25 Tampa Bay restaurants that aren't just for tourists

By Max Steele on Thu, Jul 21, 2022 at 5:02 pm

Yes they're popular, but that doesn't mean that these Tampa Bay spots aren't worth your time.

Whether your strolling down Tampa's Riverwalk, going for a beach drive down the coast or just got out of Rays game in downtown St. Pete, there are plenty of great spots (within Tampa Bay's busiest areas) to grab a bite to eat.

Here are a few local restaurants that aren't just for hungry out-of-towners,

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The Battery

615 Channelside Dr. Suite 116, Tampa, 813-498-0008
After hanging with the sharks at the Florida Aquarium, walk over to The Battery at Sparkman Wharf to enjoy some drinks and lounge by the waterfront. The modern-industrial bar serves fine bourbon, signature wines and dishes like lobster mac and cheese, house-made pasta, steak omelets and Chilean sea bass.
Photo via The Battery TPA/Instagram

Spinners Rooftop Grille

5250 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, 727-360-1811
Ever enjoyed a five-star meal and rooftop sunset with a rotating 360-degree view? Located 12 floors above St. Pete Beach’s waves, Spinners’ menu showcases top-notch entrees, desserts and wines, a few reasons why the restaurant is one of the most well known spots in St. Pete. Don’t worry though, you won’t get dizzy.
Photo via Spinners Website

Oxford Exchange

420 W Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, 813-253-0222
Whether you’re looking for a picturesque breakfast or afternoon tea, Oxford Exchange is an elegant eatery that brings a European touch to downtown Tampa. The atmospheric dining room features art-filled walls, a sunlit conservatory, creeping vines, a retractable glass roof and dozens of places to take a good Snapchat selfie.
Photo via Oxford Exchange/Facebook

RumFish Grill

6000 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, 727-392-1428
Featuring a 33,500 gallon aquarium with dozens of vibrantly-colored fish, RumFish is the ultimate aquatic dining experience. The beachside grill is fun for the whole family and offers menu specials like fresh shucked oysters, chilled shellfish, charred octopus, blue crab dip and steamed mussels and clams. You’ll also find some happy hour specials like $3 drafts and $5 wines.
Photo via RumFish/Facebook

Cigar City Brewing

3294 W Spruce St., Tampa, 813-348-6363
Whether you’re about to catch a flight at TPA, watching the Bolts play at Amalie or looking to visit the original brewery, there’s a Cigar City Brewing spot in Tampa Bay for you. The original taproom on Spruce Street offers tours of the active brewery along with its exclusive draft beers and full-service kitchen.
Photo via Cigar City Brewing/Website