet. The Straz is about a 5 minute walk along the well-lit and popular Tampa Riverwalk at night.
Is valet parking available for Saturday early lunch - 11:30?
Our valet begins at 5 p.m. each day.
Is it possible to host a group of roughly 25? We're celebrating several birthdays.
Yes, we can. Please email groups@ulele.com for more details.
I called once on a Saturday and was told they only do to-go on weekdays. Called today and was told that they don't do to-go. Which one is it?
I don't think they do to go at all. This is a site down restaurant.
Do they have any special occasions for birthday, is this a good place to celebrate a birthday?
When you make your reservation, tell the restaurant by phone or via OpenTable. We do provide a little surprise at the end of the meal. Thanks for considering a celebration with us. Michael Kilgore, CMO
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Ulele - newamerican - Updated May 2026
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