Compile all of the Tampa Bay restaurants and bars shooting for openings in spring and you’ve got one hefty list. (Click here to see it for yourself.) Luckily, diners can look forward to both casual and upscale additions to the food scene now until summer. These are the newcomers you need to know.
WEPA! Cocina de Puerto Rico
2149 Third Ave. S., St. Petersburg. 727-420-7832.
Mid-February is when this traditional Puerto Rican kitchen hopes to premiere. Anticipated dishes include mofongo and arroz con gandules.
Photo via WEPA! Cocina de Puerto RicoGrain & Berry
Various locations, Tampa Bay.
The popular superfood cafe has six sites under construction around town. Brandon Mall will score its own outpost in late January, followed by Carrollwood (14308 N. Dale Mabry Highway) and South Tampa (1155 S. Dale Mabry Highway) in February and Sarasota in March.
Photo via Jenna RimensnyderTaste
Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa Downtown Convention Center, 513 S. Florida Ave., Tampa.
The New American eatery does ingredient-driven dishes with an emphasis on local farmers, ranchers and artisans. It’s shooting for a late February debut.
Photo via Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa Downtown Convention CenterThe Mill
2500 W. Azeele St., Tampa.
Known for New American grub and craft cocktails, the downtown St. Pete favorite takes over the former spot of Ceviche with its (relocated) second restaurant.
Photo via The MillPokéworks
2734 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa.
The Hawaiian poke franchise carries a customizable lineup of create-your-own poke burritos, bowls and salads, as well as signature builds, starting next month.
Photo via PokéworksGarrison Tavern
Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina, 700 S. Florida Ave., Tampa.
Developed by pioneering chef-restaurateur Richard Sandoval, this gastropub with contemporary-meets-approachable comfort food will replace Champions Sports Bar. Another new venue is planned for the property, too.
Photo via RS HospitalityPark & Rec
290 S. Meridian Ave., Tampa.
On top of playful food, Park & Rec’s second location showcases four bars, bringing signature cocktails like a grown-up CapriSun across the bay. Giant beer pong and retro arcade games are other highlights.
Photo via Hunger + Thirst GroupKing State
520 E. Floribraska Ave., Tampa.
The specialty roaster’s first brick-and-mortar cafe will fuse coffee, beer and food under one roof.
Photo via Jenna RimensnyderNo Vacancy
937 Central Ave., St. Petersburg.
Florida-inspired bites and specialty drinks are found at the indoor-outdoor hangout replacing Kings Street Food Counter.
Photo via FacebookSandwich House
5214 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa.
The brainchild of Gulf Coast Sourdough & Wild Yeast Breads founders Brett Wiewiora and Christina Cann slings elevated sandwiches on fresh-baked artisan loaves, plus sides, beverages and desserts.
Photo via Gulf Coast Sourdough & Wild Yeast BreadsHole In One Donuts
39024 U.S. Highway 19 N., Tarpon Springs.
The fiercely loved neighborhood doughnut shop’s latest location is scheduled to open within the next month or so.
Photo via Chris FasickDio Modern Mediterranean
519 N. Franklin St., Tampa. 813-341-2525.
The restaurant formerly known as Paninoteca, which expects to debut early next month, will fully embrace the Mediterranean region with a wide-ranging menu
Photo via George KhabbazSekushi on the Beach
524 Mandalay Ave., Clearwater Beach.
Originally projected to open before Christmas, Sekushi provides a taste of the Las Vegas strip through chef-partner Viet Vo’s sushi, but also dumplings and noodles.
Photo via Alexandria JonesMr. & Mrs. Crab
1251 E. Fowler Ave. #D3, Tampa.
The casual Bradenton restaurant expands its Cajun-style seafood, everything from shrimp and oysters to clams and crawfish, once again.
Photo via FacebookCass Street Deli
1331 W. Cass St., Tampa.
Launching in late February, the New York-style Jewish delicatessen promises carryout-focused fare like stacked pastrami on rye and matzo ball soup. Also expect a grab-and-go market.
Photo via Cass Street DeliGiovanni’s Fresh Italian Kitchen
Vista Inn Lake Tarpon, 37611 U.S. Highway 19 N., Palm Harbor. 727-935-2106.
A relaxed family joint featuring simple spins on Italian classics and a full-liquor bar.
Photo via Alexandria JonesMole y Abuela
1202 N. Franklin St., Tampa.
Premiering next month where Fly Bar & Restaurant last operated, celebrity chef Fabio Viviani and Nocturnal Hospitality Group’s next culinary collaboration works fresh, locally sourced ingredients into Spanish-inspired dishes that accompany a Latin spirits bar on the roof.
Photo via Mole y AbuelaPlant+Love Ice Cream
953 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727-900-6744.
Rotating flavors of vegan ice cream, made with an organic coconut milk base, from a community-driven artist collective.
Photo via Celine DuvoisinTiki Docks River Bar & Grill
10708 Palmetto St., Riverview.
One of the newest ventures for Ford’s Garage parent company 23 Restaurant Services is on the Alafia River, allowing for boat-up access to three bars, a large patio and tropical eats.
Photo via 23 Restaurant ServicesOlivia
3601 W. Swann Ave., Tampa.
The neighborhood restaurant — which chef Chris Ponte and his wife, Michelle, aim to open with their son, JT Mahoney, in February — will deliver a mix of northern and southern Italian cuisine, including pasta and Neapolitan pizza.
Photo via Jenna RimensnyderMeat Market
Hyde Park Village, 1607 W. Snow Ave., Tampa./i>
This staple in Miami Beach is what happens when the traditional steakhouse gets a modern, chef-driven upgrade.
Photo via FacebookHarpoon Harry’s Crab House
Tampa Convention Center, 225 S. Franklin St., Tampa. 813-321-4040.
With a targeted opening of Jan. 24, the two-story Hungry Harry’s spotlights sushi and seafood stalwarts — not to mention a bar fashioned from a 1926 Chevy truck.
Photo via Chris FasickSea Hags Bar & Grill
4945 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach.
This seafood-heavy waterfront haunt will soon see the launch of its third outpost in the old Selene space.
Photo via FacebookBabbaluci Cucina Italiana & Lounge
3671 S. Westshore Blvd., Tampa. 813-493-6975.
An upscale Italian eatery breathing fresh life into the space that CBD’s Southside called home for more than a decade.
Photo via Facebook