19 Delicious Restaurants in Tampa, FL

Dianne De Leon

Nov 19, 2023 • 10 min read

Tampa, a vibrant city in sunny Florida, boasts a rich culinary landscape. Its trendy neighborhoods offer gourmet meals, while waterfront dining spots provide breathtaking sunset views.

Every corner of this lively city, from bustling downtown streets to serene beachfront locales, presents a unique gastronomic tale.

An exploration of Tampa's culinary scene uncovers unforgettable flavors and highlights the city's top-notch restaurants.

SuperNatural Food and Wine

SuperNatural Food and Wine is a cherished breakfast destination in Tampa. The welcoming atmosphere strikes visitors upon entry.

A popular choice is the breakfast sandwich, known for its perfectly cooked bacon and overall freshness. For those with a sweet tooth, the cinnamon sugar donut is a hit.

Lunch offerings include the Italian Stallion spicy sandwich, praised for its taste and speed of service.

The café is also appreciated for its coffee and specialty chocolate tahini donuts, available only on Saturdays.

Delicias Tampa LLC

Delicias Tampa LLC is recognized for its authentic and flavorful Cuban cuisine in Tampa.

The aroma of Cuban spices and a warm ambiance greet customers, reminiscent of Havana's streets.

The restaurant stands out for its fresh, on-the-spot preparation and family-like atmosphere.

Dishes like tender chicken wings and crispy fries showcase the rich Cuban culinary culture.

Gaudin Kitchen + Bar

Gaudin Kitchen + Bar, located in the Barrymore Hotel in Tampa, surprises guests with its culinary offerings.

Known for its substantial and diverse Brunch Box, the restaurant provides a comforting and private dining experience.

The Brunch Box includes a variety of items like honey waffles, turkey sausages, quiche, and more.

Gaudin's boasts ample free parking and accessibility, along with a relaxed ambiance suitable for dining at any time of the day.

Yanecita’s Kitchen

Yanecita's Kitchen in Tampa is renowned for its chicken empanadas, a local favorite that has garnered widespread acclaim.

The restaurant's menu also features a highly praised loaded baked potato.

Known for its high ratings, Yanecita's Kitchen offers a variety of flavorful dishes that leave a lasting impression on its patrons.

Nojaks Tasty Foods

Nojaks Tasty Foods, located in downtown Tampa, presents a vibrant atmosphere with a diverse menu.

The restaurant specializes in an All-American burger, noted for its in-house baked bun and quality beef.

Additionally, it caters to various dietary preferences with delicious vegan and tofu burger options.

Patrons also favor their flavorful fries and chili, paired with a special sauce.

Nacho’s Tacos

Nacho's Tacos in Tampa offers an unexpected culinary delight with its loaded fries and chicken tacos.

These dishes are celebrated for their flavor and preparation quality.

The establishment is also known for its efficient service and unique beverage offerings like guava Jarritos, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Grill Express Tampa

Grill Express Tampa is a local culinary treasure located in the city's heart, known for its clean, spacious, and bustling environment.

It offers a diverse menu with fresh ingredients and flavors that captivate the taste buds.

The portion sizes are notably generous. The team at Grill Express stands out for their service, catering to both quick lunches and elaborate dinners.

Special mentions include their falafel hummus, shakshuka hummus, and flavorful salads served with warm pita bread.

Chanta

Chanta, a cozy restaurant located in the city center, offers a homely ambiance reminiscent of a grandmother's house, complete with a relaxing classical music background.

The menu features homemade bread and olive oil, Hungarian goulash, and the standout Saccottini Vanessa pasta in creamy truffle sauce.

Chanta is also known for its Romanian stew, eggplant salad, and bread.

It offers outdoor seating, perfect for romantic or relaxed dining, praised for its delicious food, excellent service, and atmosphere.

Terra Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse

Terra Gaucha Brazilian Steakhouse brings Brazilian flavors to Tampa with a lively setting and an extensive menu.

The restaurant features all-you-can-eat meats, seafood, and salads, appealing to various tastes.

Highlights include the lobster bisque, with an array of choices like shrimp and sausage.

Terra Gaucha is distinguished for its exceptional service and is ideal for special events or hearty meals.

La Terrazza Restaurant

La Terrazza Restaurant in Tampa's Ybor area offers authentic Northern Italian cuisine in a warm, inviting atmosphere reminiscent of a cozy eatery in Italy.

The restaurant's pasta dishes are particularly noteworthy, each bite perfectly blending flavors.

The service at La Terrazza is exceptional, ensuring a flawless dining experience from start to finish.

A standout dish is a special linguini in meat sauce with cream, mushrooms, and peas, featuring fresh noodles and well-balanced flavors.

Reservations are recommended, especially from Thursday to Saturday evenings.

Tampiz

Tampiz is a unique dining destination in Tampa, offering a fusion of French and Italian culinary delights.

The restaurant is known for its thin-crust pizzas that perfectly balance cheese and other ingredients, and its grilled baguette sandwiches packed with flavor.

Additionally, Tampiz's authentic French desserts are a highlight for patrons.

The restaurant's purple-accented environment adds to its charm, and it caters to various dietary preferences, including vegan options.

The vegetarian lasagne and Paris pizza are particularly recommended, along with the fresh orange juice, a rare find.

Cuban Eats

Cuban Eats, located in downtown Tampa, is a popular weekday-only breakfast and lunch cafe known for its strong Cuban coffee and delicious Cubano sandwiches.

The bacon, egg, and cheese Cubano, with its well-proportioned mix of Cuban and American flavors, is a customer favorite.

The breakfast menu also features creamy grits, crispy pancakes, and tasty sausages.

The cafe is known for its affordability, with a hearty meal and iced coffee costing around $13, offering a satisfying and budget-friendly dining experience.

Secret Garden

Secret Garden is a beloved local eatery renowned for its extensive salad bar, offering a fresh and colorful array of choices.

Known for its crunchy, flavorful salads, the restaurant is a favorite for those who appreciate fresh, healthy food.

While the salad selection is commendable, some patrons desire more variety, such as spinach or arugula mixes and healthier dressing options.

Besides salads, the chicken salad, with its unique sweet flavor profile, along with fresh sushi rolls and a favored Chinese noodle dish, are highly recommended.

CALI in Tampa

CALI stands out in Tampa's culinary landscape as a health-centric eatery, providing an array of small plates, wraps, and flavor-rich bowls.

The restaurant's serene atmosphere is complemented by its open kitchen design, where guests can watch their meals being prepared.

A highlight is the weekend brunch, with the Thai bowl, a vegetarian blend of mango and kale, being a standout dish.

Additionally, CALI's dragonfruit drink, though slightly sweet, is a refreshing complement to their meals.

CALI offers more than just food; it's a place for relaxation and well-being.

Fresh Kitchen

Fresh Kitchen is a vibrant spot known for its health-focused menu that changes with the seasons, offering a variety of fresh and nutritious options.

The restaurant's commitment to health and nutrition makes it a popular choice, especially for those with busy lifestyles or specific dietary needs.

Fresh Kitchen is a must-visit for anyone in the area looking for healthy, flavorful meals that cater to diverse dietary preferences.

Trattoria Pasquale

Visiting Trattoria Pasquale is akin to embarking on an Italian culinary adventure.

Guests are welcomed with fresh bread served with oil and pickled garlic, setting the stage for a delightful dining experience.

The menu, while concise, showcases a few exceptionally crafted dishes, reflecting the chef's heritage and expertise.

A standout appetizer is the homemade meatball, known for its generous portion and remarkable flavors.

The lasagna, in particular, stands out as a highlight, with many guests considering it the best they've ever tasted.

Equally impressive is the gnocchi, praised for its perfect preparation and complemented by a velvety Gorgonzola sauce.

Bulla Gastrobar

Entering Bulla Gastrobar transports guests from Tampa to the vibrant atmosphere of Spain.

This establishment is celebrated for its authentic Spanish cuisine and lively ambiance.

The made-to-order Sangrias are a perfect start to the dining experience, reminiscent of Barcelona's vivacious streets.

The menu, featuring a variety of tapas, includes dishes like Octopus Carpaccio and Ham Croquettes, each a testament to authentic Spanish and Catalan flavors.

The bold and captivating flavors provide a unique culinary journey through Spain.

Bulla Gastrobar's contemporary yet rustic Spanish design adds to the immersive experience, offering guests a brief escape from daily life.

The staff's accommodating nature enhances the dining experience, particularly notable during special occasions.

On Swann

Discovering On Swann in Tampa is like uncovering a hidden culinary treasure.

The restaurant greets guests with a warm ambiance, the buzz of an open-concept kitchen, and the enticing aroma of New American cuisine.

Service quality is a highlight, with a diverse cocktail menu offering unique takes on classic drinks.

The bone marrow dish stands out as a remarkable culinary creation, potentially the best of its kind.

Rooster & the Till

Rooster & the Till offers a unique dining experience with its inventive, locally sourced New American small plates, served in a rustic-chic ambiance.

The establishment is known for its charm and high-quality food, coupled with finely crafted, albeit pricey, drinks.

A standout feature of Rooster & the Till is the first-class service and the lively, albeit sometimes loud, atmosphere.

Menu highlights include the 'Cheese Duo,' a mix of quince paste, marinated olives, almonds, cheese, and sourdough, and the 'Potato Crusted Fish' and 'Gnocchi,' known for their unique flavors and textures.

Final Thoughts

Tampa, Florida, boasts a diverse array of restaurants catering to various occasions, palates, and moods.

The city's robust food scene offers culinary gems that continue to captivate and encourage exploration of its rich flavors.

With chefs constantly innovating, Tampa's culinary landscape promises exciting new experiences for food enthusiasts.

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