High expectation, huge let down. Tables are cramped in, so expect to speak louder than usual. Service was magnificent, food is lower quality than expected.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 5
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.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nadia Tenouri
I was really excited to come here for my birthday because it’s a Michelin star with a vegan tasting menu. As someone who has done vegan tasting menus around the world, this was one of the more expensive, but by far the least impressive. I can’t comment on their normal menu, but the vegan tasting menu felt thrown together with whatever ingredients they just happened to have around. It felt very much an afterthought and the flavors were completely boring and lacking in complexity and uniqueness. Presentation was lovely and the staff was great. I am just so disappointed with the food experience. I was really excited for it, but very underwhelmed by the experience. There are a number of flavorful fine dining options that offer vegan in Tampa, and I was hoping this would be one more, but I really can’t recommend it unfortunately.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 5
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.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 2
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.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Cathy Spatuzzi
Great atmosphere! I highly recommend the tasting menu.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Brad Rich
Food and service was phenomenal!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Yvette Ford
Amazing spot cozy and quaint! Wine list is amazing for the wine enthusiasts! Inviting and kind folks.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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.
Completely beautiful surroundings.... If you're broke, if you do not step in here, this is not a place for broke people
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 4
Camila Jaramillo
JESSE…. Pure excellence. Thanks so much to the entire crew. What an experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Glenn Berger
First time here. I have read other reviews, and I have no idea how others give such poor reviews. Went with my girl, and we shared each other's meals. Every bite of everything was amazing. I had the duck, she had the Dover sole. This is my third Michelin restaurant. This was much better than Switzerland. Spent $600, well worth it. I would wholeheartedly suggest you visit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Randy Rising
A friend and I dined here tonight and WOW! This is, without a doubt, the best meal I have ever had in my life. Everyone was so friendly and attentive. The server gave great recommendations. The Main Lobster Feuillantine was an early favorite of mine. All of the HORS D’OEUVRES had amazing flavor profiles but the lobster stuck out to me. The person that I was with was a huge fan of the poultry liver mousse. For appetizer I strongly recommend the scallops. Smoked scallops.. what more could you ask for? Both of our mains were exceptional me going with the Filet and him the Grouper. We ended with a trio of desserts but we both agrees that the Chocolate Walnut Cremeux was the best. Yes, it is expensive but you 100% get what you pay for here!
Lilac at The Tampa EDITION is a Michelin-starred gem offering an exquisite prix fixe menu with Mediterranean flair. The elegant décor, open kitchen, and Champagne cocktail cart elevate the experience. Each dish—from the rosemary-smoked scallops to the playful liver mousse croissant—is a balance of creativity and flavor. Service is attentive, the atmosphere is upscale yet inviting, and the wine pairings are expertly curated. Ideal for food lovers and special occasions, Lilac delivers a memorable, world-class dining experience in the heart of Tampa.
High expectation, huge let down. Tables are cramped in, so expect to speak louder than usual. Service was magnificent, food is lower quality than expected.
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 1
Service: 5
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.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I was really excited to come here for my birthday because it’s a Michelin star with a vegan tasting menu. As someone who has done vegan tasting menus around the world, this was one of the more expensive, but by far the least impressive. I can’t comment on their normal menu, but the vegan tasting menu felt thrown together with whatever ingredients they just happened to have around. It felt very much an afterthought and the flavors were completely boring and lacking in complexity and uniqueness. Presentation was lovely and the staff was great. I am just so disappointed with the food experience. I was really excited for it, but very underwhelmed by the experience. There are a number of flavorful fine dining options that offer vegan in Tampa, and I was hoping this would be one more, but I really can’t recommend it unfortunately.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 1
Service: 5
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.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 2
Service: 2
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.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Great atmosphere! I highly recommend the tasting menu.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Food and service was phenomenal!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Amazing spot cozy and quaint! Wine list is amazing for the wine enthusiasts! Inviting and kind folks.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Beautiful place!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
Completely beautiful surroundings.... If you're broke, if you do not step in here, this is not a place for broke people
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 4
JESSE…. Pure excellence. Thanks so much to the entire crew. What an experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
First time here. I have read other reviews, and I have no idea how others give such poor reviews. Went with my girl, and we shared each other's meals. Every bite of everything was amazing. I had the duck, she had the Dover sole. This is my third Michelin restaurant. This was much better than Switzerland. Spent $600, well worth it. I would wholeheartedly suggest you visit.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A friend and I dined here tonight and WOW! This is, without a doubt, the best meal I have ever had in my life. Everyone was so friendly and attentive. The server gave great recommendations. The Main Lobster Feuillantine was an early favorite of mine. All of the HORS D’OEUVRES had amazing flavor profiles but the lobster stuck out to me. The person that I was with was a huge fan of the poultry liver mousse. For appetizer I strongly recommend the scallops. Smoked scallops.. what more could you ask for? Both of our mains were exceptional me going with the Filet and him the Grouper. We ended with a trio of desserts but we both agrees that the Chocolate Walnut Cremeux was the best. Yes, it is expensive but you 100% get what you pay for here!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Chocolate Walnut Crémeux, Scallops, Chocolate Souffle, Hors D'Oeuvres, Seared Scallop, American Wagyu Filet Mignon, Grouper
Lilac at The Tampa EDITION is a Michelin-starred gem offering an exquisite prix fixe menu with Mediterranean flair. The elegant décor, open kitchen, and Champagne cocktail cart elevate the experience. Each dish—from the rosemary-smoked scallops to the playful liver mousse croissant—is a balance of creativity and flavor. Service is attentive, the atmosphere is upscale yet inviting, and the wine pairings are expertly curated. Ideal for food lovers and special occasions, Lilac delivers a memorable, world-class dining experience in the heart of Tampa.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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