Did successful restaurateurs around the state band together to start a sibling eatery revolution in Tampa Bay? We think so. This year saw the genesis of more than 15 offshoots from independent restaurants, and while some have opened, others, including Ciccio Restaurant Group’s Fresh Kitchen and Daily Eats mashup, are on their way. Want the outdoor, pup-friendly version of downtown St. Pete’s burger-and-franks hub, Engine No. 9? Engine Rose, just up the road, has you covered. Or maybe you’re looking for a laid-back small plates joint that offers the same exceptional experience as Bern’s Steak House in SoHo. You’ll find those qualities inside the neighborhood’s nearby Haven.
