It’s easy to see why Tampa Bay’s women-owned restaurants are making a huge mark on an otherwise male-dominated history.  Since March is Women’s History Month, we thought we’d take a look at how these local spots, and there’s a lot,  are serving up some of the area’s best eats.

Lucky Tigre Julie Michelle Sainte Feliciano 1101 S Howard Ave Suite B, Tampa, 813-761-2088 Tampa’s first Filipino ‘sari-sari’ counter, Lucky Tigre is owned by Julie Michelle Sainte Feliciano who’s known for her Asian fusion pop up Good Fortune Baby. The menu features items like dumplings, steamed buns, and a variety of plant-based entrees. Photo via Photo by Rickey Kim Credit: Photo by Rickey Kim
The Rollin’ Mullet Angi Brittain 6401 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa, 813-245-5465 Seminole Heights’ latest outdoor dining concept, The Rollin Mullet, features casual bar bites like hotdogs and burgers. But the main event are the drafts, poured from a 1971 Airstream trailer-turned-bar. A healthy wine selection is also up for grabs and there’s plenty of outdoor seating, making it an extremely dog and kid-friendly neighborhood edition. Photo via The Rollin Mullet/Facebook
The Adnoraf and Cake Drip Faronda Davis The Adnoraf 119 S Dakota Ave.,Tampa Cake Drip 1625 W Snow Cir, Tampa 813-385-4095 The Adnoraf is a new members-only supper and social club. There are different membership tiers that can cost upwards of 5k. Meanwhile, Cake Drip is a decked out pink dessert boutique that offers customizable desserts and chocolate bars. Photo via Google Maps
7th and Grove & Roast Vondalyn Crawford and Khalilaa McDuffie 7th and Grove1930 E 7th Ave, Tampa, 813-649-8422 Roast 1930 E 7th Ave C, Tampa, 813- 939-8463 This “adult-friendly” space brings a southern menu, warm ambiance and craft cocktails to Ybor City where Crawford and McDuffie are two-thirds of an ownership group that’s changed the corner of 7th and 21st. New grab-and-go deli Roast is all about quick breakfast and lunch bites, but at night the space transforms into a speakeasy named Madame Fortune’s Speakeasy, featuring West Indian cuisine. Photo via 7th and Grove/Facebook
Shuffle Danielle O’Connor and Jennifer Evanchyk 2612 N Tampa St, Tampa, 813-450-3797 Founded by two of the most badass women and moms in the 813, Shuffle is a shuffleboard bar, of course, but also a neighborhood staple that’s home for various local musicians including a Tuesday night open mic that’s one of the best in Tampa Bay. The kitchen, run by a worthy man, Anson Mitchell, serves what the Shuffle calls “glorified concession food” like spaghetti sandwiches and a loaded grilled cheese—and yes, it’s glorious, indeed. Credit: SHUFFLE/ FACEBOOK

Bake’n Babes


231 E Davis Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606
Julie Curry’s salted chocolate chip cookie consistently wins “Best Cookie” in Best of the Bay, and its other colorful baked goods don’t fall behind. Indulgent creations include the Nutella-stuffed chocolate chip cookie and sparkler-topped freak shake at its locations at Armature Works and on Davis Islands. Bake’n Babes is on DoorDash and Uber, though you may have to light your own sparkler at home.
Photo via Bake’n Babes/Facebook
Beans & Barlour Story Stuart 407 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, 727-440-4540 In the heart of downtown St. Pete you can find the bagel and boozy dessert cafe. With a history in the Disney sector of hospitality, its no surprise Stuart found a way to emulate that kind of magic in her shop’s “epic” milkshakes. Photo via Beans & Barlour/Facebook
Bodega and Baba Debbie Sayegh Bodega 1180 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-623-0942 Baba 2701 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-954-3406 Owned by New York natives Debbie and George Sayegh, Bodega and Baba bring a culinary twist to St. Pete’s food scene with two unique themes based around Latin street food and Greek and Lebanese cuisine. Bodega, and its Cuban sandwich, have built a loyal following, allowing the restaurant to expand to a second location in Seminole Heights. Photo via Bodega St. Pete/Facebook
Book + Bottle Terra Dunham 17 6th St N, St. Petersburg, 727-240-7448 In Book + Bottle’s “thought-provoking” environment you’ll be inspired to get stuff done while enjoying a glass of their wide selection of wine. Get inspired by the knowledge oozing from its books and participate in its book and wine club and other special events celebrated throughout the year. Photo via Book + Bottle/Facebook
Il Ritorno Erica Benstock 449 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-897-5900 Erica Benstock, co-owner of Il Ritorno where her husband David is the chef, intends to elevate the dining expectations for all foodies that step foot into her establishment. But more importantly, she keeps everything together at Il Ritorno (and the Benstock’s St Pete Meat & Provisions next door) so that David can continue to run the kitchen and occasionally kick Bobby Flay’s ass on TV. Photo via ilritornodowntown/Facebook Credit: Photo via ilritornodowntown/Facebook
Catrinas Tacos and Tequila Bar Karol Ortiz and Tisbeth Mejia 1611 N Howard Ave., Tampa, 813-898-8628 With family recipes from Guadalajara, Mexico, chef Tisbeth Mejia creates renown hand-crafted tacos, homemade moles and salsas, enchiladas and tamales with fresh ingredients and imported spices. The “folk and eclectic” theme of the restaurant emphasizes the culture’s famous holiday “Día de los Muertos” in a casual environment. Photo via Catrinas Tacos and Tequila Bar/Facebook
Chief’s Creole Cafe Carolyn Brayboy 901 22nd St S, St. Petersburg, 727-498-8979 Keeping her late mother-in-law’s recipes alive, Carolyn Brayboy offers Southern staples like Jambo—a Jambalaya and Gumbo hybrid—and beignets. Photo via Chief’s Creole Cafe/Facebook
Counter Culture and Edison: Food + Drink Lab Jeannie Pierola Counter Culture 2909 W Bay to Bay Blvd. Suite 100, Tampa, 813-570-8660 Edison: Food+Drink Lab 912 W Kennedy Dr., Tampa, 813-254-7111 Counter Culture, an upscale eatery on Bay to Bay features dishes from five-time James Beard Awards finalist, Jeannie Pierola, who creates current and modern cuisine with fine ingredients, precise execution and creativity. Just as inventive is Pierola’s Edison long-running concept only two-and-a-half miles away. Photo via Counter Culture/Facebook
Curious Cat Bakery Natalia Lima 7097 30th Ave N, St. Petersburg, 201-679-7088 Inspired by her struggle of finding vegan-friendly desserts, Natalia Lima created a menu that is 100% free of dairy, eggs and animal products. Photo via Curious Cat Bakery/Facebook
Datz Suzanne Perry Multiple locations Setting off a domino effect of innovation in the local food scene, Suzanne Perry has turned her “foodie wonderland” into a multi-location chain. Commuters of Tampa may not need to drive too far to grab an instaworthy “Cinny bunny” mocktail or “Datzshuka” with their St. Pete and Riverview locations popping up due to demand from the Macdill Ave location. Photo via Datz/Facebook
Ella’s Americana Folk Art Cafe Melissa Deming 5119 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa, 813-234-1000 With a menu inspired by roadtrip pit stops and decor to honor the musically inclined, this southern cafe harbors a creative space for local artists. Shrimp-topped cheese grits and chicken and waffle “sammys” can be had alongside the live music often hosted at the eatery. Do yourself a favor and do a bloody mary at the Sunday brunch, too. Photo via Ella’s Americana Folk Art Cafe/Facebook
Golden Dinosaurs Audrey Dingeman 2930 Beach Blvd. S, Gulfport, 727-873-6901 Created by Audrey Dingeman and husband Brian, Golden Dinosaurs is a vegan restaurant fit for anyone down to try a vegan twist to traditional food, like their house marinated tempeh bacon, tempeh reuben, seitan steak and more. Photo via Golden Dinosaurs/Facebook
Graze 1910 Lauren Menendez Multiple locations Tampa’s highly regarded Armature Works food hall is one of two homes to the brunch joint. Whether you find yourself in the halls of The Heights or in the South Tampa storefront, the quality menu Menendez has crafted is present in both locations. A prosecco-soaked artisan popsicle from The Hyppo is a must-have from the restaurant. Photo via Graze 1910/Facebook
HaleLife Bakery Laura McCutcheon 2425 S Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa, 727-265-3372 Laura McCutcheon’s three locations across Tampa Bay focus on those living with food restrictions, as her and her son experience this on the daily as they both suffer from Celiac disease. HaleLife’s focus on safe ingredients and phenomenal taste and texture has earned them national recognition by the People for Ethical Treatment of Animals with their Tiramisu Trifle. A St. Pete bistro should open this year. Photo via HaleLife Bakery/Facebook
Harvest Bowl Eatery and Market Atheer and Athar Neif 6109 N Florida Ave, Tampa, 813-512-8306 Established by sisters Atheer and Athar Neif, Harvest Bowl bases around fresh eats with signature build your own and acai bowls. On its market side, guests can enjoy specialty foods, produce and juices. Photo via Harvest Bowl Eatery and Market/Facebook
Hotel Bar and Fly Bar Leslie Shirah Culbreath Hotel Bar 200 N Tampa St., Tampa, 813-999-4080 Fly Bar 442 W Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, 813-803-8550 The drink collection of Hotel Bar extends from Chile to the Port of Spain in Trinidad, but it’s also not afraid to get super classy with its Sunday late night happy hour which includes Hot Pockets and Slim Jims. Cocktails, wines and beer elevates the experience to a tipsy point, and if you want to check in with Culbreath’s original venture, see the recently relocated Fly bar near the University of Tampa. Photo via Hotel Bar/Facebook
Island Flavors and Tings Helena Josephs 1411 49th St S, Gulfport, 727-804-1849 Helena Josephs brings the cultural richness of the Caribbean Islands and translates them into exotic and unique flavors. Photo via Island Flavors and Tings/Facebook
Lady and The Mug Aimee Tarte 510 W Grand Central Ave., Tampa, 813-374-4871 Aimee Tarte followed her dream of creating a specialty coffee shop and when it became a reality, she brought an aesthetic and Instagramable location to Tampa. Lady and The Mug offers espresso, coffee and non-coffee drinks as well as vegan and gluten-free food fit for everyone. Photo via Lady and The Mug/Facebook
Lolita’s Wine Market and Sammy + Paco’s Kelly Rodriguez-Laureano Sammy + Paco’s 2735 5th Ave N no. 100, St. Petersburg Lolita’s 16 18th St S, St. Petersburg, 727-505-0503 Pet lover Kelly Rodriguez-Laureano along with husband and chef Alex Rodriguez created Lolita’s Wine Market and Sophia’s Cucina + Enoteca inspired by their two dogs. They also own a kitschy bakery concept in honor of their cats, Sammy + Paco’s. Photo via Lolita’s Wine Market
Michelle Faedo’s Tampeño Cuisine Michelle Faedo 601 E Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, 813-284-5756 The restaurant location in downtown Tampa at the County Center offers made-to-order bites like tostones, plantains, deviled crab, crab cakes and its famous Cuban sandwiches. Photo via Michelle Faedo’s Tampeño Cuisine/Facebook
Mise En Place Maryann Ferenc 442 W Grand Central Ave., Tampa, 813-254-5373 Maryann Ferenc brought New American cuisine and Chef Marty Blitz to Tampa in 1992. The concoctions of food and drinks are deserving for the celebration of a special occasion with a hand-crafted meal and high-end wine. Photo via Mise En Place/Facebook
Oxford Exchange Allison Casper Adams 420 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, 813-253-0222 Afternoon tea in the greenhouse anyone? Co-owner Allison Casper Adams mastered the art of turning historic spaces into a curation of hospitality and class. The regal afternoon tea service and now open Champagne Bar are some of Oxford’s can’t-miss details. Photo via Oxford Exchange/Facebook
Credit: Photo via Psomi/Instagram
Sucré Table Brenda Villacorta 4048 W Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, 813-374-5643 Started by her mother Giovanna Smith after immigrating from Peru, Brenda Villacorta continued Sucré Table and offers baked goods, pastries, cakes and others inspired by her extensive experience in the industry. Photo via Sucré Table/Facebook
Sunshine Kitty Catfe Amanda Jones 1669 1st Ave S, St. Petersburg The Sunshine Kitty Catfe provides a welcoming and relaxed space that combines cats, coffee and community. Amanda Jones’ concept revolves around the primary goal of promoting rescue animal adoption by “providing adoptable cats socialization and exposure to potential adopters in a stimulating, cage-free foster home.” Interaction with cats also brings scientifically-proven benefits to humans, promoting health, wellness and joy. Photo via Sunshine Kitty Catfe/Facebook
The C House and The Battery Danna Hayder The Battery 615 Channelside Dr., Tampa, 813-498-0008 C House 6005 N Florida Ave., Tampa, 813-488-4813 Champagne, charcuterie, and cheesecake–try to say that three times fast. Dana Hayder came up with the kooky idea for C House after realizing all the foods she wished to add to her dessert lounge concept started with the letter ‘C’. Cheesy mac, ceviche, and candied lamb pops are some of the few alphabetical items on this niche concept menu. The menu at her Sparkman Wharf sit-down concept The Battery uses all the letters of the alphabet, and has been dazzling denizen of downtown since opening late last year. Photo via The C House/Facebook

Best Date Restaurant

CW’s Gin Joint
Finalists: The Black Pearl, Bern’s Steak House, Fortu (tie for third) Credit: Photo via CW's Gin Joint/Facebook
This Momma Cooks & Co Anastasia Thompson 12081 Seminole Blvd., Largo, 727-417-8482 This Momma Cooks & Co offers custom cakes, cupcakes and treats perfect for those with an uncontrollable sweet tooth. Photo via This Momma Cooks & Co/Facebook
Three Generation’s Food Truck Melissa Gardner 2830 22nd Ave S, St. Petersburg, 727-254-8104 Chef Mel offers mouth watering dishes at the Three Generation’s Food Truck, from bacon, egg and grits to fried lobster shrimp fries. Photo via Three Generation’s Food Truck/Facebook
Valhalla Bakery Celine Duvoisin 2462 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, 727-954-4792 Valhalla Bakery specializes in vegan doughnuts, cupcakes and “decadent” desserts. Photo via Valhalla Bakery/Facebook
Girl And A Grill April Page 4330 N Nebraska Ave., Tampa, 813-693-9181 April Page’s breakfast spot offers specialty breakfast plates, homemade pancakes and made-to-order omelets and other breakfast bites like biscuits, grits, croissants and hash browns. Credit: COLIN WOLF
Independent Bar Veronica Danko 5016 N Florida Ave., Tampa, 813-341-4883 With a fun indoor-outdoor environment and wide selection of drinks and bites, this neighborhood staple European-inspired bar and cafe offers wine, beer, coffee and pastries with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options fit for everyone. Credit: Photo via Marlo Miller
2D Cafe Maria Merello 2105 Central Ave., St. Petersburg The 2D Cafe will offer coffee, espresso, tea, pastries and light bites in the two-dimensional illusion setting. Credit: Photo via Twenty Pho Hour / Facebook (photo for reference)
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
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
House of Vegano Thalia Tatham 655 31st St S Ste. A, St. Petersburg, 727-506-8627 Owner and head chef Thalia Tatham combines Jamaican and Japanese cuisine to create a vegan sushi menu. The menu also features traditional recipes like curry ramen and tonkatsu. Photo via Google Maps
Tru Vegan Creamery Melody Snyder-Owens, Allison Clerbert and Tenisha Patterson-Brown. 1499 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa, 813-467-8884 Tru Vegan Creamery is a organic and plant-based dessert shop owned and operated by Tampa natives Melody Snyder-Owens, Allison Clerbert and Tenisha Patterson-Brown. The menu has plenty of things to fulfill your sweet tooth like ice cream, milkshakes and slushies. Photo via Google Maps
Coasis Brandi Gergle, Melissa Gardner 7701 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa, 813-551-0791 The new hybrid style restaurant, Coasis offers up food, hookah and a salon all in the same spot. Co-owner “Melly” Gardner heads up the kitchen and is well-known for her popular St. Pete-based food truck “Three Generations.” Look for everything from oysters, shrimp ceviche or a bone-in cowboy ribeye on the eclectic menu. Photo via Coasis/Instagram Credit: coasistampa / Instagram
Elevenses Co Jade Yelvington 1001 E Columbus Dr, Tampa New V.M. Ybor bakery Elevenses is still in soft opening mode, but there’s already a nice rotation of new sweets rolling off the line every week, including everything from macaroons and custom made cakes. But besides the sugary stuff, coffee-based drinks like rosemary almond cold brew lattes are also available. Photo via Google Maps
Lukumaki Greek Donuts Alexandra Karamitsios 500 N Florida Ave, Tampa, 305- 833-7774 Originally from Miami, Lukumaki Greek Donuts serves up classic Greek doughnuts with toppings like powdered sugar, Nutella, honey, baklava, and dulce de leche. The dough is always vegan. Plus, wash it all down with an iced latte or milkshake. Photo via Lukumaki Greek Donuts/Facebook
Small Giant and Bouzy Jennifer Bingham Bouzy 1640 W Snow Ave, Tampa 813-550-2560 Small Giant 1051 Water St, Tampa 813- 921-0571 Small Giant and Bouzy are both concepts from the well-known restaurant group Cru Hospitality Group, which is co-owned by Jennifer Bingham. Bouzy is a cocktail and champagne bar with over 200 wines to choose from. Led by executive chef Erich Batch, expect entrees with French, European and Asian influences. Meanwhile, Small Giant offers Columbus-style pizza, mushroom burgers, and a full bar that includes cocktails and craft beers. Photo via PRESS PR + Marketing Credit: c/o PRESS PR + Marketing

Best New Food Truck

Shiso Crispy (Central St. Pete)
Finalists:Mama J’s Jollijeep, Tower 10 Burger Credit: Photo via Google Maps
Five-O-Donut Christine Nordstrom 1003 4th St N, St. Petersburg, 727-346-5610 Five-O-Donut offers up 24 different types of doughnuts, separated into two categories, “simple” and “fancy”. Simple doughnuts range from chocolate iced yeast, cinnamon sugar cake, and powdered cake. Fancy doughnuts include flavors like Boston cream, maple bacon and cookie butter cheesecake. The spot also offers vegan and gluten free options. The local chain has two other Florida locations in Sarasota and Bradenton. Photo via Google Maps
Vine Vegan Danielle Stevens 2080 Badlands Dr, Brandon, 813- 939-8463 All day breakfast, and bottomless mimosas are some of things you can expect from Vine Vegan and, of course, it’s all 100% vegan. Highlights from the menu include, plant-based charcuterie boards, and stacked pasta plates. There is also coffee, smoothies and milkshakes available. Photo via Vine Vegan Credit: c/o Vine Vegan