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.
10 Meals Under $10 in Tampa, FL
If you are looking for flavorful meals at great prices, Tampa has a lot to offer! The emphasis is always on well-prepared, fresh, hearty portions and value for your money at these local restaurants. You don’t have to look too far to find cheap eats when you are in the city. Here are 10 different places that you can get a meal for under $10 in Tampa.
Tampa’s Top Breweries For Beer Lovers
Craft breweries are taking over the nation, and Tampa is no exception to this trend. The beer scene in the vast city is an adventure in and of itself. You can find unique and heady brews or simple but tasty ales to chase down a great meal. Beer lovers are always spoiled every time they set foot in this city because Tampa has it all. This list features some of the top breweries in Tampa to help you explore and find your next favorite IPA, sour or lager!
Where To Find The Best Nightlife in Tampa
There are great nightclubs throughout every district in Tampa. When the sun goes down, locals and visitors are always stashed somewhere enjoying drinks, music, food, and the company of friends. Sometimes the nightlife is the best way to learn about the city and interact with locals. Having a go-to nightclub is a must for everyone because you need a place to blow off steam every once in a while. These clubs have different experiences for all kinds of tastes. You can find a subtle spot to enjoy your evening or a more glamorous club with everything you need to make the night exceptional. To help you plan your next night out, check out our list of the best nightlife in Tampa.
The Most Gorgeous Rooftop Restaurants in Tampa
A major city on the Gulf Coast, Tampa has lots of goodies to offer. The sunny weather is loved by many and the absence of income tax makes residing here quite attractive. With its plethora of culinary offerings and access to fresh seafood, the city is quickly establishing itself as one of the leading culinary cities in America. And the abundance of rooftop restaurants in Tampa is also a huge bonus. Here are our top picks!
Where To Find The Absolute Best Pizza in Tampa 🍕
Although pizza is as ubiquitous a food as beloved, not all pies are created equal. From the red-sauce-and-cheese classic to the more eclectic masterpieces of modern toppings, Tampa has no shortage of options when it comes to feeding the pizza void in your belly. Whether you’re on a budget, want to try something new, or don’t trust your judgment on what makes a good pizza, we’re here to help you spot the best pizzas in Tampa.
Where To Find The Freshest Grouper Sandwiches In Tampa
Tampa has some great seafood spots and must-try seafood dishes such as the grouper sandwich! There is something about a]this firm white fish between two buns that just makes us oh so hungry! Check out these eateries to find tantalizingly tasty grouper sandwiches in Tampa.
Scenic Outdoor Restaurants in Tampa
Tampa has plenty of great restaurants, but in a place with warm and sunny weather, it’s always a good idea to find somewhere to sit outside. Lucky for you, we’ve put together a list of different types of places to eat from seafood (obviously) to southern cuisine where you can sit outside. There’s patios, rooftops, […]
Where to Find Deviled Crabs in Tampa
Tampa is known for its Cuban cuisine, and deviled crabs are a tasty must-have delicacy. From the 1900s, when the large immigrant Cuban community popularized them, the delicious snack has been a mainstay in the city. Below are the eateries with the best-deviled crabs in Tampa. Photo credit: Pinterest Pappy Devil Crabs 2210 E, […]
Tampa Restaurants Where You Can Eat Like Tom Brady
There’s no denying that Tom Brady is the GOAT. A large part of his physical success is thanks to his strict TB-12 diet. Here are some Tampa Bay restaurants where you can take the first step to greatness just like Tom.
Where to eat near Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, FL
The Tampa / St. Petersburg area is one place that has a lot to off. It’s pleasingly sunny with a warm climate all year long. It’s next to the Gulf of Mexico so there’s a lot of things you can do outside. If you’re looking for reasons to head inside and have a lovely meal, you’ve come to the right place. There are many ideal Tropicana Field/St. Petersburg Restaurants in Tampa that are happy to have you when you want something delicious to eat. These are great places when you’re right near the Tropicana field areas and need to get a bite to eat.
The Best Raymond James Stadium Restaurants in Tampa
Tampa is a thriving metropolis. One of the best things about living here is there are so many things to do. This is a great place to head to the beach or watch a game. If you’re on your way to Raymond James stadium, you are going to want to find something to eat before or after the big game. The good news is that it’s very easy to find Raymond James Stadium Restaurants in Tampa. You have a wealth of choices. Make the most of them with these easy and delicious options that are a short distance away from the stadium.
Crave-Worthy Vietnamese Restaurants in Tampa
Tampa, Florida is one of the country’s most delightful cities. Each year, thousands of people flock to the region either to visit or to settle down. They’re on the lookout for fabulous beaches, lovely weather and plenty of chances to enjoy the outdoors all year long. Another amazing thing about Tampa is the area’s noteworthy cuisine. Many people who love food flock here knowing they can find a lot of wonderful options when it comes to eating out. One of the best of all dining possibilities is Vietnamese food. The best Vietnamese restaurants in Tampa all have a few things in common. They rely on the use of fresh local ingredients that show off the region’s delightful ingredients. They also know how to create memorable meals that show off why Vietnam is such a fabulous place for anyone who loves to eat.
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.