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.
Hyde Park Restaurant Guide in Tampa
Tampa is an eclectic city, full of excitement. Hyde Park is the epitome of this. Of course, there are a million different retail outlets where you can spend your money. But, to us, the food variety has always been the main attraction. If you are looking for the best Hyde Park restaurants in Tampa, we’ve got a few you should check out. You’ll find something delicious here.
Where to Eat Sushi in Tampa
Whether you live or work in Tampa or are only here for a visit, an ideal sushi restaurant is always nearby. Here are nine of the best sushi restaurants in Tampa right now and ones you’ll want to seek out sooner rather than later.
7 of the Tastiest South Tampa Restaurants
Tampa is home to a myriad of different hotels and eateries that help create its steaming pot of different dishes and tastes which are gathered from a multitude of places and cultures all over the world. So, what are the best South Tampa restaurants? Let’s find out!
Best Breweries in Tampa, FL
As the third largest city in Florida, Tampa continues to grow and with it its offerings of creative craft breweries. From the small to the large, the quaint to the extravagant, you’re bound to find one that fits your tastes and style.
5 Vegan-Friendly Restaurants in Tampa, FL
Vegan offerings are becoming so much more mainstream, with incredible offerings that are fresh, decadent and satisfying. Diners can enjoy any kind of cuisine they’re craving while being kind to the animals, the planet and themselves.
Where to Eat Breakfast in Tampa, FL
The natural scenery in Tampa is especially beautiful in the morning, which means breakfast can be one of the most indulgent meals of the day when you’re visiting the area. Tampa is also home to some of the best seafood in the country, and you can enjoy lots of fresh fruit to accompany your meal. Here a few of the best Tampa breakfast spots to check out when you’re in the city.
Cuban Restaurants in Tampa: The American Eats Edition
Tampa is home to great restaurants and tourist attractions. The city also has a rich culture and people from various parts of the world have introduced their cuisines to the region. The Cuban influence is evident throughout Tampa, and this is especially evident in the food. Whether you’re visiting Tampa or want to find more great Cuban food in your area, here are some of the best Cuban restaurants Tampa has to offer.
The Best Romantic Restaurants in Tampa, FL
Tampa is known for its beautiful weather, attractions, and beautiful places to shop. The city is also home to several quality restaurants. If you’re traveling to the Tampa area with your significant other, the two of you may want to enjoy a romantic meal during your trip. Whether you want comfort food, fast food with a twist, or meals that are made for sharing, you’ll find what you’re looking for at the romantic restaurants Tampa has to offer.
10 of the Best BBQ Restaurants in Tampa
Tampa is known for having quality eateries that represent a variety of cultures. Since Florida is also the southernmost state in the country, it’s no surprise that Florida cities like Tampa also have tasty barbecue restaurants you can try the next time you’re in the city. Here are some of the best BBQ restaurants in Tampa.
The Best Cuban Sandwiches in Tampa
When you’re in Tampa, you’ll likely want to check out some of the enticing restaurants the city has to offer. Tampa is a city that is rich in culture, so it’s easy to find Italian, Latin, and Caribbean food. Cuban food is also popular in the city, so here are a few places to find some of the best Cuban sandwiches in Tampa.
10 Budget Friendly ‘Cheap Eats’ Restaurants Tampa, FL
From clear blue waters to world-famous attractions, Tampa has it all, and you’ll find plenty of budget-friendly restaurants serving up delicious meals when you visit this vibrant city. Here are just a few of the best budget-friendly restaurants in Tampa that offer excellent food at excellent prices.
Where to Eat for the Best Outdoor Dining in Tampa, FL
If you’re planning a vacation in Tampa soon, you’ll likely want to take in the great weather the city has to offer as often as possible. Tampa is also home to quality restaurants, and many of the local eateries offer outdoor dining so you can enjoy your meal while you soak up the sun. Here are some of the best outdoor dining restaurants in Tampa, no matter what type of food you’re in the mood for.
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.