Yelp is a controversial word around the Bay area lately, after Tampa restaurant Hales Blackbrick filed a lawsuit against a user who left a negative review. The suit is another example of how a restaurant can be so tied to its reputation online—and that rings true with these Tampa Bay area eateries loved so deeply by local and visiting foodies alike.
The following 20 culinary destinations have earned their spot in a June 2025 search of Yelp’s top “hot and trendy” restaurant list around Tampa, plus eastern parts of Hillsborough County. They are listed here from No. 20 to No. 1.
They include Michelin-recommended staples, chains, local ramen shops, breakfast nooks, pubs and more all highly rated by Yelpers.
Sacred Pepper
15405 N Dale Mabry Hwy., TampaSacred Pepper is my favorite restaurant in the Tampa area. They have awesome selections of wine/cocktails, shareable plates, dinner entrees, sides, after dinner drinks and delicious desserts. The chef’s menu is a symphony of flavors. The restaurant itself has a pleasant ambiance and is tastefully decorated. Very comfortable chairs and a gorgeous bar area. The service staff at Scared Pepper is “Exceptional” and everyone is so friendly, attentive, efficient, knowledgeable, and very welcoming. —Ken V Credit: Photo via SacredPepper/Facebook
Kyoto Ramen
11417 N Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa,I came here for my birthday. As someone who is particular about what goes in their ramen i absolutely loved their make your own bowl. My friends all picked different types and we were just quiet as we ate because we got lost in the sauce. Our server was very sweet and made the experience all the better. The location is central to dale Mabry and inside is a beautifully decorated small place. Will def come back. —Grace J Credit: Photo via KyotoRamen/Facebook
Blaze Pizza
5114 E Fowler Ave. Ste. 103, TampaBlaze Pizza offers a great fast-casual dining experience with customizable, made-to-order pizzas cooked in an open-flame oven. One of these locations’ standout features is the spacious parking, making it easy to find a spot without hassle. The curbside pickup is also smooth and efficient, allowing for a quick and convenient grab-and-go experience.
—Silas M Credit: Photo via LoopNet
Tampa Karaoke VIP
930 E Fletcher Ave., TampaWe had a great time hanging out for karaoke. The room itself was spacious and we were able to find all the songs we wanted. Heads up: you are searching on an iPad (through YouTube) for your karaoke songs. We felt like it was still more fun than doing karaoke at home since we were able to scream and shout without getting a noise complaint. Service at the bar was quick as well which was great.
—Ansley D Credit: Photo via TampaKaraokeVip/Facebook
Twisted Sprocket Cafe
16950 Vibrant Way, Land O’ LakesI went there today with my dad for lunch. Super cute, tucked back away from the main road. The menu is simple and very affordable. The cafe is clean and quaint. Two booths and a few tables inside. Outdoor seating is available. Outside was my favorite. —Kelly L Credit: Photo via twistedsprocketcafe/Instagram
Via Italia Woodfired Pizza & Bar
8644 Hunters Village Rd., TampaOne of the best pizza and Italian restaurants in Tampa Bay and it’s so close to our home! I also love their happy hour deals that spices through $5 Italian Cocktails. We love over-ordering and taking pizza home because they are just as good the second day and after! The staff is always friendly and it is a good place for family as well as date nights because the bar is always bumping! —Jisoo B Credit: Photo via ViaItaliaTampa/Facebook
Noble Crust (Wesley Chapel)
28330 Paseo Dr.,Wesley ChapelWe went to Noble Crust for a friend’s birthday, and it was a great experience. The service was awesome. Our server was super attentive and gave us the best recommendations. I went with her suggestion and got a salad with grilled chicken, and it was delicious! Everything tasted fresh and well balanced. The sangria was really good too, super refreshing. Overall, the food was great and the vibe was nice. I’ve heard their brunch menu is amazing, so I’ll definitely be back to try it! —Maria Gabriela M Credit: Photo via Noble Crust
Otsuka Ramen
6800 N Dale Mabry Hwy., TampaI’ve visited this place multiple times, and it never disappoints. They offer a diverse selection of ramen, including a veggie broth option for those who prefer non-pork choices. The fries are a must-try–crispy and flavorful. I always enjoy coming here and highly recommend it, 10/10. —Susan F Credit: Screengrab via Google Maps
Noble Crust
11618 N Dale Mabry Hwy., TampaI went for brunch with my family. I ordered the Strawberry Cheesecake French toast. Every dish that we ordered came out fresh and hot . The Mimosa was a fine touch in the end. I loved this place. The staff was friendly and professional. We did not wait long for the food. I loved it. I do recommend this place. In the end 5 stars for a great brunch place, clean both in the eating area and bathroom. The atmosphere was inviting and the staff were welcoming. —Betsy G Credit: Photo via Noble Crust
Cali Tampa Palms
17004 Palm Pointe Dr.,TampaThis place makes you feel great after eating a great meal. All the dishes feel fresh, healthy, and delicious. The staff is incredible. Service is quick. They had live music while I was there outside. They have plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. This is my first time at this location, as I normally go to the St Pete location which is just as great. —Gabriela P Credit: Photo via CALI – South Tampa, Tampa Palms, St. Pete, Brandon/Facebook
Maple Street Biscuit Company – Carrollwood
13028 N Dale Mabry Hwy., TampaFound this hidden gem while I was waiting around in the area. Who doesn’t want to eat a biscuit?! Maple is simple but has a variety of choices. Went with the breakfast options. Being a fan of the Food Network, had to choose the Squawking Goat. Goat cheese, chicken, biscuit and pepper jelly all in one bite. Yum! Only downside I wish the pepper jelly was spicy. They clearly advertised it wasn’t so I can’t be mad. OJ looked good but didn’t get a chance to try it. For the next time. —Valerie N Credit: Screengrab via Google Maps
The Fat Rabbit Pub
16029 Tampa Palms Blvd. W, TampaWow. Stopped here on our way to Gainesville. Food is AMAZING! I had the Blackened Chicken Roll. I am pretty sure they went out back and picked the peppers fresh and sautéed them up with some onions and tomatoes. My sister had the Caesar salad which she said was awesome. Hubby ordered the quesadillas but when they were delivered, they had a cheddar jack cheese blend and he cannot have cheddar. The menu did not say cheddar. Our server handled it either ease, and brought him something else. All in all a great experience! Highly recommend! —Tammy B Credit: Screengrab via Google Maps
Fresh Kitchen New Tampa
8648 Hunters Village Rd., TampaFinally a good healthy food place in the neighborhood. Fresh Kitchen serves up some tasty bowls with organic and hormone free meats along with their veggie options. The build your bowl option was great and chose the blackened chicken with brown rice with spinach. Sweet potatoes etc. just perfection. The store itself is clean and new and service was good. —Lori N Credit: Photo via eatfreshkitchen.com
Rooster & the Till
6500 N Florida Ave. TampaA must visit in Tampa! The flavors here are very unique and interesting. Things that you wouldn’t think go together work well here. And while the presentation is stunning, the quality and flavor of the dishes supersede it. The cobia collar dish is a must order – the Vietnamese dipping sauce pairs well with the fried, flakiness of the cobia. And they do dessert excellently here! Genius and innovative pairings. The vibe is also chill, yet elevated – which I think is very hard to pull off. Service is very inviting and genuine. A great spot all around. —Danessa D Credit: PHOTO SKYLER JUNE C/O ROOSTER & THE TILL
Sogna Napoli Trattoria & Pizzeria
12913 N Dale Mabry Hwy., TampaI sat at the bar area and this is the most Italian pizzeria I have been too and it was amazing. I got the Margherita 12″ pizza and I cannot explain how good it was. I really havent had woodfired pizza too often in my life, however this is the best I have tried so far. The place isnt too big but the bar seating makes up for it. If you sit at the bar closer towards the oven, you will have a front row seat to the amazing pies they make. The service was amazing, both individuals checked on me to make sure everything was good. This place will be very tough to resist and I certainly will be back. —Pathik P Credit: Photo via Sogna Napoli Trattoria & Pizzeria/Facebook
Drip Kratom, Kava, Vapor & Brew Bar
6166 Gunn Hwy., TampaEvery time I have come here it’s always a great experience from the service and the ambiance. I love trying new drinks and I’m always asking the staff for their recommendations. They are always happy to help and friendly service. If anyone is looking for new drinks nonalcoholic or alcoholic, def check out Drip! —Lc C Credit: Photo via DRIPTampa/Facebook
Blush Wine Room
5863 Goldview Pkwy. Unit No. 107, Wesley Chpael“Very cool place located at the Krates in the Grove in Wesley Chapel. This place is a wine bar, you can order by the glass or bottle. There also have a wine wall where you can get a card and pay by volume to try lots of different wines. They also have some light food available. There’s a couple places to sit inside like the bar area and some nice tables outside. At the Krates you can purchase alcohol and walk around. Very friendly and knowledgeable staff.”
—Lara T Credit: Photo via blushwineroom/Facebook
Top Shelf Sports Lounge (Wesley Chapel)
3173 Cypress Ridge Blvd., Wesley ChapelNever have I enjoyed eating at a hockey rink more! The food is amazing. Brunch, yess please, bottomless mimosas say less. The service is spot on. We came for a hockey tournament, I had multiple restaurants saved to try, but Top Shelf kept calling us back. There is so much great food that we did brunch, lunch, and dinner here during our stay, and not once we’re we disappointed. Would come here even if we didn’t have hockey. The ambiance is loud and fun. You can sit and watch the rink below —Kay C Credit: Photo via TSSLWesleyChapel/Facebook
Mango’s Cafe and Specialty Store
9718 N 56th St.,Temple TerraceI could honestly eat here every day, that’s how good the food is! This isn’t your every day chain restaurant, this is a family owned establishment and the food is clearly cooked with love! I love the owner here, she is truly an angel. The Southern Fried Catfish was unbelievably delicious and cooked to absolute perfection. Best catfish I have EVER had in my life! The collard greens were perfect, the dirty rice was SO flavorful and the scratch made cornbread is heavenly! They are busy on the weekends but the food is worth EVERY bit of the wait, and they are opening a new and bigger location soon! I would give them 100 stars if I could, I already can’t wait to come back. —Brittany B Credit: Photo via Mangoscafetampa/Facebook
c. 1949
6905 N Orleans Ave., Tampa“The vibe inside was chill but cozy, with just enough cool lighting to make you feel cute but not like you’re in a nightclub (thankfully). Definitely a great spot to post up with a pint and unwind.” —Madison C Credit: Photo via c1949/Facebook