In the past year, Tampa has become a playground for celebrity chefs, out-of-the-box concepts, reinvention, new franchising and fine dining. To make sense of it all, here are some of the best spots that have opened in and around the area so far in 2022.

Chanko 4603 N Florida Ave., 813-770-7306 While fans of Seminole Heights’ well-known Chop Chop Shop were sad to see it go, Chanko, a new concept from the same chef Steve Sera, now occupies the refurbished diner car. Now with a smaller, more upscale menu, Chanko says it’s the only restaurant in the Southeast to serve the Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki—a layered crepe dish stacked with shredded grilled cabbage, bean sprouts, leeks, grilled noodles and more. Photo via Steve Sera Credit: c/o Steve Sera
Cerealholics Cafe and Bar 1909 N 15th St., Ybor City With less than two years in service at the time, Cerealholics in Ybor City didn’t take long to attract the attention of the Bar Rescue team. During Taffer’s stint at Cerealholics, the bar ditched its nostalgia-centered theme for a more modern approach under The Loft Elevated Bar + Food. However, The Loft ending up closing due to family issues, the establishment said. Nowadays, the address is home to the popular Spookeasy Lounge. Photo via The Loft Ybor City/Facebook Credit: Photo via TheLoftYborCity/Facebook
Tessa’s Sweet Kafe 18101 Highwoods Preserve Pkwy. no. 100, 813-898-0277 If you’re looking for a one-stop-shop for all things Korean, Tessa’s Sweet Kafe in New Tampa’s got you covered. Serving a wide assortment of each menu item, Tessa’s offers sweet toast, Korean fried chicken and wings, kimbap, milk teas and more. Photo via Tessa’s Sweet Kafe/Facebook
Naked Farmer 1001 Water St., 813-608-0329 This year, Naked Farmer came for Fresh Kitchen’s “build-your-own bowl” crown at its new Sparkman Wharf location. Another container restaurant on this list, Naked Farmer boasts a farm-to-table approach, using locally-sourced ingredients from farms near the area to craft its seasonal menus. Photo via Naked Farmer/Facebook
Hello Sweetness 10018 Cross Creek Blvd., 813-575-9003 As indicated in the name, Hello Sweetness is a dessert-lover’s paradise. Offering “kitchen-crafted, artisan-inspired desserts, made in house,” Hello Sweetness serves waffles, crepes and gelato—all with customizing opportunities. With a separate menu for coffee, Hello Sweetness also offers an assortment of coffee and espresso-based drinks. Photo via @hellosweetness813/Instagram
Florish 2307 S Dale Mabry Hwy. Suite A, 813-251-9009 Florish is one of the newer places to join the Bay’s growing number of vegan restaurants. This fast-casual spot is dedicated to making “gourmet plant-based nutrition convenient, accessible, and, most importantly, craveworthy.” The menu features a wide selection of made-to-order pizzas, flatbreads, bowls, nuggies and more—many feature housemade ingredients such as cashew ricotta. Photo via @Florish/Facebook
Potbelly Sandwich Shop 2520 S Falkenburg Rd., 813-384-8818 Look out Portillo’s, there’s a new indulgent Chicago-based fast food chain in town. Known for its hearty subs, Potbelly also offers soups, salads, shakes and more. While the franchise is not new to Tampa with its North Tampa location opening last year, its Brandon location has only been in business for about a month. Photo via @potbellysandwichshop/Instagram
Sushi-go 1208 E Kennedy Blvd. No. 115, 813- 221-2173 With a “unique combination” of Japanese and Brazilian cuisine, Channelside’s Sushi-go makes for a sushi takeout experience unlike any other in the area. Offering classic Japanese fare like sushi rolls, nigiri and sashimi, Sushi-go’s menu features less mainstream sushi technique, temaki or “sushi-cone.” Want to try it all? Sushi-go offers a $35 “All You Can Eat” menu option. Photo via Sushi-go Tampa/Facebook
Bonu’ Taverna 802 N 12th St., 813-466-5080 After the loss of its beloved Platt Street location, Four Green Fields began a new era in its 16,000-square-foot warehouse location in May. With a mural to mimic the now torn-down original pub, the new Four Green Fields between Ybor and Channelside hosts a front patio. Its own in-house microbrewery and a whiskey tasting room. Photo via Four green Fields/Google
Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop 1948 Collier Pkwy. No. 100A, 813-553-3745 With subs that are self-described as “fanatically delicious”, it only makes sense why this Delaware-based chain would join Tampa’s growing food scene. Reaching impressive heights, Capriotti’s sammies come in all shapes and sizes from cheesesteaks to vegetarian. More locations are slated to open in Tampa in the near future. Photo via Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop/Facebook
FLocale 5910 N Florida Ave, 813-232-2667 As the brainchild of three Tampa restaurateurs—Joe Dodd of King of the Coop, Travis Masters of Westshore Pizza and Joey Redner of Rock Brothers Brewing—FLocale is a space dedicated to honoring the surrounding community. Serving chicken, pizza, phillies, brews and more from the owners’ respective businesses, FLocale also champions local art and live music in appropriate Seminole Heights spirit. Photo via FLocale/Facebook
Tacos las Californias 5635 Memorial Hwy., 813-384-0615 After serving up eats on Armenia Avenue since 2020 and becoming a local food truck of celebrity status, Tacos las Californias opened its first brick-and-mortar at the start of 2022. Known for its quesabirria tacos, ramen, quesadillas, and California-style burritos, Tacos las Californias also offers loaded carne asada fries, nachos, large plates and more. Photo via Tacos las Californias/Facebook
Pretzelhaus 14351 N Dale Mabry Hwy., 813-644-7978 Think of your favorite food… Then think of it made with pretzels. Carrollwood’s Pretzelhaus offers your classic giant pretzels and pretzel nuggets with various dipping sauces as well as more uncommon finds like stuffed pretzel sandwiches and pretzel pizza. And yes, sorry to break it to you, but Carrollwood is still Tampa. Photo via Pretzelhaus Carrollwood/Facebook
Noble Rice 615 Channelside Dr. no. 112, Tampa, 813-542-2021 Sparkman Wharf’s new modern Japanese restaurant serves a variety of high-end dishes, including wagyu beef, sashimi platters, caviar and sake. The restaurant held its grand opening on April 5 and online reservations are required. Photo via Noble Rice/website
Mochinut 11401 N 56th St. No. 16, 813-374-5781 This new Temple Terrace spot is known for its namesake, the mochinut, which is “a combination of American doughnuts and Japanese mochi” originating from Hawaii. With an abundance of flavors and varieties, Mochinut also serves Korean Hotdogs (you’ve probably seen them on social media by now), boba tea and soft serve. Photo via Mochinut Tampa/Facebook
Dang Dude 615 Channelside Dr., Tampa, 813-582-1770 Located in the Sparkman Wharf plaza, the Asian food-container restaurant serves gluten-friendly dumplings, rou jia mo, noodles, boba tea, sake and beer. The fast-casual restaurant opened in early March. Photo via Dang Dude/Facebook
Bare Naked Kitchen 3915 Henderson Blvd., Tampa, 813-694-7291 From the Tampa founders of Outback and local chef Chris Ponte, Bare Naked Kitchen invites patrons to “eat adventurously” with its fast-casual dining approach. Serving an assortment of bowls, flatbreads and salads, the chain opened its South Tampa location in January after success at its original store in Tallahassee. Photo via Bare Naked Kitchen/Facebook
True Food Kitchen 3645 Midtown Dr., Tampa, 813-327-4455 Located in the heart of Tampa-hotspot Midtown, True Food Kitchen is a place where foodies and health junkies meet. Serving brunch, lunch and dinner, the menu offers seasonal selections with an emphasis on sustainability and wellness including burgers, bowls, house-made juices and more. Photo via True Food Kitchen/Google
Himes Breakfast House 3826 S Himes Ave., 813-835-7363 While Potbellies was a Tampa classic for years, the torch has been passed to Himes Breakfast House—who stuck with “large portions, great prices, and fresh ingredients” in the old location’s footsteps. A menu crafted with care, Himes Breakfast House offers options with a twist with anything from infused syrups to a side of crispy pork belly. Photo via Himes Breakfast House/Google
Walk-Ons Sports Bistreaux 1140 Gramercy Ln., 813-771-7100 As a collaboration between Baton Rouge-native Brandon Landry and former New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees, Walk-Ons Sports Bistreaux offers its patrons “game day with a taste of Louisiana.” The sports-oriented franchise, with over 100 locations across 15 states, opened the doors to its Tampa location in Midtown last month and hosts a menu inspired by Cajun cuisine. Photo via