Just as St. Pete has 727 Day as our excuse to celebrate everything we love about the city, so too does Tampa have 813 Day (August 13) to commemorate all things good about the area. While our focus here usually stays on this side of the bay, this is our excuse to cross the bridge for a day.
Kirby, the Tampa native on our team at our sister site That’s So Tampa, has put together a list of the can’t-miss restaurants in the city. These aren’t necessarily the fanciest or the craziest. These are the quintessential spots that make Tampa, Tampa. If you wanted a culinary tour to get to know the city, these would be your stops.
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The must-try restaurants in Tampa
Bamboozle
7107 N Florida Ave
The healthy Vietnamese spot has become so popular that it had to open a second location, and it’s with good reason. Fresh rolls, pho, noodles, bowls, and banh mi star on the dinner menu, while weekend breakfast has stunners like Pâté Chaud, breakfast bao buns, congee porridge, and even beignets.
Bella’s Italian Cafe
1413 S Howard Ave
Rustic vibes in a modern setting make Bella’s one of the easiest restaurants in Tampa to fall in love with. This is the kind of place where it tastes and feels like you’ve been invited to a family home and Nona has been dutifully preparing your meal all day long.
Bern’s Harry Waugh Dessert Room
1208 S Howard Ave
Yes, you already know about Bern’s. There’s no reason to add their dinner to the list. The dessert room, however, is one of the best experiences in all of Tampa Bay. It’s beautiful, it’s classy, and it’s an absolute must. Each table is set up at an intimate booth, the desserts are all handmade in-house, and the legendary Bern’s wine selection serves as the perfect cherry on top.
Bouzy
1640 W Snow Ave
The Hyde Park Village cocktail bar is a slice of Europe in the middle of Tampa. Come for the champagne and cocktails, stick around for what it is, oddly enough, the best gourmet flavored popcorn in the city. If you get there soon, they’ve transformed the basement into a Paris escape.
Counter Culture
2909 W Bay to Bay Blvd
With a name like Counter Culture, you won’t be surprised to hear that this spot has some of the most unique dishes in Tampa. The menu constantly rotates, as the kitchen focuses on fresh and seasonal ingredients, but no matter when you go, you’ll encounter something you’ve never tried before.
Louis Pappas Fresh Greek
3409 W Bay to Bay Blvd
Where better for great Greek food than… South Tampa? Actually, yes, thanks to Louis Pappas. It’s been a local star for more than 100 years, with bright, colorful and laid-back vibes that take you straight to the Mediterranean. It’s the perfect lunch spot with casual Greek staples, including plenty of baked goods.
Lucky Tigre
1901 N Howard Ave
The West Tampa star is the dream come true of Chef Julie, who was launched to fame with her viral pandemic-era dumpling pop-ups. Now, the Filipino fusion at Lucky Tigre is one of the best meals you’ll have anywhere in Tampa Bay.
Mad Dogs & Englishmen
4914 S MacDill Ave
You may have been to an English pub, but you haven’t been to one quite like Mad Dogs. The longtime star recently moved to sparkling new digs and is better than ever. It perfectly blends the cozy pub feel with elevated dining, offering some of the best British food you’ll find this side of the Atlantic.
Pane Rustica
3225 S MacDill Ave
The globally-inspired menu of comfort food is complemented by outstanding baked goods, all tucked away as part of a hidden gem just off Bayshore. Seafood is the big draw, but the menu is full of hits.
Rocca
323 W Palm Ave
Rocca may well be the most universally loved fine dining spot in Tampa, and the Italian restaurant more than earned its Michelin Star. Rocca is elevated yet approachable, and while it focuses on quality over showmanship (the house-made pasta is a standout), the tableside mozz service is one of the most instagrammed experiences in the city.
Sally O’Neal’s Pizza Hotline
1319 S Howard Ave
The South Tampa staple is one of the most popular pizza spots in the city. Choose from New York-style or Chicago deep dish, and either hang out in the lively dining room or take it home to share with everyone. No frills, no superlatives, just fantastic pizza done right.
Salt Shack On The Bay
5415 W Tyson Ave
Forget just being one of the must-try spots in Tampa. The New York Times put it on their must-try list for the entire country. Bask in coastal beauty at this laid-back waterfront pub with great seafood and cocktails alongside live music. Plus, it’s an easy drive, right off Gandy over the bridge.
SuperNatural Food & Wine
305 E Polk St
What more do we need to say than the phrase “Michelin Recommended donuts”? The laid-back breakfast and lunch spot was also one of Guy Fieri’s first stops on his recent Tampa tour, where he also partook of their locally famous breakfast sandwiches.
Tori Bar
442 W Grand Central Ave
The late-night Japanese gastropub just made its debut a few years ago, but it has already become a Tampa classic. They have one of the best happy hours in town, and the tapas-style izakaya is beloved for hand rolls, dumplings, skewers and plenty more.
Woody’s Famous Salads
1722 S Dale Mabry Hwy
Ask a local where to find the best salad in Tampa, and Woody’s is almost certainly where they’re sending you. Their famous Greek salad has been a go-to for more than 50 years. It’s also one of the most affordable spots around, with massive, and tastym sandwiches for less than 10 bucks.
Wright’s Gourmet House
1200 S Dale Mabry Hwy
The counter service delicatessen has been a South Tampa staple for decades. Whether it’s a quick sandwich for lunch or some of their legendary pastries with a cup of coffee, this is a slice of daily life in Tampa that you have to experience.
