Lilac

One of if not the best meal you’ll get in Tampa! Service never missed a beat. Ryan and Ryan were fantastic and highlighted the experience as the food was mouth watering good.

What a fabulous experience! The vibe was amazing. I definitely recommend the tasting menu ofcourse with the wine pairing. We will be back for the a la carte menu too. Cheers and Happy Anniversary

We came here for our 5th wedding anniversary. I noted so in the reservation note. We were not disappointed. Not only was the food excellent, the service was some of the best we've had in Tampa. It truly is an experience. Each course was expertly crafted. You could tell the amount of work that went into each dish was very high. Each plate was beautiful & delicious. They really paid attention to every detail of the presentation. Don't miss the souffle! It was AMAZING. My favorite part was how much the staff went out of their way to acknowledge our special day. From the moment we sat down, & even during some of the courses during the meal, they celebrated us. Thank you!

I took my wife here for her birthday and was greatly pleased by the food and service! Although my wife and I adhere to Jewish dietary guidelines, our waiter Jesse was able to customize our meals so that we could still have an experience and it surely was one! The entire staff from the hostess (Alexandra I believe) to the other waiters were attentive to our needs. They are a lively and welcoming staff.

Jodie Williams

Outstanding from start to finish, must do the sampling menu Paired with the wine tasting and the octopus appetizer (is a must add on). We Found this place when we first moved here and have been dying to get back. Our server Ryan truly elevated the experience, guiding us through each course with professionalism and genuine enthusiasm. Every dish was beautifully plated and thoughtfully composed, with flavors that came together seamlessly. The attention to detail—from service to presentation to taste—was top-notch. An exceptional dining experience that fully lives up to its Michelin recognition. Highly recommended.

Craig Kaltenbach

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Lilac set the gold standard for dining in Tampa. The current tasting menu is a flawlessly paced journey that balances Mediterranean brightness with high-end luxury. The Food: A Masterclass in Texture The journey begins with an incredible array of hors d'oeuvres, highlighted by their signature milk bread. It is pillowy, rich, and paired with spreads that set a high bar for the rest of the night. This leads into a brilliant Feta Panna Cotta—silky, savory, and a perfect palate-awakener. The Grilled Arctic Char was a standout, featuring a delicate char that beautifully complemented the buttery fish. For pasta lovers, the Truffle Tajarin is pure decadence, leading perfectly into the main courses. We tried both the Dover Sole and the Wagyu Strip Loin; the Wagyu, in particular, was melt-in-your-mouth perfection. We finished with the Chocolate Walnut Crémeux, which struck the ideal balance between rich chocolate and toasted crunch. The Service: Precision and Warmth What truly elevates Lilac is the exceptionally talented staff, specifically Jeremy and Amber, who made our evening unforgettable. The service is "high-touch" and synchronized but never feels stiff. Jeremy was a masterful guide through the menu, explaining the nuances of the Mediterranean flavors and the specific preparation of the Arctic Char with genuine passion. Amber moved with incredible grace, ensuring every transition from the milk bread through to the Tasting Menu was seamless and that our table was perfectly attended to without ever feeling intrusive. Their combined attention to detail turned a high-end meal into a truly personal experience. If you are looking for a sophisticated, memorable "journey" in Water Street, Lilac is worth every bit of its Michelin Star.

Daniel Rodriguez

Lailac is an astonishing restaurant — I can see exactly why they’ve earned a Michelin star. The food was exquisite. We went with the full tasting menu, and every bite was packed with flavor. The dishes were not only delicious but also beautifully presented, with great attention to detail and a thoughtful mix of flavors. My personal favorite was the pasta with truffles and the tuna bites — absolutely unforgettable. I highly recommend trying the full menu; it’s incredibly satisfying and well worth it. The service was spot-on. The staff was attentive and professional — exactly what you’d expect from a Michelin-starred restaurant. If they keep up this level of quality, I have no doubt they’re on track for a second star. Their trajectory looks very promising, and I’ll definitely be keeping a close eye on them. They thoughtfully accommodated my partner’s dietary needs — she’s vegetarian and pregnant — and the chef was incredible, ensuring every dish was both safe for her to eat and maintained top-tier quality and flavor.

Daniel Rybin

The tasting menu is a near-spiritual experience of textures, flavors, and service to match. I’m not exaggerating when I tell you every item was the best version of that particular dish that I’ve ever had. And I’ve been to some of the best restaurants in the US. This is easily top 3.

Tiffany B

Sixteen years deserved something special, and Lilac delivered. For our anniversary, we went with the tasting experience and wine pairing, and it was the perfect choice. Every pour complemented the dishes beautifully, but the standout for me was the sparkling tea paired with the tuna in citrus sauce. Hands down, the most memorable bite of the night.

domonique depaola

Atmosphere was beautiful. Drinks were very well crafted. They were able to make adjustments to some of the dishes due to allergies and they still came out amazing !

Ryan Camp

One of if not the best meal you’ll get in Tampa! Service never missed a beat. Ryan and Ryan were fantastic and highlighted the experience as the food was mouth watering good.

max dobbs

I went and dined at Lilac for the very first time with my family for my birthday and the whole experience is definitely worth trying. I was very pleased at the service and was very astonished at the Duck Au Poivre, the Spanish Octopus and Pork Belly, and the Chocolate Soufflé, the wine by the glass selection was really good too. If you are looking to celebrate a birthday or have a nice date/anniversary night, this is the place to go Thank you Chef Fraser and the Lilac team.

Steve Francois

I took my wife here for her birthday and was greatly pleased by the food and service! Although my wife and I adhere to Jewish dietary guidelines, our waiter Jesse was able to customize our meals so that we could still have an experience and it surely was one! The entire staff from the hostess (Alexandra I believe) to the other waiters were attentive to our needs. They are a lively and welcoming staff.

Saahil Panikar

This truly might be one of the best restaurants we've ever been to! The service was incredible from the moment we sat down. And the atmosphere is stunning! It's so easy to forget you're in a hotel lobby. The duck au poivre is one of the best things I've ever eaten. The peppercorn seasoning is perfect! You absolutely have to try it. The beef tenderloin was cooked perfectly and was so flavorful. The chocolate walnut cremeaux was super rich and chocolatey. There wasn't anything we ate that was bad!

Neptune

Everything was perfect. Thank you for an amazing anniversary experience! We had a wonderful time and will cherish the memories forever. We'll definitely come back someday. 😊

You Are First

What a fabulous experience! The vibe was amazing. I definitely recommend the tasting menu ofcourse with the wine pairing. We will be back for the a la carte menu too. Cheers and Happy Anniversary

Greg Drzazgowski

We came here for our 5th wedding anniversary. I noted so in the reservation note. We were not disappointed. Not only was the food excellent, the service was some of the best we've had in Tampa. It truly is an experience. Each course was expertly crafted. You could tell the amount of work that went into each dish was very high. Each plate was beautiful & delicious. They really paid attention to every detail of the presentation. Don't miss the souffle! It was AMAZING. My favorite part was how much the staff went out of their way to acknowledge our special day. From the moment we sat down, & even during some of the courses during the meal, they celebrated us. Thank you!

We celebrated College Graduation and Christmas simultaneously at Lilac this past December. Our party consisted on some California foodies, college students, young adults, a vegetarian and parents who have traveled extensively. None of us had ever dined at a Michelin restaurant, so naturally we were excited and the dinner did not disappoint. Only one of us partook of the tasting menu which was perfectly timed, presented and devoured!! All of our party was raving..from the cocktails to the main dishes to the deserts, it was a most festive and fabulous experience. Our service was impeccable and Brice, Ryan, Liz, Jesse , Tori and Amber took amazing care of us! We especially enjoyed our table time with both Chef Jesus and Chef Seth, whose youth brings a fun dynamic to the kitchen, the dishes and the service. Thank you Lilac for providing such a lovely experience. If you are in Tampa.. make your reservation..and enjoy a star studded dining experience!

Apartment Dweller

We came for my sons 12th birthday - he’s an aspiring chef and the experience from the moment we arrived to the moment we left was truly extraordinary. The food was incredible, but the service took the experience to the next level. From the hand written card from the team to his kitchen tour and photo op with the chef, each moment felt curated and perfect. Each person we encountered was kind and personable. He’s on cloud 9!

Rachel K Schneider

We celebrated College Graduation and Christmas simultaneously at Lilac this past December. Our party consisted on some California foodies, college students, young adults, a vegetarian and parents who have traveled extensively. None of us had ever dined at a Michelin restaurant, so naturally we were excited and the dinner did not disappoint. Only one of us partook of the tasting menu which was perfectly timed, presented and devoured!! All of our party was raving..from the cocktails to the main dishes to the deserts, it was a most festive and fabulous experience. Our service was impeccable and Brice, Ryan, Liz, Jesse , Tori and Amber took amazing care of us! We especially enjoyed our table time with both Chef Jesus and Chef Seth, whose youth brings a fun dynamic to the kitchen, the dishes and the service. Thank you Lilac for providing such a lovely experience. If you are in Tampa.. make your reservation..and enjoy a star studded dining experience!

I was excited to visit one of the few Michelin-star restaurants in Tampa, FL, located inside a beautiful hotel lobby. Since I was traveling alone for work, I decided to skip the tasting menu and order a few dishes I really wanted to try. I went with the scallop risotto as an appetizer and the Florida grouper as my main, paired with a sparkling white tea. The scallop dish arrived under a dome-shaped lid, and when it was lifted, the aroma was amazing. Unfortunately, the scallops themselves were a bit salty. The grouper was definitely fresh, but the flavor was quite bland, and the eggplants underneath tasted almost burnt. They just didn’t go well together. I initially wanted to try dessert but decided to skip it after the main dish. They did serve a cookie and a small bite-sized bar (not sure if it was caramel or something similar), and after tasting them, I felt I made the right decision because the cookie was overly sweet, and the little bar wasn’t particularly special. The highlight of the meal was actually the sparkling white tea. It was non-alcoholic but tasted so much like champagne that I almost felt a little buzzed. It completely tricked my brain in the best way. The service was professional, but I felt a bit of awkwardness in the interaction, which made me slightly uncomfortable. Overall, I appreciated the presentation and the effort, but the food and atmosphere didn’t quite live up to my expectations for a Michelin-star restaurant

Haley Jeong

I was excited to visit one of the few Michelin-star restaurants in Tampa, FL, located inside a beautiful hotel lobby. Since I was traveling alone for work, I decided to skip the tasting menu and order a few dishes I really wanted to try. I went with the scallop risotto as an appetizer and the Florida grouper as my main, paired with a sparkling white tea. The scallop dish arrived under a dome-shaped lid, and when it was lifted, the aroma was amazing. Unfortunately, the scallops themselves were a bit salty. The grouper was definitely fresh, but the flavor was quite bland, and the eggplants underneath tasted almost burnt. They just didn’t go well together. I initially wanted to try dessert but decided to skip it after the main dish. They did serve a cookie and a small bite-sized bar (not sure if it was caramel or something similar), and after tasting them, I felt I made the right decision because the cookie was overly sweet, and the little bar wasn’t particularly special. The highlight of the meal was actually the sparkling white tea. It was non-alcoholic but tasted so much like champagne that I almost felt a little buzzed. It completely tricked my brain in the best way. The service was professional, but I felt a bit of awkwardness in the interaction, which made me slightly uncomfortable. Overall, I appreciated the presentation and the effort, but the food and atmosphere didn’t quite live up to my expectations for a Michelin-star restaurant

Starting off by saying the service, staff and atmosphere were great. The only thing taking off the 2 stars was some of the dishes. The duck was extremely salty and the soufflé just tasted like instant mix you get from the grocery store. The gelato accompanying the soufflé was hard and the top of the soufflé was slightly burnt. Recommend getting the scallops, agnolotti and lamb chops, those were really good.

Great vibe and decor. High energy atmosphere. Tortellini hard and not hot. Flavor was spot on though. Would of been great if executed. Octopus Pork Belly fantastic flavors but octopus tail was charred and lost it's texture. Filet fantastic, Dover dole fantastic. Overall very good restaurant, could be an off night.

Anusha

Starting off by saying the service, staff and atmosphere were great. The only thing taking off the 2 stars was some of the dishes. The duck was extremely salty and the soufflé just tasted like instant mix you get from the grocery store. The gelato accompanying the soufflé was hard and the top of the soufflé was slightly burnt. Recommend getting the scallops, agnolotti and lamb chops, those were really good.

d m

Great vibe and decor. High energy atmosphere. Tortellini hard and not hot. Flavor was spot on though. Would of been great if executed. Octopus Pork Belly fantastic flavors but octopus tail was charred and lost it's texture. Filet fantastic, Dover dole fantastic. Overall very good restaurant, could be an off night.

I had my birthday dinner here and tried the tasting menu, they were able to accommodate my dietary restriction easily, and the service was awesome. However, about five hours after leaving the restaurant, I had violent vomiting that woke me from a deep sleep. I do not and have never had any food allergies; I strongly suspect I got food poisoning here.

I went to Lilac with a large group of friends. I hadn't been to a restaurant with a star before, so I was quite excited to try what they had to offer. A friend, who worked at michelin star restaurants, looked at the menu with me and recommended some things that he would get, and it's what I ended up trying as my options as well. The experience started going wrong immediately, as we had reserved the table by the kitchen for our party of 8. There was a special guest, so they moved us to a tiny table in a corner, for our party of 7. It was cramped, to say the least. I've had better service at other restaurants in Tampa - Meat Market being a stand out for me. I ordered the wine pairings, the Pork Belly & Octopus, Ora King Salmon, and strawberry shortcake. We also received a duck foie gras & rabbit liver pate. The food was acceptable. I didn't find that I wished for more of anything in particular. I was more disappointed that the food seemed to generally lack. Quite frankly, nothing wowed me. I wasn't struck by some combination of flavor, texture, or scent. I ate here months ago now. I remember the meal for it's sour memory. I delayed writing this, because I didn't feel like my opinion really mattered. Maybe I don't have the palette for it, perhaps I'm simply not the guy to go here and pretend I know anything about food. But I'm just a normal person. And if you're looking at reviews and think that you're a normal person too, and want to try a Michelin Star restaurant, I'd advise you against coming here. You won't leave happy. None of my party was happy about this experience.

Garrett Cole

I went to Lilac with a large group of friends. I hadn't been to a restaurant with a star before, so I was quite excited to try what they had to offer. A friend, who worked at michelin star restaurants, looked at the menu with me and recommended some things that he would get, and it's what I ended up trying as my options as well. The experience started going wrong immediately, as we had reserved the table by the kitchen for our party of 8. There was a special guest, so they moved us to a tiny table in a corner, for our party of 7. It was cramped, to say the least. I've had better service at other restaurants in Tampa - Meat Market being a stand out for me. I ordered the wine pairings, the Pork Belly & Octopus, Ora King Salmon, and strawberry shortcake. We also received a duck foie gras & rabbit liver pate. The food was acceptable. I didn't find that I wished for more of anything in particular. I was more disappointed that the food seemed to generally lack. Quite frankly, nothing wowed me. I wasn't struck by some combination of flavor, texture, or scent. I ate here months ago now. I remember the meal for it's sour memory. I delayed writing this, because I didn't feel like my opinion really mattered. Maybe I don't have the palette for it, perhaps I'm simply not the guy to go here and pretend I know anything about food. But I'm just a normal person. And if you're looking at reviews and think that you're a normal person too, and want to try a Michelin Star restaurant, I'd advise you against coming here. You won't leave happy. None of my party was happy about this experience.

pranavi ramireddy

I had my birthday dinner here and tried the tasting menu, they were able to accommodate my dietary restriction easily, and the service was awesome. However, about five hours after leaving the restaurant, I had violent vomiting that woke me from a deep sleep. I do not and have never had any food allergies; I strongly suspect I got food poisoning here.