Pasco County is blowin’ up.

The area has experienced an insane amount of growth over the last decade, with a 21% spike in population and 31% increase in new businesses, says the Tampa Bay Business Journal. 

And, at the center of it all is Wesley Chapel, Tampa’s most popular northern suburb.

So, it’s not hard to see why so many restaurants are choosing to migrate to this area. Over the last couple years Wesley Chapel’s dining scene has started to grow into its own. Sure, WC has always had a few favored spots (and plenty of chains), but recently it’s also landed some impressive celebrity-backed restos, a few iconic Tampa favorites, and more.

What follows is a few of the essential eateries in WC (including some good chains), that we think you ought to know. 

Omnivorous 5956 Wesley Grove Blvd #102, Wesley Chapel, 813-997-9616 As the name suggests, the menu has something for everyone. Serving up platters of meat-centric entrees like Smashburgers and the “Obligatory Yardbird”—a chicken sandwich on ciabatta. Of course, there are plenty of vegan options available, too. Photo via Google Maps
The Fryroom 5817 Goldview Pkwy #107, Wesley Chapel, 813-501-8405 The moniker does not lie; you can pick up most fried foods that come to mind at this establishment. Those with a sweet tooth will also find something to satisfy their cravings, as the fried haven is often praised for the apple cider donut. Photo via The Fryroom/Facebook
Pasta di Guy 4839 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Wesley Chapel. 813-994-1294 Pasta di Guy started out at as a popular Tampa Bay food truck, and now you can grab its build-your-own pasta bowls at the WC brick-and-mortar spot. Salads, dessert and pizzas are also on the menu, and there’s also plenty of vegan and gluten-free options. Photo via Google Maps
The Bacon Boss 5888 Grand Oro Lane no. 112, Wesley Chapel, 813-922-9290 Chow down on mobster-labeled entrees like Fat Tony tater tots and McCullough mac and cheese at the bacon-centric eatery. Photo via The Bacon Boss/Facebook
King of the Coop 27835 Wesley Chapel Blvd Unit 102, Wesley Chapel, 813-388-2684 It’s hot chicken pandemonium, and this regal spot has cemented its name in the Tampa area firmly enough to open this second location where Cooking Channel’s “Food Paradise” made a stop. The offerings are served seasoned to your spice level with a side of house-made pickles to dial down the heat. Photo via King of the Coop/Facebook
Arroy Thai 27427 Wesley Chapel Blvd, Wesley Chapel, 813-501-4924 Casual ambiance with larger-than-life flavors is what you get at Arroy Thai. Customers can choose to slurp on spicy drunken noodles or proteins covered in Thai sweet and sour. Photo via Arroy Thai/Facebook
Capital Tacos 27209 State Rd 56, Wesley Chapel, 813-973-3777 No shortcuts in the kitchen is the motto that drives the Tex-Mex eatery to make its unique combinations on the daily. You can enjoy any of the 13 flavors such as “Chapel’s cheesesteak” or chicken fajita in taco, burrito, or bowl form. Photo via Capital Tacos/Facebook
BlueFin 6034 Wesley Grove Blvd, Wesley Chapel, 813-803-4709 A local favorite, BlueFin has a menu filled with Japanese highlights like “Crazy Tuna” sushi rolls and traditional hibachi. Photo via BlueFin/Facebook
Chuck Lager’s American Tavern 2001 Piazza Ave Suite 175, Wesley Chapel, 813-820-4500 Top Chef’s Fabio Viviani is serving up American favorites in Wesley Chapel. This American-style eatery has an expansive list of craft beers and features elevated plates like a smoked-brisket grilled cheese. Photo via Chuck Lager’s American Tavern/Facebook
Dempsey’s Steakhouse 5700 Saddlebrook Way, Wesley Chapel, 813-907-4574 Residing in the Saddlebrook Resort, this upscale restaurant has a focus on contemporary American cuisine. After a putting in a round of golf or a getting a few whacks on the tennis court, indulge in prime cuts of bone-in ribeye or garlic smashed potatoes. Photo via Dempsey’s Steakhouse/Google
El Prince 5817 Goldview Pkwy Suite 103, Wesley Chapel, 813-388-9618 Mediterranean meals fit for royalty is in the midst of evolving Wesley Chapel. Eat up shawarma and kabobs made with a variety of proteins at this local spot. Photo via El Prince/Facebook
Fratelli’s Pizza and Cafe 5327 Village Mkt, Wesley Chapel, 813-991-1118 The joint offers Sicilian slices and sauce recipes like grandma used to make, in a family-oriented atmosphere. Photo via Fratelli’s Pizza and Cafe/Facebook
New York New York 3757 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Wesley Chapel, 813-528-8771 In a New York minute you can get a slice that tastes like it came straight from the ovens of the Big Apple. Build your own pie with fresh toppings or choose from one of the house specials like margherita or meat lovers. Photo via New York New York/Facebook
Noble Crust 28330 Paseo Dr. Suite 200, Wesley Chapel, 813-703-2602 A marriage of deep south comfort meals and Italian cuisine makes for an eclectic experience at the fusion restaurant. Whether you’re up for fried green tomatoes or eggplant parmesan, patrons can find something for any side of the palette. Photo via Noble Crust/Google Maps
Pholicious 28329 Paseo Drive #180, Wesley Chapel, 813-501-8132 A Tampa Bay favorite, Pho is available by the gallon at this restaurant with plenty of Vietnamese go-to’s. Bahn mi and spring rolls are available too, with plenty of vegan options to spare. Photo via Pholicious/Yelp
Rice N Beans 27405 Wesley Chapel Blvd, Wesley Chapel, 813-803-7974 Transport to the islands upon stepping foot into this Puerto Rican restaurant. If you make it in on the weekend, order a bowl of sancocho, a comforting stew culturally placed in the same category as Vaporub when it comes to cold remedies. Photo via Rice N Beans/Facebook
TacoSon 30056 FL-54, Wesley Chapel, 813-528-8892 Authentic Mexican eats at an affordable price can be found at this local joint. Heart-warming menudo on the weekends and the trending birria tacos are just a few things from its large selection. Photo via TacoSon/Facebook
Vallarta’s 5335 Village Mkt, Wesley Chapel, 813-907-5161 Home to the “Monster Margarita” and 30 varieties of $10 combos, Vallarta’s extensive menu offers Mexican dishes like sizzling fajitas and enchiladas poblanas by the handful. Photo via Vallarta’s/Website
Walk-On’s 25372 Sierra Center Blvd, Lutz, 813-553-6500 A sports bar is necessity in a place like “Champa” Bay, where pregaming before the anticipated win is just second nature. Celebrate game day Louisiana-style over Drew Brees-approved starters like fried alligator or waffle cheese fries. Photo via Walk-On’s/Facebook

Magazine journalism student with an affinity for music writing. Brandalynn has previously written for Glitter Magazine and was the editor-in-chief/contributor of USF's Her Campus chapter.