Our Favorite Hidden Gem Restaurants in Tampa Bay

September 12, 2022
| 22:00 PM

Dying to try something new? Stress no further because we’ve compiled a list of our favorite hidden gem restaurants in Tampa Bay! Discover and support our local and amazing restaurants that deserve lots of love, from grab-and-go restaurants to sit-and-enjoy kinds, from American and Mexican to Asian and Italian, and much more!

Don’t forget to tag us @StufftoDoinTampaBay on Instagram and Facebook! We can’t wait for you to try our favorite and the very best hidden gem restaurants in Tampa Bay.

Give Some Love to These Restaurants!

📷 SuperNatural Food and Wine

SuperNatural Food and Wine

They’re so amazing that their $7 bacon, egg, and cheese breakfast sandwich got Alton Brown, celebrity chef, to post on his Instagram stories about it! He says that the creation of owner Wesley Roderick is “the best breakfast sandwich ever.”

If chef Alton says this is the best, then who are we to say otherwise? We completely agree! You really have to visit and try all of the goodness they have to offer here.

Pro tip: If you have no idea what to order, get a sandwich for lunch! You can’t go wrong with any of these sandwiches. And if you want a sweet treat, their donuts taste like heaven!

Hours & Location

See menu

Check Out Our Experiences at Supernatural Food and Wine Below 👇

📷 Bayou Bodega

Bayou Bodega

This is the perfect spot for those that have a hard time finding something plant-based to eat with their friends that aren’t vegan. There’s something here for everyone, and the high-quality food is outstanding! The menu is a magnificent blend of French and Latin cuisine with a Creole twist. You have to come to believe that your food will be gone in seconds–it’s that good!

Pro tip: Enjoy the warm breeze and the server’s recommended dishes out on the patio. And do yourself a favor and order a glass from their selection of organic wines.

Hours & Location

Wednesday | 5:00pm–10:00pm
Thursday | 5:00pm–10:00pm
Friday | 5:00pm–10:00pm
Saturday | 5:00pm–10:00pm
📍 241 E Davis Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606

See menu

📷 Flan Factory

Flan Factory

A hidden gem restaurant that features one of the very best Cuban sandwiches you’ll have the pleasure to try! They offer the Cuban-American classics with surprisingly good twists, like fried cheese with guava dip and Cuban fried rice. So, so good!

You can have a whole delicious meal for under $20 and leave happier than a clam. It doesn’t matter if you don’t like flan or if you’ve never tried it, you have to try their flan. You really can’t go wrong with anything from their menu!

Pro tip: Other things you can get…Café con leche or Orchata coffee, empanadas!

Hours & Location

See menu

📷 West Tampa Sandwich Shop

West Tampa Sandwich Shop

The Honey Cuban is a must-try, it’s what President Obama ordered when he visited! For a twist on a Cuban sandwich, get the Media Noche, a smaller version with semi-sweet egg bread. Delicious!

One of the coolest things about this hidden gem restaurant is that there are 3 different sizes and versions of the sandwiches. And for lunch, you can order the rice and plantains–your taste buds won’t regret it!

Hours & Location

See menu

📷 Piccola Italia Bistro

Piccola Italia Bistro

By far the greatest Italian hidden gem restaurant we’ve tried in Tampa Bay! Maybe even the best Italian food you’ll have in the area–it’s really a gem. Make sure you leave room for all courses; you’ll want appetizers, entrees, and desserts! You can’t miss out on anything.

Pro tip: The place is charming but small, so make sure to reserve a table before you go! It’s worth the wait.

Hours & Location

See menu

📷 Chicago Paulies

Chicago Paulies

Get one of the best hot dogs in Tampa Bay! Owner Paulie is seen as a Chicago legend, and it’s simple: the food is out of this world! Try hot dogs (it doesn’t matter how you prefer them), it will be great–oh, and get the chili cheese fries! You won’t be sorry.

The place is hidden in a gas station, and it has two stools. Either grab-and-go or eat right there and get to know the amazing Paulie, who is incredibly sweet.

Hours & Location

See menu

📷 Ebisu Sushi Shack

Ebisu Sushi Shack

Easily the best sushi in the Tampa Bay area! Every single thing you order is incredibly fresh, and depending on where you sit, you can watch the sushi get made.

The place is beautifully decorated with anime and old film posters, making the meal a really aesthetic experience! Enjoy your food on their warm patio or at the bar.

Some things we recommend getting: Takoyaki balls, salmon sashimi, orange sunrise, and red dragon balls…they’re all amazing!

Hours & Location

See menu

📷 Food People Luv

Lee’s Grocery

Lee’s Grocery serves the classics: pizza, beer, and wings. Even though this is a pizza place, you should really try both the pizza and the wings–the wings are smoked and deliciously seasoned.

A staple of The Heights, praised by the community, and a must-try next time you’re craving bar food! They have one of the best local beer selections, and the pizza is fresh hot from the oven! Cool music, pet-friendly, and overall laid-back culture.

Hours & Location

See menu

📷 Vino e Pasta

Vino e Pasta

Live music, amazingly good Italian food (one of the greatest by far), and definitely a Tampa Bay hidden gem! This is the perfect place for a date night because it’s romantic, classy, and, intimate.

The restaurant may look small from the outside, but it’s big! They’re really talented with the service, music, and food! Sometimes the staff sing to you, seriously. Make this the main attraction for your next date, you won’t be sorry.

Hours & Location

Dinner menu

📷 Fruitwood Standup Market

Fruitwood Standup Market

The perfect cozy place to chill out and enjoy fresh organic foods! Their teas are to die for, and the coffee is so good that you want to buy a bag of beans to take home with you. We’re usually not fans of salads, but this place makes the very best salads! Every single ingredient is fresh and tasty, and everything is chopped perfectly so that every bite is a party.

Their outdoor seating area is just right when the weather is good, and you can enjoy refreshing teas and hearty meals outside.

Hours & Location

See menu

📷 Mr. Dunderbaks

Mr. Dunderbaks

Travel to Germany by going to Mr. Dunderbaks! Authentic German classic meals and even get to bring some home with you by getting a treat from their little store. There’s even a deli where you can buy German sausages and other goodies!

The beer selection is incredible, given that some are almost impossible to find outside of Europe. This is really one of the coolest hidden gem restaurants!

Hours & Location

See menu

📷 TacoSon

TacoSon

Real Mexican food that you can get in a drive-thru? Sign us up! High-quality food that is served in a matter of minutes, with vegan and vegetarian options, Tacoson is a must-try.

Once you eat their food, you won’t be the same! You can expect fresh, authentic, flavorful, and filling meals! You’ll want to come any time you’re out of ideas to do anything homemade. Some things you should get: the carne asada, cochinita tacos, the gorditas, tostadas, supreme nachos, and more.

Pro tip: Every Thursday, they serve the Chipotle Chicken Special, and let’s just say it’s amazing. Make sure you take some mild red and green sauces home!

Hours & Location

See menu

📷 Saigon Deli

Saigon Deli

Authentic, delicious Vietnamese food! A hidden gem restaurant with affordable prices and hearty meals. Home styled Vietnamese cooking, fresh ingredients, and massive portions! If you’re a soup lover, you have to try their Pho–it’s amazing.

Some claim it’s a close second to the real Pho from Vietnam! You should also try the Spicy Bun Noodle Soup. It’s great.

Hours & Location

See menu

📷 Jo-El’s Kosher Deli

Jo-El’s Kosher Deli, Market & Cafe

Jo-El’s is a real Jewish kosher deli and a true hidden gem restaurant! A perfect blend between a cafe, deli, and market. Sit and enjoy your favorite foods from the cafe, like bagels with tasty spreads, and then when you’re done, get all of the meats for the holiday foods.

Take some prepared meals home and freeze them until you need them!

Pro tip: Get the the pastrami, tuna salad, and/or the rolls!

Hours & Location

📷 The Breeze Waterfront Cafe

The Breeze Waterfront Cafe

Enjoy the beautiful view of the ocean while you have a fresh and scrumptious meal at this hidden gem! A wonderful mix of European, Mediterranean, and Latin American cuisines. Eating here is beyond relaxing, you won’t be disappointed!

Have breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner–any time you’re here, it’ll be a great time.

Hours & Location

See menu

📷 Taco Baby

Taco Baby

ATM turned taqueria! This is a great place for vegans and everyone, really–there’s a little bit of everything to add to your tacos. Every day is Taco Tuesday for us, and who are we to judge if that became a thing for you too?

Each taco will bless your palette! We recommend the pork tacos, and for our vegan friends, we recommend the jackfruit tacos! Both are delicious.

Hours & Location

Visit website

📷 The Bait House

The Bait House

The seafood here is extraordinary and since it’s located by the bay, be prepared to enjoy the warm breeze, clear skies, and top notch food. Eat over the water and have some memorable dishes!

Some things we think you’d enjoy: The best seller drunken shrimp, smoked fish spread with hot pepper jelly, Mahi Mahi, and get a beer! Or two. They have a great beer selection that deserves some love.

Hours & Location

See menu

📷 The Frog Pond

The Frog Pond

Looking for great American comfort food? The Frog Pond is the perfect place to have breakfast. They have huge portions–and that’s an understatement.

It’s also a great place to have lunch! Lots of healthy and tasty options for low prices. Bring your family to brunch next time you plan one! Everyone will be happy and you won’t have to wait so long like with the big chains.

Hours & Location

See menu

📷 Shrimpy’s Blues Bistro

Shrimpy’s Blues Bistro

What an amazing place to enjoy some tasty food and fun live music! Some say this place deserves more than 5 stars!

This hidden gem restaurant is beautiful inside and out, we’re sure you’ll have a great time here, and we hope you’ll love the food as much as we do. We heard that the owner is incredibly nice and has put lots of love to the restaurant! It’s clear in the food, outstanding service, music, and decor.

Pro tip: Sit outside, by the deck, you’ll love it.

Hours & Location

Dinner menu

Enjoy Delicious Food at These Hidden Gem Restaurants

Next time you’re feeling hungry, don’t forget to check out this list! How many of these hidden gem restaurants do you think you’ll try? Let us know by tagging @StufftoDoinTampaBay on Instagram and Facebook!

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Curated by

DanielaP. CamejoSanchez | Visit Profile >

Venezuelan (she/her) | 📍 Tampa since 2019 | Content Writer & Dog Mom...

Our Favorite Hidden Gem Restaurants in Tampa Bay

Give Some Love to These Restaurants!

SuperNatural Food and Wine

Check Out Our Experiences at Supernatural Food and Wine Below 👇

Bayou Bodega

Flan Factory

West Tampa Sandwich Shop

Piccola Italia Bistro

Chicago Paulies

Ebisu Sushi Shack

Lee’s Grocery

Vino e Pasta

Fruitwood Standup Market

Mr. Dunderbaks

TacoSon

Saigon Deli

Jo-El’s Kosher Deli, Market & Cafe

The Breeze Waterfront Cafe

Taco Baby

The Bait House

The Frog Pond

Shrimpy’s Blues Bistro

Enjoy Delicious Food at These Hidden Gem Restaurants

Get Featured on UNATION

Curated by

DanielaP. CamejoSanchez | Visit Profile >

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Our Favorite Hidden Gem Restaurants in Tampa Bay

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Give Some Love to These Restaurants!

SuperNatural Food and Wine

Check Out Our Experiences at Supernatural Food and Wine Below 👇

Enjoy Delicious Food at These Hidden Gem Restaurants

Get Featured on UNATION

Curated by

DanielaP. CamejoSanchez | Visit Profile >

Share

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