Without a doubt, 2022 was a great year for new eats in the Tampa Bay area, and it actually looks like 2023 might be even better. The menu for the next 12 months includes a new omakase hot spot from a Michelin-starred chef,  a high-end French bistro, an Austin-based taco chain and the “world’s largest pizza slices,” to name a few highlights. Here are a handful of the most exciting new restaurants coming to the Bay in 2023. 

Ash 1050 Water St, Tampa Back in July, Strategic Property Partners announced its newest concept, Ash, which will debut on the ground floor of Water Street Tampa’s Asher building, the district’s newest residential development. The new restaurant is brought to downtown Tampa by a familiar name: Proper House Group (PHG), the minds behind Rooster & The Till, Nebraska Mini-Mart and more. PHG said that its latest concept will specialize in Italian-inspired cuisine and boast an extensive outdoor patio. The 2,400 square-foot restaurant and its accompanying 1,000 square-foot patio will debut in the spring of 2023. Photo via Proper House Group
Kōsen 307 W Palm Ave., Tampa Bento already has a presence at Tampa Armature Works, but its owners have plans to try and bring New York and Tokyo vibes to a new restaurant across the street. Kōsen’s chef, Wei Chen, spent the last six years at Japanese restaurant Masa, a three-Michelin star concept in New York City’s Columbus Circle. A press release said Chen has plans to do a $250 per person, 18-course reservation-only omakase, which includes 12 nigiri pieces. The omakase will go down in a separate room that can accommodate 10 people at the sushi counter, and a separate dining room will accommodate 25 people who can partake in a 10-course, $150 per person chef’s tasting menu. Photo c/o Omei Restaurant Group
Flatbread and Butter 160 W Tyler St., Tampa Tampeños will soon get a taste of a downtown St. Pete favorite. Flatbread and Butter’s new cafe is slated to open by early 2023, and will feature a one-of-a-kind 3D printed coffee bar from Palm City company Printed Patio.The cafe and brunch spot is known for its variety of espresso drinks and matcha lattes, in addition to a small menu of burritos, loaded toasts, yogurt bowls, breakfast sandwiches, pizzas, and of course, flatbread. Photo via flatbreadandbutter/Instagram
Boulon Brasserie 1001 Water St., Tampa Boulon Brasserie, the latest concept from Next Level Brands, announced its plan to open at Water Street’s Thousand & One building in downtown Tampa last fall. The French bistro-style restaurant will serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a three-in-one space featuring a restaurant, bar, and cafe. The Brasserie joins other recently announced projects that are currently in the works—at various stages of development—for the new work-live-play waterfront neighborhood including Ohio-style pizza spot called Small Giant Bar & Restaurant and Wine on Water, a modern neighborhood wine and liquor shop with around 200 wines plus some spirits as well. Photo via Rockaway PR
Sunda New Asian Midtown Tampa Florida’s very first Sunda New Asian restaurant, slated to open in 2023, will occupy the space adjacent to The Loft and Element hotels at Midtown Tampa. Sunda is the culinary brainchild of actor, entrepreneur and restaurateur Billy Dec, who opened the flagship location in his hometown of Chicago. The Filipino actor, known for his work on shows like “Criminal Minds” and “Empire,” has several other businesses in addition to the restaurants. Dec also founded The Underground Nightclub and Cocktail Club and the advertising agency COACT, according to the biography on his website. Photo via Sunda New Asian/Facebook
Fatburger No exact address announced Last summer, Fatburger’s parent company announced that the popular burger chain plans a return to Tampa Bay. A total of four locations will open throughout Tampa over the next three years, according to a press release. While Fatburger is most known for its fresh, made-to-order burgers (and iconic rap references by Ice Cube and Biggie). other offerings on the menu include milkshakes, sides like fries and onion rings, chicken sandwiches, vegan options like it’s Impossible burger, and a keto-friendly bunless “skinny burger.” Photo via Fatburger/Facebook
Lost & Found 2420 Central Ave. St. Petersburg Joining the ranks of other highly-themed, late-night concepts in downtown St. Pete is Hunger Thirst’s newest bar and cocktail lounge—the nostalgia-driven Lost & Found. Expect a variety of throwback cocktails—like the pornstar martini complete with passionfruit, vodka, vanilla and lime—alongside a selection of local craft brews and expected domestic beers. The upcoming bar won’t offer a food menu like most of Hunger Thirst Group’s other concepts, but will host a variety of different food trucks in its outdoor, backyard area. Lost & Found joins Hunger Thirst Group’s six other concepts throughout Tampa Bay including The Avenue, Park & Rec, Tropicana Field’s Ballpark & Rec, Dirty Laundry, No Vacancy and the recently-opened Asian fusion restaurant Good Fortune. Photo via Lost & Found/Instagram
Late Start Brewing 1018 E Cass St., Tampa Last spring, the Tampa born-and-bred company started buildout on its upcoming brewery. The roughly 2,500 square-foot building formerly housed a convenience store and market. With its current home-base located inside of Pour House Tampa in the Channelside District, Late Start Brewing is no stranger to downtown Tampa. You can grab its collaborative ales, lagers and stouts at Pour House before its permanent location—only half a mile away from its current one.—opens The Late Start Brewing website states that its new brick-and-mortar will debut sometime in 2023. Photo via Late Start Brewing/Facebook
Torchy’s Tacos 2314 Tyrone Blvd. N, St. Petersburg If there’s any sign that Tampa Bay is becoming Austin, it’s Torchy’s Tacos opening its first Florida location in St. Petersburg. Torchy’s taco-focused menu consists of breakfast tacos, “damn good” tacos, items labeled under “not tacos,” sides, sweets and drinks. While hosting a multitude of different dishes centered around meat and cheese combos, Torchy’s also accommodates to all types of eaters with vegetarian options like its fried avocado taco and vegan dishes like its “Mofaux” taco with beyond beef and various veggies. Photo via torchystacos.com
Predalina 1011 E Cumberland Ave,Tampa Located on the bottom floor of the Cora building, Predalina is slated for an early 2023 debut. Future patrons can expect a full-service restaurant and bar that focuses on Mediterranean-style seafood, alongside a retail area that specializes in crafted tabletop wares and unique home décor. A press release from Strategic Property Partners says Predalina will have outdoor dining, a raw bar, wood-fired oven and wine cellar. The dining space spans almost 7,000 square-feet while its patio provides an extra 2,000 square-feet for Predalina’s future diners. Although the restaurant’s menu and other details haven’t been released yet, the Oxford Commons website states that its newest concept is “named after the owners’ great-grandmother, Predalina, and will be a nod to her long and prosperous life.” Photo via predalina.com
Cane & Barrel 110 2nd St. N., St. Petersburg Sunset views are highly coveted throughout The Burg’, and the city’s newest rooftop destination is headed right to the heart of downtown St. Pete. Cane & Barrel, a Cuban-inspired rooftop bar and cocktail lounge, is slated to open early 2023. The Burg’s newest rooftop bar will be located on the 8th floor of the 36-story hotel and apartment tower Ascent St. Pete. The new downtown destination will feature two separate bars—one on the inside and another on the terrace—and will be sure to offer Cuban-inspired signature cocktails that match its decor and ambiance. Rum will be star of the new rooftop bar’s menu, as the name itself is a homage to the spirit’s voyage from “cane” to “barrel.” Photo via Ascent St. Petersburg/Facebook
Wagamama 1050 Water St, Tampa The U.K.-based Asian restaurant chain is expanding to Florida, and plans to open in Water Street in 2023. The 4,200-square-foot restaurant will be feature all the classic dishes the chain is known for, like gyoza, noodle dishes, ramens, shareables and craft cocktails. Photo via Wagamama/Facebook
Noble Tavern 1650 Central Ave, St. Petersburg Coming in 2023, Noble Crust and Fat Beet Farm Kitchen & Bakery will join forces to bring a new concept, Noble Tavern. The “polished casual craft cocktail bar with creative culinary dishes” will have an atmosphere set to mimic that of an old world tavern and wrap it into a modern design, according to Noble Tavern’s Instagram. Noble Tavern will use locally-sourced farm fresh flavors of Fat Beet Farm and their southern hospitality to create a unique experience. Its menu will feature classic and craft cocktails, craft beer and barrel fresh wines. Photo via nobeltavern.com
Shaq’s Big Chicken opens May 6, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. Credit: Photo via Photo c/o All Points PR
Pete’s Ybor City No exact address announced One of The Burg’s favorite breakfast spots is making its journey across the bridge for an exciting—and slightly different—new concept. Popular bagel spot Pete’s Bagels will open a second location in Ybor City in spring 2023. Much different than its flagship storefront in St. Pete that closes at 2 p.m. daily, the new Pete’s in Ybor City will be an all-day cafe that offers sandwiches, coffee, espresso, salads, beer and wine alongside its beloved bagels. There’s no address, but it appears to be in between Fourth and Fifth Avenues near the intersection of Angel Oliva Senior Street. Photo via Pete’s Bagels/Facebook
Bouzy Hyde Park Village, Tampa Champagne and cocktail bar, Bouzy, is coming to Hyde Park Vilage. Cru Cellars owner Jennifer Bingham is behind the project scheduled to open on West Snow Avenue. According to Bouzy’s website, this forthcoming bar will be a prime location for date night, girls night out, or a little escape from the mundane. “Bouzy blends elevated elegance with poppy effervescence to embody the timeless spirit of our favorite drink. Our fizz-first menu features a thoughtfully curated selection of champagnes, pét-nats, craft cocktails, and small plates.” Photo via Bouzy/Facebook
Chef Tony Macaroni & Co. 5226 Gunn Hwy, Tampa Chef Tony Macaroni & Co. was previously at the Seminole Heights American Legion, but now the Brooklyn-born chef is moving north. Macaroni’s new restaurant will open at Tampa Food Park, Carrollwood’s eclectic collection of food trucks at 5226 Gunn Hwy. The restaurant will act as the park’s anchor spot, as all of its other concepts are either food trucks or trailers. Macaroni says there’ll be a large bistro-like outdoor patio, a beer and wine bar, a stage for entertainment, and ample parking. The menu will feature a few “fine dining” dishes like branzino, octopus salad, calamari and more. The new Carrollwood resto will also offer made-to-order personal pizzas and calzones, an aspect that their previous kitchen simply couldn’t handle. Photo via Chef Tony Macaroni & Co.
5 Bucks Drinkery 7402 49th St. N., Pinellas Park 5 Bucks Drinkery, known for cheap, yet stiff, drinks—will open its second location in Pinellas Park out of the former Pete and Shorty’s space. A grand opening party is set for January 2023. Signature drinks include the “Slutty Peter” cocktail with dragon berry rum, peach schnapps, pineapple juice and a splash of grenadine, and the “St. Peach Bomb” shot with peach vodka and tropical Red Bull. And if those fancy drinks don’t interest you, 5 Bucks still slings cheap shots of Fireball and other liquor. Photo via Five Bucks Drinkery/Facebook
Elevenses 1001 E Columbus Dr., Tampa If you’ve ever browsed any Indie Flea markets, then chances are that Elevenses’ colorful macarons have caught your eye. Well, the Tampa bakery is about to have a permanent home for its unique treats. Although an opening date isn’t set in stone, owner Jade Yelvington told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay that she’s aiming for an early 2023 debut in the V.M. Ybor neighborhood. Just a short scroll through its Instagram shows that the minds behind Elevenses can whip up any sweet treat imaginable from macarons and cookies to custom order cakes, cinnamon rolls, brownies and pies. Photo via Elevenses Co/Facebook
Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar No exact address announced The Chap is really coming out of its shell. Wesley Chapel’s dining scene is experiencing a boom with recently-opened hotspots like Krate and The Living Room, and its newest edition is sure to bring fresh seafood to ‘burbs. Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar will make its Tampa Bay debut with this upcoming Wesley Chapel location, but there’s no projected opening date just yet. The seafood chain boasts a casual atmosphere with a focus on local history and fishing culture. “Many people have passed in and out of our doors enjoying succulent local oysters and shrimp, shared local fishing or surfing stories and spent time just talking about the friendly beach comber atmosphere inside,” Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar’s website reads. Photo via Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar/Facebook
Raising Cane’s 2525 Gulf to Bay Blvd., Clearwater Yet another challenger has entered Tampa Bay’s ongoing and hotly contested tendy war. According to the Tampa Bay Business Journal, Louisiana-based restaurant chain Raising Cane’s, known for chicken tenders and sauces, purchased the Village Inn lot in Clearwater. Notably, the lot is directly across the street from a Chic-fil-A restaurant. It’s unclear when Raising Cane’s plans to open. But when it does, the concept will have to compete in an already saturated tendie market here in Tampa Bay. Photo via Late Start Brewing/Facebook Credit: Photo via Raising Cane's/Facebook
Toastique 1011 E Cumberland Ave, Tampa Earlier this month, Strategic Property Partners announced the addition of Toastique, slated to debut in early 2023. Know for its healthy breakfasts and grab-n-go options, Toastique boasts a menu full of loaded toasts topped with proteins like smoked salmon, Italian meats, sundried tomato tuna and honey-roasted peanut butter. The rest of its menu is filled with smoothies like the “Superfruit”—complete with acai, strawberry, banana, blueberry and apple juice— and cold-pressed juices like the “Defender,” made of orange, carrot, lemon, apple and tumeric. Photo via Toastique
Yard House 450 Channelside Dr, Tampa Popular beer bar chain Yard House is looking to open in downtown Tampa. Yard House features plenty of classic bar bites, as well as an extensive selection of vegan dishes made from plant-based brand Gardein. But most importantly, the big attraction here is the extensive beer list, which features over 100 beers on tap. The concept is owned by Darden Restaurant Group, which also owns Olive Garden, The Capital Grille, and LongHorn Steakhouse. As of now, no opening date has been determined. Photo via Yard House/Facebook Credit: Photo via Yard House/Facebook
Bonsai Beverage Co. 28929 U.S.-Hwy. 19 N, Clearwater New coffee house Bonsai Beverage Co. will hopefully open its first location in Clearwater in the coming months.The menu will feature small batch roasted coffee drinks and snacks. There are also plans to add home-brewed kombucha, kava, kratom, and kefir to the menu. This spot is co-owned by Ean Neville, Ian O’Neill, and Rachael Brinson, three Pinellas county-based beverage enthusiasts. “We formed Bonsai Beverage Co. in 2021 over drinking coffee that just didn’t taste quite right” Rachael told Creative Loafing Tampa Bay “We all collectively thought we could produce coffee with a better taste and better atmosphere.” Photo via Photo Via Bonsai Beverage Co.