Ulele occupies Tampa’s restored 1903 Water Works building at 1810 N Highland Ave, on the Hillsborough River in historic Tampa Heights. The Gonzmart family, of Columbia Restaurant fame, built it around native Floridian cooking, and diners come for Gulf seafood cooked over open fire and beer brewed on the premises.
The restaurant takes its name from a young Native American princess whose story is tied to Tampa Bay. Its centerpiece is a 10-foot-diameter barbacoa grill, which handles grouper, pompano, steaks and local vegetables (Yelp). Regulars order the charbroiled oysters, alligator hush puppies and Native Chili. The on-site brewery supplies the house craft beers, and the brick interior keeps its industrial bones. The waterfront patio overlooks Water Works Park and the natural spring that feeds the river. Ulele holds a 4.3 rating across more than 2,200 Tripadvisor reviews.
Visitor Highlights & Practical Info
Ulele is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner (Ulele). Weekend evenings and Straz Center show nights fill quickly, so reserve through OpenTable. The theater sits about 400 yards away. For a quieter meal, come for a weekday lunch or an early dinner. Ask for patio seating from October through April, when the heat eases. Many guests skip parking entirely by walking or biking the Tampa Riverwalk, which runs right past the door.
