I have a dinner date coming up and the gentleman wants me to choose the place. I wouldn't mind dining in the hotel where we would meet (which I am in charge of too), but I am also open to other places. Looking for something mid-range to fancy. I have been a couple places with friends, but wanted to get a broader collection of recommendations to add to my "local" knowledge. Any help would be so gratefully received!!

Hi again. Since I posted this, I have received quite a few private messages, but I can't read them! (I still have no review, so I can't read my messages until I do.) Please don' think I am ignoring you. Feel free to contact me via my email address: your sarah landon at yahoo dot com

Hi Sarah! I am so glad you finally moved to Tampa.
My first thoughts of great places you already know about from your visits here. Remember our great dinner at Armani's at the Hyatt? It is a little over rated but the view at sunset is great. Or when we had that double date to Side-Bern's after the Tampa Theater and before our trip to the Mons Venus? Now that was a very fun night!
OK, back to your question. It depends on where he is staying...
If it is in the WestShore area then Donatello's is romantic. Downtown there is Mise en Place. If you are in Clearwater Beach then try Caretta on the Gulf.
Don't forget that the two of you could always come to my place for dessert. You are so yummy!
Love you!

Beautiful Heather! Yes, I am thrilled to be here. We must get together soon.

I do remember those places and have been leaning towards Armani's or Oystercatcher's (also excellent sunset views) as they are in a nice hotel (I can also try a different hotel if you know of one). Side-Bern's was delicious- I remember the food well. I hadn't considered going to Clearwater- but why not? I'll suggest your place for dessert. Depends on how much he wants to spoil me. I haven't seen him since CA, so we'll see! Fingers crossed.

What about Bailey's on Davis Island? Or Six Tables on Henderson? I have been to Bailey's and it was delicious, but haven't been to Six Tables. I am still leaning toward sunset view and a casita. Maybe we could just do room service and have you over for dessert.

Thanks, Swimtrekr- I haven't been to the Maggiano's here. I have been to two- on in Vegas and one in Arizona (Scottsdale I think). Is it consistently good here in Tampa? It was delicious in Scottsdale, but my Vegas experience wasn't so good. This one would also be a great location if it is consistently good!

You might just have to break down and pay the fee for VIP access.....

Within 2 miles of Maggiano's and the West Shore Mall is Shula's, The Palm, Charley's, Ruth's Chriss and the International Mall. Fleming's, Lee Roy Selmon's and Roy's are maybe a mile further...not the same quality but still good. If you like Italian and want to try some smaller, classy places with great ambiance then try Bella's at Bayshore and South Howard or the Wine Exchange in Hyde Park. I love going out to eat and probably try every new restaurant in the area when they open. PM me and I can give you endless suggestions for whatever style and price range you're looking for.

and the tuna tartar for apeatiser

...the Grand Hyatt has these lovely casitas on the back property that are delicious to stay in. They all come with a private sitting porch. I believe the property is situated in the middle of a wildlife preservation area so there are tons of birds and lush tropical landscaped grounds surrounding the casitas making them feel really private.

Heather's suggestions sound like places that are Tampa places.  Several of the others are for national chains (Maggiano's, The Palm, Ruth's Chris, Flemings); while the chains are very good, your client could find most of them in most large cities.  I think that if you want to make it memorable, a truly Tampa place that he won't run across in Chicago or Philly would be my choice.  Just my $ .02

Thanks everyone for the great suggestions! I agree that maybe this time I should pick something very "Tampa". Side-Berns or Oystercatchers with a casita are tops so far. But I am really glad to have such a great resource (this thread) for reference in the future. This board is great!

If you want a truly Tampa restaurant, then try the Colombia in Ybor City.

Yes- the Colombia! It had great food when I was here years ago. Is it still good? Some of these old icons have gone downhill a little, as I understand it. Is there still one on Harbor Island?