COVID-19 may have thrown the dining scene for a loop, but if recent years have proven anything, it’s that restaurants are back and growing. Tampa is one such city where that’s incredibly apparent, as dozens of new restaurants pop up each year. From West African cuisine to twists on French classics, there’s a lot to love about the best new restaurants in Tampa.
To help you find your new favorite, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best Tampa restaurants that have arrived in the past few years. Pick the restaurant that makes your mouth water the most, and you’re bound to discover just how much there is to love about the Tampa restaurant scene!
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The 15 Best Restaurants in Tampa, Florida
1. Predalina
You never know what you’re going to get at Predalina, which has quickly become one of the best places to eat in Tampa since its 2023 opening. This seafood-driven Mediterranean restaurant, which you can find on Water Street, boasts a serene and stylish decor that will make you feel like you’re dining on a Greek island.
Although they have menus for brunch, lunch, intermezzo, dinner, dessert, and drinks, their real specialties are their specials, as they build their menus each day around the freshest catches. Always check about their specials before ordering.
2. Union New American
Union New American earns its spot on the list of the best new restaurants in Tampa with its fabulous fusion dining. As the name suggests, this hip dining spot in Westshore City Center does offer classic American comfort food, like country biscuits with blueberry pepper jam.
But you can also enjoy flavors from around the world, like Japanese sweet potato, Korean BBQ salmon, and Iberico pork. It’s a restaurant that’s bound to please every eater!
3. The Dan
Replacing the Hotel Flor’s Sapphire Lounge, The Dan is one of the newest restaurants in Tampa that’s making waves for its ambiance, drinks, and elevated menu. Taking inspiration from the Roaring Twenties, this speakeasy-style restaurant offers a sleek and cozy setting with plush booths, mood lighting, and ‘20s-inspired murals.
On the menu are both specialty cocktails and timeless choices with unique twists, like a champagne cocktail covered in cotton candy. The food functions the same way, with classic favorites taking on new looks and exciting flavors.
4. Sal Rosa
Inspired by Caribbean and Latin cuisine, Sal Rosa fits perfectly inside the Le Méridien Hotel. This all-new Tampa restaurant is a colorful and vibrant homage to the eclectic styles and flavors of Caribbean-Latin culture, with dishes like chilaquiles, Jamaican jerk chicken, and paella.
In addition to sit-down dining, the restaurant also offers a cafe that serves illy Coffee and ice cream made in-house.
5. Vela Italian Tavern
Vela, which translates to “sail” in Italian, takes inspiration from its Westshore Marina District location and rustic Italian neighborhood watering holes. The result is a mix of pasta, pizza, and Mediterranean-inspired dishes, all concocted with local, fresh-caught ingredients.
Although Italian classics, like octopus carpaccio, take centerstage, you can also find treats inspired by other Mediterranean countries, like cauliflower za’atar, which traces its roots back to Palestine.
6. Ybor Seoul
Found in Ybor City, Ybor Seoul is one of those Tampa restaurants that’s an unexpected delight. This unfussy, casual eatery bills itself as a deli and flies so under the radar that they don’t even have a website. But you’re going to want to go on the hunt for it next time you’re in Ybor City!
This restaurant is Korean comfort food done right. From Korean corn dogs to sweet and spicy pork belly, you’re bound to leave here happy and satisfied. Just don’t forget to save room for a bubble milk tea.
7. ro
Located in Hyde Park Village, ro is not just one of the best Tampa restaurants. It’s an experience all its own.
Enjoy tableside demonstrations as you dine in this modern Asian restaurant, complete with colorful murals, vaulted ceilings, and mood lighting perfect for date night. Authenticity is key here, which is why ingredients are sourced from Tokyo’s Toyosu Market to ensure the freshest and most authentic fish for their sushi dishes.
8. Bouzy
Though cocktails and champagne are at the heart of Bouzy – another Hyde Park Village find that’s one of the best places to eat in Tampa – it also has a menu you’re not going to want to miss. Though Bouzy takes its name from a French region and definitely has French influences, the menu is filled with bites from around the world, from bao buns to Maine lobster rolls.
With its bubble-covered chandeliers, mood lighting, and intimate setting, Bouzy is the perfect Tampa restaurant to become your new date-night go-to.
9. Sunda New Asian
As the name implies, Sunda New Asian is all about taking classic dishes from Southeast Asian cuisine and modernizing them with elevated ingredients and explosive flavors. Found in Midtown, Sunda has become one of the best restaurants in the city, with its twists on Asian favorites, award-winning sushi, and specialty cocktails that feature unique Asian influences.
10. Boulon Brasserie
Boulon Brasserie, another Water Street find, is an upscale French restaurant featuring elegant decor with a stylish full-service bar at the center. On the menu are French classics with twists that focus on local ingredients, like their blue crab beignets and snapper amandine.
This Tampa restaurant also features a bakery, where you can find even more French treats, like madeleines, macaroons, croissants, and baguettes.
11. The Rollin’ Mullet
The Rollin’ Mullet is one of the most fun Tampa restaurants for those looking for a casual night out. This open-air bar features bites coming out of a food truck and beer and wine coming straight from a 1971 Airstream trailer.
It’s a pet-friendly and kid-friendly place to eat in Seminole Heights that lets you spend time with the ones you love while you enjoy unfussy and unpretentious sips and bites. In addition to drinks, you’ll also find burgers, Philly cheesesteaks, loaded fries, quesadillas, and even something for your furry friends.
12. The Pearl
Over on Water Street is an elevated gastropub that’s becoming one of the best places to eat in Tampa. The Pearl features handcrafted cocktails, an extensive list of wine and beer, made-from-scratch dishes, and seasonal oysters.
As you take a seat in the cozy, homey dining room featuring exposed brick walls, colorful artwork, and wood tables, you’ll eat up tasty comfort food favorites, like clam chowder and fish and chips. Or you can just enjoy chowing down on all the oysters you can eat alongside more seafood like blue crab and baked clams. Don’t forget to save room for pie, which is made fresh every day.
13. Coasis
Seminole Heights is where you’ll find Coasis, one of the most unique new restaurants in Tampa. You’ll come in for the stylish decor, with bursts of color everywhere and Insta-worthy backdrops.
But you’ll stick around for a menu that’s sure to have your mouth watering. Each dish is designed for comfort, from the truffle mac n cheese to the fried lobster bites. The cocktail list is just as cozy, with sweet, smoky, or spicy drinks throughout the menu.
14. Beacon
Beacon is one of the best rooftop restaurants in Tampa. In fact, it’s the second-tallest in all of Florida, which is why you get such incredible views here. But the views aren’t the only thing that will make you want to dine here.
Located on the top floor of the JW Marriott, Beacon boasts an eclectic cocktail menu designed by their in-house mixology team. You can find twists on old favorites, or you can enjoy something entirely new. Alongside your drinks is a list of bites to share with your group, including charcuterie boards, steamed buns, tartines, and sweet desserts.
15. Da’ Shrine
You’ll experience unique flavors from all over West Africa and the Caribbean when you dine at Da’ Shrine. This Seminole Heights find is truly one of the most unique restaurants in Tampa, where you can order up red velvet pancakes for brunch and Nigerian jollof rice with goat meat for dinner.
In addition to their both sweet and savory brunch and dinner offerings, they also have an extensive drink menu. On the non-alcoholic side, you’ll find several Jamaican sodas and ginger beers. Meanwhile, those looking for a little alcohol can enjoy a full bar, a wine list, and an array of beer offerings, including several African varieties.
