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Name: Edison: Food-Drink Lab
Address: 912 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33606
Telephone: (813) 254-7111
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 3.94

Edison: Food-Drink Lab

912 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33606

(813) 254-7111
Store is closed

Edison: Food-Drink Lab Menu

Sparks

Iced Raw Oysters

Potato-Crusted Oysters

Wood-Roasted Oysters

Iced Raw Oysters

Potato-Crusted Oysters

Wood-Roasted Oysters
Cold Start

Avocado Leaf-Seared Yellowfin Tuna

'Chaud-Froid' Surf + Turf

Roasted Beets + Goat Cheese

Burrata

Avocado Leaf-Seared Yellowfin Tuna

'Chaud-Froid' Surf + Turf

Roasted Beets + Goat Cheese

Burrata
Hot Start

Sesame Tempura Cauliflower

Charred Achiote Octopus

Cocoa Coconut-Fried Key West Pink Shrimp

Tamarind Sriracha-Glazed Pork Belly

Blond Miso Glazed Foie Gras

Sesame Tempura Cauliflower

Charred Achiote Octopus

Cocoa Coconut-Fried Key West Pink Shrimp

Tamarind Sriracha-Glazed Pork Belly

Blond Miso Glazed Foie Gras
Solid + Soluble

Hot + Sour Soup

Butter Lettuce Salad

Black Truffle Caesar Salad

Shaved Vegetable Salad

Crunchy Coconut Kale Salad

Charred Octopus Horiatiki Salad

Hot + Sour Soup

Butter Lettuce Salad

Black Truffle Caesar Salad

Shaved Vegetable Salad

Crunchy Coconut Kale Salad

Charred Octopus Horiatiki Salad
Sharing

Roasted Bone Marrow 'Reuben'

Cheese Board

Roasted Bone Marrow 'Reuben'

Cheese Board
Entr?es

Citrus Brown Butter-Roasted Barrelfish

Wild Maine Sea Scallops

Uava Red Curry-Glazed Red Snapper + Crispy Fried Conch

Wood-Grilled Espelette Fennel Pollen Florida Swordfish

Adobo All-Natural Organic Chicken + Pancakes

Louisiana-Barbecued Magret Duck Breast

Wood-Grilled Berbere-Spiced Prime New York Strip

Citrus Brown Butter-Roasted Barrelfish

Wild Maine Sea Scallops

Uava Red Curry-Glazed Red Snapper + Crispy Fried Conch

Wood-Grilled Espelette Fennel Pollen Florida Swordfish

Adobo All-Natural Organic Chicken + Pancakes

Louisiana-Barbecued Magret Duck Breast

Wood-Grilled Berbere-Spiced Prime New York Strip

Healthy Meal suggestions for Edison: Food-Drink Lab

Sparks

Iced Raw Oysters [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Potato-Crusted Oysters [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Wood-Roasted Oysters [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Iced Raw Oysters [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Potato-Crusted Oysters [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Wood-Roasted Oysters [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Cold Start

Avocado Leaf-Seared Yellowfin Tuna [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

'Chaud-Froid' Surf + Turf [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Roasted Beets + Goat Cheese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Burrata [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Avocado Leaf-Seared Yellowfin Tuna [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

'Chaud-Froid' Surf + Turf [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Roasted Beets + Goat Cheese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Burrata [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Hot Start

Sesame Tempura Cauliflower [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Charred Achiote Octopus [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cocoa Coconut-Fried Key West Pink Shrimp [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tamarind Sriracha-Glazed Pork Belly [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Blond Miso Glazed Foie Gras [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sesame Tempura Cauliflower [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Charred Achiote Octopus [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cocoa Coconut-Fried Key West Pink Shrimp [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tamarind Sriracha-Glazed Pork Belly [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Blond Miso Glazed Foie Gras [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Solid + Soluble

Hot + Sour Soup [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Butter Lettuce Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Black Truffle Caesar Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Shaved Vegetable Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Crunchy Coconut Kale Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Charred Octopus Horiatiki Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Hot + Sour Soup [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Butter Lettuce Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Black Truffle Caesar Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Shaved Vegetable Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Crunchy Coconut Kale Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Charred Octopus Horiatiki Salad [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Sharing

Roasted Bone Marrow 'Reuben' [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cheese Board [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Roasted Bone Marrow 'Reuben' [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cheese Board [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Entr?es

Citrus Brown Butter-Roasted Barrelfish [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Wild Maine Sea Scallops [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Uava Red Curry-Glazed Red Snapper + Crispy Fried Conch [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Wood-Grilled Espelette Fennel Pollen Florida Swordfish [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Adobo All-Natural Organic Chicken + Pancakes [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Louisiana-Barbecued Magret Duck Breast [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Wood-Grilled Berbere-Spiced Prime New York Strip [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Citrus Brown Butter-Roasted Barrelfish [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Wild Maine Sea Scallops [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Uava Red Curry-Glazed Red Snapper + Crispy Fried Conch [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Wood-Grilled Espelette Fennel Pollen Florida Swordfish [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Adobo All-Natural Organic Chicken + Pancakes [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Louisiana-Barbecued Magret Duck Breast [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Wood-Grilled Berbere-Spiced Prime New York Strip [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Visit below restaurant in Tampa for healthy meals suggestion.

Buffalo Wild Wings ( 1625 E. 7th Ave )

Visit below restaurant in Tampa for healthy meals suggestion.

Buffalo Wild Wings ( 1625 E. 7th Ave )

Write An Anonymous Review

Bob B.

My wife and I dined here for Valentine's evening. Everything was phenomenal. The ingredients in all the dishes we ordered were fresh and the waitstaff was attentive. They didn't have their liquor license yet, but that was fine because they had a nice wine and beer menu. We ordered a couple beers as we were seated at the bar. They were a little behind on their reservations so we volunteered to eat at the bar instead of wait for a table. My favorite dishes were the mezze platter, burrata and tomato salad, fried green tomato salad, and the pork belly tacos. The desserts were fabulous. We ordered the corn cakes and berry sorbets as well as the sweet potato marshmallow ice cream. The ice cream was a little too sweet so I preferred the former, but the homemade marshmallow was a nice touch. The menu changes regularly based on what's fresh and local which is always a good thing. Definitely a welcome addition to the Tampa food scene.
(5)
Heidi S.

When you choose to partake in the Edison experience you must begin with a creation from their mixology lab. We were a party of four who typically do wine with an occasional martini, but we stepped out of our comfort zone. The Matador was the favorite cocktail with a unique jalapeÃ±o infusion that was subtle and satisfying with just the perfect amount of heat. Our server, Marisol was attentive and informative, but never rushed us as we slowly savored 5 dishes shared by all of us. The complimentary Chef offering was the Edison Chowder and a pleasant beginning. The Buffalo Cauliflower was unique and delicious and should not be missed. When we requested a vegetable, Marisol offered us anything on the menu to be prepared to our liking. The Edison is certainly deserving of your gastronomical journey to step out of your culinary comfort zone.
(4)
Carolina B.

This place was kind of a letdown. I am tempted to give it 2 stars because the price definitely doesn't seem justified. Brought some friends from out of here, ordered a few rounds of cocktails (they sounded interesting but tasted dull, unfortunately), started with a cheese plate (this was probably the best part), and ordered 4 entrees. The guys got chicken and waffles, and both were underwhelmed. I got fish (I don't even remember what kind, which is unusual for me.. I ate about half, it was decent but reslly nothing special) and my friend, a connoisseur of scallops, ordered scallops. She barely picked at her plate. I may go back to give this place a second try because the pictures from other reviewers looked so good, but In the meantime this is not a place I will suggest to friends.
(3)
Justin R.

Sometimes I wonder when I see reviews of places and I read the negative reviews I often wonder if we went to the same restaurant, maybe they just were confused and went to a completely different place. I honestly found my whole experience at Edison to be overall extremely satisfying. It was more or less my birthday dinner, so I tried to call in for a reservation, but understood the likelyhood of me actually be able to procure one was slim being that it was Saturday. They had reservations but either immediately or 2 hours later, both of which were outside my range, but I was told I could receive full service at the bar which was fine with my party. When we arrived I asked that if a reservation cancellation occurs, if I could be notified of an opening at a table. The host actually ended up seating us at a table almost immediately which was a pleasant surprise. The interior was nice, amply spaced tables, dimly lit, very minimal and not overdressed or overdone. Simple and clean, which I feel really matches the entire dinner experience at Edison: simple, elegant and clean. The meu is changed daily from what our server told us, and is stamped with the date of use. There are three menus if I recall correctly: food, beverage and dessert. Each menu was quite direct, and effective in conveying the food and drink experience. Service was spot on, the server Jillian took her time to explain the concept of the menu and the restaurant; she was always there at the beginning of each new plate. My beverages were never not empty, and I felt like my dining needs were constantly attended to by the staff. To start I had the Escargot + cippolini onion crostini as well as the cheese board. I particularly enjoyed the escargot serving on crostini, it was well balanced and was not overly drenched in oil or butter and was finely meshed with the other ingredients to blend for a perfect taste. The cheese board delectable and refreshing, I was a particular fan of the apricot gelee and brilliant savarin. My only complaint was the candied nuts lacked a certain crisp/crunchiness, that I feel I am generally accustomed to, they had flavor, but I felt they lacked freshness. For my second plate, I had the Yellowfin tuna tartare, which was an excellent blend sea bean radish, black sesame puree and green tea broth. It was crisp, airy, refreshing, and had I not ordered other dishes I probably would have placed a second order for this dish. I feel that many places carry a tuna tartare as a staple of their menu, but the quality of the fish and the creativity of the chef are what made this dish stand out from the sea of other tuna dishes you'll find elsewhere. My third dish I am really hesitant when ordering. Few places will actually prepare this dish correctly, and in my honest opinion most fail, and that is the Foie Gras (most recently on my trip to France I had some of the worst). In the end I was delighted I ordered the dish. It was such a great conterpostural series of flavors, a very delicate balance of the savory Foie Gras and Zeppole, countered by the sweet candied walnuts and vanilla fig jam. The combination was so delicately weaved together it synthesized perfectly. Last but not least, because it was my birthday, I overindulged in an order of the cracked conch bacon fritters. I will say that the bacon stood out the most, heavily overpowering the conch, but they were still excellent regardless. The breading quality, and the preparation were all spot on, my only suggestion is don't go so light on the conch. The only issue I had here was having the intestinal space to finish my meal, because the other member of my party was vegetarian. I finished off the evening with the peanut butter chicory shake, which was a perfect pairing of peanut butter and chicory coffee, with hefty chunks of peanut butter cookie crumbled amongst the creamy goodness, pretty much to die for, if you love peanut butter or coffee.... I did try one drink from the drink menu, the only disappointment here was that the ingredients that were necessary for my initial selection were not in stock, which was quasi disappointing, but I still had a great hand crafted cocktail, that was clean, refreshing, and matched the description exactly.
(5)
Dave M.

If there was less than 1 star I would leave it, this place has the absolute worst customer service ever. Do yourself a favor and go to a number of better places in Tampa.
(1)
Jane E.

Ok, I really don't get what the fuss is all about. Entering this restaurant you feel like you entered a diner with basic cheap furniture and tableware. The lab ambiance is sorely missing. Now onto the inventive food, which is the same as any other fine dining restaurant with a larger serving size and an exorbitant cost associated with it. I liked the food and I think it was executed well. But the prices do not hold up with the quality of the location or the food. They need to reduce their prices by 50% to make the quality align with actuality. I think the cost is so high, because Edison has done a great job of marketing this place. Seriously, I dine out often and I have visited quite a few establishments in Tampa and around the US. This is definitely not one of the best and is on par with all the other restaurants. Nothing unique or interesting! Definitely will not be going here again. Update: Soon after posting this review, the owner of the business "Johnny C." sent the following "compliment" my way. "I'm just glad you don't come into my restaurant. I'd kick you out in a heart beat." Obviously, this isn't a compliment and it's an abuse of Yelp's rating and compliment system. I have reported him to Yelp's abuse department. Again, this restaurant is not my scene - but considering the way the owner handles himself, I would caution anyone from walking into this establishment. Be warned.
(2)
Zach H.

Came in with some Tampa foodies and found this to be a really cool place. Everything about Edison was unique and different from any restaurant I've been to in Tampa. In true foodie fashion, we ordered a lot -- Goat Cheese Truffles, Conch Fritters, Steak Tartare, Warm Brussels Sprouts w/ Bacon, Potato Crusted Oysters, Duck Confit Foie Gras Tacos, Lobster Gazpacho, Roasted Root Veggies, Pan Fried Red Snapper, Huevos Rancheros, and their take on Chicken & Waffles. My personal favorites -- The oysters, which I have never seen prepared like this before, were perfectly fried while maintaining the integrity of the oyster and served in the shell with a slightly sweet sauce. They were beautifully executed. I'm absolutely in love with foie gras right now and the Duck Confit Foie Gras Tacos were absolutely delicious... though a little more foie gras couldn't hurt :-P. In their version of Chicken & Waffles, the chicken is sous vide then fried and everything was drizzled with truffle honey. UH-MAZING. Those dishes really stood out to me, but everything was absolutely delicious. Overall, the food is superb and I really wanted to give them a 5-star review but timing in the kitchen and the service is keeping me from doing that. Considering Edison just opened, I realize they are probably working out those details so I'll refrain from commenting on them... for now. I still got two of my favorite things in one meal -- foie gras and truffle -- which leaves me extremely happy. I will definitely be back for the awesome food, that's for sure.
(4)
Amy Z.

So so disappointed after all the good things I have heard. I wanted so badly for this place to knock my socks off. The ginger peach sake cocktail was good, but took forever to be delivered so I went with beer after the first drink. They did have a decent beer selection, but the travesty of the conch fritters may have scarred me for life. I wasn't particularly hungry, but saw cracked conch fritters and my mouth started salivating. I LOVE cracked conch! I may be spoiled since my dad lives in the Bahamas, but even frozen fritters were better than these rubbery impostors :(
(2)
Amanda T.

It is a rare quality in a restaurant to stimulant both the mouth and the mind. Edison breaks down food in a formulaic manner and combines flavors in new and thoughtful ways. I am serious when I say that every morsel of food that I ate was delicious and thoughtfully prepared. Here, you don't just EAT your food, you actually stop and think about what it is you are tasting and why it tastes that way. Each bite is meant to incorprate a variety of flavors that complement each other in either a very traditional way or a profound way. I started the meal with Goat Cheese Truffles. I highly recommend this cold start for any cheese lover. The creamy, cold cheese is rolled in aromatic greens and you spread it over a crostini. Our next "spark," was a hot escargot with carmelized onions over a soft piece of bread. The escargot was prepared in a new way from what I am used to, but they worked well with the sweetness of the onions. These were not oily like most escargot I had, and the bread it was served on made sure of that. Our last "spark" was the potato dusted oysters -- these lightly fried oysters were drizzled in honey and had a slight crunch. Served in a half shell, these were all about taste AND presentation. Very good. My entree was oxtail served with lima beans, roasted pumpkin, and collard greens. The oxtail had a sweet sauce and had the consistency of pulled pork with the taste of a short-rib/pot roast combination. Truly a melt-in-your-mouth dish. For dessert, I had the popcorn creme brulee. This was interesting to me as the creme brulee was so buttery that it almost seemed that you were eating sweet butter. The cheddar ice cream was a unique element that, when paired with the creme brulee, complemented everything very well. The cocktails were also amazing. I think we tried one of each on the menu it seems, but my favorite was the Violeta. Delicious floral cocktail with a tinge of something... the je ne sais quoi familiarity made this a favorite for me. I can't wait to go back -- if you haven't been I suggest getting there ASAP.
(5)
Ben K.

Top three best meals I've had during 8 years of dining in Tampa Bay. Oysters were a knockout starter. Expensive overall,but worth it if you appreciate great cuisine.
(5)
Robert D.

I did not like the food. There were way too many ingredients for each dish that it was overkill.
(1)
Adrienne V.

Wow!! they are hitting it out of the park. super impressed by the interesting combinations of ingredients. you can tell a tremendous amount of thought goes into everything that they do.
(5)
Christopher B.

Thomas Edison said, "I have not failed. I have just found 10,000 ways that won't work." This of course was in reference to his 10,000 attempts to create a light bulb that failed before it was successful. It is appropriate that the Edison light bulb is the symbol of this restaurant. For every success there are 10,000 glaring failures. The problem is that in the fine dining world, failures are not an option. My party and I were excited to eat at Edison Food+Drink Lab. We are a group of foodies and the idea of an avant garde restaurant that serves rare ingredients in cutting edge ways really got our juices flowing. We were also celebrating our friend Alec who was leaving for Afghanistan. Therefore this meal was important. And with veteran Chef Jeannie Pierola at the helm there was no way that we would be disappointed. Or so we thought. We arrived at Edison Food+Drink Lab at 8:25 PM Saturday evening with a party of six. It was raining so we were pleased to be able to check our umbrellas. But we weren't pleased to find that they had no real room for groups to wait because the entrance of the restaurant was packed to out the door. Oddly they have another space next door and to serve that space they have to go out the front door, which means that servers with hot plates jostle the waiting customers. Then there is the bar. Now I love food but I LOVE creating cocktails. And they don't have any one. Not one. So how is this a "Drink Lab"? Seriously? In New York, Chicago, or Miami, the cocktails are an integral part of the experience. Here they left that part out. And considering that Tampa is full of world class mixologists, they really missed an opportunity. They do have some very decent beer and wine though. The dÃ©cor is minimalist with exposed Edison bulb lighting. We all liked it and it allowed us to focus on the food and experience. The only drawback is that it was very loud and when the server was speaking the far end of our table had trouble hearing her. But what about the food? In a word... Lacking. Our server has a disturbing habit of walking away in midsentence or while we were talking. We ALL found this extremely RUDE! In addition, we had a very difficult time getting her attention to order our first round of drinks, order food, or get refills. She even walked away in the middle of my friend placing his order to talk to another table. We were just staring at her slack jawed like "did she really just do that?" Now once the owner or manager started working with out table she was very, very nice but we should not have to complain to get good service. Then the food was a let down. Every one of us thought that it was mediocre. And it took us 1 hour and 45 minutes to get our appetizers. Our total mealtime was over 3 hours and we declined desert, coffee and after dinner drinks. We had to wait because they over booked the restaurant with a large group and couldn't juggle the load and so when we did get out food it was sporadic and not all at once. For example five of the entrees came out at one time but my wife's entrÃ©e didn't come out 25 minutes later, which meant that all the rest of our food was cold and dry. Our apps were steak tartare, foie gras, and conch and bacon fritters. The tartare was good but was supposed to come with a quail's egg and they ran out so they put a regular egg on it. That was a let down. The foie gras was well cooked but they forgot to include stuff to put it on. The conch fritters were undercooked, lacked any hint of bacon, the conch was overly chewy and didn't have enough mustard flavor in the honey mustard sauce to cut the sweet. Each entree had one or two primary items that create the flavor profile. These here high quality and fresh. They are supplemented by a host of unusual ingredients from around the world. I really loved the internationalness of the ingredients. But each thing that we ordered had problems. It started with the oysters. Our oyster fans were surprised to see that it only came with six oysters when the standard is one dozen for that price point. The oysters that they did get were small and overpowered by vinegar. The entrees were similar. They had one great item and the rest didn't mesh. The halibut was fresh but dry from sitting, the bone marrow was tasty but sparse, the fresh vegetables were good but the rice was too sweet. The arctic char was fresh but unremarkable and the little neck clams imparted a clam boil flavor to the fish. The filet had amazing escargot but was otherwise mediocre. And the side of kale, which my friends said were the best kale that they had ever tasted, outshined the remaining dishes. The only saving grace was that the manager was so nice and the ingredients were fresh. But we we left without trying their cool coffee or waiting for the complimentary deserts. We then went straight to The Pub because we were still hungry. Edison, time to go back to the drawing board!
(2)
Andrew M.

We have been wanting to try Edison since we moved to Tampa a few months ago. We decided it would be fun to take friends who were visiting before a move to Tampa in a few months. I emailed in advance to ask whether they could accommodate someone with celiac (and therefore strictly gluten free) and received a prompt response that many menu items are gluten free and most of the rest can be modified to be gluten free. Well, turns out that is sort of true....but not if cross-contamination is a concern. Our server gave us all the options that could be made gluten free and we were blown away! We placed our orders and sat back to enjoy our cocktails and conversation. About 10-15 minutes later, our server returned to say that none of the fryers are gluten free, so most of the appetizers we ordered weren't truly gluten free. As far as appetizers go, the list of options dwindled drastically. If I hadn't asked in advance, I would have been less irritated, but don't tell me you can easily accommodate the dietary restriction if you can't. As for the food....the octopus was very good, as were the potato-crusted oysters. We weren't a fan of the crab rangoon or bone marrow (the amount of bone marrow was pathetically small and the tuna tartare was more onion than tuna). For entrees, I got a fish dish (maybe snapper) and it was tasty and well-cooked, but nothing memorable. Hubs got the chicken and waffles and the chicken was perfectly cooked. Tried my friend's scallops, which were excellent (I think the best entree choice). Our other friend's yellowfin tuna was great quality, but the dish lacked salt/flavor. Dessert was the sugar-crusted butter cake and apple and almond tarte. Both were good, but I thought the butter cake was better. They didn't have any gluten-free dessert items, not even the ice cream. Overall, the meal was good. I think the biggest disappointment was the high hopes we had for gluten-free accommodation and the lack of our server's knowledge about the items that were truly gluten free (he definitely should have known that BEFORE we placed our orders). The restaurant was fun, but none of our dishes really blew us away. I wouldn't rush to go back.
(3)
Matt K.

$28 for chicken and waffles + automatic 20% gratuity for a server who never even asked to fill my water = an insulted customer who will never spend his hard-earned money in this establishment ever again. This epitomizes food-snobbery. You get the feeling that management believes the average joe is too stupid to detect a bad value disguised by a rambling menu of ingredients that are misspelled to seem sophisticated. Unfortunately, judging by their volume of customers, they are right in their assumption. I for one will not go back. I'd get a better value at Church's.
(1)
Marian S.

Fourth time here while visiting Tampa for business. I think this is the best restaurant in Tampa. Perfect for the foodie that's interested in new flavors. Everything is tasty and beautifully plated. The atmosphere is laid back and welcoming. I will keep coming back here.
(5)
The L.

I've been here 4 times at various dispersion of time between visits and the changes in menu selection has never impacted the high quality of food served. It has always been outstanding, creative, and on point. The service has always excellent and on par with the meals as well.
(4)
Tara R.

First time here and AMAZED! We planned on a full dinner but instead filled up on mixed drinks. After 8 different flavors we have not come across two of a kind! Ryan our bar tender was helpful with recommendations and also an excellent bar tender. For food, we started with the pork belly off of the "Hot Start" section of the menu and it could have been a better kick starter! Highly recommend you have that if its available, although their menu changes daily. Then moved to more drinks. The smashed Ricky is a MUST! One of the most fantastic drinks in Tampa, hands down. If you are one for flavor the "Fire from Lima" is for you! Enjoy the rustic atmosphere and dim ambiance on your next date night!! :)
(5)
Eddie P.

It upsets me to write a 2-star review for a place that had such great food, but the service was just that bad! It all started when we were seated. We sat for a little over 8 minutes (which is an eternity in restaurant time) without a server coming by. After flagging down a manager to find us a server, we were approached by our "server". She took out a pen and paper and said "what can I get you?" Don't you think she should have introduced herself, welcomed us to the restaurant, explained the concept and specials? It was like we were bothering her by being there to spend money. Anyway, the food was great. Kudos to the chef. My cocktail with Double Cross Vodka was amazing! It unfortunate that this server was not able to provide the experience that this place demands. Hopefully she finds another line of work.
(2)
Michael M.

Start to finish, everything was just wonderful. The waitress was amazing. Very knowledgeable and sweet. We started with drinks. I had the Edison Boulevardier - delicious, kind of an old school Manhattan. My Wife doesn't drink , so they offered to make her a custom mock tail. It was some sort of sour lemon, blueberry, and basil concoction. Fantastic. To start we got the goat cheese truffles with days and foie gras - perfect starter. I had the steak tartare and my wife the fried green tomato salad. Both terrific. Entrees: I has the lamb chop- very Middle East style. Probably the best cooked, best tasting lamb if ever had. My Wife got the duck confit with a chocolate mole and napolitos. She loves it. We finished with some delicious coffee and the unreal "Edison cruellers". Best meal and overall experience I've had in Florida.
(5)
Geoff P.

What else can I say.. From Potato Crusted Oysters to the Butter Cake, everything was phenomenal. This is a high price for your meal, but with a bottle of wine our meal for 2 was only $120. Well worth the splurge for foodies!
(5)
Bellow B.

This is one of our favorite places; we go almost every weekend because the food is so great and well presented. I love the tuna tartar/toubleh dish, surrounded by red beet hummus, radishes and olives, and served with grilled pita pieces. This is not a chain restaurant or steak and potatoes place; the menu is extensive and creative. You can make a meal on small plates or order nice entrees. The staff is wonderful and they make sure everything is satisfactory. Weekends are busy so suggest reservations. Good wine selections and craft cocktails.
(5)
Tara T.

delish and fun!
(4)
michelle l.

I chose this restaurant to eat with friends, and I am so embarrassed that I made that mistake. The service was AWFUL. At first, I though the waitress was just being (poorly) cheeky when she mocked my friend for his order (he wanted fish cooked well done). But no, she continued to be rude to him, and provide very careless, indifferent service to us. The final straw was that the same friend's order took much longer to prepare, to the point that two of the people at our table were completely done with their main course before he even got served. When he finally did get served, the fish was horribly undercooked. The fish was sent back, and when it returned, it was cooked properly but was horribly bland. At this point, everyone was done with his/her meal, so he had to eat bland fish alone. The worst part was there was pretty much no apology to him for his delinquent meal other than to comment that it was his fault for ordering the fish medium-well. Most restaurants that I have patronized with similar price points would offer to discount his soup (also inedible -- the gazpacho was drowned in vinegar) or to comp dessert after such a kitchen screw up. But not here. We got our full bill with very little kindness from the waitress and other staff. As for the rest of the night, it was mixed. My brother in law really enjoyed his fish dish. My husband liked his steak. I tried the Scottish salmon tartare (okay, definitely nothing that I'd order again -- the fried quail egg was rubbery, and the truffle oil overpowered the salmon), the pork belly (good, but I didn't like the lentils underneath or the accompanying brussel sprouts), and the fried green tomato salad (pretty good). I cannot return to a restaurant with such blatantly rude service that charges $30+ for an entree. For the same price, I could have received impeccable service and better food at Mise en Place. I will not return to this restaurant.
(2)
Mike S.

Having first read every Yelp review and considered the recommendations and caveats, we went to Edison and had a fine meal. Arriving early (5:30) on a Saturday evening we had no trouble with parking or being seated. Attentive staff greeted us and made us comfortable. Our server Ramsey was one of the best we have encountered in Tampa....helpful, attentive, useful comments, relaxed manner, knowledgeable about all dishes. The setting is also classy, and "inventive"on the Edison/Electricity/Lab theme without getting too cutesy. Not a shorts and flip-flop joint but most patrons were business casual. Prices are a bit high for us West Tampenos, but this is a creative, upscale place Good array of beers and wines with an emphasis on Florida brews so I had a nice Gainesville Swampland ale. Several groupings of hot and cold apps, and we tried the migas (little fried bread puffs) with tangy tapenade and conch/bacon fritters with a nice honey/mustard sauce, followed by a fried green tomato salad...all of which we shared along with the recommended squash waffle with fried chicken garnished with corn melange and honey. All very tasty and served with perfect timing to keep us busy without being overloaded with dishes. Our topper was the shared hummingbird shake served in a lab beaker. Be aware that some items come and go and others have become standards....much like the Refinery...which Edison reminds us of. Glad this option is available and we recommend other Yelpers to give it a try.
(4)
Jackie C.

For a bit a background: I recently moved from NYC and have been wholeheartedly depressed by the lackluster restaurants in Tampa. The food has been mediocre... Until now. My husband and I kept our expectations in check due to many previous let downs. We started with two appetizers, the goat cheese, fois gras truffle balls and the chorizo stuffed calamari. The truffles were not what we expected. They were served cold. I think we were both expecting crispy hot truffles so that may have affected our opinion. I thought they were a little too dense and heavy. Very tasty but just too much. I think creating a hot version that carmelized the flavors and melted the cheese would have been much lighter and better tasting. It was ok but I wouldn't order it again. The second app was far better. The spicy but not too spicy chorizo paired with the calamari and lovely dressed greens complimented each other perfectly. I thought the calamari was a touch over cooked but the dish was still quite good. I would def order again. We cleaned every morsel off the plate. For dinner I had a bone marrow crusted Halibut with lamb bacon lentil cassoulet. OMG! Absolutely, delicious. The fish was cooked to perfection with a very light( not greasy or too much) bone marrow breading- just perfectly cooked and seasoned. The cassoulet was heavenly, very flavorful but not too fatty. The lentils, root vegetables and lamb bacon were like a party in my mouth. The whole dish was 5 stars. The best I've had in Tampa, and yes, I have been to Bern's, more than once. A foodie delight. Def worth the money. Go for the food and Go now! I almost gave 5 stars but due to the appetizers I thought a solid 4 stars was appropriate.
(4)
Kevin F.

I'll skip the usual run-down of everything ordered and just skip right to the best part in a single word: Sweetbread. Specifically, it is maple-glazed sweetbread, with bourbon glaze, orange pecan salad, and maraschino cherries. I've eaten my fair share of livers, hearts, intestines, tongue, etc. and that was probably the tastiest organ meat I've had in a very long time. For the less-than-stellar initial reviews, I think a lot of it comes from managing your expectations. When a new place opens up, it takes a while for things to get ramped-up. Staff don't yet know all of the dishes, the kitchen still has some kinks that need worked out in the process, and that sort of thing. If that's going to interfere with your enjoyment, perhaps wait a while before trying this restaurant. That out of the way... I liked the overall atmosphere of the place. It's a bit industrial, as others have mentioned, with a few subtle flares here or there -- like the glass beaker with a flower in it as the table's centerpiece. The music was pretty fast and energetic, which worked quite well with the overall vibe of the place. My only real gripe (aside from the waiter never having seen sweetbread before), is that I had my heart set on the tenderloin tartare, but when I ordered it, I was told that it's now tuna tartare instead. Meh. I'll be here again soon, I'm sure.
(4)
Acelyn B.

I keep going back and forth between 3 and 4 stars. I want to give 4 because it was the best fried chicken I've had in so long. Exactly what I'd been craving for a month! The filet was delicious, too. Juicy and spiced just right. The chocolate tort dessert we had was very rich and delicious, if you like chocolate. Luckily for me, I do. Then we come to the reasons why I want to give 3 stars. With "lab" in your name, I expected to walk into a lab transformed into a restaurant. They could really play on their name more and get a pretty cool theme going. The only lab-type prop I came across was the menu on a clipboard (eh) and my hummingbird milkshake (which was pretty good) in a beaker. I said my chicken was delicious, but it was a chicken and waffles order. The waffles were regular, just the opposite of its counterpart chicken. Another weird thing is the food is really expensive, but I don't feel like I'm sitting in a matching environment. If you aren't going to lab-up your lab-restaurant, then give me an upscale feel. I could easily dismiss this if it were designed to be a lab. And lastly, but not too big of a deal, is the limited choices of liquid N2 shakes. This is probably just a personal thing for me, but there was only 1 of the 4 shakes I thought sounded tasty. Maybe I'm just picky. I'm going with the 3 stars because, although I loved the chicken, I probably won't go back to Edison. Four and five stars are for go-backs.
(3)
Jonathan H.

I have wanted to try the Edison for over a year and was excited to take my wife here. The Edison has potential to be great, but unfair pricing, a confused culinary, identity, and snooty waitresses are ruining the restaurant. Many menu prices were grossly overpriced. I wanted to try the harrisa fries ($14.00) or the waffle chicken ($28.00). Why sell comfort food at uncomfortable prices? Lastly, the service is Edison's biggest downfall. Possibly upset because we did not order entrÃ©es, the waitress threw a dessert menu on our table and knocked my knife down.
(2)
Susie S.

Food is very eclectic. NOT vegetarian friendly. Even the salmon is prepared with bacon. Ordered the salmon sans bacon and it was perfectly prepared. Others in my group had surf and turf and they raced about how delicious it was. Great menu for foodies. Beautiful and hip decor.
(4)
Panda R.

Edison's a very rare gem in Tampa. The things they make here, no other restaurant can even compare. Very innovated dishes and not the run of the mill. If you're a true foodie like me you'll appreciate it. It's got a great atmosphere and definitely a place you bring guess from out of town. I love the burrata app and escargot. If dinning with a big group I suggest the after dinner coffee meant for 4. They use a German vacuum coffee maker [brews coffee using two chambers where vapor pressure and vacuum produce coffee.] It's a nice touch to watch at the end of good meal.
(5)
Dean S.

This is BY FAR the best dining experience in Tampa, period. Our party of 6 was blown away last night. The pre-dinner drinks, small plates, entrees, deserts and @ the tableside coffee preparation were all inventive, unique, light and creative. The waitress was helpful without being overbearing. The vibe was stimulating. I can't say enough about this place. We eat well all over the US especially in Restaurant Mecca New Orleans, but Edison in Tampa can hang with any of them! FIVE STARS! BRAVO!
(5)
Amanda L.

I have mixed feelings about this place. The food was good, but the overall concept is so confusing that I'm not too sure how to even describe this restaurant. The restaurant is pseudo-hipster/laid-back//fancy/science lab/homey/expensive. If you're thinking "huh?", that's exactly how I feel. Several examples: staff are dressed like hipsters, as if the restaurant is hip, cool and laid back. But the contradictory point is that the staff is definitely older (old hipsters?). For the vibe of the restaurant, the prices are also quite high; each dish is $5 more than it should be. Entrees are mainly in the $30s. It would be better suited to push dishes back down to the $20s range. Also, the sample menu on their website is not indicative of their actual higher prices. Restaurant proclaims to be an exemplar of molecular gastronomy. I didn't see much that resembled molecular gastronomy (there was a listing for liquid nitrogen shakes). Also, appetizer portions were oddly large and generous for a "molecular gastronomy" restaurant (I shouldn't complain too much about this, but the portions were definitely fitting for a more "homey," casual restaurant). On top of all this, the restaurant, through its name and web design, seems to be going for a science lab type of theme. The only point where that concept comes through was the beakers on the tables that act as flower vases, and when ordering coffee and seeing the use of fancy contraptions when making a cup for you. At the end of the day, was the food good? Yes. The potato crusted oysters, as recommended by many yelpers, were phenomenal. However, the duck confit foie gras tacos weren't noteworthy, with overcooked, tough duck, not enough foie gras to actually taste, and hardened soft tacos. On the other hand, the entrees made up for the lackluster foie gras tacos. I had a delicious matcha coated tuna with blood orange citrus rice. My main bone of contention with this restaurant is that I don't know when I would come back. Too overly-priced for a catch-up dinner with friends or for a spontaneous let's go out to dinner tonight type of place. Perhaps a nice date-night restaurant, but the volume of the patrons is pretty loud. Prices are fitting for a special occasion, but the vibe is too laid back... To top it all off, service is slooooow. Don't expect to leave within two hours during dinner service (and we went on a Thursday when the restaurant was 3/4 full!).
(3)
Mary J.

Chef Jeannie Pierola has had her way with a few Tampa Bay kitchens over the years and achieved glowing - but fleeting - success with a more recent series of pop up kitchen sites that offered amazing food but only for a few weeks at a time. She is back and at the frontburners of a permanent location near downtown Tampa. But this time her arsenal includes applications more at home in a science lab than a fancy restaurant. As always, her creativity knows no end. Edison: Food + Drink is not as clinical as a laboratory but the food concoctions devised there certainly sound experimental but are truly inspired inventions. Think liquid nitrogen shakes. Or consider the scallop in petri that really is served in a petri dish. Warning - you want to devour - not dissect - it. Portions can be petite but pack a big punch of flavor and the menu will not appeal to everyone but take a chance, take a bite and take advantage of food that is differently delicious.
(4)
K M.

Lovely food with very, very subpar service. I'm a new Tampa resident by way of D.C. I've dined at edison twice in the past two weeks, once for dinner with my husband and once for lunch with an out-of-town foodie friend (from D.C.). First thing, the food is delicious. Both times I've started with the Summer Corn Vichysoisse, which is excellent. I want to swim in that stuff. I've also had the Buffalo Cauliflower, which is yummy as well--and I'm not someone who tends to eat cauliflower. The Masala Cobia is stand-out as well--I love the tomato marmalade! I also enjoyed the butter cake and all of the cocktails and wine I've had during my meals... BUT, there is a problem. Both times the service has been horrendous. When you go to a place that is being heralded as one of if not THE best new restaurant in Tampa, a city trying to create a reputation as a foodie destination, the waiters need to be on point, all the time. During our dinner we were abandoned by our first waiter (after not being attended to for about 10 minutes). Then we had a second waiter. He disappeared. Then we had what I believe was a manager. Then a fourth person. It was laughable and took so much away from the dining experience. Our lunch experience consisted of me ordering a cocktail and my friend ordering a glass of wine. She had her wine for about 10 minutes before I had to ask if my cocktail was in fact being made...or if they were lacking an ingredient or a recipe. Yes...as my friend had guessed and I was hoping wasn't the case...no one in the restaurant during the lunch hour KNEW HOW TO MAKE THE DRINK. But they weren't going to tell me that until I asked...so I ended up having a glass of wine...which was FINE. But why wasn't I told sooner? It was a waste of time and unprofessional. I realize it might not be normal to have a mixologist on hand during the lunch hour...but when you pride yourself on being a "lab" focused on "molecular gastronomy" and creativity...it might be good to have people with the know-how to make cocktails working during all opening hours. In sum, edison has a good thing going on in the kitchen--but like EVERY Tampa restaurant I've been to with the exception of Bern's and Sidebern's--the service is just subpar. It's slow. It makes me think the owners and managers don't expect patrons to have any experience with top notch dining--and it doesn't appear that servers have been trained in what it means to work in the service industry. I never mind paying for a good meal. But it isn't enough for a restaurant attempting to be great to have mediocre service. A place like edison needs waiters who can fluently describe the wines on the menu, keep water glasses full, and have been taught how to interact with patrons in a way that is attentive but not over-bearing. With these fixes, I think edison could be GREAT.
(3)
Sarah B.

I think the most important thing I can put in this review is that I HIGHLY suggest you read all the reviews and decide what to try before you go. Making a bad decision on an entire is a very expensive mistake and I am kicking myself that I didn't just listen to Michelle M and get exactly what she said to get! This restaurant is very similar to the set up at Boca. The inside is small but very warm and well styled. I was expecting it to be a little more 'sterile' just from what I have heard about how they use beakers for drink glasses and I was a little disappointed that it wasn't like that at all. A fellow Yelpette and I decided to try this place and committed to getting a few different things to try. We started with the bone marrow appetizer which was VERY disappointing. As we attempted to scoop out some of the marrow onto our crostini it seriously felt like there wasn't anything in there at all expect for the parmesan cheese topping. Our waiter told us the salads were big enough to share so we decided to split the fried green tomato salad which was pretty good and a perfect pre-dinner salad when split. For my entire I decided to try the grilled lamb porterhouse. The lamb was good and cooked to the perfect temperature but my piece had a rather strong chargrilled taste. The dish was served with rice and kale. The rice was some crazy mixture of ingredients, including nuts and was actually really good but the kale was honestly the worst I have ever had (and I really like kale). I don't know if maybe they forgot to season it or maybe the seasoning they put on it was funky that day but I couldn't eat any of it. My fellow Yelpette made the right choice and ordered there version of chicken in waffles and the bite I had was AMAZING! We decided to try dessert and both ordered the hummingbird milkshake, ($4) a mixture of cream cheese ice cream, pecans and pineapple and was delicious. All and all.... I'm sure at one point I'll go back and give it a second shot but for right now I'm still recovering from the unsatisfying taste in my mouth and my bank account. Ps: please don't hate me for the 2 star review... hopefully next time I give this place a try it will change my opinion.
(2)
I'm A Serious M.

I try not to write a review until i have eaten at a restaurant three times. I finally achieved that at Edison -- and here is my review: I do not live in Tampa, but spend a lot of time there. I compiled a list of the top 10 restaurants and ate at most of them. Edison is hands-down the best place to eat in Tampa. From other reviews, i feared that the food would be too inventive, but it was just right. There are several great dishes, but my three favorite were the prosciutto on top of doughnuts, the Buffalo Cauliflower, and the chicken and waffles. Both steak dishes were also very good (with a nice smoke flavor). I look forward to eating here on my next visit.
(5)
Dawn R.

Jeannie's black mole short ribs plate was the best meal i have ever eaten. It has been almost a year since we had it and i have been dreaming about it. It's time to call to see when she will be making it again and perhaps a pumpkin beer will be on tap to make the perfect meal for me again.
(5)
Karen F.

I got the impression from reading the Yelp reviews that people either love this place or hate it, but the food sounded intriguing enough that I knew I had to try it for myself. Knowing ahead of time that it is an expensive restaurant, we saved it for a special occasion- ta da - my birthday. And, I have to be honest with you, our meal was AWESOME! Yes, capital-letter worthy even. I'm mad at myself for not taking a picture of the menu, because I'm sure I will not do the food justice with my simple descriptions. My BF started with the gazpacho - perfectly chilled and refreshing (I can't describe more than that as I was only able to sneak one spoonful). Next we shared the beef tartar. A surprisingly generous portion, very fresh and moist, finely chopped, and topped w/2 quail eggs. It even came served with thin cut French fries. My entree, however, is what has me salivating still when I think about it, even a day later. As a former Maryland girl, I automatically gravitate towards crab dishes. So, when I saw the soft shell crab dinner, I knew right away that's what I would have. And it was spectacular! Lightly coated with a cereal batter, not overlooked, hot and moist and juicy and crunchy. Yum! Plus it was served with an edamame salad, which had fresh corn, Peruvian corn, jalapeÃ±os, and spices, which also was incredibly delicious. It was one of the best entrees I have ever had. My BF had one of their specialties - fried chicken with butternut squash waffles, served with a delicious corn & diced butternut squash side dish. He said it was excellent, although he did have to request a side of salt for the chicken, in order to enhance the sweet/savory combo going on. For dessert I had the lemon upside down cake served with blueberry crunch ice cream and lemon paper. Tasty and interesting, it was a nice light finish to my meal. My BF had the chocolate tort (?) and loved it. Random details: They only serve beer and wine, but they are in the process of getting a liquor license. They do have cider on tap, so it was a treat to be able to get a snakebite. Our server Jess was friendly and efficient, and well versed in the menu. I like that she gave a brief overview, and answered questions we had, instead of boring us by going over the whole thing. The Mayor of Tampa came in with his family to eat while we were there which was kind of cool, I thought. One final note, although there is a parking lot behind the restaurant, only hair salon customers are allowed to park there. Restaurant guests have to pay a $1 fee to valet. Weird, right? But, no harm, no foul, the meal was delightful, and we will definitely be back.
(5)
Mike V.

Had lunch at Edison today & had the fried green tomato salad. The FGT's were topped with goat cheese, and I was able to add some blackened chicken breast to help make it a meal. Both the FGT's & chicken were nicely cooked and overall it was good. Thought the dressing was a tad heavy on the olive oil, which detracted from the dish. I think a citrus flavored vinaigrette would have made this salad special. Edison is all about experimentation, though, so I'll be back!
(4)
Jachima T.

Edison is fantastically hip, trendy, and innovative! When dining out, the largest chunk of our bill can usually be blamed on wine, but we were pleasantly surprised at Edison's selection of affordable, but good, wine by the glass, Erlenmeyer flask, or bottle. The place was a bit pricey and we had to wait a little longer for our dinner, but damn was the food good. Seriously good. We enjoyed the cheese board (though they need not get fancy with the names... it's blue cheese, brie, and gouda!), had the pork belly (could have been crispier and more melt in your mouth), the filet mignon, and the short ribs. The short ribs were ridiculous! They topped off our wine for our wait (we had finished off an entire bottle already) which was a good "Sorry, our bad!" move. Would have been 5 stars for sure if it weren't for the long wait. Maybe next review. :)
(4)
Kelly G.

Celebrated my birthday in Tampa here. It was amazing! The staff is incredibly attentive and knowledgeable. The appetizers we tried were creative and delicious. I cannot wait to go back to Tampa to visit again!
(5)
Nemo L.

I'm going to give Edison a generous review because I genuinely believe it's the type of place Tampa needs. As a person who has been to a lot of New American restaurants, I find there's a tricky balance between being loyal to traditional meals without being boring and going the experimental route without going overboard. While I rolled my eyes at a few numbers that sounded inedible, Edison had a nice spin on a lot of classics ala sous-vide chicken & waffles--so most of the menu sounds excellent and won't scare anyone away. The restaurant was a little small for Tampa standard, but it was PACKED (which means you realllly should RSVP) and had standard decor for the most part. Dim lights, dark surfaces. While Edison played up the "science" angle, it didn't cross the threshold into obnoxiousness--clipboard menus, dessert milkshakes served in tiny beakers, flowers inside flasks on the table for decor... It was cheesy, but it didn't go overboard. Although I did find using words like "large format" for "entrees" on their menu to be more mystifying than cute. Also, I was disappointed though that a restaurant that can jam so many people in only has single-person bathrooms. Onto eating... A couple of friends had dietary concerns & the chef was able to work with those to provide a more customized meal--which I thought was incredibly admirable. Especially for the price point and all this high brow talk of "flavor profiles" it would be nice if there was more of an option for that in general, but I realize that's probably not doable. My friends RAVED about the meals they got. Mine was incredibly good as well. I was very pleased at how balanced/healthy the entire meal was on top of a great display. Be warned though if you think you're going in for a cheaper eat--most of the entrees are around a $30 price point so with appetizers, drinks, and dessert you're looking at around a $75 bill after tip. It's definitely a "treat yo'self" kind of place rather than somewhere you'd want to hit up nightly. Anyway, an exciting new edition to the Tampa restaurant scene. I hope it does well so this city can get some more adventurous eats. PS: Unrelated but THOMAS EDISON SUCKS. NIKOLA TESLA FOREVER!
(4)
Heather S.

I wanted to love this place, but I barely even liked it. Not only did the food look unappealing it was also mediocre. For my appetizer I ordered pork belly that was served with steel cut oats and cranberries. The pork was a little dry, the oats looked like porridge and the cranberries were incredibly tart with nothing sweet to compliment them. I was really looking forward to my scallop entree. Turns out I shouldn't have been. Not only were the scallops over salted, but they were topped with an equally salty pancetta. This dish didn't work for me. Drinks were decent but pricey and although the service was ridiculously slow the server was pleasant. Two stars for drinks, friendly service and because the other people with us really liked their meals.
(2)
Michael S.

Very well done cocktails, particularly the boulevardier. We ordered a couple apps, 2 entrees and a dessert. Everything was good, but our favorite dishes were the serrano ham & foie gras appertizer, and the butterscotch dessert. This was definitely more than enough food for two people. They have a very wide selection of wines by the glass, too. Very happy about that.
(4)
Carol G.

Menu changes daily and features a wonderful array of creative options. We loved the potato crusted oysters, seared tuna and Got Edison Envy? Cocktail. This will be our go-to Tampa restaurant.
(5)
Jamie K.

Edison is tied with the Refinery as my favorite restaurant in Tampa. The food is always exceptional, and the servers are knowledgeable and passionate about the food. This is my go-to restaurant to take out of town visitors. The chef is always willing to accommodate me by making a vegetarian version of any of the entrees. I like to order something new each time I visit, but I cannot go to edison without having the burrata and the buffalo cauliflower, two of the best dishes I have ever tasted. The mixed drinks are also really great and I love the modern vibe of the place. I went to edison to celebrate a friend's birthday last night, and our server made some spot-on drink recommendations. The Smashed Rickey was my favorite. One thing to note: You'll be in for a long wait if you don't make a reservation. And I think that is a good thing. It would be a travesty if a place this good was not packed on a nightly basis.
(5)
Luisella M.

Expected much better food for he price and hype. They were out of the hummingbird milkshake but my white tuna appetizer was tasty. My final review is Meh.
(2)
Chris I.

One of my top 5 restaurants in the Tamp Bay area. Sleek, modern, new American cuisine that represents the region well. There's not a weak point on their menu - cocktails, starters, entrees, and dessert are all done wonderfully. Very creative approach with wonderful matching of flavors. My favorite dish from my last visit was the prosciutto di parma zeppole - a fantastic combination of salty and sweet with traditional flavor combinations but done with a completely unique approach and presentation. Recommended to make reservations, and to use the valet since parking is limited ($5 service fee plus tip).
(5)
Shibb E.

The food was okay, but most of it was not special or memorable. The lab idea is cute, and I like the idea of a flask of wine, particularly as it makes it easy to split between people and courses without the need to order a full bottle or individual glasses. The downside was that the food was often making it to the table before the wine, so food cooled down while we waited for wine to arrive. Our server seemed to struggle to keep up with her responsibilities, but we only noticed one busser to help with tables, and he seemed to mainly be refilling water glasses. There were other people helping to expedite food. Overall, the effect was that the dinner was rushed. A good server would ask about whether or not we were in a hurry - we weren't particularly, having budged about 2 hours for dinner - and brought the food out more spaced out, at a more leisurely pace after the first course. As for the actual food items, the pork belly terrine was nice, but just good, not great. The duck leg confit was probably the highlight. Overall, for the money, we'd probably choose other options.
(3)
Stacey F.

Food was ok. Expected more interesting flavors based on the price paid. Would skip the cheese board. Nice platings. Attentive service.
(3)
J L.

Don't get the burger. Run from it. Too sopping wet with bizarre slaw and it's subsequent "juices" to enjoy. Burger had an extremely pungent, unpleasant flavor. Side pickle that comes with lunch was like eating a stick of salt. $56 for 2 for lunch was a bit extreme to go home with stomach aches. Tasty drinks. Fantastic chicken sandwich with hard fried egg on it. And good service. But we've now "been there, done that." Confused by all the hype. Really wanted to give it 5 stars, but the burger was that bad (as in inedible) and my husband has been sick on the couch trying to vomit since eating that "lab experiment" that some cow needn't die for.
(2)
Jason C.

The food here is super unique. You can really see the level of creativity in their dishes. Sometimes that seems to work better than others. I liked the avocado leaf seared tuna appetizer. The sorbet really added a nice freshness to the dish. I didn't like the escargot crostini with black garlic bagna cauda. It had an odd greasy taste to it.
(3)
Sue M.

Trendy cool place, mixture of people in casual clothes and business wear. We has their burrata and cheese plate for appetizers. Burrata was excellent. Cheese plate was fine, nothing wrong with it, but I would have thought they would be more daring than a blue, a pecorino, and a Brie-like cheese. For dinner I had the shrimp and grits - grits were wonderful, shrimp had almost an Indian spice to them. Hubby had the salmon with the lobster mash. His salmon was excellent. Lobster mash just tasted like loaded mashed potatoes to me. For dessert I tried the sugar crusted butter cake, every bite from that plate was fabulous. Husbands peach pie and blueberry ice cream was ok, he enjoyed it, but fruity usually isn't my choice for decadent desserts. All in all, I would recommend this restaurant as a nice date night - I think too expensive for a regular meal. Nice ambiance.
(4)
Lauren C.

May be just what Tampa's restaurant scene needed? The jury is still out but Edison is definitely innovative and different from the norm....This place is very creative in it's "science lab" approach to cuisine. It's thoroughly themed out from the test lab-like menu to the beakers that the wine is served in. Everything we tried was either outstanding or relatively tasty. Here's a quick review of a few items we sampled: Goat cheese truffles - Wow! Such a different presentation. 3 truffles that feature chcocolate, crispy citrus pieces, maybe a fig or date? (not sure) A must-get item. Chicken and waffles - unique -- the chicken is cooked sous vide style so it's super tender and also drizzled in truffle butter. Chickpea fries -- beautiful presentation and I loved both sauces they were served with. Salt and Pepper Cracker Jacks -- really coolsavory/sweet appetizer and I always appreciate some unexpected truffle oil flavor. Definitely one to share with a table and not to eat alone, too sweet and sugary for a solo starter. Tapenade and migas -- ok, but would not order again. Carpaccio (off the Daily Trials menu) - Meh, I've had much better and the banh mi salad on the side wasn't so hot. Peanut butter chicory liquid nitrogen milkshake - Didn't like this that much. It was smoky and had a weird aftertaste. I guess I don't like chicory? I thought this would be like the N2 milkshakes at Flip in Atlanta, but it wasn't. I kind of wished I ordered the chocolate early grey milkshake or another dessert altogether. One downfall for me was the wine list. It's so "clean" and lab-like, it's almost barren of any detail. Sometimes if a wine doesn't have a description, it's tough to make a choice ...I ended up with a white wine from Macedonia (?) which I thought would be like a standard "house white" but was way too pungent for my liking. I probably should have asked the server for a recommendation, so I take partial blame for this. Overall it was a really cool experience. Ramsay was an excellent server who was knowledgeable and patient with our large group of separate checks and tons of questions. I look forward to going back, but I will wait until they get the liquor license and start making creative, science-inspired cocktails.
(4)
Crystal V.

Seen the great reviews and rating was higher than Berns.... But really disappointed. The service was super slow and the room is so loud. We had horribly loud people next to us we couldn't hear each other talk. The food was pretty adventurous not a huge fan of the selections. Lots of pork and fish and lacks chicken and beef options.... We are more chicken beef fans. The drinks were ok but took more than 20 mins to get. We had our appetizer and drinks arrive at the same time at the table. The valet guys were the best part! Friendly unlike anyone else and prompt! We will not be visiting in the future.
(2)
Brian W.

I'm in from California, as my Corp HQ are downtown Tampa. We just kinda stumbled upon this place, and thought it looked cool, so we decided to give it a try. What an amazing find! Very interesting and creative cocktail menu. I had a Rhum drink with muddled cherries and jalapeno - worked amazingly together. Appetizers were all spot-on: steak tartar, and my favorite - the chorizo stuffed calamari. For an entree I had the Seafood bouillabaisse, which was off the charts. We will definitely be back!
(5)
Larissa S.

No joke... 5 stars. Edison food lab is my favorite place in Tampa, right in front of Anise. You can't go wrong in this place. To go on from the previous note, the decor is nothing to gawk at. I love the fact that the place is small, the tables are extremely close together. I would say it brings more of a feeling of togetherness rather than a feeling of sever claustrophobia (which I suffer from often). The decor is simple-chic, with dim lighting, servers in common clothes, no decor on the walls. There is a small bar. There is no dress code. Oh the food... I could sit here and give you a spiel about "organic," "fresh," "sustainable," "exotic," et cetera, but lets face it. New Tampa restaurants all seem to be fitting into that trend. Its not a "type" of restaurant, as they take the liberty to cook with whatever they would like. There are no words to describe how inventive they are with ingredients and combining tastes. The menu is presented on a clipboard, always changing, and never disappointing. It offers small appetizers, hot and cold small plates (slightly more generous than the appetizers), and of course your entrees (plenty, but not enough to share - not that you ever should). Deserts are out of this world, including their milkshakes. Their Mixology Lab, as they like to call their specialty drink menu, separates drinks by taste rather than liquor - fruity, tangy, floral, spicy, sour and so on. If you are not in the mood, there is a very descent (and decently priced) wine list as well as a large selection of craft beers. Perfect place for a casual first date, especially if you want to seem trendy. Also great at any other possible time ever. No joke... 5 stars
(5)
Rob B.

Whao! This place is off the hook! Crazy menu without a great server you would be lost but ours was wonderful and made it all make sense. We had the tuna starter with the mango sorbet and LOVEDI IT. Spicy despite the advisory but fine with me. The egg of the day, "eggcletic" but fit my mood. We dined Monday lunch and it was empty, which was great for us as I think they have only 4 parking spots.
(5)
Sam J.

WOW. Tampa needs more places like this. It was noisy but the food was amazing. There are so many flavors on each plate. Service was kinds slow but acceptable. It's not cheap but I would recommend coming on special occasions.
(4)
Ryan E.

Wife was in love with the food. I was not totally sold on this place, especially coming from DC and eating at so many amazing restaurants.
(3)
Malinda L.

We were very impressed with the food! Everything was just incredible, I had the scallops and my boyfriend had the lamb. Best scallops I have ever had, truly such a great experience and one of the best restaurants in Tampa. We also has the sweet and peppered cracker jacks-amazing and the conch and bacon fritters-to die for. The menu looks very complex but do not be discouraged, everything tastes amazing. This actually beats The Refinery for me(another one of our favorites.)
(5)
Anthony S.

This place is off the hook. I was visiting Tampa from San Francisco and found this place randomly because I was in the neighborhood. From the minute we walked in, it was impressive. Our table wasn't ready so we made ourselves comfortable at the bar and met chief cockologist, Ryan Pines. Ryan told us friends gave him the moniker cockologist to make fun of him. Well, I promised I would use it in my review because the man is a master. He whipped us up two amazing cocktails that were a work of art. It is worth the trip just to sit at the bar and watch this cockologist make magic happen. But wait, there's more. Dinner took the experience to a new level. Marysol guided us carefully through the menu and made it feel easy and accessible. Her enthusiasm for the food was infectious. She gave us great suggestions. Shared her candid opinion and really added to our overall experience. Our food was interesting but not fussy. At a time where chefs do all kinds of things with food because they can, this is a restaurant where the ingredients and flavors all add something. If you live in Tampa or are passing through, do NOT miss experiencing this place. It is unforgettable.
(5)
Jason R.

Fun concept, sans good tasting food and good service. My wife and I ordered a crab salad and conch fritters as appetizers. The fritters were the best part of the entire meal, but were nowhere close to the quality and taste that you can find at low-key places around the area. I ordered the fried chicken and waffles and my wife had a pork dish as entrees - both dishes were served before our appetizer plates were removed and it took some maneuvering on our part to get everything to fit on the table. Both our dishes were bland. We both left feeling guilty about the amount we paid for the product we received.
(1)
Terri H.

I think the food here is very imaginative and unusual - and by the way consistently tastes great! I've had anything from the bone marrow to sweet potato ice cream for dessert and fish and chips somewhere in between. It's near my office so I've had lunch there a few times and dinner once. The one thing that is always annoying is that they always keep the temperature of the inside of the restaurant so COLD so bring a sweater (or parka!) The name was also misleading too - with the word "lab" in it, I originally thought it was a school of some type vs. a restaurant - I get the Edison, being the location's side street name and play on the inventor's name - but once you get past that, the food is fantastic and a unique dining experience. I may note that our first dining experience there, our server was rather curt and we were wondering if we made the right decision to go there - but the food was so good, it was irrelevant. Since then, I've eaten there four + times, had the same server and she's been pleasant. (Maybe she was having a bad day when we first met)
(4)
Adrian P.

Great concept with poor execution serving interesting food for the sake of being interesting. We tried 4 different dishes. On paper all 4 looked awesome, pleasing to they eyes when they arrived, but the taste did not measure up. No need to go into more detail only to repeat what other reviews have said... I don't mind spending money on great food, but this was far from it and expensive on top of that. The server made a point to mention that this was a "lab", yet the only comparison we could draw to that was an experiment gone horribly wrong. If you want "interesting" food, with great ingredients beautifully executed, that actually tastes good, Mise en Place is just down the street and not much more expensive.
(1)
Justin R.

Short: Expensive, not the greatest tasting, and horrible service. Server: Marysol Pros: Some of the food was good. Cons: Some of our friends were raving about this place, so we decided to give it a try. Upon sitting at our table, we waited for 25 minutes for our server to arrive. She asked our party, "have you been here before" in which replied 1 yes and the rest no. She didn't bother to go into much detail about the menu or any of foods that night. Plenty of insignificant information about the bar though. Some of us were only ordering desserts, so they asked for a dessert menu. Rather than taking our drink orders first, she decided to disappear for another 10 minutes to get the menu. So now over a half hour and no order has been put in. Finally, after returning with the menu, which again, no details or suggestions made on desserts, we put in our order. At this point, we started losing our appetites. We got our drinks, which were expensive ($9 - 15) and tasty, but lacked alcohol for the high price. Then the food came, but not to our table, but to the table next to us. Reason being, our server was not present to check and direct the food. After getting our food, our server did not bother to show up for another 30 minutes, even once, to check on us and make sure everything was to our liking. It happened that one of our dishes was missing a biscuit that goes with the dish. But they ended up eating their entire dish before getting a chance to inform the no-show server. Of course she arrives at the end of us finishing our dishes and asks. So total visits to our table over a course of almost 2 hours was 3 times. Because of this bad service on our first visit here, I am not going to be visiting this location ever again. Our experienced friend who told us about it, was also very disappointed in the service. If food is going to be pricy and unpredictable, then the service should be 100x better than that. Servers should be prepared to make suggestions and know the food. Our guess is she saw several young people come in and assumed we weren't going to be big spenders. Tip was under 10%, but honestly, she didn't deserve any of it. That was me being a little nice. Upon leaving, I saw her quickly approach a table that just sat down behind us, and went into full detail about the menu and some of the food items. Only proving that our table was discriminated. My final opinion, not worth it. It may be spontaneous and interesting, but bad service, expensive food, and potentially undesired flavors is not worth the drive.
(1)
A H.

My friend picked this for dinner one weeknight while we were both rarely in town. I do not consider myself a "foodie"...so I'm not usually a fan of places like this. The theme was fun, but menu is a pain to read. Our server was attentive and so was the water person. I felt welcomed. We started out with the goat cheese truffles. I tasted more of the cheese which was good because I don't ever choose foie gras. A little salty for my taste. Trying to ball on a budget, we decided to get our own two small plates = 1 entree. I had the fried green tomato salad (wish there were more tomatoes), but I am tired of eating older, more bitter greens at restaurants. The pork belly was tender. I wasn't a fan of the lotus root or the lack of rice (sorry I'm half Asian I need an appropriate ratio of rice). My friend really like the potato crusted oysters, which was a better portion size than the other small plate she ordered. The only thing I felt like was worth the price was that sugar crusted butter cake. Order it for sure if you venture here. Also parking is typical S. Tampa small lots.
(3)
Cassandra S.

Had heard about this place so decided to try it. Waited about a half hour for the escargot app which was great. Waited 20 more minutes for dinner to arrive Both entrÃ©es were cold and not spectacular at all. Both were dishes I could have made at home. After tip, bill ended up at $93 for those three items. Will never go there again.
(1)
J P.

The food was amazing! The drinks were spectacular! The menu changes everyday but you definitely have to try the potato crusted oysters. And the deserts are to die for!
(5)
Paulina T.

Very unique dishes and drinks. Loved it however our waitress was so SLOW!!!
(4)
Kristin P.

The food and drinks are inventive but I was not overly impressed. Also, I though it was overpriced.
(3)
Z A.

If you like experimental cuisine, then this is the only spot in Tampa for you. I actually live in NYC now and have not been able to find a restaurant here that compares, honestly! Delicious every time.
(5)
Cindy M.

Edison has been on my short list of places I needed to check out in Tampa. Finally got the chance for an impromptu dinner on a weekday. Place has limited parking, so expect to use the valet service. Interior was smaller than expected with lots of tables pushed together. This made it hard to maneuver thru the restaurant. Service was super attentive and menu is what I expected from a "gastro-pub" style joint. Wine menu was great with a large selection of reasonably priced bottles. Ordered the oysters and seasoned duck for my meal. Only giving 3 stars as the menu wasn't all that exciting for the expensive price point and my eyes were burning from the smoke coming from the kitchen.
(3)
Amy V.

Let me preface my review by saying that while everything was fine, it just was not up to the quality I expected for the money. We went on a Saturday at 8 pm, and got in with our reservation right away. I was a bit nervous about this whole "theme" thing, but it wasn't too over the top. The server spent a lot of time explaining the menu to us, and we settled on the conch fritters and the tacos as appetizers. The conch fritters were delicious, but the tacos were only mediocre. They were out of pork belly, and had substituted duck, which was extremely dry. Additionally, the tortillas were cold and slightly brittle, which detracted from the appetizer substantially. For the main dishes, I thought both the salmon and the sea scallops were cooked perfectly, and were a good sized portion. I also had the arrabiata soup, which was great as well. Dessert was my favorite part. I had the hummingbird milkshake, which was amazing! I haven't stopped thinking about it since Saturday. All in all, the meal was good, but for the amount of money that you have to spend to get an entree here I would rather go to Mise en Place or Sideberns.
(2)
mike G.

First let me comment on the water. They filter their water and it tastes great. They don't even serve bottled water. The bar serves beer and wine only. They have a very nice wine list to include most wines by the glass, flask or bottle. We had the goat cheese truffles. Nicely done. The burrata and tomato salad was great. The fresh oysters were nice (although surprisingly spicy). The filet with fois gras was fantastic (fois was perfect!) Dessert was not quite as good as the rest of the meal. The honey lavender vacherin (a meringue based dessert) was average. The meyer lemon upside down cake was better but still kind of average. Surprisingly they don't have any dessert wines. That was a bit of a letdown. Our server wasn't quite as attentive as we would have liked. The pace of service was a little slower than we prefer. We did let him pick the wine for our entree and he nailed it. His knowledge of the menu was very solid. The menu is quite inventive (pun intended). A fine dining establishment such as this can certainly earn 5 stars. I'll give 4 only due to the pace of service and the lack of dessert wines. We'll be back!
(4)
Meghann A.

Last Saturday my husband and I decided to try Edison: Food + Drink Lab for the first time. A few friends had highly recommended the experimental restaurant and I had been anxiously awaiting the right occasion to try it for myself; a date night out with my husband seemed as good of an excuse as any, right? As soon as we walked in, I fell in love with the space. The restaurant had a quirky lab theme with industrial chic decor that gave a homey feel. The servers were all dressed casually and food runners had jean aprons that further pushed the experimental lab approach the restaurant takes with every dish. I had made reservations earlier in the week. We were seated right away and the host was really great by giving us a couple of options of where we could sit. We ended up choosing a cozy booth in the back. The menu changes daily and is divided into tapas, hot and cold appetizers, salads, and main entrees. Underneath the food menu is the wine and beer menu. Wine can be purchased by the glass, the flask (1/2 bottle), or by the bottle. We selected a bottle of a red blend. For an appetizer, we selected the goat cheese truffles based off of our friend's recommendation.The goat cheese truffles were served cold and had a foie gras center with a fennel pollen coating and sweet date spread underneath. I loved the mix of sweet and savory, but the truffles weren't quite as flavorful as I was expecting. They were very mild and subtle. For our entrees, my husband ordered the fried chicken and waffles. We both agreed the flavors were spot on. The fried chicken was very moist and the waffle had a butternut squash base that paired perfectly with the hedgehog mushroom squash fricassee and corn butter. The addition of the truffle honey gave it just a touch of sweetness and was a nice change up from the typical maple syrup that I'm not the biggest fan of in the traditional chicken and waffle combo. If we ever go back, I would order the chicken and waffle in a heartbeat. I ordered the black truffle encrusted salmon and was drawn to the combination of black eyed peas, warm bacon apple salad, toasted hazelnuts, and apple foie gras vinaigrette. I'd never thought to combine the bacon and apple flavors with salmon and the concept intrigued me. My meal was delicious. The flavor combination was definitely unique, but it worked really well in the dish. Everything came together, especially the crusted salmon with the apple bacon salad. I loved the crispy bites of bacon. Delicious. Overall, we were both very impressed with Edison: Food + Drink Lab. We enjoyed the relaxed vibe of the restaurant and the creative dishes on the menu. I'd love to return next time and just order a bunch of appetizers next time. I was very tempted to do it this time since the tapas and appetizer menu looked so good! However, because of the high prices we'll definitely be keeping this to a special occasion only type of place. We had a random Visa gift card leftover from our wedding that we splurged on dinner with. We saved it for a fun night out and I'm so glad we did. If you're getting married in the near future, take my advice and set a couple of gift cards aside for fun date nights out during your first year of marriage. A very wise couple had given us the same advice in one of our wedding cards and so far we're big fans of it.
(4)
Chi P.

Had my first glimpse of how great this restaurant is when I called to make reservations. I asked the host if he could tell me about the vegetarian options. Not only did he read off some items, he actually emailed me that night's menu. When we got to Edison, the server asked me what kind of flavor I was in the mood for, and that the chef could just whip something up. I chose Thai and spicy. Wasn't sure what to expect..but when the food for arrived, I could not have been more impressed! Wood ear mushrooms, seared eggplant, and carrots over lentils cooked in a spicy basil sauce. I never would have even thought the flavors would have gone together. But it was delicious! My husband had the chicken and waffles. He said the chicken was done perfectly. Totally thought the chef was from a bigger city. But no...she was born and raised right here - in Ybor. Will be going back soon!
(4)
Gigi S.

Don't be distracted by the adorably executed lab theme here and taste the food! It's a newer place, so service here seems like it's just now becoming consistent. The prices and serving sizes here are complained about from what I've heard as well, but this place has a redeeming factor that has to be taken into account. You can be a pauper, and still get clued in to their concept. A fine tapas style menu (look under Sparks) with servings just large enough for a few folks to have a bite of each, proved they are not elitists as I suspected, and I applaud them for that. I walked out of this place with an intriguing pairing of flavors on my tongue, and my hair reeking of the wood fire grill. I didn't care one bit that I smelled like a forest campfire for the remainder of my night. I'm not ashamed!
(4)
Mark H.

Okay, this place is kind of quirky with menus presented on clipboards in spreadsheet format, coffee served in beakers and wine offered in lab flasks--but we loved it! Props to the owners for originality. We only popped in for a drink and something sweet, but didn't end up ordering anything from the dessert menu. We found plenty of sweet amazingness under "sparks" on the main menu with the GOAT CHEESE TRUFFLES. Words cannot really begin to describe the compilation of ingredients the chef has mashed together, rolled up and served here. When I think of goat cheese, I think over-powering, tart and salty. Seems the chef does too because the portion of goat cheese was complimentary to the other elements of the dish, not overbearing. Note to the chef: You're doing it right. So back to the truffles... What do we have here? Dates, goat cheese, foie gras, and fennel pollen rolled into balls and served atop shattered citrus (which is citrus pulp hit with nitrogen oxide) and tangerine chocolate glaze. OMFG people. Get your sweet little ass over there and order this today. And order a flask of Ciacci Piccolomini Toscana. Compliments the truffles wonderfully. We will definitely return for a full meal soon!
(4)
Christine G.

I went here twice and loved it both times. They have delicious and creative food. I crave the fried oysters that have the potato crust. I will definitely eat here again.
(4)
Beth S.

I'm very sad to give this place two stars. I was more than excited to dine here for my birthday dinner last weekend. We had a reservation and were seated promptly. The place is much louder than I thought it would be and it's quite dark. I didn't mind either of those things but my boyfriend said the lighting bothered his eyes. Our service greeted us within the reasonable amount of time and we ordered drinks and an app. We selected the goat cheese truffles that I really enjoyed but felt that the bread they served it with was way too hard to spread the cheese on. I did enjoy the chocolate they paired with it though and the foie gras within the goat cheese was delicious. I ordered the bass as my meal and asked specifically if it was fishy, to which the servier said no and she sort of looked at me funny. I guess I shouldn't have asked that. I love bass but I just wanted to be sure. My boyfriend ordered their version of the chicken and waffle. And then we waited. And waited. And waited. And waited. Our server did pop by twice to tell us "Your ticket is next" and then "Your food is being plated." She never really did say "I'm sorry your food is taking forever" though that would have been nice. I know fried chicken can take some time to cook so I would have been happy if they had mentioned that. Once our food arrived I was underwhelmed. My bass was extremely fishy and the grits they had on the plate were cold as were the collard greens. I assume they plated everything while they grilled the fish. The fish by the way didn't really seem to have any flavor other than...well...fish. I sent my fish back but didn't replace it with another meal because my stomach was just not happy at this point and I didn't want to waste more food. My boyfriend didn't like his chicken and waffle either. The waffle was a bit on the soggy side and the corn garnish really overpowered the taste of everything. Even the syrup/sauce on the waffle tasted like corn. Needless to say, they were very kind and took the meal off of our check and asked us to please come back and try them again. I want to give this place another shot because it has so many great reviews on here. As a final downer note, we left smelling really smokey and greasy from the restaurant. Maybe they can add it some vents or something? It was pretty strong and I reeked. Hopefully, the next time I go back I can update this review and get rid of those sad two stars.
(2)
Jim H.

Outstanding food and service. Edison reminds me of some of the terrific restaurants in SF and Napa. Really innovative preparations. Nothing like it in the area,
(5)
Dave W.

This has to be the most inventive and fun food in all of Tampa Bay and likely the entire state of Florida. Where else can you get amazing dishes that include, in no particular order and definitely not all served together... house made pistachio meringue asiago snow brown butter ice cream rosemary donuts blood orange pink peppercorn sauce ? I will tell you where else... No where! I was thinking as the professional and friendly waiter described the ingredients, of course the pistachio meringue is house made! I mean, they don't sell this incredible ingredient at Publix!
(5)
Erin L.

Ever watch Top Chef and see all those cool recipes and concoctions and wonder where those chefs come from? And, wonder why they aren't in our town? Well, there is finally now a place in Tampa! I'm really digging this place. Gone twice and had great experiences each time. Even better, it's right around the corner! First time my husband and I went our table was not ready just yet, so they gave us the option to sit at the bar and wait, or enjoy the bar for the dinner. We decided to forgo the table and sit at the last two seats of the bar, closest to the kitchen. Great call. There's something about enjoying dinner and drinks at the end of a bar taking in all the buzz of the bartenders and waitstaff. I think it definitely adds to the experience. The bartender recommended awesome red wine - so good I don't remember it now ha ha. The food was fun and experimental. The second time we went, we got seated right away in the booths along the narrow hall and enjoyed that dining experience as well. I loved the goat cheese truffles!! And the wine the server recommended of course :). I think that it's too bad that some reviewers had unfortunate experiences or "aren't seeing the hype", or think they tried to hard or something - I think it's cool. I can understand some flavors being off, and maybe dishes needed an extra seasoning or something - but those small glitches are not cause for me to not return or be so hard on the restaurant. For us at least, every time we have gone, everyone from the front of the house to the back of the house has been great to us. I think the concept is great, I enjoy the decor and "feel" and I know my husband and I plan on checking out this place out regularly as the menus change. See you all soon!!
(4)
Ed S.

The food is inventive, but overpriced. First time I came was for a late lunch. Had the grouper sandwich, delicious. It had this topping of marinated peppers that was fantastic. Went with wifey for dinner tonight. Both times service was very friendly, and attentive. The decor is industrial chic. Cocktails were tasty and interesting. Had the oysters in potato, ($16 for 5 oysters) were in a birds nest of shoe string potato, they were good, but would have liked a more assertive sauce to balance the richness. The Cuban sandwich w foi gras ($16) was ok. It was the almost slider sized though. I'd estimate 4" long, 3" high 1" wide. The cheese foam wasn't a strong presence, and it was a small portion of foi gras. Excellent concept, but worked less well. The buffalo cauliflower was tasty, nice addition of dates. They could have blanched the cauliflower before frying though. Wifey's snapper was good. It came w lobster mushrooms, never seen them before, cool to try something new. The star of the night was the dessert. The cruellers!! Om nom nom. The carrot ice cream and crispy crumbles of white chocolate (?) were so good.
(3)
Alina M.

We love this place! I've dined with large groups and small groups and the service is always great. The burrata salad is always a must. Lunch is great as well. I only have a small complaint. The last time we were there our waitress took our drinks from us before we were done. We we talking and she was so quick that we weren't able to tell her.
(5)
Michael B.

First the good news... very accommodating staff if not a bit overwhelmed on a Tuesday night (great that the place was busy). Small, decent wine list. Really awesome desserts (both the creme brulee and poundcake (which was also brulee'd) were great... as were the ice creams (one cheddar, one brown butter). Generally good-sized portions. Split several things: Moules Frites... really great curry broth and curry aoli, well-cooked mussels, fries were cooked too long and chewy/desiccated instead of crispy. Clam Chowder (good), mixed salad (good... maybe could use a bit more dressing), fried oysters with "pickle juice" (very good although you could have deep-fried a finger and it would have still tasted good with the crunchy potato exterior; pickle juice was a syrup made with pickle juice and sugar - great idea and tasty). Then things got very, very sad. I ordered the scallops on the server's recommendation - a dish that looked really delicious when it came out. Dug into the first scallop and... grit. Then took another couple bites and was overwhelmed with just way too much salt. Then a bit more grit and damn, I couldn't eat the scallops - WAY too salty and I like salt. Server offered to replace it and 10 minutes later came back with another try. This dish came with 4 scallops (1 or 2 fewer than the original dish), almost no vegetables, root vegetable puree was cold and the bacon-fruit jam (the best thing on the plate) was missing. The few vegetables there were completely undressed. And the kitchen, again, was heavy-handed with the salt on the (gritty) scallops... not as bad as the first time, but still an issue. And like the first time, they were unable to get any sear on the scallops (a lesser issue, but something they should nail, right?). This was like a big FU from the kitchen... I started eating it and just got too irritated about eating a $33ish dish that was executed so poorly. So I think for the first time ever in my life, I sent the same dish back twice (actually I just sulked with the second dish and they mercifully took it away). Again, servers handled this well. Smaller issue: booths are super-uncomfortable hardwood patio furniture that are so deep you basically have no back support and your butt hurts after 45 mins... there are tallish tables as well that look like they belong in a bar, not a restaurant selling $33-$38 entrees. If I were to guess, I'd say that the chef wasn't working that night (1/28) because this a lot of complicated food and execution has got to be tough. I'd *probably* go back if someone else was paying.
(3)
Robert Z.

A friend set the reservation. I was very pleased. And now that I think about it, the name "Food + Drink Lab" is quite appropriate! Excellent beer selection, and a nice variety of food. Had the maitake salad, oysters, Kobe steak, and chocolate/coconut/banana tart dessert. Forgive me, I don't remember the actual names of the dishes. My personal highlights were the maitake salad and the dessert. Will return!
(4)
Mark K.

took several out of town business folk to lunch. They all had different things,they all loved the dishes they had. They all said they would try the items the others ordered on another trip. Lunch can be an adventure if your up for a little unusual.
(4)
Mary B.

Oh, my goodness, get ready for a remarkable meal! My husband took me to Edison for my birthday. We walked in, and the host was incredibly friendly. He sat us at our designated table. We weren't a huge fan where we were sat, so we asked for a more intimate table in the back corner. The had no problem at all moving us. Their menu is divided into tapas, hot apps, cold apps, salads & soups, and then the entrees. It is actually a pretty extensive menu, with something on it for everyone. For our appetizer, we ended up ordering the goat cheese balls. For some reason, I was expecting them to come out warm, but they were cold. It ended up being a nice surprise. They had a kind of fruit glaze underneath them, which complimented the cheese and filling very well. It was the perfect way to start the meal. They have a pretty extensive beer and wine list, but don't serve liquor (yet). Wine is served by the glass, the flask, and the bottle. We ended up getting a flask to split between the two of us, which yielded about 2.5-3 glasses. It was the perfect amount. I can't remember the name, but we were recommended a red blend of some sort. It had a bite at the end, but went down smooth. I would get it again. For dinner, I got the mint chile peanut crusted yellowfin tuna. It was unbelievable. There was just the right amount of chile flavor without being too spicy. The fried rice underneath the fish was a bit salty, but it ended up complimenting the tuna nicely. There was also a very good size portion of tuna. I was pretty stuffed by the end of the meal. My husband ordered the sea scallops and roasted bone marrow. It was a very different meal for sure, but he loved it. There was an actual half of a beef bone sitting on his plate, with the bone marrow seasoned and roasted. I couldn't get myself to try it, but he raved about it. By the time we finished up our meals, we were much too full to get the dessert. Our service was great the entire time. Our waitress gave us amazing recommendations on everything that we asked for, and all of her suggestions were right on point. We never had to ask for refills of any sort, and had an awesome experience. Edison is a bit on the pricier side for dinner, but I will be back for another special occasion. Such a great meal!
(5)
J W R.

Edison is a special restaurant for the adventurous foodie. I loved it. The chef combines the most unusual ingredients and combinations to make some very creative and flavor popping dishes. I know why they call it a lab. I get the impression that the culinary staff is always experimenting trying to perfect each dish and they do it well. The wine list is well done and there are a number of selections that pair well with the food. I was really impressed. For now this is a local place and I was one of the few "visitors" from out of town who discovered this foodie find.
(5)
Melissa M.

I went for a "ladies who lunch" day today to close out my vacation. I went to the restaurant website to read up on what I was getting into and also read all of the reviews. When I walked in, I already knew what I was going to order. POSITIVES: I was pleased when I arrived to find valet parking available even at lunch in the back. I was greeted immediately when i walked in the backdoor and everyone was friendly. The uber-utilitarian decor was fitting for what I understand to be the the vision of Edison. After settling on a bottle of Chenin Blanc, I ordered the potato crusted oysters. They were seriously perfect. In Zach's review below he commented on how the integrity of the oyster was maintained. He was dead on. This "oyster ball" was cooked to perfection on the outside and inside. So if you are one of those people who will eat anything that's fried (because it kills the taste), don't order this because it is full on oyster flavor on the inside. Absolutely fantastic. My lovely lady date ordered the club sandwich. A club sandwich could easily sound mundane and taste pedestrian. However, the flavor of the chicken breast, the absolutely sublime cure on the bacon and the over medium egg on the sandwich paired with hand-cut fries was far from being a one-note blunder. Might I add that they make their own ketchup and Dijon mustard in-house. The Dijon mustard was genuinely unlike any other mustard I've ever tasted. I chose to dip the fries in the mustard over the ketchup it was that good. The piÃ¨ce de rÃ©sistance of the experience was the hummingbird shake. I am well known for not being a dessert eater but our server was so insistent and said that the hummingbird has been described by multiple people as orgasmic. Sooooo, since the 50 Shades of Gray trilogy didn't do for me, I said what the hell. He couldn't have been more correct...and I don't normally like dessert. With every sip of the straw a different flavor danced on my tongue and at the same time I could taste the blend of them all. Heavenly. NEGATIVES: At the top of my must have list for my first dining experience at Edison's was the duck confit foie gras tacos. I could barely control myself while they were being prepared. They finally came and I was pleasantly surprised by the portion size, but seriously disappointed with the dish. The duck confit looked and tasted like it had been reheated one too many times in the microwave. Now I am sure that's not what occurred; however, my point is that the duck was painfully dried out. That being said, it still had a nice flavor. My other issue was the foie gras. There was so little foie gras in the mixture that it's almost embarassing to mention it as part of the entree title. Now based on how overcooked the confit was, there's a distinct possibility that if the foie gras disintegrated if it was cooked with the duck. Anyone who's cooked foie gras can tell you that it doesn't take long to cook and a few seconds too many and poof... My second irritation is how I smelled when i left the restaurant. I do not want to leave an establishment like Edison and smell like I sat next to the deep fryer. The grease smell in my clothes and hair is so bad that even now, after driving with the windows down and eight hours later I stink like an South Georgia slop-house. Not an attractive smell if you plan on having dinner and then heading out. In all honesty, I wanted to give three stars for my review, but I didn't want to scare people away who couldn't take the time to read my lengthy diatribe. I think Edison has all of the right pieces to make it perfect, which it will be in time. On a side note, if you are a picky eater and need to know every ingredient (food allergies are an exception) in each dish, this is not the place for you. Not to mention, we're all going to think you're a turd . If you are an experimental eater who likes to be surprised by unique flavor palettes and combinations, I HIGHLY recommend trying Edison.
(4)
Lisa R.

I'd give 4.5 stars if I could. Really loved this place, from the optional valet parking to the cool warehouse yet intimate style to, most importantly, the incredible food. We started with a couple of beers while waiting for friends to arrive. Extensive selection on tap and bottled. Our waiter Stanley was friendly and informative. He put our champagne on ice. We brought a bottle opting to take advantage of the $15 fee, one bottle only, for 4 people deal. Turns out we bought another bottle of wine so the fee was waived. Sweet! Started with the migas and tapenade. Delicious little fried bread pieces, like donuts but not greasy at all. We also shared a burrata and tomato salad. Absolutely delicious with all the extra touches, even a small ball of sorbet. Chick pea fries! How did they make these?! They were so light, a nice crusty outside and melt in your mouth rich texture inside...on a plate with dill yogurt and some other things I couldn't identify but the flavors really worked. Champagne was poured and we turned back to the menus to make some more difficult decisions. Sam and I decided on the tuna dinner and the fried green tomato salad to share. Our friends are vegetarians so they chose the tuna dinner subbing tofu for tuna. The tuna was good although slightly over seared. The coconut basmati rice was delicious. The best part was the green tea sea urchin sauce. Oh my gosh what flavor! The salad was good but not outstanding. Maybe because Sam doesn't like goat cheese so I had that on the side? Or maybe I'd had too much to drink and eat already and my taste buds were overwhelmed! The tofu was great, a wonderful sear on it. Coffee for four! Made table side in beakers, it's a mini science experiment, lots of fun. My coffee connoisseur husband proclaimed the coffee used 'just okay' but agreed the experience was fun. Almost forgot about dessert! A chocolate tart - divine and cruellers, delicious. We will definitely go back, lots more to try and a menu that changes daily! Edit: I just changed this to 5 stars. It's really closer to 5 than 4. Plotting our return, soon!
(5)
Paul M L.

Why, they nailed every area of a great dinning experience, starting from pulling up to the valet taking the car right away and letting us know how to get into the place, from the girls at the receiving desk seating us very promptly when we had reservations and knowing who we were, to the waitress taking our drink order and explaining everything to us. This is the third time in there and although for someone who has not seeing that menu may seem a little unusual, but trust me all works is fantastic, the chicken and waffles are to die for, the Crab Rangoon appetizer is phenomenal,the Butter Cake dessert is something that is a must to try. They do not have a major wine list there but do allow you to bring your own bottle of your favorite wine and charge a $20 corkage fee but they do have a Cocktail Lab and make lots of different type drinks. The only negative thing that I can say is that the place is extremely noisy, if you bring someone who has hearing troubles they will have a real problem.
(5)
Stacia C.

I visited Edison on a Tuesday night with a group of eight coworkers. We were traveling to Tampa for work and are always looking to explore some fun, unique and delicious spots. Several members of our groups had been before and it came recommend, especially the desserts. Edison was able to fit a large group in relatively last minute and said they'd even be able to give us separate checks. Always a plus when traveling in a group. My car arrived early and we decided to grab a seat at the bar and enjoy a cocktail before the rest of the group arrived. The space is modern and open and definitely plays up to the Edison theme. They definitely seem to pride themselves on their cocktails and the bar tender was very friendly, attentive and knowledgeable about the cocktail menu as well as other liquors, wine and beer served. Their wine and beer list wasn't extensive but definitely top notch as far as what they did offer. Solid A for cocktails and atmosphere. Our group ordered a large variety of food. From cheese plate to seafood items to the fried chick and several desserts. While everyone was pleased with their food. No one felt overwhelmed and it definitely left something to be desired. Especially for the price and the hype of "lots of flavors" in different dishes. More often than not the group felt like their dish was a bit bland compared to what was described by the waiter or the menu. I shared the cheese plate and was a bit disappointed in the amount and variety of cheese offered in the plate for $17. I've had my fair share of cheese plates and this one was definitely overpriced for only three cheeses and the accompaniments. E everyone in our group would agree that dessert was the best part of the meal. I'd definitively save room for dessert and would recommend the chocolate peanut butter bar or the butter cake. Our service was wonderful as well, which I especially appreciate when dining in a large group which I know can be challenging.
(3)
Maggie A.

A "top chef" like restaurant. Each dish we tried was so full of flavor and the sauces that came with each were amazing. We started with the cheese board, which changes every so often. We had etorki, idizabal, valdeon, fresh fruit, mixed nuts & local honey. The bread that came with it had a hint of garlic on it which topped it off. They're plates are "tapas" ish so we ordered 3 to share. The oysters which were lightly fried with honey and aoili sauce. The buffalo cauliflower, which came with a blue cheese dressing and a carrot celery date salad. & finally, the lump crab squash blossom rangoons, which was paired with blood orange ginger jam and toasted macadamia, which was perfect with the crab. Also, the ragoons weren't super cream cheesy so you actually tasted the crab, which was a plus in my book. Can't wait to return.
(5)
Allie S.

We came here on a rainy Friday night at 6pm. At 6pm without a reservation we were one of the few occupied tables. By 7pm, the place was packed. The staff was very friendly and hospitable but oddly enough the air conditioning was on very low. I was sweating which seemed unnecessary and saw the staff fanning themselves. The menu was very inventive, creative and unique but I found few things I actually wanted to eat. If you like a menu that is very outside the box I would give it a try- hopefully they will turn up the AC!
(3)
Julia D.

My husband & I went there for dinner & drinks last week. It was raining really bad and the valet ran and got me an umbrella, which was super nice and we didn't even valet the car so that was cool of him. Roy was our server and he did a great job! He had extensive menu knowledge & suggested many great things. I normally drink Tito's vodka & he had me try the vodka from St. Pete which was great, I didn't even know there was a distillery in that area. We tried the Cuban appetizer, was delicious. I had Ahi for my dinner and it was prepared perfectly with a mix of fresh vegetables that were amazing. I forgot what my husband ordered but he was impressed & very satisfied. Only four stars because I believe it was a little pricey. We definitely will be returning and requesting Roy.
(4)
Bridget H.

The good: The service quality was fantastic. Christye thought of every detail in the large customer dinner we held from personalized menus to a selected wine list. The food was delicious and crowd pleasing. The butter cake is a must and wagyu entree was a hit. The bad: Nothing to add here except I wish Lab 916 (the private space) had been open for dinner and not just cocktail hour. The verdict: strongly recommend for a dinner date,night out or corporate event.
(5)
Savitre S.

Excellent place, busy but not crowded. Valet parking and really unique dining options. The price is a little beyond my usual reach but it was nice to treat myself just this once. I had the "Sopa Ajo" and the scallop entree...both were completely new experiences for my palette! I can't say they were superb flavor wise, but not terrible either. I would be willing to experiment some more and update my review later. Being the lab nerd that I am- I really appreciated the "solute and solvents" and chemical formula names of certain menu items. I can see myself bringing the husband back with me for him to try out- but again, just the prices would limit me on making this a more regular haunt.
(4)
Jessica G.

I've never talked so much about food in my life. This place made me second guess my rating system on yelp and how I perceive restaurants in general. We tried it all and we can truly say every single course blew us away. The attention and advice the server gave blew us away. And that rum curry coconut syrup over our chicken and waffles blew us away. We'll be back for more inventions soon.
(5)
Ericka H.

In town visiting friends and they decided to try this place out because they heard great things about it. Not sure what it was but some of our meals were sub-par. The oysters were out of control delicious and i highly recommend them and so was the steak!!! The seafood stew was definitely not what we were expecting, it seemed like we got the "bottom of the barrel". It was not worth the price.
(3)
Todd B.

I know I know, I'm crazy to go as low as 3 stars. There are plenty yelpers whose opinions I respect that enjoyed it much more than I did, but my meal was very underwhelming, as was my love's meal, so I can't give it a higher rating. It simply isn't worth the price. If I was reviewing on creativity and uniqueness alone, then I would go 4 or 5 stars. This menu is something different, and perhaps I ordered wrong. Lets start with the good - first, their drink menu is superb. You don't know where to go, but I went with the Rick House sour - Rye with pomegranate liqueur, lemon juice, honey and egg whites. Melissa went with the Pouce Verde - St. Augustine gin, Yellow Chartreuse herbal liqueur, cucumber + honeydew syrup, lemon juice, tarragon leaves. Both were excellent. Not like anything you've tasted before, but excellent combinations. Her drink tasted very cucumber-y; that was the dominant flavor, but very refreshing. Mine was just a superb whiskey drink - good break from an old fashioned. Also good was the service - our server knew this menu inside and out and knew we were a bit pressed for time and made sure we got out when we needed. Onto the mediocre - first, this place doesn't cater much to vegetarians. I'm a meat (bacon) eater, but Melissa is not. She will eat seafood, but the problem is that at least a couple of their seafood dishes (and the ones Melissa wanted) were made with chicken stock and/or other items not of the vegetarian variety. Seems strange to have a diverse menu that looks like there is plenty for everyone, only to limit it by adding ingredients to vegetarian or pescetarian dishes that make them carnivorous. Thankfully, we had a kick-butt server that knew exactly what was in each dish, so Melissa avoided a mistake. She ended up with the scallops and she let me try them. Good - nothing bad about them - but frankly, we make seared scallops at home pretty often and that comes out better. These were good, but for $36, they should have been superb, and like most scallop restaurant dishes, you only got 4 or 5 scallops (meanwhile, they are $20 for a pound in the store). She also got the buffalo cauliflower, which she thoroughly enjoyed. Not my cup of tea, but based on her reaction, it might have been the best thing one of us ate all night. As for me, I wanted to start with the pork belly appetizer, but at $14, I'll buy 2 packages of bacon and eat all of that instead (don't mess with me - I'll do it!). I asked our server to help me choose between the duck confit and the Jamaican fried chicken. She said the duck was her favorite, but the chicken was the most popular, so I went chicken. The menu describes it as follows: banana bacon waffle, collard greens, chayote, green tomatoes + chilies, rum curry coconut syrup. Here's the problem - fried chicken is good. Waffle is good. But a rum curry coconut syrup is not a good combination with fried chicken and waffles, and at almost $30 ($28) it should have been a heck of a lot better. It wasn't bad, and I ate it all, but it was very underwhelming and very disappointing at the price. Once again - full marks for creativity, but creativity for creativity sake without the taste to go with it doesn't make a good meal. All in all, the drinks were great, the service was great, but the food was mediocre and very overpriced. We discussed it after the fact and decided we will probably come back for drinks during happy hour, but we can't see a reason to give the food another shot - not at these prices. There are better restaurants in Tampa for the price.
(3)
Mia K.

I was really excited to try Edison. As a scientist and a food enthusiast, I found Edison to be a really clever name for a restaurant. Not only is it on the corner of Kennedy Blvd and Edison Avenue, but it embraces gastronomy as science! Ambience and Service: The dining area was simple, clean, and modern. I liked the walls with a science lab background and how they served some drinks in an Erlenmeyer's flask, embracing the theme. The server was very nice and knowledgeable. Drinks: We ordered a Rincon Beach and an Emerald City and they were amazing. The Rincon Beach was a perfect, delicious beach drink and the Emerald City was refreshing. Food: We found their food was very lacking. We ordered the buffalo cauliflower and ceviche with yucca chips for appetizers and caramelized scallops and duck confit for the entrÃ©e. The buffalo cauliflower had good flavor but was nothing out of the ordinary. The breading was sauggy. It desperately needed the crispy crunchy fried texture. The ceviche was lacking flavor. It did not have that staple citrusy or spicy ceviche flavor. I didn't like how they used cooked fish instead of fresh raw fish. Also, the yuca chips on the side were too greasy and chewy. Maybe if they tried dehydrating sliced yuca before frying, this could have helped. I had the caramelized scallops. Scallops are my all time favorite and I thought caramelizing them would bring out their natural sweetness. I was actually chatting with my boyfriend before our food came out and jinxed it by saying "you can never mess up scallops." It turns out, you can. A huge disappointment. I read the menu over and over and it clearly said "caramelized" scallops and our server said that I would get four jumbo scallops. Well, that's not what I saw on my plate. I had four very charred quarter sized scallops that were too bitter to eat. Sides were very good though. That's all I ate from my entrÃ©e since I am not a big fan of burnt, bitter food. This was seriously not worth $36. My boyfriend had duck confit. It's his favorite but I have never seen him not enjoy it so much like that night. He said it was too dry so that the texture was almost like jerky. Overall, great ambience, service, and drinks. But food was lacking and overpriced.
(2)
Keith P.

We were in Tampa for one night and found Edison on Yelp. The reviews were good and the menu looked interesting. This place surpassed our expectations and made our one day trip memorable. We might make the three hour drive just to go here again. I had the scallops and my wife had the steak. Both were unbelievable. The tuna appetizer was awesome too. We would give this place 10 stars if we could. Highly recommended!!!
(5)
Lauren C.

As soon as we walked in to Edison on Saturday night, I knew we made a great choice. Hulk Hogan and his wife (also a fan of bandanas!) were seated in the back corner of the restaurant. I wish I saw what he ordered :) The drink menu was really fun and it was hard to choose. They have 8 permanent drinks and 7 seasonal. I had the Emerald City which comes in a bottle but is made in house. It was very fresh and summery with cucumber and mint flavors. It had one very large ice sphere so the drink didn't get as watered down as it melted. We tried the buffalo cauliflower, pork belly and prosciutto zeppole as appetizers. All were great! Our waitress said these would be the best choices for sharing (I was with a party of 5). I was a little sad they didn't have the bronzino I saw online but thoroughly enjoyed the Yellowtail snapper. It had so many elements and flavors. There were mussels, potatoes, artichokes, bread with curry butter and a good portion of fish. I really liked the Indian spices. We ordered the butter cake, peanut butter bar and Arnold Palmer for dessert. They were the best part of the meal! I typically prefer chocolate desserts but the Arnold Palmer was surprisingly my favorite. It had a warm, cardamom flavor. I would recommend calling for reservations. Open Table showed no availability but I was able to make reservations over the phone. Also, their website is awful! The menu is almost impossible to view on mobile. Check it out on a regular computer. Edison is a very hip place with delicious food! It is on the expensive side but worth it.
(5)
Dr Yolanda C Leon L.

Only had the Coffee and desert.... BUT.... We LOVED it. It was a unique experience! The Coffee was great and our server had a sweet spirit! Will return for dinner soon!!!
(5)
Marcio D.

Hands down one of the best meals ever (top 5) and I've been to some fantastic restaurants in Philly, NYC, Chicago and SF. The food and drinks see amazing and only rivaled by the service.
(5)
Matt B.

Edison's Food and Drink Lab is a pretty cool place. When we visited on a Friday night it was packed with 20 and 30 something's. We had a nice chat with the hosts as we waited for a table and learned that the menu changes each night. If your looking for a change from your boring Chilis and Applebee's life, I highly suggest you drop in here and have some fun. The "lab" theme is done well with a glass beaker on your table holding a candle, and the menus on clipboards. I was feeling like a Rum drink and the mixologist gladly whipped me up a drink and hand delivered it to our table in the dining room. He crafted a story about my new concoction, told me the ingredients and then we both laughed when I found out he may not be able to duplicate it cause he was making and mixing to order....the drink was delicious and looked great with one giant cube of ice in the glass. .....did I mention the dessert? No, well why not? We ordered the "butter cake" because the host told us it was recently written up in a few publications. Wow delicious! You should seriously try this, it has a sugary almost Creme brÃ»lÃ©e type crust...Wowza! We paired that with chocolate truffle ice cream that was amazing. The food scientists that are crafting this stuff at Edison's lab are definitely getting a couple new customers, we are seriously impressed.
(5)
Jen H.

So my mom and I visited this evening for our first time. I visited this location previously when it was a different restaurant, and the changes they have made are very impressive! We arrived with high expectations, and they were all met or exceeded! The service was top notch. Our server, Karissa was on point. The manager visited at least twice to make sure we were satisfied. Food runners were also on point. The bartender didn't have the items to make the cocktail drink I ordered (not on their menu may I add) but they made it happen one way or another. Service is an A+! Food. Wow. Finally found food in Tampa Bay that can compete with the creativity and complexity of larger cities. Pork belly app is a MUST order. Burratta was perfect. First one we have found served the way they are supposed to be served. Crab ragoons also delicious. For dinner, I had the tuna entree and my mom has the duck. No complaints, just more wows! Butter cake for dinner. Looking forward to the next visit already.
(5)
Simon S.

Top 3 restaurant in Tampa. My advice is to stick with just appetizers because they are amazing. Great drinks also. So happy that Tampa finally has some great restaurants like this. Probably one of the few places that could make it in a city like NYC or San Fran. 5 star all the way
(5)
Lauren G.

Went to this place last night and loved it. We started with the Serrano Ham Zeppole, which was amazing and a must have! It's ham over powdered doughnuts with melon on the side. Super creative and great! I then got the Spicy Jamaican Fried Organic Chicken which is on top of banana bacon waffle with collard greens on the side. This was the first time I've gotten chicken and waffles, but it was amazing! The chicken was thick and super tender and the waffles were perfectly cooked, as well. Very innovative and trendy spot in Tampa!
(5)
Mary W.

We greatly enjoyed Edison's yesterday for lunch. Our server was a joy and made wonderful suggestions. We look forward to visiting again. When you go, try the potato crusted oysters or the fois gras. The drinks were delicious as well, and were glad to see craft cocktails on the menu.
(5)
Amanda M.

We just had dessert and he had a drink but it was fantastic!!! We will definitely be back to try dinner. The chocolate truffle ice cream tastes just like french truffles I have had. Like little bites of heaven. So rich and delicious. The hosts were very helpful while we were waiting for a table. They explained the menu to us and let us know all about the restaurant. We didn't wait long for a table and it was about 9pm on Friday. Can't wait to go back for dinner!
(5)
Adrienne V.

This is my favorite restaurant in my whole entire life. I have lived in both New York City and Philadelphia and this restaurant is my favorite restaurant, sorry Chris Lee and Stephen Starr, you have got nothing on Edison's! We love their drink menu. We love the casual atmosphere. We love the food. We even go here with our eight-year-old daughter and they always make her something awesome, And she loves their desserts!
(5)
Dena P.

Food + Drink + Lab = yes yes yes! This is honestly a very unique restaurant. The menu is always changing with the season and there are many different techniques used to fuse different flavors together. It's complex and just so fun to eat. I love the concept. It's a lab right? So clipboards and scientific language are seen on your menu. Bring out that nerdy side. Drinks and Food are not simple at all. I love how they figure out unique flavor combinations. I started out with the half shell oysters and omg the flavors were popping. I can't remember what was on top but the garnish really compliments the raw oysters. Next up was the steak tartare, I do enjoy the Korean fusion, served with kimchi and other Korean side dishes. It was good, but the steak tartare at Bern's has ruined any other steak tartare for me. The next appetizer was the fried foie gras, which was my first time having foie gras. It certainly made me willing to try it more in the future. Hmmm!! Now to the entree, we got the scallops with sea foam (cool technique) which brings out the ocean taste and the filet with pistachio sauce (LOVE). We also tried the vacuum coffee, a must! It's so fun watching how the coffee gets filtered and it brings out the smoothness of the drink. We also paired the coffee with the toffee pudding (not that great) but all was very good. I had a pretty good experience here at Edison. The staff were all very attentive and really fun. It was also very reasonably priced for the experience. We ate a lot!
(5)
Kim B.

What a cool place! The back entry, industrial lighting, loud, small room, just plain cool. Pretty good beer selection. I had a Local IPA. Larger wine menu and I hear the craft cocktails are great. I had the fried green tomato salad with roasted tomato soup. It was excellent! So often fried greens are bitter, hard, and caked in gross batter. These were just right! And an excellent greens and onion w goat cheese salad to compliment. The soup was thick, slightly spicy, and with a nice dollop of burata. I had some of my friends butter cake. Omg! It tastes like a creme brÃ»lÃ©e came! Ridiculous!
(4)
Mark P.

Best chicken and waffles I've ever had. I've also tried them at Ella's and Z Grille and Edison blows them away. I love the banana in the waffles and the chicken was cooked and seasoned perfectly. I've also had the club sandwich and jerk chicken, which were good but my chicken and waffle is my favorite dish. The desserts are really good here. The crullers with cardamom glaze, white raisin purÃ©e and carrot ice cream are a tasty treat. The sugar-crusted butter cake with brown butter ice cream, pistachio, orange, and toffee sauce is also a good choice. Service has always been top notch whenever I go. The ambience is sorta trendy but not a place you have to dress up for. The only thing I don't like is you have to bring a Webster's Dictionary to understand many of the words on the menu. But other than that, no complaints. 5 luminous spheres! as they would say.
(5)
Jacquelyn M.

Came and tried several different hot and cold plates - pleasantly surprised. Our waiter Matthew was attentive and suggested a really good bottle of Italian wine (see picsl) Escargot with cippolini onions was a 10 Potato crusted oysters 6 a little too sweet Pork belly on kim chi pancakes 7 Octopus tiradito 8 Ham board 10 ( iberico ham salami pears and duck rillette with sweet potato biscuit)
(4)
Sara S.

I'm a huge fan! The menu is so interesting....from the starters, entrees, to the dessert menu. The rustic yet modern decor make the ambiance a fun place to drink and dine. Firstly though, make sure to bring cash for valet unless you want to drive around for a spot. It's a mandatory $5 valet for the lot. I'm not a fan of that, but it is what it is. We arrived early (around 5ish) and all the seats at the bar were already taken. Fortunately, we were able to get a table in the restaurant, which is a small open space with just a few tables, so reservations are recommended. I was instantly impressed with the menu. Just reading the descriptions and I knew the chef put a lot of thought into the tasting experience. As others have warned, don't get attached to anything but maybe the potato crusted oysters, because it seems to be one of the few staples on the menu. Those oysters were probably the best I've ever had. Perfect size, crunch and flavor. You drizzle nectar on it... Both the host and server played their roles perfectly, attire and all. Only issue we had was with how long our drinks took. Our appetizers arrived before our drinks - if that gives you an idea of the wait time. I understand these are handcrafted cocktails, but that shouldn't happen at a restaurant. Either the bar was slow or the server forgot to deliver them. They were worth the wait though b/c the Matador was perfectly spicy and went down great.
(4)
Andrea N.

We have eaten here twice now. We've had the Buffalo Cauliflower, Ceviche, Zucchini Blossoms, Steak with Caramel Bacon Mashed Potatoes (served with stringy fried onions reminiscent of Berns!) Scallops and the AWESOME Butter Cake -- we agreed it was one of the best desserts we have ever tasted. It is pricey, but the food is outstanding and the portions are generous. The service was outstanding both times we were there - the second time we had a minor issue with one of the dishes being too charred and the problem was handled perfectly. We will definitely be back.
(5)
Ana E.

I will start with saying that I am a server and anytime I go out I can be a bit critical about certain things. I made reservations for Friday night 9.30 for 6 adults and a baby. We got to the restaurant earlier,at 9, and were seated right away.everyone starting from the hostess to our wonderful servers and bussers were very patient(we had visitors from Colombia that needed a little extra attention) accommodating and sweet! Everything we had:Drinks,appetizers,entrees,deserts and coffee presentation were top notch Around 10.15 we had 2 more people joining us and even tho the restaurant closes at 10pm they got their food and drinks very fast. I think I found my happy place in Tampa:) All the people in our party were impressed with the place,food and service. Great job!!! P.S. They called the day of the reservation to confirm and ask about any dietary restrictions(I was pleasantly surprised)
(5)
Keith W.

I was told by a local resident to check this place out. I'm glad I took the advice. The food is interesting and delicious. I had potato crusted oysters , escargot , yellow fin tuna spring rolls, and the pork belly. Food was fresh, and well prepared. The service was excellent, I was traveling so I ate at the bar and the bartenders were knowledgable and friendly. Everyone should try this place out
(5)
Erik K.

Finally was able to try Edison for dinner and my only complaint......why did I wait so long. Service Perfect. Not too much in your face but around enough. Also the passion the employees have in this place really shows. Extremely knowledgable staff. Drinks Wow. I had one of the best drinks of my life. Bourbon, ancho Chile syrup and coffee, who knew. A great selection of hand crafted cocktails, wine and beer. Food Everything we ordered was perfection. From the Cheese Plate, Buffalo Cauliflower( amazingly unique) lamp shank. Desert Was gonna to skip desert until advised otherwise from the wait staff. Went with the Peanut Butter Bar and was in heaven. This also comes with some homemade chicory ice cream which is the only thing in house that is frozen. I can't wait to go back to Edison's!!!'
(5)
Rachel S.

Palet heaven! The menu changes day to day, always bringing something new & allowing chef creation. The crafted cocktails are unique & the food will have you in a Palet sensation!
(5)
Brant P.

One of the least pleasant experiences I've had at a new restaurant in Tampa. This is really the first negative review I have submitted on Yelp. It takes a lot to turn me off to a restaurant. I like to explore new places and try new menu items on a regular basis. I am by no means shy when it comes to experimenting with food. However, I struggled to find one thing on the Edison menu that sounded remotely appetizing. Whether it was condensed melon or deconstructed oysters or bone marrow topped beef, I couldn't help but get the feeling that the place was simply trying too hard to be edgy and hip. We had mentioned to the waitress that it was my birthday. They brought out ice cream after our meal. Nice, I thought. Only to find that I was charged for said ice cream upon receiving the bill. I left without any satisfaction, a bitter taste in my mouth, and still quite hungry. Only to walk out and find that I was required to pay the valet $3 for parking my car. This would not be any sort of big deal at all, however, the parking lot was no more than 10 or 12 spaces. I physically walked by my car to retrieve my keys from the attendant, then proceeded to walk back and get the car myself.. Not much of a service for the same cost of valet at Bern's. I most likely will not return.
(1)
Ryan T.

Edison is by far our favorite restaurant in tampa. We've been three times and each time was better than before. Their cocktails are so unique and absolutely delicious. Their food is not only amazing but generous in proportion. They have great customer service as well. On our most recent visit we got the pork belly appetizer (which was to die for), short ribs (so tender, didn't even need a knife) and crispy duck confit (which was cooked to perfection). We can't wait for next time!v
(5)
Michael U.

Items Selected: Squash blossom lump crab Rangoon - blood orange ginger jam, toasted macadamia Redondo Serrano Ham Zeppole - Rosemary Doughnuts, Shaved Serrano Ham, Parmesan Snow, Compressed Melon Foie Gras 'Au Grains of Paradise' - Fingerling Potatoes Bourguignon, Maitakes, Lamb Bacon, Red Wine Sauce, Duck Fat Fried Shallots Fuji Apple + Baby Spinach Salad - Belgian Endive, Maytag Blue Cheese, Pain d'epice Walnuts, Pomegranate Raspberry Vinaigrette Roasted Tomato Soup 'Arrabiata' - Burrata, Crispy Herbs, Serrano Chilies, Toasted Garlic, Candied Citrus Zest, Ciabatta Crouton Spicy Jamaican-Fried Organic Chicken - Banana Bacon Waffle, Collard Greens, Chayote, Green Tomatoes, Chiles, Rum Curry Coconut Syrup Crispy Duck Confit - Black Truffle Gnocchi, Swiss Chard, Roasted Shitake, Turnips, Prunes, Apple Cognac Jus Wood Grilled Wagyu Culotte Steak - Duck Fat Fried Garlic Potatoes, Charred Romaine, Heirloom Tomato Brulee, Black Truffle Bearnaise Edison Crullers - Cardamom Glaze, Carrot Ice Cream, White Raisin Puree Peanut Butter Bar - House Vanilla Wafer Crust, Banana Custard, Chicory Ice Cream Sugar Crusted Butter Cake - Brown Butter Ice Cream, Pistachio, Orange, Toffee Sauce Said by some to be the most interesting restaurant in Tampa Bay or Saint Petersburg, a pre-game dinner at Edison Food + Drink Lab saw my oldest friend join in on a culinary tour trek across the Sunshine State and although the loud, industrial interior and forced valet parking left much to be desired the majority of Chef Jeannie Pierola's creative cuisine lived up to high billing, a plate of truly awful and oily crullers the lone exception to the rule. Obviously a space built for youngsters with trendy beers and cocktails served at a bar while wood and polished stone dominate the dining area it was mere moments after seating that drinks were offered and with some choosing to imbibe I instead explored the whimsical menu, a two page ordeal with several options seeming a bit overwrought while others played on culinary concepts from various regions around the world. Beginning first with appetizers ranging from $9 to $17 it should seem obvious that items like foie gras and squash blossoms carry an upcharge but as good as both the creamy rangoon with aromatic sauce as well as the intensively savory take on duck liver were it was actually the light donuts dusted in confectioners' sugar and draped with ham that stole the show, the addition of briny cheese and compressed melon offering a one-two punch of flavors helping to enliven the palate between each bite. At this point experiencing a slight delay between courses due to an influx of several parties while my buddy ordered a second bottle of beer it was with good fortune that mains proved well worth the wait and with the chicken and waffles focused on earthy aromatics rather than overdoing it with spice the flavor profiles of both it and the impressively crisp duck can only be described as inspired, the tomato soup and tender beef a bit more straightforward though well prepared, delicious, and generously portioned just the same. At this point pushing our luck in terms of making it to Amalie Arena on time it was in a trio of desserts that we called it a wrap and although the crullers proved not only greasy, but also cooked in questionably fresh oil, both the layered candy bar and butter soaked cake were far more pleasant, the chicory ice cream of the former a particularly lovely pairing to creamy banana custard while the batons of airy meringue added much needed levity to the heft of the large yellow square.
(4)
Steph D.

Excellent place especially for a large party. We had approximately 15 people and they provided an extra room to accommodate us. Service was superb and they were able to split the checks without any hassle. The drinks were inventive and delicious. Many of us shared plates. The server recommended the buffalo cauliflower and it lacked both flavor and creativity. The only thing I could taste was an over powered somewhat greasy buffalo sauce. The pork belly and kimchi pancakes were out of this world. The avocado seared tuna and potato crusted oysters were also a hit as well as the scallop entree. The only major disappointment was the steak entree. The description read a wagu or kobe steak and it was extraordinarily tough, even when cooked to a mid rare. Desserts were innovative and delectable. This is my second time at Edison and I would definitely return especially since the menu changes frequently.
(4)
Dorene M.

Oh how I wish I could give Edison a 5. Jillian, our server was great. She gave us a wealth of information about the chef and how Edison came to be. She also went over the drinks with me and tried to help me decide on a drink based on what on preferences. Throughout our evening she was helpful and attentive. Now on the the drinks. I loved the creative of the menu form drinks to desserts, I started off with two of the cocktails,one that apricot caviar, the Far east Ricky. The other had a peach foam, I love the playfulness of the drinks. This was a great way to start of the dining experience. I decided on the Foie Gras for an appetizer. It was served on a fig, bacon brioche bread pudding with a rocket hedgehog salad and green pepper reduction. I t was delectable; the flavor of the fois gras with the bread pudding ...yum.My friend had pork belly over Udon noddle in a tasty Asian broth. Another hit, I loved how the quail egg added a delicious creaminess to the dish and the broth On to our main course, I decided on the Shrimp and Grits with Sweet potato biscuit, duck fat poached egg, and chili peanut cabbage. This is where my disappointment comes in, the shrimp..oh those shrimp ( shaking my head) they tasted full of chemicals, like frozen processed shrimp. As soon as they put the plate down, I could smell it. I don't like overly processed frozen shrimp, fresh shrimp or shrimp that didn't taste like this would have made this dish a 5 star dish. Everything else on the plate was so good but I couldn't eat the shrimp. I ended up giving it to my friend to take home. My dining companion ordered the bone marrow and with the New York strip and said it was perfect. Dessert was also playful and creative, which I love. I ordered the popcorn creme brulee topped with caramel popcorn and cheddar ice cream with an apple purÃ©e. Everything was really good; I am not a fan of cheddar cheese ice cream but those of you out there that like cheese on your apple pie might like the cheddar cheese with apple puree. My dinner companion had the brown sugar cake with brown butter ice cream and other heavenliness. OH MY, it was soooo good, a must have dessert.
(4)
Lauren H.

I've been hearing a lot about this place for a few weeks and was eager to try it for myself. The restaurant is small but has a good vibe and atmosphere. The staff were friendly and gave excellent service. I love the concept and menu. It's very different and original. You can tell they put a lot of thought and effort into each dish being a carefully crafted blend of flavors. We ordered the goat cheese truffles and the lump crab stuffed potatoes for appetizers and they were both really delicious. Our entrees were the duck confit and grilled maitake salad. I didn't care for my salad entree, but I think it's because I didn't like the maitake mushrooms. The flavors were very strong and overpowering. There was a lot of blue cheese too. Very little actual lettuce so it's hard to consider it a salad. Not what I was expecting. If my entree wasn't disappointing, I'd probably be raving on here instead of giving 3 stars. But I think it was just a fluke with the salad because I was trying to branch out and try something new. But I'm sure I would've loved a different entree that was more in my comfort zone. The waitress very attentive and noticed that I didn't eat much of the salad and was going to bring me a different entree, but I was in a hurry to catch a movie so we just left. I would go back.
(3)
Louis T.

I really hope the owners/chef read this cause we need (desperately need) a restaurant like this in Tampa Bay. Crazy wicked exciting concept. Great design. Hip. Chic. Fun. BUT -the taste of these exciting dishes fell way short. Like OMG short. Duck confit and fois gras tacos -I was salivating at the thought but not at the actual dish. Bland duck. Bland sauce. Fois gras undetectable. This could be such a home run but without the basics of salt, this could be tragic. Vanilla scented fois gras dish was odd. Great duck liver but the accompanying stuff didn't work. Some fried cake thing underneath with a sauce of whatever that was a bit too sweet. A pickled something or another on the side was underwhelming. Lastly I tried the escargot and onion thing. Onion didn't work well but the escargot was quite good. I'll go back and give them another shot but their first impression with me was underwhelming. I hope they get on track and make it because this is a cool concept in a town of uncool concepts. Note: I started writing this several months ago and didn't realize I hadn't finished and posted. Some of my friends have been back and said they liked it. I'll have to check back soon.
(2)
T K.

Very disappointed with both the food and the service.
(2)
Angelo Z.

Food, atmosphere and staff are superb! Wife and I went for anniversary and were not disappointed at all. From app to dessert, everything was delicious. The highlights i would say are the deconstructed oysters rockefeller. The escargot was tasty. And scallop entree was unbelievable. Dessert was yummy, the crullers are perfect for coffee dunking. I see a few low reviews and maybe those were off nights, we had an exceptional dinner and service was on point. Worth every penny. This is how you do it right. Can't wait to go back.
(5)
Alexandra S.

Pretty underwhelming experience. Restaurant tries to be trendy with decor, vibe and faux gourmet food but it the end it fails in most aspect. We arrived with no reservation and we promptly told that there was a wait even though two tables were open. Bartendar was fantastic even letting us try wines/beers. Note despite being a drink lab they have no hard alcohol--beer and wine only. Best part of the whole experience. We tried the goat cheese truffles to go with our drinks. Served within minutes they were not fresh and way to dense. Could not taste the foie. Finally got a table after some waiting. Ordered the clam and mussel starter which was ok and the migas which were some latin version completely unrelated to the Spanish style so be forewarned. Halfway through our appetizer, our entrees arrived. Perhaps I am irrational, but this is a pet peeve of mind. Server offered to take them back but who wants heat lamped food? We had told the server earlier we were in no rush, but apparently they were. Burger was overcooked (ordered it medium rare and it was well) and fried chicken dull. If you are oging for comfort classics do them well. The fried chicken batter had been applied when wet and immediately fell apart upon cutting. The final insult was the $100+ tab. There are better places to spend your cash.
(1)
Misty B.

I'm sorry to say, my group was very disappointed. A ton of fried dishes without a lot of flavor. Some awkward portion sizes and tough-to-justify prices in some areas. The menu is overly complex, yet didn't include pertinent information -- i.e., that something was prepared fried or that the Salt n Pepper Cracker Jacks were savory and came with scallions. For the casual vibe, the fussy menu required us to spend upwards of 20 minutes with our server at different points (probably 10-12 minutes consecutively at the start) -- she essentially became our glossary. Not efficient for the server, who admitted she was still learning the menu, and not all that fun for us. Since the concept is about "inventive food" and overall "innovation," edison might benefit from iPad menus, with hyperlinks/rollovers to define unique terms/ingredients. Wait time for food was very high, though I agree that is to be expected from a new kitchen. The smallest serving of wine is micro. Shell out the bucks for the midsize at the least. On the upside, the server had a great attitude and was very patient, and the industrial decor rocked. I've followed Jeannie to all of her popups and have had mostly fabulous experiences -- particuarly KB1 and KB3. Alas, with regard to edison, it would take a menu redo for anyone in my group to return.
(2)
Courtney L.

Very modern and fun atmosphere. Simple concepts used throughout like the menus on clipboards. My friend and I took in the whole experience ordering salads, apps, drinks and dessert. While everything tasted phenomenal-Granny Smith salad, avocado yellow tuna, pork belly, escargot -I especially loved our dessert. Cheddar cheese ice cream with popcorn infused creme brÃ»lÃ©e. I was hesitant but surprisingly impressed. Highly recommend and will return.
(5)
Megan W.

I will be back. Went with a group of fellow Tampa foodies this evening. The food overall got an A+ from me. A few favorites and must tries have to be the potato crusted oysters, duck confit foie gras tacos, sous vide + buttermilk fried chicken AKA Chicken and Waffles (with truffle honey!) and a side of chick pea fries. Tonight was the second night of Edison being opened so I will not comment on the service or the length of time to get our entrees, as that is to be expected with an opening....note, this is the only reason it is missing that 5th star. I am excited for this new member of Tampa restaurants. and like I said above, I will be back, hopefully to give you a 5 star review.
(4)
Diana A.

Went here last week for a semi business semi social dinner. We were greeted warmly at the door and seated right away which was a pleasant surprise because it was pretty busy for 7pm. The server took a while to greet us but they had someone coming around with good clean water served cold with no ice - a nice touch - so we were content. We had several dishes and they were all relatively good. The fried green tomato salad stood out - the tomatoes were cooked perfectly. They also had prosecco which is rare so my rating tends to be on the high side just because of that. :). I agree with the smell an earlier reviewer mentioned but we were seated at a booth next to the window, so we were further from the kitchen. All in all we had a great time and definitely plan to be back. The bar looks like it would be a lot of fun and you can dress pretty casually which is another plus considering the foodie style menu. I have high hopes for this place and while the tapas lean toward the fried heavy side, my understanding is that the menu will rotate seasonally. We look forward to our next visit.
(4)
Ellie M.

Went here a few weeks after it opened, just getting to review now. Although then they were working out a few kinks, overall this is a very solid addition to the Tampa restaurant scene. Standouts were the potato-crusted oysters, sous vide chicken, and the side of brussels sprouts (really! try them!!). We did order the foie gras tacos but I found them disappointing, too many competing flavors. Waiter was annoying but knowledgable. Definitely worth a try, and a cool, urban space. Could turn into a nice bar scene.
(4)
Karl L.

Read my reviews. I NEVER give 5 stars to a (relatively) inexpensive place like this. Relative is just that.....we got out for $170 with a tip, just me and my wife. I am just going to leave the list of foods we ordered below. Details don't matter as many will not be available when you visit, but rest assured we loved everything. Goat cheese truffles Shutoro petri (Fish belly in a petri dish) Pork cheek (the best!) Vanilla foie gras (Yahoo!) Duck confit Duck tacos Burrata cheese on heirloom tomatoes There were many beer selections, and I had a couple of new ones. Samples were gratis and helped to make up my mind. Flasks of wine are available and whatever my wife picked out was delicious. We ordered way more than we should have, so our bill was definitely inflated. Still, the originality and composure of these dishes was an experience we didn't want to miss a bit of. PLEASE go here to eat, so they flourish and I get to return!
(5)
Debbie L.

Disappointing!! That doesn't begin to describe our horrible experience. We had reservations for our anniversary and were promptly sitted upon arrival. The experience quickly deteriorated after that. We had a longer than usual wait to be greeted by our waiter but he made up for his tardiness with a friendly attitude and assurances to us that the food would be delicious. That along with a similar greeting by the valet before we entered the restaurant got us excited for the meal to come. The waiter took our drink orders, our one appetizer order and our entree orders all at the same time because we could tell things must have been busy and wanted to make sure we got out in time for the show we were attending afterwards. We waited approximately 20 minutes to get our drinks. These were fine but packed with ice so that after a few sips your drink was almost gone. And if you order wine, it will be exactly 4 ounces maybe less - not a drop more. As we were waiting for our appetizer to arrive, a celebrity and his wife arrived. He was immediately seated and greeted by several staff members. We then watched as a parade of staff members fawned over him. We finally received our appetizer about 45 minutes after we had arrived. We ordered the potatoe crusted oysters and I will say they were good. At this point we were becoming concerned about the time and we informed our food runner to make our waiter aware that we had tickets to a show. The waiter reassured us that we would receive our entrees soon. Before we even finished our appetizer, the celebrity was served an appetizer when he had been seated for about 10 minutes. As we continued to wait for our entrees, another appetizer was brought to the celebrities table. After another 20 minutes we told our waiter that we didn't want to have to rush eating our entrees and he told us the kitchen was backed up but our food would be out soon. We mentioned to him that the celebrity seemed to be getting served very quickly. He denied this which was an obvious cover up. (Of course, the celebrity was not responsible for any of this. He was just a celebrity diner having a meal out.) Note that this is a fairly small dining room. Only a totally mismanaged kitchen could take over an hour to produce two entrees. The manager finally came over to our table to ask how long we had before we had to leave. We informed him that we had to leave in 15 minutes. He disappeard and never came back with our entrees. After we had sat for 1 1/2 hours the only food to touch our table was one small appetizer. The celebrity was basically eating something almost the whole time he was there. We finally waited until the last possible minute we could and then had to leave. The most disappointing part of the whole experience was that this was our anniversary and the restaurant knew this because they asked when we made the reservations (10 weeks in advance) if this was a special occasion. They not only ruined our anniversary dinner but also devalued us as customers. There are so many wonderful restaurants in Tampa that we could have chosen and had a great anniversary dinner! I can't believe we ended up at this one. I know we will never go back there again! Wouldn't it be nice if everyone that dined at a restaurant were treated like a celebrity because at the end of the day, when all of the receipts are tallied, everyone's money is green.
(1)
Dawn M.

I can easily see this hole-in-the-wall, become a "South Tampa" institution within the next year or so. Funny enough this establishment is located in the N. Hyde Park / Tampa Heights area near the University of Tampa downtown. It was nice to see so many people fit into this small space cozily enjoying their dinner! A pair of our friends from North Tampa invited my fiancee and I out for dinner on December 14th for his Birthday. They have been raving about Edison since their second visit. Their first visit was less than stellar due to an early opening and not having all their ducks in a row. To date Edison still only has a beer and wine alcohol selection. Edison offers an eclectic selection of food and many small dishes for sharing amongst friends. Whether looking to enjoy a full blown meal or just a few appetizers & a drink before the night begins, Edison fits the bill. I also suggest this for my Tampa Heights comrades as a grand alternative to the Seminole Heights and South Tampa eateries, as Edison is very close to us (located on the corner of Boulevard N. & Kennedy Blvd / SW Corner) ++++ Valet Parking Behind the Building - Head west on Kennedy and make the first left on the next street immediately after passing Boulevard N. and Edison. Valet is located directly behind the building (possibly only for dinner). Suggested Eats - Diva Dawn's Likes :) * Potato Encrusted Oysters with a dill pickle nectar / house dressing * Crispy Pork Belly and Palm Heart Salad * Fried Green Tomato Salad * Duck Confit Fois Gras Tacos YUM, Enjoy!!!!!
(4)
Russell W.

Not sure how I heard about Edison, but remembered I had read about it somewhere. Was in Tampa for business and got an early reservation. Ryan was both our waiter and bartender. As it was a "Drink Lab", I was excited to try some. I got the Gimlet, which was outstanding. The drinks that my table mates ordered also were consumed with rave reviews. For appetizers we ordered the Buffalo Cauliflower, Potato-crusted oysters, and the pork belly. All were good, but the Cauliflower was unreal. I would have been happy just with that. For an entree, I ordered the Soft-shell Crab. It was very good. Others ordered the Pork Porter House, BBQ tuna, and the Jerk Chicken and Waffles. I sampled the Chicken and Waffles and it was some of the best I have ever had. The waffles had bacon and bananas cooked inside and it worked. The BBQ tuna looked outstanding. We followed with the vacuum coffee and probably one of each dessert on the menu. The Butter Cake was my favorite. Not sure when I will be back in Tampa, but the next time I am, I will be back here.
(5)
Ray D.

Just stopped in for a quick bite - the place is friendly upbeat and the food is exceptional. Ask for Ashley and she will take care of you. Newhart a hidden treasure.
(5)
Dylan T.

After getting past the loud atmosphere and initially confusing menu, the food was fantastic. While the "science" theme seemed a bit forced on the menu, the dishes are clever, simple, and tasty.
(4)
Danielle Y.

I come to Tampa pretty often for work. I've always been very impressed with the various types of food available. I was looking for something new this go-round, and after a bit of investigative work, I discovered that this restaurant would be opening at 11:30 am the day I arrived in Tampa for my latest business trip. Cool! First, let me say that the signage is great. There is a parking lot behind the restaurant. Somewhere I remember reading that there was a valet. That does not seem to be the case - at least not yet. BUT - there was a sign that directed me to the parking lot. Being from out of town and not the most confident driver in unfamiliar cars, I have to say that I LOVE useful signs! The restaurant itself is pretty small. When I arrived, there were a few people at the bar. I was seated immediately and given a wine list and a dinner menu. The presentation of the menu is perfect for the restaurant's theme. The decor is also pretty gnarly (in the best possible way.) The menu looks like it's updated/changed daily and is presented on a clipboard. The options were pretty limited (4 or 5 main dish items and a few warm or cold starters), but there was definitely something for everyone - salads, fried chicken, huevos rancheros (all day!) and others. I opted for the burger and fries with a hummingbird shake. The burger was cooked (medium) and seasoned perfectly. My only complaint that I had about it is that there was no cheese. I can't for the life of me remember if it mentioned cheese on the menu or not, and since I didn't make a point to request it, I decided to give it a shot sans cheese. I figured if after a bite, I needed cheese, I would just ask for it. I happily discovered that the burger did not, in fact, need cheese. This was partly due, I think, to the homemade condiments they use. (I chose the homemade ketchup and mayo. They also have mustard, but that's not my thing.) The fries were good. Some of them were a bit undercooked, I think, but they were definitely hand cut with just the right amount of salt. The shake was decent. It went down more like a smoothie with a bit too much protein powder, but the flavor was good. It included pineapple, banana, pecans and cream cheese ice cream. Weird, but good! I'd probably come back in a few months to see if they switch up the menu and to enjoy the restaurant with a fuller crowd. Definitely check this place out!
(4)
William W.

The food is good but at the same time very overpriced. Service is friendly but slow. Overall it's not that bad but I wouldn't really suggest it, nor do I plan on going back anytime soon.
(2)
Dan P.

Odd menu. I'm not foodie/trendy enough to dig this place. Not saying that they're not good, I just prefer a classic simple taste over forcing something as simple as chicken and waffles to be exitoc.
(2)
Tony S.

Had 9 pm reservation. As it was valentine's day was expecting a bit of a wait. We were told they were just starting to seat the 8:30 reservations and we would have to wait quite a while. As there is nowhere to wait and no bar to drink at, waiting is very uncomfortable. When I said we were going to leave we were told ok, they would cancel our reservation. Have eaten there before and the food is good, but that is no way to run a business. Very disappointed with the service. Won't be going back anytime soon.
(2)
Thomas C K.

Clearly a winner! Tampa needs a restaurant like this...... We came here on 9-22-12 and did enjoy the ambiance and food very much. This restaurant "buzzes", the service was attentive and knowledgeable. My wife had the goat cheese truffles, the vanilla scented foie gras and the huevos rancheros. She enjoyed all of it but was especially blown away by the vanilla foie gras - absolutely amazing! I had the boquerones (fried white anchovies) and the soy brown butter tile fish with alba clamshell mushrooms and celeriac puree. The anchovies were tasty but perhaps the batter overpowered the delicate anchovy flavor. The fish was outstanding: a delicious crust, mild, soft meat and a very flavorful sauce and vegetables - definitely a keeper. The wine list appears to be a bit limited and we hope that they expand their offerings and also obtain a liquor license. We certainly are very impressed and have great hopes for this addition to the rather limited number of choices for eclectic dining in Tampa - we will be back! Oops, one negative I forgot to mention: the very, very offensively loud music - this simply doesn't gel with a hip restaurant....
(4)
Laurie O.

Disappointed with the lack of romantic atmosphere (billed as romantic). Food was OK.Service was very slow. Seats were uncomfortable. Not impressed. MIs En Place (right down street) morer classy, food better and has better atmosphere.
(3)
Chelsea R.

I am a Los Angeles, CA resident and was invited to Edison Food Lab for a 30th birthday celebration. I was overall very impressed with this place. I had the yellow fin tuna which was perfectly seared and melted in my mouth. I had a chocolate tart for dessert that was delicious. The server was attentive and knowledgeable regarding the menu. I enjoyed the way the menu was written and arranged as well. When I say it was typed on a clipboard you may think "what?" but it was really creative. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone. Seems like a great place for a first date.
(5)
Claudia B.

Creative and delicious food.Ordered the halibut, soft crab shells, kale salad, halibut and goat cheese truffles. Scallops we're my favorite but all very worthy. St. Innocent Pinot Noir was really nice.
(4)
Bill P.

I hosted a corporate function at Edison in mid December. The food was fabulous. Each bite brought an explosion of flavors. The appetizers alone are worth the visit.
(5)
sarah M.

Many people who have been to the Edison seem to rave about it. Unfortunately, I'm far from impressed. Like many Tampa restaurants, this place is trying to be something. Eclectic? Upscale? If Eclectic was the goal, it failed. I've had eclectic. In Seattle, in LA, even at one place in Knoxville, TN for Christ's sake...the Edison just didn't meet standards. First of all, this place has the atmosphere of an upscale sports bar minus the televisions. Its a lot of wooden booths, dimmed lighting, very noisy and crowded. When looking for eclectic, artsy, upscale, unique, I dont think "sports bar". The waitress was horrible. I'm under the impression that the menu changes nightly. Its given to you on a printed sheet of paper, in tiny font. The waitress must have literally spent half an hour explaining the menu items to us. This is wonderful - if you ask for that sort of attention - we did not. I was there with my friend to talk and catch up, not get a detailed lesson on the menu, which mind you,, was difficult to hear due to the noise level and sounded as if the waitress was reading it to us from memory. She even had to roll her eyes back into her head and paused a couple of times while she remembered what to say next. Very annoying and awkward for her. The menu had a lot of fried food on it, at least that night anyway. It even had chicken and waffles. I wanted fresh food and was trying my best to avoid fried foods, high in carbohydrates and fat but at least this night it was difficult. Since none of the entrees appealed to me, my friend and I decided to share appetizers. Big mistake. They were not particularly appealing either. We ordered two appetizers of cheese and crackers. One was two little cheese balls. Sadly I cant remember the waitresses boring monologue so I can't tell you what they consisted of but they were tasty. The other was a giant slab of mozzarella, doused in some slimy tomato flavored sauce and garnished with tomatoes. Very lacking in flavor. Since the appetizers were such a let down, I suggested we share a desert. Another big mistake. We ordered this bland slab of Apple pie that tasted as though it had been frozen and heated in the microwave. To top it off, when the bill came, the total for this meal of cheese and crackers, and frozen apple pie was $48!!! I've said it on Yelp before and I'll say it again...no problem spending money on fine dining, not problem at all, but thats the key: the dining needs to be fine. I'll never go back to the Edison. Even if I were tempted to give it another try I dont think I can bear to witness the poor waitress as she stumbles over and struggles to remember her half an hour long monologue covering the menu.
(1)
Erika M.

After hearing about this place over and over, I decided to give it a try. I was not disappointed. I had the burger listed on the menu for the day. It was amazing. Cooked perfectly and seasoned great! It had delicious goat cheese on it too! My friend had the club which she also described as amazing. I will definitely be back and recommend Edison for sure! Our waitress Jillian was also great. She let us taste some of the wines before making our decision
(5)
Jennifer P.

Edison has been on my must-try list for awhile, and with all the hype surrounding it, I'm sorry to say that I was let down. I sampled many dishes (I always do family-style when I go out with my friends, this way I get a chance to eat as many things as possible) and from the 8 dishes I tried, none really sparked my attention at all. The presentation of the food was nice and interesting; however, the taste was nothing really to write home about. I find it disconcerting when I go to a restaurant (especially one that is this expensive) and just feel "meh" about the food. I may try this restaurant again just to see if what I experienced was a fluke, but until then, my rating will have to remain 2 stars (this also includes the fact that the restaurant was WAYYY too loud, and I did not enjoy that at all).
(2)
Alan M.

The most eclectic menu in Tampa. Real foodies will appreciate the diversity of the food and drink menu, if you don't have an adventurous palette dine elsewhere.
(5)
Tom L.

OH MY-LOVE Edison's inventive food and drinks. This is a gem in Tampa. We have been twice and I can't wait to go back. If you enjoy trying new foods and are open to concept food, with mostly homerun dishes mixed in with a few "pretty good", you will enjoy Edison.
(4)
S C.

Great food, great atmosphere, great service, finally a place with great quality food in the Bay Area. i have seen a comment about the menu changing , well it is not like everything gets changed. there is also the seasons 52 which does well and change the menu 52 times a year. If you enjoy great cuisine and are not afraid to try new great dishes created by the chef then Try Edison ..you will not regret..make sure to get the coffee, it is a fun presentation.
(5)
Jordan M.

Having read several good things about this restaurant, I finally had the opportunity to make it for dinner. Without a doubt, some of the best, most refreshing food I've had in Tampa. Great sea food, phenomenal pork short-ribs, amazing small plate items, and killer deserts. The beer and cocktail selection was unique and paired perfectly with our food. Service was very good. Not pushy, not too talkative, very patient, a very thorough understanding of the menu and evening's specials and all recommendations and pairings we spot on! Never an empty glass!
(5)
Brian S.

Molecular Gastronomy. I'm sure you've heard about it. I'm also sure that you've been looking around for a restaurant that uses it in it's cooking method and probably haven't had much luck. Well you would be lucky if you live in Tampa. This place uses it but not overly so that every single dish is inundated with liquid nitrogen and floating balls of cream. This place used to be called Knife & Co. and closed it's doors most likely due to the empty tables. I've also reviewed that restaurant and the food was certainly not the reason for the loss of business. The food at the new restaurant also is just as high caliber as well. (Beautiful Plating) What really hurts this restaurant and the many restaurants that came before it is location. It's also small in size, so I would suggest making reservations at least a day in advanced. Thus the reason for 4 stars. Now for the best part. The Food! I started off with the goat cheese truffles which were amazing make sure to ask for more bread with it. Ahhmazing! yes I just said that. Then followed with their take on Chicken and Waffles: sous vide + buttermilk fried organic chicken with butternut squash waffle. If you are unfamiliar with Sous Vide it's a french technique where you place meat or chicken in this case in a vacuum sealed bag in a water bath for longer than normal cooking times--72 hours in some cases--at an accurately regulated temperature much lower than normally used for cooking, typically around 131 Â°F to 140 Â°F which keeps the meat unbelievably moist and juicy. Then they finish it off with a quick flash fry. the most tender chicken I've ever had in my life. I ended my meal with the honey lavender vacherin with was also very tasty it was a very elegant and delicate dessert. Pear meringue covered with pear mousse. They also have house-made ice-cream, sorbets and milk shakes which they use liquid nitrogen to make. it can get pricey especially if you're taking someone there on a date and trying to impress. Expect to spend at least 100 not counting tip. However well worth it. Also my server was very friendly and helped a lot with the menu and drinks. This is by far one of my favorite new restaurants in Tampa. I just hope they can last.
(4)
Lindsay S.

Tried this place for the first time last night for a date with the boyfriend. We made a reservation for 9:30 on open table, but got there really early to have a drink or two. Knowing we had a reservation, they sat us about 1.5 hours early when a table came available. The host was very friendly and helpful, not at all what you would expect from somewhere with such a "hip" reputation. The food was delicious (although slightly overpriced, in my opinion- entrees averaged mid-$30's) and they had a great cocktail and wine menu. It being a saturday night, they were super busy so it wasnt particularly quick service at the table, but it wasnt a problem. I would definitely go again for a special occasion or to have drinks. If it was less expensive, I would probably go a couple times a month.
(5)
Tara S.

Awesome just plain awesome. My fiance and I stumbled upon Chef Pierola's pop up restaurant Kitchen Bar at the same location last winter and were in love with her food. Once I found out that this was her permanent restaurant I knew I just had to go. We had an awesome waiter (i was a little toasted last night so I cannot remember his name) who had the best suggestions. We started off the evening by ordering a bottle of the 2009 Vistaba Corte B. What a great wine! We started our meal by ordering the snow crab lettuce wraps. Sweet succulent snow crab with micro greens, a delicious BBQ sauce on a butter lettuce leaf. Delish. Our only gripe is that they needed to do a better job of ensuring there are no shells. But we did not let this small issue take away from how good these lettuce wraps were. Next was the main course. I ordered the duck confit with foie gras and he had the kobe filet. The filet was cooked perfectly with a very fresh chimichurri sauce on top. The butternut squash puree was divine and i wont speak of the carrots since I dislike all carrots. The star was the duck. A large number of medium cooked duck breast slices were spread out next to risotto and green beans with pecans and a piece of foie gras on top. Lets just say everything was perfect and I had to fight my fiance to keep is fork on his own plate. I think he might actually have wet dream for my duck. I didn't think that I could fit another bite of food in me but of course he decided to order the chocolate tort. I can normally say no to chocolate, but this was one of those times I splurged. Seriously this might have been one of the best meals I've had in a long time.
(5)
Maria W.

We had a lovely and memorable date night at Edison Food+Drink Lab. For a couple of delightful hours, we could easily have been in New York or San Francisco. The inventive menu was fun to read, and the dishes wowed us with both taste and presentation. We sampled 5 starters and 2 desserts, and we were 7 for 7! Our faves were the burrata with pumpkin seed pesto, the steak (tartar) and eggs, and the lemon tart. Our only disappointment is that we were too full to try the chicken and waffles, or any of the larger dishes, for that matter. We'll visit soon to rectify that. This combination of creative contemporary cuisine with friendly, laid-back neighborhood vibe is perfect for us. Well-done, Edison!
(5)
Jen L.

This has to be one of the worst restaurants I have been to - from the food to the service. We were sat 35 minutes after our reservation (okay - I can forgive this its a Saturday right? Read on.). We were quickly informed they were out of their most popular items (all 4) which were also the only good ones as other reviewers mentioned. After ordering our beers, only for the server to get them wrong, did we order appetizers. Ours was so bad we sent it back and they sent over 2 managers, at separate times, to let us know that there was nothing wrong with the dish- but we should emphasize that the description was not even close to what came out (which was confirmed by the manager when they said they have a "spin" on the dish).... Well the spin was terrible. Even after the managers came to us (embarrassingly enough in front of our other couple friends) - we STILL HAD TO PAY FOR IT at the end of the evening - um.... I have no further comment for this. I have to say the service wasn't any better - the waitress didn't know much about the menu and each of our 6 person party had at least 1 issue with their meals being incorrect- no apologies we're offered. The inexorbitant amount of money we spent for poor service and lackluster food will never lead us or our table there again. Consider yourself warned. On a side note, there is a McDonalds 500 feet away!
(1)
Katie L.

AWESOME food! Fun night at this super cool spot. Our server, Adrienne was so upbeat, and helpful at guiding us through the menu from beginning to end. Our favorites were the tuna with avocado and mango and the scallops with bacon jam and Parmesan crisps. The burrata with tomatoes and the mini kaya toast with quail eggs sunny side-up were also amazing. The vac pac coffee was like a table side science project with a Bunsen burner and beakers, and the butter cake and PB&J ice cream were to die for. Already can't wait to go back! HIGHLY recommend this place!
(5)
julian s.

Let me qualify this review in that I have had two friends whose opinions on food I respect greatly both have raved about Edison. My take is that they change their menu way too often. Nothing my friends recommended was on the menu when I went. We were greeted quite nicely by the staff at the door and the waiters were quite attentive and helpful Now comes the food. The tuna appetizer was mediocre. It was essentially a tuna tartar gone bad. It had a jicama type fruit, a tomolive and kalamata olives with a mayonnaise type dressing. The flavors did not go together. My scallops were very salty as was my friend's steak. My wife's snapper was dry and coated in a corn flake breading that was too thick. The sweetbreads also had too much breading and a sweetness to the sauce that did not lend its self to the sweetbreads. I think Jeannie is trying too hard. The last two pop ups before she opened Edison I had similar experiences. Again, she was changing the menu from weekend to weekend. She is obviously talented as I have had some great meals come from her kitchen. I don't think you can constantly be changing the menu without a good amount of misses.
(2)
Alan C.

unfortunately mediocre. everything was good, but not great. if they charge you that much for menu items, I would expect a lot more unique and/or curious dishes. you just get variations of a typical menu and only the main menu items routinely change. the decor is so-so and the wall, are sparsely done with like a fancy chalkboard style. they supposedly are a unique material, but do not appear so without investigating the sign. I would have liked to see the kitchen or the prepping area, since they advertise a combination of experiment, cooking, and science. you cannot see anything. we were discussing that a periodic table projected on the walls would be cool. portions are as expected in a place like this. the ice cream, shakes, sorbets are great. the vacuum pot coffee is also quite interesting. food for 2 not incl tip and tax was $95ish. service and valet parking were great. I'd recommend occasional color plates on the menu for the signature dishes, more wall decor, and a small portion of fancy breads to munch on while the cool is cooking. I don't think they can do much for the kitchen visuals. I don't be coming back yet since there are other places to try, but will keep them on my list.
(3)
Rachel S.

I went in with high expectations because we had a great FOOD experience at a pop-up of Chef Pierola's. Understandably, the service and wait time of that experience was horrible but that's an aside; I didn't really care about that. I only care about the food. BEST part of the meal was my "fried green tomato salad with arugula, shaved fennel, preserved lemon goat cheese, cherry tomato confit, black olive emulsion." I'm a salad head and this was really good. 4 things though: the tomatoes were not green but perhaps they weren't able to get a hold of them. The lemon goat cheese was applied with a VERY heavy hand. The breading on the fried tomatoes had enough salt in it that I could have spread it across my whole meal. Lastly, I don't believe the cherry tomatoes were confit; just raw sliced cherry tomatoes. I didn't care about that but on the off chance someone does, I thought I'd note it. I ordered the caramelized scallops, half marrow bone, bagna cÃ uda, Yukon mashed potatoes with seared romaine. It was a special so perhaps that was the problem but I think I'm trying to be a little too nice. There was zero continuity in the composition and I think that's what bothered me most. The marrow was drowned in bread crumbs and had no flavor; not even the bread crumbs had flavor. Place upon the Yukon mashed potatoes which were dull even by comfort food standards. They tasted like potatoes and butter, lots of butter and that's it. Being a cook myself (and I'm not comparing myself because I could NEVER feed that many people at once) I was kind of surprised that someone choosing to under-season a plate THAT much wouldn't want to have salt and pepper on the table. Seriously, I get VERY excited when I don't see s&p on the table because I assume the chef is pretty sure of themselves and the flavor they plan on imparting in the meal. I was really let down; I'd been saving up for this. On a positive note; the scallops were done perfectly, which you RARELY find. Scallops like risotto are always butchered in restaurants so I was happy to find that at least. As for the bagna cÃ uda, I was at a loss. It was cool and sticky by the time I got it but that aside it was EXTREMELY sweet. I'm talking caramelized, and kind of tasteless. Perhaps this was were they intended something to be caramelized and mislabeled the menu??? I'm not being facetious, I really don't know what happened there. The seared romaine was a mystery as well...If I was going to attempt to sear some sturdy leafy lettuce to stand up to the marrow bone it accompanied I would have at least brushed it with some herb-infused oil. It was just seared, dry, with no flavor whatsoever. How they got a marrow bone, yukon gold potatoes, scallops, seared romaine AND bagna cauda to ALL be so bland is beyond me. I get the whole engineering aspect (that's why I was so excited!) but everything on my plate was something I could probably teach my husband to make equally as well in a couple nights. Perhaps I went too soon... My husband got the buttermilk chicken and butternut squash waffles. Once again, it was all bland. POSITIVE: sous vide, of course made the chicken deliciously moist! Good call! Negative, the waffles were cold and the chantrelle squash fricassee was underwhelming. HIGHLIGHT: My mother got the huevos rancheros. They were delicious and the black beans, although mushy and a little cool were VERY flavorful! The menu said grilled house chorizo but what came was more like a pulled pork. Didn't matter because it was VERY good. They plated it with lime slices which I thought was a GREAT move. I WILL go back. If even for the salad and just request half the goat cheese. The service was very good and our waiter was attentive. We were greeted very kindly and the decor was pretty cool. The seats were quite uncomfortable but I decided that padding on the benches would have taken away from the "lab" atmosphere they were going for. We left full, a bit underwhelmed and excited for a second go at it in a couple months. :-)
(3)
Melissa R.

The food here is amazing. It is unlike anything else in Tampa. The service was First Class as well. Everyone there was friendly, professional and kind. Unfortunately this place just wasn't my vibe. I really can't explain it honestly. Amazing food, amazing service, great wine list.... It has all the right components. Definitely you need to go and try for yourself. It is not an inexpensive place, but the food quality is high.
(3)
Thomas P.

We started off by getting the some coffee that was brewed at the table in what seemed like lab beakers, a cool presentation that was turning some heads. I think the coffee was from Africa and was great! For starters, we got one of the spark dishes and I'm glad we did! We tried the goat cheese truffles which were awesome! The tart goat cheese had little pieces of dates and foie gras mixed in with fennel pollen and hints of citrus to brighten it up. Served with a tangerine chocolate glaze and some toast to smear it on, it was probably my all time favorite starters. We also tried the duck confit foie gras tacos which was really disappointing. The duck confit was really dry. We got some additional chili sauce and avocado tomatillo sauce to make it easier to swallow. I tried the cornflake crusted hogfish. It came with an edamame succotash and a coriander salad all on top of a tomatillo avocado broth. The fish was great with a crunchy exterior and moist, flaky interior. The succotash and salad was packed with a ton of flavor and different textures. I also had a bite of the sous-vide fried chicken and squash waffle which was good. The service here is awesome, with servers swarming and very attentive.
(4)
Melissa M.

I thoroughly enjoyed KB3 so I had high expectations for edison. The complimentary valet parking was a great welcome as parking can be difficult in the area. The decor is funky industrial with low hanging light sconces and rough hewn wooden tables. Our server was immediately present, friendly and helpful. The beer list could some plumping up but I was happy with my Ballast Point Pale Ale for $5. The menu was overly complicated. It begged for a second page with a glossary for unfamiliar terms. Our server did a good job wading through our many questions, but it was time consuming. As a vegetarian I was hoping for a few good non-meat options, but instead did the old vegetarian trick of ordering two sides. The yucca steak fries did not come with a sauce, which seemed like a missed opportunity. In execution, they were desiccated fried sticks with no soft center. The olive tapenade came with tiny fried bread bits the size of a thumb. In fact, I was very surprised at the preponderance of fried foods. Price points on food were OK but portions were small. Prices on wine seemed exorbitant considering the tiny pours. Overall I think everyone at our table was underwhelmed with no immediate intent to return.
(2)
Sophia S.

Fabulous food but complicated menu and they have major ventilation issues. You will leave there quite smoky. Be prepared for a shower and a trip to the dry-cleaners.
(3)
Phinneas F.

If you have ever eaten outside of Tampa at a restaurant of any note, you will be surely disappointed. Pleasant servers, though not able to handle timing or food that misses the mark, a kitchen that overreaches, decor that is more suitable for a burger shop. Not for business, not for dining, and not for the food.
(2)
HD W.

Outstanding food. Service was so so but it was the first week so hoping its better next time we go. The food was fantastic. They accomodated for our friend who is gluten free also by grilling her fish separate from ours which was crusted. Great portion of fish. Great seasonal selection. We are so excited this place is a permanent location and not a temporary pop up! love it and will be back.
(5)
Brent L.

Food there was really good, but a bit pricier than they should be. Definitely worth going to once or twice to check out, but not a place that I will plan on frequenting.
(3)
Lance C.

Jeannie has done a great job here. I had her riff on Chicken and Waffles and it was excellent, my wife was jealous. Service was knowledgable and efficient. Food took a while, but it was a Friday night.
(4)
Rose S.

The coffee was the best I have had in my life! Table side presentation was very cool! We started with the goat cheese truffles and duck tacos. Loved the truffle! The duck tacos did not impress me at all! For my main coarse I had the chicken and waffles with truffle honey! This was sooooo good! I will definitely go back!
(3)
Em l.

FOOD: I came for lunch. I won't dwell too much on particular dishes because they seem to take pride in changing up their menu often, but we started off with the egg dish of the day, one of the "large format" entrÃ©es, and a sandwich. On the whole, I thought things were well-executed and delicious. I'm not a fiend for sweets, but I highly recommend dessert -each component was delicious by itself, the flavors taken together were very well balanced, and it was beautifully presented. I felt portions and prices were quite reasonable. SERVICE: Excellent. The hostess opened the door for us, entering and leaving. Our server was friendly but not overly familiar, informed but neither long-winded nor pretentious. I had a question about one of the components in my dessert, and he promptly inquired the pastry chef on my behalf. Our glasses were never empty. ATMOSPHERE: Clean and modern. If I hadn't been a chemistry major, I might have found the flowers in beakers novel. Apart from the ice machine, I can't comment on the noise because it was fairly quiet by the time we came. Bonus points for using ITC Lubalin Graph for their branding. I came for a late lunch with my parents. While I feel this place might catch the eye of my crowd (20somethings) a bit more than theirs, both my mom (health-conscious) and dad (frugal) still enjoyed it. I'm glad Tampa has a place where folks can be a little adventurous with their food. I look forward to returning.
(5)
Allison E.

This is one of the best restaurants I've eaten at in a while. The concept is so inventive and the food was phenomenal. Our group tried a lot of different things on the menu and each was wonderful. We loved the conch-bacon fritters, goat cheese truffles, fried green tomato salad and roasted tomato soup. Each of us tried different dinners but shared bites. The favorite was the steak. But the fried chicken, red snapper and scallops were all well liked. For dessert be sure to try the butter cake! We were all so pleased with our experience and can't wait to go back.
(5)
Woods R.

One can get very good meals here. Just be careful not to fall into the wine up- sell hype; " just in" "Jeanies favorite. etc. Just dont be embarrassed to ask the price( you wont be told) to avoid an surprise when the check comes.
(3)
Sarah W.

So excited- another foodie restaurant in Tampa! We had the goat cheese truffles, cracked conch and bacon fritters, vanilla scented foie gras on shrimp toast, avocado leaf seared tuna and the chocolate earl grey milkshake. Everything was fantastic. The goat cheese truffles could have been dessert, they were so rich. The fritters were the one thing that I probably could have done without. My husband liked them, but being as in love with conch as he is, he wished there had been more conch in them. I thought they were a bit heavy with peppers. The foie gras was the highlight of my meal. I could have just had two orders of that and been a happy girl. The seared tuna was a nice break from the heaviness of the rest of the meal. The sorbet that came with it had a nice kick of heat. The chocolate milkshake was ridiculous. I could eat one of those everyday. The only negative i can point out which someone else did, is we did leave smelling a bit like a smokey grill. Not sure what they could do to fix that, maybe something with their exhaust. But it's nothing that would keep me from going back to Edison.
(4)
Barbara V.

So i am going to give this place 4 stars because I really like the food. I have been there for lunch and dinner many times and each time I am happy with the food. One of my favorite things on the menu is the Burata Salad and also I love the Fried Green Tomato salad. The menu changes often which is a good and bad thing. My favorite dishes have been on the menu for a while now. I hope they don't go away either. The Chef is very creative and Tampa can use more Chef's like Jeannie Pierola. There are a few things that I would like to see change and that being the hostesses. It seems like either they don't know what they are doing or are just new at this. There is one guy that has been with Jeannie at all of her pop up restaurants and he as well sometimes puzzles me. I don't understand how you can have a reservation, show up and have to wait while there are open tables. When I see empty tables and people gathering around waiting to be seated and the hostess tells you that you should go to the bar and wait till your table is ready totally baffles me. It seems like we have to wait every time we go there. There is also a disconnect with the theme of this restaurant and the name of it. I'm not sure what they are trying to do with that. The food is good but it is definitely on the expensive side. There is also a lot of smoke in the restaurant I guess this is due to poor ventilation. My eyes burn in there sometimes. There is also one place in the restaurant that has the air conditioning blowing on you. They did try to lower the a/c when we asked but that didn't last too long as it got cold again which made my food get cold quickly too.
(4)
Kali G.

A little disappointed. The waiter had recommended the seafood bouillabaisse as a good seafood dish and that it was a big portion. It was tasty but for $40 the portion was extremely small! You get one big scallop, one big shrimp, one or two small clams, one mussel, and one small piece of lobster and calamari. So for $40 a big rip off if you ask me. He also recommended the tuna tartare which he neglected to mention was very spicy- so I couldn't even eat it. Would not go back.
(2)
Mary lou C.

Our son recommended the reservation as it is too expensive for local college student and it was wonderful. Good selection of seafood and meat. We tried halibut, chicken with waffles, duck, and short ribs and everyone was extremely happy with their choices. Shared the chocolate tart and donuts for dessert. They were good but not as outstanding as the main entries and starters. Will definitely come back.
(5)
Siouxsie S.

This is by far, the best food & drink experience in Tampa right now. In our experience, it easily competes with restaurants in larger metro areas (NYC, Dallas, Atlanta, Chicago). We recently had a 2-1/2 hour meal and eveyrthing we ordered was simply amazing. The combinations they put together are complex, but brilliant. We received excellent service in a very busy environment on a recent Saturday night. One of our best meal experiences in Tampa over four-plus years of dining out. And don't forget to ask for the coffee at the end. They brew it at the table in a really cool contraption from Buddy Brew. The food, the service, the coffee and the entire experience was five-star, all the way, a real class act.
(5)
Larry C.

Ready to spark that inner foodie light bulb? You've come to the right place Been wanting to check this place out for a while now and was happy to give this place a chance. To avoid the crowds we decided to go on a weekday and on the coldest of coldest Tampa nights. Upon pulling up to the building I was lucky to find a prime street parking spot right in front of the building (NYC'ers I know you can feel my joy on this one) so was able to avoid from having to pay the $5 valet charge (ugh). Upon being welcomed into Edison by our hostess, we choose a seat at the bar so we can witness the "magic" of EDISON's famous mixologist Ryan, right before our eyes. We recognized him from a previous Mixologist competition we had attended a few months back so me and the GF were very excited to order a cocktail. We were handed clipboards which contained the menu & drink items which was pretty cool taking into account the whole FOOD+DRINK LAB concept (nice touch!). I immediately looked for my favorite drink, an OLD FASHIONED and was a little shocked when I didn't see one on the menu. However when I asked Ryan if he was able to make one he was able to work his mixology magic, create away and make me a happy person once again (Thanks RYAN - that was one of the best OF's i've had in a while!). He mixed my old fashioned with Angels Envy which was a very nice smooth bourbon and made a big difference to the drink. I asked him why he choose to use that bourbon and that's where his true knowledge of the industry came to light. All throughout the evening we had a hearty discussion of the many different bourbons in the house and even got into a discussion on the Japanese whiskey, as I noticed they had a bottle of Hibiki 12 hidden in the shelf. I haven't seen a bar in Tampa that had Hibiki on selection so I will def be back to try as this was one on my list of bourbons to try! We ordered the Escargot and WOW that made me and the GF a happy couple. Simply fantastic!!! The bread used was crisp and crunchy and soaked up the butter & oils without changing the crunchy texture of the toast. Even had a little char grilled taste on the Escargot which immediately took me back to the char grilled oysters I SO loved back in New Orleans. The cheese plate had a nice assortment of cheeses. I'm not a big fan of blue cheese but the one they served with the plate I really enjoyed. Paired with the bread this made for a fantastic treat at the bar! Looking forward to coming back for dinner as the Duck Confit on the menu had us drooling. A little pricey menu compared to a few other restaurants but you come to expect that for good creative playful food now a days. If you're looking for a total adventure for your palette, hurry on down and check out the EDISON! You will not be disappointed
(5)
Ray S.

I've only been here once, but the first thing I noticed was that the staff is extremely attentive and friendly. Our waiter constantly made sure we had everything we needed (and not in annoying way), the manager checked on us twice, and one of the bus boys even let us use the employees' bathroom when he saw us waiting for normal bathrooms (sorry if I got someone in trouble!). The atmosphere is pretty nice and seems to be a combination of the trendy industrial look mixed with hipster. I thought the entrance was especially nice but the dining room was not especially noteworthy. With the price/reputation, I was expecting something more unique like Ciro's. The food was very good. The menu changes but our order of moules frites for an appetizer and spicy Jamaican chicken and waffles (definitely worth ordering) and a salmon dish were all good. I looked at the link provided on Yelp for menu and the prices don't properly reflect what you pay here. Nothing is cheap, but like the old adage goes, "you get what you pay for". We each had two drinks (both craft cocktails were good), along with a shared appetizer and an entrÃ©e each, and walked away with $150 bill (including tip). This place is a decent date spot, though I wish the atmosphere gave you a little more, especially for the price.
(4)
Katie N.

Came here on nyeve this year because everywhere else was booked but I'm def glad we did! The drinks here are amazingggggff, yes amazing! I wanted to try every single cocktail they have, so smooth and so good. The food were also fantastic (from what I can remember because I did get carried away with their amazing drinks). The atmosphere is hip and casual, the prices aren't too casual though so keep that in mind. I'm planning to go back when I get a chance to actually enjoy the food as well.
(4)
Thomas L.

Great food and service every time I have been here. Hope hey continue the great work
(5)
Neil G.

I have had so many amazing experiences at Edison. I learned recently that Ryan (bar program) has moved on. He created some amazing libations. The kitchen puts out surprises, as well. One of the most amazing was the buffalo cauliflower with Maytag blue cheese crusted bone marrow. Just buckle up if that's on the menu when you go.
(5)
Joseph A.

This is easily the best, most inventive, stimulating eating experience in Tampa. By far. And I'm speaking to all of you who think Ulele is the pinnacle of Tampa dining. The level of creativity and originality at this restaurant is quite stunning. You'd have to go to food-meccas like New York or San Francisco to find something even close. There's a food-artist working in the kitchen. and if you're bored with the same old thing...what I call the "Grilled chicken and vegetables" kind of entrees, and the caesar salad kind of appetizers, then you should be making a reservation at Edison...seconds after finishing this review.
(5)
Lily O.

I have been to this restaurant three times in the last three months. Once for lunch, twice for dinner. Our waiter has been Matt on every visit! Love him! He is very knowledgeable about the menu, the ingredients, and he provides excellent service! The menu changes daily, and if you like experimenting with your palate, this is the place to go. We have had the scallops entree twice, and both times the plate has been different but intriguing. The best and most consistent dish with our visits, has been the Edison Chowder. It is a delicious blend of fine ingredients in a clear broth that makes you want to come back for more.
(5)
Allison N.

Oh Edison. So many flavors. So many noms. I stopped into Edison for dinner last night after hearing it was the best restaurant in Tampa Bay. Reservations were made, my boyfriend and I snazzed ourselves up, and off we went to find out if Edison really lived up to the hype. We were a little ambitious with the appetizers -- I mean, they all sounded SO good from the menu description, and we had never been here before, so, why not? We ordered the goat cheese truffles, the pork belly and the conch fritters to start. Something I noticed (and really liked) about the appetizers at Edison was that they were brought out one by one rather than all at the same time. This is a pretty good strategy since it allowed us to fully enjoy the amazingness of all the flavors. The goat cheese truffles came out cold, something I wasn't expecting, but they were damn good. Inside the truffles was a sweet date mixture which really complemented the goat cheese taste really well. So tasty. I'd definitely get these again. Next up was the pork belly, which was honestly one of my favorite parts of the entire meal. Pork belly is pretty popular nowadays and I've had it at a few restaurants in the area. Edison's blew all other pork bellies in Tampa away. Take note, other restaurants. It was served with a cabbage mixture and polenta which, when all eaten together, was a mixture of deliciousness I still can't comprehend. The conch fritters came out afterwards and they were awesome. I don't eat conch fritters a lot but I enjoyed these quite a bit. They came out with a honey/grainy mustard dipping sauce that was really good. I ordered the filet for my meal and it was SO good. I loved how there were so many different tastes on my plate. The steak's temperature was perfect and just the way I asked for it which can be a pretty big problem for me at other restaurants since they usually overcook my steak. PSA: Edison cooks steaks right. My boyfriend got the salmon. I'm not a big seafood fan so I didn't try it, but the collard greens that came along with it were the best collard greens I've ever had. My boyfriend concurred with this sentiment. To top it all off, we ended our meal with the chocolate tart. I know, you are probably reading this and wondering how I could keep eating after already having so much food. Well, life is full of surprises. Anyway, the chocolate tart was not too sweet -- it was more like real dark chocolate than anything else. The bananas and coconut ice cream topped it off pretty well. It was actually kind of nice to eat a dessert that didn't make me feel like I was going to enter a diabetic coma afterwards. Service was speedy and friendly and ultimately, I left Edison with a happy tummy. A happy tummy = a happy Allison. Five stars.
(5)
Jordan M.

This place wasn't horrible but I'm not sure if I would go back. It's definitely too expensive for the taste of the food I think. But all the staff was very nice.
(3)
Sarah L.

I had the pork belly appetizer and although the pork belly was cooked wonderfully, the dish had a lot of raw red onions that overpowered the dish. Overall an ok meal.
(3)
Natalie H.

This restaurant is in a strange location and it isn't very noticeable from the street, but it is so amazing! The decor is low key because the food speaks for itself, and the service was good. I had crab ceviche and the cheese board appetizer to split with friends, and my entree was the ahi tuna with sweet potato purÃ©e. For dessert, we all split the butter cake which was phenomenal. I've been waiting to eat here for a while until I could muster up the courage to justify the price, but it was well worth it.
(5)
Amara G.

Drove passed it twice. Unassuming. Dark even. For a bit I thought it might be closed, but could not possibly. Social Wednesdays. Found the valet parking and saw the orange E. My mental picture completely wrong. I had imagined it lounge-ish, a place to hang out and drink expensive, crafted cocktails tilting your head back in laughter. A pout. All tables full. The long bar looking like a very busy cafeteria. Unfriendly. Many men still wearing suits and ties eating mindfully. A table/booth in the middle of a lonesome corridor that shared a wall with a very noisy kitchen. Felt trapped in a train cart to nowhere. My ear searched for music...could not come up with any...but there was this continuous noise lingering enough to almost make conversation-having a daring act. The service impeccable and honest about suggestions. Mindful to ask about allergies and spicy surprises. Felt sexy and went for the Rockefeller Oysters. Fresh and perfectly grilled. Missed the anticipated and offered candied bacon. Felt nostalgic for Jaime's sopa de ajo and risked getting over his by ordering one. Lovely, but I like the sopa de ajo with more bread and less caldo. Other spices overcame the garlic and it was hot and hearty, but some flavors ran amuck. As for the liquid diet...Tried some "El Matador," "Smashed Rickey" (sort of like a Moscow mule), chocked on a "Sazerac" (and I drink unlady like, but that pink concoction grew me a mustache) and will avoid ever ordering an Emerald City. But I had been warned the city would be sweet...ooooohhhh eeeeeeeeeee. Yes, it was. But so pretty to look at. Its own little E bottle like a perfume. Enjoyed a sipping cocktail of "Fountain of Youth," St. Augustine New World gin, St. George Spiced pear liqueur and vermouth. Could have drunk ten of those small babes with this sailor liver of mine. So went for bigger pastures before having to sell some jewelry to afford my drinking. Changed to "Irish Goodbye," and loved the booziness. Lingered on the whiskey as I watched everyone leave. Like a train that had found its station. So much gray. The semblance of an intention. The "food and drink" lab. Great but Unfun. Why did drinking have to go so scientific?
(3)
Eugene R.

This place serves up some of the most creative food I've had in Tampa. The prosciutto topped donuts appetizer was delicious. The pork belly, bone marrow and tuna tartare are all very flavorful and beautifully prepared and presented. The paella was unique while still typical of the seafood smorgasbord Spanish favorite. All entrees were satisfyingly sized. Order a chicken and waffles for the table - it's unlike any other I've had...did somebody say curry?! Skip dessert - we had one of each and found them boring. Service could use some improvement - food/drink refill service times were off, and we were seated 40 minutes after our reservation time. Thankfully they have skilled bartenders serving up interesting drinks at the bar that will get you and your party talking - your friends will want a sip while you wait. One more thing - it's VERY loud when crowded. I'm okay with that...great for a rowdy night but probably not the best place for intimate conversation.
(4)
g a.

Some of the most inventive, creative food in the Tampa area. When you look at a menu and see a dozen things you want to try - because you've never seen them before, then you know that some careful thought and expertise went into the offerings. The fried oysters appetizer was outstanding, with its dill and honey base. The cauliflower appetizer has been discussed at length in the Yelp reviews, and yes, it is worth it; the server warned us that it is big enough to share. Two of us had the red snapper, and agreed that it was the best prepared piece of fish we've had in over a year; it was absolutely perfectly cooked, juicy and moist, and nicely seasoned. (We are so, so tired of getting overcooked fish, which seems the norm lately.) While some of the prior reviews criticized the scallops, our dining companion had them and really liked them. Yes it is an expensive place, but wouldn't you rather have one excellent meal, rather than two or three mediocre ones? Service was excellent.
(5)
Ashley P.

Had the most amazing dinner!! First time here and was blown away! Will definitely go back again! Octopus, oysters, Burrata salas, and grilled shrimp.. Topped of by the Sugar crusted butter cake!
(5)
Ted C.

In a class by itself! JUST GO, you won't be disappointed. I only have one recommendation.... upgrade the comfort of the seating. Brilliant and Imaginative food, excellent cocktails and bar staff. Chef Jeannie sets the standard. :)
(5)
PJ N.

am totally in love with this place......very small, loud and trendy, but the food is absolutely wonderful! service is friendly and attentive without being on top of you. had the jumbo soft shell crab for app...wow! just delicious. the garlic cabbage served with it was the star! beet salad with burrata another wow! strip steak, perfectly cooked and simply seasoned went down as easily as the previous courses.....cocktail are unique and unusual with elements of vintage style ingredients. have been looking for a REALLY GOOD restaurant in the tampa area for months, was losing hope, until now.
(5)
Sherri M.

This is one of Tampa's most interesting menus...farm to table freshness ...upscale but casual...the staff ..friendly and helpful with making dinner and drink selections. All items were unique and unusual
(4)
Matthew T.

As I tried to frame this review this idea came to mind and I think it pretty much sums up my experience, "Some really interesting ideas, but some of them need a bit more work before being put into the dinning room." Which begs why four stars? The highs are really high and the lows are fixable. Maybe 3.5 but this is totally the kind of place I should like and those of you who are jaded and easily board this is certainly a place you should try. Plus good service saves them from going to 3 stars. I'm also aware that they change their menu a lot (which I like) so maybe I just hit an odd patch. The fired green tomato salad was pretty amazing and the first thing we had. The salad is interesting and the idea of the tomatoes being like a "crouton" for texture was great. Good flavors and combinations. The squash blossom crab Rangoons were another winner. A great combo of textures and flavors and a fun idea. They were battered and cooked perfectly. The misses were really about balanced. I got the sense they were going for sweet and salty combinations and the balanced between was way off. A perfect example was the Serrano Ham rosemary zepolles. The powdered sugar was way over the top while the ham isn't salty enough to really counter it. Maybe a saltier ham or using a fine sugar rather than powder sugar would have made this work better. But basically the rosemary and the ham were totally lost in the powdered sugar so this just didn't work. I get these parties are traditional to have powdered sugar, but it just didn't work. Likewise on the ham tasting board, pairing serrano with a very sweet fennel compote just didn't work. I think the idea of caramelizing fennel and using it on the bread with a ham is a good one, but no need to make the fennel so sweet and just let it natural flavor work. All of these seem like odd balance choices that would have come out in the testing, so just not sure what plate they are shooting for. But I liked the idea of a salty sweet dish, just needs to be excited differently. Drinks were very good as well as the service, I'll go back , but I'm going to analyze the dishes a bit more before ordering next time and try to avoid things that might be overly sweet.
(4)
Amy W.

Came for a work dinner. I ordered the duck and this was one of my favorite dishes I've eaten in ages. It disappeared off my plate so quickly I didn't even realize I had just devoured it. Service was average but I would go back just to enjoy the food again. The wine list was good and desserts unique.
(4)
Hannah M.

The food and staff were both good here. I got food to go but still had great service. I had scallops which were amazing. The sweet potato with chipotle was not good. The chipotle was very overpowering. The greens were good but salty. The prices were very high for the atmosphere but I took it to go so the ambience didn't matter to me.
(3)
Daisy D.

edison food + drink lab turned my lightbulb on fo sho! Having perused the menu online and been to similar venues in So Cal, we went in with a plan to work our way through several appetizers to maximize our tasting pleasure. Our plan worked perfectly. We were (super) early for our reservation, so we had planned to grab a seat at the bar. My only complaint of the whole evening is the bar area isn't really made for waiting for your table. The bar stools are big, they're tightly packed and the bar really is better for grabbing a meal with a pal than ordering a cocktail while you wait. I ordered the Empire Builder. Hands down the best gin & tonic I've EVER had. Lime gin, tonic syrup, bitters and soda water all blended beautifully and I surprisingly made it last all through dinner. Now on to the main event: the food! For our first round of appetizers we each picked one. Me the escargot + cippolini onion crostini. He the caramelized pork belly 'bulgogi'. The escargot crostini were beautiful on their line of a plate. The cippolini played nicely to give us the perfect first bite. Each crostini had two escargot, so for the third piece we were able to each take a bite. Not the best appetizer to share with a party of four as one will have to go without. The beautiful bowl of pork belly was the next dish to arrive. So much going on in this little dish. But it all worked so well together: perfectly poached egg, soba noodles, black soy bean tofu all in a spicy broth. The tofu was diced small enough that for tofu non-lovers they probably wouldn't have known they were eating it. It just added a nice texture & contrast to the noodles. We had two dishes in mind for the next round, but went with one first to see how much room was really left in our stomach. The next round was the cracked conch + bacon fritters. It was served with a pickled mustard seed & burnt honey dipping sauce. The sauce made this dish for me. Would I order it again? Yes, if I was in party of four or five I definitely would. The fritters were substantial and there were five of them so it was a lot to get through for just the two of us. We both wanted to try a dessert, so we opted out of a fourth app for this visit. For my dessert I went with the Upside Down Red Velvet Cake. I really don't even know how to describe the beautiful masterpiece that was this dessert. All I can say is if you are a red velvet cake lover like I am, you definitely must give this a try if it's on the menu when you are there. The decor reminded me of crow bar & kitchen in Newport Beach and the food of Playground in Santa Ana from our recent trip to So Cal. Definitely fun to play with 'different' food.
(4)
Dan M.

Great food and service, decent prices. Try their poorly named but well conceived seafood/clam chowder. It isn't really a chowder, but it's one of the most delicious soups I've ever tasted.
(4)
Cathy S.

We found Edison's Food Lab online and through Yelp. It is a different and unique experience that you go into with an open mind. The menu choices are designed to stimulate the taste buds and try new combinations. We enjoyed it very much. The fried green tomato salad was my personal favorite , but our group all sampled a variety of items on the menu. The chicken club and chicken with waffle dish were both very good. Our server was great and we will definitely return.
(5)
Miryam H.

Such amazing food! We were looking for a good place to have dinner on our final night in Tampa. What a great decision. The reviews were right! We were greeted from the moment we entered and thanked when we left by the staff. We really felt welcomed. We had a great server who was friendly and knowledgeable. We also felt that ordering 6 appetizers was a better way to taste a variety of the menu. Each dish is so satisfying and delicious that we left feeling full. No regret in not ordering a main entree. We explained to our server that we were hungry when we ordered our dinner. Unlike other places or servers who view this instruction as a necessity to wait for all dishes to be ready before bringing any food out - and then bring out everything at the same time, which leaves food sitting at our table getting cold as we rush to eat each dish - the kitchen brought out two dishes at a time in quick intervals. We still ate quickly, but we were able to enjoy ourselves with each dish. I wish we could live closer to come back here more often!
(5)
JoJo R.

Superb service. Terrible parking situation. Frankly sad to report this. Beautiful presentation but over priced and over rated. Best part of our meal that I would return for however was the butter cake with toffee sauce. THAT was foodgasmic. Started with cheese plate-eh. Moved to shrimp with gnocchi-eh. Then Buffalo Cauliflower. That was creative and tasty but not something I would crave and want again. French fries with mussels and coconut curry sauce good but overwhelming strange chili-esque sauce at the bottom of the fries was distracting and not fabulous. I was expecting an epiphany and it just fell flat. Bottom line. All hype. Over priced.
(3)
Travis S.

Excellent! Excellent! Excellent! I saw this restaurant listed on the Tampa Bay Times Top 50 Restaurants in the Tampa Bay Area and was listed number 1. My my was it delicious. I came here with my parents and we started with the Red Snapper Fish Tacos and the flavors on these were amazing! There was something that was a little spicy which might have been the Chipotle Sauce but again the flavors was a very nice combination. Now when we ordered our server told us several things that would be good picks off the menu and he insured that the chef gives very good proportions. When we got the Fish Tacos it came with 3 individual tacos but the quantity of the Snapper wasn't that much. I was definitely expecting larger chunks of Snapper due to the server consistently saying that the sizes of everything are extremely generous. Didn't really notice that but it was still worth it. For the main courses I split the Red Snapper Entree with my mom which came with brussel sprouts, slices of potato and I think it was some sort of couscous. It almost wasn't enough to split though. My dad had the Garden Grilled Cheese which was exceptional as well. The sauce on the Snapper though I still can't get over, it was cooked to perfection! It was so sweet and all the sides under the Snapper is really what made it. The serves was a little slow for how many people were there. We got there right before noon and it took a little over 25 min just for the appetizer to come out. Our server did say they had some new people in the kitchen so he said thats why it was a little slow but the food made up for that very quickly. Cannot wait to go back!!
(5)
Kelly F.

I really wanted to like this place and give it 5 stars. To start, staff was very friendly and smiley and professional yet it took such a long time to get our drinks and also our second drinks. The drinks were good but the drink level was well below the ice. Our glass looked almost half empty before we even took a sip. Very disappointing as they were about $13 a pop. :-( We ordered the bone marrow app which was good and the steak tartare and quail egg was done perfectly. The crispy bread with the bone marrow app was like a hickey puck. I bet a warm bread/sliced baguette with a little crisp would be better than the stale hard bread they pair with this. I ordered the crispy duck confit. Nothing was crispy on this. It was as mushy as the mash it laid on top of and the cabbage would have been nicer if it was cooked more. My dish was way over-salted. I couldn't finish it. My husband ordered the ny strip which he ordered medium and it was medium rare. Most restaurants undercook their steak so we are used to this. The steak was still delicious. His potatoes were cooked and seasoned perfectly and his tomatoes were good also. I wish I had ordered something else as the duck fell flat. It was sad I paid $30 for a mushy duck leg. it was not worth it and very disappointing. We paid a hefty price for a meal that wasn't to our expectations (except the steak- that was great). And low-level drinks. When I pay over $10 for a drink I would like to see it more than half-full. I would give this a 2-star review expect for the steak - that brought it up a point .
(3)
Mark B.

If you're looking to take classical dishes and add layers of flavor and emotion to them, then I think Edison Food Lab is the place where you want to eat. Their classic signature dishes, as the pork belly braised kimchi amazingness or their mixology selection, such as the Violetta, are all amazing and will definitely surprise you. Overall, definitely recommend this to any adventurous food lover, 10/10 would definitely repeat.
(5)
Melissa H.

This place is absolutely amazing from start to finish. The drinks are to die for and the appetizers tease your taste buds with a ton of flavor. The entrees are outstanding and the deserts are amazing. They do all of this with a scientific flare from the use of beakers to nitrogen definitely feels like a food lab !
(5)
Kevin N.

This place is a hidden jewel. It's between soho and downtown. I had a ridiculous amazing dinner. I had Kaffir lime butter poached Maine lobster. Now being from Georgia I'm not to sure what that meant but Katie assured me it would be great and she was absolutely right. The bartender Ryan was creating lots of drinks on the edge of creativity. Nice spot to start off your evening.
(5)
Scott M.

Best food in tampa and great service. Roy gave excellent recommendations from start to finish and excellent service. Will absolutely return and recommend.
(5)
Deborah B.

One of my favorite places to meet my man for a hand crafted cocktail and potato crusted oysters. We love sitting at the bar and trying the newest fusion of foods they come up with...always tantalizing, scrumptious and fun.
(5)
Callie M.

The buffalo cauliflower was amazing and the cocktails were some of the most creative and delicious that I have ever had. Definitely a great experience all around!
(5)
Genisee P.

Make a reservation to avoid a wait. The food was delicious as per the rest of the reviews. But, I was more impressed with the great service. Our server was wonderful in a genuine, not trying hard for your tip way. We had some questions for the buyer and she went out of her way to speak with chef and get us card. Really great, as was the rest of the staff.
(5)
Mytu T.

This place is one of my favorite foodie places in Tampa. The food is always amazing. Each dish that I have ordered here has exceeded my expectations. Each dish offers a wide array if different flavors with each bite. If you eat each item on your plate separately you get a different flavor but if you get a little bit of each item on your plate in one whole bite, it becomes a whole different food taste experience. All the items that they arrange together, you would never imagine could go together but everything works. It's like magic. If you do decide to go, make sure you save up and have lots of time bc the restaurant gets very busy and can be a little expensive but well worth it if you're willing to spend the money and have patience.
(5)
Leslee W.

My husband and I went for lunch. Atmosphere was great. Servers were wonderful. Food was very flavorful. They accommodated us even though we showed up an hour early. It wasn't a busy time though. Hubby had the club sandwich and fries. I had a chicken and waffles. Both were great.
(4)
Ralph M.

The ambiance is animated and noisy at times. I like the "mules@ frites and the buffalo cauliflower appetizer are awesome. The cocktails superb. I had the stone crab risotto, they also have good wine selection You cannot go wrong here
(5)
Joe H.

The food here is excellent. Our group ordered the tuna / avocado appetizer, the buffalo cauliflower and the prosciutto with rosemary donuts. All excellent. They came out separately though so the table was just picking at them gradually. All of the main courses were excellent and enjoyed. I personally had the Jamaican Rubbed Chicken and Waffles - excellent! The issues came with speed to service. Our mains took too long to get out. To add to it, the cab company took forever to show up despite multiple calls by the hostess. Great for foodies and individuals looking for a long relaxing dinner.
(4)
Occy V.

Ive been a few times lately to see Armando and have had nothing but great meals. The most surprising things are the ones I would never have ordered. The Wahoo, Filet, Chowder (its a clear broth), Truffle Salad, & Chicken and Waffles were all delicious. Best surprise so far was the buffallo cauliflower.
(5)
Chibi B.

Parking is limited so you may have to use valet for 3.00 plus tip. You will enter through the back of the restaurant should you use valet. Seating was limited as we went on a Friday, so we sat at the bar. The sever immediately greeted us and gave us table settings. We ordered two pricey drinks: the smashing Ricky and emerald city. Both were very smooth and we enjoyed the eclectic mix of favors that went into both. We then decided on the prosciutto di Zeppole as a "spark" and then the crab Rangoon. The dishes were large, unique and just enough for the both of us so we were able to eat just those and get away with only spending 50.00 plus tip. The Zeppole was amazing as were the crab cakes. Keep in mind the Zeppole are very hearty so you may not want to order this if you are planning on sampling the menu. The crab Rangoon was actual crab not krab and it was accompanied by a blood orange sauce that we couldn't get enough of. The drinks did take awhile to make as did the food, hence the 4 stars. The atmosphere was very hipster and we felt out of place as many people were dressed up, some people even in ties. Being working class people, the atmosphere seemed somewhat condescending but the employees made up for that air. Menus are on clipboards and changed daily.
(4)
Bruce M.

Edison was fantastic! The food was superb and the drinks were amazing! We sat at the bar and talked to the bartender who is definitely a master of his craft. His attention to detail with his concoctions was unsurpassed. The staff was friendly and accommodating. It's a little on the expensive side but not terribly. The vibe in the place was fun and lively. I would highly recommend this restaurant to any one. Try the pork porterhouse...it will change your life!
(5)
Corey L.

I really enjoyed this place. The drinks are inventive and delicious. The vacuum press coffee was awesome to watch and to drink. My duck confit with mole tamales were terrific. The goat cheese truffles were delicious. They steak tartare was top notch, as was the cheese plate with a good balance of sweet and salty tastes. My friends scallops were done perfectly. Warning: You have to be somewhat adventurous to really enjoy the food here.
(5)
Jocelyn F.

This place was AWESOME!! We were nervous because it was basically the only place in Tampa that still had open reservations on NYE but I'm so glad they did have openings because it was one of the best dining experiences I've had in Tampa. It really is a "food lab" that changes their menu on a. regular basis and takes good care in what they make. For the drink - I told the mixologist the type of alcohol I like and he made a drink with it. So good! For food - I tasted the fried green tomato salad (so good), Hogfish (AWESOME), Jamaican Fried Chicken and Waffles (huge portion and legit one of the best dishes ever), Scallops with lobster mashed potatoes (amazing - best meal on the table and best mashed potatoes I've ever had...ever). I will officially be a regular at this place!!!
(5)
Amy E.

Armando is killing it at Big South Tequila festival with Casamigos. His smoked jalapeÃ±o agave is amazing!
(4)
Tariki A.

Got a diamond in the rough cocktail.... Delicious. Staff is very friendly and dressed as doctors of evil for Halloween... Lol.
(5)
Paul M.

I've been to Tampa a few times and I've never been that impressed with the restaurants, until now. Went to Edison with and on the recommendation of my friend Ming (thanks, Ming!) and had a great time. Best seat in the house is at the bar. Good views, and you can watch the bartenders at work. I started with a Sazerac, and I have to say this might be the best I've ever had. The gent working the night I was there (Ryan) apparently came up with their version and even took the time to tell me his recipe (he probably liked talking to Ming, she's pretty) For starters we shared two small plates that were actually pretty big. One was a spicy pork belly bulgolgi dish and the other was a pasta/veg/egg combo. Both were excellent, the egg perfectly poached and creamy. We then split a vegetarian dish featuring roasted fennel and eggplant. Again, excellent and as you can see from my pork belly order, I'm not a vegetarian. The way they described it made me curious, and the taste delivered. Finished with a butterscotch dessert paired with (get ready) single malt (can you guess?) SCOTCH. Perfect pairing, again well done. Service wasn't overly friendly but definitely pleasant. Ambiance was laid back and nicely dark. Good date spot I would think. My thanks to Ming for the suggestion, Ryan for the outstanding cocktail and chef and staff for the top notch food.
(5)
Adam C.

Brunch was tasty and place feels very hip but service was very slow despite ample staff and a half full dining room.
(3)
JD G.

Wow...where do I start... I was visiting in Tampa and heard from a couple people that I absolutely MUST go here, and when I checked out the website, I was intrigued by the whole concept and was excited to try a new restaurant, but I couldn't have been more disappointed. First off, I didn't realize we needed a reservation but when we got there, the host asked us if we had one and we didn't and he seemed a little annoyed by that but got us sat instantly. The menu was just 5 pages on a plain clipboard and the food menu was just on the front page and apparently changes daily. The server walked up and introduced herself, just told us what was on the pages, and then walked off. She wasn't overly pleasant, but first impressions with servers aren't always accurate so I decided to give her another chance. This particular night, I'd say 80% of the menu was seafood or had a seafood component, and one member of our group told the server that he has a seafood allergy, and in the rudest way you can say it, she said, "well we have lots of things that aren't seafood," and then walked away...at that point, we were pretty upset at how rude she was in the first two interactions, so we decided to get up and leave. We also decided to leave because, though the menu looked interesting, nothing really looked that great to me on the menu, so I don't believe I'll be back. Also, we were a little underdressed I guess for the restaurant and I don't know if this had anything to do with the server's attitude toward us...
(1)
Claire K.

Oh my mediocre. The concept and theme is cool, unique, original...enter your synonym of choice. I dined with 9 other people, only one of which was exceptionally pleased with the food. The Line Up: Goat Cheese Truffles Fried Green Tomato Salad Steak & Eggs PB Shake The Verdict: Goat Cheese Truffles: The goat cheese was overwhelming and the bread that accompanied was so crunchy...I couldn't spread the darn truffle and unfortunately couldn't truly "mix" the ingredients as it may have been intended. Three truffles come in an order, so unless you loooooove goat cheese, make sure you're sharing. Fried Green Tomato Salad: Quite good! Nice mix of fennel & the seasoned fried green tomato was lovely! The salad dressing was perfect. Steak & Eggs: The steak is cold. FYI. Intentionally. The steak "Mix" was okay, I didn't love it. The potatoes were extremely salty. The Quail eggs were a nice touch aesthetically, but just okay. PB Shake: Pretty good, I ate it like ice cream. Really peanutbuttery with a hint of coffee. * Side note: The coffee was cool to watch have brewed in a true scientific form with a burner and beakers, etc...but the coffee was not great. Meh. Our service was perfectly lovely. We as a table discussed how we felt (we are a dinner club) and each felt equally as MEH about the food minus one of ten. I hope this helps.
(3)
Lindsay H.

I dined at Edison for the second time last night. While the food was amazing, having your server to the table also working as the bartender meant long gaps in wait time to order each course. They need to consider changing that. We also found it odd the chef and bartender made a guinea pig out of my friend by having her try a new item and watching her try to figure out how to eat it. Sitting by the kitchen, the chef watched each bite we took. However, the food and drinks were once again amazing!
(4)
Melissa L.

The cocktails were great, full of booze and tasty. Their Edison envy is an amazing spin on a classic old fashion. The fact that angels envy allowed them to make their own blend still blows my mind. The crab and shrimp cold plate was full of flavor and fresh. We had the scallops with Lima beans and the steak with mashed potatoes. The entrees were fabulous and obviously fresh. The potatoes were awesome. The butter cake is a must try! The atmosphere is casual and a relaxed ambiance. Roy was also a great server.
(5)
Erin L.

fresh, creative & delicious! Loved the atmosphere and everyone at our table was so happy with their entrees. Can't wait to back!
(5)
Melissa S.

Came to Tampa this last weekend and stopped in Friday for dinner. The cocktails were absolutely delicious!! I loved the menu format of smaller plates and entrees. The highlights of our meal were the Buffalo Cauliflower, (lightly breaded, spicy and perfection) and the Zeppoles with Serrano Ham and Melon. A total surprise and so worth it! I would definitely recommend an hope to be back to town soon for another visit to Edison!
(4)
Noelle L.

I was thoroughly impressed with Edison. I saw it had some mixed reviews. Our experience was fantastic. Everyone's suggestion of the potato crusted oyster was spot on! HIGHLY recommend them. We also ordered fried dough with olive tapenade. That was good, but probably wouldn't order again. Husband ordered the braised short ribs, which he enjoyed, but said the sweet sauce was a little overpowering. My mom ordered the duck, and that was really good. Not flawless, but really good :) I ordered the moules frites. Great mussels, and it was much appreciated that there were no cracked shells or mussels that did not open! The sauce was pretty great as well. The fries were crispy, seasoned well, and much enjoyed! The curry aioli was orgasmic. I could eat a bowl of that dipping fries in it. The cruellers were fantastic with the carrot ice cream (bizarre I know, but just shut up and order it. You'll thank me) The brown butter cake that everyone raved about was far too sweet for us. The dulce de leche ice cream was also way too sweet. It was an odd pairing, since it didn't hit any of the other taste senses, other than sweet. Overall a great experience. If it weren't for the brown butter cake/dulce de leche ice cream and the mediocre fried dough, it would've gotten 5 stars.
(4)
Joseph B.

The food here was outsamding. The best take on Chicken and Waffles I have ever had. So good. The service was good until the end when the waitress sort of vanished after taking our dessert orders. Since we had to be somewhere after, it was a bit annoying. However, that little glitch did not ruin a nice dining experience.
(5)
James S.

The food was amazing!!! The drinks were very good. The service was not very attentive for the price of the place. I spent just into the triple digits after tip and entrees for two and one drink. I can only hold that against my experience there, will return in distant future.
(4)
SH K.

I thought it was nice, but not excellent. Prices are very fair, and the dishes are innovative, so you don't really end up eating more of the same-old-same-old dishes at other places. The buffalo cauliflower was good, as was my tuna. Was also eyeing my dining companions' scallops and duck confit with great envy Bummer was the $5 valet...
(4)
Will L.

This is one of the first places I have been to in a long time where everyones food including the appetizers were all outstanding. The hogshead fish with the sauce melted in my mouth. The Escargot, Crab Rangoon, and fried oysters all had a very unique and tasty flavor. Even their beer selection was good and I especially liked the bourbon beer. I would love to come to this place on a weekly basis but it is on the expensive side. Party of 6 with no wine $400. It definitely is a place to come to for special occasions. Or if you do go you may want to order a few appetizers and split an entree.
(5)
Kerry J.

After reading the glowing reviews, I had really high expectations for this place. Unfortunately, it fell short of what I was hoping for. Others rave about the service, but our server wasn't great. We weren't given a good explanation of the menu (which is downright overwhelming) despite being first time patrons. We spent a long time poring over the menu and it was obvious we could have used some guidance. Only when we finally asked for his favorites did he recommend a few dishes. The most disappointing thing we ordered by far was the bone marrow appetizer. There was VERY little actual bone marrow, and a whole lot of a parmesan crumb topping. The fried green tomato and goat cheese salad is big enough to split, and they will serve it to you on separate plates. This was good, but pretty pedestrian for a place trying to position itself as experimental. I did really enjoy my entree, the fried chicken with butternut squash waffle. The chicken was moist and the truffle honey on top made it completely over the top. I was starting a strict diet the next day and this was exactly the type of indulgent dish I needed before a month of nothing fun to eat. Also, the chicken is the lowest-priced entree at $23 (many are $30+). Which brings me to my next point... I don't think this place can justify their prices. When I know I can go to Bern's and get a small filet with a ton of sides for $35, I refuse to pay that much for an entree anywhere else in Tampa. For dessert, the hummingbird shake is a fun twist on the timeless cake. It was delicious, but still didn't help salvage an otherwise lackluster experience. This was a very expensive evening, and I wasn't even drinking. 3 stars because I think they're trying. I hope after being around for a bit they perfect their menu and remove some of the mediocre dishes. Their menu is way too big for everything to be done well, and I do think they have potential to be a great restaurant if it had a simpler menu of only their outstanding dishes (see: Boca).
(3)
Jessica D.

Excellent, flavorful, fresh quality food. Dinner portions are small for the price but packed with flavor. Service is a bit hipster a bit class, perfect! Only recommendation to owner is to watch temperature in restaurant...a 70 degree night outside and the restaurant was fridgid! Must dine here...delish!!
(5)
Robert P.

I'm convinced that there is not a bad thing on the menu. Everything we ordered was delicious! This place is on the pricey side, but the food is well worth it!
(5)
Teri O.

I loved the ambiance and the staff! But the food was beyond excellent!!! I had the Shrimp and Grits and the cabbage was delicious!
(5)
Elizabeth W.

Delicious food. Unique dining options. Awesome drink options. Very fun dining experience.
(4)
Leyka M.

Went there on a date with my husband and we really like it. The service was great, the food was from heaven, the ambient was so great. I highly recommend this place... Maybe the prices are highly but it really worthy!
(5)
Michelle M.

Edison: food+ drink lab is a very unique restaurant! The menu consists of innovative dishes with an Asian flair and the restaurant uses quirky lab decor throughout the restaurant. My inner nerd enjoyed the clipboard menus and chalkboard in the restroom. We started off our meal with a reasonably priced bottle of Cabernet. For appetizers we tried the Vanilla Scented Foie Gras & Shrimp Toast and the Beef Carpacio. My sister and I loved both dishes, but my husband wasn't crazy about the vanilla flavoring on the foie gras or the deconstructed Vietnamese style beef carpacio sandwich. (His loss: more for us to enjoy!) My sister ordered the Autumn Spiced Duck Breast with Foie Gras and Squash Risotto and it was amazing! I have never had such tasty duck! My husband ordered the Kobe Culotte Steak with Root Veggies and Spicy Potatoes. Another awesome dish with tons of great flavor! I wasn't as impressed with my entree. I was going to order the scallops until the waitress mentioned the monk fish and how their dish puts other restaurants to shame. I have to disagree. The bone-in monk fish had no sauce so it was very bland. The dish was served with an excellent seasoned oxtail, but bland brown rice and broccoli. There was a side dish of kimchi to go with the dish, but overall I was bummed out with my bland dish. If you aren't familiar with monk fish it is sort of like "poor man's lobster". It's a sweet, but bland fish that requires butter or sauce. My best experience with monk fish was when I ordered kung pao monkfish in NY... it was phenomenal!!! Despite my entree I really enjoyed our meal at Edison: food+drink lab. The menu is constantly changing so I know there are other great dishes waiting to be tried. Once the restaurant acquires a liquor license I will definitely be back for cocktails.
(4)
Chris L.

In a word....meh. Advertised as a gastronomy restaurant, but I saw very little of that going on. No ice cream made with liquid nitrogen, no molecular alterations to standard food items. The food was good, don't get me wrong, but the restaurant wasn't as advertised and certainly nothing to go out of your way for. A bit pricey for food that was far from special. The service was adequate but also unspectacular and it was a cold night out and the heat wasn't on sufficiently high enough for us to take off our coats during the meal
(3)
Amy D.

My first visit to Edison was amazing. The food melted in my mouth. Each dish was unique and awakened my taste buds - the potato crusted oysters, carpaccio and fois gras. Most of the dishes I had not heard of, but intrigued me and did not disappoint. When arriving, do not be deterred by the parking. It is a challenge to get in and out, even with the help of valet...which is not complimentary so be prepared with cash. The ambience of the restaurant is pretty neat - lots of personality. If you're going there to meet friends, I encourage you to look at the drink menu quickly to order your cocktails. You'll be overwhelmed by the selection, and disappointed at how long you have to wait for it. Both visits, my appetizer came out before my cocktails. When I receive my Gatsby, I was taken aback by refreshing drink with kick. Delish! My second visit was on a Friday night where they were busy so we sat at the bar and the drinks took even longer, there was not a dedicated server and our food was terrible. So bad, we didn't even touch the last plate and were ill for a couple days after. In short, it is a must-try but I recommend checking it during the week.
(3)
Lisa B.

Amazing experience, beginning with the inventive and delicious cocktails, appetizers, then on to entrees and all the way through to dessert. Loud dining room, but fun and comfortable atmosphere. Service and customer service were outstanding. All food was delivered fast (and delicious) and then our entree seemed to be taking a little bit longer, the floor manager stopped by the table (on his own) and offered to buy us a round of drinks because HE felt our entrees were taking a bit too long!! How rare and one of the little details that really add up to make a completely enjoyable evening. The food arrived and all of the flavors on the plate were balanced and delicious. Nice thin crust on the steak and cooked perfectly throughout. Thanks so much, we will be back, ASAP.
(5)
James J.

Great food and ambiance. A little pricey, but I really enjoyed it. I had the surf and turf. The steal and shrimp we're succulent and full of flavor. The risotto and asparagus were also cooked to perfection.
(4)
Jamie C.

Visiting a friend in Tampa and decided to visit, I had pretty high hopes for this place, it wasn't horrible but it's not awesome either. The overall ambiance was nice and the server cool too. We had: The Cheese Board: Cheeses were good, it was a very dry plate though; meaning it was very boring looking. It came with a small thing of honey and 5 almonds...thanks. Also, if a table of 3 girls orders this app to share...we will need more than 5, super thin pieces of bread. We asked for more bread and when they returned they gave us 5 more super thin pieces of bread...thanks again. So we each got 1.5 bites and then had to wait 10 minutes to then eat another 1.5 bites. We ended up eating plain chunks of cheese lol....They "grill" the bread...that's why it takes so long. Once again, thanks for allowing me 3, 1 inch x 2.5 inches pieces of bread...please sir can I have another? Burrata: This was ok as well, not sure if anyone has ever had burrata, but when done right it's amazing! This burrata was too tough on the outside, it was rubbery. We didn't really eat it. Tapenade: Not too bad I guess, once again, this quarter sized fried pieces of bread were given...is there a bread shortage in Tampa or something lol?? Rhubarb Tart: It looked nice but wasn't executed right. Rhubarb is tart and fresh, this "filling" reminded of the filling that used to come in those hostess pies at gas stations I used to get when I was 5 years old lol. It was bland and felt greasy and oily. The tart shell was overcooked and stale. Not the best restaurant, I get what they are trying to do with the creativity and all but the execution is just not there. It's slightly off on flavor profiles and basic technique (buratta).
(3)
Simone J.

We had an excellent meal here recently. I've heard many good things about this place and it didn't disappoint. The buffalo cauliflower was amazing. I had a fish for my main course and it was excellent. It's certainly worth checking out if you are looking for something different.
(4)
KyungAh L.

I had their appetizers, entree, drinks, and dessert and they were all fantastic. Mind you, it was a little pricey, but the place itself looks a little upscale. Their drinks were all "unique" and a little high in price, but quite tasty. Had their salmon and it was very good.
(5)
Kimberly S.

We had been waiting for this place to open for lunch so that we could try it out, and this Saturday we were not disappointed. The menu is creative and moderately priced for lunch. IMO, Edison is similar to The Refinery in that you get quality creative dishes at a relatively reasonable price point. And like The Refinery, I think Edison shines with its smaller plates. We had the salt and pepper cracker jacks and conch and bacon fritters to start. The cracker jacks were the perfect snack, salty and sweet, with a hint of smoke - the portion size is great for two to share. The fritters were different than any conch fritters I have ever had, the inside was very moist and there wasn't as much dry breading as with other conch fritters. Now, I know this may sound silly to rave about a salad, but their fried green tomato salad was fantastic - one of the best restaurant salads I have ever had. The preserved lemon and goat cheese was a wonderful touch and the tomatoes were fried to perfection. The portion size of the salad was pretty large and was more than enough for the two of us to share. The only dish that I wasn't crazy about was the chicken and waffles. I had been reading tons of reviews mentioning the chicken and waffles, so I was very excited to try it even though the server highly recommended the cornflake crusted snapper. In retrospect, I think I may have enjoyed the snapper more. The sous vide preparation for the chicken just wasn't for me, I felt the chicken had a boiled texture and the breading from the frying didn't stick to the chicken at all when cut. The veg that came along with the chicken and waffles was nice and the sauce was tasty, but I just didn't love the chicken and the waffle kind of got lost in the mix (small waffle compared to the size of the chicken breast and it seemed too light to stand up to the chicken). It may just be a personal preference thing since I haven't had sous vide chicken before and can't speak to the execution of the dish in comparison. By this time we were quite full, but made room for the hummingbird N2 shake, which was delicious and a fun transformation of the lovely southern cake. The texture was very creamy but much thicker than a standard shake so spoons are required. Overall, I was really impressed with the service, atmosphere and food. We left at just under $50 with tax and tip (no drinks), and were very satisfied with the portion sizes and quality. Most importantly, my experience there was positive enough that I want to go back to try other dishes. I love that small, creative places like Edison, The Refinery, Ellas, and Boca are having success in the Tampa Bay market and I hope they continue to thrive.
(4)
Cubby F.

We had an amazing night at Edison. From the moment we walked in Jillian and John were really friendly and engaging. We had some excellent beer from Cigar City while we waited for our table. Now for the food.. We started off with the duck confit and fois gras tacos which were heavenly, the cold oysters with N2o kaffir lime which was bright and refreshing, then the potato crusted oysters. Wow.. seriously I could eat these all day long. For dinner I had the lobster gazpacho and an order of the fois gras with shrimp toast. The piece of fois was huge!! Never any compliant for that! My companion had the burger on brioche. The flavor of the burger was spot on but the bun proved to be too much and chewy. The fries were awesome and they make all their own condiments which is a great change from the normal. For dessert I had the hummingbird milkshake. OMG. That was the best milkshake I ever had. Cream cheese ice cream, pineapple, bananas and nuts. Wow!! We also had the cruellers with carrot ice cream which was very tasty. All in all had a wonderful time, our server was friendly and knowledgable, the atmosphere is funky and fun, and food is really out of this world. Great job folks! Eagerly await our next visit!
(5)
David B.

I wrestled with whether to give Edition three stars or four stars - 3. 5 stars would be my ideal rating for this place based on our two experiences there for dinner. As others here have said, the menu is very adventurous - and a lot of fun to read. We've tried a number of different things on the menu, and the results have been uneven - but leaning on the plus side. A few things just didn't work for us, but a few things were simply outstanding and most were good. Just be prepared for pretty small portions - portions that you think would be bigger given the price tags. We've have very good service all around from the staff there. I think the main reason I gave Edison three stars instead of four stars is because they have a serious ventilation problem. It is VERY smoky, so much so that my partner refuses to go back. He is very sensitive to smoke, so he just can't handle it. If a restaurant has a problem so bad that I can't return, despite the good food and good service, that's a problem for me.
(3)
Sarah K.

so here it is.. my first review! Edison food and drink lab, very unique, and interesting place. The food was great as was the server! very friendly and a relaxed ambiance . I would definitely go back again! try the chicken liver mousse. It will be the most interesting mix of flavors you will ever taste!
(4)
Nick F.

It was ok, nothing special. For the $$$ I expected a little more I guess. Being called "food and drink lab" I was expected more interaction with the food or drinks or be able to see in the kitchen or something. I guess that just comes from the play on words with Edison and his lab and that they serve some drinks out of beakers and other lab equipment.
(3)
Steph D.

Excellent place especially for a large party. We had approximately 15 people and they provided an extra room to accommodate us. Service was superb and they were able to split the checks without any hassle. The drinks were inventive and delicious. Many of us shared plates. The server recommended the buffalo cauliflower and it lacked both flavor and creativity. The only thing I could taste was an over powered somewhat greasy buffalo sauce. The pork belly and kimchi pancakes were out of this world. The avocado seared tuna and potato crusted oysters were also a hit as well as the scallop entree. The only major disappointment was the steak entree. The description read a wagu or kobe steak and it was extraordinarily tough, even when cooked to a mid rare. Desserts were innovative and delectable. This is my second time at Edison and I would definitely return especially since the menu changes frequently.
(4)
Dorene M.

Oh how I wish I could give Edison a 5. Jillian, our server was great. She gave us a wealth of information about the chef and how Edison came to be. She also went over the drinks with me and tried to help me decide on a drink based on what on preferences. Throughout our evening she was helpful and attentive. Now on the the drinks. I loved the creative of the menu form drinks to desserts, I started off with two of the cocktails,one that apricot caviar, the Far east Ricky. The other had a peach foam, I love the playfulness of the drinks. This was a great way to start of the dining experience. I decided on the Foie Gras for an appetizer. It was served on a fig, bacon brioche bread pudding with a rocket hedgehog salad and green pepper reduction. I t was delectable; the flavor of the fois gras with the bread pudding ...yum.My friend had pork belly over Udon noddle in a tasty Asian broth. Another hit, I loved how the quail egg added a delicious creaminess to the dish and the broth On to our main course, I decided on the Shrimp and Grits with Sweet potato biscuit, duck fat poached egg, and chili peanut cabbage. This is where my disappointment comes in, the shrimp..oh those shrimp ( shaking my head) they tasted full of chemicals, like frozen processed shrimp. As soon as they put the plate down, I could smell it. I don't like overly processed frozen shrimp, fresh shrimp or shrimp that didn't taste like this would have made this dish a 5 star dish. Everything else on the plate was so good but I couldn't eat the shrimp. I ended up giving it to my friend to take home. My dining companion ordered the bone marrow and with the New York strip and said it was perfect. Dessert was also playful and creative, which I love. I ordered the popcorn creme brulee topped with caramel popcorn and cheddar ice cream with an apple purÃ©e. Everything was really good; I am not a fan of cheddar cheese ice cream but those of you out there that like cheese on your apple pie might like the cheddar cheese with apple puree. My dinner companion had the brown sugar cake with brown butter ice cream and other heavenliness. OH MY, it was soooo good, a must have dessert.
(4)
Larry C.

Ready to spark that inner foodie light bulb? You've come to the right place Been wanting to check this place out for a while now and was happy to give this place a chance. To avoid the crowds we decided to go on a weekday and on the coldest of coldest Tampa nights. Upon pulling up to the building I was lucky to find a prime street parking spot right in front of the building (NYC'ers I know you can feel my joy on this one) so was able to avoid from having to pay the $5 valet charge (ugh). Upon being welcomed into Edison by our hostess, we choose a seat at the bar so we can witness the "magic" of EDISON's famous mixologist Ryan, right before our eyes. We recognized him from a previous Mixologist competition we had attended a few months back so me and the GF were very excited to order a cocktail. We were handed clipboards which contained the menu & drink items which was pretty cool taking into account the whole FOOD+DRINK LAB concept (nice touch!). I immediately looked for my favorite drink, an OLD FASHIONED and was a little shocked when I didn't see one on the menu. However when I asked Ryan if he was able to make one he was able to work his mixology magic, create away and make me a happy person once again (Thanks RYAN - that was one of the best OF's i've had in a while!). He mixed my old fashioned with Angels Envy which was a very nice smooth bourbon and made a big difference to the drink. I asked him why he choose to use that bourbon and that's where his true knowledge of the industry came to light. All throughout the evening we had a hearty discussion of the many different bourbons in the house and even got into a discussion on the Japanese whiskey, as I noticed they had a bottle of Hibiki 12 hidden in the shelf. I haven't seen a bar in Tampa that had Hibiki on selection so I will def be back to try as this was one on my list of bourbons to try! We ordered the Escargot and WOW that made me and the GF a happy couple. Simply fantastic!!! The bread used was crisp and crunchy and soaked up the butter & oils without changing the crunchy texture of the toast. Even had a little char grilled taste on the Escargot which immediately took me back to the char grilled oysters I SO loved back in New Orleans. The cheese plate had a nice assortment of cheeses. I'm not a big fan of blue cheese but the one they served with the plate I really enjoyed. Paired with the bread this made for a fantastic treat at the bar! Looking forward to coming back for dinner as the Duck Confit on the menu had us drooling. A little pricey menu compared to a few other restaurants but you come to expect that for good creative playful food now a days. If you're looking for a total adventure for your palette, hurry on down and check out the EDISON! You will not be disappointed
(5)
Lily O.

I have been to this restaurant three times in the last three months. Once for lunch, twice for dinner. Our waiter has been Matt on every visit! Love him! He is very knowledgeable about the menu, the ingredients, and he provides excellent service! The menu changes daily, and if you like experimenting with your palate, this is the place to go. We have had the scallops entree twice, and both times the plate has been different but intriguing. The best and most consistent dish with our visits, has been the Edison Chowder. It is a delicious blend of fine ingredients in a clear broth that makes you want to come back for more.
(5)
Ray S.

I've only been here once, but the first thing I noticed was that the staff is extremely attentive and friendly. Our waiter constantly made sure we had everything we needed (and not in annoying way), the manager checked on us twice, and one of the bus boys even let us use the employees' bathroom when he saw us waiting for normal bathrooms (sorry if I got someone in trouble!). The atmosphere is pretty nice and seems to be a combination of the trendy industrial look mixed with hipster. I thought the entrance was especially nice but the dining room was not especially noteworthy. With the price/reputation, I was expecting something more unique like Ciro's. The food was very good. The menu changes but our order of moules frites for an appetizer and spicy Jamaican chicken and waffles (definitely worth ordering) and a salmon dish were all good. I looked at the link provided on Yelp for menu and the prices don't properly reflect what you pay here. Nothing is cheap, but like the old adage goes, "you get what you pay for". We each had two drinks (both craft cocktails were good), along with a shared appetizer and an entrÃ©e each, and walked away with $150 bill (including tip). This place is a decent date spot, though I wish the atmosphere gave you a little more, especially for the price.
(4)
Katie N.

Came here on nyeve this year because everywhere else was booked but I'm def glad we did! The drinks here are amazingggggff, yes amazing! I wanted to try every single cocktail they have, so smooth and so good. The food were also fantastic (from what I can remember because I did get carried away with their amazing drinks). The atmosphere is hip and casual, the prices aren't too casual though so keep that in mind. I'm planning to go back when I get a chance to actually enjoy the food as well.
(4)
Thomas L.

Great food and service every time I have been here. Hope hey continue the great work
(5)
Neil G.

I have had so many amazing experiences at Edison. I learned recently that Ryan (bar program) has moved on. He created some amazing libations. The kitchen puts out surprises, as well. One of the most amazing was the buffalo cauliflower with Maytag blue cheese crusted bone marrow. Just buckle up if that's on the menu when you go.
(5)
Joseph A.

This is easily the best, most inventive, stimulating eating experience in Tampa. By far. And I'm speaking to all of you who think Ulele is the pinnacle of Tampa dining. The level of creativity and originality at this restaurant is quite stunning. You'd have to go to food-meccas like New York or San Francisco to find something even close. There's a food-artist working in the kitchen. and if you're bored with the same old thing...what I call the "Grilled chicken and vegetables" kind of entrees, and the caesar salad kind of appetizers, then you should be making a reservation at Edison...seconds after finishing this review.
(5)
Allison N.

Oh Edison. So many flavors. So many noms. I stopped into Edison for dinner last night after hearing it was the best restaurant in Tampa Bay. Reservations were made, my boyfriend and I snazzed ourselves up, and off we went to find out if Edison really lived up to the hype. We were a little ambitious with the appetizers -- I mean, they all sounded SO good from the menu description, and we had never been here before, so, why not? We ordered the goat cheese truffles, the pork belly and the conch fritters to start. Something I noticed (and really liked) about the appetizers at Edison was that they were brought out one by one rather than all at the same time. This is a pretty good strategy since it allowed us to fully enjoy the amazingness of all the flavors. The goat cheese truffles came out cold, something I wasn't expecting, but they were damn good. Inside the truffles was a sweet date mixture which really complemented the goat cheese taste really well. So tasty. I'd definitely get these again. Next up was the pork belly, which was honestly one of my favorite parts of the entire meal. Pork belly is pretty popular nowadays and I've had it at a few restaurants in the area. Edison's blew all other pork bellies in Tampa away. Take note, other restaurants. It was served with a cabbage mixture and polenta which, when all eaten together, was a mixture of deliciousness I still can't comprehend. The conch fritters came out afterwards and they were awesome. I don't eat conch fritters a lot but I enjoyed these quite a bit. They came out with a honey/grainy mustard dipping sauce that was really good. I ordered the filet for my meal and it was SO good. I loved how there were so many different tastes on my plate. The steak's temperature was perfect and just the way I asked for it which can be a pretty big problem for me at other restaurants since they usually overcook my steak. PSA: Edison cooks steaks right. My boyfriend got the salmon. I'm not a big seafood fan so I didn't try it, but the collard greens that came along with it were the best collard greens I've ever had. My boyfriend concurred with this sentiment. To top it all off, we ended our meal with the chocolate tart. I know, you are probably reading this and wondering how I could keep eating after already having so much food. Well, life is full of surprises. Anyway, the chocolate tart was not too sweet -- it was more like real dark chocolate than anything else. The bananas and coconut ice cream topped it off pretty well. It was actually kind of nice to eat a dessert that didn't make me feel like I was going to enter a diabetic coma afterwards. Service was speedy and friendly and ultimately, I left Edison with a happy tummy. A happy tummy = a happy Allison. Five stars.
(5)
Jordan M.

This place wasn't horrible but I'm not sure if I would go back. It's definitely too expensive for the taste of the food I think. But all the staff was very nice.
(3)
Sarah L.

I had the pork belly appetizer and although the pork belly was cooked wonderfully, the dish had a lot of raw red onions that overpowered the dish. Overall an ok meal.
(3)
Natalie H.

This restaurant is in a strange location and it isn't very noticeable from the street, but it is so amazing! The decor is low key because the food speaks for itself, and the service was good. I had crab ceviche and the cheese board appetizer to split with friends, and my entree was the ahi tuna with sweet potato purÃ©e. For dessert, we all split the butter cake which was phenomenal. I've been waiting to eat here for a while until I could muster up the courage to justify the price, but it was well worth it.
(5)
Amara G.

Drove passed it twice. Unassuming. Dark even. For a bit I thought it might be closed, but could not possibly. Social Wednesdays. Found the valet parking and saw the orange E. My mental picture completely wrong. I had imagined it lounge-ish, a place to hang out and drink expensive, crafted cocktails tilting your head back in laughter. A pout. All tables full. The long bar looking like a very busy cafeteria. Unfriendly. Many men still wearing suits and ties eating mindfully. A table/booth in the middle of a lonesome corridor that shared a wall with a very noisy kitchen. Felt trapped in a train cart to nowhere. My ear searched for music...could not come up with any...but there was this continuous noise lingering enough to almost make conversation-having a daring act. The service impeccable and honest about suggestions. Mindful to ask about allergies and spicy surprises. Felt sexy and went for the Rockefeller Oysters. Fresh and perfectly grilled. Missed the anticipated and offered candied bacon. Felt nostalgic for Jaime's sopa de ajo and risked getting over his by ordering one. Lovely, but I like the sopa de ajo with more bread and less caldo. Other spices overcame the garlic and it was hot and hearty, but some flavors ran amuck. As for the liquid diet...Tried some "El Matador," "Smashed Rickey" (sort of like a Moscow mule), chocked on a "Sazerac" (and I drink unlady like, but that pink concoction grew me a mustache) and will avoid ever ordering an Emerald City. But I had been warned the city would be sweet...ooooohhhh eeeeeeeeeee. Yes, it was. But so pretty to look at. Its own little E bottle like a perfume. Enjoyed a sipping cocktail of "Fountain of Youth," St. Augustine New World gin, St. George Spiced pear liqueur and vermouth. Could have drunk ten of those small babes with this sailor liver of mine. So went for bigger pastures before having to sell some jewelry to afford my drinking. Changed to "Irish Goodbye," and loved the booziness. Lingered on the whiskey as I watched everyone leave. Like a train that had found its station. So much gray. The semblance of an intention. The "food and drink" lab. Great but Unfun. Why did drinking have to go so scientific?
(3)
Sherri M.

This is one of Tampa's most interesting menus...farm to table freshness ...upscale but casual...the staff ..friendly and helpful with making dinner and drink selections. All items were unique and unusual
(4)
Amy W.

Came for a work dinner. I ordered the duck and this was one of my favorite dishes I've eaten in ages. It disappeared off my plate so quickly I didn't even realize I had just devoured it. Service was average but I would go back just to enjoy the food again. The wine list was good and desserts unique.
(4)
Eugene R.

This place serves up some of the most creative food I've had in Tampa. The prosciutto topped donuts appetizer was delicious. The pork belly, bone marrow and tuna tartare are all very flavorful and beautifully prepared and presented. The paella was unique while still typical of the seafood smorgasbord Spanish favorite. All entrees were satisfyingly sized. Order a chicken and waffles for the table - it's unlike any other I've had...did somebody say curry?! Skip dessert - we had one of each and found them boring. Service could use some improvement - food/drink refill service times were off, and we were seated 40 minutes after our reservation time. Thankfully they have skilled bartenders serving up interesting drinks at the bar that will get you and your party talking - your friends will want a sip while you wait. One more thing - it's VERY loud when crowded. I'm okay with that...great for a rowdy night but probably not the best place for intimate conversation.
(4)
g a.

Some of the most inventive, creative food in the Tampa area. When you look at a menu and see a dozen things you want to try - because you've never seen them before, then you know that some careful thought and expertise went into the offerings. The fried oysters appetizer was outstanding, with its dill and honey base. The cauliflower appetizer has been discussed at length in the Yelp reviews, and yes, it is worth it; the server warned us that it is big enough to share. Two of us had the red snapper, and agreed that it was the best prepared piece of fish we've had in over a year; it was absolutely perfectly cooked, juicy and moist, and nicely seasoned. (We are so, so tired of getting overcooked fish, which seems the norm lately.) While some of the prior reviews criticized the scallops, our dining companion had them and really liked them. Yes it is an expensive place, but wouldn't you rather have one excellent meal, rather than two or three mediocre ones? Service was excellent.
(5)
Hannah M.

The food and staff were both good here. I got food to go but still had great service. I had scallops which were amazing. The sweet potato with chipotle was not good. The chipotle was very overpowering. The greens were good but salty. The prices were very high for the atmosphere but I took it to go so the ambience didn't matter to me.
(3)
Callie M.

The buffalo cauliflower was amazing and the cocktails were some of the most creative and delicious that I have ever had. Definitely a great experience all around!
(5)
Genisee P.

Make a reservation to avoid a wait. The food was delicious as per the rest of the reviews. But, I was more impressed with the great service. Our server was wonderful in a genuine, not trying hard for your tip way. We had some questions for the buyer and she went out of her way to speak with chef and get us card. Really great, as was the rest of the staff.
(5)
Matthew T.

As I tried to frame this review this idea came to mind and I think it pretty much sums up my experience, "Some really interesting ideas, but some of them need a bit more work before being put into the dinning room." Which begs why four stars? The highs are really high and the lows are fixable. Maybe 3.5 but this is totally the kind of place I should like and those of you who are jaded and easily board this is certainly a place you should try. Plus good service saves them from going to 3 stars. I'm also aware that they change their menu a lot (which I like) so maybe I just hit an odd patch. The fired green tomato salad was pretty amazing and the first thing we had. The salad is interesting and the idea of the tomatoes being like a "crouton" for texture was great. Good flavors and combinations. The squash blossom crab Rangoons were another winner. A great combo of textures and flavors and a fun idea. They were battered and cooked perfectly. The misses were really about balanced. I got the sense they were going for sweet and salty combinations and the balanced between was way off. A perfect example was the Serrano Ham rosemary zepolles. The powdered sugar was way over the top while the ham isn't salty enough to really counter it. Maybe a saltier ham or using a fine sugar rather than powder sugar would have made this work better. But basically the rosemary and the ham were totally lost in the powdered sugar so this just didn't work. I get these parties are traditional to have powdered sugar, but it just didn't work. Likewise on the ham tasting board, pairing serrano with a very sweet fennel compote just didn't work. I think the idea of caramelizing fennel and using it on the bread with a ham is a good one, but no need to make the fennel so sweet and just let it natural flavor work. All of these seem like odd balance choices that would have come out in the testing, so just not sure what plate they are shooting for. But I liked the idea of a salty sweet dish, just needs to be excited differently. Drinks were very good as well as the service, I'll go back , but I'm going to analyze the dishes a bit more before ordering next time and try to avoid things that might be overly sweet.
(4)
Ashley P.

Had the most amazing dinner!! First time here and was blown away! Will definitely go back again! Octopus, oysters, Burrata salas, and grilled shrimp.. Topped of by the Sugar crusted butter cake!
(5)
Ted C.

In a class by itself! JUST GO, you won't be disappointed. I only have one recommendation.... upgrade the comfort of the seating. Brilliant and Imaginative food, excellent cocktails and bar staff. Chef Jeannie sets the standard. :)
(5)
PJ N.

am totally in love with this place......very small, loud and trendy, but the food is absolutely wonderful! service is friendly and attentive without being on top of you. had the jumbo soft shell crab for app...wow! just delicious. the garlic cabbage served with it was the star! beet salad with burrata another wow! strip steak, perfectly cooked and simply seasoned went down as easily as the previous courses.....cocktail are unique and unusual with elements of vintage style ingredients. have been looking for a REALLY GOOD restaurant in the tampa area for months, was losing hope, until now.
(5)
Daisy D.

edison food + drink lab turned my lightbulb on fo sho! Having perused the menu online and been to similar venues in So Cal, we went in with a plan to work our way through several appetizers to maximize our tasting pleasure. Our plan worked perfectly. We were (super) early for our reservation, so we had planned to grab a seat at the bar. My only complaint of the whole evening is the bar area isn't really made for waiting for your table. The bar stools are big, they're tightly packed and the bar really is better for grabbing a meal with a pal than ordering a cocktail while you wait. I ordered the Empire Builder. Hands down the best gin & tonic I've EVER had. Lime gin, tonic syrup, bitters and soda water all blended beautifully and I surprisingly made it last all through dinner. Now on to the main event: the food! For our first round of appetizers we each picked one. Me the escargot + cippolini onion crostini. He the caramelized pork belly 'bulgogi'. The escargot crostini were beautiful on their line of a plate. The cippolini played nicely to give us the perfect first bite. Each crostini had two escargot, so for the third piece we were able to each take a bite. Not the best appetizer to share with a party of four as one will have to go without. The beautiful bowl of pork belly was the next dish to arrive. So much going on in this little dish. But it all worked so well together: perfectly poached egg, soba noodles, black soy bean tofu all in a spicy broth. The tofu was diced small enough that for tofu non-lovers they probably wouldn't have known they were eating it. It just added a nice texture & contrast to the noodles. We had two dishes in mind for the next round, but went with one first to see how much room was really left in our stomach. The next round was the cracked conch + bacon fritters. It was served with a pickled mustard seed & burnt honey dipping sauce. The sauce made this dish for me. Would I order it again? Yes, if I was in party of four or five I definitely would. The fritters were substantial and there were five of them so it was a lot to get through for just the two of us. We both wanted to try a dessert, so we opted out of a fourth app for this visit. For my dessert I went with the Upside Down Red Velvet Cake. I really don't even know how to describe the beautiful masterpiece that was this dessert. All I can say is if you are a red velvet cake lover like I am, you definitely must give this a try if it's on the menu when you are there. The decor reminded me of crow bar & kitchen in Newport Beach and the food of Playground in Santa Ana from our recent trip to So Cal. Definitely fun to play with 'different' food.
(4)
Dan M.

Great food and service, decent prices. Try their poorly named but well conceived seafood/clam chowder. It isn't really a chowder, but it's one of the most delicious soups I've ever tasted.
(4)
Cathy S.

We found Edison's Food Lab online and through Yelp. It is a different and unique experience that you go into with an open mind. The menu choices are designed to stimulate the taste buds and try new combinations. We enjoyed it very much. The fried green tomato salad was my personal favorite , but our group all sampled a variety of items on the menu. The chicken club and chicken with waffle dish were both very good. Our server was great and we will definitely return.
(5)
Miryam H.

Such amazing food! We were looking for a good place to have dinner on our final night in Tampa. What a great decision. The reviews were right! We were greeted from the moment we entered and thanked when we left by the staff. We really felt welcomed. We had a great server who was friendly and knowledgeable. We also felt that ordering 6 appetizers was a better way to taste a variety of the menu. Each dish is so satisfying and delicious that we left feeling full. No regret in not ordering a main entree. We explained to our server that we were hungry when we ordered our dinner. Unlike other places or servers who view this instruction as a necessity to wait for all dishes to be ready before bringing any food out - and then bring out everything at the same time, which leaves food sitting at our table getting cold as we rush to eat each dish - the kitchen brought out two dishes at a time in quick intervals. We still ate quickly, but we were able to enjoy ourselves with each dish. I wish we could live closer to come back here more often!
(5)
JoJo R.

Superb service. Terrible parking situation. Frankly sad to report this. Beautiful presentation but over priced and over rated. Best part of our meal that I would return for however was the butter cake with toffee sauce. THAT was foodgasmic. Started with cheese plate-eh. Moved to shrimp with gnocchi-eh. Then Buffalo Cauliflower. That was creative and tasty but not something I would crave and want again. French fries with mussels and coconut curry sauce good but overwhelming strange chili-esque sauce at the bottom of the fries was distracting and not fabulous. I was expecting an epiphany and it just fell flat. Bottom line. All hype. Over priced.
(3)
Travis S.

Excellent! Excellent! Excellent! I saw this restaurant listed on the Tampa Bay Times Top 50 Restaurants in the Tampa Bay Area and was listed number 1. My my was it delicious. I came here with my parents and we started with the Red Snapper Fish Tacos and the flavors on these were amazing! There was something that was a little spicy which might have been the Chipotle Sauce but again the flavors was a very nice combination. Now when we ordered our server told us several things that would be good picks off the menu and he insured that the chef gives very good proportions. When we got the Fish Tacos it came with 3 individual tacos but the quantity of the Snapper wasn't that much. I was definitely expecting larger chunks of Snapper due to the server consistently saying that the sizes of everything are extremely generous. Didn't really notice that but it was still worth it. For the main courses I split the Red Snapper Entree with my mom which came with brussel sprouts, slices of potato and I think it was some sort of couscous. It almost wasn't enough to split though. My dad had the Garden Grilled Cheese which was exceptional as well. The sauce on the Snapper though I still can't get over, it was cooked to perfection! It was so sweet and all the sides under the Snapper is really what made it. The serves was a little slow for how many people were there. We got there right before noon and it took a little over 25 min just for the appetizer to come out. Our server did say they had some new people in the kitchen so he said thats why it was a little slow but the food made up for that very quickly. Cannot wait to go back!!
(5)
Kelly F.

I really wanted to like this place and give it 5 stars. To start, staff was very friendly and smiley and professional yet it took such a long time to get our drinks and also our second drinks. The drinks were good but the drink level was well below the ice. Our glass looked almost half empty before we even took a sip. Very disappointing as they were about $13 a pop. :-( We ordered the bone marrow app which was good and the steak tartare and quail egg was done perfectly. The crispy bread with the bone marrow app was like a hickey puck. I bet a warm bread/sliced baguette with a little crisp would be better than the stale hard bread they pair with this. I ordered the crispy duck confit. Nothing was crispy on this. It was as mushy as the mash it laid on top of and the cabbage would have been nicer if it was cooked more. My dish was way over-salted. I couldn't finish it. My husband ordered the ny strip which he ordered medium and it was medium rare. Most restaurants undercook their steak so we are used to this. The steak was still delicious. His potatoes were cooked and seasoned perfectly and his tomatoes were good also. I wish I had ordered something else as the duck fell flat. It was sad I paid $30 for a mushy duck leg. it was not worth it and very disappointing. We paid a hefty price for a meal that wasn't to our expectations (except the steak- that was great). And low-level drinks. When I pay over $10 for a drink I would like to see it more than half-full. I would give this a 2-star review expect for the steak - that brought it up a point .
(3)
Mark B.

If you're looking to take classical dishes and add layers of flavor and emotion to them, then I think Edison Food Lab is the place where you want to eat. Their classic signature dishes, as the pork belly braised kimchi amazingness or their mixology selection, such as the Violetta, are all amazing and will definitely surprise you. Overall, definitely recommend this to any adventurous food lover, 10/10 would definitely repeat.
(5)
Melissa H.

This place is absolutely amazing from start to finish. The drinks are to die for and the appetizers tease your taste buds with a ton of flavor. The entrees are outstanding and the deserts are amazing. They do all of this with a scientific flare from the use of beakers to nitrogen definitely feels like a food lab !
(5)
Kevin N.

This place is a hidden jewel. It's between soho and downtown. I had a ridiculous amazing dinner. I had Kaffir lime butter poached Maine lobster. Now being from Georgia I'm not to sure what that meant but Katie assured me it would be great and she was absolutely right. The bartender Ryan was creating lots of drinks on the edge of creativity. Nice spot to start off your evening.
(5)
Scott M.

Best food in tampa and great service. Roy gave excellent recommendations from start to finish and excellent service. Will absolutely return and recommend.
(5)
Deborah B.

One of my favorite places to meet my man for a hand crafted cocktail and potato crusted oysters. We love sitting at the bar and trying the newest fusion of foods they come up with...always tantalizing, scrumptious and fun.
(5)
Mytu T.

This place is one of my favorite foodie places in Tampa. The food is always amazing. Each dish that I have ordered here has exceeded my expectations. Each dish offers a wide array if different flavors with each bite. If you eat each item on your plate separately you get a different flavor but if you get a little bit of each item on your plate in one whole bite, it becomes a whole different food taste experience. All the items that they arrange together, you would never imagine could go together but everything works. It's like magic. If you do decide to go, make sure you save up and have lots of time bc the restaurant gets very busy and can be a little expensive but well worth it if you're willing to spend the money and have patience.
(5)
Leslee W.

My husband and I went for lunch. Atmosphere was great. Servers were wonderful. Food was very flavorful. They accommodated us even though we showed up an hour early. It wasn't a busy time though. Hubby had the club sandwich and fries. I had a chicken and waffles. Both were great.
(4)
Adrian P.

Great concept with poor execution serving interesting food for the sake of being interesting. We tried 4 different dishes. On paper all 4 looked awesome, pleasing to they eyes when they arrived, but the taste did not measure up. No need to go into more detail only to repeat what other reviews have said... I don't mind spending money on great food, but this was far from it and expensive on top of that. The server made a point to mention that this was a "lab", yet the only comparison we could draw to that was an experiment gone horribly wrong. If you want "interesting" food, with great ingredients beautifully executed, that actually tastes good, Mise en Place is just down the street and not much more expensive.
(1)
Justin R.

Short: Expensive, not the greatest tasting, and horrible service. Server: Marysol Pros: Some of the food was good. Cons: Some of our friends were raving about this place, so we decided to give it a try. Upon sitting at our table, we waited for 25 minutes for our server to arrive. She asked our party, "have you been here before" in which replied 1 yes and the rest no. She didn't bother to go into much detail about the menu or any of foods that night. Plenty of insignificant information about the bar though. Some of us were only ordering desserts, so they asked for a dessert menu. Rather than taking our drink orders first, she decided to disappear for another 10 minutes to get the menu. So now over a half hour and no order has been put in. Finally, after returning with the menu, which again, no details or suggestions made on desserts, we put in our order. At this point, we started losing our appetites. We got our drinks, which were expensive ($9 - 15) and tasty, but lacked alcohol for the high price. Then the food came, but not to our table, but to the table next to us. Reason being, our server was not present to check and direct the food. After getting our food, our server did not bother to show up for another 30 minutes, even once, to check on us and make sure everything was to our liking. It happened that one of our dishes was missing a biscuit that goes with the dish. But they ended up eating their entire dish before getting a chance to inform the no-show server. Of course she arrives at the end of us finishing our dishes and asks. So total visits to our table over a course of almost 2 hours was 3 times. Because of this bad service on our first visit here, I am not going to be visiting this location ever again. Our experienced friend who told us about it, was also very disappointed in the service. If food is going to be pricy and unpredictable, then the service should be 100x better than that. Servers should be prepared to make suggestions and know the food. Our guess is she saw several young people come in and assumed we weren't going to be big spenders. Tip was under 10%, but honestly, she didn't deserve any of it. That was me being a little nice. Upon leaving, I saw her quickly approach a table that just sat down behind us, and went into full detail about the menu and some of the food items. Only proving that our table was discriminated. My final opinion, not worth it. It may be spontaneous and interesting, but bad service, expensive food, and potentially undesired flavors is not worth the drive.
(1)
A H.

My friend picked this for dinner one weeknight while we were both rarely in town. I do not consider myself a "foodie"...so I'm not usually a fan of places like this. The theme was fun, but menu is a pain to read. Our server was attentive and so was the water person. I felt welcomed. We started out with the goat cheese truffles. I tasted more of the cheese which was good because I don't ever choose foie gras. A little salty for my taste. Trying to ball on a budget, we decided to get our own two small plates = 1 entree. I had the fried green tomato salad (wish there were more tomatoes), but I am tired of eating older, more bitter greens at restaurants. The pork belly was tender. I wasn't a fan of the lotus root or the lack of rice (sorry I'm half Asian I need an appropriate ratio of rice). My friend really like the potato crusted oysters, which was a better portion size than the other small plate she ordered. The only thing I felt like was worth the price was that sugar crusted butter cake. Order it for sure if you venture here. Also parking is typical S. Tampa small lots.
(3)
Cassandra S.

Had heard about this place so decided to try it. Waited about a half hour for the escargot app which was great. Waited 20 more minutes for dinner to arrive Both entrÃ©es were cold and not spectacular at all. Both were dishes I could have made at home. After tip, bill ended up at $93 for those three items. Will never go there again.
(1)
J P.

The food was amazing! The drinks were spectacular! The menu changes everyday but you definitely have to try the potato crusted oysters. And the deserts are to die for!
(5)
Paulina T.

Very unique dishes and drinks. Loved it however our waitress was so SLOW!!!
(4)
Kristin P.

The food and drinks are inventive but I was not overly impressed. Also, I though it was overpriced.
(3)
Z A.

If you like experimental cuisine, then this is the only spot in Tampa for you. I actually live in NYC now and have not been able to find a restaurant here that compares, honestly! Delicious every time.
(5)
Cindy M.

Edison has been on my short list of places I needed to check out in Tampa. Finally got the chance for an impromptu dinner on a weekday. Place has limited parking, so expect to use the valet service. Interior was smaller than expected with lots of tables pushed together. This made it hard to maneuver thru the restaurant. Service was super attentive and menu is what I expected from a "gastro-pub" style joint. Wine menu was great with a large selection of reasonably priced bottles. Ordered the oysters and seasoned duck for my meal. Only giving 3 stars as the menu wasn't all that exciting for the expensive price point and my eyes were burning from the smoke coming from the kitchen.
(3)
Amy V.

Let me preface my review by saying that while everything was fine, it just was not up to the quality I expected for the money. We went on a Saturday at 8 pm, and got in with our reservation right away. I was a bit nervous about this whole "theme" thing, but it wasn't too over the top. The server spent a lot of time explaining the menu to us, and we settled on the conch fritters and the tacos as appetizers. The conch fritters were delicious, but the tacos were only mediocre. They were out of pork belly, and had substituted duck, which was extremely dry. Additionally, the tortillas were cold and slightly brittle, which detracted from the appetizer substantially. For the main dishes, I thought both the salmon and the sea scallops were cooked perfectly, and were a good sized portion. I also had the arrabiata soup, which was great as well. Dessert was my favorite part. I had the hummingbird milkshake, which was amazing! I haven't stopped thinking about it since Saturday. All in all, the meal was good, but for the amount of money that you have to spend to get an entree here I would rather go to Mise en Place or Sideberns.
(2)
mike G.

First let me comment on the water. They filter their water and it tastes great. They don't even serve bottled water. The bar serves beer and wine only. They have a very nice wine list to include most wines by the glass, flask or bottle. We had the goat cheese truffles. Nicely done. The burrata and tomato salad was great. The fresh oysters were nice (although surprisingly spicy). The filet with fois gras was fantastic (fois was perfect!) Dessert was not quite as good as the rest of the meal. The honey lavender vacherin (a meringue based dessert) was average. The meyer lemon upside down cake was better but still kind of average. Surprisingly they don't have any dessert wines. That was a bit of a letdown. Our server wasn't quite as attentive as we would have liked. The pace of service was a little slower than we prefer. We did let him pick the wine for our entree and he nailed it. His knowledge of the menu was very solid. The menu is quite inventive (pun intended). A fine dining establishment such as this can certainly earn 5 stars. I'll give 4 only due to the pace of service and the lack of dessert wines. We'll be back!
(4)
Bellow B.

This is one of our favorite places; we go almost every weekend because the food is so great and well presented. I love the tuna tartar/toubleh dish, surrounded by red beet hummus, radishes and olives, and served with grilled pita pieces. This is not a chain restaurant or steak and potatoes place; the menu is extensive and creative. You can make a meal on small plates or order nice entrees. The staff is wonderful and they make sure everything is satisfactory. Weekends are busy so suggest reservations. Good wine selections and craft cocktails.
(5)
Tara T.

delish and fun!
(4)
Meghann A.

Last Saturday my husband and I decided to try Edison: Food + Drink Lab for the first time. A few friends had highly recommended the experimental restaurant and I had been anxiously awaiting the right occasion to try it for myself; a date night out with my husband seemed as good of an excuse as any, right? As soon as we walked in, I fell in love with the space. The restaurant had a quirky lab theme with industrial chic decor that gave a homey feel. The servers were all dressed casually and food runners had jean aprons that further pushed the experimental lab approach the restaurant takes with every dish. I had made reservations earlier in the week. We were seated right away and the host was really great by giving us a couple of options of where we could sit. We ended up choosing a cozy booth in the back. The menu changes daily and is divided into tapas, hot and cold appetizers, salads, and main entrees. Underneath the food menu is the wine and beer menu. Wine can be purchased by the glass, the flask (1/2 bottle), or by the bottle. We selected a bottle of a red blend. For an appetizer, we selected the goat cheese truffles based off of our friend's recommendation.The goat cheese truffles were served cold and had a foie gras center with a fennel pollen coating and sweet date spread underneath. I loved the mix of sweet and savory, but the truffles weren't quite as flavorful as I was expecting. They were very mild and subtle. For our entrees, my husband ordered the fried chicken and waffles. We both agreed the flavors were spot on. The fried chicken was very moist and the waffle had a butternut squash base that paired perfectly with the hedgehog mushroom squash fricassee and corn butter. The addition of the truffle honey gave it just a touch of sweetness and was a nice change up from the typical maple syrup that I'm not the biggest fan of in the traditional chicken and waffle combo. If we ever go back, I would order the chicken and waffle in a heartbeat. I ordered the black truffle encrusted salmon and was drawn to the combination of black eyed peas, warm bacon apple salad, toasted hazelnuts, and apple foie gras vinaigrette. I'd never thought to combine the bacon and apple flavors with salmon and the concept intrigued me. My meal was delicious. The flavor combination was definitely unique, but it worked really well in the dish. Everything came together, especially the crusted salmon with the apple bacon salad. I loved the crispy bites of bacon. Delicious. Overall, we were both very impressed with Edison: Food + Drink Lab. We enjoyed the relaxed vibe of the restaurant and the creative dishes on the menu. I'd love to return next time and just order a bunch of appetizers next time. I was very tempted to do it this time since the tapas and appetizer menu looked so good! However, because of the high prices we'll definitely be keeping this to a special occasion only type of place. We had a random Visa gift card leftover from our wedding that we splurged on dinner with. We saved it for a fun night out and I'm so glad we did. If you're getting married in the near future, take my advice and set a couple of gift cards aside for fun date nights out during your first year of marriage. A very wise couple had given us the same advice in one of our wedding cards and so far we're big fans of it.
(4)
Chi P.

Had my first glimpse of how great this restaurant is when I called to make reservations. I asked the host if he could tell me about the vegetarian options. Not only did he read off some items, he actually emailed me that night's menu. When we got to Edison, the server asked me what kind of flavor I was in the mood for, and that the chef could just whip something up. I chose Thai and spicy. Wasn't sure what to expect..but when the food for arrived, I could not have been more impressed! Wood ear mushrooms, seared eggplant, and carrots over lentils cooked in a spicy basil sauce. I never would have even thought the flavors would have gone together. But it was delicious! My husband had the chicken and waffles. He said the chicken was done perfectly. Totally thought the chef was from a bigger city. But no...she was born and raised right here - in Ybor. Will be going back soon!
(4)
Gigi S.

Don't be distracted by the adorably executed lab theme here and taste the food! It's a newer place, so service here seems like it's just now becoming consistent. The prices and serving sizes here are complained about from what I've heard as well, but this place has a redeeming factor that has to be taken into account. You can be a pauper, and still get clued in to their concept. A fine tapas style menu (look under Sparks) with servings just large enough for a few folks to have a bite of each, proved they are not elitists as I suspected, and I applaud them for that. I walked out of this place with an intriguing pairing of flavors on my tongue, and my hair reeking of the wood fire grill. I didn't care one bit that I smelled like a forest campfire for the remainder of my night. I'm not ashamed!
(4)
Mark H.

Okay, this place is kind of quirky with menus presented on clipboards in spreadsheet format, coffee served in beakers and wine offered in lab flasks--but we loved it! Props to the owners for originality. We only popped in for a drink and something sweet, but didn't end up ordering anything from the dessert menu. We found plenty of sweet amazingness under "sparks" on the main menu with the GOAT CHEESE TRUFFLES. Words cannot really begin to describe the compilation of ingredients the chef has mashed together, rolled up and served here. When I think of goat cheese, I think over-powering, tart and salty. Seems the chef does too because the portion of goat cheese was complimentary to the other elements of the dish, not overbearing. Note to the chef: You're doing it right. So back to the truffles... What do we have here? Dates, goat cheese, foie gras, and fennel pollen rolled into balls and served atop shattered citrus (which is citrus pulp hit with nitrogen oxide) and tangerine chocolate glaze. OMFG people. Get your sweet little ass over there and order this today. And order a flask of Ciacci Piccolomini Toscana. Compliments the truffles wonderfully. We will definitely return for a full meal soon!
(4)
Christine G.

I went here twice and loved it both times. They have delicious and creative food. I crave the fried oysters that have the potato crust. I will definitely eat here again.
(4)
Beth S.

I'm very sad to give this place two stars. I was more than excited to dine here for my birthday dinner last weekend. We had a reservation and were seated promptly. The place is much louder than I thought it would be and it's quite dark. I didn't mind either of those things but my boyfriend said the lighting bothered his eyes. Our service greeted us within the reasonable amount of time and we ordered drinks and an app. We selected the goat cheese truffles that I really enjoyed but felt that the bread they served it with was way too hard to spread the cheese on. I did enjoy the chocolate they paired with it though and the foie gras within the goat cheese was delicious. I ordered the bass as my meal and asked specifically if it was fishy, to which the servier said no and she sort of looked at me funny. I guess I shouldn't have asked that. I love bass but I just wanted to be sure. My boyfriend ordered their version of the chicken and waffle. And then we waited. And waited. And waited. And waited. Our server did pop by twice to tell us "Your ticket is next" and then "Your food is being plated." She never really did say "I'm sorry your food is taking forever" though that would have been nice. I know fried chicken can take some time to cook so I would have been happy if they had mentioned that. Once our food arrived I was underwhelmed. My bass was extremely fishy and the grits they had on the plate were cold as were the collard greens. I assume they plated everything while they grilled the fish. The fish by the way didn't really seem to have any flavor other than...well...fish. I sent my fish back but didn't replace it with another meal because my stomach was just not happy at this point and I didn't want to waste more food. My boyfriend didn't like his chicken and waffle either. The waffle was a bit on the soggy side and the corn garnish really overpowered the taste of everything. Even the syrup/sauce on the waffle tasted like corn. Needless to say, they were very kind and took the meal off of our check and asked us to please come back and try them again. I want to give this place another shot because it has so many great reviews on here. As a final downer note, we left smelling really smokey and greasy from the restaurant. Maybe they can add it some vents or something? It was pretty strong and I reeked. Hopefully, the next time I go back I can update this review and get rid of those sad two stars.
(2)
Jim H.

Outstanding food and service. Edison reminds me of some of the terrific restaurants in SF and Napa. Really innovative preparations. Nothing like it in the area,
(5)
Mark K.

took several out of town business folk to lunch. They all had different things,they all loved the dishes they had. They all said they would try the items the others ordered on another trip. Lunch can be an adventure if your up for a little unusual.
(4)
Sarah K.

so here it is.. my first review! Edison food and drink lab, very unique, and interesting place. The food was great as was the server! very friendly and a relaxed ambiance . I would definitely go back again! try the chicken liver mousse. It will be the most interesting mix of flavors you will ever taste!
(4)
Erin L.

Ever watch Top Chef and see all those cool recipes and concoctions and wonder where those chefs come from? And, wonder why they aren't in our town? Well, there is finally now a place in Tampa! I'm really digging this place. Gone twice and had great experiences each time. Even better, it's right around the corner! First time my husband and I went our table was not ready just yet, so they gave us the option to sit at the bar and wait, or enjoy the bar for the dinner. We decided to forgo the table and sit at the last two seats of the bar, closest to the kitchen. Great call. There's something about enjoying dinner and drinks at the end of a bar taking in all the buzz of the bartenders and waitstaff. I think it definitely adds to the experience. The bartender recommended awesome red wine - so good I don't remember it now ha ha. The food was fun and experimental. The second time we went, we got seated right away in the booths along the narrow hall and enjoyed that dining experience as well. I loved the goat cheese truffles!! And the wine the server recommended of course :). I think that it's too bad that some reviewers had unfortunate experiences or "aren't seeing the hype", or think they tried to hard or something - I think it's cool. I can understand some flavors being off, and maybe dishes needed an extra seasoning or something - but those small glitches are not cause for me to not return or be so hard on the restaurant. For us at least, every time we have gone, everyone from the front of the house to the back of the house has been great to us. I think the concept is great, I enjoy the decor and "feel" and I know my husband and I plan on checking out this place out regularly as the menus change. See you all soon!!
(4)
Louis T.

I really hope the owners/chef read this cause we need (desperately need) a restaurant like this in Tampa Bay. Crazy wicked exciting concept. Great design. Hip. Chic. Fun. BUT -the taste of these exciting dishes fell way short. Like OMG short. Duck confit and fois gras tacos -I was salivating at the thought but not at the actual dish. Bland duck. Bland sauce. Fois gras undetectable. This could be such a home run but without the basics of salt, this could be tragic. Vanilla scented fois gras dish was odd. Great duck liver but the accompanying stuff didn't work. Some fried cake thing underneath with a sauce of whatever that was a bit too sweet. A pickled something or another on the side was underwhelming. Lastly I tried the escargot and onion thing. Onion didn't work well but the escargot was quite good. I'll go back and give them another shot but their first impression with me was underwhelming. I hope they get on track and make it because this is a cool concept in a town of uncool concepts. Note: I started writing this several months ago and didn't realize I hadn't finished and posted. Some of my friends have been back and said they liked it. I'll have to check back soon.
(2)
T K.

Very disappointed with both the food and the service.
(2)
Michael B.

First the good news... very accommodating staff if not a bit overwhelmed on a Tuesday night (great that the place was busy). Small, decent wine list. Really awesome desserts (both the creme brulee and poundcake (which was also brulee'd) were great... as were the ice creams (one cheddar, one brown butter). Generally good-sized portions. Split several things: Moules Frites... really great curry broth and curry aoli, well-cooked mussels, fries were cooked too long and chewy/desiccated instead of crispy. Clam Chowder (good), mixed salad (good... maybe could use a bit more dressing), fried oysters with "pickle juice" (very good although you could have deep-fried a finger and it would have still tasted good with the crunchy potato exterior; pickle juice was a syrup made with pickle juice and sugar - great idea and tasty). Then things got very, very sad. I ordered the scallops on the server's recommendation - a dish that looked really delicious when it came out. Dug into the first scallop and... grit. Then took another couple bites and was overwhelmed with just way too much salt. Then a bit more grit and damn, I couldn't eat the scallops - WAY too salty and I like salt. Server offered to replace it and 10 minutes later came back with another try. This dish came with 4 scallops (1 or 2 fewer than the original dish), almost no vegetables, root vegetable puree was cold and the bacon-fruit jam (the best thing on the plate) was missing. The few vegetables there were completely undressed. And the kitchen, again, was heavy-handed with the salt on the (gritty) scallops... not as bad as the first time, but still an issue. And like the first time, they were unable to get any sear on the scallops (a lesser issue, but something they should nail, right?). This was like a big FU from the kitchen... I started eating it and just got too irritated about eating a $33ish dish that was executed so poorly. So I think for the first time ever in my life, I sent the same dish back twice (actually I just sulked with the second dish and they mercifully took it away). Again, servers handled this well. Smaller issue: booths are super-uncomfortable hardwood patio furniture that are so deep you basically have no back support and your butt hurts after 45 mins... there are tallish tables as well that look like they belong in a bar, not a restaurant selling $33-$38 entrees. If I were to guess, I'd say that the chef wasn't working that night (1/28) because this a lot of complicated food and execution has got to be tough. I'd *probably* go back if someone else was paying.
(3)
Angelo Z.

Food, atmosphere and staff are superb! Wife and I went for anniversary and were not disappointed at all. From app to dessert, everything was delicious. The highlights i would say are the deconstructed oysters rockefeller. The escargot was tasty. And scallop entree was unbelievable. Dessert was yummy, the crullers are perfect for coffee dunking. I see a few low reviews and maybe those were off nights, we had an exceptional dinner and service was on point. Worth every penny. This is how you do it right. Can't wait to go back.
(5)
Robert Z.

A friend set the reservation. I was very pleased. And now that I think about it, the name "Food + Drink Lab" is quite appropriate! Excellent beer selection, and a nice variety of food. Had the maitake salad, oysters, Kobe steak, and chocolate/coconut/banana tart dessert. Forgive me, I don't remember the actual names of the dishes. My personal highlights were the maitake salad and the dessert. Will return!
(4)
Ralph M.

The ambiance is animated and noisy at times. I like the "mules@ frites and the buffalo cauliflower appetizer are awesome. The cocktails superb. I had the stone crab risotto, they also have good wine selection You cannot go wrong here
(5)
Joe H.

The food here is excellent. Our group ordered the tuna / avocado appetizer, the buffalo cauliflower and the prosciutto with rosemary donuts. All excellent. They came out separately though so the table was just picking at them gradually. All of the main courses were excellent and enjoyed. I personally had the Jamaican Rubbed Chicken and Waffles - excellent! The issues came with speed to service. Our mains took too long to get out. To add to it, the cab company took forever to show up despite multiple calls by the hostess. Great for foodies and individuals looking for a long relaxing dinner.
(4)
Chibi B.

Parking is limited so you may have to use valet for 3.00 plus tip. You will enter through the back of the restaurant should you use valet. Seating was limited as we went on a Friday, so we sat at the bar. The sever immediately greeted us and gave us table settings. We ordered two pricey drinks: the smashing Ricky and emerald city. Both were very smooth and we enjoyed the eclectic mix of favors that went into both. We then decided on the prosciutto di Zeppole as a "spark" and then the crab Rangoon. The dishes were large, unique and just enough for the both of us so we were able to eat just those and get away with only spending 50.00 plus tip. The Zeppole was amazing as were the crab cakes. Keep in mind the Zeppole are very hearty so you may not want to order this if you are planning on sampling the menu. The crab Rangoon was actual crab not krab and it was accompanied by a blood orange sauce that we couldn't get enough of. The drinks did take awhile to make as did the food, hence the 4 stars. The atmosphere was very hipster and we felt out of place as many people were dressed up, some people even in ties. Being working class people, the atmosphere seemed somewhat condescending but the employees made up for that air. Menus are on clipboards and changed daily.
(4)
Bruce M.

Edison was fantastic! The food was superb and the drinks were amazing! We sat at the bar and talked to the bartender who is definitely a master of his craft. His attention to detail with his concoctions was unsurpassed. The staff was friendly and accommodating. It's a little on the expensive side but not terribly. The vibe in the place was fun and lively. I would highly recommend this restaurant to any one. Try the pork porterhouse...it will change your life!
(5)
Corey L.

I really enjoyed this place. The drinks are inventive and delicious. The vacuum press coffee was awesome to watch and to drink. My duck confit with mole tamales were terrific. The goat cheese truffles were delicious. They steak tartare was top notch, as was the cheese plate with a good balance of sweet and salty tastes. My friends scallops were done perfectly. Warning: You have to be somewhat adventurous to really enjoy the food here.
(5)
Jocelyn F.

This place was AWESOME!! We were nervous because it was basically the only place in Tampa that still had open reservations on NYE but I'm so glad they did have openings because it was one of the best dining experiences I've had in Tampa. It really is a "food lab" that changes their menu on a. regular basis and takes good care in what they make. For the drink - I told the mixologist the type of alcohol I like and he made a drink with it. So good! For food - I tasted the fried green tomato salad (so good), Hogfish (AWESOME), Jamaican Fried Chicken and Waffles (huge portion and legit one of the best dishes ever), Scallops with lobster mashed potatoes (amazing - best meal on the table and best mashed potatoes I've ever had...ever). I will officially be a regular at this place!!!
(5)
Amy E.

Armando is killing it at Big South Tequila festival with Casamigos. His smoked jalapeÃ±o agave is amazing!
(4)
Tariki A.

Got a diamond in the rough cocktail.... Delicious. Staff is very friendly and dressed as doctors of evil for Halloween... Lol.
(5)
Occy V.

Ive been a few times lately to see Armando and have had nothing but great meals. The most surprising things are the ones I would never have ordered. The Wahoo, Filet, Chowder (its a clear broth), Truffle Salad, & Chicken and Waffles were all delicious. Best surprise so far was the buffallo cauliflower.
(5)
Will L.

This is one of the first places I have been to in a long time where everyones food including the appetizers were all outstanding. The hogshead fish with the sauce melted in my mouth. The Escargot, Crab Rangoon, and fried oysters all had a very unique and tasty flavor. Even their beer selection was good and I especially liked the bourbon beer. I would love to come to this place on a weekly basis but it is on the expensive side. Party of 6 with no wine $400. It definitely is a place to come to for special occasions. Or if you do go you may want to order a few appetizers and split an entree.
(5)
Paul M.

I've been to Tampa a few times and I've never been that impressed with the restaurants, until now. Went to Edison with and on the recommendation of my friend Ming (thanks, Ming!) and had a great time. Best seat in the house is at the bar. Good views, and you can watch the bartenders at work. I started with a Sazerac, and I have to say this might be the best I've ever had. The gent working the night I was there (Ryan) apparently came up with their version and even took the time to tell me his recipe (he probably liked talking to Ming, she's pretty) For starters we shared two small plates that were actually pretty big. One was a spicy pork belly bulgolgi dish and the other was a pasta/veg/egg combo. Both were excellent, the egg perfectly poached and creamy. We then split a vegetarian dish featuring roasted fennel and eggplant. Again, excellent and as you can see from my pork belly order, I'm not a vegetarian. The way they described it made me curious, and the taste delivered. Finished with a butterscotch dessert paired with (get ready) single malt (can you guess?) SCOTCH. Perfect pairing, again well done. Service wasn't overly friendly but definitely pleasant. Ambiance was laid back and nicely dark. Good date spot I would think. My thanks to Ming for the suggestion, Ryan for the outstanding cocktail and chef and staff for the top notch food.
(5)
Adam C.

Brunch was tasty and place feels very hip but service was very slow despite ample staff and a half full dining room.
(3)
JD G.

Wow...where do I start... I was visiting in Tampa and heard from a couple people that I absolutely MUST go here, and when I checked out the website, I was intrigued by the whole concept and was excited to try a new restaurant, but I couldn't have been more disappointed. First off, I didn't realize we needed a reservation but when we got there, the host asked us if we had one and we didn't and he seemed a little annoyed by that but got us sat instantly. The menu was just 5 pages on a plain clipboard and the food menu was just on the front page and apparently changes daily. The server walked up and introduced herself, just told us what was on the pages, and then walked off. She wasn't overly pleasant, but first impressions with servers aren't always accurate so I decided to give her another chance. This particular night, I'd say 80% of the menu was seafood or had a seafood component, and one member of our group told the server that he has a seafood allergy, and in the rudest way you can say it, she said, "well we have lots of things that aren't seafood," and then walked away...at that point, we were pretty upset at how rude she was in the first two interactions, so we decided to get up and leave. We also decided to leave because, though the menu looked interesting, nothing really looked that great to me on the menu, so I don't believe I'll be back. Also, we were a little underdressed I guess for the restaurant and I don't know if this had anything to do with the server's attitude toward us...
(1)
Claire K.

Oh my mediocre. The concept and theme is cool, unique, original...enter your synonym of choice. I dined with 9 other people, only one of which was exceptionally pleased with the food. The Line Up: Goat Cheese Truffles Fried Green Tomato Salad Steak & Eggs PB Shake The Verdict: Goat Cheese Truffles: The goat cheese was overwhelming and the bread that accompanied was so crunchy...I couldn't spread the darn truffle and unfortunately couldn't truly "mix" the ingredients as it may have been intended. Three truffles come in an order, so unless you loooooove goat cheese, make sure you're sharing. Fried Green Tomato Salad: Quite good! Nice mix of fennel & the seasoned fried green tomato was lovely! The salad dressing was perfect. Steak & Eggs: The steak is cold. FYI. Intentionally. The steak "Mix" was okay, I didn't love it. The potatoes were extremely salty. The Quail eggs were a nice touch aesthetically, but just okay. PB Shake: Pretty good, I ate it like ice cream. Really peanutbuttery with a hint of coffee. * Side note: The coffee was cool to watch have brewed in a true scientific form with a burner and beakers, etc...but the coffee was not great. Meh. Our service was perfectly lovely. We as a table discussed how we felt (we are a dinner club) and each felt equally as MEH about the food minus one of ten. I hope this helps.
(3)
Lindsay H.

I dined at Edison for the second time last night. While the food was amazing, having your server to the table also working as the bartender meant long gaps in wait time to order each course. They need to consider changing that. We also found it odd the chef and bartender made a guinea pig out of my friend by having her try a new item and watching her try to figure out how to eat it. Sitting by the kitchen, the chef watched each bite we took. However, the food and drinks were once again amazing!
(4)
Melissa L.

The cocktails were great, full of booze and tasty. Their Edison envy is an amazing spin on a classic old fashion. The fact that angels envy allowed them to make their own blend still blows my mind. The crab and shrimp cold plate was full of flavor and fresh. We had the scallops with Lima beans and the steak with mashed potatoes. The entrees were fabulous and obviously fresh. The potatoes were awesome. The butter cake is a must try! The atmosphere is casual and a relaxed ambiance. Roy was also a great server.
(5)
Erin L.

fresh, creative & delicious! Loved the atmosphere and everyone at our table was so happy with their entrees. Can't wait to back!
(5)
Melissa S.

Came to Tampa this last weekend and stopped in Friday for dinner. The cocktails were absolutely delicious!! I loved the menu format of smaller plates and entrees. The highlights of our meal were the Buffalo Cauliflower, (lightly breaded, spicy and perfection) and the Zeppoles with Serrano Ham and Melon. A total surprise and so worth it! I would definitely recommend an hope to be back to town soon for another visit to Edison!
(4)
Mary B.

Oh, my goodness, get ready for a remarkable meal! My husband took me to Edison for my birthday. We walked in, and the host was incredibly friendly. He sat us at our designated table. We weren't a huge fan where we were sat, so we asked for a more intimate table in the back corner. The had no problem at all moving us. Their menu is divided into tapas, hot apps, cold apps, salads & soups, and then the entrees. It is actually a pretty extensive menu, with something on it for everyone. For our appetizer, we ended up ordering the goat cheese balls. For some reason, I was expecting them to come out warm, but they were cold. It ended up being a nice surprise. They had a kind of fruit glaze underneath them, which complimented the cheese and filling very well. It was the perfect way to start the meal. They have a pretty extensive beer and wine list, but don't serve liquor (yet). Wine is served by the glass, the flask, and the bottle. We ended up getting a flask to split between the two of us, which yielded about 2.5-3 glasses. It was the perfect amount. I can't remember the name, but we were recommended a red blend of some sort. It had a bite at the end, but went down smooth. I would get it again. For dinner, I got the mint chile peanut crusted yellowfin tuna. It was unbelievable. There was just the right amount of chile flavor without being too spicy. The fried rice underneath the fish was a bit salty, but it ended up complimenting the tuna nicely. There was also a very good size portion of tuna. I was pretty stuffed by the end of the meal. My husband ordered the sea scallops and roasted bone marrow. It was a very different meal for sure, but he loved it. There was an actual half of a beef bone sitting on his plate, with the bone marrow seasoned and roasted. I couldn't get myself to try it, but he raved about it. By the time we finished up our meals, we were much too full to get the dessert. Our service was great the entire time. Our waitress gave us amazing recommendations on everything that we asked for, and all of her suggestions were right on point. We never had to ask for refills of any sort, and had an awesome experience. Edison is a bit on the pricier side for dinner, but I will be back for another special occasion. Such a great meal!
(5)
Lisa R.

I'd give 4.5 stars if I could. Really loved this place, from the optional valet parking to the cool warehouse yet intimate style to, most importantly, the incredible food. We started with a couple of beers while waiting for friends to arrive. Extensive selection on tap and bottled. Our waiter Stanley was friendly and informative. He put our champagne on ice. We brought a bottle opting to take advantage of the $15 fee, one bottle only, for 4 people deal. Turns out we bought another bottle of wine so the fee was waived. Sweet! Started with the migas and tapenade. Delicious little fried bread pieces, like donuts but not greasy at all. We also shared a burrata and tomato salad. Absolutely delicious with all the extra touches, even a small ball of sorbet. Chick pea fries! How did they make these?! They were so light, a nice crusty outside and melt in your mouth rich texture inside...on a plate with dill yogurt and some other things I couldn't identify but the flavors really worked. Champagne was poured and we turned back to the menus to make some more difficult decisions. Sam and I decided on the tuna dinner and the fried green tomato salad to share. Our friends are vegetarians so they chose the tuna dinner subbing tofu for tuna. The tuna was good although slightly over seared. The coconut basmati rice was delicious. The best part was the green tea sea urchin sauce. Oh my gosh what flavor! The salad was good but not outstanding. Maybe because Sam doesn't like goat cheese so I had that on the side? Or maybe I'd had too much to drink and eat already and my taste buds were overwhelmed! The tofu was great, a wonderful sear on it. Coffee for four! Made table side in beakers, it's a mini science experiment, lots of fun. My coffee connoisseur husband proclaimed the coffee used 'just okay' but agreed the experience was fun. Almost forgot about dessert! A chocolate tart - divine and cruellers, delicious. We will definitely go back, lots more to try and a menu that changes daily! Edit: I just changed this to 5 stars. It's really closer to 5 than 4. Plotting our return, soon!
(5)
Lauren H.

I've been hearing a lot about this place for a few weeks and was eager to try it for myself. The restaurant is small but has a good vibe and atmosphere. The staff were friendly and gave excellent service. I love the concept and menu. It's very different and original. You can tell they put a lot of thought and effort into each dish being a carefully crafted blend of flavors. We ordered the goat cheese truffles and the lump crab stuffed potatoes for appetizers and they were both really delicious. Our entrees were the duck confit and grilled maitake salad. I didn't care for my salad entree, but I think it's because I didn't like the maitake mushrooms. The flavors were very strong and overpowering. There was a lot of blue cheese too. Very little actual lettuce so it's hard to consider it a salad. Not what I was expecting. If my entree wasn't disappointing, I'd probably be raving on here instead of giving 3 stars. But I think it was just a fluke with the salad because I was trying to branch out and try something new. But I'm sure I would've loved a different entree that was more in my comfort zone. The waitress very attentive and noticed that I didn't eat much of the salad and was going to bring me a different entree, but I was in a hurry to catch a movie so we just left. I would go back.
(3)
Alexandra S.

Pretty underwhelming experience. Restaurant tries to be trendy with decor, vibe and faux gourmet food but it the end it fails in most aspect. We arrived with no reservation and we promptly told that there was a wait even though two tables were open. Bartendar was fantastic even letting us try wines/beers. Note despite being a drink lab they have no hard alcohol--beer and wine only. Best part of the whole experience. We tried the goat cheese truffles to go with our drinks. Served within minutes they were not fresh and way to dense. Could not taste the foie. Finally got a table after some waiting. Ordered the clam and mussel starter which was ok and the migas which were some latin version completely unrelated to the Spanish style so be forewarned. Halfway through our appetizer, our entrees arrived. Perhaps I am irrational, but this is a pet peeve of mind. Server offered to take them back but who wants heat lamped food? We had told the server earlier we were in no rush, but apparently they were. Burger was overcooked (ordered it medium rare and it was well) and fried chicken dull. If you are oging for comfort classics do them well. The fried chicken batter had been applied when wet and immediately fell apart upon cutting. The final insult was the $100+ tab. There are better places to spend your cash.
(1)
Misty B.

I'm sorry to say, my group was very disappointed. A ton of fried dishes without a lot of flavor. Some awkward portion sizes and tough-to-justify prices in some areas. The menu is overly complex, yet didn't include pertinent information -- i.e., that something was prepared fried or that the Salt n Pepper Cracker Jacks were savory and came with scallions. For the casual vibe, the fussy menu required us to spend upwards of 20 minutes with our server at different points (probably 10-12 minutes consecutively at the start) -- she essentially became our glossary. Not efficient for the server, who admitted she was still learning the menu, and not all that fun for us. Since the concept is about "inventive food" and overall "innovation," edison might benefit from iPad menus, with hyperlinks/rollovers to define unique terms/ingredients. Wait time for food was very high, though I agree that is to be expected from a new kitchen. The smallest serving of wine is micro. Shell out the bucks for the midsize at the least. On the upside, the server had a great attitude and was very patient, and the industrial decor rocked. I've followed Jeannie to all of her popups and have had mostly fabulous experiences -- particuarly KB1 and KB3. Alas, with regard to edison, it would take a menu redo for anyone in my group to return.
(2)
Courtney L.

Very modern and fun atmosphere. Simple concepts used throughout like the menus on clipboards. My friend and I took in the whole experience ordering salads, apps, drinks and dessert. While everything tasted phenomenal-Granny Smith salad, avocado yellow tuna, pork belly, escargot -I especially loved our dessert. Cheddar cheese ice cream with popcorn infused creme brÃ»lÃ©e. I was hesitant but surprisingly impressed. Highly recommend and will return.
(5)
Megan W.

I will be back. Went with a group of fellow Tampa foodies this evening. The food overall got an A+ from me. A few favorites and must tries have to be the potato crusted oysters, duck confit foie gras tacos, sous vide + buttermilk fried chicken AKA Chicken and Waffles (with truffle honey!) and a side of chick pea fries. Tonight was the second night of Edison being opened so I will not comment on the service or the length of time to get our entrees, as that is to be expected with an opening....note, this is the only reason it is missing that 5th star. I am excited for this new member of Tampa restaurants. and like I said above, I will be back, hopefully to give you a 5 star review.
(4)
Debbie L.

Disappointing!! That doesn't begin to describe our horrible experience. We had reservations for our anniversary and were promptly sitted upon arrival. The experience quickly deteriorated after that. We had a longer than usual wait to be greeted by our waiter but he made up for his tardiness with a friendly attitude and assurances to us that the food would be delicious. That along with a similar greeting by the valet before we entered the restaurant got us excited for the meal to come. The waiter took our drink orders, our one appetizer order and our entree orders all at the same time because we could tell things must have been busy and wanted to make sure we got out in time for the show we were attending afterwards. We waited approximately 20 minutes to get our drinks. These were fine but packed with ice so that after a few sips your drink was almost gone. And if you order wine, it will be exactly 4 ounces maybe less - not a drop more. As we were waiting for our appetizer to arrive, a celebrity and his wife arrived. He was immediately seated and greeted by several staff members. We then watched as a parade of staff members fawned over him. We finally received our appetizer about 45 minutes after we had arrived. We ordered the potatoe crusted oysters and I will say they were good. At this point we were becoming concerned about the time and we informed our food runner to make our waiter aware that we had tickets to a show. The waiter reassured us that we would receive our entrees soon. Before we even finished our appetizer, the celebrity was served an appetizer when he had been seated for about 10 minutes. As we continued to wait for our entrees, another appetizer was brought to the celebrities table. After another 20 minutes we told our waiter that we didn't want to have to rush eating our entrees and he told us the kitchen was backed up but our food would be out soon. We mentioned to him that the celebrity seemed to be getting served very quickly. He denied this which was an obvious cover up. (Of course, the celebrity was not responsible for any of this. He was just a celebrity diner having a meal out.) Note that this is a fairly small dining room. Only a totally mismanaged kitchen could take over an hour to produce two entrees. The manager finally came over to our table to ask how long we had before we had to leave. We informed him that we had to leave in 15 minutes. He disappeard and never came back with our entrees. After we had sat for 1 1/2 hours the only food to touch our table was one small appetizer. The celebrity was basically eating something almost the whole time he was there. We finally waited until the last possible minute we could and then had to leave. The most disappointing part of the whole experience was that this was our anniversary and the restaurant knew this because they asked when we made the reservations (10 weeks in advance) if this was a special occasion. They not only ruined our anniversary dinner but also devalued us as customers. There are so many wonderful restaurants in Tampa that we could have chosen and had a great anniversary dinner! I can't believe we ended up at this one. I know we will never go back there again! Wouldn't it be nice if everyone that dined at a restaurant were treated like a celebrity because at the end of the day, when all of the receipts are tallied, everyone's money is green.
(1)
Diana A.

Went here last week for a semi business semi social dinner. We were greeted warmly at the door and seated right away which was a pleasant surprise because it was pretty busy for 7pm. The server took a while to greet us but they had someone coming around with good clean water served cold with no ice - a nice touch - so we were content. We had several dishes and they were all relatively good. The fried green tomato salad stood out - the tomatoes were cooked perfectly. They also had prosecco which is rare so my rating tends to be on the high side just because of that. :). I agree with the smell an earlier reviewer mentioned but we were seated at a booth next to the window, so we were further from the kitchen. All in all we had a great time and definitely plan to be back. The bar looks like it would be a lot of fun and you can dress pretty casually which is another plus considering the foodie style menu. I have high hopes for this place and while the tapas lean toward the fried heavy side, my understanding is that the menu will rotate seasonally. We look forward to our next visit.
(4)
Ellie M.

Went here a few weeks after it opened, just getting to review now. Although then they were working out a few kinks, overall this is a very solid addition to the Tampa restaurant scene. Standouts were the potato-crusted oysters, sous vide chicken, and the side of brussels sprouts (really! try them!!). We did order the foie gras tacos but I found them disappointing, too many competing flavors. Waiter was annoying but knowledgable. Definitely worth a try, and a cool, urban space. Could turn into a nice bar scene.
(4)
Karl L.

Read my reviews. I NEVER give 5 stars to a (relatively) inexpensive place like this. Relative is just that.....we got out for $170 with a tip, just me and my wife. I am just going to leave the list of foods we ordered below. Details don't matter as many will not be available when you visit, but rest assured we loved everything. Goat cheese truffles Shutoro petri (Fish belly in a petri dish) Pork cheek (the best!) Vanilla foie gras (Yahoo!) Duck confit Duck tacos Burrata cheese on heirloom tomatoes There were many beer selections, and I had a couple of new ones. Samples were gratis and helped to make up my mind. Flasks of wine are available and whatever my wife picked out was delicious. We ordered way more than we should have, so our bill was definitely inflated. Still, the originality and composure of these dishes was an experience we didn't want to miss a bit of. PLEASE go here to eat, so they flourish and I get to return!
(5)
J W R.

Edison is a special restaurant for the adventurous foodie. I loved it. The chef combines the most unusual ingredients and combinations to make some very creative and flavor popping dishes. I know why they call it a lab. I get the impression that the culinary staff is always experimenting trying to perfect each dish and they do it well. The wine list is well done and there are a number of selections that pair well with the food. I was really impressed. For now this is a local place and I was one of the few "visitors" from out of town who discovered this foodie find.
(5)
Melissa M.

I went for a "ladies who lunch" day today to close out my vacation. I went to the restaurant website to read up on what I was getting into and also read all of the reviews. When I walked in, I already knew what I was going to order. POSITIVES: I was pleased when I arrived to find valet parking available even at lunch in the back. I was greeted immediately when i walked in the backdoor and everyone was friendly. The uber-utilitarian decor was fitting for what I understand to be the the vision of Edison. After settling on a bottle of Chenin Blanc, I ordered the potato crusted oysters. They were seriously perfect. In Zach's review below he commented on how the integrity of the oyster was maintained. He was dead on. This "oyster ball" was cooked to perfection on the outside and inside. So if you are one of those people who will eat anything that's fried (because it kills the taste), don't order this because it is full on oyster flavor on the inside. Absolutely fantastic. My lovely lady date ordered the club sandwich. A club sandwich could easily sound mundane and taste pedestrian. However, the flavor of the chicken breast, the absolutely sublime cure on the bacon and the over medium egg on the sandwich paired with hand-cut fries was far from being a one-note blunder. Might I add that they make their own ketchup and Dijon mustard in-house. The Dijon mustard was genuinely unlike any other mustard I've ever tasted. I chose to dip the fries in the mustard over the ketchup it was that good. The piÃ¨ce de rÃ©sistance of the experience was the hummingbird shake. I am well known for not being a dessert eater but our server was so insistent and said that the hummingbird has been described by multiple people as orgasmic. Sooooo, since the 50 Shades of Gray trilogy didn't do for me, I said what the hell. He couldn't have been more correct...and I don't normally like dessert. With every sip of the straw a different flavor danced on my tongue and at the same time I could taste the blend of them all. Heavenly. NEGATIVES: At the top of my must have list for my first dining experience at Edison's was the duck confit foie gras tacos. I could barely control myself while they were being prepared. They finally came and I was pleasantly surprised by the portion size, but seriously disappointed with the dish. The duck confit looked and tasted like it had been reheated one too many times in the microwave. Now I am sure that's not what occurred; however, my point is that the duck was painfully dried out. That being said, it still had a nice flavor. My other issue was the foie gras. There was so little foie gras in the mixture that it's almost embarassing to mention it as part of the entree title. Now based on how overcooked the confit was, there's a distinct possibility that if the foie gras disintegrated if it was cooked with the duck. Anyone who's cooked foie gras can tell you that it doesn't take long to cook and a few seconds too many and poof... My second irritation is how I smelled when i left the restaurant. I do not want to leave an establishment like Edison and smell like I sat next to the deep fryer. The grease smell in my clothes and hair is so bad that even now, after driving with the windows down and eight hours later I stink like an South Georgia slop-house. Not an attractive smell if you plan on having dinner and then heading out. In all honesty, I wanted to give three stars for my review, but I didn't want to scare people away who couldn't take the time to read my lengthy diatribe. I think Edison has all of the right pieces to make it perfect, which it will be in time. On a side note, if you are a picky eater and need to know every ingredient (food allergies are an exception) in each dish, this is not the place for you. Not to mention, we're all going to think you're a turd . If you are an experimental eater who likes to be surprised by unique flavor palettes and combinations, I HIGHLY recommend trying Edison.
(4)
Dawn M.

I can easily see this hole-in-the-wall, become a "South Tampa" institution within the next year or so. Funny enough this establishment is located in the N. Hyde Park / Tampa Heights area near the University of Tampa downtown. It was nice to see so many people fit into this small space cozily enjoying their dinner! A pair of our friends from North Tampa invited my fiancee and I out for dinner on December 14th for his Birthday. They have been raving about Edison since their second visit. Their first visit was less than stellar due to an early opening and not having all their ducks in a row. To date Edison still only has a beer and wine alcohol selection. Edison offers an eclectic selection of food and many small dishes for sharing amongst friends. Whether looking to enjoy a full blown meal or just a few appetizers & a drink before the night begins, Edison fits the bill. I also suggest this for my Tampa Heights comrades as a grand alternative to the Seminole Heights and South Tampa eateries, as Edison is very close to us (located on the corner of Boulevard N. & Kennedy Blvd / SW Corner) ++++ Valet Parking Behind the Building - Head west on Kennedy and make the first left on the next street immediately after passing Boulevard N. and Edison. Valet is located directly behind the building (possibly only for dinner). Suggested Eats - Diva Dawn's Likes :) * Potato Encrusted Oysters with a dill pickle nectar / house dressing * Crispy Pork Belly and Palm Heart Salad * Fried Green Tomato Salad * Duck Confit Fois Gras Tacos YUM, Enjoy!!!!!
(4)
Russell W.

Not sure how I heard about Edison, but remembered I had read about it somewhere. Was in Tampa for business and got an early reservation. Ryan was both our waiter and bartender. As it was a "Drink Lab", I was excited to try some. I got the Gimlet, which was outstanding. The drinks that my table mates ordered also were consumed with rave reviews. For appetizers we ordered the Buffalo Cauliflower, Potato-crusted oysters, and the pork belly. All were good, but the Cauliflower was unreal. I would have been happy just with that. For an entree, I ordered the Soft-shell Crab. It was very good. Others ordered the Pork Porter House, BBQ tuna, and the Jerk Chicken and Waffles. I sampled the Chicken and Waffles and it was some of the best I have ever had. The waffles had bacon and bananas cooked inside and it worked. The BBQ tuna looked outstanding. We followed with the vacuum coffee and probably one of each dessert on the menu. The Butter Cake was my favorite. Not sure when I will be back in Tampa, but the next time I am, I will be back here.
(5)
Danielle Y.

I come to Tampa pretty often for work. I've always been very impressed with the various types of food available. I was looking for something new this go-round, and after a bit of investigative work, I discovered that this restaurant would be opening at 11:30 am the day I arrived in Tampa for my latest business trip. Cool! First, let me say that the signage is great. There is a parking lot behind the restaurant. Somewhere I remember reading that there was a valet. That does not seem to be the case - at least not yet. BUT - there was a sign that directed me to the parking lot. Being from out of town and not the most confident driver in unfamiliar cars, I have to say that I LOVE useful signs! The restaurant itself is pretty small. When I arrived, there were a few people at the bar. I was seated immediately and given a wine list and a dinner menu. The presentation of the menu is perfect for the restaurant's theme. The decor is also pretty gnarly (in the best possible way.) The menu looks like it's updated/changed daily and is presented on a clipboard. The options were pretty limited (4 or 5 main dish items and a few warm or cold starters), but there was definitely something for everyone - salads, fried chicken, huevos rancheros (all day!) and others. I opted for the burger and fries with a hummingbird shake. The burger was cooked (medium) and seasoned perfectly. My only complaint that I had about it is that there was no cheese. I can't for the life of me remember if it mentioned cheese on the menu or not, and since I didn't make a point to request it, I decided to give it a shot sans cheese. I figured if after a bite, I needed cheese, I would just ask for it. I happily discovered that the burger did not, in fact, need cheese. This was partly due, I think, to the homemade condiments they use. (I chose the homemade ketchup and mayo. They also have mustard, but that's not my thing.) The fries were good. Some of them were a bit undercooked, I think, but they were definitely hand cut with just the right amount of salt. The shake was decent. It went down more like a smoothie with a bit too much protein powder, but the flavor was good. It included pineapple, banana, pecans and cream cheese ice cream. Weird, but good! I'd probably come back in a few months to see if they switch up the menu and to enjoy the restaurant with a fuller crowd. Definitely check this place out!
(4)
William W.

The food is good but at the same time very overpriced. Service is friendly but slow. Overall it's not that bad but I wouldn't really suggest it, nor do I plan on going back anytime soon.
(2)
Dan P.

Odd menu. I'm not foodie/trendy enough to dig this place. Not saying that they're not good, I just prefer a classic simple taste over forcing something as simple as chicken and waffles to be exitoc.
(2)
Ray D.

Just stopped in for a quick bite - the place is friendly upbeat and the food is exceptional. Ask for Ashley and she will take care of you. Newhart a hidden treasure.
(5)
Dylan T.

After getting past the loud atmosphere and initially confusing menu, the food was fantastic. While the "science" theme seemed a bit forced on the menu, the dishes are clever, simple, and tasty.
(4)
Noelle L.

I was thoroughly impressed with Edison. I saw it had some mixed reviews. Our experience was fantastic. Everyone's suggestion of the potato crusted oyster was spot on! HIGHLY recommend them. We also ordered fried dough with olive tapenade. That was good, but probably wouldn't order again. Husband ordered the braised short ribs, which he enjoyed, but said the sweet sauce was a little overpowering. My mom ordered the duck, and that was really good. Not flawless, but really good :) I ordered the moules frites. Great mussels, and it was much appreciated that there were no cracked shells or mussels that did not open! The sauce was pretty great as well. The fries were crispy, seasoned well, and much enjoyed! The curry aioli was orgasmic. I could eat a bowl of that dipping fries in it. The cruellers were fantastic with the carrot ice cream (bizarre I know, but just shut up and order it. You'll thank me) The brown butter cake that everyone raved about was far too sweet for us. The dulce de leche ice cream was also way too sweet. It was an odd pairing, since it didn't hit any of the other taste senses, other than sweet. Overall a great experience. If it weren't for the brown butter cake/dulce de leche ice cream and the mediocre fried dough, it would've gotten 5 stars.
(4)
Joseph B.

The food here was outsamding. The best take on Chicken and Waffles I have ever had. So good. The service was good until the end when the waitress sort of vanished after taking our dessert orders. Since we had to be somewhere after, it was a bit annoying. However, that little glitch did not ruin a nice dining experience.
(5)
James S.

The food was amazing!!! The drinks were very good. The service was not very attentive for the price of the place. I spent just into the triple digits after tip and entrees for two and one drink. I can only hold that against my experience there, will return in distant future.
(4)
SH K.

I thought it was nice, but not excellent. Prices are very fair, and the dishes are innovative, so you don't really end up eating more of the same-old-same-old dishes at other places. The buffalo cauliflower was good, as was my tuna. Was also eyeing my dining companions' scallops and duck confit with great envy Bummer was the $5 valet...
(4)
Kerry J.

After reading the glowing reviews, I had really high expectations for this place. Unfortunately, it fell short of what I was hoping for. Others rave about the service, but our server wasn't great. We weren't given a good explanation of the menu (which is downright overwhelming) despite being first time patrons. We spent a long time poring over the menu and it was obvious we could have used some guidance. Only when we finally asked for his favorites did he recommend a few dishes. The most disappointing thing we ordered by far was the bone marrow appetizer. There was VERY little actual bone marrow, and a whole lot of a parmesan crumb topping. The fried green tomato and goat cheese salad is big enough to split, and they will serve it to you on separate plates. This was good, but pretty pedestrian for a place trying to position itself as experimental. I did really enjoy my entree, the fried chicken with butternut squash waffle. The chicken was moist and the truffle honey on top made it completely over the top. I was starting a strict diet the next day and this was exactly the type of indulgent dish I needed before a month of nothing fun to eat. Also, the chicken is the lowest-priced entree at $23 (many are $30+). Which brings me to my next point... I don't think this place can justify their prices. When I know I can go to Bern's and get a small filet with a ton of sides for $35, I refuse to pay that much for an entree anywhere else in Tampa. For dessert, the hummingbird shake is a fun twist on the timeless cake. It was delicious, but still didn't help salvage an otherwise lackluster experience. This was a very expensive evening, and I wasn't even drinking. 3 stars because I think they're trying. I hope after being around for a bit they perfect their menu and remove some of the mediocre dishes. Their menu is way too big for everything to be done well, and I do think they have potential to be a great restaurant if it had a simpler menu of only their outstanding dishes (see: Boca).
(3)
Jessica D.

Excellent, flavorful, fresh quality food. Dinner portions are small for the price but packed with flavor. Service is a bit hipster a bit class, perfect! Only recommendation to owner is to watch temperature in restaurant...a 70 degree night outside and the restaurant was fridgid! Must dine here...delish!!
(5)
Robert P.

I'm convinced that there is not a bad thing on the menu. Everything we ordered was delicious! This place is on the pricey side, but the food is well worth it!
(5)
Teri O.

I loved the ambiance and the staff! But the food was beyond excellent!!! I had the Shrimp and Grits and the cabbage was delicious!
(5)
Elizabeth W.

Delicious food. Unique dining options. Awesome drink options. Very fun dining experience.
(4)
Leyka M.

Went there on a date with my husband and we really like it. The service was great, the food was from heaven, the ambient was so great. I highly recommend this place... Maybe the prices are highly but it really worthy!
(5)
Michelle M.

Edison: food+ drink lab is a very unique restaurant! The menu consists of innovative dishes with an Asian flair and the restaurant uses quirky lab decor throughout the restaurant. My inner nerd enjoyed the clipboard menus and chalkboard in the restroom. We started off our meal with a reasonably priced bottle of Cabernet. For appetizers we tried the Vanilla Scented Foie Gras & Shrimp Toast and the Beef Carpacio. My sister and I loved both dishes, but my husband wasn't crazy about the vanilla flavoring on the foie gras or the deconstructed Vietnamese style beef carpacio sandwich. (His loss: more for us to enjoy!) My sister ordered the Autumn Spiced Duck Breast with Foie Gras and Squash Risotto and it was amazing! I have never had such tasty duck! My husband ordered the Kobe Culotte Steak with Root Veggies and Spicy Potatoes. Another awesome dish with tons of great flavor! I wasn't as impressed with my entree. I was going to order the scallops until the waitress mentioned the monk fish and how their dish puts other restaurants to shame. I have to disagree. The bone-in monk fish had no sauce so it was very bland. The dish was served with an excellent seasoned oxtail, but bland brown rice and broccoli. There was a side dish of kimchi to go with the dish, but overall I was bummed out with my bland dish. If you aren't familiar with monk fish it is sort of like "poor man's lobster". It's a sweet, but bland fish that requires butter or sauce. My best experience with monk fish was when I ordered kung pao monkfish in NY... it was phenomenal!!! Despite my entree I really enjoyed our meal at Edison: food+drink lab. The menu is constantly changing so I know there are other great dishes waiting to be tried. Once the restaurant acquires a liquor license I will definitely be back for cocktails.
(4)
Chris L.

In a word....meh. Advertised as a gastronomy restaurant, but I saw very little of that going on. No ice cream made with liquid nitrogen, no molecular alterations to standard food items. The food was good, don't get me wrong, but the restaurant wasn't as advertised and certainly nothing to go out of your way for. A bit pricey for food that was far from special. The service was adequate but also unspectacular and it was a cold night out and the heat wasn't on sufficiently high enough for us to take off our coats during the meal
(3)
Amy D.

My first visit to Edison was amazing. The food melted in my mouth. Each dish was unique and awakened my taste buds - the potato crusted oysters, carpaccio and fois gras. Most of the dishes I had not heard of, but intrigued me and did not disappoint. When arriving, do not be deterred by the parking. It is a challenge to get in and out, even with the help of valet...which is not complimentary so be prepared with cash. The ambience of the restaurant is pretty neat - lots of personality. If you're going there to meet friends, I encourage you to look at the drink menu quickly to order your cocktails. You'll be overwhelmed by the selection, and disappointed at how long you have to wait for it. Both visits, my appetizer came out before my cocktails. When I receive my Gatsby, I was taken aback by refreshing drink with kick. Delish! My second visit was on a Friday night where they were busy so we sat at the bar and the drinks took even longer, there was not a dedicated server and our food was terrible. So bad, we didn't even touch the last plate and were ill for a couple days after. In short, it is a must-try but I recommend checking it during the week.
(3)
Lisa B.

Amazing experience, beginning with the inventive and delicious cocktails, appetizers, then on to entrees and all the way through to dessert. Loud dining room, but fun and comfortable atmosphere. Service and customer service were outstanding. All food was delivered fast (and delicious) and then our entree seemed to be taking a little bit longer, the floor manager stopped by the table (on his own) and offered to buy us a round of drinks because HE felt our entrees were taking a bit too long!! How rare and one of the little details that really add up to make a completely enjoyable evening. The food arrived and all of the flavors on the plate were balanced and delicious. Nice thin crust on the steak and cooked perfectly throughout. Thanks so much, we will be back, ASAP.
(5)
James J.

Great food and ambiance. A little pricey, but I really enjoyed it. I had the surf and turf. The steal and shrimp we're succulent and full of flavor. The risotto and asparagus were also cooked to perfection.
(4)
Jamie C.

Visiting a friend in Tampa and decided to visit, I had pretty high hopes for this place, it wasn't horrible but it's not awesome either. The overall ambiance was nice and the server cool too. We had: The Cheese Board: Cheeses were good, it was a very dry plate though; meaning it was very boring looking. It came with a small thing of honey and 5 almonds...thanks. Also, if a table of 3 girls orders this app to share...we will need more than 5, super thin pieces of bread. We asked for more bread and when they returned they gave us 5 more super thin pieces of bread...thanks again. So we each got 1.5 bites and then had to wait 10 minutes to then eat another 1.5 bites. We ended up eating plain chunks of cheese lol....They "grill" the bread...that's why it takes so long. Once again, thanks for allowing me 3, 1 inch x 2.5 inches pieces of bread...please sir can I have another? Burrata: This was ok as well, not sure if anyone has ever had burrata, but when done right it's amazing! This burrata was too tough on the outside, it was rubbery. We didn't really eat it. Tapenade: Not too bad I guess, once again, this quarter sized fried pieces of bread were given...is there a bread shortage in Tampa or something lol?? Rhubarb Tart: It looked nice but wasn't executed right. Rhubarb is tart and fresh, this "filling" reminded of the filling that used to come in those hostess pies at gas stations I used to get when I was 5 years old lol. It was bland and felt greasy and oily. The tart shell was overcooked and stale. Not the best restaurant, I get what they are trying to do with the creativity and all but the execution is just not there. It's slightly off on flavor profiles and basic technique (buratta).
(3)
Simone J.

We had an excellent meal here recently. I've heard many good things about this place and it didn't disappoint. The buffalo cauliflower was amazing. I had a fish for my main course and it was excellent. It's certainly worth checking out if you are looking for something different.
(4)
KyungAh L.

I had their appetizers, entree, drinks, and dessert and they were all fantastic. Mind you, it was a little pricey, but the place itself looks a little upscale. Their drinks were all "unique" and a little high in price, but quite tasty. Had their salmon and it was very good.
(5)
Bob B.

My wife and I dined here for Valentine's evening. Everything was phenomenal. The ingredients in all the dishes we ordered were fresh and the waitstaff was attentive. They didn't have their liquor license yet, but that was fine because they had a nice wine and beer menu. We ordered a couple beers as we were seated at the bar. They were a little behind on their reservations so we volunteered to eat at the bar instead of wait for a table. My favorite dishes were the mezze platter, burrata and tomato salad, fried green tomato salad, and the pork belly tacos. The desserts were fabulous. We ordered the corn cakes and berry sorbets as well as the sweet potato marshmallow ice cream. The ice cream was a little too sweet so I preferred the former, but the homemade marshmallow was a nice touch. The menu changes regularly based on what's fresh and local which is always a good thing. Definitely a welcome addition to the Tampa food scene.
(5)
Heidi S.

When you choose to partake in the Edison experience you must begin with a creation from their mixology lab. We were a party of four who typically do wine with an occasional martini, but we stepped out of our comfort zone. The Matador was the favorite cocktail with a unique jalapeÃ±o infusion that was subtle and satisfying with just the perfect amount of heat. Our server, Marisol was attentive and informative, but never rushed us as we slowly savored 5 dishes shared by all of us. The complimentary Chef offering was the Edison Chowder and a pleasant beginning. The Buffalo Cauliflower was unique and delicious and should not be missed. When we requested a vegetable, Marisol offered us anything on the menu to be prepared to our liking. The Edison is certainly deserving of your gastronomical journey to step out of your culinary comfort zone.
(4)
Carolina B.

This place was kind of a letdown. I am tempted to give it 2 stars because the price definitely doesn't seem justified. Brought some friends from out of here, ordered a few rounds of cocktails (they sounded interesting but tasted dull, unfortunately), started with a cheese plate (this was probably the best part), and ordered 4 entrees. The guys got chicken and waffles, and both were underwhelmed. I got fish (I don't even remember what kind, which is unusual for me.. I ate about half, it was decent but reslly nothing special) and my friend, a connoisseur of scallops, ordered scallops. She barely picked at her plate. I may go back to give this place a second try because the pictures from other reviewers looked so good, but In the meantime this is not a place I will suggest to friends.
(3)
Justin R.

Sometimes I wonder when I see reviews of places and I read the negative reviews I often wonder if we went to the same restaurant, maybe they just were confused and went to a completely different place. I honestly found my whole experience at Edison to be overall extremely satisfying. It was more or less my birthday dinner, so I tried to call in for a reservation, but understood the likelyhood of me actually be able to procure one was slim being that it was Saturday. They had reservations but either immediately or 2 hours later, both of which were outside my range, but I was told I could receive full service at the bar which was fine with my party. When we arrived I asked that if a reservation cancellation occurs, if I could be notified of an opening at a table. The host actually ended up seating us at a table almost immediately which was a pleasant surprise. The interior was nice, amply spaced tables, dimly lit, very minimal and not overdressed or overdone. Simple and clean, which I feel really matches the entire dinner experience at Edison: simple, elegant and clean. The meu is changed daily from what our server told us, and is stamped with the date of use. There are three menus if I recall correctly: food, beverage and dessert. Each menu was quite direct, and effective in conveying the food and drink experience. Service was spot on, the server Jillian took her time to explain the concept of the menu and the restaurant; she was always there at the beginning of each new plate. My beverages were never not empty, and I felt like my dining needs were constantly attended to by the staff. To start I had the Escargot + cippolini onion crostini as well as the cheese board. I particularly enjoyed the escargot serving on crostini, it was well balanced and was not overly drenched in oil or butter and was finely meshed with the other ingredients to blend for a perfect taste. The cheese board delectable and refreshing, I was a particular fan of the apricot gelee and brilliant savarin. My only complaint was the candied nuts lacked a certain crisp/crunchiness, that I feel I am generally accustomed to, they had flavor, but I felt they lacked freshness. For my second plate, I had the Yellowfin tuna tartare, which was an excellent blend sea bean radish, black sesame puree and green tea broth. It was crisp, airy, refreshing, and had I not ordered other dishes I probably would have placed a second order for this dish. I feel that many places carry a tuna tartare as a staple of their menu, but the quality of the fish and the creativity of the chef are what made this dish stand out from the sea of other tuna dishes you'll find elsewhere. My third dish I am really hesitant when ordering. Few places will actually prepare this dish correctly, and in my honest opinion most fail, and that is the Foie Gras (most recently on my trip to France I had some of the worst). In the end I was delighted I ordered the dish. It was such a great conterpostural series of flavors, a very delicate balance of the savory Foie Gras and Zeppole, countered by the sweet candied walnuts and vanilla fig jam. The combination was so delicately weaved together it synthesized perfectly. Last but not least, because it was my birthday, I overindulged in an order of the cracked conch bacon fritters. I will say that the bacon stood out the most, heavily overpowering the conch, but they were still excellent regardless. The breading quality, and the preparation were all spot on, my only suggestion is don't go so light on the conch. The only issue I had here was having the intestinal space to finish my meal, because the other member of my party was vegetarian. I finished off the evening with the peanut butter chicory shake, which was a perfect pairing of peanut butter and chicory coffee, with hefty chunks of peanut butter cookie crumbled amongst the creamy goodness, pretty much to die for, if you love peanut butter or coffee.... I did try one drink from the drink menu, the only disappointment here was that the ingredients that were necessary for my initial selection were not in stock, which was quasi disappointing, but I still had a great hand crafted cocktail, that was clean, refreshing, and matched the description exactly.
(5)
Dave M.

If there was less than 1 star I would leave it, this place has the absolute worst customer service ever. Do yourself a favor and go to a number of better places in Tampa.
(1)
Jane E.

Ok, I really don't get what the fuss is all about. Entering this restaurant you feel like you entered a diner with basic cheap furniture and tableware. The lab ambiance is sorely missing. Now onto the inventive food, which is the same as any other fine dining restaurant with a larger serving size and an exorbitant cost associated with it. I liked the food and I think it was executed well. But the prices do not hold up with the quality of the location or the food. They need to reduce their prices by 50% to make the quality align with actuality. I think the cost is so high, because Edison has done a great job of marketing this place. Seriously, I dine out often and I have visited quite a few establishments in Tampa and around the US. This is definitely not one of the best and is on par with all the other restaurants. Nothing unique or interesting! Definitely will not be going here again. Update: Soon after posting this review, the owner of the business "Johnny C." sent the following "compliment" my way. "I'm just glad you don't come into my restaurant. I'd kick you out in a heart beat." Obviously, this isn't a compliment and it's an abuse of Yelp's rating and compliment system. I have reported him to Yelp's abuse department. Again, this restaurant is not my scene - but considering the way the owner handles himself, I would caution anyone from walking into this establishment. Be warned.
(2)
Zach H.

Came in with some Tampa foodies and found this to be a really cool place. Everything about Edison was unique and different from any restaurant I've been to in Tampa. In true foodie fashion, we ordered a lot -- Goat Cheese Truffles, Conch Fritters, Steak Tartare, Warm Brussels Sprouts w/ Bacon, Potato Crusted Oysters, Duck Confit Foie Gras Tacos, Lobster Gazpacho, Roasted Root Veggies, Pan Fried Red Snapper, Huevos Rancheros, and their take on Chicken & Waffles. My personal favorites -- The oysters, which I have never seen prepared like this before, were perfectly fried while maintaining the integrity of the oyster and served in the shell with a slightly sweet sauce. They were beautifully executed. I'm absolutely in love with foie gras right now and the Duck Confit Foie Gras Tacos were absolutely delicious... though a little more foie gras couldn't hurt :-P. In their version of Chicken & Waffles, the chicken is sous vide then fried and everything was drizzled with truffle honey. UH-MAZING. Those dishes really stood out to me, but everything was absolutely delicious. Overall, the food is superb and I really wanted to give them a 5-star review but timing in the kitchen and the service is keeping me from doing that. Considering Edison just opened, I realize they are probably working out those details so I'll refrain from commenting on them... for now. I still got two of my favorite things in one meal -- foie gras and truffle -- which leaves me extremely happy. I will definitely be back for the awesome food, that's for sure.
(4)
Amy Z.

So so disappointed after all the good things I have heard. I wanted so badly for this place to knock my socks off. The ginger peach sake cocktail was good, but took forever to be delivered so I went with beer after the first drink. They did have a decent beer selection, but the travesty of the conch fritters may have scarred me for life. I wasn't particularly hungry, but saw cracked conch fritters and my mouth started salivating. I LOVE cracked conch! I may be spoiled since my dad lives in the Bahamas, but even frozen fritters were better than these rubbery impostors :(
(2)
Amanda T.

It is a rare quality in a restaurant to stimulant both the mouth and the mind. Edison breaks down food in a formulaic manner and combines flavors in new and thoughtful ways. I am serious when I say that every morsel of food that I ate was delicious and thoughtfully prepared. Here, you don't just EAT your food, you actually stop and think about what it is you are tasting and why it tastes that way. Each bite is meant to incorprate a variety of flavors that complement each other in either a very traditional way or a profound way. I started the meal with Goat Cheese Truffles. I highly recommend this cold start for any cheese lover. The creamy, cold cheese is rolled in aromatic greens and you spread it over a crostini. Our next "spark," was a hot escargot with carmelized onions over a soft piece of bread. The escargot was prepared in a new way from what I am used to, but they worked well with the sweetness of the onions. These were not oily like most escargot I had, and the bread it was served on made sure of that. Our last "spark" was the potato dusted oysters -- these lightly fried oysters were drizzled in honey and had a slight crunch. Served in a half shell, these were all about taste AND presentation. Very good. My entree was oxtail served with lima beans, roasted pumpkin, and collard greens. The oxtail had a sweet sauce and had the consistency of pulled pork with the taste of a short-rib/pot roast combination. Truly a melt-in-your-mouth dish. For dessert, I had the popcorn creme brulee. This was interesting to me as the creme brulee was so buttery that it almost seemed that you were eating sweet butter. The cheddar ice cream was a unique element that, when paired with the creme brulee, complemented everything very well. The cocktails were also amazing. I think we tried one of each on the menu it seems, but my favorite was the Violeta. Delicious floral cocktail with a tinge of something... the je ne sais quoi familiarity made this a favorite for me. I can't wait to go back -- if you haven't been I suggest getting there ASAP.
(5)
Ben K.

Top three best meals I've had during 8 years of dining in Tampa Bay. Oysters were a knockout starter. Expensive overall,but worth it if you appreciate great cuisine.
(5)
Robert D.

I did not like the food. There were way too many ingredients for each dish that it was overkill.
(1)
Adrienne V.

Wow!! they are hitting it out of the park. super impressed by the interesting combinations of ingredients. you can tell a tremendous amount of thought goes into everything that they do.
(5)
Christopher B.

Thomas Edison said, "I have not failed. I have just found 10,000 ways that won't work." This of course was in reference to his 10,000 attempts to create a light bulb that failed before it was successful. It is appropriate that the Edison light bulb is the symbol of this restaurant. For every success there are 10,000 glaring failures. The problem is that in the fine dining world, failures are not an option. My party and I were excited to eat at Edison Food+Drink Lab. We are a group of foodies and the idea of an avant garde restaurant that serves rare ingredients in cutting edge ways really got our juices flowing. We were also celebrating our friend Alec who was leaving for Afghanistan. Therefore this meal was important. And with veteran Chef Jeannie Pierola at the helm there was no way that we would be disappointed. Or so we thought. We arrived at Edison Food+Drink Lab at 8:25 PM Saturday evening with a party of six. It was raining so we were pleased to be able to check our umbrellas. But we weren't pleased to find that they had no real room for groups to wait because the entrance of the restaurant was packed to out the door. Oddly they have another space next door and to serve that space they have to go out the front door, which means that servers with hot plates jostle the waiting customers. Then there is the bar. Now I love food but I LOVE creating cocktails. And they don't have any one. Not one. So how is this a "Drink Lab"? Seriously? In New York, Chicago, or Miami, the cocktails are an integral part of the experience. Here they left that part out. And considering that Tampa is full of world class mixologists, they really missed an opportunity. They do have some very decent beer and wine though. The dÃ©cor is minimalist with exposed Edison bulb lighting. We all liked it and it allowed us to focus on the food and experience. The only drawback is that it was very loud and when the server was speaking the far end of our table had trouble hearing her. But what about the food? In a word... Lacking. Our server has a disturbing habit of walking away in midsentence or while we were talking. We ALL found this extremely RUDE! In addition, we had a very difficult time getting her attention to order our first round of drinks, order food, or get refills. She even walked away in the middle of my friend placing his order to talk to another table. We were just staring at her slack jawed like "did she really just do that?" Now once the owner or manager started working with out table she was very, very nice but we should not have to complain to get good service. Then the food was a let down. Every one of us thought that it was mediocre. And it took us 1 hour and 45 minutes to get our appetizers. Our total mealtime was over 3 hours and we declined desert, coffee and after dinner drinks. We had to wait because they over booked the restaurant with a large group and couldn't juggle the load and so when we did get out food it was sporadic and not all at once. For example five of the entrees came out at one time but my wife's entrÃ©e didn't come out 25 minutes later, which meant that all the rest of our food was cold and dry. Our apps were steak tartare, foie gras, and conch and bacon fritters. The tartare was good but was supposed to come with a quail's egg and they ran out so they put a regular egg on it. That was a let down. The foie gras was well cooked but they forgot to include stuff to put it on. The conch fritters were undercooked, lacked any hint of bacon, the conch was overly chewy and didn't have enough mustard flavor in the honey mustard sauce to cut the sweet. Each entree had one or two primary items that create the flavor profile. These here high quality and fresh. They are supplemented by a host of unusual ingredients from around the world. I really loved the internationalness of the ingredients. But each thing that we ordered had problems. It started with the oysters. Our oyster fans were surprised to see that it only came with six oysters when the standard is one dozen for that price point. The oysters that they did get were small and overpowered by vinegar. The entrees were similar. They had one great item and the rest didn't mesh. The halibut was fresh but dry from sitting, the bone marrow was tasty but sparse, the fresh vegetables were good but the rice was too sweet. The arctic char was fresh but unremarkable and the little neck clams imparted a clam boil flavor to the fish. The filet had amazing escargot but was otherwise mediocre. And the side of kale, which my friends said were the best kale that they had ever tasted, outshined the remaining dishes. The only saving grace was that the manager was so nice and the ingredients were fresh. But we we left without trying their cool coffee or waiting for the complimentary deserts. We then went straight to The Pub because we were still hungry. Edison, time to go back to the drawing board!
(2)
Andrew M.

We have been wanting to try Edison since we moved to Tampa a few months ago. We decided it would be fun to take friends who were visiting before a move to Tampa in a few months. I emailed in advance to ask whether they could accommodate someone with celiac (and therefore strictly gluten free) and received a prompt response that many menu items are gluten free and most of the rest can be modified to be gluten free. Well, turns out that is sort of true....but not if cross-contamination is a concern. Our server gave us all the options that could be made gluten free and we were blown away! We placed our orders and sat back to enjoy our cocktails and conversation. About 10-15 minutes later, our server returned to say that none of the fryers are gluten free, so most of the appetizers we ordered weren't truly gluten free. As far as appetizers go, the list of options dwindled drastically. If I hadn't asked in advance, I would have been less irritated, but don't tell me you can easily accommodate the dietary restriction if you can't. As for the food....the octopus was very good, as were the potato-crusted oysters. We weren't a fan of the crab rangoon or bone marrow (the amount of bone marrow was pathetically small and the tuna tartare was more onion than tuna). For entrees, I got a fish dish (maybe snapper) and it was tasty and well-cooked, but nothing memorable. Hubs got the chicken and waffles and the chicken was perfectly cooked. Tried my friend's scallops, which were excellent (I think the best entree choice). Our other friend's yellowfin tuna was great quality, but the dish lacked salt/flavor. Dessert was the sugar-crusted butter cake and apple and almond tarte. Both were good, but I thought the butter cake was better. They didn't have any gluten-free dessert items, not even the ice cream. Overall, the meal was good. I think the biggest disappointment was the high hopes we had for gluten-free accommodation and the lack of our server's knowledge about the items that were truly gluten free (he definitely should have known that BEFORE we placed our orders). The restaurant was fun, but none of our dishes really blew us away. I wouldn't rush to go back.
(3)
Matt K.

$28 for chicken and waffles + automatic 20% gratuity for a server who never even asked to fill my water = an insulted customer who will never spend his hard-earned money in this establishment ever again. This epitomizes food-snobbery. You get the feeling that management believes the average joe is too stupid to detect a bad value disguised by a rambling menu of ingredients that are misspelled to seem sophisticated. Unfortunately, judging by their volume of customers, they are right in their assumption. I for one will not go back. I'd get a better value at Church's.
(1)
Marian S.

Fourth time here while visiting Tampa for business. I think this is the best restaurant in Tampa. Perfect for the foodie that's interested in new flavors. Everything is tasty and beautifully plated. The atmosphere is laid back and welcoming. I will keep coming back here.
(5)
The L.

I've been here 4 times at various dispersion of time between visits and the changes in menu selection has never impacted the high quality of food served. It has always been outstanding, creative, and on point. The service has always excellent and on par with the meals as well.
(4)
Thomas C K.

Clearly a winner! Tampa needs a restaurant like this...... We came here on 9-22-12 and did enjoy the ambiance and food very much. This restaurant "buzzes", the service was attentive and knowledgeable. My wife had the goat cheese truffles, the vanilla scented foie gras and the huevos rancheros. She enjoyed all of it but was especially blown away by the vanilla foie gras - absolutely amazing! I had the boquerones (fried white anchovies) and the soy brown butter tile fish with alba clamshell mushrooms and celeriac puree. The anchovies were tasty but perhaps the batter overpowered the delicate anchovy flavor. The fish was outstanding: a delicious crust, mild, soft meat and a very flavorful sauce and vegetables - definitely a keeper. The wine list appears to be a bit limited and we hope that they expand their offerings and also obtain a liquor license. We certainly are very impressed and have great hopes for this addition to the rather limited number of choices for eclectic dining in Tampa - we will be back! Oops, one negative I forgot to mention: the very, very offensively loud music - this simply doesn't gel with a hip restaurant....
(4)
Laurie O.

Disappointed with the lack of romantic atmosphere (billed as romantic). Food was OK.Service was very slow. Seats were uncomfortable. Not impressed. MIs En Place (right down street) morer classy, food better and has better atmosphere.
(3)
Chelsea R.

I am a Los Angeles, CA resident and was invited to Edison Food Lab for a 30th birthday celebration. I was overall very impressed with this place. I had the yellow fin tuna which was perfectly seared and melted in my mouth. I had a chocolate tart for dessert that was delicious. The server was attentive and knowledgeable regarding the menu. I enjoyed the way the menu was written and arranged as well. When I say it was typed on a clipboard you may think "what?" but it was really creative. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone. Seems like a great place for a first date.
(5)
Claudia B.

Creative and delicious food.Ordered the halibut, soft crab shells, kale salad, halibut and goat cheese truffles. Scallops we're my favorite but all very worthy. St. Innocent Pinot Noir was really nice.
(4)
sarah M.

Many people who have been to the Edison seem to rave about it. Unfortunately, I'm far from impressed. Like many Tampa restaurants, this place is trying to be something. Eclectic? Upscale? If Eclectic was the goal, it failed. I've had eclectic. In Seattle, in LA, even at one place in Knoxville, TN for Christ's sake...the Edison just didn't meet standards. First of all, this place has the atmosphere of an upscale sports bar minus the televisions. Its a lot of wooden booths, dimmed lighting, very noisy and crowded. When looking for eclectic, artsy, upscale, unique, I dont think "sports bar". The waitress was horrible. I'm under the impression that the menu changes nightly. Its given to you on a printed sheet of paper, in tiny font. The waitress must have literally spent half an hour explaining the menu items to us. This is wonderful - if you ask for that sort of attention - we did not. I was there with my friend to talk and catch up, not get a detailed lesson on the menu, which mind you,, was difficult to hear due to the noise level and sounded as if the waitress was reading it to us from memory. She even had to roll her eyes back into her head and paused a couple of times while she remembered what to say next. Very annoying and awkward for her. The menu had a lot of fried food on it, at least that night anyway. It even had chicken and waffles. I wanted fresh food and was trying my best to avoid fried foods, high in carbohydrates and fat but at least this night it was difficult. Since none of the entrees appealed to me, my friend and I decided to share appetizers. Big mistake. They were not particularly appealing either. We ordered two appetizers of cheese and crackers. One was two little cheese balls. Sadly I cant remember the waitresses boring monologue so I can't tell you what they consisted of but they were tasty. The other was a giant slab of mozzarella, doused in some slimy tomato flavored sauce and garnished with tomatoes. Very lacking in flavor. Since the appetizers were such a let down, I suggested we share a desert. Another big mistake. We ordered this bland slab of Apple pie that tasted as though it had been frozen and heated in the microwave. To top it off, when the bill came, the total for this meal of cheese and crackers, and frozen apple pie was $48!!! I've said it on Yelp before and I'll say it again...no problem spending money on fine dining, not problem at all, but thats the key: the dining needs to be fine. I'll never go back to the Edison. Even if I were tempted to give it another try I dont think I can bear to witness the poor waitress as she stumbles over and struggles to remember her half an hour long monologue covering the menu.
(1)
Erika M.

After hearing about this place over and over, I decided to give it a try. I was not disappointed. I had the burger listed on the menu for the day. It was amazing. Cooked perfectly and seasoned great! It had delicious goat cheese on it too! My friend had the club which she also described as amazing. I will definitely be back and recommend Edison for sure! Our waitress Jillian was also great. She let us taste some of the wines before making our decision
(5)
Jennifer P.

Edison has been on my must-try list for awhile, and with all the hype surrounding it, I'm sorry to say that I was let down. I sampled many dishes (I always do family-style when I go out with my friends, this way I get a chance to eat as many things as possible) and from the 8 dishes I tried, none really sparked my attention at all. The presentation of the food was nice and interesting; however, the taste was nothing really to write home about. I find it disconcerting when I go to a restaurant (especially one that is this expensive) and just feel "meh" about the food. I may try this restaurant again just to see if what I experienced was a fluke, but until then, my rating will have to remain 2 stars (this also includes the fact that the restaurant was WAYYY too loud, and I did not enjoy that at all).
(2)
Alan M.

The most eclectic menu in Tampa. Real foodies will appreciate the diversity of the food and drink menu, if you don't have an adventurous palette dine elsewhere.
(5)
Tom L.

OH MY-LOVE Edison's inventive food and drinks. This is a gem in Tampa. We have been twice and I can't wait to go back. If you enjoy trying new foods and are open to concept food, with mostly homerun dishes mixed in with a few "pretty good", you will enjoy Edison.
(4)
S C.

Great food, great atmosphere, great service, finally a place with great quality food in the Bay Area. i have seen a comment about the menu changing , well it is not like everything gets changed. there is also the seasons 52 which does well and change the menu 52 times a year. If you enjoy great cuisine and are not afraid to try new great dishes created by the chef then Try Edison ..you will not regret..make sure to get the coffee, it is a fun presentation.
(5)
Jordan M.

Having read several good things about this restaurant, I finally had the opportunity to make it for dinner. Without a doubt, some of the best, most refreshing food I've had in Tampa. Great sea food, phenomenal pork short-ribs, amazing small plate items, and killer deserts. The beer and cocktail selection was unique and paired perfectly with our food. Service was very good. Not pushy, not too talkative, very patient, a very thorough understanding of the menu and evening's specials and all recommendations and pairings we spot on! Never an empty glass!
(5)
Tony S.

Had 9 pm reservation. As it was valentine's day was expecting a bit of a wait. We were told they were just starting to seat the 8:30 reservations and we would have to wait quite a while. As there is nowhere to wait and no bar to drink at, waiting is very uncomfortable. When I said we were going to leave we were told ok, they would cancel our reservation. Have eaten there before and the food is good, but that is no way to run a business. Very disappointed with the service. Won't be going back anytime soon.
(2)
Bill P.

I hosted a corporate function at Edison in mid December. The food was fabulous. Each bite brought an explosion of flavors. The appetizers alone are worth the visit.
(5)
Brian S.

Molecular Gastronomy. I'm sure you've heard about it. I'm also sure that you've been looking around for a restaurant that uses it in it's cooking method and probably haven't had much luck. Well you would be lucky if you live in Tampa. This place uses it but not overly so that every single dish is inundated with liquid nitrogen and floating balls of cream. This place used to be called Knife & Co. and closed it's doors most likely due to the empty tables. I've also reviewed that restaurant and the food was certainly not the reason for the loss of business. The food at the new restaurant also is just as high caliber as well. (Beautiful Plating) What really hurts this restaurant and the many restaurants that came before it is location. It's also small in size, so I would suggest making reservations at least a day in advanced. Thus the reason for 4 stars. Now for the best part. The Food! I started off with the goat cheese truffles which were amazing make sure to ask for more bread with it. Ahhmazing! yes I just said that. Then followed with their take on Chicken and Waffles: sous vide + buttermilk fried organic chicken with butternut squash waffle. If you are unfamiliar with Sous Vide it's a french technique where you place meat or chicken in this case in a vacuum sealed bag in a water bath for longer than normal cooking times--72 hours in some cases--at an accurately regulated temperature much lower than normally used for cooking, typically around 131 Â°F to 140 Â°F which keeps the meat unbelievably moist and juicy. Then they finish it off with a quick flash fry. the most tender chicken I've ever had in my life. I ended my meal with the honey lavender vacherin with was also very tasty it was a very elegant and delicate dessert. Pear meringue covered with pear mousse. They also have house-made ice-cream, sorbets and milk shakes which they use liquid nitrogen to make. it can get pricey especially if you're taking someone there on a date and trying to impress. Expect to spend at least 100 not counting tip. However well worth it. Also my server was very friendly and helped a lot with the menu and drinks. This is by far one of my favorite new restaurants in Tampa. I just hope they can last.
(4)
Lindsay S.

Tried this place for the first time last night for a date with the boyfriend. We made a reservation for 9:30 on open table, but got there really early to have a drink or two. Knowing we had a reservation, they sat us about 1.5 hours early when a table came available. The host was very friendly and helpful, not at all what you would expect from somewhere with such a "hip" reputation. The food was delicious (although slightly overpriced, in my opinion- entrees averaged mid-$30's) and they had a great cocktail and wine menu. It being a saturday night, they were super busy so it wasnt particularly quick service at the table, but it wasnt a problem. I would definitely go again for a special occasion or to have drinks. If it was less expensive, I would probably go a couple times a month.
(5)
Tara S.

Awesome just plain awesome. My fiance and I stumbled upon Chef Pierola's pop up restaurant Kitchen Bar at the same location last winter and were in love with her food. Once I found out that this was her permanent restaurant I knew I just had to go. We had an awesome waiter (i was a little toasted last night so I cannot remember his name) who had the best suggestions. We started off the evening by ordering a bottle of the 2009 Vistaba Corte B. What a great wine! We started our meal by ordering the snow crab lettuce wraps. Sweet succulent snow crab with micro greens, a delicious BBQ sauce on a butter lettuce leaf. Delish. Our only gripe is that they needed to do a better job of ensuring there are no shells. But we did not let this small issue take away from how good these lettuce wraps were. Next was the main course. I ordered the duck confit with foie gras and he had the kobe filet. The filet was cooked perfectly with a very fresh chimichurri sauce on top. The butternut squash puree was divine and i wont speak of the carrots since I dislike all carrots. The star was the duck. A large number of medium cooked duck breast slices were spread out next to risotto and green beans with pecans and a piece of foie gras on top. Lets just say everything was perfect and I had to fight my fiance to keep is fork on his own plate. I think he might actually have wet dream for my duck. I didn't think that I could fit another bite of food in me but of course he decided to order the chocolate tort. I can normally say no to chocolate, but this was one of those times I splurged. Seriously this might have been one of the best meals I've had in a long time.
(5)
Maria W.

We had a lovely and memorable date night at Edison Food+Drink Lab. For a couple of delightful hours, we could easily have been in New York or San Francisco. The inventive menu was fun to read, and the dishes wowed us with both taste and presentation. We sampled 5 starters and 2 desserts, and we were 7 for 7! Our faves were the burrata with pumpkin seed pesto, the steak (tartar) and eggs, and the lemon tart. Our only disappointment is that we were too full to try the chicken and waffles, or any of the larger dishes, for that matter. We'll visit soon to rectify that. This combination of creative contemporary cuisine with friendly, laid-back neighborhood vibe is perfect for us. Well-done, Edison!
(5)
Jen L.

This has to be one of the worst restaurants I have been to - from the food to the service. We were sat 35 minutes after our reservation (okay - I can forgive this its a Saturday right? Read on.). We were quickly informed they were out of their most popular items (all 4) which were also the only good ones as other reviewers mentioned. After ordering our beers, only for the server to get them wrong, did we order appetizers. Ours was so bad we sent it back and they sent over 2 managers, at separate times, to let us know that there was nothing wrong with the dish- but we should emphasize that the description was not even close to what came out (which was confirmed by the manager when they said they have a "spin" on the dish).... Well the spin was terrible. Even after the managers came to us (embarrassingly enough in front of our other couple friends) - we STILL HAD TO PAY FOR IT at the end of the evening - um.... I have no further comment for this. I have to say the service wasn't any better - the waitress didn't know much about the menu and each of our 6 person party had at least 1 issue with their meals being incorrect- no apologies we're offered. The inexorbitant amount of money we spent for poor service and lackluster food will never lead us or our table there again. Consider yourself warned. On a side note, there is a McDonalds 500 feet away!
(1)
Katie L.

AWESOME food! Fun night at this super cool spot. Our server, Adrienne was so upbeat, and helpful at guiding us through the menu from beginning to end. Our favorites were the tuna with avocado and mango and the scallops with bacon jam and Parmesan crisps. The burrata with tomatoes and the mini kaya toast with quail eggs sunny side-up were also amazing. The vac pac coffee was like a table side science project with a Bunsen burner and beakers, and the butter cake and PB&J ice cream were to die for. Already can't wait to go back! HIGHLY recommend this place!
(5)
julian s.

Let me qualify this review in that I have had two friends whose opinions on food I respect greatly both have raved about Edison. My take is that they change their menu way too often. Nothing my friends recommended was on the menu when I went. We were greeted quite nicely by the staff at the door and the waiters were quite attentive and helpful Now comes the food. The tuna appetizer was mediocre. It was essentially a tuna tartar gone bad. It had a jicama type fruit, a tomolive and kalamata olives with a mayonnaise type dressing. The flavors did not go together. My scallops were very salty as was my friend's steak. My wife's snapper was dry and coated in a corn flake breading that was too thick. The sweetbreads also had too much breading and a sweetness to the sauce that did not lend its self to the sweetbreads. I think Jeannie is trying too hard. The last two pop ups before she opened Edison I had similar experiences. Again, she was changing the menu from weekend to weekend. She is obviously talented as I have had some great meals come from her kitchen. I don't think you can constantly be changing the menu without a good amount of misses.
(2)
Alan C.

unfortunately mediocre. everything was good, but not great. if they charge you that much for menu items, I would expect a lot more unique and/or curious dishes. you just get variations of a typical menu and only the main menu items routinely change. the decor is so-so and the wall, are sparsely done with like a fancy chalkboard style. they supposedly are a unique material, but do not appear so without investigating the sign. I would have liked to see the kitchen or the prepping area, since they advertise a combination of experiment, cooking, and science. you cannot see anything. we were discussing that a periodic table projected on the walls would be cool. portions are as expected in a place like this. the ice cream, shakes, sorbets are great. the vacuum pot coffee is also quite interesting. food for 2 not incl tip and tax was $95ish. service and valet parking were great. I'd recommend occasional color plates on the menu for the signature dishes, more wall decor, and a small portion of fancy breads to munch on while the cool is cooking. I don't think they can do much for the kitchen visuals. I don't be coming back yet since there are other places to try, but will keep them on my list.
(3)
Rachel S.

I went in with high expectations because we had a great FOOD experience at a pop-up of Chef Pierola's. Understandably, the service and wait time of that experience was horrible but that's an aside; I didn't really care about that. I only care about the food. BEST part of the meal was my "fried green tomato salad with arugula, shaved fennel, preserved lemon goat cheese, cherry tomato confit, black olive emulsion." I'm a salad head and this was really good. 4 things though: the tomatoes were not green but perhaps they weren't able to get a hold of them. The lemon goat cheese was applied with a VERY heavy hand. The breading on the fried tomatoes had enough salt in it that I could have spread it across my whole meal. Lastly, I don't believe the cherry tomatoes were confit; just raw sliced cherry tomatoes. I didn't care about that but on the off chance someone does, I thought I'd note it. I ordered the caramelized scallops, half marrow bone, bagna cÃ uda, Yukon mashed potatoes with seared romaine. It was a special so perhaps that was the problem but I think I'm trying to be a little too nice. There was zero continuity in the composition and I think that's what bothered me most. The marrow was drowned in bread crumbs and had no flavor; not even the bread crumbs had flavor. Place upon the Yukon mashed potatoes which were dull even by comfort food standards. They tasted like potatoes and butter, lots of butter and that's it. Being a cook myself (and I'm not comparing myself because I could NEVER feed that many people at once) I was kind of surprised that someone choosing to under-season a plate THAT much wouldn't want to have salt and pepper on the table. Seriously, I get VERY excited when I don't see s&p on the table because I assume the chef is pretty sure of themselves and the flavor they plan on imparting in the meal. I was really let down; I'd been saving up for this. On a positive note; the scallops were done perfectly, which you RARELY find. Scallops like risotto are always butchered in restaurants so I was happy to find that at least. As for the bagna cÃ uda, I was at a loss. It was cool and sticky by the time I got it but that aside it was EXTREMELY sweet. I'm talking caramelized, and kind of tasteless. Perhaps this was were they intended something to be caramelized and mislabeled the menu??? I'm not being facetious, I really don't know what happened there. The seared romaine was a mystery as well...If I was going to attempt to sear some sturdy leafy lettuce to stand up to the marrow bone it accompanied I would have at least brushed it with some herb-infused oil. It was just seared, dry, with no flavor whatsoever. How they got a marrow bone, yukon gold potatoes, scallops, seared romaine AND bagna cauda to ALL be so bland is beyond me. I get the whole engineering aspect (that's why I was so excited!) but everything on my plate was something I could probably teach my husband to make equally as well in a couple nights. Perhaps I went too soon... My husband got the buttermilk chicken and butternut squash waffles. Once again, it was all bland. POSITIVE: sous vide, of course made the chicken deliciously moist! Good call! Negative, the waffles were cold and the chantrelle squash fricassee was underwhelming. HIGHLIGHT: My mother got the huevos rancheros. They were delicious and the black beans, although mushy and a little cool were VERY flavorful! The menu said grilled house chorizo but what came was more like a pulled pork. Didn't matter because it was VERY good. They plated it with lime slices which I thought was a GREAT move. I WILL go back. If even for the salad and just request half the goat cheese. The service was very good and our waiter was attentive. We were greeted very kindly and the decor was pretty cool. The seats were quite uncomfortable but I decided that padding on the benches would have taken away from the "lab" atmosphere they were going for. We left full, a bit underwhelmed and excited for a second go at it in a couple months. :-)
(3)
Melissa R.

The food here is amazing. It is unlike anything else in Tampa. The service was First Class as well. Everyone there was friendly, professional and kind. Unfortunately this place just wasn't my vibe. I really can't explain it honestly. Amazing food, amazing service, great wine list.... It has all the right components. Definitely you need to go and try for yourself. It is not an inexpensive place, but the food quality is high.
(3)
Thomas P.

We started off by getting the some coffee that was brewed at the table in what seemed like lab beakers, a cool presentation that was turning some heads. I think the coffee was from Africa and was great! For starters, we got one of the spark dishes and I'm glad we did! We tried the goat cheese truffles which were awesome! The tart goat cheese had little pieces of dates and foie gras mixed in with fennel pollen and hints of citrus to brighten it up. Served with a tangerine chocolate glaze and some toast to smear it on, it was probably my all time favorite starters. We also tried the duck confit foie gras tacos which was really disappointing. The duck confit was really dry. We got some additional chili sauce and avocado tomatillo sauce to make it easier to swallow. I tried the cornflake crusted hogfish. It came with an edamame succotash and a coriander salad all on top of a tomatillo avocado broth. The fish was great with a crunchy exterior and moist, flaky interior. The succotash and salad was packed with a ton of flavor and different textures. I also had a bite of the sous-vide fried chicken and squash waffle which was good. The service here is awesome, with servers swarming and very attentive.
(4)
Melissa M.

I thoroughly enjoyed KB3 so I had high expectations for edison. The complimentary valet parking was a great welcome as parking can be difficult in the area. The decor is funky industrial with low hanging light sconces and rough hewn wooden tables. Our server was immediately present, friendly and helpful. The beer list could some plumping up but I was happy with my Ballast Point Pale Ale for $5. The menu was overly complicated. It begged for a second page with a glossary for unfamiliar terms. Our server did a good job wading through our many questions, but it was time consuming. As a vegetarian I was hoping for a few good non-meat options, but instead did the old vegetarian trick of ordering two sides. The yucca steak fries did not come with a sauce, which seemed like a missed opportunity. In execution, they were desiccated fried sticks with no soft center. The olive tapenade came with tiny fried bread bits the size of a thumb. In fact, I was very surprised at the preponderance of fried foods. Price points on food were OK but portions were small. Prices on wine seemed exorbitant considering the tiny pours. Overall I think everyone at our table was underwhelmed with no immediate intent to return.
(2)
Sophia S.

Fabulous food but complicated menu and they have major ventilation issues. You will leave there quite smoky. Be prepared for a shower and a trip to the dry-cleaners.
(3)
Phinneas F.

If you have ever eaten outside of Tampa at a restaurant of any note, you will be surely disappointed. Pleasant servers, though not able to handle timing or food that misses the mark, a kitchen that overreaches, decor that is more suitable for a burger shop. Not for business, not for dining, and not for the food.
(2)
HD W.

Outstanding food. Service was so so but it was the first week so hoping its better next time we go. The food was fantastic. They accomodated for our friend who is gluten free also by grilling her fish separate from ours which was crusted. Great portion of fish. Great seasonal selection. We are so excited this place is a permanent location and not a temporary pop up! love it and will be back.
(5)
Brent L.

Food there was really good, but a bit pricier than they should be. Definitely worth going to once or twice to check out, but not a place that I will plan on frequenting.
(3)
Lance C.

Jeannie has done a great job here. I had her riff on Chicken and Waffles and it was excellent, my wife was jealous. Service was knowledgable and efficient. Food took a while, but it was a Friday night.
(4)
Rose S.

The coffee was the best I have had in my life! Table side presentation was very cool! We started with the goat cheese truffles and duck tacos. Loved the truffle! The duck tacos did not impress me at all! For my main coarse I had the chicken and waffles with truffle honey! This was sooooo good! I will definitely go back!
(3)
Tara R.

First time here and AMAZED! We planned on a full dinner but instead filled up on mixed drinks. After 8 different flavors we have not come across two of a kind! Ryan our bar tender was helpful with recommendations and also an excellent bar tender. For food, we started with the pork belly off of the "Hot Start" section of the menu and it could have been a better kick starter! Highly recommend you have that if its available, although their menu changes daily. Then moved to more drinks. The smashed Ricky is a MUST! One of the most fantastic drinks in Tampa, hands down. If you are one for flavor the "Fire from Lima" is for you! Enjoy the rustic atmosphere and dim ambiance on your next date night!! :)
(5)
Eddie P.

It upsets me to write a 2-star review for a place that had such great food, but the service was just that bad! It all started when we were seated. We sat for a little over 8 minutes (which is an eternity in restaurant time) without a server coming by. After flagging down a manager to find us a server, we were approached by our "server". She took out a pen and paper and said "what can I get you?" Don't you think she should have introduced herself, welcomed us to the restaurant, explained the concept and specials? It was like we were bothering her by being there to spend money. Anyway, the food was great. Kudos to the chef. My cocktail with Double Cross Vodka was amazing! It unfortunate that this server was not able to provide the experience that this place demands. Hopefully she finds another line of work.
(2)
Michael M.

Start to finish, everything was just wonderful. The waitress was amazing. Very knowledgeable and sweet. We started with drinks. I had the Edison Boulevardier - delicious, kind of an old school Manhattan. My Wife doesn't drink , so they offered to make her a custom mock tail. It was some sort of sour lemon, blueberry, and basil concoction. Fantastic. To start we got the goat cheese truffles with days and foie gras - perfect starter. I had the steak tartare and my wife the fried green tomato salad. Both terrific. Entrees: I has the lamb chop- very Middle East style. Probably the best cooked, best tasting lamb if ever had. My Wife got the duck confit with a chocolate mole and napolitos. She loves it. We finished with some delicious coffee and the unreal "Edison cruellers". Best meal and overall experience I've had in Florida.
(5)
Geoff P.

What else can I say.. From Potato Crusted Oysters to the Butter Cake, everything was phenomenal. This is a high price for your meal, but with a bottle of wine our meal for 2 was only $120. Well worth the splurge for foodies!
(5)
Chris I.

One of my top 5 restaurants in the Tamp Bay area. Sleek, modern, new American cuisine that represents the region well. There's not a weak point on their menu - cocktails, starters, entrees, and dessert are all done wonderfully. Very creative approach with wonderful matching of flavors. My favorite dish from my last visit was the prosciutto di parma zeppole - a fantastic combination of salty and sweet with traditional flavor combinations but done with a completely unique approach and presentation. Recommended to make reservations, and to use the valet since parking is limited ($5 service fee plus tip).
(5)
michelle l.

I chose this restaurant to eat with friends, and I am so embarrassed that I made that mistake. The service was AWFUL. At first, I though the waitress was just being (poorly) cheeky when she mocked my friend for his order (he wanted fish cooked well done). But no, she continued to be rude to him, and provide very careless, indifferent service to us. The final straw was that the same friend's order took much longer to prepare, to the point that two of the people at our table were completely done with their main course before he even got served. When he finally did get served, the fish was horribly undercooked. The fish was sent back, and when it returned, it was cooked properly but was horribly bland. At this point, everyone was done with his/her meal, so he had to eat bland fish alone. The worst part was there was pretty much no apology to him for his delinquent meal other than to comment that it was his fault for ordering the fish medium-well. Most restaurants that I have patronized with similar price points would offer to discount his soup (also inedible -- the gazpacho was drowned in vinegar) or to comp dessert after such a kitchen screw up. But not here. We got our full bill with very little kindness from the waitress and other staff. As for the rest of the night, it was mixed. My brother in law really enjoyed his fish dish. My husband liked his steak. I tried the Scottish salmon tartare (okay, definitely nothing that I'd order again -- the fried quail egg was rubbery, and the truffle oil overpowered the salmon), the pork belly (good, but I didn't like the lentils underneath or the accompanying brussel sprouts), and the fried green tomato salad (pretty good). I cannot return to a restaurant with such blatantly rude service that charges $30+ for an entree. For the same price, I could have received impeccable service and better food at Mise en Place. I will not return to this restaurant.
(2)
Mike S.

Having first read every Yelp review and considered the recommendations and caveats, we went to Edison and had a fine meal. Arriving early (5:30) on a Saturday evening we had no trouble with parking or being seated. Attentive staff greeted us and made us comfortable. Our server Ramsey was one of the best we have encountered in Tampa....helpful, attentive, useful comments, relaxed manner, knowledgeable about all dishes. The setting is also classy, and "inventive"on the Edison/Electricity/Lab theme without getting too cutesy. Not a shorts and flip-flop joint but most patrons were business casual. Prices are a bit high for us West Tampenos, but this is a creative, upscale place Good array of beers and wines with an emphasis on Florida brews so I had a nice Gainesville Swampland ale. Several groupings of hot and cold apps, and we tried the migas (little fried bread puffs) with tangy tapenade and conch/bacon fritters with a nice honey/mustard sauce, followed by a fried green tomato salad...all of which we shared along with the recommended squash waffle with fried chicken garnished with corn melange and honey. All very tasty and served with perfect timing to keep us busy without being overloaded with dishes. Our topper was the shared hummingbird shake served in a lab beaker. Be aware that some items come and go and others have become standards....much like the Refinery...which Edison reminds us of. Glad this option is available and we recommend other Yelpers to give it a try.
(4)
Jackie C.

For a bit a background: I recently moved from NYC and have been wholeheartedly depressed by the lackluster restaurants in Tampa. The food has been mediocre... Until now. My husband and I kept our expectations in check due to many previous let downs. We started with two appetizers, the goat cheese, fois gras truffle balls and the chorizo stuffed calamari. The truffles were not what we expected. They were served cold. I think we were both expecting crispy hot truffles so that may have affected our opinion. I thought they were a little too dense and heavy. Very tasty but just too much. I think creating a hot version that carmelized the flavors and melted the cheese would have been much lighter and better tasting. It was ok but I wouldn't order it again. The second app was far better. The spicy but not too spicy chorizo paired with the calamari and lovely dressed greens complimented each other perfectly. I thought the calamari was a touch over cooked but the dish was still quite good. I would def order again. We cleaned every morsel off the plate. For dinner I had a bone marrow crusted Halibut with lamb bacon lentil cassoulet. OMG! Absolutely, delicious. The fish was cooked to perfection with a very light( not greasy or too much) bone marrow breading- just perfectly cooked and seasoned. The cassoulet was heavenly, very flavorful but not too fatty. The lentils, root vegetables and lamb bacon were like a party in my mouth. The whole dish was 5 stars. The best I've had in Tampa, and yes, I have been to Bern's, more than once. A foodie delight. Def worth the money. Go for the food and Go now! I almost gave 5 stars but due to the appetizers I thought a solid 4 stars was appropriate.
(4)
Kevin F.

I'll skip the usual run-down of everything ordered and just skip right to the best part in a single word: Sweetbread. Specifically, it is maple-glazed sweetbread, with bourbon glaze, orange pecan salad, and maraschino cherries. I've eaten my fair share of livers, hearts, intestines, tongue, etc. and that was probably the tastiest organ meat I've had in a very long time. For the less-than-stellar initial reviews, I think a lot of it comes from managing your expectations. When a new place opens up, it takes a while for things to get ramped-up. Staff don't yet know all of the dishes, the kitchen still has some kinks that need worked out in the process, and that sort of thing. If that's going to interfere with your enjoyment, perhaps wait a while before trying this restaurant. That out of the way... I liked the overall atmosphere of the place. It's a bit industrial, as others have mentioned, with a few subtle flares here or there -- like the glass beaker with a flower in it as the table's centerpiece. The music was pretty fast and energetic, which worked quite well with the overall vibe of the place. My only real gripe (aside from the waiter never having seen sweetbread before), is that I had my heart set on the tenderloin tartare, but when I ordered it, I was told that it's now tuna tartare instead. Meh. I'll be here again soon, I'm sure.
(4)
Acelyn B.

I keep going back and forth between 3 and 4 stars. I want to give 4 because it was the best fried chicken I've had in so long. Exactly what I'd been craving for a month! The filet was delicious, too. Juicy and spiced just right. The chocolate tort dessert we had was very rich and delicious, if you like chocolate. Luckily for me, I do. Then we come to the reasons why I want to give 3 stars. With "lab" in your name, I expected to walk into a lab transformed into a restaurant. They could really play on their name more and get a pretty cool theme going. The only lab-type prop I came across was the menu on a clipboard (eh) and my hummingbird milkshake (which was pretty good) in a beaker. I said my chicken was delicious, but it was a chicken and waffles order. The waffles were regular, just the opposite of its counterpart chicken. Another weird thing is the food is really expensive, but I don't feel like I'm sitting in a matching environment. If you aren't going to lab-up your lab-restaurant, then give me an upscale feel. I could easily dismiss this if it were designed to be a lab. And lastly, but not too big of a deal, is the limited choices of liquid N2 shakes. This is probably just a personal thing for me, but there was only 1 of the 4 shakes I thought sounded tasty. Maybe I'm just picky. I'm going with the 3 stars because, although I loved the chicken, I probably won't go back to Edison. Four and five stars are for go-backs.
(3)
Jonathan H.

I have wanted to try the Edison for over a year and was excited to take my wife here. The Edison has potential to be great, but unfair pricing, a confused culinary, identity, and snooty waitresses are ruining the restaurant. Many menu prices were grossly overpriced. I wanted to try the harrisa fries ($14.00) or the waffle chicken ($28.00). Why sell comfort food at uncomfortable prices? Lastly, the service is Edison's biggest downfall. Possibly upset because we did not order entrÃ©es, the waitress threw a dessert menu on our table and knocked my knife down.
(2)
Susie S.

Food is very eclectic. NOT vegetarian friendly. Even the salmon is prepared with bacon. Ordered the salmon sans bacon and it was perfectly prepared. Others in my group had surf and turf and they raced about how delicious it was. Great menu for foodies. Beautiful and hip decor.
(4)
Panda R.

Edison's a very rare gem in Tampa. The things they make here, no other restaurant can even compare. Very innovated dishes and not the run of the mill. If you're a true foodie like me you'll appreciate it. It's got a great atmosphere and definitely a place you bring guess from out of town. I love the burrata app and escargot. If dinning with a big group I suggest the after dinner coffee meant for 4. They use a German vacuum coffee maker [brews coffee using two chambers where vapor pressure and vacuum produce coffee.] It's a nice touch to watch at the end of good meal.
(5)
Dean S.

This is BY FAR the best dining experience in Tampa, period. Our party of 6 was blown away last night. The pre-dinner drinks, small plates, entrees, deserts and @ the tableside coffee preparation were all inventive, unique, light and creative. The waitress was helpful without being overbearing. The vibe was stimulating. I can't say enough about this place. We eat well all over the US especially in Restaurant Mecca New Orleans, but Edison in Tampa can hang with any of them! FIVE STARS! BRAVO!
(5)
Amanda L.

I have mixed feelings about this place. The food was good, but the overall concept is so confusing that I'm not too sure how to even describe this restaurant. The restaurant is pseudo-hipster/laid-back//fancy/science lab/homey/expensive. If you're thinking "huh?", that's exactly how I feel. Several examples: staff are dressed like hipsters, as if the restaurant is hip, cool and laid back. But the contradictory point is that the staff is definitely older (old hipsters?). For the vibe of the restaurant, the prices are also quite high; each dish is $5 more than it should be. Entrees are mainly in the $30s. It would be better suited to push dishes back down to the $20s range. Also, the sample menu on their website is not indicative of their actual higher prices. Restaurant proclaims to be an exemplar of molecular gastronomy. I didn't see much that resembled molecular gastronomy (there was a listing for liquid nitrogen shakes). Also, appetizer portions were oddly large and generous for a "molecular gastronomy" restaurant (I shouldn't complain too much about this, but the portions were definitely fitting for a more "homey," casual restaurant). On top of all this, the restaurant, through its name and web design, seems to be going for a science lab type of theme. The only point where that concept comes through was the beakers on the tables that act as flower vases, and when ordering coffee and seeing the use of fancy contraptions when making a cup for you. At the end of the day, was the food good? Yes. The potato crusted oysters, as recommended by many yelpers, were phenomenal. However, the duck confit foie gras tacos weren't noteworthy, with overcooked, tough duck, not enough foie gras to actually taste, and hardened soft tacos. On the other hand, the entrees made up for the lackluster foie gras tacos. I had a delicious matcha coated tuna with blood orange citrus rice. My main bone of contention with this restaurant is that I don't know when I would come back. Too overly-priced for a catch-up dinner with friends or for a spontaneous let's go out to dinner tonight type of place. Perhaps a nice date-night restaurant, but the volume of the patrons is pretty loud. Prices are fitting for a special occasion, but the vibe is too laid back... To top it all off, service is slooooow. Don't expect to leave within two hours during dinner service (and we went on a Thursday when the restaurant was 3/4 full!).
(3)
Mary J.

Chef Jeannie Pierola has had her way with a few Tampa Bay kitchens over the years and achieved glowing - but fleeting - success with a more recent series of pop up kitchen sites that offered amazing food but only for a few weeks at a time. She is back and at the frontburners of a permanent location near downtown Tampa. But this time her arsenal includes applications more at home in a science lab than a fancy restaurant. As always, her creativity knows no end. Edison: Food + Drink is not as clinical as a laboratory but the food concoctions devised there certainly sound experimental but are truly inspired inventions. Think liquid nitrogen shakes. Or consider the scallop in petri that really is served in a petri dish. Warning - you want to devour - not dissect - it. Portions can be petite but pack a big punch of flavor and the menu will not appeal to everyone but take a chance, take a bite and take advantage of food that is differently delicious.
(4)
K M.

Lovely food with very, very subpar service. I'm a new Tampa resident by way of D.C. I've dined at edison twice in the past two weeks, once for dinner with my husband and once for lunch with an out-of-town foodie friend (from D.C.). First thing, the food is delicious. Both times I've started with the Summer Corn Vichysoisse, which is excellent. I want to swim in that stuff. I've also had the Buffalo Cauliflower, which is yummy as well--and I'm not someone who tends to eat cauliflower. The Masala Cobia is stand-out as well--I love the tomato marmalade! I also enjoyed the butter cake and all of the cocktails and wine I've had during my meals... BUT, there is a problem. Both times the service has been horrendous. When you go to a place that is being heralded as one of if not THE best new restaurant in Tampa, a city trying to create a reputation as a foodie destination, the waiters need to be on point, all the time. During our dinner we were abandoned by our first waiter (after not being attended to for about 10 minutes). Then we had a second waiter. He disappeared. Then we had what I believe was a manager. Then a fourth person. It was laughable and took so much away from the dining experience. Our lunch experience consisted of me ordering a cocktail and my friend ordering a glass of wine. She had her wine for about 10 minutes before I had to ask if my cocktail was in fact being made...or if they were lacking an ingredient or a recipe. Yes...as my friend had guessed and I was hoping wasn't the case...no one in the restaurant during the lunch hour KNEW HOW TO MAKE THE DRINK. But they weren't going to tell me that until I asked...so I ended up having a glass of wine...which was FINE. But why wasn't I told sooner? It was a waste of time and unprofessional. I realize it might not be normal to have a mixologist on hand during the lunch hour...but when you pride yourself on being a "lab" focused on "molecular gastronomy" and creativity...it might be good to have people with the know-how to make cocktails working during all opening hours. In sum, edison has a good thing going on in the kitchen--but like EVERY Tampa restaurant I've been to with the exception of Bern's and Sidebern's--the service is just subpar. It's slow. It makes me think the owners and managers don't expect patrons to have any experience with top notch dining--and it doesn't appear that servers have been trained in what it means to work in the service industry. I never mind paying for a good meal. But it isn't enough for a restaurant attempting to be great to have mediocre service. A place like edison needs waiters who can fluently describe the wines on the menu, keep water glasses full, and have been taught how to interact with patrons in a way that is attentive but not over-bearing. With these fixes, I think edison could be GREAT.
(3)
Nick F.

It was ok, nothing special. For the $$$ I expected a little more I guess. Being called "food and drink lab" I was expected more interaction with the food or drinks or be able to see in the kitchen or something. I guess that just comes from the play on words with Edison and his lab and that they serve some drinks out of beakers and other lab equipment.
(3)
Sarah B.

I think the most important thing I can put in this review is that I HIGHLY suggest you read all the reviews and decide what to try before you go. Making a bad decision on an entire is a very expensive mistake and I am kicking myself that I didn't just listen to Michelle M and get exactly what she said to get! This restaurant is very similar to the set up at Boca. The inside is small but very warm and well styled. I was expecting it to be a little more 'sterile' just from what I have heard about how they use beakers for drink glasses and I was a little disappointed that it wasn't like that at all. A fellow Yelpette and I decided to try this place and committed to getting a few different things to try. We started with the bone marrow appetizer which was VERY disappointing. As we attempted to scoop out some of the marrow onto our crostini it seriously felt like there wasn't anything in there at all expect for the parmesan cheese topping. Our waiter told us the salads were big enough to share so we decided to split the fried green tomato salad which was pretty good and a perfect pre-dinner salad when split. For my entire I decided to try the grilled lamb porterhouse. The lamb was good and cooked to the perfect temperature but my piece had a rather strong chargrilled taste. The dish was served with rice and kale. The rice was some crazy mixture of ingredients, including nuts and was actually really good but the kale was honestly the worst I have ever had (and I really like kale). I don't know if maybe they forgot to season it or maybe the seasoning they put on it was funky that day but I couldn't eat any of it. My fellow Yelpette made the right choice and ordered there version of chicken in waffles and the bite I had was AMAZING! We decided to try dessert and both ordered the hummingbird milkshake, ($4) a mixture of cream cheese ice cream, pecans and pineapple and was delicious. All and all.... I'm sure at one point I'll go back and give it a second shot but for right now I'm still recovering from the unsatisfying taste in my mouth and my bank account. Ps: please don't hate me for the 2 star review... hopefully next time I give this place a try it will change my opinion.
(2)
I'm A Serious M.

I try not to write a review until i have eaten at a restaurant three times. I finally achieved that at Edison -- and here is my review: I do not live in Tampa, but spend a lot of time there. I compiled a list of the top 10 restaurants and ate at most of them. Edison is hands-down the best place to eat in Tampa. From other reviews, i feared that the food would be too inventive, but it was just right. There are several great dishes, but my three favorite were the prosciutto on top of doughnuts, the Buffalo Cauliflower, and the chicken and waffles. Both steak dishes were also very good (with a nice smoke flavor). I look forward to eating here on my next visit.
(5)
Dawn R.

Jeannie's black mole short ribs plate was the best meal i have ever eaten. It has been almost a year since we had it and i have been dreaming about it. It's time to call to see when she will be making it again and perhaps a pumpkin beer will be on tap to make the perfect meal for me again.
(5)
Karen F.

I got the impression from reading the Yelp reviews that people either love this place or hate it, but the food sounded intriguing enough that I knew I had to try it for myself. Knowing ahead of time that it is an expensive restaurant, we saved it for a special occasion- ta da - my birthday. And, I have to be honest with you, our meal was AWESOME! Yes, capital-letter worthy even. I'm mad at myself for not taking a picture of the menu, because I'm sure I will not do the food justice with my simple descriptions. My BF started with the gazpacho - perfectly chilled and refreshing (I can't describe more than that as I was only able to sneak one spoonful). Next we shared the beef tartar. A surprisingly generous portion, very fresh and moist, finely chopped, and topped w/2 quail eggs. It even came served with thin cut French fries. My entree, however, is what has me salivating still when I think about it, even a day later. As a former Maryland girl, I automatically gravitate towards crab dishes. So, when I saw the soft shell crab dinner, I knew right away that's what I would have. And it was spectacular! Lightly coated with a cereal batter, not overlooked, hot and moist and juicy and crunchy. Yum! Plus it was served with an edamame salad, which had fresh corn, Peruvian corn, jalapeÃ±os, and spices, which also was incredibly delicious. It was one of the best entrees I have ever had. My BF had one of their specialties - fried chicken with butternut squash waffles, served with a delicious corn & diced butternut squash side dish. He said it was excellent, although he did have to request a side of salt for the chicken, in order to enhance the sweet/savory combo going on. For dessert I had the lemon upside down cake served with blueberry crunch ice cream and lemon paper. Tasty and interesting, it was a nice light finish to my meal. My BF had the chocolate tort (?) and loved it. Random details: They only serve beer and wine, but they are in the process of getting a liquor license. They do have cider on tap, so it was a treat to be able to get a snakebite. Our server Jess was friendly and efficient, and well versed in the menu. I like that she gave a brief overview, and answered questions we had, instead of boring us by going over the whole thing. The Mayor of Tampa came in with his family to eat while we were there which was kind of cool, I thought. One final note, although there is a parking lot behind the restaurant, only hair salon customers are allowed to park there. Restaurant guests have to pay a $1 fee to valet. Weird, right? But, no harm, no foul, the meal was delightful, and we will definitely be back.
(5)
Mike V.

Had lunch at Edison today & had the fried green tomato salad. The FGT's were topped with goat cheese, and I was able to add some blackened chicken breast to help make it a meal. Both the FGT's & chicken were nicely cooked and overall it was good. Thought the dressing was a tad heavy on the olive oil, which detracted from the dish. I think a citrus flavored vinaigrette would have made this salad special. Edison is all about experimentation, though, so I'll be back!
(4)
Em l.

FOOD: I came for lunch. I won't dwell too much on particular dishes because they seem to take pride in changing up their menu often, but we started off with the egg dish of the day, one of the "large format" entrÃ©es, and a sandwich. On the whole, I thought things were well-executed and delicious. I'm not a fiend for sweets, but I highly recommend dessert -each component was delicious by itself, the flavors taken together were very well balanced, and it was beautifully presented. I felt portions and prices were quite reasonable. SERVICE: Excellent. The hostess opened the door for us, entering and leaving. Our server was friendly but not overly familiar, informed but neither long-winded nor pretentious. I had a question about one of the components in my dessert, and he promptly inquired the pastry chef on my behalf. Our glasses were never empty. ATMOSPHERE: Clean and modern. If I hadn't been a chemistry major, I might have found the flowers in beakers novel. Apart from the ice machine, I can't comment on the noise because it was fairly quiet by the time we came. Bonus points for using ITC Lubalin Graph for their branding. I came for a late lunch with my parents. While I feel this place might catch the eye of my crowd (20somethings) a bit more than theirs, both my mom (health-conscious) and dad (frugal) still enjoyed it. I'm glad Tampa has a place where folks can be a little adventurous with their food. I look forward to returning.
(5)
Allison E.

This is one of the best restaurants I've eaten at in a while. The concept is so inventive and the food was phenomenal. Our group tried a lot of different things on the menu and each was wonderful. We loved the conch-bacon fritters, goat cheese truffles, fried green tomato salad and roasted tomato soup. Each of us tried different dinners but shared bites. The favorite was the steak. But the fried chicken, red snapper and scallops were all well liked. For dessert be sure to try the butter cake! We were all so pleased with our experience and can't wait to go back.
(5)
Woods R.

One can get very good meals here. Just be careful not to fall into the wine up- sell hype; " just in" "Jeanies favorite. etc. Just dont be embarrassed to ask the price( you wont be told) to avoid an surprise when the check comes.
(3)
Sarah W.

So excited- another foodie restaurant in Tampa! We had the goat cheese truffles, cracked conch and bacon fritters, vanilla scented foie gras on shrimp toast, avocado leaf seared tuna and the chocolate earl grey milkshake. Everything was fantastic. The goat cheese truffles could have been dessert, they were so rich. The fritters were the one thing that I probably could have done without. My husband liked them, but being as in love with conch as he is, he wished there had been more conch in them. I thought they were a bit heavy with peppers. The foie gras was the highlight of my meal. I could have just had two orders of that and been a happy girl. The seared tuna was a nice break from the heaviness of the rest of the meal. The sorbet that came with it had a nice kick of heat. The chocolate milkshake was ridiculous. I could eat one of those everyday. The only negative i can point out which someone else did, is we did leave smelling a bit like a smokey grill. Not sure what they could do to fix that, maybe something with their exhaust. But it's nothing that would keep me from going back to Edison.
(4)
Barbara V.

So i am going to give this place 4 stars because I really like the food. I have been there for lunch and dinner many times and each time I am happy with the food. One of my favorite things on the menu is the Burata Salad and also I love the Fried Green Tomato salad. The menu changes often which is a good and bad thing. My favorite dishes have been on the menu for a while now. I hope they don't go away either. The Chef is very creative and Tampa can use more Chef's like Jeannie Pierola. There are a few things that I would like to see change and that being the hostesses. It seems like either they don't know what they are doing or are just new at this. There is one guy that has been with Jeannie at all of her pop up restaurants and he as well sometimes puzzles me. I don't understand how you can have a reservation, show up and have to wait while there are open tables. When I see empty tables and people gathering around waiting to be seated and the hostess tells you that you should go to the bar and wait till your table is ready totally baffles me. It seems like we have to wait every time we go there. There is also a disconnect with the theme of this restaurant and the name of it. I'm not sure what they are trying to do with that. The food is good but it is definitely on the expensive side. There is also a lot of smoke in the restaurant I guess this is due to poor ventilation. My eyes burn in there sometimes. There is also one place in the restaurant that has the air conditioning blowing on you. They did try to lower the a/c when we asked but that didn't last too long as it got cold again which made my food get cold quickly too.
(4)
Kali G.

A little disappointed. The waiter had recommended the seafood bouillabaisse as a good seafood dish and that it was a big portion. It was tasty but for $40 the portion was extremely small! You get one big scallop, one big shrimp, one or two small clams, one mussel, and one small piece of lobster and calamari. So for $40 a big rip off if you ask me. He also recommended the tuna tartare which he neglected to mention was very spicy- so I couldn't even eat it. Would not go back.
(2)
Mary lou C.

Our son recommended the reservation as it is too expensive for local college student and it was wonderful. Good selection of seafood and meat. We tried halibut, chicken with waffles, duck, and short ribs and everyone was extremely happy with their choices. Shared the chocolate tart and donuts for dessert. They were good but not as outstanding as the main entries and starters. Will definitely come back.
(5)
Siouxsie S.

This is by far, the best food & drink experience in Tampa right now. In our experience, it easily competes with restaurants in larger metro areas (NYC, Dallas, Atlanta, Chicago). We recently had a 2-1/2 hour meal and eveyrthing we ordered was simply amazing. The combinations they put together are complex, but brilliant. We received excellent service in a very busy environment on a recent Saturday night. One of our best meal experiences in Tampa over four-plus years of dining out. And don't forget to ask for the coffee at the end. They brew it at the table in a really cool contraption from Buddy Brew. The food, the service, the coffee and the entire experience was five-star, all the way, a real class act.
(5)
Kimberly S.

We had been waiting for this place to open for lunch so that we could try it out, and this Saturday we were not disappointed. The menu is creative and moderately priced for lunch. IMO, Edison is similar to The Refinery in that you get quality creative dishes at a relatively reasonable price point. And like The Refinery, I think Edison shines with its smaller plates. We had the salt and pepper cracker jacks and conch and bacon fritters to start. The cracker jacks were the perfect snack, salty and sweet, with a hint of smoke - the portion size is great for two to share. The fritters were different than any conch fritters I have ever had, the inside was very moist and there wasn't as much dry breading as with other conch fritters. Now, I know this may sound silly to rave about a salad, but their fried green tomato salad was fantastic - one of the best restaurant salads I have ever had. The preserved lemon and goat cheese was a wonderful touch and the tomatoes were fried to perfection. The portion size of the salad was pretty large and was more than enough for the two of us to share. The only dish that I wasn't crazy about was the chicken and waffles. I had been reading tons of reviews mentioning the chicken and waffles, so I was very excited to try it even though the server highly recommended the cornflake crusted snapper. In retrospect, I think I may have enjoyed the snapper more. The sous vide preparation for the chicken just wasn't for me, I felt the chicken had a boiled texture and the breading from the frying didn't stick to the chicken at all when cut. The veg that came along with the chicken and waffles was nice and the sauce was tasty, but I just didn't love the chicken and the waffle kind of got lost in the mix (small waffle compared to the size of the chicken breast and it seemed too light to stand up to the chicken). It may just be a personal preference thing since I haven't had sous vide chicken before and can't speak to the execution of the dish in comparison. By this time we were quite full, but made room for the hummingbird N2 shake, which was delicious and a fun transformation of the lovely southern cake. The texture was very creamy but much thicker than a standard shake so spoons are required. Overall, I was really impressed with the service, atmosphere and food. We left at just under $50 with tax and tip (no drinks), and were very satisfied with the portion sizes and quality. Most importantly, my experience there was positive enough that I want to go back to try other dishes. I love that small, creative places like Edison, The Refinery, Ellas, and Boca are having success in the Tampa Bay market and I hope they continue to thrive.
(4)
Cubby F.

We had an amazing night at Edison. From the moment we walked in Jillian and John were really friendly and engaging. We had some excellent beer from Cigar City while we waited for our table. Now for the food.. We started off with the duck confit and fois gras tacos which were heavenly, the cold oysters with N2o kaffir lime which was bright and refreshing, then the potato crusted oysters. Wow.. seriously I could eat these all day long. For dinner I had the lobster gazpacho and an order of the fois gras with shrimp toast. The piece of fois was huge!! Never any compliant for that! My companion had the burger on brioche. The flavor of the burger was spot on but the bun proved to be too much and chewy. The fries were awesome and they make all their own condiments which is a great change from the normal. For dessert I had the hummingbird milkshake. OMG. That was the best milkshake I ever had. Cream cheese ice cream, pineapple, bananas and nuts. Wow!! We also had the cruellers with carrot ice cream which was very tasty. All in all had a wonderful time, our server was friendly and knowledgable, the atmosphere is funky and fun, and food is really out of this world. Great job folks! Eagerly await our next visit!
(5)
David B.

I wrestled with whether to give Edition three stars or four stars - 3. 5 stars would be my ideal rating for this place based on our two experiences there for dinner. As others here have said, the menu is very adventurous - and a lot of fun to read. We've tried a number of different things on the menu, and the results have been uneven - but leaning on the plus side. A few things just didn't work for us, but a few things were simply outstanding and most were good. Just be prepared for pretty small portions - portions that you think would be bigger given the price tags. We've have very good service all around from the staff there. I think the main reason I gave Edison three stars instead of four stars is because they have a serious ventilation problem. It is VERY smoky, so much so that my partner refuses to go back. He is very sensitive to smoke, so he just can't handle it. If a restaurant has a problem so bad that I can't return, despite the good food and good service, that's a problem for me.
(3)
Jachima T.

Edison is fantastically hip, trendy, and innovative! When dining out, the largest chunk of our bill can usually be blamed on wine, but we were pleasantly surprised at Edison's selection of affordable, but good, wine by the glass, Erlenmeyer flask, or bottle. The place was a bit pricey and we had to wait a little longer for our dinner, but damn was the food good. Seriously good. We enjoyed the cheese board (though they need not get fancy with the names... it's blue cheese, brie, and gouda!), had the pork belly (could have been crispier and more melt in your mouth), the filet mignon, and the short ribs. The short ribs were ridiculous! They topped off our wine for our wait (we had finished off an entire bottle already) which was a good "Sorry, our bad!" move. Would have been 5 stars for sure if it weren't for the long wait. Maybe next review. :)
(4)
Kelly G.

Celebrated my birthday in Tampa here. It was amazing! The staff is incredibly attentive and knowledgeable. The appetizers we tried were creative and delicious. I cannot wait to go back to Tampa to visit again!
(5)
Nemo L.

I'm going to give Edison a generous review because I genuinely believe it's the type of place Tampa needs. As a person who has been to a lot of New American restaurants, I find there's a tricky balance between being loyal to traditional meals without being boring and going the experimental route without going overboard. While I rolled my eyes at a few numbers that sounded inedible, Edison had a nice spin on a lot of classics ala sous-vide chicken & waffles--so most of the menu sounds excellent and won't scare anyone away. The restaurant was a little small for Tampa standard, but it was PACKED (which means you realllly should RSVP) and had standard decor for the most part. Dim lights, dark surfaces. While Edison played up the "science" angle, it didn't cross the threshold into obnoxiousness--clipboard menus, dessert milkshakes served in tiny beakers, flowers inside flasks on the table for decor... It was cheesy, but it didn't go overboard. Although I did find using words like "large format" for "entrees" on their menu to be more mystifying than cute. Also, I was disappointed though that a restaurant that can jam so many people in only has single-person bathrooms. Onto eating... A couple of friends had dietary concerns & the chef was able to work with those to provide a more customized meal--which I thought was incredibly admirable. Especially for the price point and all this high brow talk of "flavor profiles" it would be nice if there was more of an option for that in general, but I realize that's probably not doable. My friends RAVED about the meals they got. Mine was incredibly good as well. I was very pleased at how balanced/healthy the entire meal was on top of a great display. Be warned though if you think you're going in for a cheaper eat--most of the entrees are around a $30 price point so with appetizers, drinks, and dessert you're looking at around a $75 bill after tip. It's definitely a "treat yo'self" kind of place rather than somewhere you'd want to hit up nightly. Anyway, an exciting new edition to the Tampa restaurant scene. I hope it does well so this city can get some more adventurous eats. PS: Unrelated but THOMAS EDISON SUCKS. NIKOLA TESLA FOREVER!
(4)
Heather S.

I wanted to love this place, but I barely even liked it. Not only did the food look unappealing it was also mediocre. For my appetizer I ordered pork belly that was served with steel cut oats and cranberries. The pork was a little dry, the oats looked like porridge and the cranberries were incredibly tart with nothing sweet to compliment them. I was really looking forward to my scallop entree. Turns out I shouldn't have been. Not only were the scallops over salted, but they were topped with an equally salty pancetta. This dish didn't work for me. Drinks were decent but pricey and although the service was ridiculously slow the server was pleasant. Two stars for drinks, friendly service and because the other people with us really liked their meals.
(2)
Michael S.

Very well done cocktails, particularly the boulevardier. We ordered a couple apps, 2 entrees and a dessert. Everything was good, but our favorite dishes were the serrano ham & foie gras appertizer, and the butterscotch dessert. This was definitely more than enough food for two people. They have a very wide selection of wines by the glass, too. Very happy about that.
(4)
Carol G.

Menu changes daily and features a wonderful array of creative options. We loved the potato crusted oysters, seared tuna and Got Edison Envy? Cocktail. This will be our go-to Tampa restaurant.
(5)
Jamie K.

Edison is tied with the Refinery as my favorite restaurant in Tampa. The food is always exceptional, and the servers are knowledgeable and passionate about the food. This is my go-to restaurant to take out of town visitors. The chef is always willing to accommodate me by making a vegetarian version of any of the entrees. I like to order something new each time I visit, but I cannot go to edison without having the burrata and the buffalo cauliflower, two of the best dishes I have ever tasted. The mixed drinks are also really great and I love the modern vibe of the place. I went to edison to celebrate a friend's birthday last night, and our server made some spot-on drink recommendations. The Smashed Rickey was my favorite. One thing to note: You'll be in for a long wait if you don't make a reservation. And I think that is a good thing. It would be a travesty if a place this good was not packed on a nightly basis.
(5)
Luisella M.

Expected much better food for he price and hype. They were out of the hummingbird milkshake but my white tuna appetizer was tasty. My final review is Meh.
(2)
Shibb E.

The food was okay, but most of it was not special or memorable. The lab idea is cute, and I like the idea of a flask of wine, particularly as it makes it easy to split between people and courses without the need to order a full bottle or individual glasses. The downside was that the food was often making it to the table before the wine, so food cooled down while we waited for wine to arrive. Our server seemed to struggle to keep up with her responsibilities, but we only noticed one busser to help with tables, and he seemed to mainly be refilling water glasses. There were other people helping to expedite food. Overall, the effect was that the dinner was rushed. A good server would ask about whether or not we were in a hurry - we weren't particularly, having budged about 2 hours for dinner - and brought the food out more spaced out, at a more leisurely pace after the first course. As for the actual food items, the pork belly terrine was nice, but just good, not great. The duck leg confit was probably the highlight. Overall, for the money, we'd probably choose other options.
(3)
Stacey F.

Food was ok. Expected more interesting flavors based on the price paid. Would skip the cheese board. Nice platings. Attentive service.
(3)
J L.

Don't get the burger. Run from it. Too sopping wet with bizarre slaw and it's subsequent "juices" to enjoy. Burger had an extremely pungent, unpleasant flavor. Side pickle that comes with lunch was like eating a stick of salt. $56 for 2 for lunch was a bit extreme to go home with stomach aches. Tasty drinks. Fantastic chicken sandwich with hard fried egg on it. And good service. But we've now "been there, done that." Confused by all the hype. Really wanted to give it 5 stars, but the burger was that bad (as in inedible) and my husband has been sick on the couch trying to vomit since eating that "lab experiment" that some cow needn't die for.
(2)
Jason C.

The food here is super unique. You can really see the level of creativity in their dishes. Sometimes that seems to work better than others. I liked the avocado leaf seared tuna appetizer. The sorbet really added a nice freshness to the dish. I didn't like the escargot crostini with black garlic bagna cauda. It had an odd greasy taste to it.
(3)
Sue M.

Trendy cool place, mixture of people in casual clothes and business wear. We has their burrata and cheese plate for appetizers. Burrata was excellent. Cheese plate was fine, nothing wrong with it, but I would have thought they would be more daring than a blue, a pecorino, and a Brie-like cheese. For dinner I had the shrimp and grits - grits were wonderful, shrimp had almost an Indian spice to them. Hubby had the salmon with the lobster mash. His salmon was excellent. Lobster mash just tasted like loaded mashed potatoes to me. For dessert I tried the sugar crusted butter cake, every bite from that plate was fabulous. Husbands peach pie and blueberry ice cream was ok, he enjoyed it, but fruity usually isn't my choice for decadent desserts. All in all, I would recommend this restaurant as a nice date night - I think too expensive for a regular meal. Nice ambiance.
(4)
Lauren C.

May be just what Tampa's restaurant scene needed? The jury is still out but Edison is definitely innovative and different from the norm....This place is very creative in it's "science lab" approach to cuisine. It's thoroughly themed out from the test lab-like menu to the beakers that the wine is served in. Everything we tried was either outstanding or relatively tasty. Here's a quick review of a few items we sampled: Goat cheese truffles - Wow! Such a different presentation. 3 truffles that feature chcocolate, crispy citrus pieces, maybe a fig or date? (not sure) A must-get item. Chicken and waffles - unique -- the chicken is cooked sous vide style so it's super tender and also drizzled in truffle butter. Chickpea fries -- beautiful presentation and I loved both sauces they were served with. Salt and Pepper Cracker Jacks -- really coolsavory/sweet appetizer and I always appreciate some unexpected truffle oil flavor. Definitely one to share with a table and not to eat alone, too sweet and sugary for a solo starter. Tapenade and migas -- ok, but would not order again. Carpaccio (off the Daily Trials menu) - Meh, I've had much better and the banh mi salad on the side wasn't so hot. Peanut butter chicory liquid nitrogen milkshake - Didn't like this that much. It was smoky and had a weird aftertaste. I guess I don't like chicory? I thought this would be like the N2 milkshakes at Flip in Atlanta, but it wasn't. I kind of wished I ordered the chocolate early grey milkshake or another dessert altogether. One downfall for me was the wine list. It's so "clean" and lab-like, it's almost barren of any detail. Sometimes if a wine doesn't have a description, it's tough to make a choice ...I ended up with a white wine from Macedonia (?) which I thought would be like a standard "house white" but was way too pungent for my liking. I probably should have asked the server for a recommendation, so I take partial blame for this. Overall it was a really cool experience. Ramsay was an excellent server who was knowledgeable and patient with our large group of separate checks and tons of questions. I look forward to going back, but I will wait until they get the liquor license and start making creative, science-inspired cocktails.
(4)
Crystal V.

Seen the great reviews and rating was higher than Berns.... But really disappointed. The service was super slow and the room is so loud. We had horribly loud people next to us we couldn't hear each other talk. The food was pretty adventurous not a huge fan of the selections. Lots of pork and fish and lacks chicken and beef options.... We are more chicken beef fans. The drinks were ok but took more than 20 mins to get. We had our appetizer and drinks arrive at the same time at the table. The valet guys were the best part! Friendly unlike anyone else and prompt! We will not be visiting in the future.
(2)
Brian W.

I'm in from California, as my Corp HQ are downtown Tampa. We just kinda stumbled upon this place, and thought it looked cool, so we decided to give it a try. What an amazing find! Very interesting and creative cocktail menu. I had a Rhum drink with muddled cherries and jalapeno - worked amazingly together. Appetizers were all spot-on: steak tartar, and my favorite - the chorizo stuffed calamari. For an entree I had the Seafood bouillabaisse, which was off the charts. We will definitely be back!
(5)
Larissa S.

No joke... 5 stars. Edison food lab is my favorite place in Tampa, right in front of Anise. You can't go wrong in this place. To go on from the previous note, the decor is nothing to gawk at. I love the fact that the place is small, the tables are extremely close together. I would say it brings more of a feeling of togetherness rather than a feeling of sever claustrophobia (which I suffer from often). The decor is simple-chic, with dim lighting, servers in common clothes, no decor on the walls. There is a small bar. There is no dress code. Oh the food... I could sit here and give you a spiel about "organic," "fresh," "sustainable," "exotic," et cetera, but lets face it. New Tampa restaurants all seem to be fitting into that trend. Its not a "type" of restaurant, as they take the liberty to cook with whatever they would like. There are no words to describe how inventive they are with ingredients and combining tastes. The menu is presented on a clipboard, always changing, and never disappointing. It offers small appetizers, hot and cold small plates (slightly more generous than the appetizers), and of course your entrees (plenty, but not enough to share - not that you ever should). Deserts are out of this world, including their milkshakes. Their Mixology Lab, as they like to call their specialty drink menu, separates drinks by taste rather than liquor - fruity, tangy, floral, spicy, sour and so on. If you are not in the mood, there is a very descent (and decently priced) wine list as well as a large selection of craft beers. Perfect place for a casual first date, especially if you want to seem trendy. Also great at any other possible time ever. No joke... 5 stars
(5)
Rob B.

Whao! This place is off the hook! Crazy menu without a great server you would be lost but ours was wonderful and made it all make sense. We had the tuna starter with the mango sorbet and LOVEDI IT. Spicy despite the advisory but fine with me. The egg of the day, "eggcletic" but fit my mood. We dined Monday lunch and it was empty, which was great for us as I think they have only 4 parking spots.
(5)
Sam J.

WOW. Tampa needs more places like this. It was noisy but the food was amazing. There are so many flavors on each plate. Service was kinds slow but acceptable. It's not cheap but I would recommend coming on special occasions.
(4)
Ryan E.

Wife was in love with the food. I was not totally sold on this place, especially coming from DC and eating at so many amazing restaurants.
(3)
Malinda L.

We were very impressed with the food! Everything was just incredible, I had the scallops and my boyfriend had the lamb. Best scallops I have ever had, truly such a great experience and one of the best restaurants in Tampa. We also has the sweet and peppered cracker jacks-amazing and the conch and bacon fritters-to die for. The menu looks very complex but do not be discouraged, everything tastes amazing. This actually beats The Refinery for me(another one of our favorites.)
(5)
Anthony S.

This place is off the hook. I was visiting Tampa from San Francisco and found this place randomly because I was in the neighborhood. From the minute we walked in, it was impressive. Our table wasn't ready so we made ourselves comfortable at the bar and met chief cockologist, Ryan Pines. Ryan told us friends gave him the moniker cockologist to make fun of him. Well, I promised I would use it in my review because the man is a master. He whipped us up two amazing cocktails that were a work of art. It is worth the trip just to sit at the bar and watch this cockologist make magic happen. But wait, there's more. Dinner took the experience to a new level. Marysol guided us carefully through the menu and made it feel easy and accessible. Her enthusiasm for the food was infectious. She gave us great suggestions. Shared her candid opinion and really added to our overall experience. Our food was interesting but not fussy. At a time where chefs do all kinds of things with food because they can, this is a restaurant where the ingredients and flavors all add something. If you live in Tampa or are passing through, do NOT miss experiencing this place. It is unforgettable.
(5)
Jason R.

Fun concept, sans good tasting food and good service. My wife and I ordered a crab salad and conch fritters as appetizers. The fritters were the best part of the entire meal, but were nowhere close to the quality and taste that you can find at low-key places around the area. I ordered the fried chicken and waffles and my wife had a pork dish as entrees - both dishes were served before our appetizer plates were removed and it took some maneuvering on our part to get everything to fit on the table. Both our dishes were bland. We both left feeling guilty about the amount we paid for the product we received.
(1)
Terri H.

I think the food here is very imaginative and unusual - and by the way consistently tastes great! I've had anything from the bone marrow to sweet potato ice cream for dessert and fish and chips somewhere in between. It's near my office so I've had lunch there a few times and dinner once. The one thing that is always annoying is that they always keep the temperature of the inside of the restaurant so COLD so bring a sweater (or parka!) The name was also misleading too - with the word "lab" in it, I originally thought it was a school of some type vs. a restaurant - I get the Edison, being the location's side street name and play on the inventor's name - but once you get past that, the food is fantastic and a unique dining experience. I may note that our first dining experience there, our server was rather curt and we were wondering if we made the right decision to go there - but the food was so good, it was irrelevant. Since then, I've eaten there four + times, had the same server and she's been pleasant. (Maybe she was having a bad day when we first met)
(4)
Ed S.

The food is inventive, but overpriced. First time I came was for a late lunch. Had the grouper sandwich, delicious. It had this topping of marinated peppers that was fantastic. Went with wifey for dinner tonight. Both times service was very friendly, and attentive. The decor is industrial chic. Cocktails were tasty and interesting. Had the oysters in potato, ($16 for 5 oysters) were in a birds nest of shoe string potato, they were good, but would have liked a more assertive sauce to balance the richness. The Cuban sandwich w foi gras ($16) was ok. It was the almost slider sized though. I'd estimate 4" long, 3" high 1" wide. The cheese foam wasn't a strong presence, and it was a small portion of foi gras. Excellent concept, but worked less well. The buffalo cauliflower was tasty, nice addition of dates. They could have blanched the cauliflower before frying though. Wifey's snapper was good. It came w lobster mushrooms, never seen them before, cool to try something new. The star of the night was the dessert. The cruellers!! Om nom nom. The carrot ice cream and crispy crumbles of white chocolate (?) were so good.
(3)
Alina M.

We love this place! I've dined with large groups and small groups and the service is always great. The burrata salad is always a must. Lunch is great as well. I only have a small complaint. The last time we were there our waitress took our drinks from us before we were done. We we talking and she was so quick that we weren't able to tell her.
(5)
Dave W.

This has to be the most inventive and fun food in all of Tampa Bay and likely the entire state of Florida. Where else can you get amazing dishes that include, in no particular order and definitely not all served together... house made pistachio meringue asiago snow brown butter ice cream rosemary donuts blood orange pink peppercorn sauce ? I will tell you where else... No where! I was thinking as the professional and friendly waiter described the ingredients, of course the pistachio meringue is house made! I mean, they don't sell this incredible ingredient at Publix!
(5)
Stacia C.

I visited Edison on a Tuesday night with a group of eight coworkers. We were traveling to Tampa for work and are always looking to explore some fun, unique and delicious spots. Several members of our groups had been before and it came recommend, especially the desserts. Edison was able to fit a large group in relatively last minute and said they'd even be able to give us separate checks. Always a plus when traveling in a group. My car arrived early and we decided to grab a seat at the bar and enjoy a cocktail before the rest of the group arrived. The space is modern and open and definitely plays up to the Edison theme. They definitely seem to pride themselves on their cocktails and the bar tender was very friendly, attentive and knowledgeable about the cocktail menu as well as other liquors, wine and beer served. Their wine and beer list wasn't extensive but definitely top notch as far as what they did offer. Solid A for cocktails and atmosphere. Our group ordered a large variety of food. From cheese plate to seafood items to the fried chick and several desserts. While everyone was pleased with their food. No one felt overwhelmed and it definitely left something to be desired. Especially for the price and the hype of "lots of flavors" in different dishes. More often than not the group felt like their dish was a bit bland compared to what was described by the waiter or the menu. I shared the cheese plate and was a bit disappointed in the amount and variety of cheese offered in the plate for $17. I've had my fair share of cheese plates and this one was definitely overpriced for only three cheeses and the accompaniments. E everyone in our group would agree that dessert was the best part of the meal. I'd definitively save room for dessert and would recommend the chocolate peanut butter bar or the butter cake. Our service was wonderful as well, which I especially appreciate when dining in a large group which I know can be challenging.
(3)
Maggie A.

A "top chef" like restaurant. Each dish we tried was so full of flavor and the sauces that came with each were amazing. We started with the cheese board, which changes every so often. We had etorki, idizabal, valdeon, fresh fruit, mixed nuts & local honey. The bread that came with it had a hint of garlic on it which topped it off. They're plates are "tapas" ish so we ordered 3 to share. The oysters which were lightly fried with honey and aoili sauce. The buffalo cauliflower, which came with a blue cheese dressing and a carrot celery date salad. & finally, the lump crab squash blossom rangoons, which was paired with blood orange ginger jam and toasted macadamia, which was perfect with the crab. Also, the ragoons weren't super cream cheesy so you actually tasted the crab, which was a plus in my book. Can't wait to return.
(5)
Allie S.

We came here on a rainy Friday night at 6pm. At 6pm without a reservation we were one of the few occupied tables. By 7pm, the place was packed. The staff was very friendly and hospitable but oddly enough the air conditioning was on very low. I was sweating which seemed unnecessary and saw the staff fanning themselves. The menu was very inventive, creative and unique but I found few things I actually wanted to eat. If you like a menu that is very outside the box I would give it a try- hopefully they will turn up the AC!
(3)
Julia D.

My husband & I went there for dinner & drinks last week. It was raining really bad and the valet ran and got me an umbrella, which was super nice and we didn't even valet the car so that was cool of him. Roy was our server and he did a great job! He had extensive menu knowledge & suggested many great things. I normally drink Tito's vodka & he had me try the vodka from St. Pete which was great, I didn't even know there was a distillery in that area. We tried the Cuban appetizer, was delicious. I had Ahi for my dinner and it was prepared perfectly with a mix of fresh vegetables that were amazing. I forgot what my husband ordered but he was impressed & very satisfied. Only four stars because I believe it was a little pricey. We definitely will be returning and requesting Roy.
(4)
Bridget H.

The good: The service quality was fantastic. Christye thought of every detail in the large customer dinner we held from personalized menus to a selected wine list. The food was delicious and crowd pleasing. The butter cake is a must and wagyu entree was a hit. The bad: Nothing to add here except I wish Lab 916 (the private space) had been open for dinner and not just cocktail hour. The verdict: strongly recommend for a dinner date,night out or corporate event.
(5)
Savitre S.

Excellent place, busy but not crowded. Valet parking and really unique dining options. The price is a little beyond my usual reach but it was nice to treat myself just this once. I had the "Sopa Ajo" and the scallop entree...both were completely new experiences for my palette! I can't say they were superb flavor wise, but not terrible either. I would be willing to experiment some more and update my review later. Being the lab nerd that I am- I really appreciated the "solute and solvents" and chemical formula names of certain menu items. I can see myself bringing the husband back with me for him to try out- but again, just the prices would limit me on making this a more regular haunt.
(4)
Amanda M.

We just had dessert and he had a drink but it was fantastic!!! We will definitely be back to try dinner. The chocolate truffle ice cream tastes just like french truffles I have had. Like little bites of heaven. So rich and delicious. The hosts were very helpful while we were waiting for a table. They explained the menu to us and let us know all about the restaurant. We didn't wait long for a table and it was about 9pm on Friday. Can't wait to go back for dinner!
(5)
Todd B.

I know I know, I'm crazy to go as low as 3 stars. There are plenty yelpers whose opinions I respect that enjoyed it much more than I did, but my meal was very underwhelming, as was my love's meal, so I can't give it a higher rating. It simply isn't worth the price. If I was reviewing on creativity and uniqueness alone, then I would go 4 or 5 stars. This menu is something different, and perhaps I ordered wrong. Lets start with the good - first, their drink menu is superb. You don't know where to go, but I went with the Rick House sour - Rye with pomegranate liqueur, lemon juice, honey and egg whites. Melissa went with the Pouce Verde - St. Augustine gin, Yellow Chartreuse herbal liqueur, cucumber + honeydew syrup, lemon juice, tarragon leaves. Both were excellent. Not like anything you've tasted before, but excellent combinations. Her drink tasted very cucumber-y; that was the dominant flavor, but very refreshing. Mine was just a superb whiskey drink - good break from an old fashioned. Also good was the service - our server knew this menu inside and out and knew we were a bit pressed for time and made sure we got out when we needed. Onto the mediocre - first, this place doesn't cater much to vegetarians. I'm a meat (bacon) eater, but Melissa is not. She will eat seafood, but the problem is that at least a couple of their seafood dishes (and the ones Melissa wanted) were made with chicken stock and/or other items not of the vegetarian variety. Seems strange to have a diverse menu that looks like there is plenty for everyone, only to limit it by adding ingredients to vegetarian or pescetarian dishes that make them carnivorous. Thankfully, we had a kick-butt server that knew exactly what was in each dish, so Melissa avoided a mistake. She ended up with the scallops and she let me try them. Good - nothing bad about them - but frankly, we make seared scallops at home pretty often and that comes out better. These were good, but for $36, they should have been superb, and like most scallop restaurant dishes, you only got 4 or 5 scallops (meanwhile, they are $20 for a pound in the store). She also got the buffalo cauliflower, which she thoroughly enjoyed. Not my cup of tea, but based on her reaction, it might have been the best thing one of us ate all night. As for me, I wanted to start with the pork belly appetizer, but at $14, I'll buy 2 packages of bacon and eat all of that instead (don't mess with me - I'll do it!). I asked our server to help me choose between the duck confit and the Jamaican fried chicken. She said the duck was her favorite, but the chicken was the most popular, so I went chicken. The menu describes it as follows: banana bacon waffle, collard greens, chayote, green tomatoes + chilies, rum curry coconut syrup. Here's the problem - fried chicken is good. Waffle is good. But a rum curry coconut syrup is not a good combination with fried chicken and waffles, and at almost $30 ($28) it should have been a heck of a lot better. It wasn't bad, and I ate it all, but it was very underwhelming and very disappointing at the price. Once again - full marks for creativity, but creativity for creativity sake without the taste to go with it doesn't make a good meal. All in all, the drinks were great, the service was great, but the food was mediocre and very overpriced. We discussed it after the fact and decided we will probably come back for drinks during happy hour, but we can't see a reason to give the food another shot - not at these prices. There are better restaurants in Tampa for the price.
(3)
Mia K.

I was really excited to try Edison. As a scientist and a food enthusiast, I found Edison to be a really clever name for a restaurant. Not only is it on the corner of Kennedy Blvd and Edison Avenue, but it embraces gastronomy as science! Ambience and Service: The dining area was simple, clean, and modern. I liked the walls with a science lab background and how they served some drinks in an Erlenmeyer's flask, embracing the theme. The server was very nice and knowledgeable. Drinks: We ordered a Rincon Beach and an Emerald City and they were amazing. The Rincon Beach was a perfect, delicious beach drink and the Emerald City was refreshing. Food: We found their food was very lacking. We ordered the buffalo cauliflower and ceviche with yucca chips for appetizers and caramelized scallops and duck confit for the entrÃ©e. The buffalo cauliflower had good flavor but was nothing out of the ordinary. The breading was sauggy. It desperately needed the crispy crunchy fried texture. The ceviche was lacking flavor. It did not have that staple citrusy or spicy ceviche flavor. I didn't like how they used cooked fish instead of fresh raw fish. Also, the yuca chips on the side were too greasy and chewy. Maybe if they tried dehydrating sliced yuca before frying, this could have helped. I had the caramelized scallops. Scallops are my all time favorite and I thought caramelizing them would bring out their natural sweetness. I was actually chatting with my boyfriend before our food came out and jinxed it by saying "you can never mess up scallops." It turns out, you can. A huge disappointment. I read the menu over and over and it clearly said "caramelized" scallops and our server said that I would get four jumbo scallops. Well, that's not what I saw on my plate. I had four very charred quarter sized scallops that were too bitter to eat. Sides were very good though. That's all I ate from my entrÃ©e since I am not a big fan of burnt, bitter food. This was seriously not worth $36. My boyfriend had duck confit. It's his favorite but I have never seen him not enjoy it so much like that night. He said it was too dry so that the texture was almost like jerky. Overall, great ambience, service, and drinks. But food was lacking and overpriced.
(2)
Keith P.

We were in Tampa for one night and found Edison on Yelp. The reviews were good and the menu looked interesting. This place surpassed our expectations and made our one day trip memorable. We might make the three hour drive just to go here again. I had the scallops and my wife had the steak. Both were unbelievable. The tuna appetizer was awesome too. We would give this place 10 stars if we could. Highly recommended!!!
(5)
Ericka H.

In town visiting friends and they decided to try this place out because they heard great things about it. Not sure what it was but some of our meals were sub-par. The oysters were out of control delicious and i highly recommend them and so was the steak!!! The seafood stew was definitely not what we were expecting, it seemed like we got the "bottom of the barrel". It was not worth the price.
(3)
Lauren C.

As soon as we walked in to Edison on Saturday night, I knew we made a great choice. Hulk Hogan and his wife (also a fan of bandanas!) were seated in the back corner of the restaurant. I wish I saw what he ordered :) The drink menu was really fun and it was hard to choose. They have 8 permanent drinks and 7 seasonal. I had the Emerald City which comes in a bottle but is made in house. It was very fresh and summery with cucumber and mint flavors. It had one very large ice sphere so the drink didn't get as watered down as it melted. We tried the buffalo cauliflower, pork belly and prosciutto zeppole as appetizers. All were great! Our waitress said these would be the best choices for sharing (I was with a party of 5). I was a little sad they didn't have the bronzino I saw online but thoroughly enjoyed the Yellowtail snapper. It had so many elements and flavors. There were mussels, potatoes, artichokes, bread with curry butter and a good portion of fish. I really liked the Indian spices. We ordered the butter cake, peanut butter bar and Arnold Palmer for dessert. They were the best part of the meal! I typically prefer chocolate desserts but the Arnold Palmer was surprisingly my favorite. It had a warm, cardamom flavor. I would recommend calling for reservations. Open Table showed no availability but I was able to make reservations over the phone. Also, their website is awful! The menu is almost impossible to view on mobile. Check it out on a regular computer. Edison is a very hip place with delicious food! It is on the expensive side but worth it.
(5)
Dr Yolanda C Leon L.

Only had the Coffee and desert.... BUT.... We LOVED it. It was a unique experience! The Coffee was great and our server had a sweet spirit! Will return for dinner soon!!!
(5)
Marcio D.

Hands down one of the best meals ever (top 5) and I've been to some fantastic restaurants in Philly, NYC, Chicago and SF. The food and drinks see amazing and only rivaled by the service.
(5)
Matt B.

Edison's Food and Drink Lab is a pretty cool place. When we visited on a Friday night it was packed with 20 and 30 something's. We had a nice chat with the hosts as we waited for a table and learned that the menu changes each night. If your looking for a change from your boring Chilis and Applebee's life, I highly suggest you drop in here and have some fun. The "lab" theme is done well with a glass beaker on your table holding a candle, and the menus on clipboards. I was feeling like a Rum drink and the mixologist gladly whipped me up a drink and hand delivered it to our table in the dining room. He crafted a story about my new concoction, told me the ingredients and then we both laughed when I found out he may not be able to duplicate it cause he was making and mixing to order....the drink was delicious and looked great with one giant cube of ice in the glass. .....did I mention the dessert? No, well why not? We ordered the "butter cake" because the host told us it was recently written up in a few publications. Wow delicious! You should seriously try this, it has a sugary almost Creme brÃ»lÃ©e type crust...Wowza! We paired that with chocolate truffle ice cream that was amazing. The food scientists that are crafting this stuff at Edison's lab are definitely getting a couple new customers, we are seriously impressed.
(5)
Jen H.

So my mom and I visited this evening for our first time. I visited this location previously when it was a different restaurant, and the changes they have made are very impressive! We arrived with high expectations, and they were all met or exceeded! The service was top notch. Our server, Karissa was on point. The manager visited at least twice to make sure we were satisfied. Food runners were also on point. The bartender didn't have the items to make the cocktail drink I ordered (not on their menu may I add) but they made it happen one way or another. Service is an A+! Food. Wow. Finally found food in Tampa Bay that can compete with the creativity and complexity of larger cities. Pork belly app is a MUST order. Burratta was perfect. First one we have found served the way they are supposed to be served. Crab ragoons also delicious. For dinner, I had the tuna entree and my mom has the duck. No complaints, just more wows! Butter cake for dinner. Looking forward to the next visit already.
(5)
Simon S.

Top 3 restaurant in Tampa. My advice is to stick with just appetizers because they are amazing. Great drinks also. So happy that Tampa finally has some great restaurants like this. Probably one of the few places that could make it in a city like NYC or San Fran. 5 star all the way
(5)
Lauren G.

Went to this place last night and loved it. We started with the Serrano Ham Zeppole, which was amazing and a must have! It's ham over powdered doughnuts with melon on the side. Super creative and great! I then got the Spicy Jamaican Fried Organic Chicken which is on top of banana bacon waffle with collard greens on the side. This was the first time I've gotten chicken and waffles, but it was amazing! The chicken was thick and super tender and the waffles were perfectly cooked, as well. Very innovative and trendy spot in Tampa!
(5)
Mary W.

We greatly enjoyed Edison's yesterday for lunch. Our server was a joy and made wonderful suggestions. We look forward to visiting again. When you go, try the potato crusted oysters or the fois gras. The drinks were delicious as well, and were glad to see craft cocktails on the menu.
(5)
Adrienne V.

This is my favorite restaurant in my whole entire life. I have lived in both New York City and Philadelphia and this restaurant is my favorite restaurant, sorry Chris Lee and Stephen Starr, you have got nothing on Edison's! We love their drink menu. We love the casual atmosphere. We love the food. We even go here with our eight-year-old daughter and they always make her something awesome, And she loves their desserts!
(5)
Jessica G.

I've never talked so much about food in my life. This place made me second guess my rating system on yelp and how I perceive restaurants in general. We tried it all and we can truly say every single course blew us away. The attention and advice the server gave blew us away. And that rum curry coconut syrup over our chicken and waffles blew us away. We'll be back for more inventions soon.
(5)
Dena P.

Food + Drink + Lab = yes yes yes! This is honestly a very unique restaurant. The menu is always changing with the season and there are many different techniques used to fuse different flavors together. It's complex and just so fun to eat. I love the concept. It's a lab right? So clipboards and scientific language are seen on your menu. Bring out that nerdy side. Drinks and Food are not simple at all. I love how they figure out unique flavor combinations. I started out with the half shell oysters and omg the flavors were popping. I can't remember what was on top but the garnish really compliments the raw oysters. Next up was the steak tartare, I do enjoy the Korean fusion, served with kimchi and other Korean side dishes. It was good, but the steak tartare at Bern's has ruined any other steak tartare for me. The next appetizer was the fried foie gras, which was my first time having foie gras. It certainly made me willing to try it more in the future. Hmmm!! Now to the entree, we got the scallops with sea foam (cool technique) which brings out the ocean taste and the filet with pistachio sauce (LOVE). We also tried the vacuum coffee, a must! It's so fun watching how the coffee gets filtered and it brings out the smoothness of the drink. We also paired the coffee with the toffee pudding (not that great) but all was very good. I had a pretty good experience here at Edison. The staff were all very attentive and really fun. It was also very reasonably priced for the experience. We ate a lot!
(5)
Kim B.

What a cool place! The back entry, industrial lighting, loud, small room, just plain cool. Pretty good beer selection. I had a Local IPA. Larger wine menu and I hear the craft cocktails are great. I had the fried green tomato salad with roasted tomato soup. It was excellent! So often fried greens are bitter, hard, and caked in gross batter. These were just right! And an excellent greens and onion w goat cheese salad to compliment. The soup was thick, slightly spicy, and with a nice dollop of burata. I had some of my friends butter cake. Omg! It tastes like a creme brÃ»lÃ©e came! Ridiculous!
(4)
Mark P.

Best chicken and waffles I've ever had. I've also tried them at Ella's and Z Grille and Edison blows them away. I love the banana in the waffles and the chicken was cooked and seasoned perfectly. I've also had the club sandwich and jerk chicken, which were good but my chicken and waffle is my favorite dish. The desserts are really good here. The crullers with cardamom glaze, white raisin purÃ©e and carrot ice cream are a tasty treat. The sugar-crusted butter cake with brown butter ice cream, pistachio, orange, and toffee sauce is also a good choice. Service has always been top notch whenever I go. The ambience is sorta trendy but not a place you have to dress up for. The only thing I don't like is you have to bring a Webster's Dictionary to understand many of the words on the menu. But other than that, no complaints. 5 luminous spheres! as they would say.
(5)
Jacquelyn M.

Came and tried several different hot and cold plates - pleasantly surprised. Our waiter Matthew was attentive and suggested a really good bottle of Italian wine (see picsl) Escargot with cippolini onions was a 10 Potato crusted oysters 6 a little too sweet Pork belly on kim chi pancakes 7 Octopus tiradito 8 Ham board 10 ( iberico ham salami pears and duck rillette with sweet potato biscuit)
(4)
Sara S.

I'm a huge fan! The menu is so interesting....from the starters, entrees, to the dessert menu. The rustic yet modern decor make the ambiance a fun place to drink and dine. Firstly though, make sure to bring cash for valet unless you want to drive around for a spot. It's a mandatory $5 valet for the lot. I'm not a fan of that, but it is what it is. We arrived early (around 5ish) and all the seats at the bar were already taken. Fortunately, we were able to get a table in the restaurant, which is a small open space with just a few tables, so reservations are recommended. I was instantly impressed with the menu. Just reading the descriptions and I knew the chef put a lot of thought into the tasting experience. As others have warned, don't get attached to anything but maybe the potato crusted oysters, because it seems to be one of the few staples on the menu. Those oysters were probably the best I've ever had. Perfect size, crunch and flavor. You drizzle nectar on it... Both the host and server played their roles perfectly, attire and all. Only issue we had was with how long our drinks took. Our appetizers arrived before our drinks - if that gives you an idea of the wait time. I understand these are handcrafted cocktails, but that shouldn't happen at a restaurant. Either the bar was slow or the server forgot to deliver them. They were worth the wait though b/c the Matador was perfectly spicy and went down great.
(4)
Andrea N.

We have eaten here twice now. We've had the Buffalo Cauliflower, Ceviche, Zucchini Blossoms, Steak with Caramel Bacon Mashed Potatoes (served with stringy fried onions reminiscent of Berns!) Scallops and the AWESOME Butter Cake -- we agreed it was one of the best desserts we have ever tasted. It is pricey, but the food is outstanding and the portions are generous. The service was outstanding both times we were there - the second time we had a minor issue with one of the dishes being too charred and the problem was handled perfectly. We will definitely be back.
(5)
Ana E.

I will start with saying that I am a server and anytime I go out I can be a bit critical about certain things. I made reservations for Friday night 9.30 for 6 adults and a baby. We got to the restaurant earlier,at 9, and were seated right away.everyone starting from the hostess to our wonderful servers and bussers were very patient(we had visitors from Colombia that needed a little extra attention) accommodating and sweet! Everything we had:Drinks,appetizers,entrees,deserts and coffee presentation were top notch Around 10.15 we had 2 more people joining us and even tho the restaurant closes at 10pm they got their food and drinks very fast. I think I found my happy place in Tampa:) All the people in our party were impressed with the place,food and service. Great job!!! P.S. They called the day of the reservation to confirm and ask about any dietary restrictions(I was pleasantly surprised)
(5)
Keith W.

I was told by a local resident to check this place out. I'm glad I took the advice. The food is interesting and delicious. I had potato crusted oysters , escargot , yellow fin tuna spring rolls, and the pork belly. Food was fresh, and well prepared. The service was excellent, I was traveling so I ate at the bar and the bartenders were knowledgable and friendly. Everyone should try this place out
(5)
Erik K.

Finally was able to try Edison for dinner and my only complaint......why did I wait so long. Service Perfect. Not too much in your face but around enough. Also the passion the employees have in this place really shows. Extremely knowledgable staff. Drinks Wow. I had one of the best drinks of my life. Bourbon, ancho Chile syrup and coffee, who knew. A great selection of hand crafted cocktails, wine and beer. Food Everything we ordered was perfection. From the Cheese Plate, Buffalo Cauliflower( amazingly unique) lamp shank. Desert Was gonna to skip desert until advised otherwise from the wait staff. Went with the Peanut Butter Bar and was in heaven. This also comes with some homemade chicory ice cream which is the only thing in house that is frozen. I can't wait to go back to Edison's!!!'
(5)
Rachel S.

Palet heaven! The menu changes day to day, always bringing something new & allowing chef creation. The crafted cocktails are unique & the food will have you in a Palet sensation!
(5)
Brant P.

One of the least pleasant experiences I've had at a new restaurant in Tampa. This is really the first negative review I have submitted on Yelp. It takes a lot to turn me off to a restaurant. I like to explore new places and try new menu items on a regular basis. I am by no means shy when it comes to experimenting with food. However, I struggled to find one thing on the Edison menu that sounded remotely appetizing. Whether it was condensed melon or deconstructed oysters or bone marrow topped beef, I couldn't help but get the feeling that the place was simply trying too hard to be edgy and hip. We had mentioned to the waitress that it was my birthday. They brought out ice cream after our meal. Nice, I thought. Only to find that I was charged for said ice cream upon receiving the bill. I left without any satisfaction, a bitter taste in my mouth, and still quite hungry. Only to walk out and find that I was required to pay the valet $3 for parking my car. This would not be any sort of big deal at all, however, the parking lot was no more than 10 or 12 spaces. I physically walked by my car to retrieve my keys from the attendant, then proceeded to walk back and get the car myself.. Not much of a service for the same cost of valet at Bern's. I most likely will not return.
(1)
Ryan T.

Edison is by far our favorite restaurant in tampa. We've been three times and each time was better than before. Their cocktails are so unique and absolutely delicious. Their food is not only amazing but generous in proportion. They have great customer service as well. On our most recent visit we got the pork belly appetizer (which was to die for), short ribs (so tender, didn't even need a knife) and crispy duck confit (which was cooked to perfection). We can't wait for next time!v
(5)
Michael U.

Items Selected: Squash blossom lump crab Rangoon - blood orange ginger jam, toasted macadamia Redondo Serrano Ham Zeppole - Rosemary Doughnuts, Shaved Serrano Ham, Parmesan Snow, Compressed Melon Foie Gras 'Au Grains of Paradise' - Fingerling Potatoes Bourguignon, Maitakes, Lamb Bacon, Red Wine Sauce, Duck Fat Fried Shallots Fuji Apple + Baby Spinach Salad - Belgian Endive, Maytag Blue Cheese, Pain d'epice Walnuts, Pomegranate Raspberry Vinaigrette Roasted Tomato Soup 'Arrabiata' - Burrata, Crispy Herbs, Serrano Chilies, Toasted Garlic, Candied Citrus Zest, Ciabatta Crouton Spicy Jamaican-Fried Organic Chicken - Banana Bacon Waffle, Collard Greens, Chayote, Green Tomatoes, Chiles, Rum Curry Coconut Syrup Crispy Duck Confit - Black Truffle Gnocchi, Swiss Chard, Roasted Shitake, Turnips, Prunes, Apple Cognac Jus Wood Grilled Wagyu Culotte Steak - Duck Fat Fried Garlic Potatoes, Charred Romaine, Heirloom Tomato Brulee, Black Truffle Bearnaise Edison Crullers - Cardamom Glaze, Carrot Ice Cream, White Raisin Puree Peanut Butter Bar - House Vanilla Wafer Crust, Banana Custard, Chicory Ice Cream Sugar Crusted Butter Cake - Brown Butter Ice Cream, Pistachio, Orange, Toffee Sauce Said by some to be the most interesting restaurant in Tampa Bay or Saint Petersburg, a pre-game dinner at Edison Food + Drink Lab saw my oldest friend join in on a culinary tour trek across the Sunshine State and although the loud, industrial interior and forced valet parking left much to be desired the majority of Chef Jeannie Pierola's creative cuisine lived up to high billing, a plate of truly awful and oily crullers the lone exception to the rule. Obviously a space built for youngsters with trendy beers and cocktails served at a bar while wood and polished stone dominate the dining area it was mere moments after seating that drinks were offered and with some choosing to imbibe I instead explored the whimsical menu, a two page ordeal with several options seeming a bit overwrought while others played on culinary concepts from various regions around the world. Beginning first with appetizers ranging from $9 to $17 it should seem obvious that items like foie gras and squash blossoms carry an upcharge but as good as both the creamy rangoon with aromatic sauce as well as the intensively savory take on duck liver were it was actually the light donuts dusted in confectioners' sugar and draped with ham that stole the show, the addition of briny cheese and compressed melon offering a one-two punch of flavors helping to enliven the palate between each bite. At this point experiencing a slight delay between courses due to an influx of several parties while my buddy ordered a second bottle of beer it was with good fortune that mains proved well worth the wait and with the chicken and waffles focused on earthy aromatics rather than overdoing it with spice the flavor profiles of both it and the impressively crisp duck can only be described as inspired, the tomato soup and tender beef a bit more straightforward though well prepared, delicious, and generously portioned just the same. At this point pushing our luck in terms of making it to Amalie Arena on time it was in a trio of desserts that we called it a wrap and although the crullers proved not only greasy, but also cooked in questionably fresh oil, both the layered candy bar and butter soaked cake were far more pleasant, the chicory ice cream of the former a particularly lovely pairing to creamy banana custard while the batons of airy meringue added much needed levity to the heft of the large yellow square.
(4)
Paul M L.

Why, they nailed every area of a great dinning experience, starting from pulling up to the valet taking the car right away and letting us know how to get into the place, from the girls at the receiving desk seating us very promptly when we had reservations and knowing who we were, to the waitress taking our drink order and explaining everything to us. This is the third time in there and although for someone who has not seeing that menu may seem a little unusual, but trust me all works is fantastic, the chicken and waffles are to die for, the Crab Rangoon appetizer is phenomenal,the Butter Cake dessert is something that is a must to try. They do not have a major wine list there but do allow you to bring your own bottle of your favorite wine and charge a $20 corkage fee but they do have a Cocktail Lab and make lots of different type drinks. The only negative thing that I can say is that the place is extremely noisy, if you bring someone who has hearing troubles they will have a real problem.
(5)

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Address : 912 W Kennedy Blvd
Tampa, FL, 33606
Phone (813) 254-7111
Website https://edison-tampa.com/
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :11:30 am - 2:00pm
Mon : 11:30 am - 2:00pm

Specialities

Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Valet, Street, Private Lot
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Trendy
Noise Level : Average
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : No
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : Yes
Dogs Allowed : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes

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Edison: Food-Drink Lab

912 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL, 33606

Edison: Food-Drink Lab Menu

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