W
ant to know where to dine? The Tampa Bay offers a plethora of dining options that are sure to satisfy any craving. When you come to the Tampa Bay area, be sure to come hungry. Amazing culinary concepts and innovative chefs make this area a hub for magic when it comes to dining. From hidden gem eateries, to one-of-a-kind rooftop and luxury waterfront views, after a day, or night out dining in the Tampa Bay area, you’re sure to be filled with genuine memories, unique surprises, delectable entrees and signature desserts!
Here are some of our favorites we have selected.
DELICIOSO!
Downtown Tampa
Oxford Exchange
420 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33602
813-253-0222
European-inspired space featuring a restaurant, bookstore, coffeehouse & shop with decor & gifts.The look and feel of the vintage, eclectic, modern-industrial aesthetically pleasing surroundings, friendly staff and laid-back vibes will keep you finding excuses to stay longer.
Fly Bar & Restaurant
1202 N Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602
813-275-5000
Hopping urban bar & restaurant that offers a rooftop deck, signature cocktails, eclectic small plates & live local music.
Spain Restaurant & Toma Bar
513 N Tampa St, Tampa, FL 33602
813-223-2831
Enjoy Galacian seafood and tapas in one of Tampa’s most unique, Mediterranean inspired settings complimented by excellent Spanish cuisine and live flamenco music. The traditional recipes offered here have been passed from one generation to the next and are commonly served in Galacian restaurants and bars.
Ulele
1810 N Highland Ave, Tampa, FL 33602
813-999-4952
This rustic-chic spot features native-inspired foods, like barbacoa grilling and also has house-brewed beers. Ulele, is located within the re-imagined 1903 Tampa Heights Water Works building and is open for lunch and dinner.
Columbia Restaurant
2117 E. 7th Ave. Tampa, FL 33605
813-248-4961
This original Columbia Restaurant is known as the oldest continuously operated restaurant in Florida dating back to 1905. This famous spot serves Spanish and Cuban cuisine, and is a landmark in Tampa’s historic Ybor City. Dining guests can enjoy many of the century-old family recipes that have made the traditional Spanish restaurant so world famous as well as unique gifts, flamenco dancing and romantic dining areas.
Jackson’s Bistro, Bar & Sushi
601 S Harbour Island Blvd, Tampa, FL 33602
813-277-0112
Waterfront spot that offers an eclectic menu, including sushi, seafood, pasta and burgers as well an extensive bar, nightlife, private rooms and top music .
YBOR
El Puerto Restaurant & Grill
1623 E 5th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605
813-248-8222
A favorite gem amongst the locals and tourists visiting Tampa’s historic Ybor City district., this restaurant serves and perfects traditional Peruvian, Mexican and other dishes against a backdrop of colorful murals.
La Teresita
3248 W Columbus Dr, Tampa, FL 33607
813-879-9704
Capdevila’s at La Teresita and La Teresita Café is a family-run eatery that offers a menu of traditional Cuban and Spanish dishes. The surroundings are a comforting, homey feel and families of all sizes have dined here. The dishes have been said to be generous in proportion and for great prices.
La Segunda Central Bakery
2512 N 15th St, Ybor City, FL 33605
813-248-1531
La Segunda Central Bakery has satisfied customers with authentic Cuban bread since 1915. This favorite spot offers homemade Cuban bread, sandwiches, cookies and pastries.
La Terrazza Ristorante
1729 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605
813-248-1326
Cozy restaurant that serves home-style Northern Italian cuisine & wines in a warm-hued storefront space. Known by many as the go-to spot in Ybor, for tasty Italian dishes.
Hyde Park
bartaco
1601 W Snow Ave, Tampa, FL 33606
813-258-8226
Inspired by a healthy, outdoor lifestyle, Bartaco combines fresh, upscale street food with a coastal vibe in a relaxed environment. The specialty cocktails offered here are crafted with fresh-squeezed juices, beer out of a bottle, and hand-held foods delivered on metal tray. The rustic beach resort design complements the spirited bold and bright flavors of Bartaco’s eclectic menu. The stylish ambience, cocktails, and freshly prepared tacos and “not tacos” create an unforgettable experience.
Green Lemon
915 S Howard Ave, Tampa, FL 33606
813-868-5463
A modern twist on Mexican, using traditional ingredients, minus the fillers. Local art, live DJs, and house made margaritas give all a reason to celebrate.
Bella’s Italian
1413 S Howard Ave #100, Tampa, FL 33606
813-254-3355
While trendy restaurants come and go, Bella’s has been open for more than 27 years and for good reason. A casual, rustic ambience with a wood-fired oven and indoor and outdoor seating attract a sophisticated crowd of foodies of all ages. The restaurant’s authentic Italian fare is delicious, from the paper-thin carpaccio with garlic, olives, capers, and basil, to the old-fashioned spaghetti and meatballs. You can also create your own combination of pasta and sauce, choosing from a large list of options, or just order a pizza cooked in the oak-burning oven. Executive chef and co-owner Joanie Corneil studied cooking in Italy, and you can tell. For those who like a strong drink with their dinner, the Bellarita is a popular potion of Conmemorativo tequila and Grand Marnier. On second thought, save that for after dinner so you can at least appreciate your meal as it’s going down!
717 South
717 S Howard Ave, Tampa, FL 33606
813-250-1661
717 South is proud to bring you fresh and local ingredients. The highest quality hormone free chicken and when possible seafood that is harvested in a sustainable fashion. We wood fire all of our in-house hand cut steaks. We have an extensive wine list (over 300 wine bottles) and martini’s and specialty drinks from all parts of the world. Set within 1920’s art deco paintings, wood trim, high ceilings, and an open kitchen, welcomes each patron. 717 South was recently voted TOP 20 Best New Restaurants in Florida, Best Place for Dinner, Best Wines by the Glass, TOP 400 Places to dine in Florida, Best Happy Hour among many others.
On Swann
1501 W Swann Ave, Tampa, FL 33606
813-251-0110
Creating contemporary American cuisine that is thoughtfully sourced and features a seasonal menu with local flair. A place for exploring food and drinks!
Bern’s Steakhouse
1208 S Howard Ave, Tampa, FL 33606
813-251-2421
At Bern’s you’ll enjoy the opulent surroundings of comfort and fine dining. From perfectly aged steaks, 21 choices of caviar and one of the largest wine collections in the world, this restaurant brings one unique culinary experience that’s rich in flavor. The prime steaks are cut to order and the vegetables are grown locally on the Bern’s farm and sourced from the finest purveyors.
BurgerFi
714 S Howard Ave, Tampa, FL 33606
Serving only the finest natural, certified angus burgers, dogs, hand-cut fries, frozen custard and more. They’re better to the environment: each location is built to environmentally sustainable best practices and includes earth-friendly elements. And, they’re better to animals: sourcing from one of the best ranches in the country. Where cattle roam free. Breathe mountain air. Eat grass and are treated humanely.
WestShore
Renzo’s Steakhouse & Wine Bar
3644 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33629
813-870-3606
Renzo’s brings the authentic taste of the “Parrilla Argentina” to Tampa. We specialize in meat dishes prepared with traditional Argentinian techniques. Our slow cooking process ensures that the meat reaches its full flavor while being perfectly cooked to your taste- the authentic “Argentine Asado”.
Grimaldi’s Pizza
253 Westshore Plaza B1B, Tampa, FL 33609
813-287-2500
Using only the freshest ingredients, “secret recipe” pizza sauce, mozzarella cheese and dough, Grimaldi’s serves award-winning, hand-tossed, coal-fired brick oven pizzas, calzones, classic salads and desserts in an upscale yet casual, family-oriented pizzeria.
Ocean Prime
2205 N Westshore Blvd, Tampa, FL 33607
813-490-5288
Seafood or Steak? At Ocean Prime, you can choose the best of both. Add in world class wines, award-winning, handcrafted cocktails, timeless elegance and take-your-breath away kind of service.
Texas De Brazil
4112 W Boy Scout Blvd, Tampa, FL 33607
813-871-1400
Texas de Brazil Brazilian Steakhouse, is carving a new experience in dining. This continuous dining restaurant embraces a time-honored tradition of churrasco-style cooking, which was adopted from the gauchos, or Brazilian cowboys of Rio Grande do Sul, a region in Southern Brazil. The menu features various cuts of perfectly seasoned beef, lamb, pork, chicken and sausage all slow-roasted over an open-flame and carved at the table by the restaurant’s experienced gauchos. There’s also an extravagant gourmet salad area boasting more than 50 fresh items such as grilled vegetables, imported cheeses, charcuterie, smoked salmon & more! Don’t leave without trying the decadent desserts, refreshing Brazilian cocktails and a list of award-winning wines.
Besito Mexican
205 Westshore Plaza, Tampa, FL 33609
813-287-4800
Besito was founded by restaurateur John Tunney after years of travel in Mexico working to understand its cuisine and its people. The spirit of Mexico is found in its flavors. While our passion for extraordinary food is what inspired Besito-it’s the people-our team members and our guests, that breathe a special life into each location.
Season’s 52
204 N Westshore Blvd, Tampa, FL 33609
813-286-1152
Seasons 52 is a fresh grill and wine bar featuring a seasonal menu and an award-winning wine list. We believe in seasonal cooking, inspired by the fresh appeal of a farmer’s market where local growers, ranchers, fishmongers and artisans present their very best. Locally farmed, seasonal produce picked at the peak of ripeness, quality seafood, all-natural meats and artisanal food creations inspire us to bring you dishes that celebrate ingredients as hero.
Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
4400 W Boy Scout Blvd, Tampa, FL 33607
813-877-7290
Eddie V’s menu is a salute to life on America’s Gulf Coast. Fresh, finest quality and best cuts are keywords here with starters such as gulf oysters on the half shell and an all lump crab cake, giving way to entrées such as Seared Hawaiian Mahi-Mahi, sautéed Lemon Sole with Lump Crab, Swordfish Steak “Au Poivre,” and Broiled Georges Bank Scallops. Meanwhile, a variety of USDA Prime steaks and chops await landlubbers. Side dishes such as Scalloped Potatoes Au Gratin, Creamed Spinach Almondine, Steamed Asparagus with Hollandaise, and Sugar Snap Peas with Sesame & Garlic are a must. Finally, desserts are phenomenal and the wine list includes an impressive collection of modern and classic American and European vintages.
St. Pete & Clearwater
Ceviche Tapas
10 Beach Dr NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
727-209-2299
In the Catalan tradition, friends linger over signature sangria, aged Spanish wine and creative cocktails to splurge on tasty tapas, authentic paella offerings and decadent desserts. Ceviche is the original tapas restaurant in the region. Our culinary masters transport you beyond the borders of ordinary with more than 50 tapas dishes, so there’s sure to be a favorite for everyone at the table.
Hawkers ASIAN Street Fare
1235 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33705
727-521-7253
We have a shared love for the experience of enjoying Asian street foods and their flavors. Our dishes are inspired by travel throughout SE Asia combined with a selection of our favorite family recipes and traditions.
BellaBrava
204 Beach Dr NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
727-895-5515
Old world flavor mingles with new world flair here. Whether sampling our seafood or our famous American burgers with a Tuscan twist, we are positive the whole family will find something delicious to savor! Our menu has a wide variety of pastas and antipasti, but we love to share our unique Woodstone ovens that cook the most delicious flatbreads, pizzas and calzones in the region.
ParkShore Grille
300 Beach Dr NE #104, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
727-896-9463
Refined space for steaks & seafood paired with fine wines served inside or on the sprawling patio.
RumFish Grill
6000 Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach, FL 33706
727-329-1428
RumFish Grill is a destination restaurant at Guy Harvey Outpost on St. Pete Beach, FL. The restaurant’s main attraction is a 33,500 gallon aquarium constructed by the crew from Acrylic Tank Manufacturing (ATM) and featured on TANKED, a popular television show on Animal Planet. The RumFish Grill menu includes a wide variety of appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches and entrees. Starters include peppered Ahi tacos, Caribbean Ceviche and duck confit flat bread. Larger entrees range from pan seared local Grouper picatta and clam capellini to a dry rubbed rib eye and chicken tortellini. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Furthermore, there’s a number of indoor and outdoor televisions including one large screen HDTV that can show up to nine sporting events or programs on one large screen. Live entertainment is provided nightly with two stages for bands.
Red Mesa Cantina
128 3rd St S, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
727-896-8226
Red Mesa is of Mexican origin, fused with flavors and favorites from Latin American, Cuban & Caribbean kitchens. It is an award-winning St. Pete landmark.
Spinner’s Rooftop Revolving Bistro & Lounge
5250 Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach, FL 33706
727-360-1811
Popular seafood restaurant featuring 360-degree views from its revolving dining room. Located on the 12th floor of the Grand Plaza Hotel on St. Pete beach. Every table has a view. Great Seafood, Steaks, Pasta Dishes and more. Don’t miss the breathtaking sunsets.
Island Way Grill
20 Island Way, Clearwater, FL 33767
727-461-6617
Grill offering some Asian twists on seafood classics, plus a sushi bar, water views & Sunday brunch. Baystar Restaurant Group is the parent company of five Clearwater/St. Petersburg restaurants; Salt Rock Grill, Island Way Grill, Rumba Island Bar & Grill, Marlin Darlin Key West Grill and Salt Rock Tavern. Led by Frank Chivas, Baystar aims to provide both a delicious experience and an excellent value. Baystar restaurants have a warm tropical feel, and feature menus dominated by fresh seafood, much of which is provided by Chivas’ own fleet of dayboats. This source of fresh local seafood combined with creative chefs has established a strong reputation for Baystar’s restaurants as excellent dining destinations within the Tampa Bay area.
Every time I come to Tampa, I’m always excited to try out their new restaurants!
~Rosita H. from Houston, TX
Credits to original owners and makers of featured photos and videos.
If you are a restaurant owner in Tampa, FL, and would like to submit your restaurant photos, events and info, feel free to email us at FusionLatino.net@gmail.com for consideration.
