There’s been an explosion of food news, openings, closings and expansions in 2019. You name it, Tampa Bay experienced it all this year. Although we had to say goodbye to some heavy hitters (Anise, The Refinery, CDB Pizza) and some short lived concepts (Amigos Tortilla Bar, The Artisan and Florida Eats), we welcomed plenty more.

Here’s the list of the best new restaurants around Tampa Bay. 

7th + Grove 1930 E. 7th Ave., Ybor City. This restaurant offers decadent brunch, lunch and dinner options. The concept, which earned a four-star review from CL’s food critic Jon Palmer Claridge (JPC), has been thriving since its launch this summer, and we’re riding the hype wave. Photo via 7th + Grove/Facebook
Baba 2701 Central Ave., St. Petersburg This restaurant is linked with a bakery, so it’s no surprise that JPCencourages getting dessert, “The baklava is everything that you could wish. The parchment-like paper thin phyllo is brown and crisp, the nutty spice filling sweetened with honey is gooey and luscious without throwing the whole thing out of whack.” Photo via Baba/Facebook
Barterhouse 1811 N. 15th St. Ste A, Ybor City. The new kid on the block just opened this month in Ybor City. The windows are tinted, so you can escape into an upscale bar lounge and restaurant without being seen from the street. Spring for a platter of oysters, and leave your cocktail in order in the bartender’s hands. Photo via Barterhouse/Facebook
Cass St. Deli 1331 W. Cass St, North Hyde Park. We finally got to welcome a brick-and-mortar location for the deli with a cult following, and we’re thrilled about it. Beware, this is a fairly small space that gets incredibly packed at lunchtime and tends to sell out of its most popular items. Photo via Cass St. Deli/Facebook
Dixie Dharma Armature Works, 1910 N. Ola Ave. Ste 113, Tampa Heights. The Orlando vegan joint launched a satellite location within Armature Works food hall where it basically serves over-the-top vegan junk food for the masses. Photo via Dixie Dharma/Instagram
Forbici Modern Italian 1633 W Snow Ave., Hyde Park. Locals and Hyde Park residents took to Forbici like fish to water. The concept recently launched a pizza window that lets you slide by for a slice while you’re around shopping and exploring the village. Photo via Forbici Modern Italian/Facebook
GenX Tavern 103 E. Jackson St., Tampa. Talk about nostalgic eats and decor. Gen X is packed with ‘80s and ‘90s memorabilia and murals loaded with names of beloved shows, (boy) bands and movies from back in the day. Photo via Gen X Tavern/Instagram
King of the Coop 6607 N. Florida Ave., Seminole Heights. he Nashville hot chicken fast-casual restaurant took home two 2019 Best of the Bay awards. Can’t handle the heat? Stick to The Biddy; it’s got no heat while staying packed with flavor. Photo via King of the Coop/Facebook
M. Bird Armature Works, 1910 N. Ola Ave., Tampa Heights. This rooftop bar is 21 & up, so it’s basically the only kid-free zone at Armature Works. In his four-star review, our critic recommended the skewered steak pinchos, saying, “The meat is nicely pink and juicy and the sauce pops without overwhelming the beefy goodness.” Photo via M. Bird/Facebook
Meat Market 1606 W. Snow Ave., Hyde Park. Time to break the piggy bank for date night. But if you don’t have the bread for fat steak and seafood dishes, then spring for happy hour to get the experience without the hefty bill. Photo via Meat Market/Facebook
Oak & Ola Armature Works, 1910 N. Ola Ave., Tampa Heights. With James Beard Award winner Anne Kearney as chef, this CL four-star restaurant will help you escape, and may leave you like our critic in his visit, “the pork schnitzel á la Holstein leaves me gobsmacked. The breading is crisp, the meat is juicy and the fried egg, fresh white anchovy, and lemon-caper butter garnishes represent the high finesse level that this kitchen embodies.” Photo via Oak & Ola/Facebook
Psomi 701 N. Howard Ave., Tampa. The highly-anticipated Greek restaurant and bakery serves classic dishes and fresh baked bread daily. There’s even patio seating complete with a fireplace. Photo via Psomi/Instagram
Salt Shack on the Bay 5415 W. Tyson Ave., Tampa. Talk about views with your eats. Come for the daiquiris and shrimp, stay for the sunset. Photo via Salt Shack on the Bay/Facebook
Tostones Inc. 5831 Memorial Hwy., Tampa. Finally, a brick-and-mortar for the long-beloved food truck. Get your to tostones fix and grab a seat. Photo via Tostones Inc./Facebook
Social House 6310 N. Florida Ave., Seminole Heights. Seminole Heights’ first sports bar has been a hit in its few months of business. Plant-based eaters: Go for the fried cauliflower. Photo via Social House/Facebook
Rocca 323 W Palm Ave, Tampa Heights. The Italian concept cranks out hand-made pasta, a fat selection of vinos, tableside mozzarella and views of Tampa’s skyline. Photo via Rocca/Instagram
Sonder Social Club 966 Douglas Ave. Unit 101, Dunedin. JPC dropped a four-star review of Dunedin’s only craft cocktail bar where you can’t go wrong with the bao buns, “stuffed with lush shreds of slow braised beef short rib that beautifully contrasts with complex crunchy ginger-carrot-daikon slaw topped by fresh cilantro leaves.” Photo via Sonder Social Club/Facebook
Stone’s Throw 304 W. 7th Ave, Tampa Heights. Get ready for waterfront eats (get the calamari) and must-have sips right next-door to Armature Works. Photo via Stone’s Throw/Facebook
Whiskey Cake 2223 N. Westshore Blvd., Tampa. This massive whiskey library will have you leaving International Plaza in an Uber. Another new concept that walked away with a 4-star review. Photo via Whiskey Cake/Facebook
Tropez 437 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. Small plates with bold flavors ensure Tropez a place on this list — the joint’s four-star review from our critic goes a long way, too. Photo via Tropez/Facebook
Ground Foods Cafe 6428 N. Florida Ave., Seminole Heights. he vegetarian-vegan Italian concept landed in Seminole Heights offering up pastas, bowls and the option to add cheese with dairy to your entree. Photo via Ground Foods Cafe/Facebook
Mole Y Abuela 1202 N. Franklin St, Tampa. Remember Fly Bar? Mole Y Abuela snagged the prime rooftop bar real estate and opened in January. Photo via Mole Y Abuela/Facebook
Shaker & Peel 3159 Curlew Rd., Oldsmar. This taco-driven restaurant also pours heavy margs from its full bar. Photo via Shaker & Peel/Facebook