If you're gonna live in Tampa, you have to eat like a Tampeño.
Last summer, the Florida Legislature estimated that 850 people are moving to the Sunshine State every day and that Tampa is their top destination. That'a a lot of people that need a proper introduction to our vast dining scene.
So, before you apply for that new driver's license, be sure to check a few of these places off your list.
20 Tampa Bay restaurants every new resident needs to try to call themselves a local
By Tyana Rodgers on Thu, Mar 2, 2023 at 2:52 pm
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Ricks on the River
2305 N Willow Ave., Tampa, 813-251-0369Oysters, cold beer and waterfront views are the main attractions at Ricks on the River. This no-frills institution is the last stop on the Pirate Taxi and it’s also a great place to catch live music.
Photo via Rick’s on the River/Facebook
Al’s Finger Licking Good Bbq
1609 Angel Oliva Senior St, Ybor City, 813-956-0675Get some extra napkins before you dive into this Tennessee style barbecue. Al’s went from just a concession stand in 2003, to a full-on to a sit-in restaurant in 2009. The meat forward menu has plenty of favorites like ribs, chicken, smoked sausage and Aunt Beulah’s special pork.
Photo via Google Maps
Antojitos Latin Cravings
2302 W Columbus Dr., Tampa, 813-251-9688For over 25 years Antojitos has been serving up classic Colombian dishes. The menu spans Cuban sandwiches and various baked goods like chicharrón De Guayaba and pan de yuca.
Photo via Antojitos Latin Cravings/Facebook
Big Ray’s Fish Camp
Multiple LocationsKnown for devil crab and lobster corn dogs, Big Ray’s is probably the best and safest spot to get an authentic grouper sandwich in Tampa. The spot was featured on the Canadian food network on the show “Big Food Bucket List” and has been around since 2015.
Photo via Big Ray’s Fish Camp/Facebook
Carmine’s
1802 E 7th Ave., Ybor City, 813-248-3834Located in the heart of historic Ybor City, Carmine’s has been a Tampa Bay favorite since its debut in 1948. The cuisine is a blend of Spanish, Italian, Cuban and American, and features everything from devil crab, Cuban sandwiches and more.
Photo via Google Maps
King of the Coop
Multiple LocationsKing of The Coop, the rapidly expanding king of Nashville chicken in Tampa, started out in Seminole Heights but now has multiple locations all over the Bay, including South Tampa, Wesley Chapel and St. Petersburg. Obviously, chicken sandwiches wear the crown here, but don’t skimp on the chicken and waffles or mac & cheese.
Photo via King Of The Coop/Facebook
La Segunda Bakery
Multiple LocationsLa Segunda Bakery, the world’s largest producer of Cuban bread, is a staple in the Tampa community. Besides baking up arguably the best Cuban bread in the area, the restaurant's menu also features salads, empanadas, and cafe con leche.
Photo via La Segunda Bakery/Facebook
La Teresita
3248 W Columbus Dr., Tampa, 813-879-9704Before his death, Anthony Bourdain ate at La Teresita, twice. From blue collar workers, to politicians and Tampa business big shots, on any given day or hour you'll run into just about anybody at this classic Cuban diner.
Photo via Google Maps
Mel’s Hot Dogs
4136 E Busch Blvd., Tampa, 813-985-8000Easily, one of the best places to get a hot dog in the Bay, Mel’s has been serving up dogs since 1973 (that’s 50 years!), and is known for its all beef Chicago-style hot dogs served on a steamed poppy seed bun with all the fixins’
Photo via Google Maps
Saigon Deli
3858 W Waters Ave., Tampa, 813-887-3888A local favorite with a cult-like following, Saigon Deli is the place to go for classic Vietnamese meals like pho and vermicelli. The spot also offers four varieties of Banh Mi including meatballs, roast beef, pate and head cheese and roast pork.
Photo via Google Maps
SuperNatural Food & Wine
305 E Polk St., Tampa, 813-758-6230It’s hard to miss, but SuperNatural’s downtown walk-up window is home to what celebrity chef Alton Brown says are the best breakfast sandwiches he’s ever had. They also make a mean cider donut, and don’t forget about the extensive selection of wines.e selection of wine, but if you're on the go you can grab one of the office lunch packs.
Photo via SuperNatural Food & Wine/Facebook
Tacoson
Multiple LocationsServing up authentic northern-style Mexican cuisine, Tacoson is a family-owned Institution that originated from Sonora, Mexico. Items like quesadillas, flautas and tacos can be found on the menu, but one of the unsung heroes here is the Sanora-style hot dog.
Photo via Google Maps
Ulele
1810 N Highland Ave., Tampa, 813-999-4952Soak up the views of the Hillsborough River while indulging in fresh oysters at Ulele. The native-inspired menu features everything from scallops to alligator, and covers a wide range of cocktails and wines. It’s also one of the best spots along Tampa’s downtown Riverwalk.
Photo via Google Maps
Wat Mongkolratanaram Temple
5306 Palm River Rd., Tampa, 813-621-1669This Sunday drive-thru experience is a weekly ritual for quite a few Tampenos. For over 30 years Wat Mongkolratanaram Temple has been offering this service, with menu items like various soup options, pad thai, empanadas and crab rangoon.
Photo via Wat Mongkolratanaram/Facebook
West Tampa Sandwich Shop
3904 N Armenia Ave., Tampa, 813-873-7104Many will argue that West Tampa Sandwich Shop makes the best Cubans in the Bay, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a regular lunch stop for locals, but the spot received national attention when former President Barack Obama popped in and raved about it. Because of this visit, guests can now grab the honey-dipped “Obama Cuban.”
Photo via
Bern’s Steak House
1208 S Howard Ave, Tampa, (813) 251-2421Literally the hardest table to get in Tampa is Bern’s, known for their dry-aged steaks and having one of the largest private collections of wines in the world. This household name has been around since 1965, and offers a famously decadent dessert room that offers sweet treats like tiramisu and bananas foster.
Photo via Bern's Steakhouse/Facebook
Florida Bakery
3320 W Columbus Dr., Tampa, 813-870-0756For over 40 years, Florida Bakery has been serving the Tampa community, whipping up Cuban-style dishes like, frita (cuban burger), media noche and Café con Leche. If you have a sweet tooth the menu also features specialty cakes, choripan and churros.
Photo via Google Maps
The Columbia
2117 E 7th Ave, Ybor City, 813-248-4961Florida’s oldest restaurant is right here in Tampa. Covering an entire city block, the 116-year-old Columbia Restaurant spans all the bases of Spanish and Cuban-inspired dishes, like classic Cubans and massive plates of paella.
Photo via Google Maps
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