Olympia Bakery & Caterers, 2201 N. Howard Ave. (813-251-1886). Who says you can't have your cake and eat it too? You can at this bustling Cuban bakery that specializes in X-rated cakes. Order anything from a 7-inch to a double tray that will feed up to 120 sweet tooths. Cater it yourself a la Cubano (media noche, pork and croquettes) or Americano with assorted wings and an array of fine finger and deli foods. $$
Royal Palace Thai Restaurant, 811 S. Howard Ave. (813-258-5893). You'll eat like royalty at this Thai restaurant, where they show off one of the best curry sauces for seafood we've ever tasted. Any dish that promises "crispy" is a delight, from the delicate, crispy duck breast to the flash-fried red snapper. More traditional dishes show that Thai flavors can be subtle as well as spicy. Expect delicious food, a lovely interior and polite, if unpolished, service. Entree prices range from $7.95 to $14.95. $$
Sally O'Neal's Pizza Hotline, 1319 S. Howard Ave. (813-251-0220). Wrap your mouth around a piece of pizza that will please you plenty. The Pizza Hotline is a longtime favorite in Hyde Park, turning out first-rate pizza made with top-quality ingredients. A favorite is the chicken artichoke pizza: a white pizza that has layers of ricotta, mozzarella and provolone; a dash of Romano and feta; with onions, garlic and herbs. Good calzones and pastas, too. All together now: "Yuuuuuuum!" $
Sole Mio, 3201 S. Dale Mabry (813-902-1222). Forget about those tasteless, cardboard-crust franchise pizzas. This is pie the way it should be: crisp, fragrant, hand-tossed crust topped with rich, homemade red sauce and deli-quality toppings like real Parma prosciutto, ripe tomatoes, fresh arugula and basil. We love the deep, rich flavors of the chicken and artichoke pie. To really indulge, be sure and ask for a cup of the homemade garlic butter sauce. Twelve-inch pies range from $6.95 to $10.45. Try their great deli sandwiches and antipasto too. $
SideBern's, 2208 Morrison Ave., Tampa (813-258-2233). Chef Jeannie Pierola, one of the shining stars of Tampa Bay's dining scene, creates a cuisine that is both luscious and lustrous and serves it in a sophisticated setting that manages to be both worldly and witty. The chef grabs premier ingredients from around the globe and blends them into deeply flavorful and texturally exciting dishes, like a mignon cut of tuna and rare Kumomoto oysters wok seared with shiitake mushrooms in a cognac sauce, served with truffled potato puree and baby bok choy, or, for meat-eaters, a duo of short ribs and hanger steak with an orange rosemary ginger steak sauce, horseradish glazed potatoes, and a side of roasted carrots and parsnips. From soup to nuts, it's a tour de force of fine dining at surprisingly affordable prices. Menu entrees range from $13.91 to $18.91 $$$
The Wine Exchange, 1611 W. Swann Ave. (813-254-9463). David Tyler and crew pair fine wines with good food. For appetizers try the country stufel, wild mushrooms in pastry with a horseradish sauce or their spicy island cakes with jerked crab in honey yogurt sauce. There are soups, salads, innovative pizzas, pastas and a good choice of savory entrees, including a grilled lamb tenderloin with a cream sauce over fettuccini. $$
Tampa — Seminole Heights
Ansley's Natural Marketplace, 402 Sligh Ave. E. (813-239-2700), and 3936 Kennedy Blvd., Tampa (813-879-6625). Large, natural food stores with exceptional produce. The Sligh location also has a bakery with good whole-grain breads, carrot loafs and such. Good takeout prepared foods with plenty of flavor and variety. $
Rigo's Eatery, 6607 N. Florida Ave. (813-236-7446; www.rigoseatery.com). This arty little eatery is terribly tiny. Good thing they have a big garden patio out back. Inside, you can order scrumptious breakfast and brunch foods like made-to-order French toast and waffles, eggs Benedict, breakfast sandwiches and more. The easygoing atmosphere makes it a swell place to stop for a cafe con leche and slice of tiramisu while you read the Weekly Planet. $
South Tampa/Palma Ceia/Interbay
Al Bacio, 3211 Bay to Bay Blvd. (813-839-8486). Yet another in the new mode of gourmet pizzerias, using fine ingredients and fresh ideas to create tasty pies, like the Latin Lover, an ultra-thin crust topped with garlic cream sauce, caramelized onions, Cuban mojo roast pork and a sprinkle of cheese. The flirtatious might like a Flirtation, an ultra-thin crust brushed with fragrant olive oil, covered with caramelized onions and dotted with olive tapenade and goat cheese. Salads, sandwiches, coffee and desserts, as well, can be enjoyed on the outdoor terrace. $
Bamboo Flute, 2307 S. Dale Mabry, Tampa. 813-258-2858. The Bamboo Flute offers plenty of fresh, flavorful Vietnamese dishes at low-dough prices, like big, plump spring rolls filled with fresh shrimp, mint, cilantro, thin rice noodles and crispy wonton sticks for extra crunch. The appetizer order of two could make a lunch for smaller appetites. Bigger bellies will enjoy the hefty servings of pho, the all-purpose breakfast-lunch-dinner dish of spicy beef broth, noodles, fresh herbs and meat, or big noodle bowls with pork, shrimp or oxtail. Must-trys include the refreshing coconut drink and the tri-color bean pudding. Most entrees $5.50-$7.25; a few specialties go up to $13.95 $
