Top 10 Best Tampa Restaurants

Tampa is famous for dishes like the Cuban Sandwich, Deviled Crab, and fresh seafood, making it a notable stop for food tourism. This Tampa best food selection highlights the city's rich Spanish, Cuban, and Italian immigrant influences. What sets Tampa food apart from other areas is the authentic preparation of its Cuban Sandwich, which has specific local variations and a long history in the Ybor City neighborhood. Cooking techniques associated with must try food in Tampa include the careful layering and pressing of the Cuban Sandwich, the seasoned breading and frying of Deviled Crabs, and the preparation of Spanish bean soup (Caldo Gallego). While not all ingredients originated solely in Tampa, the use of fresh local seafood from the Gulf of Mexico, Cuban bread, and specific spice blends in dishes like Spanish paella or picadillo are characteristic.

The average cost of a meal in Tampa can range from $15 to over $150 per person, varying with the establishment and type of dining. A single meal at a budget-friendly restaurant or a casual spot might cost between $15 and $30. For a group meal at a mid-range restaurant, individuals can expect to spend between $35 and $70 each. When considering a high-end or fine dining restaurant in Tampa, the cost for one person can be $75 to $150 or substantially more, especially for tasting menus or at highly acclaimed venues.

Yes, as of the most recent Michelin Guide Florida announcements, there are Tampa restaurants that have received Michelin Stars and other recognitions. Koya and Lilac (at The Tampa EDITION hotel) have each received one Michelin Star. Rocca has also earned one Michelin Star. Koya offers an exclusive omakase experience focused on high-quality, seasonal Japanese ingredients. Lilac presents a Mediterranean-influenced tasting menu with an emphasis on Florida's bounty. Rocca is known for its Italian food, including handmade pasta. Additionally, restaurants like Rooster & the Till (from the provided list), Ulele, and Columbia Restaurant have received Michelin Bib Gourmand awards or have been included as Michelin Recommended spots, recognized for their quality and value. These Michelin star restaurants Tampa and other honored establishments highlight the city's growing culinary prestige. 

Tampa has a wide array of popular fast-food restaurants, offering quick and convenient meal options throughout the city, with establishments like McDonald's and Chick-fil-A being very prevalent. These spots are known for their recognizable brands and efficient service. Some of the most popular fast-food restaurants in Tampa include:

• McDonald's: A global fast-food leader with numerous locations.
• Chick-fil-A: Highly popular for its chicken sandwiches and customer service.
• PDQ (People Dedicated to Quality): A Tampa-founded chain known for its fresh chicken tenders, sandwiches, and salads.
• Wendy's: Known for its square beef patties and Frosty desserts.
• Taco Bell: Offers Mexican-inspired fast food.
• Subway: Provides customizable submarine sandwiches.
• Burger King: Famous for its Whopper sandwich.
• Pollo Tropical: Popular for its citrus-marinated grilled chicken and Caribbean-inspired sides.

Yes, there are many good restaurants Tampa Bay offers, including numerous establishments situated directly on the water, providing scenic dining experiences. These Tampa bay restaurants range from casual tiki bars to upscale dining rooms. For example, Oystercatchers at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay offers upscale seafood with panoramic views of the bay in a refined atmosphere. American Social Bar & Kitchen on Harbour Island has a lively atmosphere with waterfront views, serving contemporary American food. More casual options like The Getaway Tampa Bay provide a tiki bar vibe right on the water, perfect for watching boats and enjoying fresh seafood and tropical drinks. These best restaurants in Tampa Bay often feature seafood-centric menus, taking advantage of their coastal location.

Tampa's food scene continues to expand with new establishments frequently opening, with places like Ash (in Water Street Tampa) and Sunda New Asian (also in Water Street Tampa) being among the exciting recent additions. Here are some examples of the best new restaurants in Tampa that have opened or garnered significant attention more recently:

• Ash: Located in the Water Street Tampa development, Ash offers Italian-inspired food with a focus on live-fire cooking in a stylish setting.
• Sunda New Asian (Water Street Tampa): This restaurant brings contemporary interpretations of Southeast Asian food from various countries, including sushi and signature shared plates, to the Water Street neighborhood.
• The Pearl Restaurant & Raw Bar (Water Street Tampa): Another addition to the Water Street area, The Pearl focuses on a tavern-like atmosphere with a strong raw bar, seafood, and classic American dishes.
• Predalina (Water Street Tampa): This Mediterranean seafood-focused restaurant has become a popular new destination in the Water Street district.
• Small Giant Bar & Restaurant (Water Street Tampa): Offering a more casual but still trendy option, Small Giant provides bar-centric food and a lively atmosphere in the same burgeoning area.

Yes, there are several new places to eat in Tampa FL, particularly in and around the Downtown Tampa area, which has seen significant development and new restaurant openings. The Water Street Tampa development has been a major hub for some of the best restaurants downtown Tampa has welcomed recently. For instance, Ash, with its Italian-inspired live-fire cooking, and Sunda New Asian, offering contemporary Southeast Asian fare, are exciting new spots in this district. The Pearl Restaurant & Raw Bar and Predalina, both also in Water Street, bring fresh seafood and Mediterranean concepts to the downtown-adjacent area.

Tampa has vegan restaurants like Pure Kitchen, Farmacy Vegan Kitchen & Bakery, and Ground Foods Cafe, alongside many other establishments offering strong plant-based options. Pure Kitchen focuses on organic, plant-based meals, juices, and smoothies in a casual setting. Farmacy Vegan Kitchen & Bakery is known for its creative vegan comfort food, from loaded fries and burgers to elaborate baked goods. Ground Foods Cafe offers a menu of Italian-inspired vegan dishes, including pizzas and pastas, in a stylish environment. Many restaurants in Tampa are also increasing their vegan offerings, with clear menu labeling and dedicated plant-based sections, reflecting a growing demand for vegan food.

Tampa has gluten-free friendly restaurants like Craft Kafe (a dedicated gluten-free bakery and cafe with multiple locations), Fresh Kitchen, and many establishments that cater well to gluten-free diners such as most upscale steakhouses. Craft Kafe provides a 100% gluten-free environment, offering a wide array of baked goods, breads, sandwiches, and coffee, making it a safe choice for those with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivities. Fresh Kitchen is a popular fast-casual spot where customers build their own bowls with bases, veggies, and proteins, many of which are naturally gluten-free and clearly labeled. Higher-end restaurants in Tampa, especially those focusing on fresh, whole ingredients, are often adept at accommodating gluten-free requests, with steakhouses like Bern's Steak House (from the provided list) easily able to offer suitable grilled meats and sides.

Tampa food is recognized for specific styles that highlight its rich history and coastal location. The city's kitchens showcase a blend of immigrant influences and local Floridian flavors. Some of the most famous food styles in Tampa include:

• Spanish/Cuban: This is a cornerstone of Tampa's food identity, stemming from the historic Ybor City neighborhood, founded by Cuban, Spanish, and Italian immigrants. Dishes like the Cuban Sandwich (with its specific Tampa preparation including Genoa salami), Spanish bean soup (Caldo Gallego), and various rice and seafood dishes are iconic. Its fame is rooted in the city's unique multicultural heritage.
• Seafood: Given Tampa's location on Tampa Bay and proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, fresh seafood is a prominent feature. Grouper, snapper, shrimp, and stone crabs (when in season) are widely available. This style is famous due to the direct access to fresh, local catches.
• Italian-American: Alongside Spanish and Cuban influences, Italian immigrants also played a key role in Ybor City's development, leading to a strong presence of Italian-American food, from red-sauce pasta dishes to pizzas. Its fame comes from the enduring popularity of these comforting, family-style meals.
• Floribbean: This style blends Caribbean and Latin American flavors with ingredients and cooking methods of Florida. It often features tropical fruits, fresh seafood, and vibrant spices. Its fame is growing as it represents a distinct regional food expression.
• American (New American/Steakhouse): Tampa has a solid offering of New American restaurants focused on seasonal ingredients and contemporary techniques, as well as classic American steakhouses. These are famous for providing both innovative and traditional upscale dining experiences.