Sure, 2022 was undoubtedly a great year for new eats in Tampa Bay, but we’re here to tell you that this year’s roster is on the same caliber, if not a little better.
Some of these are about to pop in a few weeks, and some have some serious work to do, but nevertheless here are all the new additions we’re looking forward to trying in the coming months.
Cane & Barrel
104 2nd Ave. S, St. Petersburg. 727-610-5427
Located in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg, Cane & Barrel is a Cuban-inspired rooftop bar and cocktail lounge. The spot features two different bars, and features bites like a Cubano sandwich and yuca fries.
Photo via Cane & Barrel/FacebookKosen
307 W Palm Ave.,Tampa
Bento has a stall at Tampa Armature Works, but the owners also want to bring New York and Tokyo flavor to a new concept across the street. Kōsen’s chef, Wei Chen is an alum of New York Japanese restaurant Masa, a three-Michelin star establishment. Last September, reps for Chen shared plans to do an 18-course reservation-only omakase, which includes 12 nigiri pieces ($250/person). Kosen’s private omakase room will be able to accommodate 10 people at the sushi counter, and a separate dining room can fit 25 people. A 10-course, $150 per person tasting menu will be available, too. Since its announcement back in July, Kosen is still set to open sometime in 2023.
Photo via Omei Restaurant Group Credit: Photo via Omei Restaurant GroupShuckin Shack Oyster Bar
No exact address announced
Shuckin Shack Oyster Bar is about to become Wesley Chapel’s newest edition to bring fresh seafood to the ‘burbs. The seafood chain is expected to debut in summer 2023 and plans to have a casual atmosphere that focuses on local history and fishing culture. “Many people have passed in and out of our doors enjoying succulent local oysters and shrimp, shared local fishing or surfing stories and spent time just talking about the friendly beach comber atmosphere inside,” Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar’s website reads.
Photo via Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar/FacebookCredit: Photo via St. Petersburg Museum of HistoryThe Adnoraf
119 S Dakota Ave.,Tampa
The Adnoraf will surely be the most exclusive dining concept in the Bay. The restaurant is a members-only supper and social club, offering three different membership tiers that can range upwards of $5K upfront and $175 in monthly fees. The scheduled opening date is March 2023.
Photo via Adnoraf/Instagram Credit: Photo via adnoraf/InstagramKing State
15 8th St. in St. Petersburg
Popular Tampa coffee shop King state has plans to open up a St. Pete location sometime over the next few months. Founded by brothers-in-law Nate Young and Tim McTague, King State first made its debut in the Bay on Floribraska Avenue in 2019.The new shop will be located within the Harlan Hotel at the COHatch co-working space. Like the Tampa flagship, the new St. Pete spot is expected to have a full kitchen, full liquor and coffee bar, and 16 different beers on tap.
Photo via King State/FacebookCredit: Noble Tavern / FacebookBig Chicken
Locations TBA
The Shaquille O’Neal-owned fast food joint Big Chicken is heading to Florida in a huge way. Last September, Shaq’s chicken shack signed a 45-unit franchising deal with Florida-based development company DMD Ventures. This means diners can expect Big Chicken locations in the Bay area, plus in cities like Miami, Orlando, West Palm Beach and Ft. Lauderdale. As of last fall there was no timeline for when Tampa Bay’s debut Big Chicken franchise would open, a representative for the company told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay. The menu features a combination of Shaq’s home-cooked childhood favorites and the hottest trending flavors, chock full of chicken sandwiches, tendies and more.
Photo via Big Chicken/FacebookFat Burger
9950 Upper Alafia Ct., Tampa
According to What Now Tampa, Fatburger is headed for Riverview, but we still don’t know the other Bay area locations for the popular burger chain. Last year, the concept announced plans to open four locations over the next three years. Fatburger has made it into rap songs from Ice Cube and Biggie, and is best-known for fresh, made-to-order patties, along with traditional sides, plus chicken sandos, vegan selections and even keto-friendly menu items.
Photo via Fatburger/FacebookLate Start Brewing
1018 E Cass St., Tampa
Tampa-based company Late Start Brewing started building out its upcoming location last spring, and plans to debut sometime this year. Formerly a convenience store, the almost 2,500 square-foot building will feature a dining room and bar area that will accommodate 50 people, with outdoor seating with picnic tables for approximately 50 more people. Late Start is no stranger to Tampa and is currently located inside of Pour House in the Channelside District, where you can sip on the brewery’s collaborative ales, lagers and stouts.
Photo via Late Start Brewing/FacebookPete’s Bagels
Locations TBA
A staple breakfast spot from St. Pete is making its way across the bridge for a new concept. Pete’s Bagels, the popular bagel spot, is set to open a second location in Ybor City in March. The new location will be an all day cafe that offers various caffeinated drinks, salads, beer and wine and bagels. As of now there is no official address but it appears to be between Fourth and Fifth Avenues near the intersection of Angel Oliva Senior Street.
Photo via Pete’s Bagels/FacebookPredalina
1011 E Cumberland Ave.,Tampa
Mediterranean-style seafood spot Predalina hopes to open this summer on the bottom floor of Water Street Tampa’s Cora building. As previously reported, Strategic Property Partners says Predalina will have outdoor dining, plus a wood-fired oven, raw bar and wine cellar. The 7,000 square-foot dining space is complemented by a patio with an extra 2,000 square-feet. The restaurant’s menu hasn’t been released yet but the website states the newest concept is “named after the owners’ great-grandmother, Predalina, and will be a nod to her long and prosperous life.” Predalina will also offer retail, including custom hand-crafted table top wares, and home décor.
Photo via Predalina/FacebookSunda New Asian
160 W Tyler St., Tampa
The very first Sunda New Asian restaurant is set to open in Tampa in 2023. The spot was created by Billy Dec, a Filipino actor, and restaurateur, who opened the original in his hometown of Chicago. Expect sake tastings and sushi-rolling classes when Sunda opens in the parcel next to The Loft and Element hotels at Midtown Tampa.
Photo via Sunda New Asian/WebsiteVoodoo Brewing Company
220 4th St. N, St. Petersburg
Florida’s first Voodoo Brewing company is coming to St. Petersburg this spring. The Pennsylvania-based brewery is opening out of the space Orange Blossom Catering formerly operated and is expected to debut in March. The drink menu offers a variety of craft beers, seltzers and seltzer slushies. Guests can also expect hearty bar bites like burgers, loaded mac and cheese bowls and sandwiches.
Photo via Voodoo Brewing Co./FacebookYard House
450 Channelside Dr, Tampa
Yard House, a well-known Florida-based beer bar chain,is looking to open in downtown Tampa. The bar’s menu features classic bar bites, and vegan options made from plant-based brand Gardein. The main attraction at this spot is the beer list that features over 100 beers on tap. The chain is owned by Darden Restaurant Group, which also owns Olive Garden. As of now, no opening date has been determined.
Photo via Yard House/FacebookFlatbread and Butter
160 W Tyler St., Tampa
A St. Petersburg favorite, Flatbread and Butter has plans to open on the first floor of downtown Tampa’s Ave Tampa Riverwalk apartments. Flatbread is on the menu, obviously, but anticipate selecting between tots, burritos, breakfast sandos, pizza and yogurt bowls, at the forthcoming concept.
Photo via Flatbread and Butter/FacebookBonsai Beverage Co
28929 U.S.-Hwy. 19 N, Clearwater
Clearwater will soon be home to the new coffee house Bonsai Beverage Co. The menu is expected to feature roasted coffee drinks and snacks. There’s also plans to add kava, kefir and home-brewed kombucha. The coffee spot is co-owned by Ian O’Neill and Ean Nevilla and Rachael Brinson who formed the company “after drinking coffee that just didn’t taste right” Rachel told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay. As of right now there is not a set opening date.
Photo viaFat Boy’s Pizza
No address announced yet
The company that claims to have the “World’s Biggest Pizza Slices” is soon making its way to Tampa Bay. The New Orleans-based pizza chain Fat Boy’s is planning to open 10 restaurants across the Bay region in the next upcoming years. The spot already has locations in Louisiana and Mississippi—but has yet to announce specific addresses for its Florida locations. Fat Boy’s serves up its pizza in either a half-slice, and in pies sized 10, 16 and 30 inches. Wings, salads, meatballs and a full liquor bar are in the plans, too.
Photo via Fat Boy’s Pizza/Facebook5 Bucks Drinkery
7402 49th St. N., Pinellas Park
The spot that’s known for cheap but strong drinks is opening its second location in Pinellas Park out of the former Pete and Shorty’s space. The drink menu has signature drinks including the “Hard Root Beer” cocktail with Crown Vanilla, Root beer Schnapps, Cola, and the “White Gummy Bear” shot with Smirnoff Raspberry, Peach Schnapps, Sour mix, and Sprite.
Photo via Five Bucks Pinellas Park/Facebook
