Tampa, Florida, is a dynamic culinary destination with a wide range of dining alternatives to suit all tastes. From fresh seafood fished straight off the Gulf Coast to innovative farm-to-table restaurants, the city’s culinary offerings reflect its unique culture and history.
Whether you’re looking for traditional Cuban cuisine, gourmet burgers, or beautiful fine dining experiences, Tampa provides something for everyone’s taste. This bustling metropolis is home to chefs who are passionate about their art and frequently use locally obtained ingredients to make delectable cuisine.
Join us as we tour Tampa’s seven top restaurants that improve the dining experience, creating a true culinary paradise where every meal is a fascinating journey.
1. Bern’s Steakhouse
Bern’s Steak House gets this list off to a strong start. Yes, it is costly. Yes, that is fancy. Yes, it is great. Each steak is professionally prepared just how you want it. When ordering your steak, you may pick the number of ounces and thickness.
There’s no better steak restaurant in Tampa. That’s not all; you can also take a tour of the kitchen and wine cellar before enjoying dessert in the Harry Waugh Dessert Room.
While all of the desserts are delicious, you must taste the Taste of Bern’s, which includes a sample-size amount of their vanilla cheesecake, macadamia decadence cake, banana cheese pie, chocolate cheese pie, and the King Midas. Holy wow.
2. Al’s Finger Lickin’ Good BBQ
This Tennessee-style BBQ establishment in Ybor City is usually a popular. It’s in a nice small converted house and has a very relaxed atmosphere—just what a barbecue business should have.
Their smoked meats are tender, tasty, and will make you want to lick your fingers repeatedly—and no one will criticize you because they will be doing the same.
Go for the gusto and grab a half slab of ribs with some of their sides: lip-smacking baked beans, spicy collard greens, black-eye peas, mac & cheese, and, of course, cornbread. Best barbecue in Tampa.
3. Columbia Restaurant
Columbia Restaurant, regarded as “Florida’s Oldest Restaurant,” opened in 1905 and provides traditional Spanish-Cuban cuisine. You’ll feel transported back to 1920s Cuba, and it will be fantastic. While their vast, bustling menu may make it difficult to decide what to order, one of their paellas is a must-have.
They even have a vegan, gluten-free paella called paella vegetariana that is just as good as their regular ones. They do take 30 minutes to create, so get a glass or two of wine and a couple of tapas to make the wait more enjoyable.
4. Tampa Bay Brewing Co.
The Tampa Bay Brewing Company serves handcrafted beers, award-winning cider wings, and an absolutely delicious burger. The “Bomb” is a half-pound burger with cheddar cheese, hickory bacon, and onion straws wrapped in pizza dough instead of a bun, baked, and served with horseradish ale sauce.
It’s incredible. It is unique. It resembles a burger calzone. If burgers aren’t your thing (we’re sorry, what?), try their extensive menu of pizzas, calzones, and entrees. The meatloaf, shepherd’s pie, and beer-battered fish and chips will blow your mind. Finish your meal with their apple crisp, which is certainly large enough for two.
5. Jet City Espresso
This is not your standard coffee shop that serves premium, organic espresso coffee drinks; rather, it is a traditional coffee house with some of the best coffee you’ve ever had. Seriously, you should try it before adding the sugar or honey to get a true sense of how amazing the flavor is. You might not need any sugar.
There’s a reason they have nearly impeccable Yelp reviews (over 100). They don’t only serve coffee here. They offer baked products, smoothies, teas, quiches, salads, and more. Furthermore, the ambiance is quite welcoming, much like the owner, Jessica. Without a doubt, it is Tampa’s best neighborhood coffee shop.
6. Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
It’s Tampa, so you’re probably thinking about fresh oysters, shrimp cocktails, and lobster everything. If this is true, Eddie V’s is the best place to spend your money. The environment is sleek, smart, and trendy, with elegant live jazz. You will undoubtedly feel like Frank Sinatra. It’s the ideal setting for a romantic evening.
The oyster bar serves superb market oysters, giant lump crab, and Hawaiian yellowtail sashimi, but the lobster is the star: lobster tails, lobster soup, lobster tacos—they’ve got it all. Finish with the luscious Godiva Chocolate Cake.
7. Miguel’s Mexican Seafood and Grill
4 Stars Take a seat on Miguel’s magnificent back patio, drink a top-shelf margarita, and snack on chips & salsa while you peruse the menu. This is not your typical, campy Mexican eatery. This is authentic, home-cooked, delicious Mexican cuisine served in an upmarket and relaxed setting.
Try the USDA prime filet or Kobe skirt steak fajitas, which come with frijoles charros, Mexican rice, guacamole, sour cream, pico de gallo, and warmed tortillas. Everything here is delicious, from the fiery pinto bean soup to the ceviche. If you enjoy brunch, they serve the greatest huevos rancheros in Tampa.
Final Words
Finally, Tampa’s culinary industry provides a diverse range of dining options to suit every taste. From the superb steaks of Bern’s Steakhouse to the traditional flavors of Columbia Restaurant, each establishment exemplifies the city’s rich culture and dedication to quality. Tampa is truly a foodie’s paradise, promising amazing meals.