The primary time I visited Tampa, I used to be shocked on the variety of locations to eat and the vary of meals. However let me let you know, Tampa eating places are up there with the very best.
Tampa is a metropolis for foodies and options delicacies from everywhere in the world. One factor you’ll discover is the Cuban affect, and the Cuban sandwich is the town’s most well-known meal. That’s all right down to the cigar trade, which attracted Cuban employees within the 1800s.
After all, we’re speaking about a big metropolis right here. It’s straightforward to lose your method and maybe miss one thing advisable. Realizing the very best eating places in Tampa to go to beforehand offers you a a lot better likelihood of making an attempt every little thing on supply.
15 Finest Eating places in Tampa
Having visited and munched my method round this metropolis a number of occasions, I need to make it easier to discover the very best locations to eat in Tampa. This checklist options my favourite eating places based mostly on the meals, high quality of service, location, and buyer opinions. By the tip of this, I count on you to be very hungry and raring to go!
1. Columbia Restaurant
(Finest Restaurant in Tampa General)
If you happen to’re questioning the place to eat in Tampa to get an actual taste of the town, it must be the Columbia Restaurant. This family-run eatery has been open since 1905, making it Florida’s oldest restaurant. It’s additionally house to the long-lasting Cuban sandwich; for those who solely eat one factor in Tampa, make it this.
There are various conventional eating places in Tampa that declare to serve this dish, however Columbia is the primary spot amongst locals. There are a number of branches, however for my part, Ybor Metropolis has the very best and most genuine one. It additionally has that really feel of historical past throughout you, which you merely can’t beat.
The Cuban sandwich isn’t the one factor on the menu; I went again a number of occasions for each lunch and dinner and was by no means disillusioned. Their paella is divine, together with roast pork “a la Cubana.” This spot is a must-visit.
Columbia Restaurant Data
Deal with: 2117 E. seventh Ave, Tampa, Florida, 33605. Click on right here for instructions.
Cellphone: +1 (813) 248-4961
Working Hours: Mon-Thurs & Solar: 11am-9pm, Fri-Sat: 11am-10pm
Should-Strive Meals: Cuban sandwich, paella, roast pork
Common Value: $10-15 per starter, $20-50 per predominant, $6-15 for desserts
Web site: columbiarestaurant.com
2. Azure at EDITION (greatest for views)
One of the best meals in Tampa is dotted throughout the town and never in a single particular place, however Downtown actually has its justifiable share of high eating places. Azure is considered one of them, and it’s additionally the most effective rooftop bars in Tampa.
Positioned on the roof of the Tampa EDITION Resort, it is a place excellent for chilling out in subtle environment. You have to to e book a desk forward of time to keep away from disappointment, and it’s actually a spot in your greatest garments.
For me, that is the very best restaurant in Tampa with a view and affords some severely scrumptious wonderful eating choices; in any case, it does have a Michelin star. Meals is Mediterranean-focused, with Greek dishes dominating the menu, together with the freshest seafood possible.
Azure at EDITION Data
Deal with: 500 Channelside Dr., Tampa, Florida, 33602. Click on right here for instructions.
Cellphone: +1 (813) 771-8022
Working Hours: Mon-Thurs & Solar: 11am-11pm, Fri-Sat: 11am-2am
Should-Strive Meals: Marinated filet mignon kebab, Colorado lamb chops, shrimp saganaki
Common Value: $20-60 per starter, $60-150 per predominant, $10-16 for desserts
Web site: editionhotels.com
3. River’s Edge (greatest for location)
River’s Edge is a superb spot for wonderful eating in Tampa with a terrific view and a central location. Positioned proper on the sting of the Hillsborough River in Channelside, you may simply sit right here and watch the world go by. I additionally discovered it to be extraordinarily top quality when it comes to service and the meals was scrumptious.
The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, nevertheless it additionally serves as a terrific cocktail bar within the night. If you happen to love seafood, it is a good spot for you, however the connoisseur burgers have been positively my favourite. By way of good eating places in Tampa with high-quality meals with out an excessive amount of fuss, I rank this spot extremely.
The night menu is sort of restricted, however there’s something there for most individuals, together with vegetarians. Nevertheless, vegans will wrestle at this restaurant.
River’s Edge Data
Deal with: Resort Tampa Riverwalk, 200 North Ashley Drive, Tampa, Florida 33602. Click on right here for instructions.
Cellphone: +1 (813) 223 2222
Working Hours: Mon-Solar: 7am-12am
Should-Strive Meals: Buttermilk pancakes, shrimp flatbread, recent catch of the day
Common Value: $10-14 per starter, $15-30 per predominant, $5 for desserts
Web site: hoteltampariverwalk.com
4. Elevage SoHo Kitchen & Bar (greatest for breakfast)
Elevage SoHo Kitchen & Bar is likely one of the high eating places in Tampa, and I really like the breakfast menu right here. The restaurant gained a Michelin star in 2022, and it’s a favourite amongst locals and guests alike. That is additionally a terrific spot for vegans, as there’s a giant portion of their menu devoted to vegan meals.
The ambiance on this restaurant is sort of laid-back regardless of the top quality of meals on supply. I believed the service was nice and our meals arrived in a short time. The smoked salmon toast was my favourite merchandise on the breakfast menu, however the lunch and dinner menus are simply as tasty.
For the very best breakfast in Tampa, positively head to this restaurant. I’ve visited a number of occasions and can all the time return for extra.
Elevage SoHo Kitchen & Bar Data
Deal with: 1207 S Howard Ave, Tampa, Florida 33606. Click on right here for instructions.
Cellphone: +1 (813) 999-8726
Working Hours: Mon-Solar 7am-11pm
Should-Strive Meals: Smoked salmon toast, eggs Benedict, truffle fries
Common Value: $13-18 per starter, $20-50 per predominant, $7 for desserts
Web site: epicureanhotel.com
5. Gaspar’s Grotto (greatest for outside eating)
Many Tampa eating places have outside areas, however this explicit restaurant excels. It’s the most effective outside eating places in Tampa palms down, and it goes one additional: it’s pirate-themed, designed to have fun Tampa’s previous.
The vibe right here is laid-back and cozy, but you would possibly even study one thing throughout your go to. As for the meals, it’s really scrumptious. I attempted the pork Havana, and it nonetheless makes my mouth water now.
The menu isn’t enormous, however every little thing on there may be executed to perfection. Costs are additionally very cheap, and I discovered the service to be top quality too. It’s the best place to absorb the Tampa solar or get pleasure from a heat night with fantastic meals.
Gaspar’s Grotto Data
Deal with: 1805 E seventh Ave, Tampa, Florida 33605. Click on right here for instructions.
Cellphone: +1 (813) 248-5900
Working Hours: Mon-Sat: 7am-2pm, Solar: 11am-2am.
Should-Strive Meals: Pork Havana, mahi mahi fish unfold, crab and shrimp quesadillas
Common Value: $8-13 per starter, $13-18 per predominant, $5 for desserts
Web site: gasparsgrotto.com
6. Oxford Trade (greatest for relaxed eating)
Oxford Trade is considered one of my favourite Tampa eating places, nevertheless it’s not nearly meals: this place can also be a bookstore, champagne bar, and low store. It’s the most effective locations to sit back out and luxuriate in good meals with out an enormous price ticket.
I all the time get pleasure from sitting exterior within the backyard, and there’s a fountain proper within the center so as to add to the ambiance. The espresso is fantastic, and I believe it serves the very best pub meals in Tampa, with out the noise. They even do a conventional afternoon tea menu within the afternoons.
This restaurant can also be an area favourite, and also you’ll discover folks milling the day away with a espresso or having fun with brunch. That’s all the time an excellent signal of high quality.
Oxford Trade Data
Deal with: 420 West Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, Florida 33606. Click on right here for instructions.
Cellphone: +1 (813) 253-0222
Working Hours: Mon-Fri: 7.30am-5.30pm, Sat-Solar: 9am-5.30pm
Should-Strive Meals: Afternoon tea, fried rooster sandwich, fish tacos
Common Value: $8-12 per starter, $15-45 per predominant, $6 for desserts
Web site: oxfordexchange.com
7. Rooster & The Until (greatest for small plates)
There are lots of Tampa downtown eating places, however I all the time discover the picks in Seminole Heights barely higher. That’s positively the case with this restaurant. If you happen to’re eager to strive one thing new, however you’re not feeling impressed, this menu will do it. Right here you may strive small plates, virtually tapas-style, or you may go for the six-course tasting menu.
Your desk will definitely be full however so will your abdomen on the finish of the night. The wine and drinks menu is absolutely intensive, and I spent a full night right here with a buddy. We grazed on small dishes, and I even tried pierogi for the primary time — extremely advisable.
It is a nice alternative for teams too, as you may share giant quantities of meals and never have to decide on something particular.
Rooster & The Until Data
Deal with: 6500 N Florida Ave, Tampa, Florida 33604. Click on right here for instructions.
Cellphone: +1 (813) 374-8940
Working Hours: Weds-Sat: 9am-5pm. Closed Solar-Tues.
Should-Strive Meals: Pierogi, gnocchi, tuna crudo
Common Value: $10-15 per starter, $20-75 per predominant, $6-15 for desserts
Web site: roosterandthetill.com
8. Bern’s Steak Home (greatest for steak)
I really like an excellent steak however I typically discover myself disillusioned; that wasn’t the case at Bern’s Steak Home. I believe this is likely one of the greatest eating places in Tampa downtown, not as a result of the menu is big, however as a result of every little thing on it’s executed to perfection.
That is a particularly common place, so it’s a good suggestion to order a desk a day or two earlier than you intend to go. The decor isn’t like an everyday steak home; it’s opulent and jogs my memory of an previous mansion. Regardless of that, the ambiance is cozy and cozy.
This restaurant can also be well-known for its enormous wine assortment. The service was incredible; the employees helped with wine and meal pairings, and nothing was an excessive amount of bother.
Bern’s Steak Home Data
Deal with: 1208 S Howard Ave, Tampa, Florida 33606. Click on right here for instructions.
Cellphone: +1 (813) 251-2421
Working Hours: Tues-Thurs & Solar: 5pm-10pm, Fri-Sat: 5pm-11pm, Mon: Closed.
Should-Strive Meals: Chateaubriand, dry-aged strip, forged iron pork chop
Common Value: $17-29 per starter, $22-200 per predominant, $10-20 for desserts
Web site: bernssteakhouse.com
9. Edison Meals & Drink Lab (greatest for seafood)
The beauty of this restaurant is that regardless of what number of occasions you return, the menu is all the time totally different. The cooks delight themselves on rotating dishes and benefiting from seasonal produce, providing you with a brand new expertise each time. I’ve been to this spot a number of occasions, and I believe it’s some of the romantic eating places in Tampa.
The ambiance is calm and complex, excellent for a meal for 2. It’s additionally excellent for seafood lovers, so for those who’re a fan of the freshest catch on the market, it will tick the bins for you. They even do a five-course tasting menu for those who’re undecided what you need. So far as wonderful eating in Tampa goes, this positively makes the shortlist.
Edison Meals & Drink Lab Data
Deal with: 912 West Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, Florida 33602. Click on right here for instructions.
Cellphone: +1 (813) 254-7111
Working Hours: Mon-Thurs: 4pm-9pm, Fri: 4-10pm, Sat: 5-1pm, Solar: 5-9pm
Should-Strive Meals: Crab molten cornbread, coconut gnocchi, seared American pink snapper
Common Value: $12-30 per starter, $25-48 per predominant, $10-12 for desserts
Web site: edison-tampa.com
10. Los Chapo’s Tacos (greatest for tacos and avenue meals)
Arms down, that is the very best avenue meals in Tampa for my part. They even have board video games so that you can play whilst you wait in your meals to be cooked, and the entire vibe is calm, relaxed, and really welcoming. You may both sit inside or exterior, however both method, it’s such a enjoyable setting.
Many Tampa eating places serve tacos, however I believe these are the tastiest and definitely the most important. They’ve a big youngsters’s menu so it is a excellent spot for households to seize a chunk to eat, and the costs are additionally very cheap.
The carne asada was my favourite taco, however I actually loved the chorizo ones too. If tacos aren’t your factor, additionally they do burritos and quesadillas too. And to complete all of it off, positively have the well-known churros.
Los Chapo’s Tacos Data
Deal with: 951 E seventh Ave, Tampa, Florida 33605. Click on right here for instructions.
Cellphone: +1 (813) 227-8999
Working Hours: Mon-Thurs: 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat: 11am-11pm, Solar: Closed.
Should-Strive Meals: Churros, carne asada tacos, Tinga de pollo burrito bowl
Common Value: $3-$7 per starter, $9-15 per predominant, $6 for desserts
Web site: loschapostacos.com
11. Yeoman’s Cask & Lion (greatest for brunch)
Yeoman’s Cask & Lion is house to the very best brunch in Tampa for my part, and it’s additionally a incredible spot if you wish to catch some European sport on the TV. This restaurant is British-themed and serves all of the common British meals you may consider. It’s additionally a very vibrant place to spend your time.
Open because the Nineteen Eighties, this is likely one of the Tampa eating places that has turn into an actual mainstay, and it’s not solely vacationers who frequent typically. Regardless of the British really feel, you may nonetheless discover conventional American dishes, and the drinks menu is really worldwide.
If you happen to’re touring from the UK and also you’re lacking house, positively head right here. If not, nonetheless go anyway for a enjoyable few hours in a pub-style institution.
Yeoman’s Cask & Lion Data
Deal with: 202 N Morgan St., Tampa, Florida 33602. Click on right here for instructions.
Cellphone: +1 (813) 224-9367
Working Hours: Mon-Weds & Solar: 11am-11pm, Thurs-Sat: 11am-1am
Should-Strive Meals: Royal pretzel rolls, seafood & lobster Mac, English breakfast
Common Value: $5-10 per starter, $14-20 per predominant, $5 for desserts
Web site: yeomanstopgolfswingsuite.com
12. The Hungry Greek (greatest for Mediterranean meals)
The Hungry Greek is a superb alternative for those who’re in a rush and also you need one thing recent and scrumptious. Made with seasonal native produce, that is the very best lunch in Tampa for those who actually don’t need to wait round. I grabbed multiple gyro throughout my final go to.
It is a family-run restaurant with Greek heritage, and recipes have been handed down via generations. That’s when you’re getting high quality. So far as the restaurant itself goes, it’s a reasonably fundamental set-up, however the meals greater than makes up for the dearth of a vibrant ambiance.
The Hungry Greek falls simply in need of being known as a avenue meals vendor, nevertheless it does have that sort of really feel. Costs are low, and meals is fast and straightforward to eat. It’s positively a terrific spot for a busy sightseeing day.
The Hungry Greek Data
Deal with: 808 N Franklin St., Tampa, Florida 33602. Click on right here for instructions.
Cellphone: +1 (813) 443-2251
Working Hours: Mon-Solar: 11am-8pm
Should-Strive Meals: gyro, falafel, rooster souvlaki
Common Value: $4-9 per starter, $7-15 per predominant, $4 for desserts
Web site: thehungrygreek.com
13. American Social (greatest for teams)
I visited this restaurant with a bunch of associates, and we had the very best night. It is a nice restaurant in Tampa with a sea view and the waterfront ambiance actually provides to the calm vibe. After all, the meals and drinks on supply are additionally incredible.
The sharable plates are a terrific concept if there are a number of of you and also you need to decide various things. The selection can also be actually giant so you may create a bespoke meal and check out one thing new. Alternatively, the common menu is giant, with steaks, rooster dishes, and large burgers on supply.
American Social has a sports activities bar really feel to it, nevertheless it’s barely extra upmarket. It’s the best place to take a seat and discuss till late into the night.
American Social Data
Deal with: 601 S Harbour Island Blvd, No. 107, Tampa, Florida 33602. Click on right here for instructions.
Cellphone: +1 (813) 605-3333
Working Hours: Mon-Weds: 11.30am-12am, Thurs: 11.30am-1am, Fri: 11.30am-2am
Should-Strive Meals: Crispy truffleshroom burger, steak frites, Nashville sizzling rooster sandwich
Common Value: $5-9 per starter, $15-30 per predominant, $5 for desserts
Web site: americansocialbar.com
14. Ulele (greatest for romantic evenings)
Positioned in Seminole Heights, Ulele is the best alternative for a romantic meal for 2. It’s centrally positioned, near Channelside and Downtown.
Ulele has the very best patio in Tampa, so you may get pleasure from heat evenings with a chilled-out ambiance. That is additionally some of the common eating places within the metropolis, so it’s a good suggestion to order a desk forward of time.
Every thing on the menu is designed to replicate Florida’s heritage and tradition, with domestically sourced substances on the coronary heart of every little thing. Open for each lunch and dinner, the menu is heavy on seafood and substances sourced from the native waterways, however even the pickiest of eaters will discover one thing right here.
Ulele Data
Deal with: 1810 North Highland Ave, Tampa, Florida 33602. Click on right here for instructions.
Cellphone: +1 (813) 999-4952
Working Hours: Mon-Thurs & Solar: 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat: 11am-11pm
Should-Strive Meals: Alligator hush puppies, tocobaga tuna, charbroiled oysters
Common Value: $5-9 per starter, $15-50 per predominant, $7 for desserts
Web site: ulele.com
15. Timpano Hyde Park (greatest for Italian meals)
This checklist wouldn’t be full with out mentioning the very best Italian meals in Tampa. There are various Italian eateries within the metropolis, however I believe this affords the tastiest treats and the biggest menu.
The ambiance is cozy and welcoming, identical to a family-style Italian restaurant you may think. Nevertheless, later within the night, the restaurant turns right into a cocktail bar and the vibe is energetic and enjoyable. The placement can also be actually central, so it’s straightforward to get again to your lodge.
You’ll discover all of your Italian favorites on the menu, together with a number of with a contemporary twist. I significantly loved the Florida tomato panzanella, and the oysters have been among the greatest I’ve ever tasted. If you happen to get pleasure from Italian fare, make a degree to go to this restaurant.
Timpano Hyde Park Data
Deal with: 1610 W Swann Ave., Tampa, Florida 33606. Click on right here for instructions.
Cellphone: +1 (813) 254-5870
Working Hours: Mon-Weds: 11am-10pm, Thurs-Fri: 11am-11pm, Sat: 10am-11pm, Solar: 10am-10pm
Should-Strive Meals: Burrata, oysters, Florida tomato panzanella
Common Value: $5-10 per starter, $15-25 per predominant, $6 for desserts
Web site: timpanohydepark.com
Should-Strive Meals in Tampa
Like anyplace on the planet, there are specific dishes which can be synonymous with Tampa. To say you’ve actually skilled every little thing this wonderful metropolis has to supply, add these meals to your checklist.
Cuban Sandwich
If you happen to’re on the lookout for low-cost eats in Tampa, it is best to actually strive the well-known Cuban sandwich. That is essentially the most well-known meal in all the metropolis, and it dates again to the Cuban cigar trade employees within the 1800s. Think about meats, pickles, and Swiss cheese pressed between recent bread—scrumptious.
Deviled Crab
You may not think about a crab as avenue meals, however it is a must-try. Right here, crab meat is combined with spices and crushed right into a ball, earlier than being encased in breadcrumbs. All of that is deep fried, and that offers you considered one of Tampa’s most well-known dishes.
Spanish Bean Soup
Many Tampa eating places serve Spanish bean soup, and it’s essential to strive it. That is one other dish that originated in Ybor Metropolis together with the Cuban sandwich, and it’s a hearty stew of beans, meat, and greens. It would positively fill you up for an excellent few hours.
Guava Cheese Pastry
Guava, cheese, and pastry may not appear to be a pure mixture however don’t push the thought away till you’ve tried it. It’s the best mix of candy and savory, and also you’ll discover it throughout Tampa. You would possibly see totally different variations, however follow the unique for the very best expertise.
Meals Excursions in Tampa
The most effective methods to study extra concerning the delicacies of a particular place is to go on a meals tour. I strive to do that wherever I go to, and since Tampa has such a wealthy culinary historical past, particularly in Ybor Metropolis, a tour gives you all the appropriate data. Listed below are a number of so that you can take into account.
Style of Downtown Tampa Culinary Strolling Tour With Information
This strolling meals tour is extraordinarily common, and it takes you thru 4 of Tampa’s greatest eating places and avenue meals spots. You’ll additionally get to see among the greatest sights alongside the best way, equivalent to Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, with the assistance of a educated information. Click on right here for extra particulars.
Historic Ybor Metropolis Meals Strolling Tour
A number of the most historic Tampa eating places are in Ybor Metropolis, and that is the center of the cigar trade. This historic meals strolling tour is likely one of the hottest round, and it’s a good suggestion to e book forward of time. It additionally features a go to to Columbia Restaurant, the place you’ll get to strive that well-known Cuban sandwich. Click on right here for extra particulars.
Tampa Meals & Drink Tour Hop On & Off
This hop-on-and-off tour offers you the liberty to discover the very best native eating places in Tampa. You’ll be taken round 9 areas, together with a brewery. The great thing about this tour is that you could plan the place you need to go by yourself steam, so a little bit pre-planning is required. Click on right here for extra particulars.
Tampa Eating places: FAQs
Tampa is filled with wonderful eating places, however among the greatest embrace Columbia Restaurant, Ulele, and Azure at EDITION.
Dinner service often begins round 5pm in most eating places and lasts as much as 10pm.
Lunch service is often between 11am and 3pm in most Tampa eating places.
Breakfast service typically runs from 7.30am till 10am in eating places across the Tampa space.
Sure, it’s good apply to tip for those who loved the service you obtained. A great rule of thumb is to tip 20% of the invoice complete.
Whether or not you’re on the lookout for the very best vegan restaurant in Tampa or worldwide fare, Downtown and Channelside have the biggest choice. Nevertheless, Seminole Heights can also be a hotspot for nice meals.
Yeoman’s Cask & Lion and American Social are two of the very best pub-style eateries in Tampa.
Azure at EDITION has an incredible view, nonetheless American Social has a beautiful waterside view too.
Columbia restaurant serves the well-known Cuban sandwich, arguably Tampa’s most well-known dish. It’s additionally the very best low-cost restaurant in Tampa for those who have a look at their lunch menu.
Tampa has a number of vibrant neighborhoods, however Downtown, Channelside, and Ybor Metropolis are busy areas to take a look at.
There are a number of Michelin-star eating places in Tampa.
Whether or not you’re on the lookout for the very best vegetarian restaurant in Tampa, Italian meals, Mediterranean fare, pub grub, or avenue meals, you’ll shortly discover that Tampa has an enormous vary. That is positively a foodie metropolis.
In Conclusion
Tampa is a foodie paradise. It is a metropolis the place you possibly can simply eat your method round and by no means get bored, visiting restaurant to restaurant and burning off the energy. However for those who strive one factor solely, make it the well-known Cuban sandwich.
With so many Tampa eating places and scrumptious dishes to strive, it’s a good suggestion to do a little analysis earlier than you go. Nevertheless, I’ve additionally found some wonderful hidden gems just by strolling round and choosing an eatery at random, a lot of which seem on this checklist. The one query is, which is able to you strive first?
