If you haven't seen downtown Tampa since the last Super Bowl, you may be surprised. New restaurants and condos (albeit somewhat empty condos) have sprung up. There's hope in the air, and even some pedestrians on the sidewalks. Channelside is fun, if a bit pre-packaged. And for a side of Tampa not shown on the map, check out the charming restaurants of the Davis Islands district just east of downtown, including the accomplished Mediterranean-influenced cuisine at Chez Bryce.
1. Cafe Hey. Clever sandwiches and homemade soups in a funky neighborhood coffeehouse ambience. 1540 N. Franklin St., 813-221-5150.
2. Fly Bar and Restaurant. Inventive meals combine with an urban vibe and beautiful people in this pioneering outpost on the north edge of downtown. Try a drink on the rooftop at sundown. 1202 N. Franklin St., 813-275-5000, flybarandrestaurant.com.
3. Taps. Located on the street level of downtown's shiny new Skypoint condo, Taps is part wine bar, part beer emporium, with lots of pretty people, tasty sandwiches and an expansive sidewalk patio. 777 N. Ashley Drive, 813-463-1968, tapswineandbeer.com.
4. Jerk Hut. A bit of Jamaican heaven in a tiny, cramped downtown space, serving jerked meats, including goat, oxtails and amazing curried chicken. 207 E. Twiggs St., 813-223-4473.
5. Spain. Elegant tapas in a sleek white space, a downtown mainstay. 513 Tampa St., 813-223-2831, www.tomaspain.com.
6. Bamboozle. A popular new spot for fresh, healthy Vietnamese sandwiches, soups and spring rolls. 516 N. Tampa St., 813-223-7320, bamboozlecafe.com.
7. Malio's Prime. Steaks are the stars in this relocated Tampa landmark. 400 N. Ashley Drive, 813-223-7746, maliosprime.com.
8. FirstWatch. Downtown's best breakfast. 520 N. Tampa St, 813-307-9006, firstwatch.com.
9. Eddie & Sam's. Best chicken parm sub in the city. 203 E Twiggs St., 813-229-8500, eddieandsamspizza.com.
10. Jackson's Bistro. Sure, it's got good food and stunning views of downtown and its waterways. But Jackson's is more famous as the hot happy-hour destination for hooking up with office-working honeys and hunks. 601 S. Harbour Island Blvd., 813-277-0112, jacksonsbistro.com.
11. Café Dufrain. A Harbour Island contemporary fusion bistro with views of downtown across Garrison Channel. 707 Harbour Post Drive, 813-275-9701, cafedufrain.com.
12. Mise en Place. One of Tampa's culinary trendsetters is just across the river from downtown. 442 W. Kennedy Blvd., 813-254-5373, miseonline.com.
13. Smoke Barbeque & Grill. Worth a detour from downtown for ample servings of delicious barbecue. 901 W. Platt St., 813-254-7070, smokeonplatt.com.
14. Zelda's Café & Deli. This BP gas station car wash was converted into dining space to serve as an independently owned option for a quick meal for the new residents of the Channel District. 1239 E. Kennedy Blvd., 813-226-0257.
15. The Hut. The sports bar formerly known as Newk's. 514 Channelside Drive, 813-307-6395.
16. Channelside. A waterfront complex with an outdoor-mall vibe and plenty of options. Besides the predictable charms of Hooters and Bennigan's, there's the bowling alley/pool hall/restaurant Splitsville; the dueling-pianos party atmosphere at How at the Moon; the steakhouse offerings of Gallagher's, plus tastes of Thai, tapas and more. 615 Channelside Drive, channelsidebayplaza.com.
DAVIS ISLANDS
Chez Bryce. The accomplished Mediterranean-influenced cuisine of chef-owner Bryce Whittlesey is worth a trip to the charming Davis Islands district just east of downtown. 238 E. Davis Blvd., 813-258-8100, chezbryce.com.
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This article appears in Jan 21-27, 2009.