Malio's — Restaurant in Tampa

I had a below average experience here and was not going to write a review until they overcharged my credit card. So here we go.

Drinks were fantastic. We had several different cocktails and they were delicious. This is a great spot for happy hour. They were out of several menu items but that's not a problem, everyone is having supply chain issues right now.

Asparagus was great. Great flavor, lemon was a nice addition. Not too buttery - our favorite side. Mac and cheese was smokey from the gouda cheese. Highly recommend these. The banana's foster dessert was incredible. Tons of flavor. I'd recommend asking for the syrup on the side. If you're going to eat here - get these three things.

Shifting gears to the areas for improvement.

For food we wouldn't recommend - the 22oz prime delmonico. It was $98 before tax and tip. Online menu doesn't reflect their true pricing. It was an average steak. It doesn't touch the quality you can get at any other steakhouse in Tampa. If you're going to spend $98 on a steak, I expect the best steak in Tampa. Not even close. I tried to think of a steakhouse with a lower quality steak in Tampa. I'm struggling. Even Gin Joint has a better steak than this. The garlic linguini was edible. Can't say much more about it. Jalapeno creamed corn could have just been del monte southwest corn that was cooked in a cream.

Our table was wedged between two pillars for barely enough room for two people to sit. It was a slower night, we ate here on a Monday. There were empty tables and booths so it didn't look like any staff were overwhelmed. It felt like our waiter completely forgot about us. We finished our meals and waited 35 minutes before being able to order dessert. We came prepared with our orders and the meal took 2.5 hours between being seated and finally having our card run so we could leave.

After giving my card to pay the check, our waiter didn't actually run the card then left to chat with another table. We had to wait another 10 minutes for the waiter to realize we needed him to come back and run the card so we could leave. I always round up my total credit card charge to the highest dollar. Thankfully kept my receipt from this charge so I can dispute with my credit card company. The staff ran the tip as a whole number and made the transaction an odd total. Only reason I caught this.

I may come back here for drinks in the future but no person who respects a steakhouse will enjoy this experience. Take the $35 you will save on a cut of steak and use it for an uber over to any of the steakhouses by Westshore. Came here for our anniversary dinner and expected a nice experience for spending several hundred dollars. Will not...

An amazing local partner on the Downtown Tampa Food Tour, Malio's Prime Steakhouse showcases the vibrant flavors and hospitality that make Tampa Bay’s food scene unforgettable.

📜 Early Beginnings & Rise to Fame Malio’s was founded in 1969 by Malio Iavarone on South Dale Mabry Highway. The restaurant was named after its founder, whose immigrant parents had operated a family eatery in Tampa since 1945. From its earliest days, Malio’s gained a reputation for quality dining and warm hospitality.

🏛 Downtown Relaunch After 36 successful years, the original Dale Mabry location closed in 2005. In 2007, Malio’s was reborn as Malio’s Prime Steakhouse, now located in the iconic Rivergate Tower—affectionately known as the “Beer Can Building”—in downtown Tampa.

The new space features a sleek, modern design by BDG Architects, including a two-level dining room, upscale lounge, and private event spaces.

🍽 Reputation & Culinary Style Malio’s Prime is renowned for its prime cuts of beef, cold-water lobster tails, and a carefully curated wine list boasting over 200 selections. It blends classic steakhouse tradition with contemporary flair.

Guests can enjoy riverside outdoor dining, a cigar-friendly patio, and high-end private rooms, making it a go-to for business dinners, date nights, and special events.

📰 Continued Expansion & Local Legacy The legacy continues with the recent opening of Malio’s Beach House in St. Pete Beach, bringing the beloved brand’s signature style to the waterfront.

For more than five decades, Malio’s has remained a culinary icon in Tampa Bay, celebrated for its impeccable service, inviting ambiance, and commitment to excellence.

The happy hour is an incredible value and a great way to sample Malio’s outstanding menu without breaking the bank. Please note that many of the serving sizes shown in our photos reflect smaller portions, such as those offered during happy hour.

Unfortunately, we don’t have photos of some of Malio’s signature specialties, like the prime rib or tender steaks—but trust us, they’re worth the visit.

Stop by soon—and don’t forget to tell them Tampa Bay Food...

I've eaten at Bern's, Flemings, Ruth's Chris, Peter Luger in NYC, Keens in NYC, Delmonico's in NYC, Mix Prime steakhouse in Conn. I called Malio's on two occasions and asked who I was talking to? The answer I got was ASSOCIATE, I thought I might not have asked the right question, so I asked who I was speaking to? Again, the young lady said ASSOCIATE. I let the nonsense slide and made a reservation for New Years Eve. Our son flew in for the holidays with his wife so we wanted to take them out for dinner. We arrived within 10 min. of our reservation. The young lady at the check-in podium asked who I was? I responded with my name and who was all in my party. She then talks thru me to a person in back of us and starts assisting her and showing her where to go and hands her menus. My wife, son and daughter-inlaw all had puzzled looks on their faces, and when we were finally shown to our seats, my son says to me that he doesn't have a good feeling about this place. Service was slow, we waited for quite some time in order to get bread. Order's were placed and the wait began. The bread did come shortly there after and was HOT, the tiny loaf was consumed in a matter of mins. 'We kept waiting for our meal which seemed to be quite long. At some point I asked one of two people who was serving us if we could at least get some more bread? She acknowledged the request and walked away. The full order came in roughly 10 more mins. As I cut into my steak and tried a bite I then tried the mushrooms. I asked everyone at my table if their food was hot or warm? They all said warm. Each dish, onion soup, Mac&cheese, creamed spinach, both steaks. Never had that experience before. The flavor of the food seemed fine, but when you spend $400.00 for dinner, you at least expect it to be HOT. We paid the bill and went over to Bern's and had desert. I was not disappointed there. Sorry Malio, I would have liked to have given a better review. Just wondering, do you tell your receptionists not to...