TAMPA, Fla. — As the year comes to a close, OpenTable is sharing which restaurants across the country made the biggest impact in 2023.
"The diners have spoken," as the reservation service puts it, and two Tampa restaurants have been featured in OpenTable's Top 100 restaurants in the U.S. for 2023.
Bern's Steak House and Lilac both made the list which was compiled using more than 12 million verified diner reviews. OpenTable also calculated dining metrics including diner ratings, percentage of reservations made in advance and five-star reviews.
The company commended Bern's for its "perfectly aged steaks," locally-grown vegetables, massive wine collection and, of course, its internationally famous dessert room.
"Each visit to Bern’s Steak House takes you on a gastronomic adventure that defines Bern’s not as a meal but as an experience," OpenTable wrote.
Since it opened in 1956, Bern's has been a local favorite for special occasions and opulent dining experiences.
Lilac was applauded by OpenTable for its "modern Mediterranean" menu created by Michelin-starred chef John Fraser.
"Taking its cues from Fraser’s Greek heritage and his admiration of Turkish cuisine, Lilac’s balanced menu is a celebration of the chef’s vegetable-forward philosophy using fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients," the reservation service wrote.
Lilac was one of three Tampa restaurants awarded a coveted Michelin star earlier this year. Lilac General Manager Matthew Braden also earned the Michelin Outstanding Service Award in 2023.
Other Florida restaurants featured in the list include:
- Buccan – Palm Beach
- Latitudes Key West on Sunset Key – Key West
- Llama Restaurant – St. Augustine
- Savour – Tallahassee
- Stubborn Seed – Miami Beach
