7 Incredible Hidden Gems of Restaurants in Tampa, FL
Sometimes the best restaurants are hiding in plain sight. These seven hidden gems in Tampa are places you may have seen but didn’t realize they are fantastic places to snag a great meal or even a fun experience. We love them because each has something special to offer like an unexpected dish or a unique vibe. If you’re looking for a new spot to add to your list of favorite places to go in Tampa, try out one of these hidden gems.
SpookEasy Lounge
1909 N 15th St, Tampa, FL 33605
(813) 373-6452
This hidden gem is a funky spot that touts itself as “The World’s Most Haunted Kava Bar.” With an upstairs Kava bar that features regular live music and events as well as an underground bar that serves alcohol and snacks in an area dubbed the Catacombs, the SpookEasy Lounge brings Halloween vibes all year long. We love their Chicken Death Ranch Flatbread and the Hotter Than Heck Fries doused with buffalo sauce and jalapenos, but SpookEasy also serves breakfast all day so you can snag a Breakfast BOOrito to go with a flight of Kava any time.
Chanko
4603 N Florida Ave, Tampa, FL 33603
(813) 770-7306
Chanko is a unique Japanese retro spot infused with anime style featuring the familiar Daruma doll, prized for its connection to prosperity, perseverance and good luck. And the bold decor at Chanko goes perfectly with the bright flavors and rich taste of the dishes they serve here. We love the crepe and noodle combo in Miyagi and the Japanese Curry with Vegetables, but not surprisingly, the most popular dish at Chanko is Karaage Rice, a gorgeous twice-fried Japanese chicken amped up with a garlic and soy sauce marinade.
Cabanas Coastal Grill
655 S Gulfview Blvd, Clearwater Beach, FL 33767
(727) 451-1134
Fresh seafood and a great view are both easy to find in the Tampa area, but Cabanas Coastal Grill has both in spades. A visit to Cabanas Coastal Grill includes a spectacular view of the best beach in the area as well as a guarantee that your meal will be one to remember. Cabanas is known for their Signature Crab Cake, but crab lovers flock to their all-you-can-eat crab legs feast two days a week. Breakfast is just as sweet at Cabanas Coastal Grill, too, where you can snag a Crab Cake Benedict or a pair of Dolphin Sweet Cream Pancakes along with a tasty Peach on the Beach cocktail to enjoy at one of the beachside tables.
Saigon Deli
3858 W Waters Ave, Tampa, FL 33614
(813) 887-3888
This unassuming deli serves up some of the best pho in town. Guests line up here to snag a table at this small Vietnamese spot that dishes out Bahn Mi, classic Pho Gha, Seafood Wonton and Fried Eggrolls every day. Reasonable prices and authentic flavors at Saigon Deli make it a local favorite lunch spot, but you can also grab a snack from one of the fridges, freezers or aisles to take home a taste of Saigon with you for later.
Kombo Kitchen
5009 South MacDill Ave, Tampa, FL 33611
(813) 215-1656
Kombo Kitchen dishes out fantastic Thai American classic meals from their food truck as well as their restaurant kitchen on site. But since they don’t always offer inside seating, plan for a to-go meal of one of Kombo Kitchen’s most loved dishes like Pad Se Ew, Drunken Noodles and Crispy Duck. The authentic Thai flavors at this hidden gem also come with strong spice levels, so be careful if you order anything at a level 4 since it will truly be “Thai Hot.”
The Boozy Pig
3255 West Cypress St, Tampa, FL 33607
(813) 488-5333
Fill up your fridge with fresh meats and grab a fantastic, fresh meal at The Boozy Pig, one of the more unique hidden gems in Tampa. This market and eatery offers lunch and brunch options that carnivores crave. The massive, meat-heaped sandwiches like the mortadella-stuffed Mick and Morty and the cleverly named Goodfellas crammed with four fresh meat layers are favorites here. Or you can order a burger or sausage from meat taken directly “from the case” while you peruse the butcher shop offerings to take home.
GINO’s Restaurant & Bar
10006 Armenia Ave N, Tampa, FL 33612
(813) 933-1089
This old-school Italian restaurant has been a staple in Tampa for years, and Gino’s is the perfect place to go for traditional dishes like Fried Calamari or Baked Ziti. But those in the know order Gino’s Sampler Platters for a tasty and filling dinner. You are guaranteed to not go home hungry when you order Sampler #2, bursting with a serving of lasagna, chicken parmigiana and fettuccine alfredo. We also love the buttery, garlicky bread left on your table before every meal, another delicious reason why we love this hidden gem in Tampa.
For more recommendations on where to eat and drink in the city, check out our Tampa page here!
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