In this updated guide to Tampa’s five upcoming Gasparilla festivals, it’s still all about the food, whether you plan to fuel up on-site or at the neighboring dining spots.
VENDORS
Gasparilla Festival of the Arts (March 5 and 6) The specialty vendors featured at GFA don’t disappoint. This time around, Shadrach’s Fiery Furnace Traveling Pizza Company, Twisted Willy’s, Holy Hog BBQ, Krepelicious, and 13 others will be serving up food and drink for art junkies’ tasting pleasure. The proceeds will benefit the fest and Tampa Museum of Art.
Gasparilla Music Festival (March 12 and 13) Throughout the annual GMF, the cuisine is a draw all on its own. In past years, festgoers have scarfed down dreamy items by local operations like The Independent Bar and Cafe, Ella’s Americana Folk Art Cafe, Kona Ice, Malio’s Prime Steakhouse and The Refinery. The tastes have ranged from grilled cheese and shaved ice to prime rib and hot doughnuts.
GASP! (April 1) The gastronauts behind the Tampa-based Mise en Place and Sono Café will provide the culinary entertainment for CL’s multidisciplinary performance festival. Guests can expect tapas and beverages alongside free entry into Tampa Museum of Art exhibitions.
DOWNTOWN (GFA, GMF, GASP!)
The Anchor Bar Daily specials and drinks, plus casual classics such as burgers and grilled flatbreads. 514 N. Franklin St., Tampa, 813-223-6050, anchorbartampa.com.
Anise Global Gastrobar Pop in for a craft cocktail, but stay for the signature stinky bunz. 777 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa, 813-225-4272, aniseglobal.com.
Bamboozle Cafe Rolls stuffed with fresh ingredients, curries, pho short ribs and more. 516 N. Tampa St., Tampa, 813-223-7320, bamboozlecafe.com.
Bavaro’s Tasty authentic Italian eats. 514 N. Franklin St. #101, Tampa, 813-868-4440, bavarostampa.com.
Bizou Brasserie French-inspired seafood, beef and pastries inside Tampa’s Le Meridien hotel. 601 N. Florida Ave., Tampa, 813-221-9555, bizoutampa.com.
Cafe Hey A cozy go-to for vegans and carnies who like to snack and sip. 1540 N. Franklin St., Tampa, 813-221-5150, cafehey.com.
Duckweed Urban Grocery The one-stop neighborhood shop for all your festival needs. 803 N. Tampa St., Tampa, 813-221-3825, duckweedurbanmarket.com.
Eddie & Sam’s Pizza A hotspot pizzeria with classic New York-style fare. 203 E. Twiggs St., Tampa, 813-229-8500, eddieandsamspizza.com.
First Watch A something-for-everyone menu during breakfast and lunch. 520 Tampa St., Tampa, 813-307-9006, firstwatch.com.
Fly Bar & Restaurant Epicurean small plates and desserts accompany a snazzy cocktail lineup. 1202 N. Franklin St., Tampa, 813-275-5000, flybarandrestaurant.com.
Fusion Bowl Soul-warming Vietnamese cuisine. 504 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, 813-222-0102.
Hattricks Tavern Fish and chips, Reubens and other pub-style fare. 107 S. Franklin St., Tampa, 813-225-4288, hattrickstavern.com.
Holy Hog Barbecue Killer jalapeño mac and cheese, St. Louis ribs, burnt ends and lots more. 302 E. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, 813-223-4464, holyhogbbq.com.
Jerk Hut Jamaica Tropicale A venerable Jamaican eatery with authentic dishes that shouldn’t be missed. 513 N. Franklin St., Tampa, jerkhut.com, 813-223-5375.
Falafel Inn Mediterranean Grill Middle Eastern favorites like gyros, stuffed grape leaves and various kebab plates. 777 N. Ashley Drive #B, Tampa, 813-223-5800, falafelinngrill.com.
L’Eden Café & Bar At this hidden gem you’ll find French bistro-style food with a modern spin. 500 N. Tampa St., Tampa, 813-221-4795.
Malio’s Prime Steakhouse Pasta, seafood and, of course, steak on a budget. 400 N. Ashley Drive #310, Tampa, 813-223-7746, maliosprime.com.
Mise en Place Buzzy cuisine, including lobster poutine and a fried green tomato BLT. 442 W. Kennedy Blvd. #110, Tampa, 813-254-5373, miseonline.com.
Oxford Exchange A beautiful destination for lunch, coffee and afternoon tea. 420 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, 813-253-0222, oxfordexchange.com.
Paninoteca Mediterranean Cafe This cozy restaurant cooks up affordable appetizers, pitas and panini. 519 N. Franklin St., Tampa, 813-341-2525, paninotecacafe.com.
Tampa Pizza Company Pies that will satisfy an array of eaters, from vegans to gluten-free folks. 777 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa, 813-463-1600, tampapizzacompany.com.
TamPiz Handmade pizzas, salads, French pastries and more, plus a pool table and cozy environment. 113 S. Hyde Park Ave., Tampa, 813-252-3420.
Si-am Yummy “Thaimerican” eats in a comfy spot right next door to Tampa Theatre. 713 N. Franklin St., Tampa, 813-229-9710, si-am-thairestaurant.com.
Sono Café Mise en Place’s younger sibling lets you nosh in or outside the Tampa Museum of Art. 120 W. Gasparilla Plaza, Tampa, 813-421-8379, tampamuseum.org.
Spain Restaurant The Castro family’s Spanish eatery features Galicia-influenced tapas such as house-rolled croquettes. 513 N. Tampa St., Tampa, 813-223-2831, tomaspain.com.
Taco Bus Tortas, tostadas, burritos and more at this Mexican staple. 505 N. Franklin St., Tampa, 813-397-2800, taco-bus.com.
Taps Restaurant Bar & Lounge This contemporary lounge has a food lineup anchored by beer and wine. 777 N. Ashley Drive, Tampa, 813-463-1968, tampswineandbeer.com.
Urban Cantina An array of Mexican cuisine in a feel-good atmosphere. 200 E. Madison St., Tampa, 813-221-8226, urbancantina.com.
Yeoman’s Cask & Lion British-influenced offerings like shrimp ‘n’ chips and shepherd’s pie alongside live tunes. 202 N. Morgan St., Tampa, 813-224-9367, yeomanscaskandlion.com.
YBOR CITY AND VICINITY (GIFF, Interactive)
Acropolis Greek Taverna Dine along the sidewalk at Tampa’s mini-chain cooking up Greek delicacies. 1833 E. Seventh Ave., 813-242-4545, acropolistaverna.com.
Al’s Finger Licking Good Bar-B-Que A quaint barbecuery with big portions of serious ‘cue. 1609 Angel Oliva Senior St., Tampa, 813-956-0675, alsybor.com.
Bernini An eclectic Italian eatery with a fully stocked bar and wide selection of wines. 1702 E. Seventh Ave., 813-248-0099, berniniofybor.com.
The Blind Tiger Speciality coffee, tea and baked treats inside this multiuse find. 1901 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa, 813-540-2233, blindtigercafe.com.
The Boneyard Mean wings and more at this dive bar. 1823 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa, 813-248-6224, boneyardybor.com.
The Bricks This cool spot has a diverse menu that will please any palate. 1327 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa, 813-247-1785, thebricksybor.com.
Carmine’s Quintessential Cuban cuisine such as deviled crabs and Cuban sandwiches. 1802 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa, 813-248-3834, carminesybor.com.
Cephas’ Hot Shop Authentic Jamaican food and drinks like the signature aloe smoothie. 1701 E. Fourth Ave., Tampa, 813-247-9022, cephashotshop.com.
Columbia Restaurant Landmark Cuban and Spanish cuisine for more than 110 years. 2117 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa, 813-248-4961, columbiarestaurant.com.
El Puerto Restaurant & Grill An array of Latin food that spans land and sea. 1623 E. Fifth Ave., Tampa, 813-248-8222, elpuertoybor.com.
Gaspar’s Grotto The famous pirate-themed restaurant offering an energetic atmosphere and tasty food. 1805 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa, 813-248-5900, gasparsgrotto.com.
Green Iguana Bar & Grill A gigantic menu of casual bar fare and Floribbean cuisine. 1708 E. Seventh Ave., 813-248-9555, greeniguana.com.
Hamburger Mary’s Make way for the sizzlin’ fare at this heavenly burger joint. 1600 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa, 813-241-6279, hamburgermarys.com.
James Joyce Irish Pub & Eatery Shepherd’s pie, corned beef and cabbage, French dips and other Irish delectables. 1724 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa, 813-247-1896, jamesjoyceybor.com.
Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company Sandwiches for breakfast and lunch, caffeinated beverages, desserts and way more. 1811 N. 15th St., Tampa, 813-247-4600, joffreysybor.com.
King Corona Cigars and Cafe The Ybor experience in full: cigars, Cuban toast and Cuban coffee. 1523 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa, 813-241-9109, kingcoronacigars.com.
La Segunda Central Bakery Get your Cuban sandwich (and guava turnovers) from the source, a.k.a this local icon. 2512 N. 15th St., Tampa, 813-248-1531, lasegundabakery.com.
La Terrazza Ristorante Italiano This intimate Italian restaurant has super good eats and equally good service. 1727 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa, 813-248-1326, laterrazzayborcity.com.
La Tropicana Cafe Stuffed potatoes, Tampa-style Cubans and other traditional Cuban offerings. 1822 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa, 813-247-4040.
The Market on 7th A fun dive bar with some of the best pizza in Tampa. 1816 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa, 813-248-2356.
New World Brewery Another spot that serves ridiculously good stone-seared pizzas, other pub snacks and craft beer. 1313 E. Eighth Ave., Tampa, 813-248-4969, newworldbrewery.net.
New York New York Pizza A street-side pizzeria with huge, deliciously greasy slices inside and from a walk-up window. 1512 E. Seventh Ave., Tampa, 813-248-1845, nynypizzeria.com.
Samurai Blue A nontraditional take on sushi as well as old favorites. 1600 E. Eighth Ave. #C208, Tampa, 813-242-6688, samuraiblue.com.
Tampa Bay Brewing Company A varied menu that goes well with beer (and may even have some beer included in the ingredients). 1600 E. Ninth Ave., Tampa, 813-247-1422, tampabaybrewingcompany.com.
Tre Amici @ The Bunker Coffee drinks, wine, beer and a small menu of essential breakfast fare and sandwiches. 1907 19th St. N., Tampa, 813-247-6964, yborbunker.com.
Ybor Eats Affordable breakfast and lunch on the go from this neighborhood joint. 1604 N. 17th St., Tampa, 813-247-9267, yboreats.com.