The 20 hottest new Tampa Bay bars and restaurants to open so far in 2023

As the temps begin to climb, so does the hype around this year's new eateries in Tampa Bay. As of now, 2023 has witnessed a full menu of new eats, including everything from high-end dining, top notch taprooms, popular out-of-state chains, new fusions spots, and more.

So, for those of you who haven't been paying attention, here's a quick primer on some of the hottest new bars and restaurants to make their debut this year. 
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Union New American
1111 N Westshore Blvd. Annex B, Tampa, (813) 768-9989
Union New American, the new two-story concept from Tampa-based restaurant group Next Level Brands, centers its dishes around an American white oak fire hearth, and spans 10,000-square-feet. The main floor features a huge dining area and bar, with a lounge and terrace on the second floor. The kitchen is led by Chef Adam Polisei, who led concepts like Ocean Prime and Mitchell’s Fish Market. Some menu highlights guests can expect are sushi, smoked eggplant enchiladas and yellowfin tuna tartare.
Photo via Next Level Brands

Union New American

1111 N Westshore Blvd. Annex B, Tampa, (813) 768-9989
Union New American, the new two-story concept from Tampa-based restaurant group Next Level Brands, centers its dishes around an American white oak fire hearth, and spans 10,000-square-feet. The main floor features a huge dining area and bar, with a lounge and terrace on the second floor. The kitchen is led by Chef Adam Polisei, who led concepts like Ocean Prime and Mitchell’s Fish Market. Some menu highlights guests can expect are sushi, smoked eggplant enchiladas and yellowfin tuna tartare.
Photo via Next Level Brands
Pete’s Ybor
1804 E 4th Ave., Ybor City,(813) 392-1005 
From the minds behind Pete’s Bagels, Pete’s Ybor is a new breakfast and bagel joint, featuring five all-day bagel options, as well as yogurts and granola. Besides breakfast, fig and brie sandwiches are also up for grabs. There's also a nice selection of local beer and wine, and a patio that offers free wifi perfect for working and social gathering.
Photo via  Pete’s General/Facebook

Pete’s Ybor

1804 E 4th Ave., Ybor City,(813) 392-1005
From the minds behind Pete’s Bagels, Pete’s Ybor is a new breakfast and bagel joint, featuring five all-day bagel options, as well as yogurts and granola. Besides breakfast, fig and brie sandwiches are also up for grabs. There's also a nice selection of local beer and wine, and a patio that offers free wifi perfect for working and social gathering.
Photo via Pete’s General/Facebook
Barbouni
2701 Central Ave., St. Petersburg
Barbouni is a new raw bar and “modern ouzeri” from the folks at Baba, that features conservas, which is known as canned seafood in European countries and is served with bread or crackers. There’s an intimate raw bar that allows guests to watch their fresh oysters being shucked, but the main thing here is conservas, including mackerel, sardines, smoked mussels and razor clams. 
Photo via Barbouni/Instagram

Barbouni

2701 Central Ave., St. Petersburg
Barbouni is a new raw bar and “modern ouzeri” from the folks at Baba, that features conservas, which is known as canned seafood in European countries and is served with bread or crackers. There’s an intimate raw bar that allows guests to watch their fresh oysters being shucked, but the main thing here is conservas, including mackerel, sardines, smoked mussels and razor clams.
Photo via Barbouni/Instagram
Boulon Brasserie
1001 Water St., Tampa ,(813) 768-9988
Also from Next Level Brands, Boulon Brasserie is all about fine dining, featuring a French-style menu with a cafe and full-service bar. Guests can expect a spread of seafood and steak options whipped up by Chef Habteab “Hab” Hamde who was the executive chef at Bern’s Steak House. The layout includes two outdoor patios, a 7,000 square-foot dining room, sleek decor and floor-to-ceiling windows.
Photo via  Boulon Brasserie & Bakery/Facebook

Boulon Brasserie

1001 Water St., Tampa ,(813) 768-9988
Also from Next Level Brands, Boulon Brasserie is all about fine dining, featuring a French-style menu with a cafe and full-service bar. Guests can expect a spread of seafood and steak options whipped up by Chef Habteab “Hab” Hamde who was the executive chef at Bern’s Steak House. The layout includes two outdoor patios, a 7,000 square-foot dining room, sleek decor and floor-to-ceiling windows.
Photo via Boulon Brasserie & Bakery/Facebook
Sea Grapes Eatery & Wine Lounge
6390 Gulf Blvd., St Pete Beach, (727) 500-0052 
Nestled right by the beach, Sea Grapes Eatery & Wine Lounge ditches typical beach fare for an elevated menu, featuring a fusion of Latin, Caribbean and South Florida flavors. Expect high-end dishes like beef carpaccio, paella, and guava-chipotle pork belly. The spot was transformed from a wine lounge to a full service restaurant under the guidance of Chef Alex Rodriguez. The drink menu features boozy options like margaritas, mojitos, and martinis.
Photo via  Sea Grapes Eatery/Facebook

Sea Grapes Eatery & Wine Lounge

6390 Gulf Blvd., St Pete Beach, (727) 500-0052
Nestled right by the beach, Sea Grapes Eatery & Wine Lounge ditches typical beach fare for an elevated menu, featuring a fusion of Latin, Caribbean and South Florida flavors. Expect high-end dishes like beef carpaccio, paella, and guava-chipotle pork belly. The spot was transformed from a wine lounge to a full service restaurant under the guidance of Chef Alex Rodriguez. The drink menu features boozy options like margaritas, mojitos, and martinis.
Photo via Sea Grapes Eatery/Facebook

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