Whether you’re visiting for the weekend or a local, these are the spots you need to dine at before you die. A little dramatic, but true. From classic mom and pop eateries, to high-end dining, do yourself a favor and add these to your foodie bucket list.
On Swann
1501 W. Swann Ave., Tampa, 813-251-0110
A Hyde Park hotspot, you’ll want to swing by for a charcuterie board and a glass of red. Make sure to snag a reservation to avoid the wait.
Photo via On Swann/InstagramBern’s Steak House
1208 S. Howard Ave., Tampa, 813-251-2424
Booked out for days and weeks at a time. These steaks are worth the wait. Servers weave in and out like ghosts refilling glasses and swapping silverware.
Photo via Bern’s/FacebookBrick & Mortar
539 Central Ave. St. Pete, 727-822-6540
Not only is this place worth the wait, it is a bucket list restaurant for the ‘burg. Prime outdoor seating, accommodating menu for all eaters and a solid price point
Photo via Brick & Mortar/ FacebookRooster & The Till
6500 N. Florida Ave., Tampa, 813-374-8940
Another James Beard semi-finalist chef holding it down in Tampa Bay. You’ll want to make the trip to see what all the hype is about with these small plates.
Photo via Rooster & The Till/FacebookDatz
2616 MacDill Ave., Tampa, 813-831-7000
Wait, did you say fried Mac and cheese patties as burger buns? Yep, that’s Datz’s signature style. This is a must if you’re in the city and need a Willy Wonka moment.
Photo via Datz/ FacebookEdison: Food + Drink Lab
912 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, 813-254-7111
Pushing the limits of ordinary plating, this restaurant is run by a James Beard semifinalist chef, Jeannie Pierola. Taking creativity and flavor to the next level, this spot needs to make it on your dining list.
Photo via Edison/ FacebookCafe Ponte
13505 Icot Blvd #214, Clearwater, 727-538-5768
Definitely an upscale joint, Zagat-rated so you know it’s real. Get dressed up, go big and Prix Fixe menu.
Photo via Cafe Ponte/InstagramAl’s Finger Lickin’ Good Bar-B-Cue
1609 Angel Oliva Sr St. Tampa, 813-956-0675
Lowbrow, but a local favorite for its Tennessee-style bbq plates. Don’t want to miss these flavors if you’re in the mood for pulled pork or the occasional turkey leg.
Photo via Al’s Finger Lickin’ Good Bar-B-Cue Columbia/InstagramIl Ritorno
449 Central Avenue North #101, St. Pete, 727-897-5900
The five-course tasting menu is necessary to get the full experience. Fresh pasta and an extensive wine selection. Fine dining you don’t want to miss.
Photo via Il Ritorno/FacebookIchicoro Ane
260 1st Ave. S., St. Pete, 727-822-0999
The five-course tasting menu is necessary to get the full experience. Fresh pasta and an extensive wine selection. Fine dining you don’t want to miss.
Photo via Ichicoro Ane/ InstagramBodega St. Pete
1120 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, 727-623-0942
Cuban sandwiches and lechon plates with beans and rice are what makes this place a must.
Photo via Bodega/InstagramNoble Rice
807 W. Platt St., Tampa, 813-284-7423
Exciting presentation for classic Japanese dishes, you’ll want to have your phone out for this culinary experience.
Photo via Noble Rice/FacebookStella’s
3119 Beach Blvd S, Gulfport, 727-498-8950
A Best of the Bay winner, this spot has a bangin’ brunch. A Gulfport favorite, you’ll want to make sure this is on your list as a local or tourist.
Photo via Stella’s/FacebookCaretta on the Gulf
500 Mandalay Ave suite 100, Clearwater Beach, 727-674-4171
Right on the water, the views for this place are breathtaking at sunset. Anniversary dinners, celebrations, you’ll make up reasons to dine here.
Photo via Caretta on the Gulf/ FacebookColumbia Restaurant
2025 E. 7th Avenue tampa 813- 248-3000
Tampa Bay’s OG restaurant. Rich in culture and cuisine, you can catch live performances by bands and flamenco dancers. Without a doubt, you can’t miss this.
Photo via Columbia Columbia/InstagramCena
1120 E. Kennedy Blvd Suite 112, Tampa, 813-374-8840
Dinner service only, this Italian cuisine concept is a super stylish and elevated experience. There’s a corkage fee, people. In other words, spring for the bottle.
Photo via Cena/InstagramDr. BBQ
1101 1st Ave S., St. Pete 727-502-2820
Wait, did you say fried Mac and cheese patties as burger buns? Yep, that’s Datz’s signature style. This is a must if you’re in the city and need a Willy Wonka moment.
Photo via Dr. BBQ/ FacebookMole y Abuela
1202 N Franklin St., Tampa, 813-3701000
New comer to the scene but has some of the best views of downtown Tampa with its rooftop bar. Spanish-fusion cuisine with an extensive full bar.
Photo via Mole y Abuela/ InstagramElla’s Americana Folk Art Cafe
5119 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa, 813-234-1000
This soul food and eccentric aesthetic makes this place a Seminole Heights must and a Tampa Bay favorite.
Photo via Ella’s/ FacebookElevage
1207 South Howard Ave., Tampa, 813-999-8700
Inside of the Epicurean Hotel, this spot is a brainchild from Bern’s. Globally-inspired dishes that need to be experienced.
Epicurean Hotel/ InstagramUlele
1810 N. Highland Ave., Tampa, 813-999-4952
Great views whether you’re at the bar outside, or dining throughout the two-story restaurant. If you’re in Tampa, you’ll find an excuse to stop by.
Ulele/FacebookOxford Exchange
420 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, 813-253-0222
Easily one of the more Instragrammable spots in Tampa Bay. People get married here it is so beautiful. Brunch is a must for lighting and the mimosas.
Oxford Exchange/InstagramChismis & Co. popups
Pop-up dinners only
Worth a mention, and an experience you need to have before you kick the bucket – a kamayan-style feast hosted by Chismis & Co. The former Armature Works resident have thrown a handful of popups since leaving its post, and is something that every foodie should take part in.
Photo via Jenna Rimensnyder Credit: Jenna Rimensnyder
