What’s New in Tampa Bay: 10+ Top Restaurants, Bars & More

The Pearl

As soon as you walk into The Pearl you are greeted with a welcoming and unique atmosphere that differs from anywhere else on Water Street. This restaurant has quickly become known for its delicious food but specifically for its seafood!

Our team got an opportunity to try some delicious dishes, but the most memorable was the Shellfish Platter. This is every seafood lover’s dream. The seafood was so fresh and the oysters were unbelievable! We also got the opportunity to taste a few different drinks. The favorite all around was the Bacon.Bourbon.Beautiful. This bourbon cocktail had a smokey bacon taste, but it was super refreshing and even the non-bourbon-lovers enjoyed it!

We had a one-on-one interview with the Regional Director of Chefs. Check out the youtube video here!

Clearwater music

An iconic outdoor waterfront 9,000-person amphitheater is coming to Tampa Bay in the Summer of 2023 – Clearwater Music! You won’t only hear the waves and see the sunset, but you will also hear the most incredible music, and watch spectacular performances. With a year-round live entertainment schedule and the fact that this will be operated by the one, and only Ruth Eckerd Hall alongside the City of Clearwater, we can only expect the best of the best.

Small Giant

Small Giant is finally here and we can’t wait to share with you! As soon as you step into this space you are greeted by a friendly staff and a warm, homey vibe. The gorgeous ambiance makes you feel like you are back home at one of your favorite hole in the wall spots. However, the food and drinks are designed to remind you of your favorite comfort foods with an elevated twist.

This spot is serving Columbus, Ohio styled pizza which is unique to the other pizza spots we have tried. The pizza dough is brought in fresh from Columbus each week, so you will really be experiencing a true Ohio styled pizza every time.

Must try: Pretzels with mustard aioli and the pickle fries!

Wine on Water

Wine on Water is another Water Street must visit! This is just one of Cru Cellars newest additions to the growing water street district! This wine and liquor shop will be filled with over 500 selections.

There will also be indoor and outdoor tables for patrons to enjoy a glass of wine from their amazing ‘wine by the glass’ lists. One of  the greatest features of Wine on Water is  that a majority of their wines are natural. The staff is extremely knowledgeable and will teach you everything you have ever wanted to know about wine!

Make sure to check their website for any educational classes or tasting that may be upcoming!

Popstroke

Eat, putt, drink, and repeat! Popstroke has opened their Tampa location and you need to plan a visit. Co-owned by Tiger Woods himself, this is more than just a dining experience! When you’re not grabbing a bite at their full service restaurant, or grabbing a drink at their rooftop bar, take a spin around their two 18-hole putting courses. If you can’t get enough of this spot, book one of their party packages for your next special occasion.

Torchy's Tacos

This Texas native has opened it’s first Florida location in St. Pete! Torchy’s Tacos is known for their “damn good tacos”, margartitas, and dessert options.

They offer 7 different breakfast tacos, in addition to, their extensive taco list that offers every taco imaginable including vegetarian options (The Fried Avocado is a must try)! Each month Torchy’s will feature a Taco of the Month. Not only are these delicious, but a portion of the proceeds will also be sent to charity.

If tacos and margs aren’t enough for you, try the lil nookies. They are deep fried cookie dough bites that are absolutely incredible!

Wagamama

Florida’s first Wagamama has finally opened in the Water Street District! This modern, Asian cuisine restaurant is inspired by quick turnaround Japanese ramen bars. Of course, the menu will be featuring tons of ramen options but a real ‘star of the show’ was the Chicken Pad Thai.

The fantastic food is not the only thing that has early -goers raving about this new spot, but their craft cocktail menu is making quite the splash as well! The Thai Chili Margarita was spectacular, and something you can’t find  anywhere else!

Wagamama is open for lunch and dinner service. Going for a solo meal? No problem with their extensive communal seating making everyone feel welcome!

Boujee Smoothie Menu - Rollin' Oats Cafe

Rollin’ Oats Cafe has introduced three new smoothies this month! Each with unique, flavorful produce that you won’t find anywhere else!

Blueberry Lavender, Rosewater, and Blue Spriulina Swirl are exactly how they sound – FANCY!

Each of these new smoothies are vegan and packed with delicious, extravagant ingredients. You will be feeling boujee at first sip!

Bouzy

Hyde Park Village is expanding on to bigger and better things with the addition of the much anticipated Bouzy! Bouzy is a new champagne bar concept that comes from the Cru Hospitality Group.

Bouzy has quickly become the talk of the town with thanks to the 200+ wine selections, many of which come from the Bouzy region of France! Not sure which bottle of bubbly is for you? The sommelier-trained bartenders will be sure to make top-tier recommendations.

To pair with your champagne of choice is a small plate and select entrée menu that features sampling-style french cuisine! If champagne is not your cocktail of choice, be sure to try one of the many craft cocktails on the menu!

Santé!

Madame Fortune

Ybor has welcomed it’s newest deli turns speakeasy location on 7th. Created by the owners of 7th and Grove comes Roast Deli and Madame Fortunes. Roast Deli helps satisfy that quick lunch need, however at night is when things really come to life!

Madame Fortune is located behind Roast Deli and will be serving elevated brunch and dinner menus. There is an emphasis Caribbean soul food with starters like mango brie. Outside of the delicious starters and entrees will be creative craft cocktails and desserts!

Madame Fortune is a 21+ only destination!

Raising Canes Chicken Fingers

Chicken, chicken, chicken, which combo you pickin?!

That’s right Tampa Bay, Raising Canes has opened it’s first location in Clearwater! Their chicken fingers are made with the highest quality ingredients and are made on a cook-to-order basis meaning you get the freshest quality every time.

Of course, it doesn’t end there! With canes comes the fan favorite Canes sauce! This tangy, secret sauce is ideal for dipping chicken fingers, crinkle cut fries, and even Canes Texas toast. Pair your combo with an ice cold sweet tea or lemonade for the perfect meal!

Boulon Brasserie

Boulon Brasserie is the newest addition to the expanding Water Street District in Tampa. From the creators of Forbici comes the new “French by way of American” dining experience.

If you are looking to expand your palette and mix in a bit of European culture, Boulon is here to offer a French American brasserie with a modern twist. Boulon has already made a huge impression on Tampa Bay with their “laid back luxury” experience for patrons who have visited for dinner within their opening week. This may be thanks to their classic French favorites, such as steak frites, oysters, and of course, French Champagne.

Keep the French feeling all day by stopping in for a café au lait and croissant in the morning, or a relaxed lunch with a gorgeous charcuterie selection!! You can’t go wrong with Boulon!

Ride On

Find your tune at Tampa’s newest cycling studio located in the Westchase/Oldsmar area! If you are looking for a workout that builds you up, and encourages you to push for that extra inch – we have found the best spot for you!

Ride On is a woman owned, rhythm based cycling studio that offers 45 minute classes that keep you in tune with the beat of the music! The instructors keep a positive energy in the class by giving positive affirmations throughout the entire experience that also features tons of lighting effects! After the class you are given a cool lavender towel to readjust your body temperature.

Ride On is offering your first month of unlimited classes for $99 AND a special BOGO deal for first time riders! With these unbeatable prices, I think we may have found your new go-to workout spot 😎

Common Dialect Beerworks

Looking for Tampa’s newest brewery? Well here it is! Common Dialects is the product of a reputable husband and wife team that took their at-home craft brewing to the next level.

This duo has a love for all things Tampa and (of course) all things beer. That is why you can find a variety of beers from IPAs, sours, lagers, seltzers, and so much more when you come to Common Dialect!

Beer isn’t the only thing you will find at this new Tampa staple. There will also be rotating food trucks with local Florida favorites, and make sure to keep a lookout for any events!

Don’t have a babysitter for the night? Not a problem… this brewery is children and pet friendly, so bring the whole family out for a day of fun!

La Cabana

La Cabana is Tampa’s newest waterfront and local escape from the city hustle! Created by the owners of The Getaway and Patrona Coffee, La Cabana will be serving cigars, signature cocktails, and desserts.

Whether you opt for a glass of shimmering, rose-gold champagne or an espresso martini with a coconut twist, you are sure to be in heaven under the swaying palm trees and tranquil intercostal waters.

La Cabana is offering a wide selection of cigars and desserts as well, making this the perfect date night spot! As said in their motto, evenings should be interesting, your night is bound to be compelling at La Cabana!

The Scott

The Scott is the newest addition to the boundless list of cocktail bars in downtown St. Pete! This new lounge puts an emphasis on it’s decadent, yet affordable, craft cocktails.

Affordable drinks in the heart of St. Pete? We know… almost sounds too good to be true! The Scott pulls this off with lively happy hours every Monday through Thursday from 5 – 7 p.m.

If you are looking for a new happy hour spot, The Scott is just for you. Make sure to go check out this new lounge inside of the Cordova Inn!

The Juice Shack

St. Pete is about to get a lot juicier! The Juice Shack just launched it’s first St. Pete location on the 600th block of Central Ave.

The Juice Shack is serving cold-press juices, smoothies, and wellness shots. You can also expect yummy eats like acai bowls, salads, and sandwiches filled with natural and fresh ingredients!

Kick start a new healthy lifestyle by stopping into The Juice Shack today!

sweetgreen

Local, fresh, and quality menu options with close proximity to everything downtown Tampa? We know.. sounds too good to be true! Luckily, this is exactly what you get at sweetgreen.

Sweetgreen just opened their first Tampa location just steps from the Riverwalk. They will be serving bowls and salads filled with fresh and locally sourced produce, fish, and meats.

If you have been searching for healthy lunch, dinner, or snack options check out sweetgreen!

Lucky Tigré

Tampa has officially opened it’s first Filipino ‘sari-sari’ counter! You can support this local, woman owned business by stopping by to order some of your favorite Filipino dishes.

They will be serving delicious dumpling, bao buns, dairy-free milk tea, and so much more. Swing by this new location on South Howard next time you have a craving for authentic Filipino bites!

Beerbusters Movie Bar

Feeling nostalgic? There is no better place to kick it old school than Beerbusters Movie Bar!

At Beerbusters you can find local craft beers, munch on movie theater candy and pizza rolls, and play board games from the 90’s! (Pro Tip: Trivia Nights are on Tuesdays!)

After you’ve had your fun at Beerbusters, make sure to rent one of your favorite films to watch at home. Movies can be rented for $1 a day, or you can subscribe to the unlimited monthly movie pass for $10 a month!

The Cereal Bar: Adventures in Ice Cream

Satisfy your sweet tooth with St. Pete’s newest dessert shop! The Cereal Bar: Adventures in Ice Cream is now open on the 600th block of Central Avenue, Downtown St. Pete.

Stop by soon to indulge in tasty ice cream, delicious cereal, and flavorful waffles!

The Wet Spot

Are you looking for a new and exciting twist for your nightlife? Look no further!

The Wet Spot, located in the Grand Central District of Downtown St. Pete, is officially open! This new hot-spot features a luxurious pool that is surrounding by bars on 3 sides. The Wet Spot has everything from pool-side fun, delicious cocktails, and sensational food.

The Wet Spot is now offering memberships and day-passes, so this is the perfect spot for year-round fun or just stopping by on a weekend!

Clean Your Dirty Face

Feel like you don’t have the time to treat yo’self and take care of your skin? Think again. Clean Your Dirty Face just opened in Carrollwood and they offer effective and quality facials customized to your skin type. The best part is that each facial is only 30 minutes! Book a session with one of their licensed estheticians and relax as they steam, deep clean, exfoliate, mask, tone and moisturize with high-quality, clean, non-toxic skincare products while their signature 5-point acupressure face massage will help with blood circulation, lymphatic drainage and relaxation.

When you go, we suggest getting the pumpkin peel! It was super exfoliating and made our skin feel incredibly soft.

Bolay

Bolay is the hottest healthy restaurant serving mouth-watering build-your-own bowls that you can fill with roasted veggies, perfectly seasoned proteins, delicious greens, forbidden black rice and so much more. Check out their new South Dale Mabry location which also has a drive-thru for fast and easy service!

BROdenim Pop-Up

Head to Hyde Park Village to shop the BROdenim pop-up! This custom clothing company prides themselves on the blank canvas approach, allowing customers to create one of a kind pieces with our custom patches.

How does it work? You choose you item, pick your patches, and create your design! The Tampa pop-up features game day pieces and Tampa related patches.

Check them out until January!

Whole Hearted Hair

In need of a new hairstylist? Then you need to check out the new salon in town which is completely eco-friendly and sustainable, Whole Hearted Hair! The owner is a green circle certified stylist which means everything will be recycled. For example, Hair clippings will be made into stuffing for animal shelter dog beds! Also, The metal foils repurposed for bike and car parts. If you’re looking for someone who specializes in vegan haircare, all curly hair textures, volume in length, manageability through anti frizz keratin treatments, pixie and razor techniques, healthy blonding, or styling lessons then you need to check this place out.

KRATE

There’s a new open-air hot spot at the Grove in Wesley Chapel and you have to check it out! KRɅTE is home to all sorts of entertainment, plus a variety of boutiques, offices, restaurants and bars to visit – 55 to be exact!

The cool thing about this spot is that it’s built from 90 repurposed and locally manufactured shipping containers – awesome, right? From an outdoor stage, to a play area for the kiddos, consider this your new favorite place to spend with the whole family!