5 /5 John H: Had to write a review, because this place is better than the 4.3 rating I see. I probably go to this restaurant more than any others. The food is always good to outstanding, and I’ve never had anything here I would not order again. Unlike many places, they update the menu regularly (seasonally?), and it is a true menu update and not “these are our seasonal specials”. Same thing for their cocktails, which can be disappointing if/when something that is stellar disappears (Cioppino, come back!).
The space is nice, and surprisingly tolerable in the middle of a Florida summer. One of the few places in Tampa that really is waterfront instead of “can see water”, and if you’re looking for something above sports bar or seafood shack, then Jackson’s is the only other option in the area. It is “upscale”, but not necessarily fancy or pretentious, so a place you could dress up (NOT in the summer though) and have a date night, or stop in for a regular weekday dinner/lunch.
No real notes on the service. It is good and never had a bad experience. I’ve seen a lot of the same staff over the years, so the people that work there know the menu and the area, and their recommendations have always been good.
Notable menu items for me are the mussels and the burger, both because most everything else will rotate out, and I haven’t found better than either around downtown.
Last I knew, valet parking at the Marriott was complimentary for an hour or two of going to one of the restaurants.
Wait times can vary considerably depending on season, weather, and if there’s a conference or something at the convention center.
