Ponte Modern American

American restaurant · Tampa ·

Ponte Modern American

American restaurant · Tampa ·

Creative American flair, raw bar, steak & modern cocktails

Information

1010 Gramercy Ln, Tampa, FL 33607 Get directions

$100+

@michelinguide

48,380 Postcards · 8,030 Cities

Tyler Wolff of Ponte is the MICHELIN Guide Florida 2025 Exceptional Cocktails Award Winner

"Guest-forward and elevated, this Tampa spot showcases a radical drink menu split down the middle with parallel classic and modern takes, led by Beverage Director and Sommelier Tyler Wolff, this year's MICHELIN Guide Florida Exceptional Cocktails Award winner. Tweaks are clever enough to keep favorites familiar yet boundary-pushing: an old fashioned built on Suntory Toki brings gentle smoke, kokuto sugar deepens caramelized nuttiness with black walnut bitters, and a touch of Amaro Montenegro replaces simple syrup for layered complexity; a cosmo can arrive 'singing' with lavender vodka and white cranberry juice. The team's ethos is to maintain the identity of a Manhattan, margarita, or old fashioned while making a considered twist. In this elevated setting, specialty ingredients also make an appearance, most notably a foie gras fat-washed WhistlePig rye cocktail, a hybrid of old fashioned and Manhattan accented with Averna, a hint of chocolate, and a kick of vermouth, whose aromatics lead and whose savory richness lingers long after the first sip; it's among the bar's most popular pours." - The MICHELIN Guide

https://guide.michelin.com/en/article/michelin-guide-ceremony/tyler-wolff-ponte-michelin-guide-florida-exceptional-cocktails-award

Ponte Modern American

@michelinguide

48,380 Postcards · 8,030 Cities

"Chef Christopher Ponte oversees the very grand eponymous restaurant located in midtown Tampa where a cream-and-white palette sets an elegant tone. This is a linen tablecloth kind of place where a comprehensive menu lists dishes with a contemporary and creative American flair.Kick off this memorable meal with Champagne and pearls—oysters finished with a pink peppercorn mignonette foam—or opt for the salmon Wagyu set over crispy sushi rice. Discover an entire section of the menu devoted to steaks with different sauces, toppers and butters. It may read a bit showy, but it's exciting nonetheless and feels worthy of the price tag.Cocktails are quite literally split down the middle, offering both a classic version of the usual suspects alongside modern takes." - Michelin Inspector

https://guide.michelin.com/en/florida/tampa/restaurant/ponte-1206505

Ponte Modern American

@michelinguide

48,380 Postcards · 8,030 Cities

New Additions to MICHELIN Guide Tampa April 2023

"Chef Christopher Ponte oversees the very grand eponymous restaurant located in midtown Tampa where a cream-and-white palette sets an elegant tone. This is a linen tablecloth kind of place where a comprehensive menu lists dishes with a contemporary and creative American flair. Kick off this memorable meal with Champagne and pearls—oysters finished with a pink peppercorn mignonette foam—or opt for the salmon Wagyu set over crispy sushi rice. Discover an entire section of the menu devoted to steaks with different sauces, toppers and butters. It may read a bit showy, but it's exciting nonetheless and feels worthy of the price tag. Cocktails are quite literally split down the middle, offering both a classic version of the usual suspects alongside modern takes." - MICHELIN Guide

https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/article/dining-out/michelin-guide-tampa-new-additions-restaurants

Ponte Modern American

Felix A

Google

This restaurant has been on our list for a while, heard great things, so we decided to hit it for a birthday dinner. Great atmosphere, modern, new with clean lines. Service was very good but not as great as I would expect for a restaurant of this level. Deeper knowledge of the menu, options and overall confidence from the server would have added more service value. Great modern old fashion version made well with Japanese whiskey. Apps were good, tartare and crab cake had great flavor and fresh along with the bread service and their options. The steaks were very good, along with the sea bass entrees. Loved the sides, asparagus and Brussels sprouts. Favorite side was their duck fried rice, outstanding. They also provided a sample of their mushroom soup, which was very good. We finished it off with a birthday mouse desert and their chocolate soufflé. I would most definitely return for another special moment. In the Tampa Bay area the quality does stand up there with the other high end restaurants.

Melanie J.

Google

Ponte Restaurant was the perfect choice for a special brunch and made our anniversary celebration feel truly memorable. From the moment we arrived, we felt genuinely taken care of. We were warmly greeted with champagne, which set such a lovely tone for the entire experience. The food was absolutely stunning, both in presentation and flavor. Every dish felt thoughtfully prepared and elevated. The French toast was outstanding and easily one of the best I have had, and the braised beef Benny was rich, perfectly cooked, and incredibly satisfying. You can really tell the kitchen pays attention to detail. Service throughout brunch was attentive, polished, and welcoming without ever feeling overbearing. It added to the feeling that this was a place that truly values hospitality. Parking was also very easy, with a free garage conveniently located nearby, which made the visit completely stress free. Overall, Ponte Restaurant is an exceptional spot for brunch and an ideal choice for celebrating a special occasion. Highly recommend

Andrew E.

Google

My wife and I went for our Anniversary dinner. Firstly this is the best service I have received in a long time. Nicole our server was the best and one of the chefs even personally deliver a delicious amuse bouche. Bread service was great. Loved the options. Our crab cake appetizer was amazing. My wife got the short ribs and she really enjoyed it. I got the Waygu filet and enjoyed it as well. The duck fried rice, Mac and cheese and hash brown frites were all great as well. Oh and the drinks were also amazing. It was a truly memorable experience and will definitely be going back.

Raymond L.

Google

Ponte Tampa is a whole vibe. The service, drinks, food and ambiance are perfect. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of our visit. 21 day aged bone in Kansas City cut steak was awesome. My wife loved her salmon. The escargot was some of the best I’ve ever had and the salmon sashimi appetizer was one of the best things I’ve ever eaten. 10/10

B S.

Google

Always a very upscale, beautiful experience at Ponte. So many good things on the menu like the crispy rice, Crudo, the ribeye Australian Wagyu, tuna tartare, I have no pictures of the Chilean Seabass, but it was amazing, and also the truffle salmon, beet salad, and foi grais, and the mushroom risotto. And the mushroom soup is very good as well. Things I’d pas on the Caesar salad and French onion soup. Excellent service and presentations. The food was amazing. My only comment is for the delay in drinks timeline wise.

Joshua R.

Google

From the moment you walk through the door you know you’re in for a very pleasant gastronomic experience. The servers attention and service was excellent. Things like the rotating bread offerings are a very nice touch. They are most known for their steaks, but the salmon was excellent.

iTo

Google

This restaurant is for a special occasion, as the prices are quite high, in my opinion too overrated for the quality that they offer. Our waitress (Maya) was fantastic, and she didn't bother us much asking ALL the time if everything was ok; I guess she got that we were having some important conversations and she didn't want to interrupt, which is refreshing and the true nature from her profession. Kudos to her. About the food, the best were the cocktails, the steaks and the Mac&Cheese. Everything else that we order can be avoided, as they were nothing special. Once again, go there to have a special dinner, to be treated well and the most important thing, with GOOD PEOPLE. Thank you Kalyn, thank you Ryan.

Katia S.

Google

Our experience at Ponte in Tampa was truly outstanding! We came as a family — while there weren’t specific kids’ dishes, the children were still able to enjoy plenty from the menu along with us. My sister has celiac, and the waitress immediately provided a gluten-free menu. The food came out quickly and was beautifully presented — almost too pretty to eat! Every dish was full of unique flavors that blended perfectly. We especially loved the truffle risotto and the burrata salad, both of which were outstanding. The meat was cooked to perfection, and the fish with truffle was equally delicious. Highly recommend this restaurant — such a fun and flavorful dining experience. Can’t wait to go back!

Robert A.

Yelp

Ponte was a really nice date experience. We try to get out once a month or so and we wanted to try our Ponte since we love Olivia. The atmosphere was very nice and welcoming, and the service was exactly what you would expect from a fine dining experience. Every item that we tried was delicious, we ordered a bread appetizer that came with a truffle butter that was fantastic. I saved the butter and used it to top my filet afterwards and it was fantastic. The mashed potatoes and steak paired perfectly and it was one of the top 5 steaks I have had. My partner enjoyed the French onion soup and Mac and cheese as well but it wasn't their all time favorite. I will definitely be returning to Ponte because of its great atmosphere, professional service and delicious steak. As a bonus they followed up with me via email to thank me again for coming. A very nice touch

Maria K.

Yelp

I'm updating my review from 2 yrs ago when I went to Ponte and hated my table and didn't love the service. Since then I have returned several times and they have delivered every single time. The food and service have been exceptional. The cocktails are absolute perfection. For me, this is the best restaurant in Tampa and honestly the best steak I've had in Tampa. It's the restaurant I recommend every single time, and the one I get butterflies about taking someone new to. Five stars earned! Can't wait to try brunch!

Dave K.

Yelp

Ponte Modern American in Tampa delivers one of the most polished dining experiences in the city, seamlessly blending a sleek, contemporary room with truly memorable food and service. From the moment you step inside, the energy feels special--elevated but never stuffy, with a buzz that makes it ideal for a date night, celebration, or a relaxed splurge dinner. Paghe the Bartender was amazing very helpful in choosing our food, and made great drinks. We had the French onion soup and the mushroom soup to start, was delicious, we got the most amazing olive bread and raisin bread, be careful not to eat too much bread before dinner. Then we had Salad, Tuna appetizer and sticky ribs all was delicious , they add 15% tips to the bill, and accepted cash, over all one of the best restaurants in Tampa, we will definitely be back

Jay G.

Yelp

Once again a spectacular experience. Started with the Beets which was beautifully presented. Than the bone in Kansas City which was perfectly cooked. Has the duck fried rice which was really quite delicious. Great service made the entire experience wonderful.

Kathryn G.

Yelp

Absolutely amazing experience from start to finish! We parked in a nearby garage but it was quite confusing to figure out if it was just for the apartment building or open to the public. There's another garage nearby but it appears to be only for Whole Foods customers. Inside, Ponte is modern and upscale yet comforting and warm. We sat in the normal dining room (as opposed to the Gramercy Lounge) and the seats being so comfortable was the first thing we all noticed! Our waiter was very professional, genuine, and welcoming throughout the entire meal. Also, you definitely need a reservation. We started with complimentary bread, which was so fluffy and delicious (they have 3 flavors, all amazing). They also brought over a small cup filled with the chef's special mushroom soup which was also well loved by everyone. All of our cocktails were tasty as well. We tried three appetizers and devoured them all. My favorite was the Bluefin Tuna Tartare which was so soft and well balanced. A few of our other folks loved the Maine Lobster Cappelletti best, which was so flavorful and filled with seafood. The Escargot were also yummy and different with the light puff pastry over top. My main was the Salmon which was perfectly cooked and delicious! I heard my friend say her Filet was the best she's ever had as well. The Beef Wellington was also a special treat, as was the Sea Bass! We also split the Potato Puree, Duck Fried Rice, and Heirloom Carrots, all of which were outstanding sides. The portion sizes of all of the dishes were great, especially when paired with a few sides to share. Even though we were stuffed after dinner, we shared the Black Forest Mousse, Chocolate Soufflé, and the Carrot Cake. They also brought a mini mousse for the birthday girl, as well as some specialty chocolates on the house. Overall, while it's definitely the type of place you treat yourself to, we all 100% would come back and are still dreaming about it a week later! Do yourself a favor and make a reservation for that special occasion!

Carl J.

Yelp

This review is a little late since we have been traveling since early November. We normally stay a night in Tampa when we have an early flight so decided to try Ponte at the recommendation of Wine Manager at Luekens. This restaurant is really lovely. While food was excellent, we had a few missteps with service quality in not receiving apps together and they forgot a dish. Also, the first table was near a service station and restaurant was not full. They happily moved us to a better table but odd they would try to sit us at a junk table. The wine list was nice and cocktails were good. We didn't have wine since we had an early flight. Food was good and the mushroom soup was outstanding. We may give it another try.

Kristen B.

Yelp

Exciting news- the bar has reopened! PONTE in Midtown completely exceeded my expectations. From the moment you walk in, the vibe is sleek, modern, and energetic without being overwhelming, perfect for a date night, dinner with friends, or a chic after-work stop. Drinks: Their drink menu is outstanding, with something for every mood. Thoughtfully crafted cocktails, a solid wine selection, and creative mocktail options make it easy to find the right fit. Everything feels elevated but not pretentious, and the bartenders clearly know what they're doing. Steak Tartare: One of the standouts of the night. The Steak Tartare is incredibly fresh, seasoned beautifully, and served with just the right balance of acidity and richness. It's one of those dishes you keep going back to, bite after bite. Hamachi Crudo: Light, bright, and perfectly balanced. The Hamachi Crudo is a refreshing start with delicate slices of fish paired with thoughtful citrus and herb elements. It's clean, flavorful, and plated like artwork. Steak: The steak was phenomenal, tender, perfectly cooked, and packed with flavor. You can tell they use high-quality cuts, and the preparation is spot-on. A must-order if you appreciate a great steak. Mushrooms: Surprisingly one of my favorite dishes. The mushrooms are deeply savory, with a rich umami flavor that makes them the perfect side. They're hearty, comforting, and memorable enough to stand on their own. Overall, PONTE nails the combination of atmosphere, service, and consistently impressive food. It's definitely a Midtown favorite, and I can't wait to go back and try even more of the menu.

Chelsea O.

Yelp

Ponte delivers luxury from the moment you sit down. Martinis are shaken tableside, a chef greets you with a complimentary appetizer, and the bread selection alone is divine. Everything feels thoughtful and elevated, exactly what you want at this price point. Our favorite appetizers were the steak tartar and the salmon wagyu, both outstanding. The steak entrée was perfectly cooked, and all of the sides were delicious. Do not skip the mushrooms or the mac and cheese. We sat in the bar area which is a bit louder than the dining room, but we loved the energy. Great for a celebration!

Phuong B.

Yelp

Service - 5 stars Food - 5 stars Experience - 10 stars (if that's a thing) This is our second time here, but this time celebrating a birthday, and the experience was beyond what anyone could ask for! From the service we received from Eddie to the food, they sure made this birthday one you'll never want to forget. With the extra touch on dessert and giving us a tour of the kitchen with a special something from the chef Puts them above a lot of the restaurants in Tampa. Will certainly come back to celebrate more occasions!

Amber W.

Yelp

Visited for their first ever brunch service at the end of September. We tempered our expectations since it was their first service, but our experience started with hearing multiple servers complain about how early it was, and the service being just "off". The dishes were great. The eggs Benedict was well executed and yummy but nothing super special. The quiche was the best dish of the meal, it was texturally satisfying and light. The French toast was fun but incredibly rich and something you'd want to share. Skip the pastry tower though. Nothing unique, not a lot of variety, and there wasn't clotted cream for the scones. Worth a try if you like Ponte's dinner service and think brunch could have improved since then. We won't be back though.

Stephanie L.

Yelp

We had a delicious brunch at Ponte this weekend. We ordered a ton of stuff: monkey bread, candied bacon, açaí bowl, raspberry pancakes, quiche, steak sandwich, and shoestring fries. The fries were one of my favorite dishes--they were accompanied with a divine garlic aioli. The monkey bread was a little too crusty/crunchy. The açaí bowl was delicious but had very little açaí at the bottom, lots of fruit on top though. I would not order the pancakes again, they were nothing special in my opinion. I will be back because I am eyeing those hashbrowns and French toast.

Kelly L.

Yelp

Went here for my birthday. I did make reservations just to be safe but walk in are welcome. We sat in the bar and had a drink waiting for the rest of our party to arrive. Emily was excellent! She had great recommendations and was friendly and attentive. Amazing wines! I love the elegance of the bar and restaurant. It has a real classy vibe. We started off with several appetizers. Escargot, ravioli and caviar. All good. I had a the blue cheese salad with bacon and tomato. Our entrees included two sea bass, boneless short rib and the beef Wellington. The sea bass is delicious cooked perfectly with a crunchy outer layer and a soft flakey inside. I'm not a fan of bok choy but the flavor of the sea bass was on point. Boneless short ribs were delicious too. The service from all the staff was excellent! Some of the best service ever. Kind, friendly, attentive and great recommendations. I enjoy my experience here tremendously!

Monica A.

Yelp

Ponte was an amazing fine dining experience for our couples date night! We were immediately greeted and sat down at our table and our server arrived shortly thereafter. I was impressed on how professional the server was and he gave excellent recommendations. The mushroom soup was a 10 out of 10, much like I'd rate all the other food we ordered. Our steaks and sides were seasoned and cooked to perfection! We paid a pretty penny at the end of the night with all the drinks, apps, entrees, and dessert, but it was worth the experience for a special occasion night.

LaToya L.

Yelp

Ponte was a nice spot! The service was excellent. The restaurant decor was nice and upscale. The food was flavorful. I ordered the candied bacon as a starter for the table. I also ordered the crab Benedict and it was delicious. However, the crabcake was mushy in the middle. Otherwise, the rest of my meal was delicious.

Mia L.

Yelp

This was a wonderful place for birthday dinner. Delicious cocktails, appetizers, entrees and ambiance. Service was great. We had a perfect meal and felt special for birthday dinner. Beef Wellington was amazing.

Crystal W.

Yelp

I've always been a fan of Chef Ponte's restaurant starting from the original Cafe Ponte on Ulmerton Rd, Largo. Decor - very loud. You'll be yelling at your date. Starter - complimentary shot of mushroom soup and assortment of bread which were the highlight of the meal. Drinks - I like the cocktail list had a modern twist of classic cocktails. Highly recommend the modern French 75 which had egg foam on top. Entree - recommend French onion soup. The Caesar salad had too much dressing. The steak was a little cold. I didn't like the mashed potatoes. It tasted too sweet like corn. Complimentary small birthday dessert. Mixed review - good to experience once but wouldn't pick this spot for fancy dinner.

Liliana S.

Yelp

Food was great, definitely an experience to repeat, every dish was made to please your palate. The ambiance was well decorated and according to the standards. Although service was lacking. For a New Year's Eve we were expecting a welcoming staff, aperitifs came before waitress brought our drinks, dirty dishes accumulated at the end with no one coming to check on us.

Latoya C.

Yelp

Ponte is really good! The ambiance, the staff the attention to detail! Before I get started let me just say this, say yes to the Parker rolls! You can not go wrong!!! We had the Chilean sea bass it's delicious the lobster sauce gives it the perfect balance! The verlasso salmon has truffle sauce but it's not overwhelming it's just enough to elevate the dish! Both were equally delicious! Also a nice add to it was the lobster and Mac cheese. The duck fried rice is delicious as well!!

Rachel L.

Yelp

My friends and I dined here yesterday to celebrate a birthday. While the service started off a bit questionable, possibly due to how busy it was, it improved as the night went on. One thing that stood out was that when our entrees arrived, the server didn't clear our used appetizer plates. It's a small detail, but at a high-end restaurant, it felt noticeably out of place. Now onto the food. Overall, it was delicious, though not perfect. Highlights: The mushroom soup was absolutely phenomenal--rich, flavorful, and memorable. The bread platter was also a hit, especially the olive bread, which was fragrant and packed with flavor in every bite. The salmon wagyu was a favorite for the birthday boy, though I personally preferred the hamachi crudo and tuna tartare. Both were fresh, light, and beautifully presented. Entrees: The seabass was nicely cooked and paired well with the other elements on the plate, though the glaze leaned a bit too sweet for my taste. We learned after they they do have a different glaze thats not as sweet. Misses: The fried rice appetizer fell short for all of us. It was also overly sweet and lacked the savory depth we were expecting. I shared this feedback with our server, and to their credit, they comped the dish without us asking for one, which we really appreciated. Dessert: They kindly brought out a complimentary dessert for the birthday boy, and surprised the rest of us with our own mini platters as well; a thoughtful and classy touch. Overall: Despite a few minor service hiccups and one dish that didn't land, we had a great time and enjoyed the overall experience. We're already considering making this our new go-to spot for elevated nights out.

Grace K.

Yelp

I first heard about Ponte Modern American through a buzz at work, as several colleagues raved about how incredible the food was. I soon discovered it was created by Chef Chris Ponte, the culinary mind behind Olivia and On Swann. He trained at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris. I visited Ponte before their recent updates, including the addition of the Gramercy Bar. If you're planning to go, I highly recommend booking a reservation in the main dining room or at least having the Gramercy Bar as an option, about two weeks in advance on the Resy app. It fills up fast for the weekends. FOOD: 1. East Coast Oysters (4/5) - Served with traditional accoutrements. This half-dozen was incredibly fresh. Simple and clean, exactly what you want from oysters. 2. Mushroom Soup (5/5) - Wild mushroom | truffle crème | black trumpet dust. This was heavenly. Velvety smooth with bold, earthy flavors from the truffle and black trumpet dust. Easily one of the best mushroom soups I've had--comforting and refined. 3. Beef Wellington (5/5) - Filet mignon | prosciutto | mushroom duxelles | foie gras | red wine demi-glace. This was a standout. The server mentioned it's one of their most popular dishes, and it did not disappoint. The puff pastry was golden and flaky, encasing a tender, melt-in-your-mouth filet. Each component--from the savory duxelles to the rich demi-glace--was executed perfectly. 4. Complimentary Chocolate (4/5) - A simple but delightful finish to the meal. Just enough sweetness to round things out. Service was great. The staff was warm, attentive, and offered thoughtful recommendations. Everything was timed well and arrived promptly. Would I return? Definitely. I'm curious to experience the changes to the lounge area and explore the updated menu.

Jamie S.

Yelp

Ponte's is really good cooking. I haven't been in over a year because I wasn't impressed the last 2 times I visited the restaurant; however, things have changed for the better. I love the new menu items and the tweaks made to existing dishes. We started with some East Coast Oysters (Irish Point). They were so fresh and delicious. We also had the lobster cappelleti as starter, which also phenomenal. For the mains, we had the Calabrian Chili Chicken and Short Rib. The Calabrian Chili Chicken was one of the best pan prepared chicken dishes I've ever had. The flavor profile was incredible. The wine list and desserts were also really good. I love the new lounge area. The restaurant definitely has a new feel that is less corporate than before, which is a great thing. All in all the new dining experience was a pleasant surprise. I highly recommend Ponte's.

Kristina T.

Yelp

If you like them for dinner you will LOVE them for Brunch! Best brunch I have had in Tampa and the prices were very reasonable. Highly recommend!

Jonathan H.

Yelp

Best meal I've had in Tampa. Bluefin tuna Tatar - The tuna was incredibly fresh, presentation was creative, and the flavors and textures made this the best tuna dish I've ever had. Calibrian Chicken - Spicy, juicy and pan fried. With a side of polenta this was a hearty excellent dish. Verlasso Salmon - The salmon was prepared perfectly and the truffle crust was exceptional. Yes the food is a 5+/5 The prices in my opinion are fare considering the quality and presentation of their food. I hope that new restaurants in Tampa attempt to emulate this quality. I've lived here for over 10 years and nothing comes close.

Mike V.

Yelp

Really great addition to the Midtown good scene. This restaurant is visually stunning and the food is too! While most of our part had steaks, I elected to srtate with the Hamachi Crudo followed by the Mongolian Short Rib. We ended up with brussel sprouts, duck fried rice, mac n cheese and fries for our sides & had to take them home the remainders in boxes so much food for 6 of us! Inventive cocktails and an eclectic wine list was also a plus!

Jeff D.

Yelp

This is bad I didn't review this spot sooner! My wife and I went here for our anniversary dinner last August and it was a 6 star affair! From the food, service, sommelier and attention to detail, we can't wait to go back! This is definitely a cool, hip steakhouse where attire is hip and cool not dated (see Bern's). It's been so long I believe I had the SPLIT BONE RIBEYE with a few sides like carrots, street corn along with some Oysters to start. Trust me once you go here, you will def want to come back!! They do have valet! Bon appetite!!

Sally G.

Yelp

Upon checking in we were seated almost immediately because we had a reservation. The ambiance is elegant and everyone was dressed up. The server was really helpful with the allergies we listed when I placed the reservation and she knew how to course out the meal. The only thing I didn't like was the digital wine menu, it was cumbersome to use and I would have preferred a paper wine list. My friends and I had a great time and everyone thoroughly enjoyed their food, the presentation was excellent and the taste was fantastic! It was great showing my friends an upscale restaurant where all dishes were delicious!

Emilio E.

Yelp

My family and I decided to indulge in this establishment for my wife birthday. The reviews were good so we locked it in. The ambiance is very elegant and welcoming, the decor and settings were well thought of, the wine cellar great for pictures. Our waitress was superb, drinks were first thing in, the bread options are very delicious and fresh. For out entree we decided to share the Tomahawk Chop (50oz) our side options were the Mac+Cheese, Brussels, and the Yukon Potato Purree. I will mentioned it was a 45 minute wait for the Tomahawk for we asked for well done only because our children were with us. The wine was very delightful a great pair for dinner. The desserts were spectacular, the children indulge in the Falling Chocolate Souffle, my wife and I had the Panna Cotta. Once we all done we had the pleasure meeting the sous chef. It's a treat they do for birthday individuals. You'll spend some money here but well worth it. We will be back to try the rest of the menus entrees. Kudos to Ponte Modern American for showing us a great evening. When food taste that marvelous you know love is in the kitchen.

Ana R.

Yelp

I came to Ponte for a birthday dinner and was definitely treated with a 5 star experience. there was a birthday card on the table upon arrival, the dining room was very upscale, and our server was attentive and extremely knowledgeable. we started with drinks - the cocktails were delicious, one of the best bees knees in town. we also ordered multiple appetizers and salads/soups - the burrata was fresh and bright, the rolls were AMAZING, bread service was excellent, both salads were very good, and the French onion soup could compete with Bern's for the best in town. for entrees, I had a wagyu ribeye which was a little disappointing for the $200 price tag. the steak was a bit overcooked / charred edges for my liking, not the melt in your mouth tenderness I expect from a ribeye. the sides were just okay - I think this is one area of improvement for ponte. the mashed potatoes are BUTTERY (the server warned this of this), and it is just way too rich and overpowering. the carrots and brussells were pretty good. the shishito peppers do not need to be on the menu, or at least moved to the appetizer section since they are fried. I was not a huge fan. I appreciated that even though it was a modern steakhouse there were multiple accommodations made for my vegetarian partner. the mushroom risotto was filling enough to be an entree, and she could enjoy most of our sides. my parents had the scallops and the filet - which they both really enjoyed. we ordered the chocolate soufflé for dessert, the restaurant graciously gave me a free cookie for my birthday. we also were given the chance to see the kitchen and meet the chef, which was a super cool experience. overall, I'd definitely recommend Ponte. it was a very nice special occasion with delicious food and drinks and incredible service.

Jill G.

Yelp

Really enjoyed our meal here! Not only were the dishes delicious but they were also served with some style. Loved the chicken dish which was perfectly seasoned and spicy. And if you love your bread like I do, you have to order the Parker Rolls served with truffle butter--they're insane good!

Brielle F.

Yelp

From the moment I parked to the very last bite, our experience at Ponte was outstanding. Our server, Robin, went above and beyond -- easily guiding me through gluten-free options and making fantastic recommendations. I tried the scallops she suggested, and they were phenomenal! We loved every dish we tried, from the Brussels sprouts, carrots, and potato purée to the silky mushroom soup sampler and the panna cotta for dessert. The fact that it was all gluten-free made the evening even more special. I also appreciated the thoughtful complimentary bites sprinkled throughout the meal, such a unique touch. I've been to their sister restaurant Olivia, but Ponte felt like a step up in every way with elevated flavors, warm service, and an atmosphere that made the night feel special. The flavor profiles here are absolutely deserving of a star. Simple stated, it's worth the hype! I didn't take many photos because I was too busy enjoying each course, but everything was beautifully prepared and delicious. I'm already looking forward to coming back!

Michelle H.

Yelp

I had one of the best meals I've ever had in Tampa at Ponte. Every single item (including drinks) was absolutely perfect. They have complimentary table side bread - you need to try the focaccia! The martinis are shaken and poured table side which is pretty neat. My favorite things I ate were the hamachi crudo and the short rib. Also, after dinner they bring you three little desserts - a chocolate bonbon, a cookie shooter and an earl gray tea cookie. The service was also phenomenal. Bill gave great suggestions and was attentive despite the restaurant being full. I can't wait to come back!

Heather G.

Yelp

One of the best dining experiences I've had in a long time! Ponte is a gorgeous modern, upscale restaurant in midtown featuring exquisite menu items. Our server Robin took fantastic care of my boyfriend and I, she made excellent recommendations and all of our food was outstanding. Highly recommend the short ribs and salmon wagyu! We will 10000% be back for more on our next date night.

Karen S.

Yelp

Midtown They put some money into the design Apparently the OG was in Clearwater, which I feel like I went to, but I just cannot recall. So on a whim, my husband and I decided let's give it a try. Made a reservation for the Gramercy lounge, offers the same food as the main dining area. Definitely like the lounge atmosphere we ended up arriving early. Our table wasn't ready so we bellied up to the bar. We ended up staying at the bar and eating there. Their drink menu is interesting. They have all your classic cocktails and their original version in the modern version. The modern version is PONTE's take on the OG . The paper plane modern was amazing and I really hate Jack Daniels The next winner was the bone marrow. A mix between fatty rich bone marrow with mushrooms and a lime Jell-O cube, which sounds weird and like it belongs in a drink, but it cut the fat and the richness of the marrow amazing. Next the mushroom soup, we were almost drawn to the French onion, but do not miss the mushroom soup beautifully with a Pinot Beet salad with flavorful, the least amazing thing we had We opted for the KC dry aged strip. This was flavored beautifully. It does not need any of the extra toppings or butters. Let the taste of the steak shine through nice seasoned outer edge. Very happy with this choice. We order the exotic mushrooms, which sadly did not come out with the steak. They were amazing. The amount of mushrooms we received was out of control. The dessert menu nothing really popped out at me sadly as I was really hoping to have dessert and a delicious dessert wine as that's our new kick This place surprise me it was delicious You're gonna spend some money here They also include automatic 15% gratuity, which is fine, they tell you all about it. I'll be told we dropped 278 This included two cocktails, and three glasses of wine

Charlotte B.

Yelp

What an amazing experience. It was my 40th birthday dinner and everything was amazing. Our waitress Nicole provided excellent service and attention to detail. We had an amazing dinner, everything we tried was really good. At the end of our meal we got a tour for the kitchen and got a gift from the chef. Really loved our experience at Ponte and can't wait to go back.

Megan S.

Yelp

We went to Ponte last night and everything was incredible. We sat in the lounge and had the warm bread service to start... so many different kinds of fresh, delicious bread. The baked oysters were garlicky, buttery, and hands-down the best I've ever had. The sticky ribs were fall-off-the-bone good. They had a delicious umami flavor with just enough sticky sauce. We also split the steak sandwich which was thick, super flavorful and cooked perfectly with a delicious sauce to pair with it. Our server was amazing! Really friendly, attentive, and you could tell he genuinely cared. I'll definitely be back ASAP

Ally L.

Yelp

10/10 experience! This was our first time - for a birthday date night and it exceeded our expectations. Everything our waitress, katie, recommended was delectable. We started with the mushroom soup & Japanese Waygu. For our main entrees we had the Chilean sea bass & scallops and finished with carrot cake and the mousse. Not to mention, they have complimentary bread service with a bunch of different breads... since it was a birthday dinner we also got a tour of the kitchen & complimentary birthday present. We will definitely be coming back more often! Ponte was AMAZING!

Georgiana F.

Yelp

We came here for our anniversary and it was such a good experience! We marked that it was our anniversary when making the reservation and we were greeted with a card and complimentary champagne! This restaurant is top notch and the waitstaff truly takes their time. We tried a ton of items from the menu but only remembered to take a few photos! We will be back!

Derinda C.

Yelp

What an unforgettable AMAZING experience we had dining here. I can't put into words how amazing this restaurant is. From the service to the food to the cocktails everything was so good. I came here for a double birthday dinner with one of my colleagues and our waiter was absolutely fantastic. He was so attentive and knowledgeable about the menu and the wine list. He actually set up for me to meet the chef in the kitchen upon our departure, which I thought was just the highlight of the evening. The chef explained how they aged the meats and let us smell the meat and even gave us a gift. This has to be the best restaurant in Tampa and the best experience I've ever had going to a restaurant in Tampa. Now onto the food. Everything was so good. My favorite was the split bone ribeye, and the creamy potatoes. I also enjoyed the escargot that was amazing. Definitely make a reservation. This stuff restaurant definitely provides a Michelin star experience even though I was notified that they're waiting for it. They deserve it 10 times over.

Kristine L.

Yelp

We went here on a Tuesday for my husband's early birthday celebration with friends. Valet is $5 but you can also park across the street behind Shake Shack. Staff were all very friendly and informative. Our waitress, Malia, was not only super friendly but also very attentive. One of the waiters comes around with a selection of complimentary breads. I was impressed with the selection and tried one of everything. My favorite was the mushroom roll and the cheese one. It comes with a side of whipped butter. N-A Tai - This was a BIG mocktail. It was pretty good and very satisfying. Mushroom Soup - This was highly spoken of by the reviews. I was hesitant because not all mushrooms sit well with my stomach and I DO NOT like truffle. I will try everything once though. The people of the Internet were right! This was very good sand they split the soup into two separate cups for us with I mentioned to Malia we were sharing. Salmon "Wagyu" - The crispy rice wasn't as crispy as the one from Sunda (nearby restaurant in midtown). It did fall apart, I believe maybe held together with a wagyu fat? I could be wrong. This was pretty good to taste. Chilean Sea Bass - This was so good! Highly recommend! I need a good fatty fish I am not a fan of most fishes. Calabrian Chicken - The chicken was seasoned beautifully. I would get again! Beef Wellington - This was an amazing fish. The fore gois made the inside very creamy. It was a nice touch! Chocolate Soufflé - I came here because I've never had soufflé before. It tasted like a very soft brownie and was topped with ice cream. It was a very nice mix. Chocolate Trifle - The presentation was cool, when they brought it out they put I believe cocoa nibs with dry ice on it. It tasted just as good too! My husband received a complimentary birthday dessert which looked like a ball of chocolate mousse with fruit filling inside. A chocolate happy birthday sign and a lot candle. At the very end, our waitress brought out more mini desserts! Bite sized chocolate, almond cookie, and chocolate chip cookie. Service charge of 15% is added to every bill. Whatever is on top goes to the waitress. We saw some people touring the kitchen. At the end we asked if we could tour too. It was cool! We got to walk through the pass (where dishes are inspected, finished, and served). I thought this was super cool. We got to chat with Chef William and he gave my husband a birthday gift! I was surprised, it just keeps getting better and better. It was a chocolate chip cookie. Highly recommend over all! I heard the Chef Chris Ponte usually comes in during the mornings. I may have to come again to potentially be able to see him in person!

michelle l.

Yelp

This is an excellent place to go for a special occasion meal. I made reservations on Resy, and I noted that this was a wedding anniversary meal. I was seated promptly when I checked in (a few minutes late, sorry, post-Milton chaos!), and there was a nice note at the table. Shortly thereafter, the manager arrived with a bottle of champagne and poured half a glass for my husband and me. Those little details are precious. We had: the lobster cappelletti, the caesar salad, and the tomahawk chop for 2 (and a side of pommes puree). Everything was delicious. The lobster was sweet and mild, the pasta silky. The caesar was refreshing. The steak was nicely seared and so tender. It came with a cognac truffle sauce, and that was absolutely delicious. We also shared a nice Bordeaux, which was properly decanted. For dessert, we shared the cheesecake and the panna cotta. We were so stuffed, we ended up taking these home, but panna cotta is almost a breakfast food, right? But the desserts were delicious and helped us finish up our bottle of wine. The setting is divine, and the location is convenient. There's valet parking, but you can also self park anywhere in Midtown. I'd happily return and recommend this restaurant to anyone wanting a little pampering while eating out.

Matthew O.

Yelp

Really fantastic and classy restaurant in the Midtown area of Tampa! I love the fresh innovative takes they have on classic dishes. Bread service was fantastic, with various types of bread. Loved the crusty exterior with a pillowy soft interior. The fresh whipped butter was light and flavorful. The Verlasso Salmon was delicious! Cooked to a perfect mid-rare temperature. Loved the plating of every dish that was presented. Definitely a special occasion restaurant with a fantastic staff. Will definitely come back in the future :)

Ashley W.

Yelp

Love this Michelin star restaurant The food is always an experience, the ambiance, the decor always a great choice for me This was a dinner to celebrate our anniversary and we have been back several times since. Valet parking is available as well as self parking Atmosphere is usually bustling but still a great spot for a romantic dinner or night with family/friends Service is excellent and I love how welcoming the front staff and management are upon arrival. Short rib is my personal favorite however I am not a fan of the Japanese style puree so I have opted for plainer version- still delicious fork tender and amazing flavor profile

Walaa A.

Yelp

Had a really good time at Ponte! The food was delicious, and the French onion soup was a standout, definitely a favorite of the night. Great spot all around.

Robina M.

Yelp

We had a great dinner here with Jeremy as our server in the bar area. The baked oysters were flavorful, as were the NY strip and Sea Bass dinner. I would highly recommend and we look forward to coming back soon!

David B.

Yelp

Ponte rarely misses for us. Top 3 restaurant in the Tampa Bay Area - special occasion or just because... Now that the bar room is back open it's even better. Do not miss this place.!

Michelle P.

Yelp

I came here with my friends to celebrate a birthday. Beautiful atmosphere. The onion bread....OMG! soooo.. good! Great food and great services! Great evening!

Amber P.

Yelp

This place blew my expectations out of the water. For the quality and the amount of food that you receive, it's an incredible space. The service was phenomenal; our wait staff were anticipating our needs always. I got a wine that the list suggested and loved it. My mushroom risotto, Brussels sprouts, and shishito peppers were wonderful. They truly blew my expectations out of the water! I highly recommend this space.

Olesya P.

Yelp

We came here 4 of us. Obviously had to have a reservation. We came in on a Tuesday night. You can park in the garage, definitely enough space for parking and they have a valet parking as well. Service was very nice, attentive and pleasant. Definitely very professional service. Ambience is modern and upscale. The area for seating is spacious, seating is comfortable and they also have a large bar seating area. They have a huge menu of wines and drinks including non alcoholic cocktails. I had non alcoholic mojito and it was great. They also have a huge wine selection. Food was very good, presented well and seafood was fresh and cooked to perfection. Escargot was ok, I didn't like the dough it had on top, it was cooked well but I prefer traditional French escargot style. We had salad with orange and walnuts which was great and on a lighter side. They also have so many raw fish options and we had a few different appetizers which all were great. Crabcake was great and very crabby. For the main I ordered scallops and those were amazing. Cooked to perfection. It's a truly amazing restaurant, definitely top Tampa restaurant. It is more traditional American I would say and a little too heavy for my taste but I could appreciate the execution. Price wise is pricey but not outrageous, considering how great service, ambience and food.

Himara K.

Yelp

We went to Ponte for our anniversary and it is delicious. It is clear that each dish was well thought out from flavors to plating. The service was impeccable and the restaurant itself is beautiful. We started with the Thai chili calamari- very good, perfectly crispy, Thai chili sauce had the perfect balance between spicy and sweet. We also got the steak tartare and it was very good. My husband got the chilean sea bass and wowwww. I do not even really care for fish but it was delicious!! I got the short rib and it was easily the best short rib dish I have ever had. Overall, great experience, we can't wait to go back!

@michelinguide

48,380 Postcards · 8,030 Cities

Tyler Wolff of Ponte is the MICHELIN Guide Florida 2025 Exceptional Cocktails Award Winner

https://guide.michelin.com/en/article/michelin-guide-ceremony/tyler-wolff-ponte-michelin-guide-florida-exceptional-cocktails-award

Ponte Modern American

@michelinguide

48,380 Postcards · 8,030 Cities

https://guide.michelin.com/en/florida/tampa/restaurant/ponte-1206505

Ponte Modern American

@michelinguide

48,380 Postcards · 8,030 Cities

New Additions to MICHELIN Guide Tampa April 2023

"Chef Christopher Ponte oversees the very grand eponymous restaurant located in midtown Tampa where a cream-and-white palette sets an elegant tone. This is a linen tablecloth kind of place where a comprehensive menu lists dishes with a contemporary and creative American flair. Kick off this memorable meal with Champagne and pearls—oysters finished with a pink peppercorn mignonette foam—or opt for the salmon Wagyu set over crispy sushi rice. Discover an entire section of the menu devoted to steaks with different sauces, toppers and butters. It may read a bit showy, but it's exciting nonetheless and feels worthy of the price tag. Cocktails are quite literally split down the middle, offering both a classic version of the usual suspects alongside modern takes." - MICHELIN Guide

https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/article/dining-out/michelin-guide-tampa-new-additions-restaurants

Ponte Modern American

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If you like them for dinner you will LOVE them for Brunch! Best brunch I have had in Tampa and the prices were very reasonable. Highly recommend!

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Matthew O.

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Ashley W.

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Walaa A.

Yelp

Had a really good time at Ponte! The food was delicious, and the French onion soup was a standout, definitely a favorite of the night. Great spot all around.

Robina M.

Yelp

David B.

Yelp

Ponte rarely misses for us. Top 3 restaurant in the Tampa Bay Area - special occasion or just because... Now that the bar room is back open it's even better. Do not miss this place.!

Michelle P.

Yelp

I came here with my friends to celebrate a birthday. Beautiful atmosphere. The onion bread....OMG! soooo.. good! Great food and great services! Great evening!

Amber P.

Yelp

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Yelp

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Ponte Modern American

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Tyler Wolff of Ponte is the MICHELIN Guide Florida 2025 Exceptional Cocktails Award Winner

New Additions to MICHELIN Guide Tampa April 2023

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Tyler Wolff of Ponte is the MICHELIN Guide Florida 2025 Exceptional Cocktails Award Winner

New Additions to MICHELIN Guide Tampa April 2023