20 Best Eateries in West Tampa

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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.

Fine dining ($$$-$$$$)

Live it up! Your palate will thank you later.

Bern’s Steak House

Via onlyinyourstate.com / Facebook

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.

Eddie V’s Prime Seafood

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.

Donatello

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.

Oak & Ola

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.

The Rusty Pelican

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.

Loosen up ($$-$$$)

Your best pair of jeans will be more than nice enough.

Terra Gaucha

Via 813area.com

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.

On Swann

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.

Rooster & the Till

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.

The Oxford Exchange

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.

Dixie Dharma

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.

Keep it casual ($-$$)

These places are easy on the recommended attire and your wallet.

The Boozy Pig

Via Facebook

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.

La Teresita Cafe

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.

West Tampa Sandwich Shop

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.

Chicago Paulie’s

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.

Los Comparres

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.

Just desserts

Hey, you’re grown up now, and ice cream for dinner can happen.

Alessi Bakery

Via Facebook

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.

Harry Waugh Dessert Room

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.

The Little Donut House

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?

Mr. Penguin

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?

Dough Nation

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.

Are you looking to visit Tampa? Check out our listings or call 1-844-BOOK-OYO to find available rooms today.

OYO

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