Best Restaurants in Tampa Bay That You Need to Try

The Dan

If you’re on the hunt for a spot that’s perfect for a romantic date night or a fabulous ladies’ night, look no further than The Dan! Prepare to glam up and step into a world inspired by the roaring 1920s and the spirited vibes of New Orleans, all tucked away inside the stunning Hotel Flor in Downtown Tampa!

You can’t leave without trying their champagne cocktail with cotton candy garnish! Order the calamari – our favorite dish! Finish off with the chocolate bread pudding, definitely one of the best desserts we’ve had.

Pro tip: Get there early enough to find parking because it’s a small lot. You can also find street parking and sometimes valet is available!

Discover more spots for the best girl’s night out in Tampa Bay!

Brisket Shoppe

Calling all BBQ lovers, the Brisket Shoppe’s Texas-style brisket is THE best we’ve tried in years and it’s definitely worth bragging about to our friends out of town. If you want to try something different, try the Hawaiian tostones or the brisket picadillo empanadas – yum!

You can’t go wrong with a BBQ sandwich or pulled pork, but the brisket is definitely the star of the show.

Pro tip: Arrive early to beat the crowd because this place tends to get busy, especially because they’re only open for three days of the week for a few hours, and everything is FRESH.

The Helm: Provisions & Coastal Fare

Easily one of the best restaurants in Tampa Bay! If you love fish, oysters, or just seafood in general – you have to try this spot! As soon as you walk in, it feels like you’re in a boat.

Try the fresh oysters and dress them up how they recommend – it’s a game-changer! With a full bar, there’s an amazing selection of cocktails, beers, and wines.

Pro tip: The Scuttle is very recommended – perfect for any Gin lover. But, our personal favorite was the Old Salt – their spicy margarita served in a huge goblet!

ZukkuSan Sushi Bar and Grill

Craving some amazing sushi? ZukkuSan Sushi Bar and Grill is the place to be! For something unique, give their tempura bagel roll a try. Don’t forget to sample their Picasso and Sunset rolls – they’re true works of art!

Their miso soup is pure comfort in a bowl – flavorful, comforting, and perfect to warm you up. And if you have a sweet tooth, you absolutely can’t miss their tempura cheesecake.

Columbia Restaurant

Located in the heart of Ybor City stands the oldest restaurant in Florida, Columbia. It is also well-known as the largest Spanish restaurant in the world!

The Columbia has many Spanish cuisines that are fan favorites with delicious homemade sangria to enjoy.

Pro tip: We highly recommend making a reservation, especially during the weekends!

Salt Shack

Salt Shack is a waterfront restaurant that has all the coastal feels and some of the best food in Tampa Bay, located South of the Gandy. If you are looking for a fun atmosphere outside, Salt Shack is the way to go.

It’s one of the best restaurants in Tampa Bay with the most amazing sunset views. Kick back, relax, and enjoy a cocktail at this tucked-in tropical getaway.

Rocca

Dinner at Rocca is an experience like no other! Rocca offers a pasta-focused menu with Italian fare, inspired by seasonal ingredients.

The table-side mozzarella cart is a must-try! This delicious, shareable appetizer is made at your table at one of the best restaurants in Tampa Bay!

The C House

All things C comes from The C House! Charcuterie, champagne, and cheesecake are not the only menu items starting with C, the whole menu does!

It’s one of the most unique and definitely one of the best restaurants in Tampa Bay! The C House has a great outdoor patio for all to enjoy and has live music often. Happy Hour is from Monday through Friday from 3:00pm-6:00pm.

Timpano Hyde Park

Nestled in the heart of Hyde Park is Timpano, a modern Italian restaurant that’s one of the best restaurants in Tampa Bay.

Try your Italian favorites, as well as other uniquely delicious dishes. The Parm-to-Table Macaroni Experience is a must-order! Enjoy bucatini al pesto prepared tableside in a parmesan wheel.

Red Mesa Cantina

C’mon, let’s taco ’bout it! Red Mesa Cantina has quesadillas, nachos, tacos, burritos, bowls, and other entrees. Located in Downtown St. Pete, you can enjoy amazing outdoor seating and a courtyard view.

Try the Breakfast El Gordo which is very flavorful. Don’t forget a margarita, that’s a must with tacos or any Tex-Mex style dish!

Pia's Trattoria

📸 Pia’s Trattoria

Do you love a romantic and cozy Italian atmosphere just as much as we do? Pia’s Trattoria has natural, fresh food to give you all the Italian feels, from pasta dishes to a glass of wine to pair them with.

Make sure to order an antipasto, aka appetizer, of Bruschetta to start your Italian escape off right. Pia’s Trattoria is located in Gulfport, right on Beach Boulevard.

Oxford Exchange

📸 Oxford Exchange

Time to get out the cameras, this place is Instagram-worthy! Oxford Exchange is so unique, quaint, and detailed to perfection. The Restaurant serves weekday breakfast and lunch, weekend brunch, and afternoon tea.

The menu consists of fresh and signature dishes to give you a little twist on a classic bistro. Meet for afternoon coffee, tea, and cocktails on a friend’s day out and take in all the detail.

Frenchy's Rockaway Grille

📸 Frenchy’s Rockaway Grille

Bring on the Floribbean feels at Frenchy’s Rockaway Grille, one of the best restaurants in Tampa Bay right on the beach! With the Clearwater Beach views of the Gulf of Mexico, it’s a perfect place to sit back and watch the sun go down with a drink in your hand.

Frenchy’s has fresh seafood, sandwiches, entrees, and other dishes to enjoy. There is live music every day at Frenchy’s, what’s better than that? Make sure to try the famous She Crab Soup!

The Library

📸 The Library

Calling all bookworms! This is the perfect date for anyone looking to spend some time with books and good food.

Located in John Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, The Library has a unique atmosphere for everyone to take in. The Library has breakfast, shareable, salads, entrees, and desserts to enjoy.

Pro tip: Try their famous French toast for the best experience!

On Swann

Right on Swann Avenue in Hyde Park lies this American-cuisine-style restaurant called On Swann. Offering brunch, lunch, and dinner menus throughout the day, there’s something for everyone to love.

This contemporary atmosphere is welcoming and fun to enjoy with friends or on a date night.

The Pearl

Just a short walk from Amalie Arena after a Tampa Bay Lightning game or a concert, The Pearl on Water Street offers lunch and dinner throughout the week, as well as brunch for the weekend warriors!

Sip on a mojito, a Moscow Mule, or even a “Duke of Pearls” cocktail, which consists of Old Forester, Dry Vermouth, lemon, Early Grey, and black pepper. To start off your meal, you can enjoy some Jalapeno Corn Spoon Bread, nosh on hot or cold oysters, or other seasonal seafood, and finish off with a piece of fresh pie made daily at The Pearl.

Bodega on Central

Being different from the rest, Bodega presents you with the best Latin street food located in Downtown St. Pete. Bodega is well known for its take on Cuban sandwiches and Cuban coffee.

Don’t worry, Cubans and coffee are not the only things they have, they’ve got different sandwiches, salads, entrees, beer, wine, and cold beverages like freshly squeezed juice.

Haiku Tampa

Asian cuisine comes together with art and form in Haiku. It features Izakaya-style dishes and recipes that are perfect to pair with a creative beverage.

Izakaya is a type of Japanese bar that serves alcoholic drinks and small plates. Make sure to try out their sushi or wood-fired yakitori if you go to this Downtown Tampa location.

Boulon Brasserie

This French bistro in Tampa has you covered for a drink after a long day, as well as something satisfying for your sweet tooth!

Boulon Brasserie has its own caviar service you can try, as well as oysters on the half shell. Some of their main dishes include Scallop Risotto and Lobster Pot Pie.

Finish off your meal with some decadent dessert like their Crème Brulee, Warm Butter Cake, Bread Pudding, or something else from their bakery! Pair whatever you choose with one of their delicious French martini with Grey Goose Le Citron vodka.

Rooster and the Till

📸 Rooster and the Till

Looking for a dinner destination? This Seminole Heights restaurant offers some of the most exciting food and drinks in Tampa Bay.

Rooster and the Till have much to offer from their dinner selection that is different from the best restaurants in Tampa Bay. Each of the entrees is prepared with a twist of fresh ingredients. Be sure to check out their menu!

American Social

📸 American Social

Traditional American food + great atmosphere for socializing = American Social, aka AmSo for short.

Located on the waterfront with four full-service bars, a  raw bar, and an intimate dining room with indoor and outdoor seating, American Social knows how to handle the entertainment.

It’s a great place to hang out with friends. American Social also has a lively nightlife with happy hours!

Steelbach

📸 Steelbach

Steelbach is a southern-inspired kitchen and chophouse that offers great food and a great time for all its guests! Located in Armature Works, this menu will give you all the fixings you’ve been craving, if not more!

Make sure to come hungry, because Steelbach will fill you right on up. They have breakfast, lunch, starters, bubbly, and more! Their beef is aged and grass-fed to make the taste worth your experience.

Green Lemon

📸 Green Lemon

Located in SoHo, Green Lemon has a fun and modern mix of Mexican food. The dining experience is all fun and good times with friends.

Green Lemon’s atmosphere is very unique and eccentric with bright fashion, so get your camera out and take some pictures! You won’t want to miss out on Green Lemon’s tacos or margaritas, both are a must if you go!

Parkshore Grill

📸 Parkshore Grill

Overlooking the St. Petersburg waterfront stands Parkshore Grill, located right on Beach Drive. Parkshore Grill has lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch.

During the day, there are burgers, wraps, salads, and paninis with steak and fresh fish at night. Both indoor and outdoor seating is available for dining, so bring the family and go out in downtown St. Pete!

Elevage SoHo Kitchen & Bar

📸 Elevage SoHo Kitchen & Bar

You can find Elevage SoHo Kitchen & Bar inside the beautiful Epicurean Hotel here in Tampa! The restaurant itself was developed from traditions found at Bern’s Steak House.

The restaurant serves breakfast dishes throughout the week. Lunch bites include things like the Shawarma Chicken Wrap and the classic Cuban sandwich. Dinner meals include things like baked oysters, the Buffalo Mozzarella salad, and much, much more. Be sure to stop by for Happy Hour Monday through Friday from 4:00pm-7:00pm!

Oak & Ola

📸 Oak & Ola

If you’re looking for savory dishes fit for Instagram, Oak & Ola is for you! This Tampa Bay restaurant serves lunch and dinner throughout the week, as well as brunch on Saturday and Sunday.

Try things like one of their cheese boards to kick off your meal and a NY strip steak cooked to your liking for dinner. For brunch, be sure to try their Croque Monsieur or Mushroom Truffle Pizza! Those old enough to partake can also sip on unique cocktails, wine, and beer. Cheers!

Chanta

📸 Chanta

Tampa’s Chanta Restaurant is a fully family-owned spot that serves up authentic European cuisine alongside freshly baked bread.

European specialties include traditional Hungarian Goulash Soup, ribs, lamb, cabbage rolls, Wiener Schnitzel, pasta, pizzas, and much, much more! Chanta also serves delicious smoothies as well as desserts like Tiramisu and Apple Cake for those seeking something fruity and others with a sweet tooth!

Yah Mon Caribbean Restaurant

📸 Yah Mon Caribbean Restaurant

Yah Mon Caribbean Restaurant in Tampa features some of the best, you guessed it, Caribbean food in the area!

You don’t want to miss out on their Taste of the Islands entrée, which features Curry Goat, Oxtail, and Jerk Chicken with rice, peas, and plantains alongside a fresh salad. You can also try their Jerk Chicken in a pasta dish, paired with bowtie noodles and asparagus.

To quench your thirst, you can sip on fresh coconut water right from the fruit, mango nectar, guava juice, and much more, as well as Yah Mon’s signature cocktails, beer, and wine.

Cena

Cena is a modern and simple take on Italian cuisine right off East Kennedy Boulevard in Tampa in the Grand Central building. As one of the best restaurants in Tampa Bay, Cena uses unique, fresh ingredients in its recipes.

You can enjoy their bread service to start out your meal, before digging into delicious dishes like Truffle Mushroom Risotto and Braised Oxtail alongside some vino!

Pro tip: Reservations are recommended, so be sure to book ahead online!

Jackson's Bistro, Bar & Sushi

📸 Jackson’s Bistro, Bar & Sushi

Located on the Bay and right next to American Social, Jackson’s Bistro, Bar & Sushi is one of the best restaurants in Tampa Bay to hit up if you’re looking for a sushi roll or two alongside a cocktail.

From Salmon Avocado Rolls, Philly Rolls, and Lobster Tempura Rolls, to delicious Garden Rolls if you’re not entirely into dabbling in seafood, there’s a sushi roll for all who visit to enjoy! Even if you’re just headed to Jackson’s to enjoy some sushi, be sure to indulge in a piece of Key Lime Pie before you head out!

Casa Santo Stefano

📸 Casa Santo Stefano

This Sicilian restaurant in Ybor is perfect for a date night or a night out with friends. This restaurant is housed in a former macaroni factory and serves meals that taste like something your grandma used to make!

Open for both lunch and dinner through the week, Casa Santo Stefano serves up things like Spaghetti Nana Maria, Lasagna, Linguine with Lobster, Grouper al Limone as a Sicilian twist on a Tampa favorite, and much, much more. Don’t miss out on their delicious desserts like house-made cannoli and various flavors of gelato!

Forbici

The chefs at Forbici use only the freshest ingredients to create dishes that will leave you wanting more. One of our personal favorites is the Pesto Rigatoni which tastes so much of basil, parmesan, and pine nuts! There’s nothing like it anywhere else.

Our next pick is the Rigatoni Bolognese, which is a classic pasta dish with a rich meat sauce that’s simply divine. Another must-try item is the Margherita Pizza, made with a thin, crispy crust, fresh tomatoes, and creamy mozzarella cheese – yum!

Good Intentions

If you are looking to move away from a diet full of animal products and switch to a more plant-based lifestyle, consider a night out to Good Intentions, this restaurant is simply one of our favorites in Tampa Bay!

From the sourdough bread and the assorted cheese plate to the Tempe grits and the kimchi rice – we couldn’t resist and tried everything!