There’s a lot to love about Tampa Bay’s dining scene, but not everything can be “the best.”

After weeks of polling and nearly a million votes, Creative Loafing 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 2023, according to you and your neighbors.

Best Acai Bowl Winner: SoHo Juice Co. Runners-up: Sweet Soul, Raw Smoothie Co. Photo via SoHo Juice Co./Facebook Credit: Photo via SOHO Juice Co.
Best All-Around Restaurant Red Mesa Restaurant Finalists: Olivia, Rocca Credit: Photo via Red Mesa/Facebook
Yummy House 2620 E Hillsborough Ave., Tampa, 813-237-3838 Michelin ranking: Recommended “Crowds still clamber to fill the seats at this spacious, no-frills eatery, whose sizable menu presents ample options for a range of tastes. Diners can find contentment with familiar American-Chinese staples, like orange chicken and salt-and-pepper fried calamari (or tofu). However, dishes like clay pot-braised fish have their own unique, earthy appeal. During lunch hours you’d be well-advised to select from the separate dim sum menu, which features typical bites like dumplings and turnip cakes, as well as sweet regional specialties like pineapple buns and Hong Kong-style egg tarts. Thanks to the popularity of the original, a number of offshoots can be found throughout southern Florida, including a more upscale one in South Tampa.” Photo via Yummy House Credit: Yummy House China Bistro/Facebook
Best Bagels Winner: St. Pete Bagel Co. Runners-up: Clearwater Bagels, Dunedin Bagels & Deli Photo via stpetebagelco.com/ Credit: Photo via St. Pete Bagel Co.

Best Bakery (Bread)

Mazzaro’s Italian Market
Finalists:La Segunda Bakery, The Sourdough Co. Credit: Photo via Mazzaro's Italian Market/Yelp
Best Bakery (Pastries) Winner: Mazzaro’s Italian Market Runners-up: Constant Grind – Seminole Hard Rock, Bassano Cheesecake Photo via Mazzaro’s Italian Market/Facebook Credit: Photo via Mazzaro's Italian Market
Best Banh Mi Winner: La V Vietnamese Fusion Runners-up: Saigon Deli, Bamboozle Cafe Photo via lavfusion.com/ Credit: Photo via La V – Vietnamese Fusion
The Saint thesaintspeakeasy.com Credit: Photo via The Saint

Best Barbecue Restaurant

The Dunedin Smokehouse
Finalists: The Brisket Shoppe, 4 Rivers Smokehouse Credit: Photo via The Dunedin Smokehouse
Best Bar Crawl Dunedin Brewer’s Crawl Finalists: Jolly Trolley Brewery Tour, Christy’s Thirsty Beer Rides Credit: ADOBE
Best Bargain Restaurant Trips Diner Runners-up: The Stone Soup Company, Metro Diner Photo via tripsdiners/Facebook Credit: Photo via Trip's Diner
Food will be distributed at Willa’s in Tampa, Florida on Thursday, Oct. 3, 2004. Credit: Photo via willalovestampa / Facebook
Best Bartender Jacqui Bouthot Finalists: Steve Brown, Kayli Redburn Credit: Photo via Adobe
Visit a truly beachside restaurant Where else than Tampa Bay can you enjoy a cold beer and cheeseburger while sticking your toes in the sand? From waterfront bars to tiki huts, there are plenty of nearby food spots with direct access to the salty water. Photo via Caddy’s Treasure Island/Facebook Credit: Photo via Caddy’s Treasure Island

Frenchy’s

7 Rockaway St., Clearwater, 727-446-4844
It’s going to be hard to spend a day at Clearwater Beach and not walk past at least one Frenchy’s. Heck, if you spent a week you could hit a different one almost every day. Frenchy’s has six different locations spread across Clearwater Beach and Dunedin Causeway, serving fan-favorite dishes like its Cajun grouper sandwich, island shrimp tacos and seafood pot pie as well as local craft beers and frozen rum runners.
Photo via Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill/Website Credit: Photo via Frenchy’s
Credit: Photo via City of St. Petersburg
Best Bottle Shoppe Jug & Bottle Dept. Finalists: CellarMasters Wine Bar and Bottle Shop, Hawthorne Bottle Shoppe Credit: Photo via Jug & Bottle Dept.
Best Brandon Restaurant The Stein & Vine Finalists: Vine Vegan, Bootleggers Brewing Co Credit: Chris Fasick
Best Breakfast Bacon Street Diner Finalists: The Corner Skillet, Cafe & Grill Credit: Photo via Bacon Street Diner
Best Breakfast Sandwich Bacon Street Diner Finalists: Ubuntu Food Truck, Pete’s Bagels and General Store Credit: Photo via Bacon Street Diner
Best Brewer Robert ‘Big Bob’ Kirby Southern Lights Brewing Finalists: David C. Dally at Caledonia Brewing, Rick Sommer at Dented Keg Ale Works Credit: Photo via Southern Lights Brewing
Tampa Bay Brewing Company What to get: Greek Salad and Wings 1600 E 8th Ave., Ybor City, 813-247-1422 With its flagship is located in the heart of Ybor City, Tampa Bay Brewing Company not only creates flavorful and hop-centric IPAs, APAs, expressive sours, and juicy, fruit-forward Florida-weisse, but also amazing dishes to complement the drinks, such as their Tarpon Springs Greek salad and red eye cider wings. Credit: TBBC/ FACEBOOK
Best Brewery, Pasco Big Storm Brewing Co. – Odessa Finalists: Florida Avenue Brewing Co., Escape Brewing Credit: Photo via Big Storm Brewing Co.

Best Brewery, Pinellas

3 Daughters Brewing
Finalists: 7venth Sun Brewery, Green Bench Brewing Credit: Photo via 3 Daughters Brewing
Best Brunch Marker 39 Floribbean Cuisine Finalists: Noble Crust, Datz Credit: Photo via Marker 39 Floribbean Cuisine
Best Brunch for Boozing Winner: The Living Room on Main Runners-up: Noble Crust, Datz Photo via The Living Room on Main/Facebook Credit: Photo via The Living Room on Main
Gigglewaters 737 Main St, Safety Harbor, FL 34695 (727) 669-7077 tampabayrestaurantweek.com/gigglewaters Dine-in Credit: Photo via Gigglewaters
Best Cajun Restaurant Cajun Cafe on the Bayou Finalists: Tibby’s New Orleans Kitchen, Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux – Tampa (Midtown) Credit: Photo via Cajun Cafe on the Bayou
Best Gourmet Market Winner: Mazzaro’s Italian Market Runners-up: Rollin’ Oats, The Tides Market Photo via Mazzaro’s Italian Market/Facebook Credit: Photo via Mazzaro's Italian Market
Best Chef Chris Ponte, Olivia Finalists: Chad Johnson, Bern’s; Jeffrey Jew, Lingr Credit: OLIVIA / Facebook
Best Chicken Sandwich Winner: PDQ Runners-up: King of the Coop, Better Byrd Photo via PDQ/Facebook Credit: Photo via PDQ

Best Chinese Restaurant

Yummy House China Bistro Tampa
Finalists: Hai Long Bay, Zom-Hee Credit: Photo via Yummy House China Bistro Tampa
Best Clearwater Restaurant Bacon Street Diner Finalists: Frenchy’s, Clear Sky on Cleveland Credit: Photo via Bacon Street Diner
Sonder Social Club If you’re looking for an upscale craft cocktail bar in Dunedin, look no further than Sonder. The environment is cozy and inviting and the spirits selection is astounding. Its menu boasts over 15 different kinds of mezcal, so this would be a great place to try a mezcal flight to catch the nuances that differentiate each one. 966 Douglas Ave. Unit 101, Dunedin. sondersocial.club Credit: Photo via Sonder Social Club
Best Coffee Kahwa Coffee Finalists: Buddy Brew, Bandit Credit: KAHWA/ FACEBOOK

Best Barista

Basha Brach (Mazzaro’s)
Finalists: Ean Neville (Bonsai Beverage Co.), Keaira Orr (Kahwa Coffee) Credit: Photo via Mazzaro's Italian Market

Best Coffee Shop

Kahwa Coffee
Finalists: White Duck Espresso, Bonsai Beverage Co. Credit: KAHWA/ FACEBOOK
Best Cookies Winner: Bake’n Babes Runners-up: Valhalla Bakery, Kookie Krums Photo via Bake’n Babes/Facebook Credit: Photo via Bake’n Babes
La Segunda Bakery Multiple Locations La Segunda Bakery, the world’s largest producer of Cuban bread, is a staple in the Tampa community. Besides baking up arguably the best Cuban bread in the area, the restaurant’s menu also features salads, empanadas, and cafe con leche. Photo via La Segunda Bakery/Facebook Credit: Photo via La Segunda
Best Craft Beer Event Oktoberfest Tampa Finalists: Bolts Brew Fest, Dunedin Brewery Spring beer jam Credit: Photo via Oktoberfest Tampa
The Columbia 2117 E 7th Ave, Ybor City, 813-248-4961 Florida’s oldest restaurant is right here in Tampa. Covering an entire city block, the 116-year-old Columbia Restaurant spans all the bases of Spanish and Cuban-inspired dishes, like classic Cubans and massive plates of paella. Photo via Google Maps Credit: Photo via Columbia Restaurant
You will acknowledge that salami on a Cuban sandwich is the only way Credit: Photo via Columbia/Facebook
Credit: Photo via Wright's Gourmet House

Melting Pot Social

105 W Tyler St., Tampa
Less than two years after debuting in downtown Tampa, Melting Pot Social permanently closed and retired the concept altogether on May 2. The downtown Tampa location opened in May of 2023, focused on a more bar-centric dining experience, and featured a new menu with modern fondue classics, plus a variety of American classics and shareables. The company says its other more traditional Melting Pot brand locations will remain open, including the new outpost opening in St. Petersburg this April. Credit: Photo by Ray Roa
Boulon Brasserie 1001 Water St., Tampa, 813- 768-9988 From the same company as Union New American comes Boulon Brasserie, this French style brasserie with a modern twist that opened in Tampa’s Water Street District towards the end of January. The 7,000-square foot restaurant spared no expense in design and buildout, and features two outdoor patios and floor to ceiling windows. Its menu boasts entrees like scallop risotto, and duck confit, and was created by Chef Habteb ‘Hab’ Hamde, who previously worked as executive chef at Bern’s Steakhouse for 26 years. Don’t skip out on the blue crab croquette. Photo via Boulon Brasserie and Bakery/Facebook Credit: Photo via Boulon Brasserie
Best Devil Crab Winner: Brocato’s Sandwich Shop Runners-up: Carmine’s Ybor, Happy’s Bayou Bites Photo via Brocato’s Sandwich Shop/Facebook Credit: Photo via Brocato's Sandwich Shop

Best Diner

Mama’s Kitchen
Finalists: Lenny’s Restaurant, Trip’s Diner Credit: Photo via Mama's Kitchen

Best Distillery

St. Petersburg Distillery
Finalists: Tarpon Distillery, Cotherman Distilling Company Credit: Photo via stpetersburgdistillery.com

Best Dive Bar

Bauser’s
Finalists: Mahuffer’s, ThunderBay Bar & Grill Credit: Photo via Google Street
Best Dog-Friendly Bar The Dog Bar Finalists: Bauser’s, Pinellas Ale Works Brewery Credit: Photo via The Dog Bar
Best Doughnuts Hole In One Donuts Finalists: Fray’s Donut House, Cosmic Donuts Credit: Photo via Hole In One Donuts

Best French Restaurant

The Black Pearl
Finalists: Mise en Place, The Left Bank Bistro Credit: Photo via The Black Pearl
Best Eggs Benedict Bacon Street Diner Finalists: Benedict’s Restaurant, Cassis St. Pete Credit: Photo via Bacon Street Diner
Best Fish & Chips Cricketers British Pub & Restaurant Dunedin Finalists: Jacks London Grill, Bacon Street Diner Credit: Photo via Cricketers British Pub & Restaurant
Best Food Festival Safety Harbor Wine Festival Finalists: Taste of St Pete, Rib Fest Credit: Photo via Adobe
Best Food Pop-up Shiso Crispy Finalists: Nah Dogs vegan hot dog cart, 3 Dot Dash Credit: Shiso Crispy / Facebook
Best Food Truck Shiso Crispy Finalists: Gigglewaters, Ubuntu Food Truck Credit: Photo via Shiso Crispy
Best Foodie Instagram Account @pandemicfoodie Finalists: @thisbabeeats, @eatlocalflorida Credit: Screengrab via @pandemicfoodie
Credit: Photo via Mise en Place
Best Fried Chicken Winner: King of the Coop Runners-up: Southern Fresh, Noble Crust Photo via King of the Coop/Facebook Credit: Photo via King of the Coop/Facebook
Best Gator Dish Cajun Cafe on the Bayou Finalists: Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux, Gators Dockside Credit: Photo via Cajun Cafe on the Bayou
Best Gourmet Market Mazzaro’s Italian Market Finalists: Nature’s Food Patch Market & Café, The Tides Seafood Market & Provisions Credit: Photo via Mazzaro's Italian Market

Best Greek Restaurant

Acropolis Greek Taverna
Finalists: Hellas Restaurant & Bakery, Psomi Credit: Photo via AcropolisTavernaYborCity/Facebook
Fo’Cheezy Twisted Meltz 6305 Gulf Blvd., St Pete Beach, (727) 498-3205 The brainchild of Celebrity Chef and Food Network contestant Robert Hesse, Fo’Cheezy serves up signature grilled cheese sandwiches like the Cluck Norris “Ass Kickin Chicken” served with smoked gouda, aged cheddar, Nashville hot sauce, southern fried chicken, pickled red onion, dill pickles and cut slaw. Photo via Fo’Cheezy/Facebook Credit: Fo'Cheezy Twisted Meltz

Best Fish & Chips

The Tides Seafood Market & Provisions
Finalists: Jack’s London Grill, Cricketeers Credit: Photo via The Tides Seafood Market & Provisions
Best Guacamole Red Mesa Cantina Finalists: Casa Tina – Healthy, Fresh, Authentic Mexican, VIP Mexican American Cuisine Credit: Angelina Bruno
Best Happy Hour Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux – Tampa (Midtown) Finalists: Cocktail St. Pete, The Honu Restaurant and Tiki Bar Credit: Phoro via Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux – Tampa
Best Hotel Bar Hollander Hotel St. Petersburg Finalists: The Fenway, Dunedin, Epicurean Hotel, Autograph Collection Credit: Photo via Hollander Hotel St. Petersburg
Best Health Food Market Nature’s Food Patch Market & Café Finalists: Rollin’ Oats Market & Cafe, The Fresh Market Credit: Photo via Nature's Food Patch Market & Café
Best Hot Sauce Florida Man Hot Sauce Finalists: Marker 39 Floribbean Cuisine, The Dunedin Smokehouse Credit: Photo via Florida Man Hot Sauce
Best Hotel Restaurant Birch & Vine – The Birchwood Finalists: Oystercatchers – Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay, Council Oak Steaks & Seafood – Seminole Hard Rock Tampa Credit: Photo via Birch & Vine – The Birchwood
Best Ice Cream/Gelato/Frozen Yogurt Strachan’s Ice Cream & Desserts Finalists: Plant Love Ice Cream, The Revolution Ice Cream Co. Credit: Photo via Strachan's Ice Cream & Desserts
Best Indian Restaurant Curry Leaves Indian Cuisine Finalists: Twisted Indian, Gateway to India Credit: Photo via Curry Leaves Indian Cuisine

Best Irish Pub

Flanagan’s Irish Pub
Finalists: O’Keefes, Mary Margaret’s Olde Irish Tavern Credit: Photo via Flanagan's Irish Pub
Bella’s Italian Cafe 1413 S Howard Ave. #100 , Tampa, 813-254-3355 This South Tampa stronghold of handmade pasta marks 40 years in the neighborhood next year, and it’s easy to taste why multiple generations of Tampeños consider Bella’s a family-favorite. Founded by Joanie Corneil and the late Bill Shumate, Bella’s has handfuls of menu must-haves (chopped salad, Nate’s chicken) along with cult-favorite seasonal specials (butternut mezzaluna) and a killer happy hour. Credit: Photo via Bella’s Italian Cafe
Best Juice Winner: SoHo Juice Co. Runners-up: Squeeze Juiceworks, Karma Juice Bar Photo via SoHo Juice Co./Facebook Credit: Photo via Soho Juice Co.
Best Kava Bar Mad Hatters Kava Bar Finalists: Speakeasy Kava, Grassroots Kava House Credit: Photo via Mad Hatters Kava Bar
Best Key Lime Pie Mike’s Pies Inc Finalists: JJ Gandy’s Famous Key Lime Pie, Ulele Credit: Photo via Mike's Pies Inc

Best Kombucha

Mother Kombucha
Finalists: Bonsai Beverage Co., Beech Kombucha Credit: Photo via Mother Kombucha
Best Late-Night Restaurant Taco Bus Finalists: Dead Bob’s Too, Engine No. 9 Credit: Photo via Taco Bus
Best LGBTQ Bar Cocktail St Pete Finalists: Blur Nightclub, Enigma Credit: Photo via Cocktail St Pete
Best Liquor Store Luekens Wine & Spirits Finalists: ABC Fine Wine & Spirits, Liquor Depot Credit: Photo via Luekens Wine & Spirits
Best Lobster Roll Got Lobstah? Finalists: Lucky Lobster Co., Bar Fly Safety Harbor Credit: Photo via Got Lobstah?
Best Mac ‘n’ Cheese Gigglewaters Finalists: Golden Dinosaurs, The Dunedin Smokehouse Credit: Photo via Gigglewaters
Best Locally-Made Seltzer 3 Daughters Brewing Finalists: Big Storm Brewing, Marker 48 Markerade Credit: PHOTO VIA 3 DAUGHTERS BREWING/ FACEBOOK

Best Locally-Made Beer

3 Daughters Brewing
Finalists: HOB Dunedin, Reef Donkey (TBBC) Credit: Photo via 3 Daughters Brewing
Best Locally-Made Liquor Tarpon Springs Distillery Finalists: Saint Petersburg Distillery, Cotherman Distilling Co. Credit: Photo via Tarpon Springs Distillery
Best Margarita Winner: Red Mesa Cantina Runners-up: VIP Lounge & Mexican Restaurant, Casa Tina ‘Fresh, Healthy, Authentic Mexican’ Photo via Red Mesa Restaurant/Facebook Credit: Photo via Red Mesa Cantina
No. 39 Credit: Photo via Casa Tina
Best Middle Eastern Restaurant Baba on Central Finalists: Byblos, Istanbul Mediterranean Grill & Market Credit: ALEXANDRIA JONES
Skipper’s Smokehouse 910 Skipper Rd., Tampa, 813-971-0666 Under a thick canopy of large oak trees called the Skipperdome, Skipper’s is the perfect place for an afternoon in the shade. This iconic 40-year-old live music venue serves an assortment of “Floribbean” dishes like its award-winning blackened grouper reuben. During happy hour on Thursdays and Fridays from 4 p.m.-8 p.m., be sure to grab a cold drink or a rum bucket if you’re feeling wild. Photo via Photo via Skipper’s Smokehouse/Facebook Credit: Photo via Skipper's Smokehouse
Best Neighborhood Bar, Pasco Dented Keg Ale Works Finalists: Florida Avenue Brewing, Ukulele Brand’s Land O Lakes Credit: Photo via Dented Keg Ale Works
Best Neighborhood Bar, Pinellas Gigglewaters Finalists: Flanagan’s Irish Pub, Cocktail St Pete Credit: Photo via Gigglewaters
Best New Restaurant Bacon Street Diner Finalists: Good Intentions, Ponte Modern American Credit: Photo via Bacon Street Diner

Best Vegan Restaurant

Good Intentions
Finalists: Golden Dinosaurs,The Green Table Credit: Photo via Good Intentions
Best Outdoor Dining Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill Finalists: Ulele, Salt Shack On The Bay Credit: FRENCHY'S ROCKAWAY GRILL/ FACEBOOK
Best Pad Thai Lemon Grass Thai Kitchen Finalists: Nitally’s Thai Mex, Jasmine Thai Restaurant Credit: Photo via Lemon Grass Thai Kitchen
Best Palm Harbor Restaurant The Lucky Dill Deli Finalists: Ozona Blue Grill, Mystic Fish Credit: Photo via The Lucky Dill Deli
Best Pasco Restaurant The Living Room Finalists: Zim Zari, Stonewater Grill Credit: Photo via The Living Room
Madison Avenue Pizza 2660 Bayshore Blvd., Dunedin, 727-754-6144 The reigning champ, Madison Avenue Pizza, bagged this year’s CL Best of The Bay “Reader’s Choice” award for best pizza, so you know they take their pie seriously. Keep it tame with your usual order, or test your stomach’s limits with its 32” pizza challenge (I’d pay good money for the crass t-shirt you get as a prize). Photo via Visit St. Pete/Clearwater Credit: Photo via Madison Avenue Pizza
Pacific Counter 660 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-440-7008 ”Love everything about Pacific Counter. I love that there are so many toppings so you have so many options when creating your poke bowl. Start with rice, noodles, and greens. Pick your protein. Then load up on toppings like carrots, cucumber, corn, kale, and jalapeños. Finish with sauces that vary from sweet to spicy. Not sure where to start? Then try one of their creatively named bowls.” – Nicole T. Photo via Pacific Counter/Facebook Credit: Photo via Pacific Counter
Best Poolside Bar Hollander Hotel St. Petersburg Finalists: Postcard Inn On The Beach, Sandpearl Resort Credit: Photo via Hollander Hotel St. Petersburg

Best Ramen

Buya Ramen
Finalists: Doodle Noodle Bar, Hawkers Asian Street Food Credit: Photo via Buya Ramen
Best Ribs Mighty Quinn’s BBQ Finalists: The Dunedin Smokehouse, Wicked Oak BarbeQue Credit: Photo via Mighty Quinn’s BBQ
Gigglewaters 737 Main St, Safety Harbor, FL In case you’re there for a screening of a movie, “The Valachi” might be worth a try. It features “bbq pulled chicken, onion tanglers and gouda; drizzled with bourbon bbq sauce.” The sandwich is served with french fries. Photo via Gigglewaters/Facebook Credit: Photo via Gigglewaters

Best Salad Bar

Nature’s Food Patch Market & Café
Finalists: Rollin’ Oats Market, Secret Garden Credit: Photo via Nature's Food Patch Market & Café

Best Bakery (Bread)

Mazzaro’s Italian Market
Finalists:La Segunda Bakery, The Sourdough Co. Credit: Photo via Mazzaro's Italian Market/Yelp
Red Mesa Cantina 128 3rd St S, St. Petersburg, (727) 896-8226 With Mexican cuisine at heart, Red Mesa Cantina blends Latin and Caribbean traditional flavors to create a menu full of ceviches, tacos, and small plate classics like Mahi A La Plancha and Anticuchos De Pollo. A favorite among St. Pete locals for not only the food but the scenic views from the courtyard and extensive tequila selections. A Diamond in the Rough crafted with Red Mesa exclusive Maestro Dobel Diamante Tequila, Giffard Pamplemousse, a touch of sugar, lemon juice, Malbec float is one of many enticing cocktails. Photo via Google Credit: Photo via Red Mesa

Best Grouper Sandwich

The Tides Seafood Market & Provisions
Finalists: Frenchy’s Rockaway, Dockside Dave’s Credit: Photo via The Tides Seafood Market & Provisions
Best Seminole Heights Restaurant Rooster & the Till Finalists: Ella’s Americana Folk Art Cafe, 3 Dot Dash Vegan Kitchen Credit: Photo by Skyler June Pursifull c/o Proper House Group
Best Gourmet Popcorn Winner: Gigglewaters, gigglewaters.com Second Place: Salty Sisters Gourmet Popcorn, harleyspopcorn.com Photo via Gigglewaters/Facebook Credit: Photo via Gigglewaters
Best Smoothies Winner: Rollin’ Oats Market & Cafe Runners-up: Nature’s Food Patch, SOHO Juice Co. Photo via Rollin’ Oats Market & Cafe Credit: Photo via Rollin' Oats Market & Cafe
Boulon Brasserie 1001 Water St., Tampa ,(813) 768-9988 Also from Next Level Brands, Boulon Brasserie is all about fine dining, featuring a French-style menu with a cafe and full-service bar. Guests can expect a spread of seafood and steak options whipped up by Chef Habteab “Hab” Hamde who was the executive chef at Bern’s Steak House. The layout includes two outdoor patios, a 7,000 square-foot dining room, sleek decor and floor-to-ceiling windows. Photo via Boulon Brasserie & Bakery/Facebook Credit: Photo via Boulon Brasserie
Best Soup Nature’s Food Patch Market & Café Finalists: Stone Soup Cafe – St Pete, Bern’s Steak House Credit: Photo via Nature's Food Patch Market & Café
On Swann 1501 W Swann Ave, Tampa, (813) 251-0110 Hyde Park Village’s On Swann is led by well known Chef Chris Ponte, and features a contemporary American menu highlighting lamb meatballs, steak frites and short rib. The bar menu includes an impressively large and creative array of craft cocktails. Try the Spring Awakening, which comes with a blend of peach & honeysuckle infused Brooklyn gin, white jasmine, sage, vanilla essence and lemon. Photo via On Swann Credit: Photo via On Swann

Best Southern Cooking

Southern Fresh
Finalists: Ozona Pig, Fred’s Market Credit: Photo via Southern Fresh
Best Splurge Restaurant Bern’s Steak House Finalists: Charley’s Steak House, The Black Pearl Credit: Photo by Todd Bates
Best Sports Bar Winner: Ferg’s Sports Bar Runners-Up: Hattricks Tavern, Eddie’s Bar & Grill

Best Brunch

Noble Crust
Finalists: Safety Harbor Resort & Spa, Oxford Exchange Credit: Photo via Amy Pezzicara
Credit: Photo via BernsSteakHouse/Facebook

Best Sushi Restaurant

Pisces Sushi & Global Bistro
Finalists: SeaWhip Sushi Bar, Noble Rice Credit: Photo via Pisces Sushi & Global Bistro
Best Tacos Red Mesa Cantina Finalists: Taco Bus, Tacos las Californias Credit: Katie Machol

Best Tampa Heights Restaurant

Oak & Ola
Finalists: Rocca, Lee’s Grocery Credit: Photo via Oak & Ola
Rocca 323 W Palm Ave., Tampa. 813-906-5445 Michelin ranking: 1 Star “Chef Bryce Bonsack blends his New York know-how with Italian training to great effect in this of-the-moment eatery. Naturally, there’s an assortment of pastas, skillfully made in house and showcasing classic flavors and scrupulous technique, as in spaghetti al limone, tossed with knobs of blue crab and lemon, shaved garlic and zucchini.” Photo by Google Street Credit: Photo via Rocca
Best Tapas/Small Plates Caracara Finalists: Ceviche Tapas Bar and Restaurant, Lingr Restaurant Credit: Photo via Caracara
Best Tea Shop The Spice & Tea Exchange of Dunedin Finalists: Blush Tea and Coffee St Pete, Tebella Tea Company Credit: Photo via The Spice & Tea Exchange of Dunedin
Best Tequila Bar Red Mesa Cantina Finalists: Gigglewaters, Casa Tina Mexican Credit: Photo via Red Mesa Cantina
Best Whiskey Bar Gigglewaters Finalists: Haven, Whiskey Exchange Credit: Photo via Gigglewaters
Credit: Photo via CellarMasters Wine Bar and Bottle Shop
Best Wings Ubuntu Food Truck Finalists: Hattricks Sports Bar and Restaurant, Mullets Fish Camp Credit: Photo via Ubuntu Food Truck
Columbia Restaurant 2117 E 7th Ave., Ybor City, 813-248-4961 Your tour of the historic Ybor City won’t be complete until you dine at Florida’s oldest restaurant, the Columbia. Opened in 1905, this monument serves traditional Spanish and Cuban dishes such its famous “1905” salad, “La Completa Cubana” sample platter, grilled filet mignon and more. Immerse yourself into Hispanic culture with Columbia’s flamenco dinner shows on Tuesdays through Saturdays at 7 p.m.—make sure to place reservations ahead of time. Photo via Columbia Restaurant/Facebook Credit: Photo via Columbia Restaurant/Facebook

Additional Slideshows

Everyone who stepped into Creative Loafing’s Best of the Bay 2023 photo booth