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25 hidden gem restaurants only found in Tampa Bay strip malls

By Sofía García Vargas and Brandalynn Nuñez Cepeda on Fri, Jan 28, 2022 at 11:48 am

With expansive sprawl, comes near never-ending strip malls, and Tampa Bay has quite a few. And while standalone restaurants often get a lot of shine, some of the area's best eats are tucked away in unassuming shopping plazas, often sharing a wall with an adult book store or a vape shop. Tampa Bay has some serious heat tucked away in strip malls, here are some of our favorites.

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Mr. Dunderbak’s Brewpub

14929 Bruce B Downs Blvd., Tampa, 813-977-4104
Known for its “haus” brewed beers and traditional German platters, New Tampa’s Mr. Dunderbak’s is not intimidated by surrounding franchise eateries because who would choose a sub over schnitzel?
Photo via Google Maps

Dosunco Ramen

3310 W Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, 813-605-5741
Every ramen bowl comes with a variety of ingredients that blend together to create warm specialties perfect for a cold and rainy day. Their selection of sake and unique craft beer will also want to make you come into the only restaurant of this tiny strip mall.
Photo via Google Maps

Gulf Coast Sourdough Sandwich House

6703 N Florida Ave., Tampa, 813-304-1294
In between the fabulous Meketina and an ice cream shop, Gulf Coast Sourdough Sandwich House serves Tampa-style pressed breakfast and lunch sandwiches in which the owners combine old-fashioned techniques with modern tastes to produce flavor, texture, and character in every food item they make. Take a flyby to eat in the car on the way home, too.
Photo via Gulf Coast Sourdough Sandwich House/Facebook

K-Chicken and Grill

14380 N Dale Mabry Hwy., Tampa, 813-373-5842
In an area that seems to be occupied by restaurants only, K-Chicken and Grill stands out as its fried chicken is served with somewhat unconventional sauces like peanut and white onion, but also features Korean staples like bulgogi, bibimbap, and kimchi fried rice.
Photo via Google Maps

La V Vietnamese Fusion

441 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-820-3500
If you don’t look closely, you might miss this spot in a long strip of restaurants off Central Avenue. La V promises fresh ingredients and minimal use of grease fit for anyone looking for a healthy food approach.
Photo via La V - Vietnamese Fusion/Facebook

Queen of Sheba Ethiopian Restaurant

11001 N 56th St., Tampa, 813-872-6000
Between a yoga studio and a barber shop, Ethiopian fragrances, seasonings and warmth tempt restaurant guests to immerse in the exotic cuisine of the country. Most patrons don’t use utensils, opting instead to sop and scoop up their meal with injera bread to get the full experience. The grab-your-own-beer fridge is crucial if you’re ordering the doro wat.
Photo via Google

Saigon Deli

3858 W Waters Ave., Tampa, 813-887-3888
With its partner marketplace on the other side of the mall, Saigon serves as a local spot for Vietnamese eats and sells exotic fresh fruits, asian candy and other hard-to-find items.
Photo via Google Maps

Sushi Ninja Tampa

3018 W Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, 813-898 2874
Located in the Parlor Plaza, Sushi Ninja’s wide and affordable selection of entrees and sushi rolls makes this Japanese and Korean restaurant stand out near the very busy corner of Kennedy Boulevard and Henderson Avenue.
Photo via Google Maps

Taj Indian Cuisine

2734 E Fowler Ave., Tampa, 813-971-8483
Open since 1991, Taj specializes in butter chicken, chicken madras, chicken tikka masala, fish tikka and many more Indian meals willing to test your spice tolerance. Its authenticity makes it stand out from its competition around the university area.
Photo via Google Maps

Taqueria Emanuel

2800 N MacDill Ave., Tampa, 813-453-5954
Who wants to eat next to a cemetery? You should think twice if your answer was “not me” because this taqueria brings an authentic Mexican experience for all taco lovers.
Photo via Google Maps

Tara’s Roti Shop

10006 N 30th St., Tampa, 813-251-0022
Located in the surroundings of Busch Gardens, the Trinidian restaurant could be easily overlooked. Don’t miss it though, as it offers Caribbean bites with a taste of calypso that make you want to be living your best island life.
Photo via Google Maps

Main Course

4205 S Macdill Ave. Suite H., Tampa, 813-898-2106
Women, veteran and women owned, this upscale brunch restaurant brings some of its signature lobster, red velvet waffles with champagne syrup and over 20 wing flavors to the table.
Photo via Main Course/Facebook

Babushka’s

12639 N 56th St., Temple Terrace, 813-515-7415
With a cozy cabin-style interior, Babushka’s brings Russian cuisine to this college town. Menu items offered include borscht and a variety of pierogi flavors.
Photo via Google Maps

Madison Avenue Pizza

2660 Bayshore Blvd., Dunedin, 727-754-6144
Brick-oven pizza made with authentic Italian flare (and absurdly large pizzas), this family-owned shop is located in a green-tinted plaza and ironically placed next to a local gym (it takes strength to life MadAve’s giant 32-inch pizza, after all).
Photo via Google Maps

Detroit Coney Island

32922 US-19, Palm Harbor, 727-401-3342
Whether you’re looking for a hearty breakfast or its namesake “Detroit Coney Dog,” this highly-rated eatery offers a classic diner menu with a niche restaurant design.
Photo via Google Maps

Don Julio’s Authentic Mexican Cuisine

2808 E Bearss Ave., Tampa, 813-898-2860
An immigrant-owned spot with a family legacy to uphold, this authentic Mexican restaurant offers classic dishes like quesabirria with consomme and carne asada tacos. It’s hidden in the depths of a tree-shrouded plaza.
Photo via Don Julio’s Authentic Mexican Cuisine/Facebook

Half Moon Seafood Company

11508 N 56th St., Temple Terrace, 813-437-3474
If you’re craving a po’boy and crab cakes after securing a good insurance plan from the place next door, Half Moon has got you covered (no pun intended).
Photo via Google Maps

Cazador Grill

10918 N 56th St., Temple Terrace, 813-898-8878
While its grey-scale location can’t compare to its Peruvian origins, the dishes found inside this establishment are anything but ordinary. Meat platters that could serve a trio and house special ceviche are just a few items featured on their menu.
Photo via Google Maps

Shaker & Peel

3159 Curlew Rd., Oldsmar, 813-475-4712
With a focus on “the art of the taco”, this inventive Tex-Mex fusion restaurant wants to redesign your dining experience with the hand-held meal. It also offers everything from wok bowls to sangrias.
Photo via Shaker & Pee/Facebook

The Restorative

420 Patricia Ave., Dunedin
This hidden-in-plain-sight storefront with an ever changing menu brings diverse options to foodies with a high-class palette. Sous chef Tom Cochrane is toted as the “resident na’an expert” and brings a naan bread and herb butter starter.
Photo via Google Maps