Best Places to Eat in Tampa Florida: A Food Lover’s Guide

Updated September 26, 2025

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Tampa Florida’s energetic food scene

Take advantage of a culinary adventure through the vibrant city of Tampa, Florida where every bite satisfies your taste of culinary delight. Tampa’s diverse city influences many different cuisines from fresh seafood straight from the Gulf, mouthwatering Cuban foods, to spectacular sweet treats. Take time to indulge your taste bud on some fantastic food options as you enjoy this bustling and welcoming coastal city. As one of our favorite cities to visit in Florida, I know you will find something that will satisfy your taste buds. Find a large array of restaurants that I highly recommend you try!

Restaurants you must try in Tampa or the surrounding areas include:

• Black Rock Bar and Grill Tampa

• Doodle Noodle Bar

• Jeni’s Ice Cream

• Kichi Taiyaki

• Lona

• M. Bird

• Olivia

• Sweet Soul

• Ulele

• Whiskey Joe’s Bar and Grill

• Willa’s

• Yard House

• The Nona Slice House

• Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant

Black Rock Bar and Grill

Black Rock Bar and Grill provide a unique culinary experience when you order a steak. Each steak is brought to the table on a 755 degrees volcanic sizzling rock. This amazing experience allows you to make sure each bite is cooked to perfection and each bite is as juicy as the next. They have a variety of delicious foods from tacos, burgers, lobster, soups, salads, chicken, desserts, and of course made your way steaks.

Address: 11702 North Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa CLOSED

Try the one in Fort Lauderdale 6200 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Hours: Sunday 11am to 10pm, Monday to Thursday 3pm to 10pm, Friday 3pm to 11pm, Saturday 11am to 11pm

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Naples Sightseeing Boat Tour

Cruise along the Gulf of Mexico to see the history and wildife (dolphins, manatees) along Keewaydin Island near Naples, Florida.

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Doodle Noodle Bar

Doodle Noodle Bar is a fun and unique bar that feels like you are walking into a cartoon. Each wall creates the illusion of a doodle pad and provides a space to chill while sipping a fruit drink and enjoying one of their many specialty noodle meals.

Address: 9620 W Linebaugh Ave, Tampa

Hours: Monday to Thursday 11am to 10pm, Friday and Saturday 11am to 11pm, Sunday 11am to 9pm

Instagram @doodlenoodlebar

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Jeni’s Ice Cream

Our absolute favorite ice cream shop is Jeni’s Ice Cream. They have multiple locations throughout the US, and we have tried this ice cream in Florida, Tennessee, and St Louis. They are all amazing. The Brambleberry Crisp is my favorite with mixed fruit and granola. They have so many amazing and unique flavors. Check them out for your favorite flavor or purchase a pint to take home. Publix Grocery Store also sell’s pints of Jenni’s ice cream for a take home treat. Some of Jeni’s amazing flavors include: Flavors change with the season

• Gooey Butter Cake

• Salty Caramel

• Boston Cream Pie

• Darkest Chocolate

• Lemon and Blueberry Parfait

• Banana French Toast

• Brandied Banana Brulee

• and many more delicious flavors

Address: 305 W Palm Ave, Tampa

Scoop Shop Hours: Monday to Thursday 1pm - 11:30pm, Friday to Sunday 12pm - 12:30am

Instagram @jenisicecreams

Facebook Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

Kichi Taiyaki

This dessert place, Kichi Taiyaki, we went to is located in Brandon which is only about 20 minutes away and is worth the trip. This is a Japanese dessert restaurant, and the food was delicious, and the portions were good size. We tried multiple desserts so we could have a variety of foods to share. The Mango cheesecake was amazing although the cheesecake piece was really small compared to what you get but overall, it was a large dessert.

Cost for our meal 2024: Mango Cheesecake $12.50, Taiyaki cone with 2 toppings (ice cream in a cup with fish shaped cake on top) $7.75, Souffle pancake (we chose the cookies and cream flavor) $14.55. Total was $52.18

Address: 2020 W Brandon Blvd, Brandon

Hours: Daily from 12pm to 10pm

If you like our article on the Best Places to Eat in Tampa, Florida, You might also enjoy these posts:

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• Best places to eat at Anna Marie Island

• Best places to eat in Fort Myers, Florida

Lona

One of my favorite restaurants, Lona, with authentic Mexican food is located at the Marriott Hotel in Tampa, across from the Amalie Arena where you can watch an exciting Tampa Bay Lightning Hockey game. From the moment you step into Lona, you will be faced with an amazing vibe from brick lined walls, tapestries, stoneware and other cultural furnishings, making the vibe in this restaurant a place you will want to stay a while as you sip on your favorite drink and snacking on the complimentary chips with the best salsa that has a hint of corn and black bean.

There is no skimping on flavor here. I had the chicken tortilla soup ($12) which is now my favorite soup of all time. The flavors blend together nicely, and the chicken is so tender, making every savory bite excellent. The guacamole ($15) was perfect, and the poblano enchiladas ($22) were fantastic as well. This is one of my top restaurants in Tampa that I highly recommend you try!! Stay a while and watch a sporting event on their multiple TVs. (2024 prices)

Address: 505 Water Street, Tampa. Located inside the Tampa Marriott Water Street

Parking: Complimentary valet parking up to three hours on non-event nights, pull up to the front of the hotel for this service. No direct parking at the hotel other than metered parking across the street and throughout Tampa.

Boats: You can also visit by waterway at 32 boat slip marinas.

Payment: No cash accepted, only credit card, room charge, or mobile pay.

Hours: Monday to Friday 4pm to 11pm, Saturday to Sunday 11am to 11pm

Happy Hour: weekdays 4pm to 6pm

Instagram @lonatampa

M. Bird

You have to stop at this fabulous roof top bar/restaurant when visiting Armature Works in Tampa. The food at M. Bird was so so good, and the view was fantastic. On the roof top you have a view of the Hillsborough River and the surrounding Riverwalk.

Their menu is limited but they have some unique food options, and you will no doubt find something good to eat. We had the M - Burger which had great flavor with added chipotle cherry, brie, bacon, crispy onions, and a sesame brioche bun with truffle fries. If you have never had truffle fries, you have to try these. The are soo good. Truffle has a hint of mushroom flavor but even if you don’t like mushrooms, you will like these fries. My husband had the spicy garlic shrimp which he said was really good. This consisted of garlic shrimp, chorizo, homemade tomato sauce with herbes, and grilled sourdough bread. Although the portion was small, it was good. We also had lemonade to drink, which was not good at all, so I do not recommend it.

Address: 1903 Market Street, Tampa

Hours: Monday to Wednesday 4pm - 12am, *Thursday 4pm - 3pm, *Friday 3pm - 3am, *Saturday 12pm - 3am, Sunday 12pm - 11pm. *21+ after 6pm. Thurs, Fri, Sat only

Olivia

This elegant modern Italian restaurant, Olivia, provides lots of class and spectacular food options. The meal options are unique and tasty. Experience the making of the Italian inspired pizza dough made in house and baked to perfection with the unique wood-fired grill flavor. For the wine lovers, they have an extensive wine menu for your drinking pleasure. This was some of the best food we have experienced at a restaurant in Tampa.

Reservations are recommended but not required. There is a fee to confirm online reservations. Parking is limited and valet parking is available.

Address: 3601 West Swann Ave, Tampa

Hours: Brunch and lunch from Saturday and Sunday only 10am to 3pm, Mid lunch Saturday and Sunday 3pm to 4pm. Dinner from Sunday to Thursday 5pm to 10pm, Friday 5pm to 10pm, Saturday 4pm to 10pm, Sunday 4pm to 9pm

Instagram @olivia_tampa

Sweet Soul

Sweet Soul offered the best acai bowl I had ever had. The fruit toppings were fresh, and the superfood options were incredible. we had the Dragon Fruit Blend ($11.50) which was so amazing. The mango topping we added was so fresh that it just melted in my mouth. We also added the superfood, bee pollen which added the right amount of stress reducer and included other health benefits. We also had the Cherry Colada smoothie ($9 + $2 for vanilla protein) which was just as good! (2024 prices)

Try their new Soul Ful next door with bowls, wraps, and salad with the freshest ingredients.

Address: 1101 South Howard Ave, Tampa

Hours Sweet Soul: 8:30am to 9:00pm daily Hours Soul Ful: 8:30am to 2pm

Instagram and Facebook: @ilovesweetsoul

Ulele

One of the best restaurants along the riverfront is Ulele. This restaurant and menu are inspired by native and early Spanish explorers. They have some of the best food in the area. You have to try the carrot fries, they are so good, who knew! They also craft their own beer for those beer lovers out there.

Address: 1810 North Highland Avenue, Tampa

Hours: Sunday to Thursday 11am - 10pm, Friday and Saturday 11am - 11pm

Whisky Joe’s Bar and Grill

This fantastic restaurant is located right on the water in Tampa Bay. Enter the parking area and be taken back by the view of the bay. This is the perfect location to sit and watch the sunset after enjoying an amazing meal at Whiskey Joe’s Bar and Grill. This restaurant has five locations throughout Florida where you can sit back and enjoy a drink and amazing grub while enjoying the lively atmosphere. Enjoy foods like seafood, alligator, chicken, oysters, salads, tacos, burgers, and more. At the Tampa location you can step outside at the Tiki Bar and dip your toes in the sand while you sip away at your favorite drink and listen to live music. If you have a boat or other water vessel, you can dock it at their sand bar while you enjoy a meal before heading back out into the waters.

Address: 7720 W Courtney Campbell Causeway, Tampa

Hours: Sunday to Thursday 11am to 10:30pm, Friday 11am to 12am, Saturday 11am to 12am, Happy Hour Monday to Friday 3pm to 6pm

Parking: limited restaurant parking but there is nearby metered parking

Instagram @thewhiskeyjoes

Facebook Whiskey Joe’s Bar and Grill Tampa

Willa’s

Willa’s is such a cute little restaurant and has a wonderful young vibe, and the decor adds just the right touch to make you feel at home. Our service was amazing, and the food was just as great. We ordered the Bacon Cheddar Disco Fries for $15 and Chicken Schnitzel for $23 for a total of $38.70 (2024 prices). The cheese on the fries was to die for and my chicken was cooked perfectly! Everything we ate was delicious and I highly recommend you check them out! As their saying goes, “Where There’s A Willa, There’s A Way-A”. Stop by for happy hour as they have a huge drink menu.

Address: 1700 West Fig Street, Tampa

Hours: Wednesday to Saturday 9am to 9pm, Sunday 9am to 8pm. Closed Monday and Tuesday. Happy Hour Wednesday to Sunday 3pm to 6pm

Instagram @willalovestampa

Yard House

This newer restaurant in Tampa, Yard House, proved to be another one of my favorite places to eat. This has a bar vibe with friendly staff and a large bar selection that is inspired by the owners California roots. They have indoor and outdoor seating. I had the pork sandwich with blueberry ketchup ($14.99) with truffle fries ($2.00) which I absolutely loved. My husband had Sweet and Spicy Shrimp Noodles ($22.49) which he stated was really good. I also had the Smoked Pink Dragon drink ($12.79) which came out smokin’ and tasted so good and our total meal costs $60.48! You have to stop here to eat, you won’t be disappointed! (2024 prices)

Address: 450 Channelside Drive, Tampa

Hours: Sunday to Thursday 11am to 12am, Friday and Saturday 11am to 1:20am

Happy Hour: Monday to Friday 3pm to 6pm, Sunday to Wednesday 10pm to close

Instagram @yardhouse

The NONA Slice House

The NONA Slice House pizza is one of the best pizzas in the area. You will find fire grilled pizza in a small welcoming community outside of Tampa located in Safety Harbor. You have to make the trip to understand the deliciousness of this pizza. Sit outside and enjoy the live music while you eat your pizza. You know the pizza is good when the owner has won 4 World Championships and 30 National Titles for his pizza.

Address: 997 Main Street, Safety Harbor

Hours: Monday to Thursday 4pm to 9pm, Friday and Saturday 12pm to 10pm, Sunday 12pm to 9pm

Instagram @thenonaslicehouse

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Ybor City

Ybor City is full of rich history and vibrant streets lined with amazing dining options, chickens, and entertainment. You will find some amazing food options in Ybor City as well. Check out this blog post for more details.

Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant

Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant is an experience in an upscale comfort in a welcoming atmosphere. Stop here for a special occasion or a girl’s night out. This restaurant is known for their extensive wine list, featuring Cooper’s Hawk’s own handcrafted selections, allowing you to blend the perfect wine with your meal.

You can enjoy a glass with your meal, sampling a flight, or joining their popular wine club where every wine has a unique flavor.

Address: 4110 W Boy Scout Blvd, Tampa

Hours: Monday to Thursday 11am to 9pm, Friday 11am to 10pm, Saturday 10am to 10pm, Sunday 10am to 9pm

Tampa favorites

Tampa has so much to offer from theater, nightly entertainment, cultural experiences, foodie opportunities, and so much more. I find Tampa a favorite place to visit in Florida. With so many different events and restaurants to enjoy, I find myself gravitating toward Tampa often. You can experience the most authentic vibe and culture within this city.

This list of Best Places to Eat in Tampa Florida will be added to often. I have personally eaten at each of these restaurants and highly recommend them.

Bookmark this page and check back often for updated restaurants.

Need a place to stay while visiting Tampa? Check out booking.com or VRBO.com to find the perfect place.

Enjoy the journey,

Meet the author: Jennifer

I am a girl who loves to travel and enjoys sharing expert family travel advice. I am a content creator and influencer on Instagram with years of travel experience and provide readers with advice, tips, and details on adventurous family travel and tips on saving money while boondocking or traveling across the US. (me sitting at Willa’s)

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