9 Totally Unique Restaurants in Tampa, Florida
Finding a unique place to dine in the Tampa area doesn’t have to be hard. In fact, this coastal town in south Florida has plenty of interesting restaurants to choose from to guarantee your dining experience is memorable as well as tasty. Let’s look at the most unique restaurants to try out next time you are in Tampa and craving something a little bit different.
Photo credit: usarestaurants.info
Babushka’s
12639 N 56th St Temple Terrace, FL 33617
(813) 515-7415
This local Russian restaurant serves authentic foods from the old country in a cozy spot that feels like you dropped by your Russian grandmother’s dining room. This charming place will fill you up with its large portions of specialties like the pancake-like Blinchikis, the Sturgeon Caviar and the Russian dumplings called Pelmini, just like a Russian Babushka makes.
Photo credit: usarestaurants.info
Ichicoro Ramen
5229 N Florida Ave Tampa 33603
(813) 517-9989
The low-slung tables with tree stump seating provides a hint at the different dining experiences Ichicoro gives its guests. This ramen shop is a local favorite but even if you have to wait to slurp up your Tonkotsu or Spicy Kimchi Ramen it will be worth the wait at this Tampa restaurant. Other special flavors here can be found in the Pork Steam Buns snack, a tasty twist on a traditional treat.
Photo credit: usarestaurants.info
Luv Child
516 South Howard Ave Tampa 33606
(813) 213-0100
The exotic, fresh and fun atmosphere at Luv Child helps it to stand out from most restaurants in town. This funky spot has Cuban vibes and even offers a Havana Happy hour in addition to their lunch, dinner and weekend brunch menus. A Late Night menu at Luv Child provides sharable plates, but the colorful cocktails flow all the time at Luv Child. Favorites here are the Cubano Sandwich, the Poblano Queso and the Shaved Brussels Sprout salad as well as the beautiful Frozen Watermelon Margarita.
Photo credit: soulofkoreafl.com
Soul of Korea
7612 N 56th St Tampa 33617
(813) 989-9030
Known for turning out authentic Korean flavors as well as oversized portions, Soul of Korea is uniquely different in Florida because its dishes represent the whole country of Korea. Guests here rave about the perfectly not-too-sweet Bulgogi as well as the Beef Short Ribs and the Japchae. Sweet mochi for dessert will cap off a delicious meal at this family-owned favorite spot that locals and visitors flock to every day.
Photo credit: opentable.com
Thee Treehouse
1809 W Platt St Tampa 33606
(813) 855-5778
Unusual is not a strong enough description of the whimsical decor at Thee Treehouse. Guests here nosh on favorites like the Crispy Brussels Sprouts and the Poutine while under twinkling lights that adorn the ceiling surrounding the huge indoor tree at this playful restaurant. Or snag a porch swing by the outside bar or inside walkway to sip on a White Gummy Bear Martini as you indulge your inner child at this fun and quirky restaurant.
Photo credit: usarestaurants.info
On Swann
1501 W Swann Ave Tampa 33606
(813) 251-0110
A focus on locally-sourced, fresh food makes On Swann one of the best restaurants in town to try when you want something a little different. For brunch here, the Mediterranean Share Board is popular to go along with the rosemary and lavender Bees in The Trap cocktail. Diners here can sample On Swann’s Mahi Mahi with Mango Crab Salsa as well as the cucumber and basil flavored Garden Social cocktail. The industrial feel is warmed up by the cheeky colored glass chandeliers and blue tufted leather seating.
Photo credit: usarestaurants.info
Riveters
2301 N Dale Mabry Hwy Tampa 33607
(813) 723-5197
The atmosphere at this eclectic restaurant evokes nostalgic feelings with its focus on the era when women’s roles in society and the workplace were transformed. Namesake Rosie the Riveter’s influence is clear in this kitschy fun spot that also sports a scratch-made kitchen. Favorites here are the Kram Prime Rib Sandwich and the Hellcat Wings. Seating inside is casual and live music is sometimes playing on the adjacent outside patio.
Photo credit: tripadvisor.com
SiX
510 Water St Tampa 33602
(813) 314-6666
For a skyline view of the city, the JW Marriott’s rooftop restaurant SiX is the perfect spot to experience a delicious meal with an unbeatable view. Inside seating by the bar is rowdier and convivial while the outdoor seating surrounding the pool is serene and relaxed. Guests here order the Rose-Colored Glasses cocktail before selecting from a mouthwatering menu of seafood like Day Boat Scallops, the Seafood Conchiglie and the Focaccia Crusted Grouper. The Rack of Lamb and the Cauliflower Steak are some of the non-seafood offerings that keep guests coming back to SiX for weekend lunches and dinners.
Photo credit: roosterandthetill.com
Rooster & the Till
6500 N Florida Ave Tampa 33604
(813) 374-8940
With the open kitchen design and creative approach to food, it’s no surprise that this FL restaurant has racked up the accolades from well-known foodies. Rooster & the Till serves up international flavors like their Smoked Beets, Iberico Ham, Parisian-style Gnocchi and Miyazaki Hand Rolls at their dinner service. Visitors to the Rooster have a wide selection of wines to choose from as well as hand-crafted cocktails and zero-proof fun drinks to complement the outstanding flavors coming out of the kitchen here.
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