RUSTY PELICAN TAMPA CELEBRATES GRAND RE-OPENING WITH FLAVOR AND FLAIR

RUSTY PELICAN TAMPA CELEBRATES GRAND RE-OPENING WITH FLAVOR AND FLAIR

Month-Long Tasting Menu, New Cocktail Lineup, and Iconic Waterfront Views 

SEPTEMBER 2, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TAMPA, FL - One of Tampa’s most beloved dining landmarks is back and better than ever. After closing for months due to hurricane-related repairs, Rusty Pelican Tampa has officially reopened its doors, inviting guests back to enjoy the restaurant’s upscale coastal cuisine, handcrafted cocktails, and panoramic waterfront views. Since 1978, Rusty Pelican has been a local legacy of the Tampa dining scene, known for its sea-to-table dishes and reputation as one of the city’s most photogenic destinations, especially during sunset.

To celebrate the grand re-opening, the restaurant is debuting its Best of the Bay tasting menu, a unique pre-fixe dining experience available exclusively for a month starting in September. The Best of the Bay three-course menu, priced at $60.00 per person, was designed by Rusty Pelican’s new Executive Chef Arturo Lo and features classic flavors with the signature Rusty Pelican twist. Guests can look forward to dishes on the Best of the Bay menu like the Conch Fritters with Piña Colada Sipping Sauce, a main course option of Crispy Local Snapper with Roasted Jalapeño-Lime Dressing, and Creamy Coconut Orzo. Guests will satisfy their sweet tooth with dessert options like the Sticky Toffee Pudding or Key Lime Pie. Diners can add to their experience with a special wine pairing available for purchase. The tasting menu will be offered alongside the regular à la carte menu, ensuring there is something for every palate.

“Rusty Pelican has been a part of Tampa’s story for nearly five decades,” said Jordan Dietsch, General Manager. “We have been excited to see both familiar faces and new visitors make their way back to celebrate our next chapter. From the kitchen and bar, to the view and atmosphere, everything we do is designed to make our guests feel like they’re a part of the family.”

Alongside the new tasting menu, the beverage program has received a refresh under the direction of Rebecca Jordan, Bar Manager & Master Mixologist. The new cocktails offer both classic drinks and playful modern twists. Find cocktails on the menu like the Slow Burn, crafted with Flor de Caña 7-Year Rum, agave, lime, pineapple juice, and a spicy jalapeño ice wedge that intensifies in flavor as it melts, and the colorful Oopsie Daisy cocktail, a mix of Camarena Silver Tequila, St-Germain, blood orange, mint, rimmed with Tajín, and garnishes with ginger candy.

As the restaurant reopens, guests can expect the same experience and hospitality for which Rusty Pelican has become known. No matter the occasion, diners can once again enjoy panoramic views of Tampa Bay from nearly every seat in the house during their meal. Known as one of Tampa’s premier event venues, Rusty Pelican will also continue to host weddings, private dinners, and corporate gatherings, offering versatile event spaces, customizable menus, and full-service planning support.

Rusty Pelican Tampa invites locals and visitors alike to celebrate its fresh start with its Best of the Bay tasting menu experience. The Best of the Bay tasting menu is $60.00 per person, not including tax and gratuity, and will be available September 1-30, 2025, Sunday to Thursdays from 4:30 to 10:30 p.m. Reservations can be made on OpenTable, and are strongly encouraged but not required. For more information on Rusty Pelican Tampa, please visit www.therustypelicantampa.com, call (813) 281-1943, and follow them on Instagram and Facebook.

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About Rusty Pelican Tampa: Rusty Pelican Tampa is the city’s premier restaurant for upscale waterfront dining, renowned for its fresh seafood, handcrafted cocktails, and panoramic views of Tampa Bay. A local favorite since opening in 1978, the restaurant blends Florida flavors with a flare, offering everything from raw bar towers to over-the-top weekend brunches. With award-winning event spaces, Rusty Pelican is a top venue for weddings, private celebrations, and corporate gatherings, delivering flawless service and hospitality at every occasion. Rusty Pelican Tampa is open for lunch and dinner Monday-Friday and open for brunch and dinner on Saturday and Sunday. Reservations are available on OpenTable. For more information on Rusty Pelican Tampa, please visit therustypelicantampa.com, call (813) 281-1943, and follow them on Instagram and Facebook.