Sure, Miami is the play place for the posh and Orlando is where all the rollercoasters converge, but don’t sleep on Tampa. With its own sports teams, theme park, and tantalizing cuisine, this city is easily in the discussion of Florida’s best. We think one of the greatest ways to explore a city is through its food. Below are our picks for the best restaurants in Tampa.
Live it up! Your palate will thank you later.
1208 S Howard Avenue
Tampa, FL 33606
(813) 251-2421
Since 1956, this steak house has been wining and dining Tampa. Yes, it’ll cost you, but you’re not just paying for prime cuts of dry-aged beef and an absurdly long wine list. You’re paying for a total gastronomical experience, and you won’t be disappointed.
4400 W Boy Scout Boulevard
Tampa, FL 33607
(813) 877-7290
Yes, it is a chain, but when you do something incredible, why not repeat it? You’ll find all the fine-dining trappings here: succulent lobster tails, tomahawk chops, and towers of delicate and decadent seafood. We say if you’re going big, then live large and start with their signature Hope Diamond Cocktail.
232 N Dale Mabry Highway
Tampa, FL 33609
(813) 875-6660
So old-school Italian, you’ll be looking for Vito Corleone. Dive into rich plates of Scampi Caprese and Ossobuco Alla Milanese. Enjoy your rich, flavorful dishes with a nice chianti and soak up the live-music-infused ambiance.
1901 N Market Street
Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 773-1901
Oak & Ola trades the buttoned-up vibe for a more laid-back atmosphere, but entrees like pork Milanese and fire-roasted artichokes are dressed to the nines. With multiple James Beard award-winning chef Anne Kearney running the back of the house, you know you’re in for a great meal.
2425 N Rocky Point Drive
Tampa, FL 33607
(813) 281-1943
Looking to clink those wine glasses as the sun sets on Tampa Bay? This local haunt has been serving fresh seafood and beautiful views for over 30 years. If you don’t make it for dinner, then we say make sure you hit up Sunday brunch.
Your best pair of jeans will be more than nice enough.
1108 S Dale Mabry Highway
Tampa, FL 33629
(813) 999-4332
Come hungry. Really hungry. This Brazilian steak house will keep the food coming until you cry uncle. Melt-in-your-mouth sirloins, bacon-rolled filets, and falling-off-the-bone ribs. Go for the Full Rodizio Experience—you won’t leave hungry or disappointed.
1501 W Swann Avenue
Tampa, FL 33606
(813) 251-0110
With an open-concept atmosphere, you’ll immediately feel welcome when you step foot in here. On Swann uses many local companies and ingredients to create their playful dishes. Start off with a locally grown kale salad and then get decadent with steak frites.
6500 N Florida Avenue
Tampa, FL 33604
(813) 374-8940
Hip, chic, yet casual, Rooster & the Till has been winning awards and Tampa’s love for years. You can go all out with a chef’s tasting, or pick your pleasure a la carte. If you have dietary concerns, no problem, as the menu has plenty of vegan and vegetarian options.
420 W Kennedy Boulevard
Tampa, FL 33606
(813) 253-0222
This place is truly unique. It’s a bookstore and a restaurant. But it’s also a meeting space and creative studio. No matter how you label it, it’s perfect for that first date where you need to impress, or when you want a cool, casual spot to grab a drink and shoot the breeze.
1910 N Ola Avenue
Tampa, FL 33602
An exclusively vegan Southern menu? No, that’s not an oxymoron—it’s Dixie Dharma’s philosophy. So order up a tangy Carolina BBQ pulled jackfruit sandwich, and dig in. You may not miss meat much at all.
These places are easy on the recommended attire and your wallet.
3255 W Cypress Street
Tampa, FL 33607
(813) 488-5333
This high-end butcher shop doubles as a deli, so you know you’re going to have a pretty great selection of cuts. You can’t go wrong with the meatball sandwich topped with ricotta. Or ditch the bread and get to the meat of the matter with the charcuterie board.
3248 W Columbus Drive
Tampa, FL 33607
(813) 879-9704
A staple of the Tampa community, this Cuban and Spanish restaurant has been dishing out roasted pork and arroz con pollo for years. You can get a filling meal for around $10, and still have leftovers.
3904 N Armenia Avenue
Tampa, FL 33607
(813) 873-7104
You don’t need to go all the way down to Miami to get your Cuban fix. Of course we recommend getting a classic Cuban and an Iron Beer, but whatever you get, it’ll be good.
1301 N Howard Avenue
Tampa, FL 33607
(813) 494-4275
We know what you’re thinking. “A hot dog stand?” Yup, and it’s probably the best in the area. They make a killer Chicago-style dog (don’t you dare ask for ketchup on it) along with one hell of a steak burger. Order up a side of crispy fries and that lunch just may carry you into tomorrow’s breakfast.
5305 N Armenia Avenue
Tampa, FL 33603
(813) 850-1380
Every city needs a good taco shop, and Tampa has one. Los Comparres serves up just about any style on warm tortillas. Grab a bottle of homemade salsa and get to work.
Hey, you’re grown up now, and ice cream for dinner can happen.
2909 W Cypress Street
Tampa, FL 33609
(813) 879-4544
This panaderia has been around since 1912, and the one thing that hasn’t changed here are the fantastic baked goods they put out. In a hurry? Get a 10” Grab N’ Go cookie and be on your blissful way.
1208 S Howard Avenue
Tampa, FL 33606
(813) 251-2421
Seem familiar? It should, as it’s actually tucked inside Bern’s, but they focus on the sweet here, not the savory. We suggest going for the Taste of Bern’s. Perfect for sharing. Or not. We won’t judge.
4048 W Kennedy Boulevard
Tampa, FL 33609
(813) 769-9209
Okay, this is more South Tampa. Nevertheless, the old adage “good things come in small packages” holds true here. So go ahead, order some maple bacon, fruity pebble, or classic glaze donuts. They’re small, so you can eat twice as many, right?
1920 W Platt Street
Tampa, FL 33606
(813) 251-5750
This spot whips up more flavors of Italian ice than you can shake a waffle cone at. Can’t decide between cookie or peanut butter? Why not get both?
505 N Tampa Street
Tampa, FL 33602
(813) 227-9248
Did your mom ever tell you not to eat the cookie dough? Well, this place wants you to eat all the dough. The best part is that all proceeds go to supporting community non-profits. Sure, it may be in downtown Tampa, but when something is this good, we have to mention it.
When in West Tampa, come hungry. From fine dining to cheap eats, we have you covered. Use our list to decide where to eat in West Tampa, or better yet, discover a place on your own. Just let us know if it’s any good.
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