The Food Scene in Greater Tampa Bay has palate pleasers for every taste and craving imaginable.
By Dylan Berman
No food craving must go unanswered in Greater Tampa Bay. GTB is filled to the brim with restaurants on almost every block. Offering its guests and locals unlimited options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. GTB’s offerings do not stop with just the three meals of the day. Here, guests can find hidden gems for coffee, a late-night treat or a midday snack. Whether diners are in the mood for a gourmet meal, a quick bite or a sweet treat, GTB’s culinary scene has something to satisfy every palate.
American
Named after a legendary young princess, Ulele is a must-visit for those wishing to experience a delicately crafted meal full of locally sourced ingredients and infused with Indigenous flavors. Situated in the beautifully renovated Tampa Heights Water Works building, Ulele’s modern interior design and close proximity to the river provides breathtaking views, whether seated inside the restaurant or dining al fresco. The onsite brewery ensures an endless supply of high-quality beers that pair perfectly with both lunch and dinner. Should beer not suffice, Ulele also boasts an array of great cocktails to choose from. The delicious native-inspired food, large selection of beer and cocktails and stunning views make Ulele a favorite for both locals and visitors.
A second American cuisine gem sits not too far away in Hyde Park Village. On Swann, founded by a group of friends, serves true American cuisine in an elegant atmosphere. Visitors can watch as chefs delicately work to prepare food with the restaurant’s open-kitchen design. After dinner, retreat to the outdoor patio to watch the night sky, or just take in the city. Meal choices at On Swann vary from mussels to shrimp and grits to roasted chicken, meaning every visitor can dig in to their idea of a delectable American meal.
Surf & Turf
At the Rusty Pelican, Greater Tampa Bay’s food lovers can enjoy hearty seafood long before the sun sets, with lunch available most days. The experience begins with a warm welcome from friendly and attentive staff upon arrival. Offering a wide selection of exceptional dishes, ranging from fried calamari to a seafood tower, guests are sure to find a fulfilling meal. Though the Rusty Pelican excels in its seafood offerings, patrons can also choose from a range of soups, salads and red meats. Whether savoring their last bites of a seafood-filled dinner, enjoying a cocktail during happy hour or sitting down for a Sunday brunch, take the time to admire the beautiful blue waters surrounding GTB.
With one of the largest wine collections in the world, Bern’s Steak House is good for more than just perfectly aged steak. Visitors can choose from an exceptional selection of caviar and fresh vegetables and explore an internationally acclaimed dessert room. At Bern’s, the steakhouse experience does not end with dessert; the restaurant offers tours of its vast wine collection. The timeless and sophisticated ambiance of the family-owned steakhouse provides the perfect setting for an unforgettable dining experience. Bern’s Steak House has truly earned its spot as a Greater Tampa Bay staple.
Those who have a difficult time deciding between land and sea may find relief at Counter Culture. There are truly no wrong choices, as both seafood and meat are served to meet the highest of standards and with a modern twist. The restaurant accounts for its indecisive guests with its unique tasting menu. Counter Culture certainly does not trade good quality food for views as guests are treated to a classic Florida vista. Alongside good food, Counter Culture pours divine cocktails and wine. On weekends, Counter Culture offers a three-course brunch.
Spanish
While savoring fresh Spanish cuisine at the Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City, foodies can enjoy a delightful Cuban meal without ever booking a flight. As Florida’s oldest dining establishment, Columbia Restaurant has built its reputation for tasty Cuban dishes one plate at a time, featuring traditional menu items, including tapas and Cuban sandwiches. Instead of pairing dinner with a great wine, Columbia Restaurant pairs dinner with a fiery flamenco show, offering guests an unforgettable evening of culinary and cultural indulgence. Rest assured; Columbia Restaurant also provides a wide selection of exquisite Spanish wines.
A few blocks away from the Performing Arts Center, sits Spain Restaurant and Toma Bar in Downtown Tampa. Not only will guests find fresh European cuisine here. They will also revel in the strong European atmosphere. The live music, stream of food from the kitchen and laughter will only enhance the feeling. Possible dinner dishes include empanadas, ceviche and paella Valenciana. With its warm ambiance and authentic flavors, Spain Restaurant offers a perfect blend of tradition and modernity, creating a truly immersive dining experience.
Caribbean
Often described as a hidden gem, Sal Rosa serves authentic and tasty Caribbean food right in the heart of Downtown Tampa. Sal Rosa stays open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, allowing guests to experience Caribbean culture whenever they crave the flavors. In the morning, patrons have endless choices including oatmeal, sandwiches or burritos. At night, Sal Rosa serves flavorful fare from octopus and pork belly to rock shrimp. Though an unexpected treat to be found here, house made ice cream and coffee is available for guests with a sweet tooth.
Italian
Located in Tampa Heights, Rocca offers traditional Italian cuisine in a modern, vibrant setting. Pasta, seafood and cheese are staples across the menu. Though delightful on their own, Rocca transforms these simple components into mouthwatering feasts. Rocca’s hand pulled to order mozzarella and blue crab pasta are cannot-miss items for patrons. Completing the Italian experience, Rocca offers an extensive wine selection to complement dinner.
La Terrazza in Ybor City brings traditional Italian cooking methods to the heart of Greater Tampa Bay. The restaurant prides itself on using only fresh ingredients and house-made pastas and sauces. Patrons can kick off their dining experience with a variety of classic salads and appetizers like caprese and fresh mussels marinara. Enticing main courses range from veal scaloppini and pollo rollatino to pan-seared filet mignon with portabellas in a rich red wine sauce. Make sure to leave room for dessert, as the restaurant offers plenty of treats that are sure to satisfy any cravings. La Terrazza perfects the authentic Italian dining experience with its warm and friendly atmosphere.
Asian
Rakki Seminole Heights is known for its distinct twist on Asian cuisine, offering unique dishes like their truffle mac and cheese ramen. With a diverse and innovative menu, there is something to delight every palate. Patrons of the indecisive or adventurous type may especially enjoy Rakki’s tasting menu. Featuring an open kitchen design, Rakki Seminole Heights treats guests with the opportunity to observe their food being crafted live. To finish the experience, the restaurant has a fine selection of classic desserts for guests to choose from, great for pleasing any sweet tooth.
For those with a craving for the more traditional, Yummy House may do the trick. Yummy House, an upscale Chinese restaurant, located in Tampa, offers everything from kung po chicken and beef with broccoli, to sweet and sour shrimp. If dinner plans are not in the cards, Yummy House offers an unforgettable dim sum lunch. Delicious food, meticulous attention to detail and exceptional service has earned Yummy House a permanent spot on the map.
Coffee Shops and Cafes
A night of dining at one of Tampa’s hit restaurants or checking out the local bar scene would certainly leave most guests feeling a bit sluggish. Luckily, GTB’s iconic coffee shops and cafes will have any java lover feeling ready for another day of exploring all the food that Tampa has to offer.
The Lab’s modern and refreshing interior design is one reason why it’s a wonderful choice for anyone looking to grab their morning coffee. This cafe encourages guests to chat with their staff about all their coffee desires. The friendly baristas are happy to help any guest design their dream daily coffee order or just try something new. The Lab has a variety of tasty bagels that are sure to delight the tastebuds and jumpstart even the most tedious day.
The perfect balance of scenery, caffeine and food can only be found at Tampa’s DI Coffee Bar on Davis Islands. First, welcoming and talented baristas will brew any guest’s perfect coffee order. While they wait, DI Coffee Bar’s outside patio is a lovely spot to enjoy the morning sky. After grabbing their order, guests can head back outside or grab a seat inside and enjoy DI Coffee Bar’s traditional feel. Before leaving to start the day, be sure to fill up on one of the cafe’s savory breakfast choices. Don’t go too far though because DI Coffee Bar’s live music events on Friday nights will have anyone sprinting back.
Spaddy’s Coffee is a great way to disconnect from electronics, escape the office and reconnect with GTB’s beautiful outdoors. Spaddy’s was originally a mobile coffee truck, moving its way through Tampa and serving impeccable coffee. Now, Spaddy’s has found its home in Seminole Heights. The coffee truck sits regularly in a small, yet nature-filled courtyard, ready to take on any coffee order. Adventurous coffee drinkers, or even those just tired of their usual, would be remiss to not try one of Spaddy’s signature creations. Other than serving killer coffee orders, Spaddy’s offers flavorful bagels, toast and more.
Bars and Breweries
Greater Tampa Bay’s delicious food scene is perfectly paired with its exceptional pubs, bars and breweries that offer a never-ending list of beers, wines and cocktails.
The premier spot for watching games in Tampa is no mystery: Hattricks Sports Bar and Restaurant nestled in Downtown Tampa is the answer. Hattricks not only provides the perfect atmosphere to cheer on the Buccaneers, Rays and Lightning, it also supplies on-tap beer, provides comfortable seating and serves tasty food. Menu choices range from wings to salads, burgers and wraps. Avoid rush hour traffic and arrive just in time to enjoy discounted on-tap beer during happy hour, available any day of the week.
Four-legged friends are welcome on nights out at Pups Pub, a dog park and bar all in one. The fun does not stop there. Bargoers can enjoy special events like trivia nights accompanied by their canine companions. Human friends are welcome, too. Pups Pub has an array of creative cocktails, wines and beers to sip on while partying with a man’s best friend. Dog owners looking to celebrate their pup’s birthday can even spoil their dogs with a birthday party at Pup’s Pub.
CW’s Gin Joint is for those seeking a more stylish bar experience. Guests of this speakeasy-style bar can pick from a long list of cocktails and other beverages to enjoy while listening to live music. To fulfill late night cravings, patrons can choose dishes including cheese boards to share, sandwiches and seafood. After enjoying a drink at the bar, CW’s Gin Joint’s lounge area is perfect for guests looking to properly catch up with friends.
American Classic is another great pick for Tampa visitors and natives seeking a night out on the town. Partiers can take in the Tampa skyline as they savor a handcrafted house cocktail, a bubbly wine or delicious craft beer. The bar hosts nights, such as Taco Tuesday and Burger Monday and has social hours most days of the week.
Michelin starred restaurants:
Supernatural Food and Wine
Mise en Place
Ebbe
Lilac
Predalina
The Pearl
Koya
Cena
Noble Rice
Ulele
Oak & Ola
Steelbach
Kosen
Columbia Restaurant
Haven
Bern’s Steakhouse
Elevage SoHo Kitchen and Bar
Restaurant BT
Ponte
Oliva
Streetlight Taco
Bistro BT
Yummy House
Rooster and the Till
Flaming Mountain
Gorkhali Kitchen
Rocca
On Swann
Timpano
Psomi
New restaurants:
Ybor Seoul – Serves Korean street food in the bustling center of Ybor City.
Predalina – Mix of Mediterranean dishes on the waterfront.
Leons Lobstah Shack – Cozy restaurant with outdoor patio specializing in everything lobster related.
Angora Mediterranean Grill – Turkish food including kebabs and shawarmas in uptown Tampa.
Fortu – Brand new steakhouse.
Cala Italian Kitchen – Relaxed Italian cuisine brought outdoors.
Nomi Nori – Classic high quality Japanese food.
Lepley’s Kitchen and Lounge – Mix of southern and Caribbean food.
Gordito – A vast array of tasty empanadas.
Kosen – Japanese cuisine offering a 20 course omakase experience.
