Tampa, FL Restaurant Guide
Whether you’re chomping on chorizo in Channelside or binging on bok choy in Ybor, there’s something in Tampa for whatever you’re craving. In fact, Tampa has always been a culinary capital – the Cuban sandwich was invented there, after all. But now, with millions of folks – and flavors – flocking to the gulf coast city, they’re cooking up something good in Cigar City.
Let’s start with the local stuff. Tampa has some of the best seafood in the Gulf Coast of Florida. Between Ocean Prime’s prawns, Catch Twenty Three’s Tilapia, and more, you’ll find five-star seafood dining anywhere you go in Tampa. Plus, with great local snow crab and Tampa’s Cuban influences, Tampa has its own local delicacy, the Deviled Crab. Similar to a crab cake, deviled crab is sprinkled with bread crumbs and baked rather than broiled or fried, for an extra crunchy twist on the classic. It’s available everywhere in the Tampa area – from great Tampa seafood restaurants to local Cuban bakeries.
Speaking of Cuban bakeries, let’s talk about the Cuban sandwich. A simple pressed ham and cheese sandwich using freshly baked Cuban bread had been a common lunchtime option going back to the homeland Cubans were emigrating from. But as Cuban laborers came to Tampa’s Ybor City cigar factories, they meshed with other immigrant communities – specifically Spanish and Italian. Taking a quick, affordable lunch option from Cuba and spicing it up with roasted pork, ham and salami – along with mustard and Swiss – lead to the Cuban sandwich everyone knows and loves today. We cover the best Cuban sandwiches in the Tampa area and the best Cuban restaurants in general, for those looking for a little more than a sandwich.
Tampa itself is divided into six areas – West Tampa, Downtown Tampa, Brooklyn Village, New Tampa, Ybor City and Channel District. We dig a little deeper, covering neighborhoods like Riverwalk, Hyde Park, South Tampa and more. Plus as the home of the 2021 Super Bowl Champs in the NFL, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the home of the perennial playoff team the Tampa Bay Rays, there are great spots to catch when you’re in The Big Guava. We cover great spots to eat near Raymond James and Tropicana Field in our guide!
You know the saying about Florida – if you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes. Yes, there’s a lot of rain in Florida, but there’s a lot of sunshine, too. That’s why Tampa has incredible outdoor dining options, everything from big complexes like Sparkman Wharf and Armature Works to more modest establishments like Ella’s American Folk Art Cafe and Skipper’s Smokehouse. Check out our two diffferent guides for outdoor dining.
Before the Jim Crow era, black people made up 50% of Florida’s population, then moved North in the early 20th century to escape race-based persecution as part of the Great Migration. Now, as part of the second Great Migration, African Americans from the Northeast are heading back down South, and Tampa is no exception to this trend. We cover the best black-owned restaurants in the Tampa area in our guides.
The Absolute Best Gay & Lesbian Bars in Tampa, FL
Tampa is home to a vibrant LGBTQ+ community and plays host to so many welcoming bars and nightlife venues. Whether you’re looking for a laid-back atmosphere to enjoy a drink with friends or a lively dance floor to let loose, Tampa has a variety of options to choose from. We’ve curated a list of the must-visit LGBTQ+ friendly bars in Tampa.
The Best Speakeasies in Tampa, FL
While the need to keep things secret because of prohibition no longer applies these days, that doesn’t mean that vibes and 100-year-old traditions of Speakeasies have fallen out of fashion. In fact, they’ve been having quite the revival. There’s something different about a “hidden” bar or cocktails lounge that has an air of mystery and exclusivity. During prohibition, Tampa and it’s surrounding areas were home to dozens of speakeasies and similar establishments. That may not be the case now, but the ones that are here offer up a different kind of experience that will transport you to a different time and place. So let’s use that secret knock on the door and dive into the best speakeasies in Tampa.
Your Essential Guide to Sports Bars in Tampa, FL
The view of the field, court, or track from a Tampa sports bar is really something else. There’s something electrifying about watching the Buccaneers or the Gators play on big screens over the bar in the company of a pumped-up crowd. Of course, the energy you get all comes down to the bar you choose. That’s why we knew it was time to rank the eight best sports bars in Tampa, Florida.
Kick-Ass Karaoke Spots in Tampa, FL
Karaoke is a chance to feel like a rockstar, no matter your talent level! It can totally relieve stress and boost your self-confidence. Of course, it can also be entertaining when you are there just to listen to everyone else. Tampa has quite the karaoke scene, and we’ve found some of the best spots where you can perform or just listen to others. Add in delicious food, and you’re guaranteed to have a night you won’t soon forget. For some tips on the best spots to go for karaoke in Tampa, check out our list below.
The Very Best Bakeries in Tampa, FL
Whether you’re searching for bread, muffins, cakes, or any other baked goods, Tampa has plenty of options. You’ll find not only lovely European style macarons and tarts, but freshly baked Cuban breads and Asian style bakeries–Tampa has it all! You’re going to love the diversity of cuisine you find everywhere you look, so here’s our ultimate guide to the best bakeries in Tampa, FL for you to explore!
The Ultimate Guide To Mexican Restaurants in Tampa, FL
From the finest ingredients and tastiest dishes to tequila-inspired drinks, below is our list of the best Mexican restaurants in Tampa you don’t want to miss.
Cheap (But Fun!) Date Night Ideas in Tampa, FL
Sultry, sunny Tampa has plenty of beaches and gorgeous restaurants. But if you and your date are looking for a little inspiration for somewhere fun to go that won’t break the bank, check out our list of cheap but fun date night spots that you and your sweetie are sure to love.
Where to Eat Near Tampa Convention Center
The Tampa Convention Center is home to countless conventions and conferences throughout the year. Regardless of what you’re visiting the center for, you’re going to want something delicious to eat once you leave. No matter what you’re in the mood for, there will be a restaurant for you. Next time you’re around the Tampa Convention Center, check out our list of good eats in the area.
Where To Dine Near Tampa International Airport
Tampa has grown to become quite a food-oriented city. Whether you just flew in and find yourself ravenous or simply want to explore what this side of town has to offer, we’ve got some great restaurants for you to check out near the Tampa International Airport. You’ll taste some of what Florida is known for as well as a few other gems that may just become your favorite hangouts!
8 Excellent Buffets in Tampa, FL
What’s for dinner tonight? Chicken? Fish? Or how about some prime rib? Sometimes when you’re extra hungry, a single entrée won’t do. Which is where buffets come in! There are quite a few buffets to choose from in Tampa when the urge strike to embrace a wide variety of flavors in a single sitting. Next time you’re going out to eat with picky eaters or you just want to try a little bit of everything, check out our list of the best buffets in Tampa, FL.
8 Restaurants Perfect for Girl’s Night Out in Tampa, FL
The girlies are going out tonight! What’s the best place in Tampa, FL for a girl’s night out? Tampa offers rooftop bars with music that go all night, posh culinary wonderlands serving up espresso martinis, dark dive bars with surprisingly bright drink menus, and so much more! The city’s strong culinary scene means that you’re rarely choosing between great drinks and great dining. Take a look at the eight best spots for going out with the girls in Tampa, Florida.
The 7 Absolute Best Steakhouses in Tampa, Florida
Tampa is littered with fabulous places to eat, and one of the types of cuisines they do not fall short on is steakhouses. Everyone loves a good steakhouse dinner for a birthday, anniversary, or any kind of celebration, really. They’re even great to eat at if you just want to treat yourself to a nice dinner out. To help you celebrate someone special or just to treat yourself soon, here’s a list of wonderful steakhouses to check out while in Tampa.
Don’t let the Tampa stereotype trick you – there’s way more than retirement communities and theme parks in Tampa. With incredible local seafood, one-of-a-kind delicacies, rich Cuban history, diverse communities, wonderful neighborhoods, and great weather, Tampa is a great American city, and one of the best places to visit in Florida.