
Rooster & the Till
Inventive New American small plates in a rustic-chic space, celebrated for creative flavors and exceptional service.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Rooster & the Till

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Inventive New American small plates in a rustic-chic space, celebrated for creative flavors and exceptional service.
"Arguably the best food I’ve ever had in Tampa. 10/10 all around!"
Book Far In Advance
Reservations are essential as this popular spot is consistently booked.
Dietary Options Available
Inquire about vegetarian and vegan options, which are highly recommended.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
New American
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Inventive Small Plates
Experience creative and complex dishes blending unique flavors. Globally-inspired small plates that are a step above the rest.

Cobia Collar
A must-try signature dish featuring cobia collar with a Vietnamese dipping sauce, lauded for its flavor.

Lively & Approachable Fine Dining
Enjoy an elevated dining experience in a rustic-chic, lively space with attentive and knowledgeable staff.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Far In Advance
Reservations are essential as this popular spot is consistently booked.
Dietary Options Available
Inquire about vegetarian and vegan options, which are highly recommended.
Chef's Counter Experience
Consider booking a seat at the kitchen counter to watch chefs at work and interact with them.
Timing Can Matter
Visiting during less busy times might mitigate minor service issues.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Far In Advance
Reservations are essential as this popular spot is consistently booked.
Dietary Options Available
Inquire about vegetarian and vegan options, which are highly recommended.
Chef's Counter Experience
Consider booking a seat at the kitchen counter to watch chefs at work and interact with them.
Timing Can Matter
Visiting during less busy times might mitigate minor service issues.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Rooster & the Till is celebrated for its inventive and exquisitely presented New American small plates, earning accolades like the Michelin Bib Gourmand. Diners rave about the creative flavor combinations, impeccable service, and lively atmosphere, often calling it the best food they've had in Tampa. While most experiences are exceptional, a few reviews mention occasional minor service hiccups or a disappointment with specific dish combinations, though these are often outweighed by the overall quality and unique dining adventure.
"I’m new to Tampa and decided to check out a place that had been recommended by a few folks. I was pleasantly surprised by the phenomenal food and the exquisite service. The bartender went above and beyond recommending fantastic libations that helped make it a truly memorable experience. Make sure to see Sidney at the bar, she was genuinley welcoming and radiantly hospitable!"
David MacKay
"rooster and the Till is a very interesting place I can tell you it is definitely a very popular spot in Tampa so I would highly recommend that you plan in advance and make a reservation for this place as it is constantly booked.
Overall, the food is good. I would recommend you try the fish Thai dish and the beats which are good, but I think they were missing an acidic point to it. Maybe some lemon or more tomatoes would’ve made the dish shine more as overall the beats were pretty plain.
The service is good. I think they’re on top of everything, however, they didn’t miss one of my orders and gave me something different, but they immediately fixed the problem and sent me the right thing while giving me that other dish for free which I appreciate, I think that was because they were very busy that day, so I’m sure it’s an honest mistake
The place is good. I can see why it is popular. The atmosphere is very alive. I would definitely come here to try the food and have a good time. I don’t know if it’s ready for the next step where some other restaurant are in terms of Michelin star worthy , but I do know that if they keep working on their food improving their flavors this could be an interesting spot in the future."
Daniel Rodriguez
"We recently went to Rooster & the Till for our 1yr anniversary and it did not disappoint! From the moment we walked in the service and atmosphere were great! We reserved chef seating which made the meal even better, it was so cool watching the kitchen do what they do, and boy do they do it well! Arguable the best food I’ve ever had in Tampa. Our server Caleb was top notch as well, bringing a smile and great recommendations, personality, and service to our night.
Everyone knows you have to get the cobia collar, definitely not an overrated dish! Everything else was fantastic as well, but the tuna tartar was my 2nd favorite.
10/10 all around, we’ll be back!"
Nicholas McDuffee
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it's a very popular spot and reservations are highly recommended as it's constantly booked. Book well in advance!
The cobia collar with Vietnamese dipping sauce and the gnocchi are frequently mentioned as standout dishes.
Yes, the restaurant is known to accommodate dietary preferences, and vegetarian/vegan options are highly recommended.
The atmosphere is described as lively, rustic-chic, and approachable, making it suitable for various occasions.
Yes, a tasting menu is available and has been praised for its perfect portioning and exquisite dishes.
Booking a seat at the kitchen counter offers the opportunity to watch the chefs prepare dishes and engage with them.
Mentioned in
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First opened in 2013, this 72-seat tasting menu concept from The Proper House Group ( Nebraska Mini Mart, Gallito, Dang Dude) gained recognition for its adventurous small plates, globally sourced wine list, and lively open kitchen. Led by chef Ferrell Alvarez, the menu currently features shareables like Not Pork Dumplings (ginger tofu, chili oil), Cobia Collar (Nước chấm, Thai chilis, cilantro), and Gnocchi (short ribs, ricotta, pickled peperonata). To complement your bites, in addition to the wide range of wine varietals, consider beers from local breweries like St. Pete’s Green Bench and house cocktails like the Yuzu Margarita (sake, lemon, aperitif).How to book: Reserve via Tock.
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Built by local craftsmen using reclaimed materials whenever possible, Rooster & the Till is a quaint 70 seat restaurant that serves up Modern American cuisine cooked with love and sourced from nearby farms and gardens. If you are looking for an elevated and sophisticated meal that’s a step above the rest, Rooster & the Till is the place to go. The servers take time to explain how everything works and make sure that your experience is the best.
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Rooster & The Till won the prestigious Michelin Bib Gourmand award, making it a destination worth checking out in Tampa. The tapas-style restaurant is known for its creative small plates and a rotating menu of options. Crispy brussels sprouts and roasted cauliflower are fan favorites, but other scrumptious options include ginger tofu dumplings and scallop crudo.
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Why does it seem like every restaurant, especially in Florida, hits you over the head with marketing copy about how they serve “globally-inspired cuisine with creative ingredients”?. If you really want the answer, email us (we have a lot of thoughts). Rooster & The Till is actually doing this, though, and doing it well.
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And in Seminole Heights, the brewery crowd converges at spots like Southern Brewing & Winery and Common Dialect while Michelin-worthy Rooster & The Till remains the neighborhood’s gastronomic go-to for its central wraparound eat-in bar (calling all solo diners) and Latin tasting menus.
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In 2013 with just a few induction burners, 37 seats, and a hope for more someday, Rooster & the Till was created, and now just over 9 years later this restaurant has won awards, has 72 seats, and an ever changing menu with new foods for adventurous eaters!. Winning the 2022 Michelin Bib Gourmand Award, Rooster & the Till certainly deserves all the praise it’s getting, they have a very knowledgeable team behind them, from the chefs to the managers, making sure you have an overall excellent experience at their establishment. Now, Rooster & the Till has a relatively simple menus, they specialize in small plates that are packed to the punch with so much flavor, you’ll want to order 3 other dishes!
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More enticing dining options have opened within the Water Street district, like Boulon Brasserie, Small Giant, and now Ash emerges as a full-service Italian-inspired concept along with the new soulful lounge, Alter Ego, led by Chef Ferrell Alvarez. Hyde Park Village is dishing up new concepts with the opening of Ro, a modern twist on Asian cuisine and Jekyll, a sultry speakeasy with unique craft cocktails. And, Craft, a new upscale river cruise dining experience featuring brunch, lunch, and dinner, has also hit the Tampa Bay waterways and offers diners a carefully curated menu of elevated cuisine and jaw-dropping views of some of Tampa’s most iconic landmarks.
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Last winter, the celebrated Seminole Heights restaurant celebrated its 10th anniversary — a well-deserved milestone that feels particularly impressive in today’s volatile market. On a recent visit I fell hard for the spot’s lamb vindaloo pappardelle ($27), which paired thick noodles with hunks of stewed lamb neck, tamarind tomatoes and a punchy pistachio pistou on a bed of preserved lemon yogurt. It’s a dish that fuses warm Mediterranean spice with bright notes of acidity and plenty of texture — a perfect plate I haven’t been able to stop thinking about.
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Rooster & The Till is an exciting restaurant by Chef Ferrell Alvarez, Ty Rodriguez, and Chon Nguyen with a constantly-evolving menu and an expanding dining room. Most people opt for the small plates, with the stars being the ginger tofu dumplings with “intense chili oil” (we’re not sure what makes it intense but there’s only one way to find out!), gnocchi with short rib and ricotta, and seared foie gras with huckleberry, cashew pear nutella, and vanilla pear. If you can’t make up your mind, don’t worry because you don’t need to!
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The Rooster & the Till is located in Tampa's trendy Seminole Heights neighborhood and has become one of the most popular restaurants in the city. A wonderful example of the city's chef-driven creativity, this exclusive eatery is putting out some big flavors specializing in farm-to-table fare, superior service, and smaller portions. Meals are prepared using only fresh and local ingredients and diners are raving over the beautifully plated and delicious, innovative cuisine that is winning multiple awards.
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Proper House Group’s Rooster & the Till, which has maintained Michelin's Bib Gourmand status since 2022, has been an innovator in the Tampa dining scene since its launch in 2013. James Beard nominated chef Ferrell Alvarez keeps it fresh with a rotating, seasonal menu in this small but thoughtful 72-seat institution that regularly books guest chef dinners featuring some of the country's brightest culinary stars.
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Rooster and the Till is a highly acclaimed restaurant known for its innovative approach to gastronomy, dedication to locally-sourced ingredients and vibrant dining experiences. As a 2022 and 2023 Michelin Bib Gourmand award recipient, this eatery has a lot to offer its diners. The restaurant’s commitment to sustainability and supporting local farmers is evident in its commitment to sourcing ingredients.
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Since Rooster & The Till received the esteemed Michelin Bib Gourmand distinction, it is a Tampa attraction worth seeing. The tapas-style eatery is renowned for its inventive small meals and constantly changing menu of choices. Fans’ faves include roasted cauliflower and crispy Brussels sprouts, but there are also delicious dishes like ginger tofu dumplings and scallop crudo.
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I would be remiss not to mention Rooster & The Till, which has been named the best restaurant two years in a row by the Tampa Bay Times. This is for good reason, as this restaurant boasts one of the finest and most inventive menus. Despite its humble appearance outside, prepare to be dazzled by the chic décor and plates of Short Rib Gnocchi and Barbacoa Squash.
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It offers gourmet cuisine in a laid back atmosphere with a menu that is always changing. This restaurant began with a celebrated raw bar. While success has made Rooster & The Till one of the top must-visit restaurants in all of Tampa, the team here is still writing out each and every menu by hand, and constantly experimenting with new items.
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Rooster and the Till is a dinner destination focusing on reinventing New American dishes by using locally sourced ingredients. We love their modern, rustic and chic space. Rooster and the Till is the perfect spot if you’re looking for a luxurious fine dining restaurant in Tampa, but are looking for something different from old luxury.
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Many people have a preconceived idea of what Florida is like,” says Suzanne Crouch, sous-chef of modern American restaurant Rooster & the Till. “When they arrive and actually wander off the beaten-tourist-path, they are pleasantly surprised.” Here are the restaurants in Tampa that are sure to surprise you—in the best way.
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Check out this modern neighborhood restaurant open Wednesday-Saturday for dine-in and take out. On Sundays, couples can try out the Sunday Supper, which includes an appetizer, entree, and dessert for two for $60. This is an at-home dinner experience allowing you to enjoy a chef-crated meal at home, no cooking required.
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Rooster & The Till: This also makes it to most food blogger’s list of Tampa food recommendations. It’s got a Michelin Bib Gourmand, creative small plates, and a farm to table specialty. Rooster & The Till caters to both the gluten-free and vegan diets, and is located near downtown Tampa, so it is easily accessible.
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Rooster & The Till: Rooster & The Till is one of those hot spots that has foodies lining up for reservations. Their inventive seasonal dishes range from seared scallops to deceiving good plant-based 'pork' dumplings. Served in a rustic-chic space, bring the discerning gents here to sample their tapas of delights.
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If you enjoy a rich blend of flavors and a cool atmosphere, then Rooster and the Till is the place for you. They feature their oyster plate, which comes marinated in a cherry ponzu sauce and garnished with chives and sesame. These flavors do a fantastic job of mixing with the salt of a fresh raw oyster.
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TAMPA, Fla. — The ever-changing menu offered at Rooster & the Till in Seminole Heights is an expression of Ferrell Alvarez’s culinary background, and the artistic plates dished out Wednesday through Saturday are meant to be inviting to all customers — whether they arrive in a full suit or jeans.
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Rooster & The Till is a Seminole Heights gem renowned for its inventive modern American cuisine. This upmarket restaurant in Tampa, helmed by James Beard-nominated chef, Ferrell Alvarez, has garnered a loyal following for its ever-evolving menu and vibrant atmosphere.
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In addition to the Bib Gourmand awards, 16 Tampa restaurants received “recommendations” and will be listed in the Florida guide, including Hyde Park’s On Swann, Armature Works’ Oak & Ola, Mise en Place, Bern’s Steak House and The Columbia, among others.
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There are a lot of Tampa downtown restaurants, but I always find the picks in Seminole Heights slightly better. That’s definitely the case with this restaurant. If you’re keen to try something new, but you’re not feeling inspired, this menu will do it.
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Rooster & the Till provides a modern American dining experience with a focus on creativity and intimate ambiance. This spot is perfect for food enthusiasts looking for a unique culinary adventure. Check them out here or contact them at (813) 374-8940.
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Rooster and the Till is a luxury dinner destination that’s considered one of the best things to do in Tampa. The main focus of this luxurious restaurant is on reinventing New American Dishes. They use locally sourced ingredients for this purpose.
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This well known restaurant has some of the best food in the Bay area. They’re giving you a 5-course Valentine’s Day dinner special which will cost you $145 per person. A post shared by Rooster & the Till (@roosterandthetill)
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Rooster & the Till is a quaint 40 seat restaurant serving Modern American cuisine cooked with love and sourced from nearby farms and gardens. Open for dinner Monday-Saturday, closed Sundays.
Tampa restaurants earn three Bib Gourmands, no stars, in first-ever Florida Michelin Guide
Florida’s Michelin Guide was released Thursday night during an invite-only event at the Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes in Orlando—with Tampa restaurants earning three Bib Gourmands, but no stars.
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According to the company, the honor is "just-as-esteemed" as a Michelin Star but focuses on restaurants with simpler styles of cooking that leave guests with a sense of satisfaction.
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6500 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33604Phone: 813-374-8940 Visit Website. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Rooster & the Till (@roosterandthetill)
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- Rating: 4.4/5 (784 reviews)- Price level: $$$- Address: 6500 North Florida Ave. Tampa, Florida - Categories: New American- Read more on Yelp
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit