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Rusty Pelican Tampa welcomes seafood lovers and waterfront diners to a vibrant and sophisticated culinary escape located at 2425 N Rocky Point Dr. This acclaimed seafood restaurant offers a beautifully curated menu that celebrates the bounty of the sea with a refined Florida touch, complemented by stunning panoramic views of the bay that create an unforgettable dining atmosphere.
From the very first bite, Rusty Pelican tantalizes the senses with an enticing array of flavors and textures. Popular menu highlights include the melt-in-your-mouth Lobster and Shrimp Risotto, which blends creamy richness with delicate seafood sweetness, and the robustly seasoned Blackened Swordfish that boasts a perfectly charred crust. For fans of divine appetizers, the Coconut Shrimp paired with a zesty OrangeGinger marmalade offers a delightful crunch and tropical zing, while the Key West Conch Fritters come with a refreshing Pina Colada dipping sauce that elevates this classic starter to new heights.
The restaurant also presents savory comfort meets coastal flair with standouts like the Fried Chicken and Waffles and the indulgent Steak 'N' Eggs Benedict. And don’t miss their exquisite house-made desserts like the tangy Key Lime Pie or the luxuriously creamy Crème Brulee, both perfect for a sweet finish by the water’s edge.
Happy Hour at Rusty Pelican is a true treat, featuring a variety of well-crafted specialty cocktails such as the playful Oopsie Daisy! and Strawberry Dreamin’, alongside popular beers including Jai Alai IPA and Michelob Ultra—all served with attentive care in a relaxed yet elegant setting. Half-off food items during this time, including the crispy, perfectly seasoned Brussels Sprouts with Thai chili glaze, and the freshly prepared Crab Cake with chipotle and ginger aioli, make for splendid sharing plates with friends or colleagues.
Customers consistently praise Rusty Pelican for its breathtaking waterfront views that provide the perfect backdrop to any occasion. Many have marked special moments here—from anniversaries under glowing sunsets to lively birthday celebrations—highlighting not just the delicious dishes but also the warm, gracious service from attentive staff members like Nydia and Kyle, who turn a meal into a memorable experience. While personal tastes vary, the overall consensus is an appreciation for the fresh, thoughtfully crafted cuisine paired with attentive hospitality.
Whether you’re seeking an intimate dinner date with an enchanting bay view or a spirited happy hour to unwind, Rusty Pelican Tampa delivers on all fronts with a menu rich in coastal delights, a lively yet polished atmosphere, and a service team that truly knows how to make guests feel special. This seafood sanctuary effortlessly balances culinary excellence with a welcoming vibe, making it a must-visit destination for locals and visitors alike.
We ordered the crabcake and octopus for appetizers and the dinner for two. I didn't care for the crabcake, but it was only because it was too spicy for my taste. The dinner for two was amazing. The shrimp was a bit overdone, but the steak was perfect. My husband liked the snapper and the octopus. The view is amazing. I liked the restaurant before the renovations, but it's still nice. It just doesn't have that old school feel anymore.
Location and views from main dining room are beautiful overlooking the bay. Service also attentive and friendly. Food although good was mediocre. Fish tacos were a little too dry for my taste. Brussel sprouts were very good though.
Went with my boyfriend 12/9 for my birthday to celebrate and let me just tell you the food , vibes and the scenery were all amazing but the real star of the show was our server Nydia ( I hope i spelt that right lol ) she was SPECTACULAR!!!! she took great care of us , made us feel so special and answered all our questions! she recommended a margarita “ Oopsie Daisy” and it was a 10/10!! We will be returning hopefully to see her again!!!
I went during lunch hours, it was fairly quiet and did not have a wait. The service was good and the food was delicious. We ordered tacos and a burger. The taco dish only came with two (2) tacos and a decent amount of fries. I'd recommend this place for a fancy dinner date.
We loved it. Celebrated our 18th anniversary with dinner, drinks and a beautiful sunset. The food was amazing! The drinks were fantastic. The staff was great. Got our drinks, appetizers and entree perfectly made. Can't wait to revisit. And our waiter, Kyle, was wonderful and made the evening memorable.
Got here at 4:10 before they opened , they open at 4:30. They were amazing letting us sit at the bar and order drinks while waiting for 4:30. We had conch fritters for appetizers and French onion soup, both were delicious. I had the crab stuffed grouper, not much crab for the $13 up charge. She had the pan seared grouper, she loved it. For dessert we chose the toffee pudding cake, pretty amazing. The specialty drinks I really enjoyed. One called slow burn has a wedge ice cube made from jalapeño, amazing! I ate the ice cube when my drink was finished. Our server was Erin she was as super as they come. So glad she was our server, she made it very special! Now for the bad news, being charged $8 to park at the restaurant you are going to spend a few hundred at, makes you not want to come back, no matter how much you enjoyed it!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5 Stars: An Unforgettable Thanksgiving by the Bay! The Rusty Pelican (Tampa, FL) has always been a landmark for great views, but their Thanksgiving Day 3-course meal special completely blew us away. It was the perfect way to celebrate the holiday without the stress of cooking. From the moment we arrived, the ambiance was great. There is something magical about looking out over the water while enjoying a holiday meal; the atmosphere was elegant yet warm and inviting. The staff was amazing, handling the busy holiday rush with grace, professionalism, and genuine friendliness. Now, onto the incredible food. The experience started strong with the first course charcuterie board, which was beautifully presented and featured a delicious selection of meats and cheeses. For the main courses, we got the best of both worlds. The traditional turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes were executed perfectly—comfort food elevated to a fine dining level. But the surprise standout was the Chicken and Waffles; the savory and sweet combination was absolutely delicious and a fun twist on the holiday menu. We finished the meal with the dessert array, which was the perfect sweet ending to a massive feast. If you are looking for a place to spend a holiday or just a special occasion in Tampa, The Rusty Pelican is the place to be. We are already looking forward to our next visit!
Superb dining experience! Watched the sunset, fish jump and the tide go out from our table. The food was amazing! I had the surf and turf and it was the best I have ever had. The 8 ounce filet mignon melted in my mouth and the lobster tail was perfectly seasoned and tender. Celebrated my birthday shared a chocolate cake with ice cream AND took home some key lime pie. Do I recommend going?? 1000% …it’s a MUST. Service was great too! WE WILL BE BACK