Tampa Bay knows all about cults, but what we’re talking about here are restaurants with hoards of loyal, hungry patrons.
Over the last couple years, Tampa Bay has lost a few iconic eateries with cult-like followings, including Datz’s Tampa location, Munch’s, Ichicoro and others, but there are still plenty for us to celebrate.
And sure, people often think of chains as having “cult-like” followings (we have plenty of those too), but here in Tampa Bay we also have some serious local spots that demand that label, as well.
So, here are a few of our favorite local spots with draw big crowds, and host an extremely loyal fan base.
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 CafeKoya
807 W Platt St, Tampa, (813) 284-7423
Koya is an intimate 8-seat tasting-menu-only experience by the folks behind Noble Rice. Diners can expect 7-9 courses including raw and cooked dishes, featuring luxuries like bluefin tuna and uni that are flown in weekly from a market in Kagoshima, Japan. Plan to be there for at least two hours.
Photo via Google Maps Credit: Photo via KoyaSkipper’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 SmokehouseSaigon Deli
3858 W Waters Ave., Tampa, 813-887-3888
A local favorite with a cult-like following, Saigon Deli is the place to go for classic Vietnamese meals like pho and vermicelli. The no-frills spot also offers four varieties of Banh Mi including meatballs, roast beef, pate and head cheese and roast pork. The Banh Mi is packed perfectly inside the French baguette and affordable enough to have three. Leave with a Vietnamese coffee to keep you from falling asleep on the way home.
Photo via Google MapsBake’n Babes
Julie Curry
Multiple locations
Julie Curry’s salted chocolate chip cookie has been voted Best of the Bay and its other colorful baked goods don’t fall behind. Bake’n Babes also offers CBD creations such as their CBD chocolate chip cookie and CBD gummy worms at its locations in Armature Works and on Davis Islands.
Photo via Bake’n Babes/FacebookRocca
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 RoccaRooster & The Till
6500 N Florida Ave., Tampa, 813-374-8940
Michelin ranking: Bib Gourmand
“It’s a low-key spot with a contemporary feel. The bar is central and wraps around an open kitchen, so grab a seat at the counter for the best view. Between the lively tunes and buzzy staff, the aura is anything but stuffy. The plates follow suit—freewheeling, frequently changing and shareable with elements from SE Asia, Latin America and the Levant. Yet, nothing seems out of place, as in sumac-flecked cauliflower with whipped goat’s milk feta and falafel-spiced dukkah. Fried cobia collar with nuoc cham boasts a cultish following. Such seductive textures and explosive flavors continue in full force in a dessert of black sesame ice cream with pineapple-cashew jam and Thai tea caramel. The tasting menu, though pricier, is a worthy splurge.”
Photo via Rooster & The Till/Facebook Credit: Photo via Rooster & The Till/FacebookThe 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 RestaurantLa Segunda’s first bakery opened in Ybor City, Florida more than a century ago. Credit:Photo via La Segunda Central Bakery/FacebookLa Teresita
What to get: Anything off the daily special
3248 W Columbus Dr., Tampa, 813-879-9704
The two-story Cuban restaurant serves traditional dishes of the latine family’s roots, which carry a rich background of resilience through a time of turmoil for their home country. Catch the Tuesday special for the crowd favorite “ropa vieja” (shredded beef). Bonus points if you can find the spot Bourdain sat at when he was there.
Photo via Google MapsPia’s Trattoria
3054 Beach Blvd S, Gulfport, 727-327-2190
One of the best reasons to make the hike to Gulfport, Pia’s Trattoria describes itself as “a romantic, cozy Old Italy atmosphere” with a green garden ambiance, and that’s definitely the truth. This Best of The Bay winner is a local favorite for Italian fare, and offers up cakes and desserts, all made from scratch.
Photo via Pia’s Trattoria/FacebookCredit: Cathy SalustriWright’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/FacebookEl Cap
What to get: World Champ Burger
3500 4th St. N, St. Petersburg, 727-521-1314
Located on busy 4th Street North in St. Pete, El Cap’s “World Champ Burger” has been voted as the Bay area’s no. 1 hamburger.
Photo via El CapFacebookMel’s Hot Dogs
4136 E Busch Blvd., Tampa, 813-985-8000
Easily, one of the best places to get a hot dog in the Bay, Mel’s has been serving up dogs since 1973 (that’s 50 years!), and is known for its all beef Chicago-style hot dogs served on a steamed poppy seed bun with all the fixins’
Photo via Google Maps Credit: Photo via Google MapsCredit: Photo c/o Bill TourtelotBrocato’s Sandwich Shop
5021 E Columbus Dr., Tampa, 813-248-9977
Originally opened in 1948, Brocato’s has transitioned from a grocery store to a meat market to the sandwich shop that it stands as today. The reason it has had success for so long? It makes tasty food, including its 15’’ inch Italian roast beef sandwich for $13.95
Photo via Google Maps Credit: Photo via Google MapsMullet’s Fish Camp
3901 6th St. S, St. Petersburg, 727-205-6313
Built on the site of a 150-year-old fish camp, on any given day you’ll find a full crowd packing this patio enjoying fish tacos, fresh cocktails and a mural of a merman with a glorious Mississippi mud skipper. Whatever you choose to order, don’t skimp on the Florida Man sauce.
Photo via Photo via Mullet’s Fish Camp/FacebookKing State, located at 520 E Floribraska Ave. near I-275 in Tampa, Florida. Credit: Photo via King StateSupernatural Food & Wine
305 E Polk St., Tampa, 813-758-6230
Supernatural’s small hole-in-the-wall location offers outdoor and limited indoor seating. Its breakfast menu and cider sour doughnuts are its staple, along with its selection of wine available any time. Chef Alton Brown said the bacon, egg and cheese breakfast sandwich is the best he’s had, ever, but don’t sleep on meatball Monday either.
Photo via Supernatural Food & Wine/InstagramCredit: Photo via BernsSteakHouse/FacebookNo. 39 Credit: Photo via Casa Tina
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/WebsiteCredit:Photo via Frenchy’sCredit:Photo via Mykonos/FacebookWest Tampa Sandwich Shop
3904 N Armenia Ave., Tampa
For more than 30 years, the West Tampa Sandwich Shop has served its famous ‘wiches. Even President Barack Obama ate there in 2012, and a $5.75 honey Cuban is named after him. West Tampa also offers cheap breakfasts, all of which are under $12.
Photo via Google Maps
