With expansive sprawl, comes near never-ending strip malls, and Tampa Bay has quite a few.  And while standalone restaurants often get a lot of shine, some of the area’s best eats are tucked away in unassuming shopping plazas, often sharing a wall with an adult book store or a vape shop. Tampa Bay has some serious heat tucked away in strip malls, here are some of our favorites. 

Mr. Dunderbak’s Brewpub 14929 Bruce B Downs Blvd., Tampa, 813-977-4104 Known for its “haus” brewed beers and traditional German platters, New Tampa’s Mr. Dunderbak’s is not intimidated by surrounding franchise eateries because who would choose a sub over schnitzel? Photo via Google Maps
Dosunco Ramen 3310 W Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, 813-605-5741 Every ramen bowl comes with a variety of ingredients that blend together to create warm specialties perfect for a cold and rainy day. Their selection of sake and unique craft beer will also want to make you come into the only restaurant of this tiny strip mall. Photo via Google Maps
Gulf Coast Sourdough Sandwich House 6703 N Florida Ave., Tampa, 813-304-1294 In between the fabulous Meketina and an ice cream shop, Gulf Coast Sourdough Sandwich House serves Tampa-style pressed breakfast and lunch sandwiches in which the owners combine old-fashioned techniques with modern tastes to produce flavor, texture, and character in every food item they make. Take a flyby to eat in the car on the way home, too. Photo via Gulf Coast Sourdough Sandwich House/Facebook
K-Chicken and Grill 14380 N Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa, 813-373-5842 In an area that seems to be occupied by restaurants only, K-Chicken and Grill stands out as its fried chicken is served with somewhat unconventional sauces like peanut and white onion, but also features Korean staples like bulgogi, bibimbap, and kimchi fried rice. Photo via Google Maps
La V Vietnamese Fusion 441 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-820-3500 If you don’t look closely, you might miss this spot in a long strip of restaurants off Central Avenue. La V promises fresh ingredients and minimal use of grease fit for anyone looking for a healthy food approach. Photo via La V – Vietnamese Fusion/Facebook
Queen of Sheba Seble Gizaw 11001 N 56th St, Temple Terrace, 813-872-6000 Ethiopian fragrances, seasonings and warmth fill up the air to immerse guests in the exotic world of Queen of Sheba. The restaurant offers staples such as Queen’s Lamb Tibs and Shrimp Wot. Credit: Photo via Google
Saigon Deli 3858 W Waters Ave., Tampa, 813-887-3888 With its partner marketplace on the other side of the mall, Saigon serves as a local spot for Vietnamese eats and sells exotic fresh fruits, asian candy and other hard-to-find items. Photo via Google Maps
Sushi Ninja Tampa 3018 W Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, 813-898 2874 Located in the Parlor Plaza, Sushi Ninja’s wide and affordable selection of entrees and sushi rolls makes this Japanese and Korean restaurant stand out near the very busy corner of Kennedy Boulevard and Henderson Avenue. Photo via Google Maps
Taj Indian Cuisine 2734 E Fowler Ave., Tampa, 813-971-8483 Open since 1991, Taj specializes in butter chicken, chicken madras, chicken tikka masala, fish tikka and many more Indian meals willing to test your spice tolerance. Its authenticity makes it stand out from its competition around the university area. Photo via Google Maps
Taqueria Emanuel 2800 N MacDill Ave., Tampa, 813-453-5954 Who wants to eat next to a cemetery? You should think twice if your answer was “not me” because this taqueria brings an authentic Mexican experience for all taco lovers. Photo via Google Maps
Tara’s Roti Shop Sara Maraj 10006 N 30th St, Tampa, 813-866-8272 Sara Maraj is carrying the legacy her mother built upon serving Caribbean eats with a warm and motherly cadence. Curry shrimp and stewed oxtail roti keep loyal customers coming back for more. Credit: Photo via Google Maps
Main Course 4205 S Macdill Ave. Suite H., Tampa, 813-898-2106 Women, veteran and women owned, this upscale brunch restaurant brings some of its signature lobster, red velvet waffles with champagne syrup and over 20 wing flavors to the table. Photo via Main Course/Facebook
Babushka’s 12639 N 56th St., Temple Terrace, 813-515-7415 With a cozy cabin-style interior, Babushka’s brings Russian cuisine to this college town. Menu items offered include borscht and a variety of pierogi flavors. Photo via Google Maps
Madison Avenue Pizza 2660 Bayshore Blvd., Dunedin, 727-754-6144 Brick-oven pizza made with authentic Italian flare (and absurdly large pizzas), this family-owned shop is located in a green-tinted plaza and ironically placed next to a local gym (it takes strength to life MadAve’s giant 32-inch pizza, after all). Photo via Google Maps
Detroit Coney Island 32922 US-19, Palm Harbor, 727-401-3342 Whether you’re looking for a hearty breakfast or its namesake “Detroit Coney Dog,” this highly-rated eatery offers a classic diner menu with a niche restaurant design. Photo via Google Maps
Don Julio’s Authentic Mexican Cuisine 2808 E Bearss Ave., Tampa, 813-898-2860 An immigrant-owned spot with a family legacy to uphold, this authentic Mexican restaurant offers classic dishes like quesabirria with consomme and carne asada tacos. It’s hidden in the depths of a tree-shrouded plaza. Photo via Don Julio’s Authentic Mexican Cuisine/Facebook
Half Moon Seafood Company 11508 N 56th St., Temple Terrace, 813-437-3474 If you’re craving a po’boy and crab cakes after securing a good insurance plan from the place next door, Half Moon has got you covered (no pun intended). Photo via Google Maps
Cazador Grill 10918 N 56th St., Temple Terrace, 813-898-8878 While its grey-scale location can’t compare to its Peruvian origins, the dishes found inside this establishment are anything but ordinary. Meat platters that could serve a trio and house special ceviche are just a few items featured on their menu. Photo via Google Maps
Shaker & Peel 3159 Curlew Rd., Oldsmar, 813-475-4712 With a focus on “the art of the taco”, this inventive Tex-Mex fusion restaurant wants to redesign your dining experience with the hand-held meal. It also offers everything from wok bowls to sangrias. Photo via Shaker & Pee/Facebook
The Restorative 420 Patricia Ave., Dunedin This hidden-in-plain-sight storefront with an ever changing menu brings diverse options to foodies with a high-class palette. Sous chef Tom Cochrane is toted as the “resident na’an expert” and brings a naan bread and herb butter starter. Photo via Google Maps
Thuy Cafe 5944 34th St. N, St. Petersburg, 727-521-6406 With a casual ambiance to contrast its hectic location, this cafe offers traditional Vietnamese eats or a quick boba fix. Photo via Google Maps
Tindahang Pinoy 9150 49th St N Pinellas Park, 727-544-8020 Conveniently placed inside a grocery store so you can grab your Filipino goods after your meal, cooked by lola herself. Find it in between a barber shop and tax specialist office. Photo via Google Maps
Sa Ri One Grill 7525 W Hillsborough Ave., Tampa, 813-693-5076 In between a cell phone and furniture store, this all you can eat Korean BBQ lets you cook your own dinner on a grill making it a fun experience for wannabe chefs. Don’t worry a server will guide you through the process. Photo via Google Maps
Rooster & The Till 6500 N Florida Ave., Tampa, 813-374-8940 Located between an apothecary and a barber shop, this James Beard-nominated modern American restaurant changes its menu seasonally and offers unique staples like smoked beets, sumac charred caulilini and not pork dumplings. Photo via Rooster & The Till/Facebook Credit: Skyler June
Oggi Italian 236 E Davis Blvd., Davis Islands, 813-252-7778 Oggi—part of Davis Islands’ bustling downtown—is not shy to admit that its wait times are long. High-end Italian food like ​​butternut squash ravioli, pasta with homemade meatballs, lasagna and cannoli are well worth the wait. Photo via Google Maps

Sofía García Vargas, born in Colombia, South America and raised in Costa Rica, Central America, is a journalism student at the University of South Florida and Editor-in-Chief of The Crow’s Nest, USF...

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.