Ulele
About This Spot
Stepping into Ulele feels like entering a gathering spot where the spirit of Tampa’s rich riverfront heritage meets the warmth of a close-knit community. Nestled along the tranquil Tampa Riverwalk, this American restaurant invites you to slow down and breathe in a setting that effortlessly balances vibrant energy with laid-back ease. The architecture and landscaping create a sense of place that’s both rooted in history and refreshingly approachable, offering plenty of room to settle in, whether inside or in the leafy outdoor spaces.
The atmosphere hums with quiet joy—a mix of laughter, clinking glasses, and soft live music in the evening, all blending into a soundtrack that feels both celebratory and comfortable. It’s a spot where families can gather, friends can reconnect, and couples can find moments of intimacy without feeling rushed. The pace here encourages you to savor the moment, linger over conversation, and soak in the gentle movements of the river nearby.
Ulele’s menu is an extension of this experience, drawing you into a culinary landscape shaped by Florida’s natural bounty and culinary traditions. Dishes arrive thoughtfully, with flavors that feel grounded in local ingredients and seasonality. Whether you’re diving into fire-roasted oysters, enjoying a fresh take on shrimp and grits, or indulging in unexpected delights like okra fries or house-made ice cream, each bite invites curiosity and a quiet appreciation for craftsmanship. The thoughtfully curated drinks list, featuring inventive cocktails and crisp non-alcoholic options, punctuates the meal with moments of refreshment that feel perfectly tuned to the warm climate and relaxed tempo of the setting.
What sets Ulele apart is its genuine hospitality—a place where the care in the kitchen is matched by a welcoming spirit at the table. It’s the kind of spot you remember not just for what you ate, but for how you felt: connected, nourished, and delightfully present in a space that somehow feels both lively and serene.
What’s Available Here
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Identifies as Latino-owned
- Outdoor seating
- On-site services
- Takeaway
- Dine-in
- Delivery
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
- Live music
- Serves local specialty
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Healthy options
- Private dining room
- Small plates
- Spirits
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
- Bar on site
- Gender-neutral toilets
- Toilet
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
- Casual
- Cosy
- Historic
- Lively
- Romantic
- Trendy
- Upmarket
- Family friendly
- Groups
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Locals
- Tourists
- Transgender safe space
- Brunch reservations recommended
- Lunch reservations recommended
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
- Usually a wait
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
- Good for kids
- Has changing table(s)
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
- Free of charge street parking
- Free parking lot
- On-site parking
- Paid street parking
- Parking
- Valet parking
- Dogs allowed
- Dogs allowed outside
Location & Hours
| Monday | 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM | |
| Tuesday | 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM | |
| Wednesday | 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM | |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday | 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM | |
| Friday | 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM | |
| Saturday | 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM | |
| Sunday | 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM |
Guest Reviews
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Bobby Dunlap 09 Jan 2026
Here’s a polished ~200-word review you can use as-is or tweak: We chose Ulele to celebrate our anniversary, and it was absolutely unforgettable. From the moment we arrived, everything felt special. The setting along the Tampa Riverwalk is stunning—peaceful water views, beautiful architecture, and a warm, inviting atmosphere that immediately sets the tone for a memorable evening. The food was exceptional from start to finish. Every dish was thoughtfully prepared, perfectly cooked, and full of bold, balanced flavors. You can truly tell that quality ingredients and attention to detail are at the heart of the menu. The presentation was just as impressive as the taste, making each course feel like part of the experience rather than just a meal. Service was outstanding—attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely welcoming without ever feeling rushed. Our server made excellent recommendations and helped make our anniversary feel celebrated and personal. It’s easy to see why Ulele is Michelin-recognized and so highly regarded. The combination of incredible food, scenic views, and top-tier service makes it a standout restaurant not just in Tampa, but anywhere. If you’re looking for a place for a special occasion or simply an amazing dining experience, Ulele delivers on every level.
Tori Bacon 17 Dec 2025
We came the night of the boat parade and it was super busy down town. It took a bit for us to get a table but the vibes were really great in the outdoor area right outside. I ordered the meatloaf and requested it without any sauce bc I am picky. I absolutely loved it and the next time I go to tampa this place is at the top of my list. My wife ordered the pompano and it was also really good. We started with the jalapeno corn bread and loved it. They were the perfect amount of peppers. I got the bourbon cake which I enjoy but thought it was a little bland however the ice cream on top was amazing and my wife got the coconut ice cream served in a coconut shell was also delicious. Our waiter was phenomenal. It was packed and so busy and yet the vibes and service were awesome.
Maha 13 Dec 2025
We started with refreshing mocktails, which were creative and perfectly balanced without any alcohol. For appetizers, we shared a fresh salad and the jalapeño cornbread muffins served with carrot ribbons – the muffins had just the right kick of spice that made them addictive with the sweet whipped butter! The chili was delicious too, but it was inhaled before I could snap a picture of it. For mains, the meatloaf was hearty, flavorful, and beautifully prepared with that signature barbacoa touch, while the seafood risotto was a standout: creamy, packed with fresh shrimp, scallops, and lobster in a rich cream sauce. Everything felt fresh and inspired by Florida’s native ingredients. Dessert sealed the deal – a warm fluffy butter cake with crisp edges paired with homemade vanilla bean ice cream. We also added the dark chocolate valrhona ice cream which had a deep depth of flavor. What truly elevated the experience was our server, Luke. He was exceptionally nice, genuine, and hard-working – checking on our table over 10 times despite handling multiple tables. We had great conversations with him, and his attentiveness and warm personality made the night feel special and personal.
Özden Onaran 24 Nov 2025
Super location!! A place where you can go with your children and sip your drink comfortably :) There is plenty of seating area. There is a separate mini bar outside, live music in the evening was a bonus for us. However, they played music that was a bit heavy for the atmosphere, I think they should have played it softer :) When the place is so popular, the waiting line becomes quite long. We waited outside for 45 minutes for a seat, but this did not cause us any problems. We had a drink outside and enjoyed the music and the atmosphere, then went to dinner. Of course, we waited for our food for more than 20 minutes, but I think this is understandable at this intensity. Cocktails were very successful. I chose my wine from $5 per bottle, donated to animal hospital, I don't remember the name. The food was successful, but what came on the side were burnt things that were not even clear what they were!! The ice cream was very successful both in its presentation and taste. Having its own parking lot is wonderful. U.le.le gained a new customer. :)
James Taylor 23 Nov 2025
This restaurant is a hidden gem in the Tampa Heights area! It has a nice dining area, as well as outside seating in a park like setting. You can also take a walk along the river. Now to the good part. The drinks were good and the food was even better. The soft shell crab was phenomenal and the lobster roll and fries were delicious. I didn't have room for dessert, but I'm sure those items were very good as well. If you're in the area, don't hesitate to give Ulele a try!
Andy Bryant 11 Nov 2025
Super Floridian restaurant on the edge of a park. We tried the most Florida options - the native chilli (great), the gator tail (good, but don't need it again), along with the 1528 burger (real flame grilled taste) and the seafood risotto (overloaded with 2 scallops and other seafood). All was great!
Victoria Musselwhite 28 Oct 2025
Absolutely delicious! The service was amazing and the kitchen runs like a well oiled machine. We got the gator tails ,native loaded chili, stone crab, charbroiled oysters, and the gouda grouper. Each item was superb and I highly recommend everything. Definitely a must go. We did not have a reservation and sat right at the oyster bar, which is first come first served. Bathrooms were nice and clean. Plenty of seating inside and outside. Also, the statues all around outside are super cool and worth a look.
Ruth Young 28 Oct 2025
Wonderful waiter. Very nice location. We were outside. The bright lights that were shining on our table were so annoying. The food and service made the lighting a bit more acceptable. Serving sizes were large. Sure wish restaurants would take in to consideration now that many people are on appetite suppressants. Enjoy being out & eating but small portions made available would be fabulous. The views out to the River Front stunning especially now during holidays. We would go back but would check out lighting around where we are being seated if dusk or dark out. We had been to Straz for a show. Walked from there to restaurant & back. Very walkable. There are a couple of nice parking garages near Straz. There is valet parking at Straz too.