Jackson's Bistro, Bar & Sushi of Tampa

Nestled along the stunning waterfront of Harbour Island, Jackson's Bistro, Bar & Sushi is a gem that beautifully captures the essence of fine dining. The moment you step in, you’re greeted by sweeping views of the sparkling Tampa Riverwalk, setting the stage for an unforgettable meal. Now, let’s talk about the food! The menu is a delightful fusion of seafood, steak, and sushi, catering to a variety of dietary preferences—there are plenty of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options to please everyone at the table. I couldn’t resist starting with the Angry Edamame, which quickly became a table favorite. It was the perfect blend of heat and flavor, setting a high bar for the rest of the meal. The sushi? Fresh and vibrant, each piece practically melted in my mouth. For those who appreciate a good drink, Jackson’s boasts an impressive selection of fine wines from around the world, available by the glass or bottle. I found it hard to choose just one, so sampling a few was a delightful indulgence! The service was exemplary—attentive without being intrusive—which made the experience all the more enjoyable. Plus, if you’re dining with your furry friend, you’ll be pleased to know that this spot is dog-friendly! With a price range of $25-$50 per person, Jackson’s Bistro offers a fantastic experience that feels worth every penny. And if you’re in need of a private space for a special occasion, their private dining room is a unique feature that adds a touch of elegance. All in all, whether you’re out for a romantic dinner or a gathering with friends, Jackson's is a must-visit.

We have been to Jackson's Bistro dozens of times for all kinds of celebrations, and every time someone comes to visit us. We have always enjoyed it until our last visit in January to celebrate our son's birthday with his grandparents for lunch on a Monday. This time, the service was awful and very slow. It was freezing inside, and my Mom had to wear her winter coat. It took a very long time to even be greeted by our server. Then drinks took another 15 minutes. The food took a while, which is understandable for a party of 7, but then it was not good. My Dad and I got the Grouper tacos. It had barely any scraps of fish and was loaded with raw onion and tomato. It was really bad. We only ate it because we were so hungry by the time it came. My husband loves the Grouper sandwich and his was also not meeting his expectations at all. My Mom got a burger, and it was really greasy and made her sick. My in-laws also got the Grouper sandwiches and made the best of it. We are also in the hospitality industry, and it was really disappointing that everything was so awful this time. The Manager just hung out at the hostesses stand and did not pay any attention to the guests. We had made a reservation stating this was a birthday, and they did not acknowledge it at all. We all agreed that we would never return after this terrible experience. I hope for the sake of their other customers they bring their service back up to being a great place to come to with tasty food. Also, please offer more gluten-free options. It's not hard to have a gluten-free bun on hand.