Credit: Photo by Melissa Santell / Design by Jack Spatafora

7th+Grove 1930 E 7th Ave., Ybor City. 813-640-8422 Haters (you know who you are) say the place is too lively on weekend nights, but that’s a lie. Not only is 7th+Grove now a staple of the Ybor City historic district, but it’s also home to a rocksteady menu of Southern favorites all dished up by an ace team ready to guide you through brunch, taco Tuesday, late night, lunch and dinner. If you’ve never been, get baptised by the braised oxtails, then scream hallelujah, amen.—RR Credit: 7thandGrove/Facebook

Al’s Finger Licking Good Bar-B-Que 1609 Angel Olivia Sr. St., Ybor City. 813-956-0675 We hope COVID didn’t take your sense of smell because this is a time-tested Ybor City spot you can ID from down the street. Meats are obviously the star here (we suggest smoked sausage, ribs or the pulled pork), but don’t skip out on sides, especially the creamy coleslaw, spicy collards and the only-available-on-Friday mac-and-cheese. If you’re a fiend for a bang-bang, scoot on over to Big Al’s soul food spot located just a few blocks away (2302 E 7th Ave.).—RR Credit: AlsYbor/Facebook

Anju 2827 16th St., N, St. Petersburg. 727-289-8568 Korean food has always been a favorite, but it really feels like the cuisine had a moment locally in 2021, and the main reason was a big, crunchy embrace of a new kind of KFC—Korean fried chicken—that Anju really does better than anyone else. With roots in a 12-foot food trailer, Mee Ae Wolney now runs her restaurant out of a beautiful brick building on 16th Street where slings sweet, salty and spicy K-pops and a drunk person’s dream: tots loaded with bulgogi and kimchi, plus cheese and scallions, crushed peanut and St. Pete heat sauce.—RR Credit: Visit St. Pete-Clearwater

Bayou Bodega 241 E Davis Blvd., Tampa. 813-513-5478 Tampa’s Davis Islands is home to a lot of old reliables (Thai Island, Margarita’s Mexican Food, Islands Pizza, Anchor Bar) plus some solid Italian (Oggi, and it’s even more impressive neighborhood market and wood fired pizza kitchen), but Yarinel Ramos and Robert Sickler have turned it up at their concept which serves a whole lot of natty wine alongside the flavors of New Orleans, Puerto Rico and the wider Caribbean. It’s hard to go wrong, but the po’boys, garlic shrimp, brabant potatoes and simple red beans and rice will guarantee a return trip.—RR Credit: Erin Benik of Emagine Photography

Brgr Kitchen & Bar 10800 Gulf Blvd., Treasure Island. 727-322-7040 I recently found myself on Gulf Boulevard and decided to drop in at Brgr (stylized “BRGR”) to see if it still had the great burgers that put it on my 2019 Top 50 list. If you missed that or my 2016 review, you may not even know that BRGR exits. It keeps a low profile, mostly serving Treasure Island Beach Resort guests. But every time I visit, I’m wowed. The “spuds and rings” are terrific. Choose from skin-on truffle or cinnamon-dusted sweet potato fries. My favorite is the super thick cut Samuel Adams beef-battered onion rings. And “The Nooner” remains as good as any burger that I can recall.—Jon Palmer Claridge Credit: BRGRkitchenandbar/Facebook

Cafe Hey 1540 N Franklin St., Tampa. 813-221-5150 Make no mistake, when it comes to Cuban sandwiches, West Tampa Sandwich Shop’s Obama Cuban and even more working class offerings at Palm Avenue Sandwich Shop and Florida Bakery are some Tampa’s best, but it’s hard to kick a craving for the Cafe Hey version. Maybe it’s the finely shaved meat, or extra crispy outer shell of the classic bread, but I’ve walked down Franklin Street with one in my hand at least two dozen times this year. Throw in the new Thai tea and perennially homey vibes at the now 14-year-old downtown staple, and you’ve got a restaurant worth working into your own rotation next year.—RR Credit: Ray Roa

Chanta 113 S Hyde Park Ave., Tampa. 813-605-4011 You’ve probably driven by this old European cafe a million times on your way to a much trendier spot like Oxford Exchange or Fly Bar, and never noticed the casual way it goes about its business. But Chanta has an old world charm that only family run restaurants can seem to perfect, right down to the high backed, wooden chairs and at home dining room feel. This Romanian family, complete with grandmother cooking in the kitchen, and daughters serving and hosting tables, is everything you want in a warm, cozy, old world food hug. The bread is homemade, the goulash perfectly spiced, and the lamb chops grilled to perfection. A small but mighty Italian wine selection helps round out a great little place to share a meal with friends or family.—Daniel Guess Credit: chantarestaurant/Facebook

Chile Verde 2801 22nd Ave. N, St. Petersburg. 727-800-2679 Opened out of a gutted gas station in 2018, Chile Verde now has two busy locations dishing out some of the best Mexican food in St. Pete. You literally could not miss this restaurant even if you tried—its gigantic green and red lettering and large plastic horses out front definitely catch the eye. Pre-pandemic, Chile Verde was also a small grocer, but now focuses solely on its hot menu of tamales, flautas, burritos and other typical Mexican fare, as tables now fill the aisles dry goods once occupied. There are a lot of taco choices, too, from beef tongue to al pastor to chicken, and make sure to mention whether or not you want the food Mexican-style (with onion and cilantro) or American-style (with lettuce, tomato, cheese and sour cream.)—Kyla Fields Credit: Google Maps

Chopstick Express 3946 4th St. N, St. Petersburg. 727-526-8999 Chopstick’s menu is stacked with straightforward Chinese and a rotating slate of specialty sushi rolls, including the St. Petersburg roll with shrimp tempura, cream cheese, avocado and spicy krab meat. No surprises here either—lo mein, fried rice, krab rangoons, egg drop soup and chop suey are all dished out. The most charming thing about this Chinese spot isn’t that its building closely resembles the Checkers that previously operated in the space (drive thru and all), but the fact that the same large birds are always chilling out front, like Florida’s version of bodega cats. If you eat outside at the picnic tables be careful, because sometimes the birds get a little too comfortable. Chopstick Express is always available on third party delivery apps like Uber Eats and Grubhub if you’re not in the mood to fight the cranes.—KF Credit: Google Maps

Columbia Restaurant 2117 E 7th Ave., Ybor City. 813-248-4961 My first time ever going to the Ybor City staple was this year (shocker). From the time I stepped in, it was obvious why the restaurant has lasted for over a century. Guests feel like they’re in old Tampa when the mobsters were like kings and cigar factories were on every corner. The 1905 salad is such a simple dish but packs a lot of flavor from the dressing down to the fresh veggies. The cannelloni de langosta (lobster and shrimp pasta in a sherry cream reduction, smothered with a lobster sherry Mornay cheese sauce) is a phenomenal dish I’d order over and over. The real star, however, is the white chocolate bread pudding, made with bread from another Tampa OG La Segunda. If “died and went to heaven” was a dessert, it would be this.—Alexandria Jones Credit: ColumbiaRestaurantGroup/Facebook

Counter Culture 2909 W Bay to Bay No. 100, Tampa. 813-570-8599 Last year, Jeannie Pierola, opened one of the most exciting new restaurants in town. Unfortunately, COVID soon pulled the rug out from under the economy; 21 months later, Counter Culture is still providing stunning food—don’t miss the tuna tartare appetizer; it’s simply perfection. A thin yellowfin tuna sliver is wrapped around minced toro tartare to create a disc. Toro (“to melt”) is the fatty part of the fish from the tuna’s belly and melt it does—filling your palate with unalloyed joy. Luckily, the elevated kitchen bar dining, open air mixologist bar, and the Florida patio with Bay views leaves room for social distance ‘til Omicron is in the rearview.—JPC Credit: Melissa Santell

Dooriban 5600 66th St. N, St. Petersburg. 727-914-4550 Walking up to this family-owned Korean restaurant, you can usually smell the food before even opening the door. From traditional Korean entrees like bibimbap and kimchi soup to street food classics like the Instagrammable cheesy corn dog and tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), Dooriban fulfills all spicy and savory needs. It’s affordable lunchtime specials are served from 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and range from deep fried pork cutlets to beef bulgogi, all served with rice, dumplings and four traditional Korean side dishes (aka banchan). Dooriban is one of the only traditional Korean restaurants in St. Petersburg, and if its large menu is a little overwhelming, the friendly staff is always willing to point you in the right direction.—KF Credit: dooribanstpete/Facebook

Farmacy Various locations Tucked within all three Tampa locations of Duckweed Urban Grocery, this vegan kitchen and bakery has great grab-and-go options and hot food, but nothing can satisfy a craving for hearty, spicy and creamy comfort food like the jerk pasta salad in a creamy dressing, served cold and in a plastic tub that’s perfect for a lunch at your stand-up desk or in front of the TV after a long day at the office.—RR Credit: Farmacyvegankitchen/Facebook

Filipiniana 3848 W Waters Ave., Tampa. 813-885-6300 Philippine Café Filipino food rarely hits my belly if it’s not coming out of a home kitchen run by my mom or a tita, but for some reason I went to Filipiniana quite a bit. Maybe it’s because making longanisa or tocino (sweet pork sausages, medallions, respectively) is a pain the ass. More likely, it’s because Filipiniana feels like home, especially when it comes to the made-to-order “silog” plates where the breakfast pork gets served with a fried egg and garlic fried rice, all steaming hot. Bonus points since it’s right next to Saigon Deli.—RR Credit: Ray Roa

Gangchu 6618 N Nebraska Ave. Tampa. 813-723-4264 St. Pete’s Anju gets high marks for its KFC (Korean fried chicken), but Gangchu is the best all-around new K-chicken and beer spot in Tampa Bay. The restaurant itself is a thrill to dine in whether or at the bar in the glow of the giant TV screen or under the soft light on the back patio where all kinds of crispy chicken (gluten-free, too; bone in, boneless, sandwich) lives in harmony with a killer cocktail menu plus other highlights like the bulgogi cheesesteak and japchae (get it with the egg). Banchan is a la carte and can get expensive here, so just get the kimchi fried rice which includes sides.—RR Credit: eatgangchu/Facebook

Golden Dinosaurs 2930 Beach Blvd. S, Gulfport. 727-873-6901 If you love animals but also crave pastrami, chili dogs, bacon, po’ boys, and even a good Philly, then you’ll want to make the drive to Gulfport where all kinds of humane greatness is being served out of a tiny window on Beach Boulevard. Seitan (wheat gluten) and tempeh (soybean) can satisfy your meat cravings (ever had a Chick-Fil-Nay sandwich?), but the real stars at Golden Dinosaurs are specials like seitan bacon wrapped stuffed jalapeños and a variety of vegan spins on Tex-Mex.—RR Credit: golddinos/Facebook

Gulf Coast Sourdough 6703 N Florida Ave., Tampa, 813-304-1294 Since moving to its new location in Seminole Heights, Gulf Coast continues to serve its the Best of the Bay-winning breads, sandwiches, cinnamon rolls, and, of course, “Flybys” (a little stuffed sandwich-calzone-type-of-goodness). The new space is easy to find, too, since it shares a plaza with Revolution Ice Cream and Mekenita Cantina. You can smell the fresh bread a block away when you’re driving down Florida.—Colin Wolf Credit: GulfCoastSourdough/Facebook

Haven 2208 W Morrison Ave., Tampa Michelin ranking: Recommended “Front and center is a selection of artisanal cheeses and charcuterie, which deserves serious consideration. Heartier dishes, like steaks, pass muster; although much of the fun lies in smaller bites. To wit, there’s a section devoted to adroitly prepared offal, whether it be French-inflected rabbit kidneys with Cognac; or fried veal sweetbreads with a sweet and sour glaze.” Photo via HavenTampa/Facebook Credit: HavenTampa/Facebook

King State 520 E Floribraska Ave., Tampa. 813-221-2100 Pull up to this restored and revamped service station during coffee rush hour and you’ll realize that the secret’s long been out: King State lives up to the hype and then some (in 2019 it was named Food & Wine’s best coffee shop in Florida, No. 8 in the U.S.). Chef Carolyn Kowalski handed her team the recipes for a lethal breakfast sandwich and seasonal lunch/dinner menu all fortified by weekend pizza nights and regular guest pop-ups then buoyed by Aric Parker’s out of this world beer, N/A coffee cocktails and house wine. And yuh, the King roasts its own coffee, too.—RR Credit: Ray Roa

Kristina’s Cafe 3590 34th St. N, St. Petersburg. 727-526-6673 We miss when this St. Pete diner was open 24 hours a day pre-2020, but its comforting American dishes still hit the spot at all times. All-day breakfast is a must, but you can’t go wrong with the sandwiches or burgers either. Photo via Kristina’s Cafe/Facebook Credit: Kristinas Cafe/Facebook

Lemongrass Sushi Thai Tapas 310 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727-894-1111 The perfect marriage of Thai and Japanese cuisine, Lemongrass has been holding down its downtown St. Pete location for years. Its fusion menu is separated by Thai and Japanese food, so it’s easy to sort out what’s what. Typical Thai offerings include different types of stir fry, curries and soups like tom kha gai and tom yum goong, while the Japanese portion contains various types of sushi, sashimi samplers, and teriyaki. Massive portions, unique sushi rolls and ample outdoor seating make this spot stand out among its Asian fusion counterparts in the area. Beware of Lemongrass’s midday closure though—doors shut for a few hours between lunch and dinner, so it’s best to call ahead before you visit. Lemongrass still offers COVID-friendly online ordering and efficient to-go transactions if you don’t plan on dining in.—KF Credit: The Lemongrass Sushi Thai Tapas/Facebook

Lingr 400 6th St S., St. Petersburg After three years of dishing out exciting fusion cuisine and picture-perfect cocktails, a mainstay in St. Pete’s dining scene closed in ate April. “After almost 3 years of Lingr serving the St. Petersburg community and its visitors, I have made the difficult decision to close. During illness and family emergencies, I have always counseled my employees that their health and family are more important than Lingr,” Chef and owner Jeffrey Jew writes on Lingr’s Instagram. “Now, I am in the position that I must take my own advice and spend time with my Mother as we navigate her Lewy body dementia.” Chef Jew encourages his customers to donate to the Alzheimer’s Association as an act of support for him and his family during this difficult time. Lingr made its highly-anticipated debut in the spring of 2021 showcasing a contemporary blend of Jew’s Nordic and Asian heritage with unique dishes like pumpkin and mushroom dumplings, smoked lions mane and trumpet mushrooms with Brunost cheese, and fried fish with fermented black beans and chili oil. Photo via LingrRestaurant/Facebook Credit: LingrRestaurant/Facebook

Madison Avenue Pizza 2660 Bayshore Blvd., Dunedin. 727-754-6144 Great neighborhood pizza joints are a dime a dozen, but Madison Avenue grabbed our attention this year not just for its classics and an outrageous challenge where two people get an hour to take down a 32-inch, 1-topping pizza, but for gnarly specials that make us want to eat two extra gummies every Friday night (pickle pizza, green bean casserole pizza, shrimp scampi pizza, prosciutto with arugula).—RR Credit: VisitStPeteClearwater/Facebook

Malio’s Prime Steakhouse 400 N Ashley Dr., Tampa. 813-223-7746 Looking for a cute date night with bae or a happy hour situation to take the edge off after work? Located on the bottom floor of the Rivergate Tower, Malio’s is definitely a Tampa jewel. Order the 22-oz. prime delmonico and watch as the juices ooze while your waiter cuts it right down the middle. And don’t forget to order a side of the smoked gouda mac & cheese and asparagus, too. If you’re into cutesy cocktails, pair your meal with the lemon drop dirty Malio-tini.—AJ Credit: MaliosPrimeSteakhouse/Facebook

Cinco Soccer American football is cool and all, but East Tampa is home to a veritable mecca to real football. Cinco Soccer has five turf pitches for five-a-side soccer (or “futsal”), and the club house boasts a gigantic, four-TV screen, plus FIFA gaming stations, an outside TV and the cheapest beer west of the casino. Show up on a day when Mayra’s taco stand or any of the other food vendors are open, and you’re talking about a full-day and night of footie on TV. 5305 E Henry Ave., Tampa Credit: @cinco.soccer/Instagram

Mise En Place 442 W Kennedy Blvd., Tampa. 813-254-5373 This staple fine dining establishment could be on the potential shortlist when Michelin stars start being doled out in Tampa next fall. The pressure is nothing new for Maryann Ferenc and Chef Marty Blitz who’ve been setting trends and welcoming discerning Bay area diners to their always evolving dining room for the last 35 years.—RR Credit: miseenplacetampa/Facebook

Oceanic 1609 N Tampa St., Tampa. 813-228-8110 The only grocery store on this list, and while it’s technically not a restaurant, Oceanic has been a go-to spot for local chefs since the early-’90s when the former ship supply store pivoted to become the grocery it is today. It’s on the restaurant list due to its proximity to the CL office and the fact that you can walk over for lunch, spend about $10 and stroll out with a hearty meal be it roast or BBQ pork or duck. —RR Credit: Ray Roa

Olivia 3601 W Swann Ave., Tampa Although the cuisine draws heavily on classic flavors, don’t expect by-the-books renditions—even the simplest dishes flaunt a bit of personality. Take, for example, mini rigatoni sauced with ragù Bolognese and a dollop of herbed ricotta; it’s a departure from tradition that is unlikely to draw any objections.” Photo by Melissa Santell Credit: Melissa Santell

Queen of Sheba 1001 N 56th St., Temple Terrace, 813-872-6000 When it comes to Ethiopian food, there’s only one reigning queen in Tampa Bay. Since 2007, Queen of Sheba owner Seble Gizaw has served up a strictly traditional Ethiopian menu centered on FDA-approved spices shipped directly from her family in Keffa—a province on the southwestern side of Ethiopia. The 40-seat space pays homage to the original Queen of Sheba, who reigned in the kingdom of Sheba, located in southwestern Arabia, during Biblical times. There’s a self-serve fridge featuring Ethiopian lagers and wines, and if you’re unfamiliar with the cuisines, just close your eyes and go for the Queen’s Eight Platter, loaded with four beef and chicken platters, alongside four veggie choices.—CW Credit: queentampa/Facebook

Red Mesa Mercado 1100 1st Ave. N, St. Petersburg Red Mesa’s Cantina concept, complete with courtyard and second story bars stocked with fine tequila, is up to speed with rapidly gentrifying St. Petersburg, but its Mercado offerings are still legit with the proletariat. Even with rising food costs, the burritos, bowls and tacos are still priced respectably and ready to eat before, after and during the bar hopping that’s become a sport in downtown.—RR Credit: redmesamercado1/Facebook

The Restorative 420 Patricia Ave., Dunedin It’s hard to believe that it’s been four-and-a-half years since I lost my mind at this Dunedin-based unicorn. I’ve dined here at least a dozen times without ever having the same dish twice. It remains my pick for No. 1 in the region. The key to Erin “Cricket” and Jason Borajkiewicz’s ever-changing poetic menu is not about quantity, but rather freshness, balance and finesse. The carefully composed seasonal dishes are wondrous kaleidoscopes of color and texture that look too good to eat. The flavors explode on your palate in combinations that surprise or amaze. I ran out of superlatives long ago. Ask for half-pours and sip both white, red, and bubbles to make the meal soar. The Restorative recently renovated, but the dining room is still tiny, so reservations are a must.—JPC Credit: restorativerestaurant/Facebook

Rocca 323 W Palm Ave., Tampa. 813-906-5445 It’s no shock that this modern Italian mecca across from Armature Works makes every best of list. Delicious homemade pastas, an impressive wine list, good looking digs, and a freakin’ mozzarella cart to boot. But what I’m interested in is normally none of those things. Belly up to the bar for whatever crudo iteration the crew is serving, order some bread, and have Sam Morris craft you a drink from one of the more ambitious cocktail menus in Tampa right now. Don’t get me wrong, the pasta is great and all, but sampling through the starters lets you try a bit more of Chef Bryce Bonsack’s seasonal inspiration. It also provides the opportunity to taste whatever Morris is currently clarifying and carbonating, like under ripe strawberries or green apple juice. My favorite drink of the year just might have been a relatively simple play on an Italian stalwart, the Americano, with just a touch of olive brine to make it impossible to put down.—DG Credit: Melissa Santell

Rooster & the Till 6500 N Florida Ave., Tampa, 813-374-8940 Chef Ferrell Alvarez, Ty Rodriguez and Chon Nguyen deliver on every exciting combination that they have dreamt up for your pleasure. As each small plate arrives, first there’s a hush, then a moan, then an “oh, my” followed by an excited exchange of table-wide commentary as each dish disappears in a few shared bites that leave you wanting more. Previously reluctant diners step outside their comfort zones, compelled by their tablemates to stretch their palates. Rooster explodes all the benchmarks and upends any preconceived notions about what constitutes the highest level of fine dining across Tampa Bay. And the food, from a menu of plates designed to share, is, in a word, spectacular. Every dish delivers surprise, fresh farm-to-table ingredients, and an unfailing sense of balance so there’s nary a false note. The multi-course tasting menu with matching wines is particularly seductive, so save up and celebrate.—JPC Credit: Skyler June

Saigon Deli 3858 W Waters Ave., Tampa. 813-887-3888 Get two Vietnamese coffees: One for the ride home with your food and the second for after you test the limits of your belly with the best, pound-for-pound Asian food value in Tampa Bay. The dining room is open, but takeout was the move in 2021 and let’s be honest: the vermicelli noodles, spring rolls, banh mi, and pho from this North Tampa legend are every bit as good out of a box or plastic bowl as they are in house.—RR Credit: Ray Roa

Sa Ri One 3940 W Cypress St., Tampa. 813-874-2911 As evidenced by this list, Korean food is having a moment in Tampa Bay. Sa Ri One is the OG, holding it down right next to Interstate-275 on Cypress Street in a nondescript brown cottage where fried chicken, bulgogi, soon doo boo jjigae soup, and bim bap carry the day. If you’re on the opposite side of town, Sa Ri One’s new USF area deli is just about as good.—RR Credit: Google Maps

Si-am Thaimerican 713 N Franklin St., Tampa Arguably the best place to grab a plate of basil chicken before a screening at the Tampa Theatre (or a long bender at The Hub), Si Am Thai has been an iconic downtown Tampa staple for years. Chinda Chomburi and Stephen Dohack serve up classic Thai-American dishes, like panang curry and drunken noodles, and even deliver microwavable takeaway lunches to nearby Duckweed Urban Market. Credit: siamthaitampa/Facebook

Sid’s Caribbean Grill 2623 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727-321-4000 There’s a recent trend in St. Petersburg to replace small, hole-in-the-wall eateries in downtown with new, shiny restaurants. But one tiny Jamaican spot has been holding down Central for years. With a large Jamaican flag in front of its brick-and-mortar—the only visible thing from the street—Sid’s is known for its heavy styrofoam containers filled with oxtail, jerk chicken, plantains and steaming piles of rice. The menu is crossed off in multiple places and daily specials change, so it’s always safe to call ahead and see what’s available that day. Online reviews cite semi-unreliable customer service and complaints that Sid’s doesn’t have a website, but for an 8-pound styrofoam container stuffed with piping hot oxtail—especially during a nationwide shortage—any inconvenience is worth it.—KF Credit: Lilla Richardson/Facebook

Supernatural Food & Wine 305 E Polk St., Tampa. 813-758-6230 The old Duckweed space on E Polk Street hasn’t offered many memorable concepts over the years, but something finally seems to have taken hold by playing delicious next door neighbor to everyone’s favorite dive, the Hub. And while a well-made sandwich never generates front page buzz, Supernatural takes nothing for granted, baking fresh sourdough loaves and seeded wheat breads in house, piling on delicious meats and cheeses, and serving it up right with a great soup du jour option. It’s hard to go wrong here from breakfast to lunch, but my favorite way to play hooky might just be a fresh cider sour donut and a bottle of natural wine, especially if it feels too late for a donut, and too early for wine.—DG Credit: supernaturalfoodandwine

Tacos las Californias 7007 N Armenia Ave., Tampa. 813-384-0615 This taco stand-turned-storefront just celebrated its one-year anniversary, but its birria-packed menu has been impressing local foodies since summer 2020. From quesabirria tacos, quesadillas and even ramen—tender, slow-cooked beef and its savory broth counterpart consúme reign supreme on the TLC menu. Now the California-style Mexican restaurant has over 20,000 followers on Instagram and a newly-opened brick-and-mortar restaurant that dishes out aguas frescas, homemade ice cream and paletas, and fruit popsicles alongside its beloved quesabirria and California burritos. Drinking the consúme broth straight from the cup might be frowned upon, but it’s definitely worth it—and we’re not judging you.—KF Credit: tacoslascalifornias/Facebook

Te Invito Lingr is a highlight of this year’s best restaurants, but together with Korie LoVecchio, Jesus Bravo—one of Lingr’s cooks—is also the driving force behind Te Invito a taco concept that’s recently gone from its hero underground restaurant and delivery-only model to a food truck. Handmade corn tortillas, stuffed with quesabirria dripping in Oaxacan cheese and ready to be drenched in perfectly salty consomme, all balanced by bright white onion, cilantro and radish are the must-haves wherever Te Invito parks, but don’t miss out on the conchas and horchata either.—RR Credit: @te_invito_tampa/Instagram

Thinh An Tofu and Kitchen 8104 W Waters Ave., Tampa. 813-249-2222 Whether you’re sitting down and eating, grabbing from its extensive grab-and-go prepared foods, or ordering from the dessert counter, Thinh An’s massive menu and lightning fast service always impress. With low prices and high ratings, this north Tampa favorite is known for homemade tofu, which you can get in a banh mi, soup, spring rolls, over vermicelli noodles, or in fried rice. The Vietnamese restaurant, which has been open on Waters Avenue since 2016, also has a full dessert bar stacked with smoothies, boba, shaved ice desserts, waffles and other traditional Vietnamese desserts. There’s also an entire section on its menu dedicated to vegetarian and vegan options, making it easier than ever for herbivores.—KF Credit: Thinh An Tofu and Kitchen

Thuy Cafe 5944 34th St. N, St. Petersburg Owned by the same folks behind Central Avenue’s La V (which deserves its own spot on this list), Thuy Cafe has been slinging boba in North St. Pete for the better part of two decades. If you’d like to feel the power of pure caffeine coursing through your veins, we suggest ordering its Vietnamese iced coffee—and perhaps a lychee green tea if you want to stay on the mellow side of things. Pro Thuy Cafe tip is ordering a blended taro milk tea with avocado and regular boba, to give an ultra-creamy kick to a classic flavor. Photo via Google Maps Credit: Google Maps

Two Graces 6001 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727-803-6050 It was just a matter of time before the shuttered Reading Room space on Central Avenue—with its raised beds to grow veggies and herbs—was snapped up by a local restaurateur. Now the new Two Graces sports a magical colonnade that flows west toward freeFall theatre. It’s got an elegant beadboard ceiling and is complete with fans and heaters, diaphanous drapery, and evocative lighting. To the south, under the magnificent, almost horizontal octopus-like Southern live oak is a dramatic seating area made from a handsome circular balustrade. Of course, what really matters is the food. Luckily, Chef Marlin (as in the fish, not the actor) Kaplan’s food is a riff on his marvelous Grace menu and promises surprise.—JPC Credit: twograces/Facebook

Ulele 1810 N Highland Ave., Tampa Rena and Sharelle head to Tampa Heights’ Water Works Park where they grab lunch to talk about tension between them and Rena’s recent acquisition of her own brokerage license. Credit: Keir Magoulas

Urban Stillhouse by Horse Soldier 2232 5th Ave. S, St Petersburg. 727-440-8040 Even if you’re not captivated by the distiller’s art, Urban Stillhouse should still be on your radar. As you enter what I think is the best new restaurant of 2021, your eyes can’t help but be swept up by the grandeur as the windows soar impossibly high. There’s no stained glass here, but the sheer volume of the room is impressive. The menu breaks free of the chains that might normally bind a restaurant worshiping dark spirits; it’s not built around every imaginable beef variation plus Caesar salad and onion soup vs. lobster bisque. Instead, Chef Kenny Tufo offers selective, imaginative fare and lets the kitchen strut its stuff. The roasted beets with burrata make fore a masterclass in layering flavors and textures.—JPC Credit: VisitStPeteClearwater

Willa’s 1700 W Fig St., Tampa. 813-519-4552 Willa’s is a neighborhood restaurant that loves its people. Chef Gabriel Lopez leads a scratch kitchen where everything is made fresh each day. The food menu offers a series of mix-and-match snacks plus well-conceived and executed starters. The whipped ricotta on sourdough toast is elevated by a magical alchemy of Florida honey plus roasted hazelnuts; the result is a taste treat where the whole transcends the sum of its parts. Or turn to the rotisserie oven that’s “the soul of the kitchen” where Amish-raised free-range chickens are slow-roasted on the spit all day long. Pastry chef Lyndsey Sanford offers sweet delights from chocolate pot de créme to comforting peach blueberry cobbler. And if you’re in a hurry, Willa’s Provisions—with a different menut but the same level of care—next door is quick, ready and waiting.—JPC Credit: ©2021 Jett Butler for FÖDA™

Wild Child 2710 Central Ave, St. Petersburg. 727-954-7425 The cocktail list at the hip St. Pete newbie is comfortable in both cosmopolitan settings and the Caribbean, and the menu doubles down thanks to the foundation laid by chef Rob Reinsmith whose jerk octopus took CL’s food critic to Spain this spring. Since then, Wild Child’s put more amazing dishes on the table—grouper with passion fruit beurre blanc, goat cheese stuffed squash blossoms, a beet and burratta salad, butternut squash croquetas, to name a few—as the spot gains notoriety as one of the best in town.—RR Credit: Wild Child Restaurant & Cocktail Bar/Facebook

Best Asian Restaurant Yummy House China Bistro Finalists: Hawkers Asian Street Food, Lemon Grass Thai Kitchen Credit: Yummy House China Bistro/Facebook

Zaytoon Grill 1618 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727-623-0983 Owned by the Khalels, a family with roots in Jerusalem, this Central Avenue gem boasts of a menu stacked with Middle Eastern favorites like falafel, baba ganoush and shawarma. There are tons of vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options, but also enough meat offerings to tickle a carnivore’s palette, like a mixed grill platter stacked with beef, chicken and lamb kabobs. And if you’re not sure what to try from this downtown St. Pete staple, you can never go wrong with the Zaytoon sampler—a large, shareable platter of hummus, baba ganoush, falafel and foule, accompanied by warm pita bread and tahini sauce. And if you have a sweet tooth, make sure to grab some baklava to go.—KF Credit: zaytoongrill/Facebook

Zydeco Brew Werks 1902 E 7th Ave., Ybor City. 813-252-4541 To this day, there’s no better muffaletta-cold beer combo in Tampa Bay. Have I attempted to eat the $26 full version by myself and failed? Yes. Did I regret it? Hell no, and I’d try again in a heartbeat.—RR Credit: Zydecobrewwerks//Facebook