This year has thrown a wrench into a pastime that for so many years we took for granted: eating out without feeling paranoid. Even with this new reality, incredible restaurants have continued to pop up across Tampa Bay; this list breaks down some of the best. No matter how delicious these spots look, make sure to check out their COVID-19 guidelines before deciding to pay them a visit.

Wild Child Restaurant & Cocktail Bar 2710 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, (813) 769-9983 Take a visit to bistro and cocktail bar Wild Child and enjoy meals ranging from a tomato and peach salad to a Korean Fried Chicken Sandwich, all while relaxing under the restaurant’s covered patio space. Photo via Wild Child Restaurant & Cocktail Bar/Facebook
Wicked Oak Barbecue 6607 N. Florida Ave., Tampa, FL, (813) 304-2425 Evolving from a food truck, this Seminole Heights barbecue joint provides an endless supply of classic dishes, including loaded mac and cheese, BBQ fries and nachos, and pulled chicken and pork sandwiches. Photo via Wicked Oak Barbecue/Facebook
Rome + Fig Global Bistro 317 N. Rome Ave., Tampa, (813) 253-3353 With a sleek design inspired by rustic Napa Valley bistros, Rome + Fig’s offers a wide array of options in both its dinner and brunch menus. Enjoy some octopus fritters while seated on the turf patio or the open-kitchen dining room. Photo via Rome + Fig Global Bistro/Facebook
Hip Hop Crab Bar 4924 E. Busch Blvd., Tampa, (813) 284-7500 Hip Hop Crab Bar is just getting off the ground, yet already offers many delicious options, including cajun, garlic butter, Caribbean curry, and lemon pepper crab bowls. Enjoy live music and a relaxed vibe when you drop by. Photo via Hip Hop Crab Bar
Pickford’s Counter 2606 W. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa, (813) 769-9983 Paying homage to Tampa history, Pickford’s Counter offers a classic, yet quirky dining experience, with dishes like their “Damn Good Grilled Cheese” and Chicago-style hotdog. Photo via Pickford’s Counter/Facebook
Fly Bar + Restaurant 442 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, (813) 803-8550 After the original Fly Bar closed in 2018, this new location provides a balanced menu with something for everybody. The restaurant also features a spacious, dog-friendly patio. Photo via Two Fly Bar + Restaurant/Instagram
Chicky Chicky Bang Bang 4110 Henderson Blvd., Tampa, (813) 443-1822 A fried chicken concept from Tampa Pizza Co., Chicky Chicky Bang Bang offers 9 different variations of a fried-chicken sandwich, in addition to several unique mac & cheese dishes. Photo via Chicky Chicky Bang Bang/Facebook
Mumu Kitchen 1910 N. Ola Ave., Tampa, (813) 857-1121 This Filipino restaurant is curbside and delivery only, centering around the Pinoy tradition of “baon,” where the host would prepare enough food for guests to take home. Once you do make it back home, enjoy delicious dishes like steam fried wings, adobo spare ribs and pancit.Photo via Mumu Kitchen/Facebook
Naked Farmer 615 Channelside Dr., Tampa, 813-553-7106 This veggie-forward concept opened up its Tampa location this year after starting out in St. Petersburg. It offers items such as a pecan kale caesar, a red-wine braised short rib, and a watermelon mint and feta salad. Photo via Naked Farmer/Facebook Credit: Naked Farmer/Facebook
The Hatchery 201 N. Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa, (813) 492-5342 The Hatchery uses hormone-free chicken to craft its different menu options, which include the Sunrise burger breakfast sandwich, made with two eggs, cheddar cheese, and hickory-smoked bacon. Parents with children 12 and under mustn’t fear – they can pick out something from the “little chicks” menu. Photo via The Hatchery/Facebook
The Industry 119 South Collins St., Plant City (813) 756-6955 The purpose of The Industry, which opened its doors in July, is to connect with local business-owners and community members through great food and live entertainment. The menu reflects this, with plenty of classic local dishes, with some nods to the owners’ Serbian roots as well. Photo via The Industry/Facebook
Oronzo Honest Italian 18027 Highwoods Preserve Pkwy., Tampa, (813) 730-0100 This fast-casual Italian restaurant opened over the summer and has been providing classic Italian dishes with ample options for vegetarians. Get both your hands around a piadina, which Oronzo describes as an Italian burrito. Photo via Oronzo Honest Italian/Facebook
Side Piece 587 Main St, Dunedin, @sidepiecedunedin on Instagram A casual, order-at-the-counter concept by The Restorative, Side Piece is centered around paninis like the Fungus Amungus, made with herb goat cheese and roasted mushrooms. Photo via Side Piece/Facebook
Koya Sushi 807 W. Platt St., Tampa, 813-284-7423 Koya is Tampa’s first omakase-only restaurant, which means customers allow the chefs to select whatever dishes they want off the menu. Koya has only eight seats and requires reservations to provide a truly intimate experience with the chefs. Photo via C/O Noble Rice