What’s Clean
At Restaurant BT, local sourcing is a priority. Most of the seafood is wild-caught except for the ocean-farmed salmon. The chicken is organic and the produce is organic when available. All of the beef selections offered on the evening of my review were 100% grass-fed. Ask for more specifics. Vegan options are available and just about everything is scratch-made.
What’s Served
Restaurant BT serves farm to plate French Vietnamese cuisine with a modern twist. The menu includes starters, soups, salads, entrees, and a dessert selection. A sampling of menu offerings includes Chiperones Relleno, Black Truffle Burrata, Avocado & Lobster Claws, and Bouillabaisse De BT.
What I Ordered
I ordered the Fresh Rolls and a Pot Roast special of the night. The tender meat fell apart with a mere touch of my fork and literally melted in my mouth. So flavorful and moist, the Pot Roast was accompanied with tender veggies smothered in a delectable gravy. The Fresh Rolls were, you guessed it, super fresh and absolutely delicious. Soft rice paper, wrapped around finely cut slivers of fresh veggies made perfect dunkables for the two accompanying sauces that paired perfectly with the rolls. All were gobbled up in just a few minutes, by moi!
The Vibe
I’ve always said not to judge a book by its cover! Restaurant BT is nothing to look at from the street. There’s no real curb appeal. During my initial visit, I was taken aback because I entered from the street, through the courtyard, and then through the kitchen into the dining room. I was wondering if I was in the right place, but as it turned out, I was. Expect that you might travel through the kitchen if dining in the courtyard. No worries, the staff is quite friendly. The courtyard is peaceful with a zen vibe, beautiful candles, and a lot of nature. The use of space is what’s endearing here. The dining room is small with white-clothed tables making for an intimate setting and a fine dining experience.
The Takeaway
My experience at this Hyde Park location (in the quaint Palma Ceia area) was off the charts in taste and service. Don’t miss out on Restaurant BT! It’s a “must stop” if in Tampa…or anywhere near bustling Tampa Bay.
