24 essential Brandon and Riverview restaurants everyone should’ve tried by now

Egg’s Up Grill

3920 U.S.-Hwy 301, Riverview, 813-800-3447
The Black-owned breakfast place has become a franchise built on the fundamentals of family time over a plate of sweet blueberry pancakes.
Photo via Egg’s Up Grill/Facebook

Jimmy Jo’s

11218 Casa Loma Dr., Riverview, 813-405-8565
This small BBQ shack holds big flavors inside of its kitchen. Located right on the Alafia River, those cruising by on land or water can grab a bite of gator nuggets or St. Louis style pork ribs.
Photo via Jimmy Jo's/Google

Mandola’s Italian Kitchen

12926 U.S.-301 S, Riverview, 813-755-3587
A casual ambiance with Italian pasta plates made for fine dining is what customers will find when taking a seat at the green and red-colored eatery. Fresh complimentary focaccia sets your trip up for success, but taking a bite of traditional sweets or having a scoop of gelato to feel transported to the European coast truly rounds out any night at Mandola’s.
Photo via Mandola’s/Facebook

Tiki Docks

10708 Palmetto St., Riverview, 813-683-8454
Overlooking the Alafia River in the fast-growing suburb of Riverview is this tropical-themed restaurant that truly contrasts the country riverside surroundings. A raw bar with ahi-tuna poke and fresh oysters or the unique varieties of “Alafia Tacos” await patrons that enter the waterfront eatery.
Photo via Tiki Docks Website

Crazy Cafe

3883 U.S.-301, Riverview, 813-898-2839
Packed on any weekend, and my Christmas Day go-to, the casual hibachi joint has affordable sushi and perfectly crisped tofu (and for those that haven’t cooked with tofu, that’s a fairly difficult feat). It all keeps you coming back for more.
Photo via Google Maps

Datz

6264 Winthrop Town Centre Ave., Riverview, 813-535-7952
Trendy foods and next-level flavor combos are what you can expect at the local food spot that has surely taken up all of our Instagram feeds at some point. Grab a bite of As-Seen-On-TV entrees like the bacon-jalapeño mac stuffed meatloaf, or the “Cheesy Todd” –a burger with fried mac and cheese squares for buns.
Photo via Datz Website

Red Star Live

9847 E Adamo Dr., Tampa, 813-898-8506
After closing its original Seminole Heights location in the summer of 2021, music lovers of the suburbs are thankful to still have their newish local treasure. Fittingly placed next to Brandon’s Harley Davidson, the rock music bar has classic pub eats like burgers and wings best enjoyed on its live music-filled weekends.
Photo via Red Star Live Website

Babe’s Pizza

107 N Kings Ave., Brandon, 813-689-2282
This Brandon pizzeria is home to the double-decker pizza and a non-stop locomotive that makes its way around the restaurant. You can enjoy the unique pie with plenty of toppings, or take the simple route of a classic NY-style slice.
Photo via Google Maps

Beer Shed

11222 Casa Loma Dr., Riverview, 813-671-1885
A riverfront bar on the Alafia that has all things beer and small bar bites. Dock your boat to jam to the live music and karaoke on the weekends.
Photo via Beer Shed/Facebook

Bolay

1544 W Brandon Blvd. Unit 102, Brandon, 813-412-5085
These Asian-fusion bowls are crafted to your taste with bases like sweet potato noodles plus proteins such as miso-glazed tofu and Thai shrimp. But if you’re indecisive, there are plenty of pre-made combos to choose from.
Photo via Bolay/Instagram

Canopy Road Cafe

10254 Causeway Blvd., Riverview, 813-644-7079
Homestyle diner feel with hearty helpings to match, the spot is a haven of flavorful brunch dishes. For the sweet tooth, its pancakes are a must with the flavors that walk the line between breakfast guilty pleasure and dessert.
Photo via Canopy Road Cafe/Facebook

Donovan’s Meatery

11206 Sullivan St., Riverview, 813-295-8445
An upscale extension to the creative minds behind Datz, the steakhouse serves signature steaks with extravagant sides such as au gratin potatoes and grilled butternut squash with a maple bourbon glaze.
Photo via Donovan’s Meatery/Facebook

Fred’s Market

6501 U.S. Hwy-301, Riverview, 813-741-9101
It doesn’t get more country than Fred’s Market, a southern buffet with Plant City roots. The market table is filled with golden-fried chicken and all kinds of daily specials that may be difficult to tackle in just one trip.
Photo via Fred’s Market/Facebook

Riverview Fresh Market

9613 U.S. Hwy-301, Riverview, 813-374-2353
Go down the hot bar line to create a platter with Latin specialties like bacalao guisado and arroz con gandules after filling up your cart with lots of Latin goods from the shelves. Trucks of freshly cut coconuts to sip on and mini churro carts on your way out makes a trip to this market more exciting than your local Publix.
Photo via Google Maps

Pho Loc Tho

11262 Boyette Rd., Riverview, 813-570-6163
The Vietnamese restaurant carries pho steaming hot enough to warm the soul and specialty fresh spring rolls to cool you down.
Photo via Pho Loc Tho/Facebook

Smokin’ Pig BBQ

3834 U.S. Hwy-301, Riverview, 813-512-2500
Barbecue buffs and banana pudding lovers should flock to the spot where “low and slow” is the kitchen’s motto. Stop in for sensationally spiced hickory-smoked meats with plenty of traditional sides to choose from (the five-cheese mac and sweet cornbread my personal favorites).
Photo via Google Maps

TBD Cafe @ 301

3840 U.S.-Hwy 301 S, Riverview, 813-420-0013
Quick bites of Pinoy favorites and bubble tea in fun flavors like lychee dragon pearls and Sunshine Colada makes this spot a hidden gem bursting with flavor.
Photo via Google Maps

Tibby’s New Orleans Kitchen

1721 W Brandon Blvd., Brandon, 813-315-8443
It’s Mardi Gras year-round for those that step foot in the New Orleans-style restaurant. Its fried catfish po’boys and shrimp and andouille gumbo are not complete without a good few splashes of the housemade Louisiana hot sauce. And of course, don’t forget to take home a bag of pillowy (and messy) beignets.
Photo via Tibby’s/Instagram

Truly Greek

887 E Bloomingdale Ave., Brandon, 813-324-7933
Run by a local family with deep Grecian roots, Truly Greek's menu has all the Mediterranean staples, including the no-brainer hummus alongside the chicken shawarma platter. The tangy Greek potato salad is what makes it different from the rest.
Photo via Google Maps

Tuk Tuk Thai

10471 Gibsonton Dr., Riverview, 813-442-6557
Family-owned to ensure every dish is served with lots of care, this Thai spot is the place to call and satisfy all your take-out cravings. Indulge in every flavor of rich curry and some Thai doughnuts with pandan custard to close out your meal.
Photo via Google Maps