Whether you're visiting the Tampa area, or are a permanent resident, these restaurants need to be on your list of places to try. Each one has their own reason for being on this list, from Cuban style to bar food, everyone can find their new favorite restaurant in Tampa on this list!
LuvChild
516 S. Howard Ave
Located on South Howard Avenue, this Cuban inspired restaurant, owned by the well-known restaurant group, CRG, offers a variety of delicious food items from tacos (they have vegan options!) to sandwiches and salads! They also offer brunch every day. Additionally, their cocktail menu is extensive with options of “fishbowl” sized drinks which weigh in at $24 and pitcher sized drinks to share amongst the table for $26.
Catrinas Tacos and Tequila
1611 N Howard Ave
Catrina’s Tacos and Tequila Bar will satisfy your craving for any Mexican dish. There are complimentary chips and salsa brought to every table upon sitting down, and there’s nothing like fresh salsa to start your great experience at a Mexican joint! From serving up mouthwatering guacamole to $2 Taco Tuesdays, Catrina’s Tacos and Tequila Bar is complete with Dias De Los Muertos decor and will be sure to leave you satisfied and coming back for more.
FLY Bar
442 W. Kennedy Blvd
This name may seem familiar to you if you’re from the Tampa area, but it is anything but the same as you might remember it to be. Reopening in early 2020, their website promises that the revamp will be “everything you loved about us, only better.”
Xtreme Tacos
223 S. Howard Ave
Xtreme Tacos gives you the option to create your own tacos or burritos, or simply order off the menu that they have curated. Their menu doesn’t stop at tacos, though. Their menu also includes a number of choices of fries as well. So, no matter if you like blazing hot heat, or a more mild meal, Xtreme Tacos will be able to serve you what you need, and the best part is it’s on the go so it’s quick and easy.
Poke Burri
4034 W. Kennedy Blvd
Although this restaurant is not yet open in Tampa, if it’s anything like the Atlanta location, it is sure to be a smash hit. Poke has been a growing food trend in Tampa, and this restaurant is going to give other Poke restaurants a run for their money. As of now, the menu is set to include things like Tangy Crab and Shrimp, Build-your-own bowls, and even a secret menu that includes avant-garde items like Sushi Pizza and Sushi Burritos. If you’re into Poke bowls be sure to check this place out once it opens!
Anchor and Brine
505 Water Street
Located just steps away from the Tampa Riverwalk, Anchor and Brine offers seafood and wine pairings that are sure to satisfy your craving for umami. The pairings seem carefully selected to that you get the best taste and grouping possible. The lunch menu offers lighter options such as shrimp cocktail, ceviche, and lobster tail, while the dinner menu offers items such as pork chops, burgers, and flatbreads. Be sure to stop by Anchor and Brine between the hours of 11 am - 12 am.
Old School Bar & Grill
2202 W Kennedy Blvd
Decorated with a large yellow school bus, you can’t miss this “music joint” when driving down West Kennedy Boulevard. This trendy Bar & Grill offers bar food items like deviled eggs, flatbreads, chicken wings, cheese fries, and sandwiches. This destination also offers ladies night on Thursdays from 10 pm - 1 am which includes free house wines, wells, and drafts, and they offer food and drink deals during college football season as well.
Rocca Tampa
323 W Palm Avenue
No one can pass up good Italian cuisine, and Chef Bryce Bonsack and Chef Nick Orr make sure that their Italian cuisine is as authentic as it can get. Offering a “Mozzarella Cart” to share between the table and a variety of pasta, meat, and fish options for you to select as an entree. Due to the Chef’s extensive traveling and knowledge of Italian Cuisine and Italian Life this restaurant is sure to leave you feeling as though you have traveled to Italy and back through the duration of your meal.
Meat Market
1606 W Snow Ave
Log onto their website and their tagline is “a sexier, more glamorous take on the traditional steakhouse,” and from the looks of it they lived up to this tagline. With modern booths and thick-cut wood chairs, with ambient lighting, this restaurant is sure to lure all those who enjoy prime cuts, fresh fish, and seafood. Also, with the large 6,000 square-foot venue, Meat Market is able to accommodate small groups, large parties, and even business meetings.
Olivia
3601 W Swann Ave
This restaurant although new to the Tampa area is taking Tampanians by storm. Their menu involves northern and southern Italian cuisine that adds sophistication to typical Italian cuisine. The menu includes salads and appetizers such as Calamari, Meatballs, Wild Arugula Salads, and Winter Kale salads. If you love Italian, this restaurant is for you!
Whiskey Cake Tampa
2223 N. West Shore Blvd
The Whiskey Cake website dubs their restaurant to be “your neighborhood joint for craft cocktails & farm-fresh comfort food.” and promise that the chefs will “transform simple, seasonal ingredients into classic American dishes with local flavor.” The menu includes things like Chicken and Waffles, Grits, as well as many sweet options like cinnamon roll pancakes, and waffles. Open Monday-Thursday 11 am-11 pm, Friday through Saturday WC is open until 12 am, and Sundays until 10 pm.
Sugar Factory Tampa
5223 Orient Road
Located in the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, the Sugar Factory is bound to satisfy the inner child in you. This candy-themed restaurant serves up drinks that are stuffed to the brim with different types of candy, and these can be made with or without alcohol so if you bring the kids they can still enjoy the sweet drinks. Be sure to try “The Drake” goblet, made with Virginia Black Whiskey, and served with Sour Patch Peaches, this particular drink has been approved by Drake himself.
Try one of these new restaurants in Tampa and let us know what you thought in the comments below! Stay connected to 813area and more Tampa restaurant news. Best of all? It's free!
