The 17 Best Restaurants in Tampa Bay

Tampa Bay’s food scene has come a long way over the past decade. There’s no shortage of great places to eat, and if you’re looking for recs, you’ve come to the right place. After dining all over Hillsborough and Pinellas counties—especially as we worked on the Hey, Maywood project this past year—we’ve vetted dozens of spots, and this is our (ever-growing, ever-evolving) list of the best restaurants in Tampa Bay.

Breakfast

1. Van Dough
Looking for the best donuts in Tampa Bay? Look no further. These minis have massive flavor (plus, there are more than 16 options to choose from), and their cold brew is on point too.

2. Lucky Dill
Yes, this New York-style diner serves lunch and dinner, but brunch is where it’s at. You’ll start with a complimentary basket of danishes, muffins and other pastries, then face the hard part: Choosing an entree. The cheesy soft-scrambled eggs are not to be missed.

3. Another Broken Egg Café
Okay, okay, it’s a bit of a chain, but the restaurant’s creative twists on classic menu items are not to be missed. And if you mention it’s your first time, they’ll greet you with a small plate of warm beignets. How sweet is that?

Coffee

4. Tukro Coffee
This Dunedin coffee shop is a newcomer on the scene, but it’s quickly earning a reputation for its solid iced coffee and lattes. It has plenty of outdoor seating and a relaxed atmosphere that makes you want to sit and sip awhile.

5. Blind Tiger Coffee Roasters
Grab a guava and cheese pastry and an iced coffee, and you’re ready to take on the world. If you prefer a sweeter drink, you’ve got to try The Dirty Thaiger (a double shot of espresso, served over ice with Thai tea and sweetened condensed milk and topped with cinnamon).

6. Paradeco
If you want to know what the inside of my brain is decorated like, it’s this place. The sunwashed tropical-meets-art-deco vibe is outstanding, and the coffee isn’t too shabby either. It’s a bit of a splurge though.

Casual Lunch/Dinner

7. Craft Street Kitchen
Ask about the daily specials, and if the sage and sweet potato gnocchi is on the menu, order it. It’s a killer combination of flavors, offset by crispy, salty prosciutto. But really, we’ve yet to try anything on this gastropub’s menu that hasn’t been impressive.

8. Datz
When you’re in the mood for something off the wall—say, an entire head of cauliflower, battered and drenched in buffalo sauce, or a burger sandwiched by fried jalapeño mac & cheese buns—head here. It’s a diet destroyer, but oh, what an enjoyable way to go out.

9. La Teresita
This family-run Cuban restaurant serves some of the best ropa vieja and plantains we’ve ever tried. Don’t miss out.

10. Mama Maria’s
Where does my Greek family go when they don’t want to cook (but still crave the comforts of home)? Mama Maria’s. The location in the Sponge Docks serves the most consistently awesome food (admittedly, other locations have been a bit hit or miss). Our go-to’s? Dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), pastitsio (Greek lasagna/pasta bake) and Greek salad.

11. Shaker & Peel
This Oldsmar restaurant boasts some of the most creative takes on tacos we’ve ever tried. We’re talkin’ Jamaican Jerk tacos, volcano shrimp, Korean BBQ beef, grouper, Tampa Hot chicken…the list goes on. (But Tampa Hot Chicken, served a habanero glaze, corn slaw and buttermilk aioli, is our absolute fave.)

12. Whiskey Joe’s
Come for the vibes, stay for the views. You’ll find plenty of sandwiches, burgers and seafood on the menu, and they’re all great (particularly anything drenched in the guava BBQ sauce), but the real joy here is dining outside at sunset, overlooking the water, with your toes in the sand.

13. Fish Bowl Kitchen
While it’s known for its Dole Whips and poké bowls, this place has no shortage of creative menu items (ahem, General Tso’s pork belly fried rice). It’s a Chipotle-esque dining experience, making it great for grabbing on the go.

When You’re Feeling Fahhhncy

14. Ciro’s
This Gatsby-esque speakeasy is just fun, period. You’ll find plenty of top-notch cocktails, you know, once you find your way in. (Psst: It’s located in the Bayshore Royal Building.)

15. Bern’s
C’mon, we had to include the classic steakhouse. It’s an institution in Tampa. Sure, the lobby decor is little Haunted Mansion-y, but the steaks are impeccable. Ask for a tour of the wine cellar—it’s the largest privately owned one in the world, boasting 500,000+ bottles.

16. Oxford Exchange
Part store, part coffee and tea lounge, part restaurant—and all of it chic. Expect to see influencers (and influencers-in-training) snapping pics of everything at all times here, because everything is that photo-worthy. Thankfully, the food tastes just as good too. The menu focuses on highlighting local, seasonal ingredients, and if you plan a visit, make it an early one—the restaurant closes at 5 p.m.

17. The Fenway: HEW Parlor
Another steakhouse? Yes. If you’re feeling something a little more contemporary than Bern’s, hit up this hotspot. Parking can be a challenge, but the steaks are tender and the sides are bursting with flavor. Plus, it’s a short walk to the bustling downtown Dunedin area.

Lead photo: Tacos from Shaker and Peel