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 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 all the way down to the cigar business, which attracted Cuban employees within the 1800s.
In fact, we’re speaking about a big metropolis right here. It’s simple to lose your means and maybe miss one thing really helpful. Realizing the very best eating places in Tampa to go to beforehand provides you a a lot better probability of making an attempt every thing on supply.
15 Finest Eating places in Tampa
Having visited and munched my means round this metropolis a number of instances, I need to show you how to discover the very best locations to eat in Tampa. This record options my favourite eating places primarily based on the meals, high quality of service, location, and buyer critiques. By the tip of this, I count on you to be very hungry and raring to go!
1. Columbia Restaurant
(Finest Restaurant in Tampa Total)
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 residence to the long-lasting Cuban sandwich; if you happen to solely eat one factor in Tampa, make it this.
There are numerous 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 instances for each lunch and dinner and was by no means disenchanted. 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-Attempt Meals: Cuban sandwich, paella, roast pork
Common Price: $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 fair proportion of high eating places. Azure is one in every of them, and it’s additionally probably the greatest rooftop bars in Tampa.
Situated on the roof of the Tampa EDITION Lodge, this can be a place splendid for chilling out in subtle environment. You’ll need to e book 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 very best restaurant in Tampa with a view and affords some significantly scrumptious nice eating choices; in spite of everything, 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
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-Attempt Meals: Marinated filet mignon kebab, Colorado lamb chops, shrimp saganaki
Common Price: $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 nice eating in Tampa with an important view and a central location. Situated proper on the sting of the Hillsborough River in Channelside, you’ll be able to simply sit right here and watch the world go by. I additionally discovered it to be extraordinarily prime quality when it comes to service and the meals was scrumptious.
The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but it surely additionally serves as an important cocktail bar within the night. If you happen to love seafood, this can be a good spot for you, however the connoisseur burgers had 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 kind of restricted, however there’s something there for most individuals, together with vegetarians. Nonetheless, vegans will battle at this restaurant.
River’s Edge Data
Deal with: Lodge 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, contemporary catch of the day
Common Price: $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 without doubt one of the high eating places in Tampa, and I really like the breakfast menu right here. The restaurant received 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 kind of laid-back regardless of the prime 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 instances and can at all times 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-Attempt Meals: Smoked salmon toast, eggs Benedict, truffle fries
Common Price: $13-18 per starter, $20-50 per predominant, $7 for desserts
Web site: epicureanhotel.com
5. Gaspar’s Grotto (greatest for out of doors eating)
Many Tampa eating places have out of doors areas, however this explicit restaurant excels. It’s probably the greatest out of doors eating places in Tampa fingers 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 may even be taught 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 big, however every thing on there may be finished to perfection. Costs are additionally very affordable, and I discovered the service to be prime quality too. It’s the best place to take in 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-Attempt Meals: Pork Havana, mahi mahi fish unfold, crab and shrimp quesadillas
Common Price: $8-13 per starter, $13-18 per predominant, $5 for desserts
Web site: gasparsgrotto.com
6. Oxford Change (greatest for relaxed eating)
Oxford Change is one in every of my favourite Tampa eating places, but it surely’s not nearly meals: this place can also be a bookstore, champagne bar, and occasional store. It’s probably the greatest locations to relax out and revel in good meals with out an enormous price ticket.
I at all times 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 at all times a superb signal of high quality.
Oxford Change 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-Attempt Meals: Afternoon tea, fried rooster sandwich, fish tacos
Common Price: $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 numerous Tampa downtown eating places, however I at all times 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’ll be able to strive small plates, nearly tapas-style, or you’ll be able to 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 de facto intensive, 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 really helpful.
It is a nice selection for teams too, as you’ll be able to share massive 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-Attempt Meals: Pierogi, gnocchi, tuna crudo
Common Price: $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 a superb steak however I usually discover myself disenchanted; that wasn’t the case at Bern’s Steak Home. I believe this is without doubt one of the greatest eating places in Tampa downtown, not as a result of the menu is big, however as a result of every thing on it’s finished to perfection.
That is a particularly widespread place, so it’s a good suggestion to order a desk a day or two earlier than you propose to go. The decor isn’t like a daily 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 big wine assortment. The service was improbable; the workers 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-Attempt Meals: Chateaubriand, dry-aged strip, forged iron pork chop
Common Price: $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 wonderful thing about this restaurant is that regardless of what number of instances you return, the menu is at all times completely different. The cooks delight themselves on rotating dishes and taking advantage of seasonal produce, supplying you with a brand new expertise each time. I’ve been to this spot a couple of instances, and I believe it’s one of the crucial romantic eating places in Tampa.
The ambiance is calm and complex, splendid for a meal for 2. It’s additionally splendid for seafood lovers, so if you happen to’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 if you happen to’re undecided what you need. So far as nice 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-Attempt Meals: Crab molten cornbread, coconut gnocchi, seared American crimson snapper
Common Price: $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 road meals)
Fingers down, that is the very best 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’ll be able to both sit inside or exterior, however both means, it’s such a enjoyable atmosphere.
Many Tampa eating places serve tacos, however I believe these are the tastiest and definitely the most important. They’ve a big kids’s menu so this can be 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, 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-Attempt Meals: Churros, carne asada tacos, Tinga de pollo burrito bowl
Common Price: $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 residence to the very best 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’ll be able to consider. It’s additionally a very vibrant place to spend your time.
Open because the Nineteen Eighties, this is without doubt 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’ll be able to 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 residence, 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-Attempt Meals: Royal pretzel rolls, seafood & lobster Mac, English breakfast
Common Price: $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 selection if you happen to’re in a rush and also you need one thing contemporary and scrumptious. Made with seasonal native produce, that is the very best lunch in Tampa if you happen to actually don’t need to wait round. I grabbed a couple of gyro throughout my final go to.
It is a family-run restaurant with Greek heritage, and recipes have been handed down by 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 wanting being referred to as a road meals vendor, but it surely does have that sort of really feel. Costs are low, and meals is fast and straightforward to eat. It’s positively an important 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-Attempt Meals: gyro, falafel, rooster souvlaki
Common Price: $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 gaggle of pals, 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. In fact, the meals and drinks on supply are additionally improbable.
The sharable plates are an important concept 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’ll be able to create a bespoke meal and check out one thing new. Alternatively, the common menu is massive, with steaks, rooster dishes, and large burgers on supply.
American Social has a sports activities bar really feel to it, but it surely’s barely extra upmarket. It’s the best place to sit down 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-Attempt Meals: Crispy truffleshroom burger, steak frites, Nashville scorching rooster sandwich
Common Price: $5-9 per starter, $15-30 per predominant, $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 situated, near Channelside and Downtown.
Ulele has the very best patio in Tampa, so you’ll be able to get pleasure from heat evenings with a chilled-out ambiance. That is additionally one of the crucial widespread eating places within the metropolis, so it’s a good suggestion to order a desk forward of time.
The whole lot on the menu is designed to replicate Florida’s heritage and tradition, with regionally sourced substances on the coronary heart of every 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-Attempt Meals: Alligator hush puppies, tocobaga tuna, charbroiled oysters
Common Price: $5-9 per starter, $15-50 per predominant, $7 for desserts
Web site: ulele.com
15. Timpano Hyde Park (greatest for Italian meals)
This record wouldn’t be full with out mentioning the very best Italian meals in Tampa. There are numerous Italian eateries within the metropolis, however I believe this affords the tastiest treats and the most important menu.
The ambiance is cozy and welcoming, similar to a family-style Italian restaurant you may think. Nonetheless, 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 simple to get again to your resort.
You’ll discover all of your Italian favorites on the menu, together with a couple of with a contemporary twist. I notably loved the Florida tomato panzanella, and the oysters had 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-Attempt Meals: Burrata, oysters, Florida tomato panzanella
Common Price: $5-10 per starter, $15-25 per predominant, $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 every thing this wonderful metropolis has to supply, add these meals to your record.
Cuban Sandwich
If you happen to’re searching for low cost eats in Tampa, it is best to actually strive the well-known Cuban sandwich. That is probably the most well-known meal in the whole metropolis, and it dates again to the Cuban cigar business employees within the 1800s. Think about meats, pickles, and Swiss cheese pressed between contemporary bread—scrumptious.
Deviled Crab
You won’t think about a crab as road meals, however this can be 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 one in every 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 should positively fill you up for a superb 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 may see completely different variations, however stick with the unique for the very best expertise.
Meals Excursions in Tampa
Top-of-the-line methods to be taught extra concerning the delicacies of a selected 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 provides you with all the best data. Listed here are a couple of so that you can contemplate.
Style of Downtown Tampa Culinary Strolling Tour With Information
This strolling meals tour is extraordinarily widespread, and it takes you thru 4 of Tampa’s greatest eating places and road meals spots. You’ll additionally get to see among the greatest sights alongside the way in which, similar 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 without doubt 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 provides 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 fantastic thing about this tour is that you could plan the place you need to go by yourself steam, so somewhat pre-planning is required. Click on right here for extra particulars.
Tampa Eating places: FAQs
Tampa is full of wonderful eating places, however among the greatest embody Columbia Restaurant, Ulele, and Azure at EDITION.
Dinner service normally begins round 5pm in most eating places and lasts as much as 10pm.
Lunch service is normally 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 apply to tip if you happen to loved the service you acquired. A superb rule of thumb is to tip 20% of the invoice complete.
Whether or not you’re searching for the very best vegan restaurant in Tampa or worldwide fare, Downtown and Channelside have the most important choice. Nonetheless, Seminole Heights can also be a hotspot for excellent meals.
Yeoman’s Cask & Lion and American Social are two of the very best pub-style eateries in Tampa.
Azure at EDITION has a tremendous view, nonetheless American Social has an exquisite 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 if you happen to 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 searching for the very best 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 positively a foodie metropolis.
In Conclusion
Tampa is a foodie paradise. It is a metropolis the place you could possibly simply eat your means round and by no means get bored, visiting restaurant to restaurant and burning off the energy. However if you happen to 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. Nonetheless, I’ve additionally found some wonderful hidden gems just by strolling round and choosing an eatery at random, lots of which seem on this record. The one query is, which can you strive first?
