Plate Tapas Grill & Lounge — Restaurant in Citrus Park

I visited Plate Tapas Grill & Lounge solo on a Monday night during their soft opening, mostly out of curiosity and a bit of nostalgia. This space used to be Marlow’s, which I really enjoyed, so I was hoping Plate might live up to that standard—or at least come close. The bones of the layout are still familiar, but the space feels noticeably more modern and open. Mirrors line the walls, making the room feel bigger and brighter than it is, and the addition of fresh flowers and real plants at the tables was a thoughtful touch. The music was lively and the guests around me seemed genuinely happy to be there.

Service was strong right from the start. Martina, my server, was attentive, friendly, and clearly knew the menu well. I asked her to recommend a few standout small plates, and she steered me toward the spicy shrimp dumplings, roasted duck bun, roasted bacon oysters, and the Mexican roll. The dishes came out as they were ready, which gave the evening a nice flow. The dumplings were flavorful with a surprising little kick, served warm. The duck bun had bold, rich flavors in the filling, though the bun itself was a little cold and bland, which took away from it slightly. The roasted bacon oysters were served warm with spinach, bacon, lime, and cheese— the oysters were small, but all of the ingredients together were very tasty. The Mexican roll was fine, nothing exceptional, but decent enough, with most of the flavor coming from the sauce drizzled on top. I also had a Woodford Old Fashioned, which was beautifully presented and well-balanced—not too sweet, which I appreciated.

A few things could’ve been better. There were crumbs on the booth when I sat down, and the paper menus looked worn and crinkled from being reused. The glossy tabletops showed every bit of condensation and soy sauce, which is a personal pet peeve more than anything else. The bathrooms were clean but clearly done on a budget. Verizon service is still awful inside—something that’s been true since Marlow’s was here. It would be great if they offered guest Wi-Fi.

Still, the positives outweigh the quirks. Staff worked together well, checking in and clearing plates as a team. The entire experience felt coordinated and well-managed, especially for a soft opening. And more importantly, the food was creative, the vibe energetic, and the service leagues better than what I remember from this space’s previous iteration. It’s hard to say if it’s “better” than Marlow’s—it’s definitely different. But it’s its own thing, and it shows a lot of promise. I’ll...

We had the pleasure of dining at Plate on a Thursday evening and were completely blown away. This spot is a hidden gem with a truly elevated tapas-style menu that blends global flavors with artful execution. Every dish we ordered was thoughtfully crafted, beautifully presented, and absolutely delicious.

The slider sampler and crispy tuna bites from the Small Plates were standouts—bold, inventive, and packed with flavor. For our mains, the Pork Belly Bowl and Tuna Warm Bowl were incredible; the combination of fresh ingredients, perfectly cooked proteins, and vibrant sauces (highly recommend the lemon teriyaki) was spot on. Even the sushi tapas—like the Spicy Salmon Roll and Alaskan Roll—were restaurant-quality you’d expect from a dedicated sushi bar.

Service was friendly and attentive without ever feeling rushed. The vibe is modern yet cozy—perfect for a casual night out or a special dinner. The diversity of the menu (including vegan, gluten-free, and raw options) really shows the care and intention behind everything they do here.

Highly recommend making this a regular go-to or a destination for a memorable night out. We’ll absolutely...

PLATE is a newly opened restaurant tucked next to Publix in the heart of Carrollwood, with plenty of parking and a diverse, health-conscious menu. They offer everything from poke bowls, tapas, and yakitori to tacos, soups, and salads--perfect for a variety of cravings.

The space is modern and inviting, with a chic, earthy aesthetic and a laid-back luxury feel. There's both indoor and outdoor seating, and plenty of room to relax.

I ordered the salmon bowl which was excellent. grilled salmon served over white rice with mushrooms, sweet potatoes, broccoli, avocado, and chickpeas. You can choose between red curry or lemon teriyaki sauce; I had mine on the side to really enjoy the fresh ingredients on their own. They were out of the chicken yakitori, so I went with the steak version instead. My son ended up eating it, looked fresh and protein-packed.

Really friendly service from the hostess. My daughter had just nodded off in the car after her allergy meds, and without me even asking, she offered to bring our food out. I wouldn't make a habit of it, but it was such a kind gesture. Looking forward to coming back to explore more...