The Epicurean Hotel in Tampa provides accommodations, dining and experiences unlike any other hotel.
The Epicurean Hotel in Tampa provides accommodations, dining and experiences unlike any other hotel.
Epicurus is the Greek philosopher famous for his belief that “pleasure is the greatest good.” The Epicurean Hotel bases all of its experiences, dining and events around the idea that everything they offer should bring their guests enjoyment. From boutique hotel accommodations to the best in dining and relaxation, the Epicurean ensures no guest leaves without new experiences under their belt.
“The Epicurean Hotel is uniquely Tampa,” says Kevin Scott, general manager of the Epicurean Hotel. “We focus on giving our guests a comprehensive local experience they cannot get anywhere else. Within our walls, we house an incredible wine shop, stadium cooking theater, signature restaurant and rooftop bar, so you can fully immerse yourself in the foodie culture without ever having to leave the hotel.”
Rooms
Guests can choose from six different room options with varying sizes, layouts and outdoor areas to accommodate any budget. All rooms feature modern finishings, like butcher block-style cabinetry, rain-style showers and reclaimed wooden doors hand-carved by local artisans. Every room is stocked with artisan snacks, premium liquors, local craft beers and more.
“The hotel’s mission is to introduce people to the many flavors of life that you will not find anywhere else in the world, from the local artwork displayed in our lobby and the curated in-room artisan pantry to the custom-made bicycles and the variety of classes in the Epicurean Theatre,” Scott says.
Dining
Èlevage is the crown jewel of the Epicurean’s culinary offerings, headed up by nationally renowned chef Chad Johnson and boasting a newly revamped menu. What hasn’t changed is that Èlevage is all about treating foodies to the craft dining experience they crave.
“Èlevage has unveiled a more concise menu that is an innovative marriage between the best of Southern hospitality and French techniques,” Scott says. “The culinary team focuses on fresh, vibrant preparations that have a sense of familiarity with a twist of the unexpected to create dishes such as the goat cheese and sweet potato agnolotti.”
The Epicurean also has two acclaimed restaurants within walking distance—Bern’s Steak House and Haven.
Since 1956, Bern’s Steak House has dished out aged steaks, one of the largest wine collections in the world and internationally famous desserts. Every steak is cut to order for each guest and served alongside locally grown vegetables. Inquiring minds will enjoy the kitchen and wine cellar tours.
Haven offers a modern, inviting environment filled with tapas, 60 varieties of cheese and charcuterie, craft cocktails, 300 bourbons, 40 wines by the glass and a wide variety of entrées like kampachi collars palm sugar glaze and green curry vinegar and Riesling glazed hog jowl dressed with peach, radicchio and mustard seed vinaigrette.
Wine & Cocktails
The only thing that can make good food and good company better? Good drinks. The Lobby Bar is a bustling, art-filled communal space inside the Epicurean that also features a new menu and extended hours. Aside from wines and cocktails, The Lobby Bar offers breakfast, lunch and dinner items, including the signature diner burger with cheddar, bread and butter pickles and comeback sauce.
EDGE, the Epicurean’s rooftop social bar, provides a breathtaking view of Tampa’s skyline complemented by handmade cocktails and bar snacks.
The Bern’s Fine Wines & Spirits store, located in the hotel’s lobby, carries more than 1,000 types of wines and premium liquors. The perfect souvenirs to take home, perhaps?
Entertainment
The Epicurean Theatre is a veritable culinary school within the hotel’s walls.
“We are proud of the variety of classes we offer and are happy to say that most of the classes are for all levels of food lovers, from beginners to master chefs,” Scott explains. “We also offer cocktail classes, wine courses and craft beer dinners. We tend to highlight local chefs from some of the most popular Tampa Bay restaurants, as well as celebrity chefs.”
The Epicurean is located a short distance from many cultural staples in Tampa. If you’d like to explore, take one of the Epicurean’s complimentary cruisers out for a bike ride around town.
Tampa Riverwalk is a 2.4-mile pedestrian-friendly path through downtown Tampa’s most scenic areas and connects museums, restaurants, shopping and more. The Tampa Museum of Art houses a collection of modern and classical art. The Henry B. Plant Museum, located in the 1891 Tampa Bay Hotel, is worth the visit as a National Historic Landmark.
Be sure to catch a hockey game or concert at Tampa’s largest venue, the Amalie Arena. Busch Gardens, the Lowry Park Zoo and Ybor City are all short drives away, too!
Relaxation
Isn’t the true purpose of any getaway to relax and unwind? The Epicurean’s pool is the perfect outdoor oasis to lounge, soak up the sun, read a book or sip a cocktail.
The real hub of relaxation at the Epicurean is Spa Evangeline—they offer fresh fruit scrubs, velvety lotions and rich botanical oils infused with herbs from the living wall garden cultivated on-site. Facials, hand and foot treatments, body treatments, pedicures and massages for one, couples or moms-to-be are all available.
Epicurean Hotel
1207 South Howard Ave., Tampa
(813) 999-8700
