Whether you’re a local or just passing through, these local joints are a must-go. Either chosen for their cult following, ridiculous flavor, or simply their ability to weather the storm for decades, here are a few Tampa restaurants that continue to define our dining landscape.
Bella’s Itallian Cafe
1413 South Howard Ave., Suite 100, Tampa, 813-254-3355
Grab a seat inside, or catch some fresh air on the balcony. Executive chef and co-owner, Joanie Corneil, has been using her experience studying cooking in Italy to serve her Hyde Park patrons authentic Italian cuisine for 33 years.
Photo via Bella’s Itallian Cafe/FacebookCarmine’s
1802 E 7th Ave. Tampa, 813-248-3834
Known for its devil crab and Cuban sandwich, Carmine’s Italian, Cuban and Spanish cuisine mirrors the history of its location — the heart of Ybor City.
Photo via Carmine’s Ybor/FacebookColumbia Restaurant
2025 E. 7th Ave. Tampa, 813-248-4961
Founded in 1905, this Spanish restaurant’s ornate tile work, lofty arches and intricate chandeliers make the Columbia feel like a perfectly preserved relic of the past. Recipes for dishes like Chicken and Yellow Rice “Valenciana” and their signature, tableside tossed 1905 salad have been passed down through five generations of family ownership.
Photo via Photo via columbiarestaurant.comMr. Dunderbak’s Brewpub
14929 Bruce B Downs Blvd. Tampa, 813-977-4104
Mr. Dunderbak’s serves an Americanized take on classic Baverian cuisine along with their own microbrewery and a bottle collection of over 500 different craft and European brands.
Photo via Mr. Dunderbak’s Brewpub/FacebookGoody Goody
1601 W Swann Ave. Tampa, 813-308-1925
This classic Tampa burger joint was resurrected in 2015, striving to serve the same classic flavors grilled up back when Goody Goody first opened its doors in 1925.
Photo via Goody Goody Burgers/FacebookBern’s Steakhouse
1208 S Howard Ave. Tampa, 813-251-2421
These prime, cut-to-order steaks and locally-sourced vegetables come with a dress code. Grab your dresses and suits, and be sure to make a reservation for this upscale dining experience.
Photo via Bern’s Steakhouse/FacebookLa Segunda Central Bakery
5621 2512 N 15th St. Tampa, 813-248-1531
Step inside and grab a number to order from this Ybor City staple serving sweets, sandwiches and cafe con leche. Established in 1915, La Segunda touts its status as the largest producer of Cuban bread in the world, cranking out some 18,000 loaves every day.
Photo via La Segunda Central Bakery/FacebookAl’s Finger Licking Good Bar-B-Que
1609 Angel Oliva Sr. St. Tampa, 813-956-0675
Grown out of a concession stand back in 2003, Al’s now serves their slow-smoked Tennessee-style Bar-B-Que out of a homey joint in Ybor City.
Photo via Photo via alsybor.comGaspar’s Grotto
1805 E 7th Ave. Tampa, 813-248-5900
Named for legendary local pirate, Jose Gaspar, Gaspar’s Grotto invites its patrons to, drink up matey’s. Climb aboard any Sunday for the bar’s “Sunday Booze Cruise Brunch” for over 50 feet food including a carving station, raw bar, omelet station, pasta station, smoked salmon, assorted hot dishes, desserts and more.
Photo via Gaspar’s Grotto/FacebookThe James Joyce Irish Pub & Eatery
1724 E 8th Ave. Tampa, 813-247-1896
Grab a burger, a pint, and maybe even catch some live music. With bright it’s bright green exterior and premium whiskey and scotch walls, it’s St. Patrick’s Day every day at this cozy Ybor City Irish Pub.
Photo via Photo via jamesjoyceybor.comDatz
2616 S Macdill Ave. Tampa, 813-831-7000
This gastropub is all about having fun with their food, serving comfort food with a high-brow twist, craft beers, artisanal liquors and an array of eclectic cocktails.
Photo via Datz/FacebookJerk Hut
4495 W. Gandy Blvd. Tampa, 813-835-5375
Often featuring live reggae performances, Jerk Hut has been serving up fresh Jamaican island flavors for over 25 years.
Photo via Photo via Jerkhut.comKojak’s House of Ribs
2808 Gandy Blvd. Tampa, 813-837-3774
Manager Phillip Angelo’s recommendation? You guessed it, the rib dinner — slow cooked in their secret spice, just like Angelo’s great uncle did when he opened Kojak’s 40 years ago.
Photo via Kojak’s House of Ribs/FacebookLa Creperia Cafe
1729 E. 7Th Ave. Tampa, 813-248-9700
Take a peak over the counter at La Creperia, and you’ll see Chef Dino expertly pour, whirl and flip his classic sweet and savory crepes fresh to order.
Photo via La Creperia Cafe/FacebookLa Fiesta Mexican Store
1202 S 22nd St. Tampa, 813-241-2477
La Fiesta Mexican Store is one of those, if-you-know-you-know Tampa joints. In addition to selling groceries, chips and soda from Latin America out front, it’s the Mexican restaurant in the back that draws in hungry crowds.
Google MapsLa Terrazza Ristorante
5621 1727 E Seventh Ave. Tampa, 813-248-1326
Duck into this snug little Italian joint, let Luigi show you to your table and soak in the ambiance of La Terrazza’s modest elegance.
Photo via La Terrazza Ristorante Italiano/FacebookMiguel’s Mexican Seafood & Grill
3035 W. Kennedy Blvd. Tampa, 813-876-2587
With a sunlit tiled courtyard, prime cut meats and fresh seafood, Miguel’s offers authentic, upscale Mexian cuisine and a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Photo via Miguel’s Mexican Seafood & Grill/FacebookNew York New York Pizza
5621 1512 E 7th Ave. Tampa, 813-248-1845
Step into New York New York Pizza for a scratch-made slice of the northeast with locations in Ybor City, Hyde Park, Riverview, Wesley Chapel, Carrollwood, Westchase, Temple Terrace and even the Tampa International Airport.
Photo viaTacoson Mexican Grill
7521 N 56th St. Tampa, 813-989 2080
This family owned restaurant is serving up authentic dishes inspired by life back in Sonora, Mexico.
Photo via Tacoson Mexican Grill/FacebookUlele
1810 N Highland Ave. Tampa, 813-999-4952
Overlooking the water on the north end of the Tampa Riverwalk, Ulele uses ingredients from the Florida surf and turf to build its Native American inspired dishes.
Photo via Ulele/FacebookWright’s Gourmet House
1200 S. Dale Mabry Hwy. Tampa, 813-253-3838
A South Tampa institution, Wrights has been serving up their sandwiches, salads and cakes with gourmet ingredients for more than half a century. If you’re in a hurry, beware, Wright’s popularity might have you waiting in line.
Photo via Wright’s Gourmet House/Facebook Credit: Photo via Wright's Gourmet House/FacebookLa Teresita
3035 W. Kennedy Blvd. Tampa, 813-876-2587
Known for its Ropa Vieja, this Spanish and Cuban restaurant serves hearty portions, so bring your appetite.
Photo via La Teresita Restaurant/FacebookSa Ri One Korean Restaurant
3940 W Cypress St., Tampa, 813-874-2911
Choose straight from the menu to taste dishes inspired by old family recipes or opt to marinate and grill up your own meats and veggies right at the table in this Korean tabletop barbecue hot spot.
Photo via Nicole AbbettBodega
5901 N. Florida Ave. Tampa, 813-533-3333
Serving up fresh Latin street food, Bodega’s Tampa location popped up after the raving success of the St. Petersburg hole-in-the-wall. Rum bar Mandarin Heights adds an extra benefit of hitting up Seminole Heights Bodega.
Photo via eatatbodega/Instagram
