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 inform you, Tampa eating places are up there with the most effective.
Tampa is a metropolis for foodies and options delicacies from all around 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 business, which attracted Cuban employees within the 1800s.
After all, we’re speaking about a big metropolis right here. It’s straightforward to lose your approach and maybe miss one thing advisable. Realizing the most effective eating places in Tampa to go to beforehand provides you a a lot better likelihood of making an attempt the whole lot on provide.
15 Finest Eating places in Tampa
Having visited and munched my approach round this metropolis a number of instances, I need to make it easier to discover the most effective locations to eat in Tampa. This listing options my favourite eating places based mostly on the meals, high quality of service, location, and buyer critiques. By the tip of this, I anticipate you to be very hungry and raring to go!
1. Columbia Restaurant
(Finest Restaurant in Tampa General)
Should you’re questioning the place to eat in Tampa to get an actual taste of the town, it needs to 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; in the event you solely eat one factor in Tampa, make it this.
There are a lot of 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 most effective 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 instances for each lunch and dinner and was by no means upset. Their paella is divine, together with roast pork “a la Cubana.” This spot is a must-visit.
Columbia Restaurant Data
Tackle: 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-Attempt Meals: Cuban sandwich, paella, roast pork
Common Value: $10-15 per starter, $20-50 per important, $6-15 for desserts
Web site: columbiarestaurant.com
2. Azure at EDITION (greatest for views)
The perfect meals in Tampa is dotted throughout the town and never in a single particular place, however Downtown actually has its justifiable share of prime eating places. Azure is one among them, and it’s additionally top-of-the-line rooftop bars in Tampa.
Situated on the roof of the Tampa EDITION Resort, it is a place supreme for chilling out in refined environment. You will have to guide a desk forward of time to keep away from disappointment, and it’s actually a spot on your greatest garments.
For me, that is the most effective restaurant in Tampa with a view and affords some severely scrumptious tremendous 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 conceivable.
Azure at EDITION Data
Tackle: 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-Attempt Meals: Marinated filet mignon kebab, Colorado lamb chops, shrimp saganaki
Common Value: $20-60 per starter, $60-150 per important, $10-16 for desserts
Web site: editionhotels.com
3. River’s Edge (greatest for location)
River’s Edge is a superb spot for tremendous eating in Tampa with an important view and a central location. Situated proper on the sting of the Hillsborough River in Channelside, you possibly can 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, however it additionally serves as an important cocktail bar within the night. Should you love seafood, it is a great place for you, however the connoisseur burgers had been undoubtedly 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
Tackle: 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-Attempt Meals: Buttermilk pancakes, shrimp flatbread, recent catch of the day
Common Value: $10-14 per starter, $15-30 per important, $5 for desserts
Web site: hoteltampariverwalk.com
4. Elevage SoHo Kitchen & Bar (greatest for breakfast)
Elevage SoHo Kitchen & Bar is likely one of the prime eating places in Tampa, and I 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 an important spot for vegans, as there’s a massive 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 provide. 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 most effective breakfast in Tampa, undoubtedly head to this restaurant. I’ve visited a number of instances and can all the time return for extra.
Elevage SoHo Kitchen & Bar Data
Tackle: 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-Attempt Meals: Smoked salmon toast, eggs Benedict, truffle fries
Common Value: $13-18 per starter, $20-50 per important, $7 for desserts
Web site: epicureanhotel.com
5. Gaspar’s Grotto (greatest for outside eating)
Many Tampa eating places have outside areas, however this specific restaurant excels. It’s top-of-the-line outside eating places in Tampa arms 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 large, however the whole lot on there may be completed to perfection. Costs are additionally very affordable, and I discovered the service to be top quality too. It’s the best place to take in the Tampa solar or get pleasure from a heat night with great meals.
Gaspar’s Grotto Data
Tackle: 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-Attempt Meals: Pork Havana, mahi mahi fish unfold, crab and shrimp quesadillas
Common Value: $8-13 per starter, $13-18 per important, $5 for desserts
Web site: gasparsgrotto.com
6. Oxford Change (greatest for relaxed eating)
Oxford Change is one among my favourite Tampa eating places, however it’s not nearly meals: this place can also be a bookstore, champagne bar, and low store. It’s top-of-the-line locations to sit back out and revel in good meals with out an enormous price ticket.
I all the time get pleasure from sitting outdoors within the backyard, and there’s a fountain proper within the center so as to add to the ambiance. The espresso is great, and I feel it serves the most effective 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 individuals milling the day away with a espresso or having fun with brunch. That’s all the time signal of high quality.
Oxford Change Data
Tackle: 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-Attempt Meals: Afternoon tea, fried rooster sandwich, fish tacos
Common Value: $8-12 per starter, $15-45 per important, $6 for desserts
Web site: oxfordexchange.com
7. Rooster & The Until (greatest for small plates)
There are plenty of Tampa downtown eating places, however I all the time discover the picks in Seminole Heights barely higher. That’s undoubtedly the case with this restaurant. Should you’re eager to attempt one thing new, however you’re not feeling impressed, this menu will do it. Right here you possibly can attempt small plates, virtually tapas-style, or you possibly can 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 basically in depth, and I spent a full night right here with a good friend. We grazed on small dishes, and I even tried pierogi for the primary time — extremely advisable.
This can be a nice selection for teams too, as you possibly can share massive quantities of meals and never have to decide on something particular.
Rooster & The Until Data
Tackle: 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-Attempt Meals: Pierogi, gnocchi, tuna crudo
Common Value: $10-15 per starter, $20-75 per important, $6-15 for desserts
Web site: roosterandthetill.com
8. Bern’s Steak Home (greatest for steak)
I like steak however I usually discover myself upset; that wasn’t the case at Bern’s Steak Home. I feel this is likely one of the greatest eating places in Tampa downtown, not as a result of the menu is large, however as a result of the whole lot on it’s completed to perfection.
That is an especially standard 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 large wine assortment. The service was improbable; the workers helped with wine and meal pairings, and nothing was an excessive amount of hassle.
Bern’s Steak Home Data
Tackle: 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-Attempt Meals: Chateaubriand, dry-aged strip, forged iron pork chop
Common Value: $17-29 per starter, $22-200 per important, $10-20 for desserts
Web site: bernssteakhouse.com
9. Edison Meals & Drink Lab (greatest for seafood)
The wonderful thing about this restaurant is that regardless of what number of instances you return, the menu is all the time totally different. The cooks satisfaction themselves on rotating dishes and profiting from seasonal produce, providing you with a brand new expertise each time. I’ve been to this spot just a few instances, and I feel it’s one of the romantic eating places in Tampa.
The ambiance is calm and complicated, supreme for a meal for 2. It’s additionally supreme for seafood lovers, so in the event you’re a fan of the freshest catch on the market, this may tick the packing containers for you. They even do a five-course tasting menu in the event you’re undecided what you need. So far as tremendous eating in Tampa goes, this undoubtedly makes the shortlist.
Edison Meals & Drink Lab Data
Tackle: 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-Attempt Meals: Crab molten cornbread, coconut gnocchi, seared American purple snapper
Common Value: $12-30 per starter, $25-48 per important, $10-12 for desserts
Web site: edison-tampa.com
10. Los Chapo’s Tacos (greatest for tacos and road meals)
Arms down, that is the most effective road meals in Tampa for my part. They even have board video games so that you can play when you wait on your meals to be cooked, and the entire vibe is calm, relaxed, and really welcoming. You possibly can both sit inside or outdoors, however both approach, it’s such a enjoyable surroundings.
Many Tampa eating places serve tacos, however I feel these are the tastiest and definitely the largest. They’ve a big youngsters’s menu so it is a excellent place for households to seize a chew to eat, and the costs are additionally very affordable.
The carne asada was my favourite taco, however I actually loved the chorizo ones too. If tacos aren’t your factor, in addition they do burritos and quesadillas too. And to complete all of it off, undoubtedly have the well-known churros.
Los Chapo’s Tacos Data
Tackle: 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-Attempt Meals: Churros, carne asada tacos, Tinga de pollo burrito bowl
Common Value: $3-$7 per starter, $9-15 per important, $6 for desserts
Web site: loschapostacos.com
11. Yeoman’s Cask & Lion (greatest for brunch)
Yeoman’s Cask & Lion is house to the most effective brunch in Tampa for my part, and it’s additionally a improbable 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 possibly can consider. It’s additionally a very vibrant place to spend your time.
Open for the reason that Nineteen Eighties, this is likely one of the Tampa eating places that has change into an actual mainstay, and it’s not solely vacationers who frequent usually. Regardless of the British really feel, you possibly can nonetheless discover conventional American dishes, and the drinks menu is actually worldwide.
Should you’re touring from the UK and also you’re lacking house, undoubtedly head right here. If not, nonetheless go anyway for a enjoyable few hours in a pub-style institution.
Yeoman’s Cask & Lion Data
Tackle: 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-Attempt Meals: Royal pretzel rolls, seafood & lobster Mac, English breakfast
Common Value: $5-10 per starter, $14-20 per important, $5 for desserts
Web site: yeomanstopgolfswingsuite.com
12. The Hungry Greek (greatest for Mediterranean meals)
The Hungry Greek is a superb selection in the event you’re in a rush and also you need one thing recent and scrumptious. Made with seasonal native produce, that is the most effective lunch in Tampa in the event you actually don’t need to wait round. I grabbed a couple of gyro throughout my final go to.
This can be a family-run restaurant with Greek heritage, and recipes have been handed down by way of generations. That’s when you realize you’re getting high quality. So far as the restaurant itself goes, it’s a fairly primary set-up, however the meals greater than makes up for the shortage of a vibrant ambiance.
The Hungry Greek falls simply wanting being referred to as a road meals vendor, however it does have that sort of really feel. Costs are low, and meals is fast and simple to eat. It’s undoubtedly an important spot for a busy sightseeing day.
The Hungry Greek Data
Tackle: 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-Attempt Meals: gyro, falafel, rooster souvlaki
Common Value: $4-9 per starter, $7-15 per important, $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 most effective night. This can be 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 provide are additionally improbable.
The sharable plates are an important thought if there are a number of of you and also you need to choose various things. The selection can also be actually massive so you possibly can create a bespoke meal and take a look at one thing new. Alternatively, the common menu is massive, with steaks, rooster dishes, and big burgers on provide.
American Social has a sports activities bar really feel to it, however it’s barely extra upmarket. It’s the best place to sit down and speak till late into the night.
American Social Data
Tackle: 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-Attempt Meals: Crispy truffleshroom burger, steak frites, Nashville scorching rooster sandwich
Common Value: $5-9 per starter, $15-30 per important, $5 for desserts
Web site: americansocialbar.com
14. Ulele (greatest for romantic evenings)
Situated in Seminole Heights, Ulele is the best selection for a romantic meal for 2. It’s centrally positioned, near Channelside and Downtown.
Ulele has the most effective patio in Tampa, so you possibly can get pleasure from heat evenings with a chilled-out ambiance. That is additionally one of the standard eating places within the metropolis, so it’s a good suggestion to order a desk forward of time.
Every little thing on the menu is designed to replicate Florida’s heritage and tradition, with regionally sourced elements on the coronary heart of the whole lot. Open for each lunch and dinner, the menu is heavy on seafood and elements sourced from the native waterways, however even the pickiest of eaters will discover one thing right here.
Ulele Data
Tackle: 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-Attempt Meals: Alligator hush puppies, tocobaga tuna, charbroiled oysters
Common Value: $5-9 per starter, $15-50 per important, $7 for desserts
Web site: ulele.com
15. Timpano Hyde Park (greatest for Italian meals)
This listing wouldn’t be full with out mentioning the most effective Italian meals in Tampa. There are a lot of Italian eateries within the metropolis, however I feel 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 situation can also be actually central, so it’s straightforward to get again to your resort.
You’ll discover all of your Italian favorites on the menu, together with just a few with a contemporary twist. I significantly loved the Florida tomato panzanella, and the oysters had been a number of the greatest I’ve ever tasted. Should you get pleasure from Italian fare, make some extent to go to this restaurant.
Timpano Hyde Park Data
Tackle: 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-Attempt Meals: Burrata, oysters, Florida tomato panzanella
Common Value: $5-10 per starter, $15-25 per important, $6 for desserts
Web site: timpanohydepark.com
Should-Attempt Meals in Tampa
Like wherever on the earth, there are specific dishes which can be synonymous with Tampa. To say you’ve actually skilled the whole lot this superb metropolis has to supply, add these meals to your listing.
Cuban Sandwich
Should you’re in search of low-cost eats in Tampa, you must actually attempt 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 business employees within the 1800s. Think about meats, pickles, and Swiss cheese pressed between recent bread—scrumptious.
Deviled Crab
You won’t think about a crab as road 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 provides you one among Tampa’s most well-known dishes.
Spanish Bean Soup
Many Tampa eating places serve Spanish bean soup, and you need to attempt 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’ll undoubtedly fill you up for few hours.
Guava Cheese Pastry
Guava, cheese, and pastry won’t seem to be a pure mixture however don’t push the concept 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 most effective expertise.
Meals Excursions in Tampa
Probably the greatest methods to study extra concerning the delicacies of a particular place is to go on a meals tour. I attempt 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 here are just a few so that you can contemplate.
Style of Downtown Tampa Culinary Strolling Tour With Information
This strolling meals tour is extraordinarily standard, and it takes you thru 4 of Tampa’s greatest eating places and road meals spots. You’ll additionally get to see a number of the greatest sights alongside the best way, corresponding 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
Among the most historic Tampa eating places are in Ybor Metropolis, and that is the guts of the cigar business. This historic meals strolling tour is likely one of the hottest round, and it’s a good suggestion to guide forward of time. It additionally features a go to to Columbia Restaurant, the place you’ll get to attempt 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 provides you the liberty to discover the most effective native eating places in Tampa. You’ll be taken round 9 areas, together with a brewery. The fantastic thing about this tour is you can plan the place you need to go by yourself steam, so just a little pre-planning is required. Click on right here for extra particulars.
Tampa Eating places: FAQs
Tampa is full of superb eating places, however a number of the greatest embody 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 usually runs from 7.30am till 10am in eating places across the Tampa space.
Sure, it’s good follow to tip in the event you loved the service you acquired. An excellent rule of thumb is to tip 20% of the invoice complete.
Whether or not you’re in search of the most effective vegan restaurant in Tampa or worldwide fare, Downtown and Channelside have the biggest choice. Nevertheless, Seminole Heights can also be a hotspot for excellent meals.
Yeoman’s Cask & Lion and American Social are two of the most effective pub-style eateries in Tampa.
Azure at EDITION has a tremendous 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 most effective low-cost restaurant in Tampa in the event you take 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 in search of the most effective vegetarian restaurant in Tampa, Italian meals, Mediterranean fare, pub grub, or road meals, you’ll shortly discover that Tampa has an enormous vary. That is undoubtedly a foodie metropolis.
In Conclusion
Tampa is a foodie paradise. This can be a metropolis the place you may simply eat your approach round and by no means get bored, visiting restaurant to restaurant and burning off the energy. However in the event you attempt one factor solely, make it the well-known Cuban sandwich.
With so many Tampa eating places and scrumptious dishes to attempt, it’s a good suggestion to do a little analysis earlier than you go. Nevertheless, I’ve additionally found some superb hidden gems just by strolling round and choosing an eatery at random, a lot of which seem on this listing. The one query is, which is able to you attempt first?
