Food News
Tampa Bay restaurants earn no new Michelin stars at 2026 award ceremony
For its fifth year in the Sunshine State, the prestigious Michelin guide hosted its Florida awards ceremony this afternoon, and unfortunately no new Tampa Bay restaurants earned a star. The Tampa restaurants that kept their Michelin one-star rating, include Ebbe, Kosen, Koya and Rocca. Notably absent from today’s list of starred restaurants was Lilac. The concept on the ground floor of the Tampa Edition, previously earned a single-star rating and now appears on the recommended list.
Creative Loafing releases new ‘Breaking Brews’ beer to fund public records requests, launches local bar tour
Starting next month, the CL editorial team is launching “Tips For Tips,” a new monthly local bar tour where editors and reporters guest bartend at neighborhood pubs to hear from readers about stories, coverage and what matters most to Tampa Bay residents. Since current events are best discussed over a cold one, Creative Loafing has also launched Breaking Brews, a new journalism-focused tangerine lager made by Channelside Brewing that promises “Great Taste, More Filing!” All proceeds from Breaking Brews and all tips to CL bartenders at Tips For Tips events will go directly to funding locally-based public records requests, which often cost a publication hundreds and even thousands of dollars per month.
‘One of the best donuts I’ve ever had in my life’: Guy Fieri heaps praise on Tampa’s Supernatural
In his most recent episode of Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives,” celebrity chef Guy Fieri had nothing but good catchphrases regarding downtown Tampa’s Supernatural Food & Wine. As previously reported, the “Mayor of Flavortown” was in Tampa back in early April filming the popular show—and the episode finally aired last Friday, May 22.
Portillo’s is testing a new kid’s hot dog meal in Tampa Bay right now
Portillo’s wants to know if your kids are interested in their Chi-style shablams. Starting May 19, the Chicago-based hot dog chain began testing new glizzy-focused hot dog meals “designed specifically for younger guests,” according to a press release. “The meal includes a choice of a plain hot dog or two chicken tenders, paired with kid-sized fries or fresh apple slices, plus a kid’s drink (milk, chocolate milk or apple juice box) and a fun sticker prize,” says the press release. “For just $1 more, kids can add a slice of Portillo’s famous chocolate cake or receive a coupon to return for the cake later.”
Openings & Closings
Downtown Tampa’s retro-themed Gen X Tavern is closing this summer
Gen X Tavern, the ‘80s and ‘90s-loving bar and restaurant, is calling it quits after seven years at 103 E Jackson St. The concept, opened in the spring of 2019 will stay open through July 4 according to a message from founder Dave Burton (who is hilariously running a faux campaign for mayor of Tampa on his personal Facebook page).
Soho Sushi will open ‘Nagi’ Japanese restaurant and lounge inside Tampa’s former Gen X Tavern
Adult Capri Suns and loaded Sunny Ds will make way for sake and Japanese whiskey after a popular downtown Tampa restaurant shuts its doors this summer. A press release says Nagi, a concept from Soho Sushi, will move into 103 E Jackson St. in downtown Tampa after Gen X Tavern closes on July 4. The transition should take three to four months. Gen X Tavern owner Dave Burton—who also owns Soho Sushi, which has been open for more than two decades—previously told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay that he hopes to have Nagi open by October.
Tampa Bay Brew Bus is shutting down
After 15 years of chauffeuring beer lovers around town, Tampa Bay Brew Bus is ready to pump the brakes. The popular local brewery shuttle announced it will permanently shutdown operations Sunday, May 31.
Daily Eats closing in South Tampa next month for rebrand
After two decades serving hearty brunch as Daily Eats, the SoHo staple will close next month to make way for a new concept, owners announced Thursday on social media. The restaurant at 901 S Howard Ave. will be closed starting June 15 to reopen a few weeks later as Meeting House, “a neighborhood restaurant centered around lunch, dinner and weekend brunch,” per Daily Eats’ post. “A place where guests can ‘meet, eat… and repeat.’”
Tampa’s Two Shepherds Taproom is getting out of the dog bar business
Tampa’s first indoor-outdoor dog bar took to social media this afternoon to announce that the concept will soon cease to be a dog bar, and instead “pivot the taproom into a permanent event space.”
St. Pete beer staple Green Bench opens new location in downtown Tampa
After 13-years of serving craft brews in St. Pete, Green Bench Brewing Co. has crossed the Bay into Tampa. One of its trademark green benches popped up outside its new location at 200 N. Tampa St. a few weeks ago, and now it’s open for business in the former Pint and Brew spot next to Hotel Bar.
New sushi restaurant O-ku opens in South Tampa
Yet another fancy sushi joint has landed in Tampa. O-ku, the second Tampa concept from Charleston-based Indigo Road Hospitality Group, opens in Tampa May 21. It’s on the ground floor of the Bayshore Gardens building at 2909 W Bay to Bay Blvd., which also houses Jeannie Pierola’s Counter Culture and O-ku’s sibling restaurant, Maru. The Japanese-Peruvian concept opened on the rooftop last May.
New speakeasy 31 South opens in St. Petersburg Distillery
St. Petersburg Distillery now has a reason to stay after hours. The local distillery, located at 800 31st Street South, recently debuted 31 South, a hidden second-floor Prohibition-style lounge that’s now open Thursday through Saturday evenings from 6 to 11 p.m. “During the day, St. Petersburg Distillery is a place where guests can experience the spirit of St. Pete in our Spirits Garden, Welcome Salon, and tour Florida’s top craft distillery,” said Evan Brownstein, CEO of St. Petersburg Distillery, in a statement.
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This article appears in May 28 – June 03, 2026.
