There’s never been a better time to be hungry and thirsty in Tampa Bay. Over the last 12 months, new restaurants, bars, breweries, and food trucks have popped up as the scene continues to prop itself back up after last year’s back-to-back hurricane.

There’s plenty to celebrate, but not everything can be “the best.” After weeks of polling voting on a ballot that saw more than seven million visits, Creative Loafing Tampa Bay readers let us know what they love most about Tampa Bay eats—and now, the results are finally in.

What follows are the best Tampa Bay restaurants, bars, chefs, bartenders, and more of 2025, according to you and your neighbors.

See all of the winners and finalists in Creative Loafing’s 2025 Best of the Bay via community.cltampa.com.

Welcome to the Best of the Bay 2025. We're glad you're here.

Welcome to Creative Loafing’s Best of The Bay 2025

At a time when being online can be insufferable, and taking care of business in the real world gets overwhelming, these winners give us a chance to log off, take a breath, and check out that cool thing our neighbors are up to.

A smiling man in a gray chef’s coat holds a glass of red wine. He has short-cropped hair, a neatly trimmed goatee, and sits against a dark, blurred background. The embroidery on his coat reads “Christopher Atrip, Culinary Officer.”
Credit: theblackpearldunedin.com

Best All-Around Chef
 Chef Chris Atrip—The Black Pearl
Finalists: Chef Lynnessa Hughes—Haven, Chef Chad Johnson—Bern’s

A fine dining dish of seared meat slices served with a dark sauce, topped with crispy onion rings and shredded white garnish, plated beside sautéed green vegetables on a white plate against a black background.
Credit: theblackpearldunedin.com

Best All-Around Restaurant
 The Black Pearl
Finalists: Red Mesa Restaurant, Council Oak—Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino

A bowl of Asian noodle soup topped with cubed tofu, bok choy, mushrooms, and enoki mushrooms, finished with a drizzle of red chili oil in a clear broth.
Credit: Photo via BamboozleLiving/Facebook

Best Asian Restaurant
 Bamboozle
Finalists: Sunda New Asian, Yummy House

Four people inside a busy bagel shop kitchen. Two workers in black “Pete’s Bagels” shirts stand in front, one leaning on a shelf smiling and the other holding a brown paper bag and wrapped sandwich. Another worker with bright green hair and a pink bandana is in the background, while a man in a white shirt and gray cap stands in the foreground. Shelves behind them are stocked with paper cups, boxes, and kitchen supplies.
Credit: MayorKenWelch/Facebook

Best Bagels
 Pete’s Bagels
Finalists: St. Pete Bagel Co., Dunedin Bagels

A busy bakery counter at Mazzaro’s Italian Market with a crowd of customers waiting in line. Behind the counter, a smiling woman holds a baguette while surrounded by shelves stacked with loaves of bread, bagels, and other baked goods. A digital ticket display above reads “87” as the current number being served. The shelves also feature signs for different bread varieties, and decorative items line the upper shelves along the wall.
Credit: Ray Roa / Creative Loafing Tampa Bay

Best Bakery (Bread)
 Mazzaro’s Italian Market
Finalists: Bacon Street Diner, The Sourdough Co.

A tray of pastries from Mazzaro’s Italian Market, each topped with a swirl of white cream, dusted with powdered sugar, and finished with a bright red cherry. The pastries are arranged in neat rows on paper liners, filling the entire tray in a colorful and inviting display.
Credit: DiscoverMazzaros/Facebook

Best Bakery (Pastries)
 Mazzaro’s Italian Market
Finalists: Alessi Bakery, Moonlit Macarons

A light-colored dog wearing a patterned blue bandana sits on grass, looking up at a hand holding a dog treat shaped like an ice cream cone. The treat has a brown base with pink frosting and colorful sprinkles on top.
Credit: woofgangbakery/Facebook

Best Bakery for Your Pet
 Woof Gang Bakery—Clearwater, Dunedin, South Tampa
Finalists: Bark Avenue Dunedin, Sweet Dog Bakery

A bánh mì sandwich cut in half and served in a round bamboo steamer basket lined with paper, set on a rustic wooden outdoor table. The sandwich is filled with bright red strips of protein, pickled vegetables, cucumber slices, cilantro, and fresh greens.
Credit: BamboozleLiving/Facebook

Best Banh Mi
 Bamboozle
Finalists: La V, Alesia

A dimly lit upscale bar with chandeliers hanging from a dark coffered ceiling, casting a warm glow over the room. People in evening attire sit and stand around the long bar, which is lined with shelves of bottles illuminated from behind. The atmosphere is elegant and lively, with groups chatting and couples embracing.
Credit: Visit Tampa Bay

Best Bar
 CW’s Gin Joint
Finalists: COCKtail St. Pete, Copper Shaker Ybor

A close-up of a pink cocktail served in a coupe glass, topped with a dried orange slice garnish. The glass sits on a bar mat with the word “Diplomático” visible, against a dark background that makes the drink’s colors stand out.
Credit: thehonurestaurant.com

Best Bar Crawl
 The Honu Restaurant & Tiki Bar
Finalists: Pride Bar Crawl, Jolly Trolley

A colorful tiki-themed lounge with wicker chairs and tropical-print cushions arranged around low tables on a polished wooden floor. A large mural featuring a sea turtle, flowers, and hula dancers decorates the wall, while a skeleton dressed in a Hawaiian shirt and lei sits in a peacock chair. String lights, bamboo décor, and red curtains add to the festive island atmosphere.
Credit: thehonurestaurant.com

Best Bar—Clearwater/Dunedin
 The Honu Restaurant & Tiki Bar
Finalists: Gigglewaters, Sonder Social Club, Blur Nightclub

A lively nightclub scene filled with people dancing and laughing under colorful lights and decorations. A performer with blonde hair and dramatic makeup dances closely with a smiling man in glasses and a patterned shirt. Disco balls and neon slinky decorations hang from the ceiling, adding to the energetic, celebratory atmosphere.
Credit: Dave Decker / Creative Loafing Tampa Bay

Best Bar—St. Pete
 COCKtail
Finalists: The Ball, CJ’s Backstage

A warmly lit bar and restaurant interior with exposed brick walls, wood floors, and glowing chandeliers. The long wooden bar is lined with high-backed chairs, shelves filled with bottles, and two mounted TVs. To the left are booths with blue seating and wooden tables, while additional tables and chairs fill the center of the space. The atmosphere is modern yet cozy, with a balance of rustic and upscale design.
Credit: CopperShakerYbor/Facebook

Best Bar—Tampa
 Copper Shaker Ybor
Finalists: Haven Tampa, Blufin Waterfront Grill

A black basket lined with red-and-white checkered paper holds six darkly grilled chicken wings arranged in a circle around a small cup of bright orange dipping sauce. The wings have a charred, smoky exterior, and the basket rests on a metal table surface.
Credit: thedunedinsmokehouse.com

Best Barbecue Restaurant
 The Dunedin Smokehouse
Finalists: The Brisket Shoppe, Q Southern BBQ

A roadside sign for Lenny’s Restaurant in Clearwater reads “Eat Scrapple for Good Luck.” The top of the sign features a cartoon man in a red jacket holding a steaming coffee cup alongside the words “Best Breakfast in Clearwater.”
Credit: LennysRestaurant/Facebook

Best Bargain Restaurant
 Lenny’s Restaurant
Finalists: Bacon Street Diner, Tchotchke’s

Customers sit at a busy coffee bar inside Mazzaro’s Italian Market in St. Petersburg. A neon red sign reading “Espresso Coffee” glows above the counter, which is shaded by a striped awning. Shelves stacked with packaged goods fill the background, while people enjoy drinks and conversation in the bustling market atmosphere.
Credit: Ray Roa / Creative Loafing Tampa Bay

Best Barista
 Ivy Belmonte—Mazzaro’s Italian Market
Finalists: Ean Neville—Bonsai Beverage Co., Renee Hair—Pour & Decor

A lively crowd gathers inside Mr. D’z Men’s Emporium, a dimly lit bar with red and purple lights. People chat and laugh while holding drinks, with some standing at the bar and others clustered near tables. A mural of a man in a suit with a martini glass is painted on the back wall, and a DJ booth glows nearby, adding to the energetic nightlife atmosphere.
Credit: MR D’z Men’s Emporium/Facebook

Best Bartender
 Vernon—Mr. D’z Men’s Emporium
Finalists: Dominique at Reign Ladies and Gentlemens Club, Ashley Deans- Sonder

A colorful picnic table is covered with baskets of food served on red-and-white checkered paper. Dishes include a cheeseburger with fries, a hot dog with drizzled sauce and chips, tacos with cabbage and salsa, nachos, and other sandwiches with chips. The bright setup is surrounded by green and white metal chairs, giving the scene a casual beach bar vibe.
Credit: bigbamboobayside/Facebook

Best Beach Bar
 Big Bamboo Bayside
Finalists: Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill, Bar Tiki CWB

An outdoor beachside bar and restaurant with light green walls and bright orange awnings. High-top chairs and tables sit along the patio under the open-air counter, with palm trees and hotel balconies in the background. The relaxed setup creates a casual coastal dining atmosphere.
Credit: bigbamboobayside/Facebook

Best Beach Restaurant
 Big Bamboo Bayside
Finalists: Tommy’s Hideaway Woodfired Pizza and Pub, Rumfish Grill at the TradeWinds Resort

A hand holds a bright orange can of Orange Blossom Brewing Co. beer, decorated with illustrations of a honey jar, honey dipper, and bees. In the background, bamboo paneling, a colorful tiki face, and a partially visible Big Bamboo Bayside sign give the scene a tropical, beach bar atmosphere.
Credit: bigbamboobayside/Facebook

Best Beer Selection
 Big Bamboo Bayside
Finalists: The Rollin’ Mullet, Rosie’s Tavern New Port Richey

A towering Bloody Mary from Tiki Tim’s Pub and Grill, garnished with extravagant toppings including crab legs, a cheeseburger, layers of deli meats, a pickle, cherry tomatoes, celery, and a strawberry. The drink is served in a tall glass on a blue outdoor table under patio umbrellas
Credit: Tiki Tim’s Pub and Grill / Facebook

Best Bloody Mary
 Tiki Tims Pub and Grill
Finalists: Bacon Street Diner, The Wet Spot at COCKtail

View through the front window of The Spice & Tea Exchange of Dunedin, showing two people sitting outside on rocking chairs with drinks in hand. In the foreground, a hanging tray of dried herbs and wooden tea accessories are visible. Outside, palm trees, a sidewalk sign, and a fountain across the street can be seen in the background.
Credit: TSTEDunedin/Facebook

Best Boba/Tea
 The Spice & Tea Exchange of Dunedin
Finalists: Bonsai Beverage Co., Pacific Counter

A poke-style bowl from Pacific Counter, filled with colorful ingredients including shredded carrots, edamame, avocado, and other toppings, served in a branded container with a red, blue, and yellow fish pattern and the words "Pacific Counter" on the front. The bowl sits on a wooden table indoors.
Credit: PacificCounter/Facebook

Best Bowls
Pacific Counter
Finalists: Cali, Fresh Kitchen

Exterior of Acropolis Greek Taverna, a restaurant housed in a large brick building with warm lighting glowing from the windows. A yellow neon sign reading “Acropolis” is mounted above the entrance, with a smaller green sign below that says “Greek Taverna.” Blue planters filled with tall green plants line the outdoor seating area along the sidewalk.
Credit: acropolistaverna.com

Best Brandon Restaurant
 Acropolis Greek Taverna
Finalists: Donovan’s, Stein & Vine

A close-up of a stacked breakfast dish from Bacon Street Diner. The plate holds layered waffles dusted with powdered sugar, topped with fresh strawberry slices, whipped cream, fried chicken, and several strips of crispy bacon. A small cream puff sits on top, skewered with a toothpick. A black container of syrup is placed on the side of the plate.
Credit: baconstreetdiner/Facebook

Best Breakfast
 Bacon Street Diner
Finalists: Lenny’s Restaurant, Foody’s

The entrance to Bacon Street Diner, showing the restaurant’s illuminated sign above the door. The words “Bacon Street” are in large white letters, while “Diner” is in bright red. A yellow circle with a fork and spoon icon sits between the words. The glass doors reflect part of the interior, with ceiling lights and warm yellow walls visible inside.
Credit: baconstreetdiner/Facebook

Best Breakfast Sandwich
Bacon Street Diner
Finalists: Noble Crust, Blufin Waterfront Grill

A man wearing glasses, a gray sweater, and a chunky knit scarf stands in front of large stainless steel brewing tanks. He has a trimmed beard and a friendly smile, resting one arm on the tank beside him. The industrial setting and brewing equipment suggest he is inside a brewery.
Credit: Dave Decker / Creative Loafing Tampa Bay

Best Brewer
Tim Ogden—Deviant Libation
Finalists: Captain Steve—3 Daughters Brewing, Doug Clark—TBBC

Three cans of Channelside Brewing beer lie on green grass. The cans are designed in bold blue with angled stripes of red, yellow, and orange, labeled as Pilsner, IPA, and Cream Ale. The white Channelside Brewing logo is prominently displayed across each can.
Credit: channelsidebrew/Facebook

Best Brewery, Hillsborough
Channelside Brewing
Finalists: Deviant Libation, 81Bay Brewing

Outdoor beer garden at Florida Avenue Brewing, featuring turf flooring, red chairs around light wooden tables with umbrellas, gray lounge seating, and Adirondack chairs in gray and bright orange. String lights hang overhead, and large barrel tables are scattered across the open space. The backdrop is a modern white building with large windows and garage-style doors.
Credit: floridaavebrewing.com

Best Brewery, Pasco
Florida Avenue Brewing
Finalists: Escape Brewing Company, Dented Keg Ale Works

Credit: cityofstpete / Flickr

Best Brewery, Pinellas
3 Daughters Brewing
Finalists: Green Bench Brewing Co., Gulfport Brewery & Eatery

Close-up view of sliced brisket with a dark, smoky crust and pink interior, arranged on a wooden board with sprigs of herbs. Grilled asparagus spears are placed on the side, adding a pop of green to the rich, meaty spread.
Credit: thebrisketshoppe/Facebook

Best Brisket
The Brisket Shoppe
Finalists: The Dunedin Smokehouse, Q Southern BBQ

Exterior of Cricketers British Pub & Restaurant, located in a strip plaza with a green awning and large white sign reading “CRICKETERS PUB.” The storefront includes outdoor seating with black tables and chairs, Union Jack graphics on the signage, and an American flag mounted on a column near the entrance.
Credit: Google Maps / Screengrab by Creative Loafing Tampa Bay

Best British Pub
Cricketers British Pub
Finalists: Mad Dogs & Englishmen, Jack’s London Grill

Two plated servings of brunch at Noble Crust, each with a crispy fried green tomato topped with a scoop of pimento cheese, a thick slice of glazed pork belly, and a small pile of frisée greens, all drizzled with a light green sauce on a white plate with a blue rim.
Credit: noble-crust.com

Best Brunch
Noble Crust
Finalists: Gigglewaters, Blufin Waterfront Grill

Exterior of The Birchwood in downtown St. Petersburg at sunset, with string-lit patio dining under white tents, palm trees framing the scene, and rooftop bar guests visible near the glowing “The Birchwood” sign.
Credit: TheBirchwoodDTSP/Facebook

Best Brunch for Boozing
Birch & Vine
Finalists: The Living Room, The Brinehouse

A brightly painted restaurant exterior with a yellow facade, turquoise roof, and colorful “Jerk Hut Jamaica Tropicale Island Grille & Reggae Bar” sign. Palm trees line the front, and a white picket fence encloses the patio decorated with tropical plants and surfboards. The front reads “Eat, Laugh, Love.”
Credit: thejerkhut/Facebook

Best Buffet
Jerk Hut
Finalists: Oystercatchers, Island Way Grill

A cheeseburger on a white plate with a toasted bun, melted cheddar cheese, caramelized onions, lettuce, tomato slices, pickles, and raw onion rings stacked high.
Credit: Tommy's Hideaway – Gulfport Pizza & Pub / Facebook

Best Burgers
Tommy’s Hideaway Woodfired Pizza and Pub
Finalists: Big Bamboo Bayside, Foody’s

A close-up of a burrito cut in half, filled with chicken, rice, lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, and salsa, wrapped in a flour tortilla. The burrito is served on a paper-lined plate with cups of green sauce and other food in the background.
Credit: TacoBus/Facebook

Best Burritos
Taco Bus
Finalists: Red Mesa Mercado, Farm to Taco

A thick cut of Japanese A5 New York strip steak with heavy marbling, wrapped in clear plastic and displayed in a butcher case at Mazzaro’s Italian Market. A sign below lists the price at $124.99 per pound.
Credit: DiscoverMazzaros / Facebook

Best Butcher/Meat Market
Mazzaro’s Italian Market
Finalists: St. Pete Meat & Provisions, Southern Steer Butcher

A serving of Cajun shrimp glazed in a rich sauce, stacked on a bed of creamy yellow grits, plated in a white bowl at Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux.
Credit: walkonssportsbistreaux/Facebook

Best Cajun Dish
Walk On’s Sports Bistreaux
Finalists: The Tides Market—Shrimp & Grits, Alligator Sauce Piquant Cajun Cafe on the Bayou

A smiling woman in a pink uniform holds a tall white cake decorated with rainbow sprinkles and pink frosting swirls on top, standing inside The Cake Girl bakery with a bright pink logo wall behind her.
Credit: Dave Decker / Creative Loafing Tampa Bay

Best Cakes
The Cake Girl
Finalists: Cakes by Carolynn, Gabby Bakes

Outdoor hanging signs for The Birchwood, Birch & Vine, and The Canopy rooftop bar, with tall palm trees in the background against a bright blue sky.
Credit: cityofstpete/Flickr

Best Canopy / Rooftop Bar or Restaurant
The Canopy at The Birchwood
Finalists: Hi-Fi at The Fenway, The Social

A cheeseburger stacked with melted cheddar, pickles, shredded lettuce, and a thick layer of pink sauce in a toasted bun, served on a white plate with a pint of amber beer in the background.
Credit: NobleCrustFL/Facebook

Best Carrollwood Restaurant
Noble Crust
Finalists: Lina’s Restaurant, Agave Social

An elaborate charcuterie board arranged in a sunburst design, featuring cheddar slices radiating from an orange slice, surrounded by blueberries, wheels of brie topped with fruit and edible flowers, assorted crackers, grapes, raspberries, kiwi, dragon fruit, macarons, cookies, cured meats shaped like roses, and other cheeses.
Credit: Campbell River Cheese & Charcuterie / Facebook

Best Charcuterie (catering)
Campbell River Cheese & Charcuterie
Finalists: Partinis By Jen, Keel & Curley Winery

A rustic wooden charcuterie board filled with assorted cured meats, cheeses, nuts, pâté, honeycomb, fresh grapes, olives, pickles, and small jars of spreads, arranged artfully on a wooden table.
Credit: DiscoverMazzaros/Facebook

Best Charcuterie (Restaurant)
Mazzaro’s Italian Market
Finalists: Lolita’s Wine Market, Bacchus

A caramel and chocolate-swirled cheesecake cut into slices with parchment dividers, displayed on a wooden board surrounded by wrapped caramel cubes, peanuts, pink salt, chocolate pieces, and a large Lindt Swiss milk chocolate bar.
Credit: bassanocheesecake.com

Best Cheesecake
Bassano Cheesecake
Finalists: Bern’s Steak House Dessert Room, Mazzaro’s Italian Market

Smiling chef with short hair and a trimmed beard wearing a black chef coat embroidered with the words “HEW Parlor & Chophouse,” standing outdoors in front of a blurred building background.
Credit: Fenway Hotel

Best Chef—Clearwater/Dunedin
Chef Clayton Parrett—The Fenway Hotel
Finalists: Chef Zach Daniels—Whip, Chef Tony Bruno—The Brinehouse

Credit: DiscoverMazzaros/Facebook

Best Chef—St. Pete
Chef Josh Breen—Mazzaro’s Italian Market
Finalists: Chef David Benstock—Il Ritorno, Chef Lee Aquino—Birch & Vine

Credit: HavenTampa/Facebook

Best Chef—Tampa
Chad Johnson—Bern’s & Haven
Finalists: Chef Matthew Zappoli—Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Chef Danny Hernandez—The Brisket Shoppe

Close-up of a crispy fried chicken sandwich topped with melted cheese, thick slices of tomato, and served on a toasted bun with a side of golden fries on a white plate.
Credit: Gigglewaters/Facebook

Best Chicken Sandwich
Gigglewaters
Finalists: Bacon Street Diner, PDQ

A large table filled with a variety of Chinese dishes, including stir-fried noodles, fried rice, broccoli chicken, beef with vegetables, sautéed greens, and other colorful entrees served in white bowls and plates.
Credit: yummyhouseflorida.com

Best Chinese Restaurant
Yummy House
Finalists: Zom Hee, Kue’s Cafe

Outdoor dining scene at Clear Sky on Cleveland in Clearwater, Florida, with people seated at tables under large umbrellas on a sunny day, surrounded by trees and greenery.
Credit: City of Clearwater

Best Clearwater Restaurant
Clear Sky on Cleveland
Finalists: Ocean Hai, Latitude 28 at JW Marriott

Festively decorated bar interior at Sonder Social Club with colorful string lights covering the ceiling, bottles lining the shelves, and guests seated on black bar stools while a bartender prepares drinks.
Credit: Visit St. Pete-Clearwater

Best Cocktails
Sonder Social Club
Finalists: The Living Room, Haven

Stacked white coffee mugs printed with the green Mazzaro’s Italian Market logo and the words “St. Petersburg, Florida,” displayed on a shelf.
Credit: DiscoverMazzaros/Facebook

Best Coffee
Mazzaro’s Italian Market
Finalists: Pour & Decor, The Campus Grind

Row of tall coffee dispensers filled with whole coffee beans at Mazzaro’s Italian Market, each labeled with different varieties including Peru Organic, Organic Mexican, Kenya AA, and Morning Blend. Black dispenser handles line the bottom of the display.
Credit: DiscoverMazzaros/Facebook

Best Coffee Roaster
Mazzaro’s Italian Market
Finalists: Kahwa, Bonsai Beverage Co.

A white Mazzaro Italian Market mug filled with whipped cream-topped coffee, set against a vibrant orange and red sunset in the background.
Credit: DiscoverMazzaros/Facebook

Best Coffee Shop
Mazzaro’s Italian Market
Finalists: Pour & Decor, Bonsai Beverage Co.

A close-up of golden brown chocolate chip cookies with visible chunks of melted chocolate, stacked inside a box lined with pink and white branded paper.
Credit: bakenbabes/Facebook

Best Cookies
Bake’n Babes
Finalists: Mazzaro’s Italian Market, Bacon Street Diner

Three men stand smiling in front of a painted mural at Coco’s Sandwich Shop, which features palm trees, a rising sun, and the shop’s name in bright colors on the wall.
Credit: Ray Roa / Creative Loafing Tampa Bay

Best Cuban Coffee
Coco’s Sandwich Shop
Finalists: Pipos Cuban Cafe, La Segunda Bakery & Cafe

Credit: pipos1979.com

Best Cuban Restaurant
Pipo’s Cuban Cafe
Finalists: La Segunda Bakery & Cafe, Coco’s Sandwich Shop

Classic Cuban sandwich from Pipo’s Cuban Café, pressed and sliced to reveal layers of ham, roast pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on Cuban bread, served with tortilla chips on branded deli paper.
Credit: PiposOriginalCubanCafe/Facebook

Best Cuban Sandwich
Pipo’s Cuban Cafe
Finalists: Mr. Empanada, Big Bamboo Bayside

Exterior of The Cake Girl bakery storefront in a plaza, featuring a bright pink and teal sign that reads “The Cake Girl – Cakes • Cupcakes • Ice Cream.” The windows are decorated with colorful graphics of cupcakes and sprinkles, and a sidewalk sign out front advertises cupcakes, ice cream, and custom cakes.
Credit: Dave Decker / Creative Loafing Tampa Bay

Best Cupcakes
The Cake Girl
Finalists: Bassano Cheesecake, Valhalla Bakery

Street view of The Black Pearl restaurant with a bold black façade, white awning, and a bright red front door. The neon-style sign above the entrance features the restaurant name with an oyster shell graphic. A palm tree and potted plant frame the storefront.
Credit: Visit St. Pete-Clearwater

Best Date Restaurant
The Black Pearl
Finalists: CW’s Gin Joint, Chateau Cellars

A colorful wall inside Mazzaro’s Italian Market covered with dozens of framed Creative Loafing Best of the Bay and other local award certificates, showcasing the deli’s long history of community recognition and accolades.
Credit: Ray Roa / Creative Loafing Tampa Bay

Best Deli
Mazzaro’s Italian Market
Finalists: Jo-El’s Deli, Lenny’s Restaurant

Close-up of a tray stacked with golden-brown biscotti cookies speckled with raisins and dried fruit pieces, showcasing their crisp texture.
Credit: DiscoverMazzaros/Facebook

Best Desserts
Mazzaro’s Italian Market
Finalists: Bern’s Steak House Dessert Room, Bassano Cheesecake

Close-up of hands breaking open a golden-brown deviled crab, revealing shredded seasoned crab meat filling inside at Mr. Empanada.
Credit: MrEmpanada/Facebook

Best Deviled Crab
Mr. Empanada
Finalists: Pipo’s Cuban Cafe, Coco’s Sandwich Shop

Sign for Lenny’s Restaurant on a stone wall, featuring a cartoon man in a red striped jacket holding a coffee cup that reads “Serving Breakfast & Lunch 6 A.M.–3 P.M.”
Credit: LennysRestaurant/Facebook

Best Diner
Lenny’s Restaurant
Finalists: Bacon Street Diner, Mama’s

Chalkboard inside ThunderBay Bar & Grill labeled “Buddy Beers Board,” listing names, drinks, prices, and givers, with bags of chips hanging on the side.
Credit: ThunderBayBar/Facebook

Best Dive Bar
ThunderBay Bar & Grill
Finalists: Ride’em Cowboy, Bauser’s

Interior of Bauser’s bar with a long wooden counter, five black barstools, and shelves lined with liquor bottles illuminated by blue lights, with mirrored walls and beer brand signage above.
Credit: bausers.com

Best Dog-Friendly Bar
Bauser’s
Finalists: The Honu Restaurant & Tiki Bar, The Dog Bar

Assorted colorful doughnuts including one topped with an Oreo cookie, others with chocolate glaze and sprinkles, pink icing with red and white sprinkles, and white icing with drizzle, arranged closely together.
Credit: stpetebagel/Facebook

Best Doughnuts
St. Pete Bagel Co.
Finalists: Fray’s Donut House, Hole in One Donuts

A chef in a white Il Ritorno jacket carefully plating food, squeezing green sauce from a bottle onto a dish in a focused, precise motion, with stacks of plates blurred in the background.
Credit: Dave Decker / Creative Loafing Tampa Bay

Best Downtown St. Pete Restaurant
Il Ritorno
Finalists: Birch & Vine, Red Mesa Cantina

A plated fine dining dish of seared scallops with purple asparagus and greens, served on a turquoise plate, paired with a bright red cocktail garnished with a blackberry, set on an elegant table with a candle and flower arrangement in the background.

Best Downtown Tampa Restaurant
CW’s Gin Joint
Finalists: Sal Rosa—Le Meridien Hotel, Boulon Brasserie and Bakery

A sushi roll topped with fresh tuna, avocado, fish roe, and crispy garnishes, drizzled with sauces and plated elegantly on a long white dish, with glowing candles softly illuminating the background.
Credit: piscessushibistro/Facebook

Best Dunedin Restaurant
Pisces Sushi and Global Bistro
Finalists: Hog Island Fish Camp, The Living Room on Main

A plate of smoked salmon eggs Benedict topped with creamy hollandaise sauce on English muffins, served with a side of crispy golden-brown home fries.
Credit: baconstreetdiner/Facebook

Best Eggs Benedict
Bacon Street Diner
Finalists: Lenny’s Restaurant, Oak & Ola

wo espresso martinis held up in a toast, each topped with three coffee beans on a creamy foam, set against a warm, dimly lit bar table with small plates of food in the background.
Credit: CW's Gin Joint / Facebook

Best Espresso Martini
CW’s Gin Joint
Finalists: Whiskey Exchange, The Living Room

Exterior of Cricketers Pub at night with a brightly lit sign reading “CRICKETERS PUB” above a storefront. The entrance features a Union Jack flag and the words “Cricketers British Pub & Restaurant,” with people gathered and dining on the outdoor patio.
Credit: Screengrab via cricketerspub.com

Best Fish & Chips
Cricketers British Pub
Finalists: Hog Island Fish Camp, Mad Dogs & Englishmen

Exterior of Hog Island Fish Camp, a casual seafood restaurant with bright turquoise walls and a round yellow-trimmed window. A black awning displays “Lunch” and “Dinner” along with the name of the restaurant, while a rustic wooden fence decorated with buoys frames the outdoor seating area.
Credit: Visit St. Pete-Clearwater

Best Fish Shack
Hog Island Fish Camp
Finalists: Mullet’s Fish Camp, Hookin Ain’t Easy

Three women smiling at the camera while attending Savor St. Pete food festival. They are wearing event lanyards and badges, with one holding a phone and another holding food in a paper tray. Festival booths and attendees are visible in the background under a large tent.
Credit: SavorStPete/Facebook

Best Food Festival
Savor St. Pete
Finalists: Tampa Bay Wine and Food Festival, Metropolitan Ministries Food Fight

A tattooed woman in sunglasses, a cap, and braids serves food at the Nah Dogs vegan hot dog pop-up stand. She holds a tray with a loaded vegan hot dog while standing under a canopy decorated with signs, including one reading “Tip Vegans Not Cows.” Behind her, people mingle in a brick-walled alley with murals and string lights.
Credit: Dave Decker / Creative Loafing Tampa Bay

Best Food Pop-up
Nah Dogs
Finalists: Lara, Gold Room-Hogg Batch

A black and red Gigglewaters food truck parked on the beach at sunset, with palm trees silhouetted against the sky. The truck reads “Voted Best Burgers in Tampa Bay,” and people are gathered nearby enjoying the view.
Credit: gigglewaters.com

Best Food Truck
Gigglewaters
Finalists: Taco Bus, Mama J’s Jollijeep

Dawn Stewart of @taste.testers.stpete smiles at an outdoor event, holding a plate of food while wearing sunglasses and a lanyard badge, with vendor tents and people in the background.
Credit: taste.testers.stpete/Instagram

Best Foodie Influencer
Dawn Stewart—@taste.testers.stpete
Finalists: Tampa Bay Is Awesome, Adam the Honest Food Guy

Outdoor dining scene at Tommy’s Hideaway Woodfired Pizza and Pub, with people seated at orange tables along the sidewalk under string lights, next to the restaurant’s brick-red roof and storefront window sign.
Credit: Tommy's Hideaway – Gulfport Pizza & Pub / Facebook

Best French Fries
Tommy’s Hideaway Woodfired Pizza and Pub
Finalists: Gigglewaters, Blufin Waterfront Grill

Elegant fine dining table at The Black Pearl with a white tablecloth, wine bottle, glass of red wine, glass of water, and a small rectangular plate featuring three cubes of seared meat on a creamy puree, garnished with sauce and herbs.
Credit: theblackpearldunedin/Facebook

Best French Restaurant
The Black Pearl
Finalists: Mise en Place, Left Bank Bistro

Basket of crispy fried chicken tenders coated in a spicy red seasoning, served with golden French fries, a side of sliced pickles, and a cup of creamy dipping sauce on a rustic wooden table.
Credit: officialkingofthecoop/Facebook

Best Fried Chicken
King of the Coop
Finalists: Noble Crust, Lenny’s Restaurant

Shoppers line up at the checkout counters inside Mazzaro’s Italian Market, surrounded by colorful wall art, hanging dried peppers, and shelves stocked with gourmet goods.
Credit: discovermazzaros/Facebook

Best Gourmet Market
Mazzaro’s Italian Market
Finalists: Nature’s Food Patch Market and Cafe, The Tides Market

Plates of Greek cuisine at Acropolis Greek Taverna, featuring fried calamari with lemon wedges, grilled salmon over pasta topped with herbs and onions, and a seafood penne dish with mussels and vegetables.
Credit: Visit Tampa Bay

Best Greek Restaurant
Acropolis Greek Taverna
Finalists: Hellas Restaurant & Bakery, Nana Street Food

Plate with a grouper sandwich from Hog Island Fish Camp, featuring a golden fried grouper filet topped with a lemon wedge, served on a bun with fresh lettuce and tomato, alongside a portion of crispy fries.
Credit: HogIslandFishCamp/Facebook

Best Grouper Sandwich
Hog Island Fish Camp
Finalists: Blufin Waterfront Grill, Harvey’s 4th Street Grill

Credit: JimmysTacosFL/Facebook

Best Guacamole
Jimmy’s Tacos
Finalists: Red Mesa Restaurant, Red Mesa Cantina

A wood-fired pepperoni pizza with a golden, blistered crust served on a white plate, paired with a lime-topped cocktail in a glass rimmed with chili salt at Tommy’s Hideaway Woodfired Pizza and Pub.
Credit: Tommy's Hideaway – Gulfport Pizza & Pub / Facebook

Best Gulfport Restaurant
Tommy’s Hideaway Woodfired Pizza and Pub
Finalists: Pia’s Trattoria, The Winehouse & BBQ

Two smiling men at COCKtail St. Pete’s Best Happy Hour, one holding a tray with bottles and the other raising a drink, with colorful neon lights and partygoers in the background.
Credit: Dave Decker / Creative Loafing Tampa Bay

Best Happy Hour
COCKtail St. Pete
Finalists: Sonder Social Club, The Living Room, Haven

Exterior of Nature’s Food Patch Market & Café, winner of Best Health Food Market, showing the storefront with its colorful produce-inspired logo above the entrance.
Credit: Dave Decker

Best Health Food Market
Nature’s Food Patch Market and Cafe
Finalists: Rollin’ Oats, Black Radish Bodega

A Chicago-style hot dog from Mel’s Hot Dogs served in a poppy seed bun with chopped tomatoes, pickle spear, and relish, wrapped in red-and-white checkered paper.
Credit: MelsHotDogs/Facebook

Best Hot Dogs
Mel’s Hot Dogs
Finalists: Gigglewaters, Pacific Counter

A steaming metal pot of hot pot from KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot, filled with shrimp, crab sticks, noodles, sliced green onions, dried red chili peppers, and other seafood, sitting on an induction burner.
Credit: thekpot.com

Best Hot Pot/Korean BBQ
KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot
Finalists: Nine Spices Hot Pot, Matjoa

The exterior of Pacific Counter, a restaurant with a pink-painted facade, green awning, rainbow flag trim, and a large palm tree logo above the entrance.
Credit: PacificCounter/Facebook

Best Hot Sauce
Pacific Counter
Finalists: Intensity Academy, Tijuana Flats-Jason’s Mom

A shirtless man poses and flexes on the dance floor of COCKtail St. Pete, with neon rainbow lights and a glitter rooster wall decoration in the background.
Credit: Dave Decker / Creative Loafing Tampa Bay

Best Hotel Bar
COCKtail St. Pete at Mari Jean Hotel
Finalists: Blufin Waterfront Grill, L Bar at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel

Interior of Blufin Waterfront Grill with modern decor, wooden floors, pendant lighting, cushioned booths, and neatly set dining tables in a stylish blue and neutral-toned space.
Credit: BLUFINWaterfront/Facebook

Best Hotel Restaurant
Blufin Waterfront Grill
Finalists: Luna Lux, Big Bamboo Bayside

A tray of creamy gelato swirled into tall, textured peaks and dusted with cocoa or cinnamon powder at Paciugo Gelato & Caffè.
Credit: PaciugoStPete/Facebook

Best Ice Cream/Gelato/Frozen Yogurt
Paciugo Gelato & Caffe
Finalists: Dairy Rich, Bright Ice

Best Indian Restaurant – A close-up of a vegetable curry from Flames Indian Cuisine, served in a traditional metal bowl with handles, featuring cauliflower, peas, bell peppers, tomatoes, and onions in a rich orange sauce, garnished with fresh cilantro.
Credit: Flames Tampa / Facebook

Best Indian Restaurant
Flames Indian Cuisine
Finalists: Twisted Indian, Curry Leaves

A lively crowd inside Flanagan’s, with patrons seated at wooden tables and the bar, chatting and drinking under green Guinness banners. The cozy pub interior features Irish-themed wall décor, maps, and bottles displayed behind the bar.
Credit: flanagansirishpub/Facebook

Best Irish Pub
Flanagan’s
Finalists: Mary Margaret’s Olde Irish Tavern, O’Keefe’s

Bella’s Italian Café exterior with a rustic brick facade, arched windows, and a sign above the entrance, surrounded by greenery and warm ambient lighting.
Credit: bellasitaliancafe.com

Best Italian Restaurant
Bella’s Italian Café
Finalists: Il Ritorno, Pia’s Trattoria

Credit: NaturesFoodPatch/Faceboom

Best Juice
Nature’s Food Patch Market and Cafe
Finalists: Xtreme Juice, Market at The Tampa Edition

A warmly lit interior of Mad Chiller World kava bar, with groups of people sitting at tables and bar stools, chatting and relaxing. Sunlight streams in through the large front windows, casting long shadows across the floor and creating a cozy, atmospheric scene.
Credit: MadChillerWorldArts/Facebook

Best Kava Bar
Mad Chiller World
Finalists: Bula Kavananda, UniTea Kava Lounge

A slice of key lime pie with a golden graham cracker crust, topped with a swirl of whipped cream and sprinkled lime zest, served on a square white plate against a plain background.
Credit: mikespiesinc/X

Best Key Lime Pie
Mike’s Pies
Finalists: Blufin Waterfront Grill, Cheeky’s

wo hands clinking amber glass bottles of Mother Kombucha above a pool. The left bottle is labeled “Serene Tropical Guava,” and the right bottle is labeled “Renew Yuzu Pineapple,” with condensation glistening on both labels.
Credit: motherkombucha/Facebook

Best Kombucha
Mother Kombucha
Finalists: Bonsai Beverage Co., Mad Chiller World

Close-up of a hand lifting a slice of pizza topped with mushrooms, vegan sausage, spinach, red onion, and melted cheese, with fresh basil on the remaining slices.
Credit: bellasitaliancafe.com

Best Late-Night Restaurant (must be open until at least midnight)
Bella’s Italian Café
Finalists: Blufin Waterfront Grill, CJ’s Backstage

Close-up of a buttered, toasted roll filled with creamy lobster salad, served on newspaper-print paper with a lemon wedge in front.
Credit: djsclamshackis/Facebook

Best Lobster Roll
DJ’s Clam Shack
Finalists: Bar Fly, Got Lobstah

Three cans of Channelside Brewing beer—IPA, Cream Ale, and Pilsner—standing upright in the sand on a beach, with people and palm trees blurred in the background.
Credit: channelsidebrew/Facebook

Best Locally-Made Beer
Channelside Brewing
Finalists: 81Bay Brewing, Deviant Libation

A row of assorted rum bottles from Cotherman Distilling Company displayed on a polished wooden bar, with labels including Crockett’s Reserve, Contraband, Palmer’s Tropical, Rum King, Mr. Tiki Pineapple Rum, Citrus Rum, Silver Rum, Dark Rum, and Florida Gold Rum. A small barrel and frozen drink machines are visible in the background.
Credit: CothermanDistillingCompany/Facebook

Best Locally-Made Liquor
Cotherman Distilling Company
Finalists: St. Pete Distillery, Savaje Rum, Tarpon Springs Distillery

Two tall cans of Florida Hard Seltzer from 3 Daughters Brewing standing upright on sandy beach ground, with blurred palm trees and blue sky in the background. The cans are decorated in pastel colors with the word "FLORIDA" in bold black letters and a sun-and-wave graphic in the design.
Credit: 3dbrewing.com

Best Locally-Made Seltzer
3 Daughters Brewing
Finalists: Florida Avenue Brewing, 7venth Sun CBD 7eltzer

A loaded cheeseburger stacked with lettuce, melted cheese, fried onion ring, beef patty, and jalapeños on a toasted bun, topped with a small frosted pastry. The burger is served on a metal tray with a side of golden French fries.
Credit: baconstreetdiner/Facebook

Best Lunch Item ($12 & Under)
Bacon Street Diner
Finalists: Tommy’s Hideaway Woodfired Pizza and Pub, Mr. Empanada

Interior of Gigglewaters Social Club & Screening Room, featuring a long wooden bar with rows of high-backed chairs, shelves lined with bottles, and warm overhead lights. The space has a vintage feel with patterned tin ceilings, red tufted booth seating, dark walls, and hardwood floors.
Credit: c/o Rachel Wilson

Best Lunch Spot
Gigglewaters
Finalists: Bacon Street Diner, Mazzaro’s Italian Market

Close-up of a serving of macaroni and cheese in a white dish, topped with a generous sprinkle of crispy crumbled bacon pieces.
Credit: baconstreetdiner/Facebook

Best Mac ‘n’ Cheese
Bacon Street Diner
Finalists: Gigglewaters, The Brisket Shoppe

A hand holds a tall glass filled with ice and a pale orange drink, garnished with a chili-salt rim, while liquid is being poured in from above. A grapefruit wedge and a gold cocktail shaker are blurred in the background.
Credit: redmesacantina.com

Best Margarita
Red Mesa Cantina
Finalists: Casa Tina, Tequila Daisy

A bartender’s hand holds the stem of a coupe glass filled with a pale, frothy white martini, while metal tongs place a dried citrus wheel garnish on top. The bartender’s tattooed arm and cocktail shaker are visible in the background.
Credit: sondersocialclub/Facebook

Best Martini
Sonder Social Club
Finalists: The Ball St. Pete, Copper Shaker

A white bowl filled with Mediterranean seafood over rice, including shrimp, mussels, and vegetables in a creamy sauce, garnished with shaved cheese and fresh parsley.
Credit: AcropolisTarponSprings1/Facebook

Best Mediterranean Restaurant
Acropolis Greek Taverna
Finalists: Allelo, Turkish Flame

Diners sit at wooden tables and booths inside a vibrant Mexican restaurant with bright pink walls covered in eclectic artwork, vintage photos, religious icons, and large ornate gold-framed mirrors. Figurines and decorations line shelves above, adding to the colorful, lively atmosphere.
Credit: Visit St. Pete-Clearwater

Best Mexican Restaurant
Casa Tina
Finalists: Taco Bus, Jimmy’s Tacos

A plate of creamy tzatziki sauce garnished with a drizzle of olive oil, three Kalamata olives in the center, and a sprinkle of herbs and red pepper flakes. Cucumber slices are arranged around the edge of the dish on a wooden table.
Credit: miosgrill.com

Best Middle Eastern Restaurant
Mio’s
Finalists: The Pearl—Gulfport, Cybel

Chalkboard inside ThunderBay Bar & Grill labeled “Buddy Beers Board,” listing names, drinks, prices, and givers, with bags of chips hanging on the side.
Credit: ThunderBayBar/Facebook

Best Neighborhood Bar, Hillsborough
ThunderBay Bar & Grill
Finalists: Deviant Libation, The Rollin’ Mullet

Patrons sit at the bar and tables inside Rosie’s Tavern in New Port Richey. The warm, wood-accented room is decorated with framed photos on the walls, hanging light fixtures, and stained glass windows, while guests play bingo and enjoy drinks.
Credit: RosiesTavernNPR/Facebook

Best Neighborhood Bar, Pasco
Rosie’s Tavern New Port Richey
Finalists: Steamworks, Molly Malones

A man in a red-and-white checkered shirt and khaki pants stands inside Harvey’s 4th Street Grill in St. Petersburg. He leans casually against a red railing with the long wooden bar, barstools, and warmly lit dining area visible behind him.
Credit: cityofstpete/Flickr

Best Neighborhood Bar, Pinellas
Harvey’s 4th Street Grill
Finalists: CJ’s Backstage, Bauser’s

A red and black Q Southern BBQ food truck is parked on a city street at dusk with a black canopy tent labeled “Southern BBQ & Catering.” A sandwich board menu stands in front while people gather around to order. The truck is positioned beside a modern glass building with trees and palm trees visible in the background.
Credit: QSouthernBBQ

Best New Food Truck
Q Southern BBQ
Finalists: Full Tilt Sandwiches, Salty Sisters Gourmet Popcorn

A refined plate at Bar Terroir features a mound of caviar served in a scallop shell with a mother-of-pearl spoon, resting on a bed of ice and seaweed. In the background, a glass bowl holds green madeleines, and a glass of white wine sits on the table beside the dish.
Credit: Melissa Santell / c/o Tastes Pretty Good

Best New Restaurant
Bar Terroir
Finalists: Lara, Cheeky’s

A lively crowd inside Gigglewaters Social Club & Screening Room raises drinks in unison toward the movie screen, which displays the venue’s logo. The dim theater is filled with people cheering, holding cocktails, and celebrating together under the glow of projector lights.
Credit: Gigglewaters/Facebook

Best Non-Alcoholic Cocktails
Gigglewaters
Finalists: The Ball St. Pete, The Honu Restaurant & Tiki Bar

Overhead view of a large pizza on a metal tray with one slice being lifted by a wooden-handled server. The pizza has a golden, crispy crust and is topped with melted cheese, diced green peppers, mushrooms, and bits of ham or bacon. It sits on a wooden table.
Credit: foodystampa/Facebook

Best Oldsmar/Town ‘n Country Restaurant Foody’s
Finalists: Mystic Fish, Shaker and Peel

verhead view of a wooden serving board with sliced grilled steak topped with chopped fresh herbs, arranged in a curve beside a small white dish of baked macaroni and cheese with a golden breadcrumb crust. A few arugula leaves rest under the steak for garnish.
Credit: onswann/Facebook

Best South Tampa Restaurant
On Swann
Finalists: Bern’s Steak House, Bella’s Italian Café

A couple dines outdoors at a restaurant patio with tropical landscaping and a waterfront view. They raise a toast, the man holding a beer and the woman holding a glass of wine, as plates of food sit on the white table in front of them. Palm trees and water are visible in the background, creating a relaxed, scenic atmosphere.
Credit: BLUFINWaterfront/Facebook

Best Outdoor Dining
Blufin Waterfront Grill
Finalists: Red Mesa Cantina, Acropolis Greek Taverna

A spacious modern restaurant interior with an industrial design featuring exposed ducts, brick walls, and hanging light fixtures. The long bar on the right is lined with high stools and stocked with bottles, while red chairs and patterned booths fill the dining area on the left. The atmosphere is open, bright, and lively, with chandeliers adding a touch of elegance.
Credit: Screengrab via Google Maps

Best Pasco Restaurant
Noble Crust
Finalists: The Living Room Wesley Chapel, Dang Good Sushi—New Port Richey

Large group of people posing together on a stage at OCC Road House in Pinellas Park. The backdrop features a colorful Orange County Choppers event graphic. Attendees wear casual clothing, biker gear, and branded shirts, standing and sitting in rows, with motorcycles and Harley-Davidson logos visible in the background.
Credit: occroadhouse.com

Best Pinellas Park Restaurant
OCC Roadhouse
Finalists: De Sestos, Cajun Cafe on the Bayou

A man in a blue shirt and tan apron smiles at the camera while standing in a kitchen. He is holding a white paper bag with rope handles. Behind him are dark wooden cabinets, a microwave, a stove with a pot and kettle, and a blender on the counter.
Credit: Thefomochefs / Facebook

Best Personal Chef
Johnathan Rodriguez—FOMO Chefs
Finalists: Chef Rosana Rivera, Avocado St Pete

A man in a white shirt and blue cap labeled “Madison Avenue Pizza” smiles while holding an enormous pepperoni pizza. The pizza is topped with rows of pepperoni over cheese and sauce. Behind him are shelves of pizza boxes, kitchen equipment, and another large pizza on a counter.
Credit: Visit St. Pete-Clearwater

Best Pizza
Madison Avenue Pizza
Finalists: Tommy’s Hideaway Woodfired Pizza and Pub, Eddie and Sam’s NY Pizza, Nona’s Slice House

A round metal tray filled with oysters on the half shell, served on a bed of crushed ice. The platter includes small metal cups of cocktail sauce and horseradish, lemon wedges, and a purple orchid garnish.
Credit: Barflysafetyharbor/Facebook

Best Place to Order Oysters
Bar Fly
Finalists: The Tides Market, Cheeky’s

A plate with a fried shrimp po’ boy sandwich, stuffed with lettuce, tomato, and pickles on French bread, served with seasoned waffle fries.
Credit: WalkOnsMontgomery/Facebook

Best Po-Boy Sandwich
Walk On’s Sports Bistreaux
Finalists: The Dunedin Smokehouse, Big Bamboo Bayside

A smiling employee in a green shirt and white cap holds out a colorful poke bowl topped with fresh ingredients in front of Pacific Counter restaurant, with the bold sign and string lights above the entrance.
Credit: PacificCounter/Facebook

Best Poke
Pacific Counter
Finalists: Dang Good on Main, Island Fin Poke (South Tampa)

A drag performer in a red sequined bodysuit with gold embellishments and black boots strikes a dramatic pose onstage, pointing outward with rainbow streamers and bubbles filling the air; another performer in a neon green feathered outfit adjusts props in the background.
Credit: Dave Decker / Creative Loafing Tampa Bay

Best Poolside Bar
The Wet Spot at COCKtail
Finalists: Big Bamboo Bayside, The Fenway

verhead view of several bowls of ramen on a wooden table, each filled with noodles, broth, soft-boiled eggs, sliced pork, bamboo shoots, scallions, and toppings like corn and seaweed; small side dishes of fried chicken and skewers sit alongside.
Credit: dosuncotampa/Instagram

Best Ramen
Dosunco Ramen
Finalists: Doodle Noodle Bar, Izakaya Tori

Plate with a large Reuben sandwich stacked high with corned beef, sauerkraut, and toasted rye bread, served alongside a bowl of chicken soup with carrots and celery.
Credit: LennysRestaurant/FAcebook

Best Reuben Sandwich
Lenny’s Restaurant
Finalists: Bacon Street Diner, Harvey’s 4th Street Grill

Plate of barbecue ribs with a caramelized glaze, served alongside a side of coleslaw and pickles, with bottles of sauce visible in the background.
Credit: TheDunedinSmokehouse/Facebook

Best Ribs
The Dunedin Smokehouse
Finalists: Q Southern BBQ, The Brisket Shoppe

Exterior view of The Birchwood in downtown St. Petersburg, showing its white stucco façade, wrought-iron balconies, and outdoor dining area with umbrellas, home to The Canopy rooftop bar and restaurant.
Credit: cityofstpete/Flickr

Best Rooftop Bar or Restaurant
The Canopy at The Birchwood
Finalists: Hi-Fi at The Fenway, The Social

Close-up of two lobster roll sliders on a pink plate, filled with chunks of lobster meat, lettuce, and mayonnaise dressing, served alongside potato chips.
Credit: Barflysafetyharbor/Facebook

Best Safety Harbor Restaurant
Bar Fly
Finalists: Water Oak Grill, Gigglewaters

xterior view of Nature’s Food Patch Market and Café, showing the storefront with its colorful sign and entrance under a covered walkway in a shopping plaza.
Credit: Dave Decker / Creative Loafing Tampa Bay

Best Salad Bar
Nature’s Food Patch Market and Cafe
Finalists: Fred’s Market, Greenlane

Two glasses of sangria on a white surface, one filled with light yellow sangria with citrus slices and the other with deep red sangria garnished with fruit, both served over ice.
Credit: redmesacantina/Facebook

Best Sangria
Red Mesa Cantina
Finalists: Casa Tina, Marina Cantina

Illuminated sign for Mazzaro Coffee Roasters and Italian Market, featuring green and red lettering with a mountain graphic, located at 2909 in front of the market building with plants around the base.
Credit: Del Harper / Shutterstock

Best Sandwich That’s Not Chicken, Cuban or Grouper
Mazzaro’s Italian Market
Finalists: Bacon Street Diner, Tommy’s Hideaway Woodfired Pizza and Pub

Rooftop dining scene at sunset with people gathered around tall tables overlooking the waterfront at Teak, with a panoramic view of the bay, palm trees below, and boats on the water.
Credit: cityofstpete/Flickr

Best Seafood Restaurant
Teak
Finalists: Hog Island Fish Camp, The Helm

A plated dish from Rooster & the Till featuring golden fried gnocchi bites, green beans, cherry tomatoes, and beans, topped with a dollop of creamy sauce and fresh greens, served in a dark ceramic bowl.
Credit: roosterandthetill/Facebook

Best Seminole Heights Restaurant
Rooster & the Till
Finalists: The Rollin’ Mullet, Bamboozle

A large illuminated screen inside Reign nightclub displays the word “REIGN” in bold silver letters with the subtitle “Ladies & Gentlemen’s Nightclub,” framed by hanging mosaic lanterns in vibrant colors.
Credit: Screengrab via makeitreign.com

Best Server (non-bartender)
Madisen Thompson—Reign
Finalists: Kim Doherty—Bern’s Steak House, Helena Wolfson—Gigglewaters

A colorful acai bowl topped with sliced strawberries, banana, blueberries, shredded coconut, and granola, served in a green-rimmed bowl on a teal napkin with a spoon beside it.
Credit: NaturesFoodPatch/Facebook

Best Smoothies/Acai
Nature’s Food Patch Market and Cafe
Finalists: Rollin’ Oats, Buddy Brew Coffee

A smiling woman and man holding glasses of red wine, raising them in a celebratory toast inside a warmly lit restaurant. The man wears a black shirt and patterned tie, while the woman wears a sleeveless black dress with a silver cuff bracelet.
Credit: thesocietywinebar.com

Best Sommelier
Jayme Kosar—Society Wine Bar
Finalists: Adam Paul—The Black Pearl, Chris Ciarcia—Sauvignon Wine Locke

A square white plate with a serving of vegan soul food: slices of barbecue-glazed meatloaf, a scoop of yellow potato salad, seasoned collard greens, and baked beans in tomato sauce.
Credit: Raysvegansoul/Facebook

Best Soul Food Restaurant
Ray’s Vegan Soul
Finalists: Liberty Smokehouse, 7th + Grove

A black bowl of soup garnished with sliced red and green peppers, chopped fresh cilantro, and shredded coconut, served on a square beige plate with a spoon and napkin.
Credit: thebrinehousesh/Facebook

Best Soup
The Brinehouse
Finalists: Mazzaro’s Italian Market, Bacon Street Diner

Exterior of Bern’s Steak House in Tampa, Florida, with a white stucco facade, gray tile roof, and a large black-and-white hanging sign that reads “Bern’s Steak House, Valet Parking.”
Credit: Amy Pezzicara/Pezz Photo / RockawayMore

Best South Howard Restaurant
Bern’s Steak House
Finalists: Bella’s Italian Café, Haven Tampa

Street view of On Swann restaurant in Tampa, Florida, with its modern white-and-brown exterior, large front windows glowing with warm light, and guests gathered outside on the corner sidewalk patio.
Credit: onswann/Facebook

Best South Tampa Restaurant
On Swann
Finalists: Bern’s Steak House, Bella’s Italian Café

Opulent interior of Bern’s Steak House with red walls, vintage chandeliers, and gold-framed portraits and furniture, showcasing the restaurant’s historic and elegant atmosphere.
Credit: Amy Pezzicara/Pezz Photo / RockawayMore

Best Splurge Restaurant
Bern’s Steak House
Finalists: The Black Pearl, Il Ritorno

Outdoor view of Ferg’s Sports Bar & Grill in St. Petersburg, Florida, featuring the iconic “World Famous Ferg’s” globe sign and a large “Sports Bar Parking” sign hanging from a tree with the building in the background.
Credit: Del Harper / Shutterstock

Best Sports Bar
Ferg’s Sports Bar & Grill
Finalists: Walk On’s Sports Bistreaux, ThunderBay Bar & Grill

Close-up of a plated gourmet dessert paired with a glass of white wine at Il Ritorno in St. Petersburg, Florida, with chefs preparing food in the open kitchen behind the counter.
Credit: Dave Decker / Creative Loafing Tampa Bay

Best St. Pete Restaurant
Il Ritorno
Finalists: Birch & Vine, Red Mesa Restaurant

Plated steak dinners at Bern’s Steak House, with two plates featuring filet mignon, crispy onion straws, green beans, and glasses of red wine on a white tablecloth.
Credit: Amy Pezzicara/Pezz Photo / RockawayMore

Best Steakhouse
Bern’s Steak House
Finalists: Council Oak—Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Donovan’s

Artfully plated sashimi assortment of tuna, salmon, and yellowtail garnished with citrus slices, roe, and scallions, served with wasabi, ginger, and cucumber curls at Pisces Sushi and Global Bistro in Tampa Bay.
Credit: piscessushibistro/Facebook

Best Sushi Restaurant
Pisces Sushi and Global Bistro
Finalists: Seawhip Sushi Bar, Sunda New Asian

Close-up of crispy yellow corn tacos from Taco Bus, filled with shredded lettuce, cheese, diced tomatoes, and seasoned meat, served with a side of salsa and tortilla chips.
Credit: TacoBus/Facebook

Best Tacos
Taco Bus
Finalists: Jimmy’s Tacos, Mema’s Alaskan Tacos

Interior of Oak & Ola in Tampa Heights, featuring marble-top tables with wooden chairs, a plush blue sectional sofa with pastel pillows, and colorful mosaic pendant lights hanging from the ceiling. The space has exposed brick walls, large mirrors, and a well-stocked bar in the background, combining industrial and vintage décor.
Credit: Visit Tampa Bay

Best Tampa Heights Restaurant
Oak & Ola
Finalists: Steelbach, Rocca

Close-up of raw lamb chops arranged in pairs with long rib bones crossing, displayed on a wooden board at Council Oak inside the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Tampa.
Credit: CouncilOakSteaksandSeafoodTampa/Facebook

Best Tampa Restaurant
Council Oak—Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Finalists: Bern’s Steak House, Blufin Waterfront Grill

Credit: redmesacantina/Facebook

Best Tequila Bar
Red Mesa Cantina
Finalists: Blufin Waterfront Grill, Thunder Bay Bar & Grill

A white, leaf-shaped plate filled with vibrant Thai curry featuring crispy duck, bell peppers, bamboo shoots, basil leaves, and other vegetables in a rich, golden-orange curry sauce against a dark background.
Credit: The Lemongrass Sushi Thai Tapas / Facebook

Best Thai Restaurant
Lemongrass Sushi Thai Tapas
Finalists: Thai Am, Kue’s Cafe

A colorful lineup of four tropical cocktails on a bar: a tall blue drink with an umbrella, a red martini-style drink, a tiki mug cocktail garnished with an orchid and fruit, and a pineapple-garnished drink in a Pusser’s Rum enamel mug.
Credit: TheHONU/Facebook

Best Tiki Drinks
The Honu Restaurant & Tiki Bar
Finalists: Bar Tiki (Clearwater Beach), Pier Teaki

A plate of crispy golden-brown roasted potatoes smothered in creamy vegan cheese sauce, topped with a dollop of sour cream, sprinkled paprika, and chopped green onions, served on a terrazzo tabletop.
Credit: goodintentionsfl/Facebook

Best Vegan Restaurant
Good Intentions
Finalists: Bamboozle, La Setima

Credit: BamboozleLiving/Facebook

Best Vietnamese Restaurant
Bamboozle
Finalists: Doodle Noodle Bar, La V

A woman in a floral dress shops in the body care and supplement aisle at Nature’s Food Patch Market and Cafe, holding a basket filled with groceries including bread, chips, and a pineapple, while reaching for a product on the top shelf lined with vitamins and natural health items.
Credit: NaturesFoodPatchDunedin/Facebook

Best Vitamin or Supplement Shop
Nature’s Food Patch Market and Cafe
Finalists: Rollin’ Oats, Modern Herbal Apothecary

Elegant dining room at The Black Pearl restaurant featuring plush red velvet booths, white tablecloths, neatly set wine glasses, and small lamps with soft lighting, creating an intimate fine-dining atmosphere.
Credit: theblackpearldunedin/Facebook

Best Waitstaff
The Black Pearl
Finalists: Acropolis Greek Taverna, Bella’s Italian Café

Credit: frescoswaterfront.com

Best Waterfront Dining
Fresco’s Waterfront Bistro
Finalists: Teak, Olde Bay Café

A spacious modern restaurant interior with an industrial design featuring exposed ducts, brick walls, and hanging light fixtures. The long bar on the right is lined with high stools and stocked with bottles, while red chairs and patterned booths fill the dining area on the left. The atmosphere is open, bright, and lively, with chandeliers adding a touch of elegance.
Credit: Screengrab via Google Maps

Best Wesley Chapel Restaurant
Noble Crust
Finalists: The Living Room Wesley Chapel, Walk On’s Sports Bistreaux

Interior of Gigglewaters Social Club & Screening Room, featuring a long wooden bar with rows of high-backed chairs, shelves lined with bottles, and warm overhead lights. The space has a vintage feel with patterned tin ceilings, red tufted booth seating, dark walls, and hardwood floors.
Credit: c/o Rachel Wilson

Best Whiskey Bar
Gigglewaters
Finalists: Whiskey Exchange, Haven Tampa

A smiling couple inside Chateau Cellars clinking glasses of red wine while holding a large bottle, standing in front of neatly arranged wine racks filled with bottles.
Credit: chateaucellars/Facebook

Best Wine Bar
Chateau Cellars
Finalists: Bern’s Steak House, Stirling Wine

A platter of saucy buffalo chicken wings topped with a glossy orange-red glaze, served with carrot sticks and cups of ranch dressing on the side at Tommy's Hideaway Woodfired Pizza and Pub.
Credit: Tommy's Hideaway – Gulfport Pizza & Pub / Facebook

Best Wings
Tommy’s Hideaway Woodfired Pizza and Pub
Finalists: Blufin Waterfront Grill, The Dunedin Smokehouse

Three street-style tacos on orange tortillas, topped with grilled beef, shrimp, melted cheese, cilantro, and a drizzle of creamy sauce, served on a wooden board with lime wedges and a purple orchid garnish at Jimmy's Tacos.
Credit: JimmysTacosFL/Facebook

Best Ybor City Restaurant
Jimmy’s Tacos
Finalists: Acropolis Greek Taverna, Chateau Cellars

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This article appears in Sept. 25 – Oct. 1, 2025.