The 20 best new Tampa bars and restaurants that opened so far this year

In the past year, Tampa has become a playground for celebrity chefs, out-of-the-box concepts, reinvention, new franchising and fine dining. To make sense of it all, here are some of the best spots that have opened in and around the area so far in 2022.

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Chanko

4603 N Florida Ave., 813-770-7306
While fans of Seminole Heights’ well-known Chop Chop Shop were sad to see it go, Chanko, a new concept from the same chef Steve Sera, now occupies the refurbished diner car. Now with a smaller, more upscale menu, Chanko says it's the only restaurant in the Southeast to serve the Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki—a layered crepe dish stacked with shredded grilled cabbage, bean sprouts, leeks, grilled noodles and more.
Photo via Steve Sera

The Loft Elevated Bar + Food

1909 N 15th St., 813-562-9411
After being the latest Florida business to appear on “Bar Rescue,” Cerealholic Cafe and Bar is now The Loft Elevated Bar + Food. With the establishment’s episode, “Magically Atrocious” airing in May, The Loft now offers an assortment of cocktails and food items like BBQ nachos and hot chicken and waffles. As the former home of an LGBTQ+ bar, The Social, The Loft honors its roots and regularly hosts queer-focused events like drag shows.
Photo via The Loft Ybor City/Facebook

Tessa’s Sweet Kafe

18101 Highwoods Preserve Pkwy. no. 100, 813-898-0277
If you’re looking for a one-stop-shop for all things Korean, Tessa’s Sweet Kafe in New Tampa’s got you covered. Serving a wide assortment of each menu item, Tessa’s offers sweet toast, Korean fried chicken and wings, kimbap, milk teas and more.
Photo via Tessa’s Sweet Kafe/Facebook

Naked Farmer

1001 Water St., 813-608-0329
This year, Naked Farmer came for Fresh Kitchen’s “build-your-own bowl” crown at its new Sparkman Wharf location. Another container restaurant on this list, Naked Farmer boasts a farm-to-table approach, using locally-sourced ingredients from farms near the area to craft its seasonal menus.
Photo via Naked Farmer/Facebook

Hello Sweetness

10018 Cross Creek Blvd., 813-575-9003
As indicated in the name, Hello Sweetness is a dessert-lover's paradise. Offering “kitchen-crafted, artisan-inspired desserts, made in house,” Hello Sweetness serves waffles, crepes and gelato—all with customizing opportunities. With a separate menu for coffee, Hello Sweetness also offers an assortment of coffee and espresso-based drinks.
Photo via @hellosweetness813/Instagram