Tampa’s food scene is full of cool spots, from trendy places with eye-catching decor to hidden spots with unique menus.
Here are ten of the coolest restaurants in Tampa, where great food meets a fun vibe for a dining experience you won’t forget.
Ulele
- Location: 1810 N Highland Ave, Tampa, FL 33602
- Average Price For Two: $38
- Must-Try Food: Grilled Barbacoa dishes, hush puppies made with alligator meat, and foods and spirits inspired by indigenous cultures.
Ulele, a Michelin-star restaurant in Tampa, offers Native-inspired cuisine with fresh local ingredients.
The menu features Three Sisters Salad and hand-cut fried okra. Ulele has indoor and outdoor dining with views of the Hillsborough River and an outdoor sculpture garden.
It has its own brewery, Ulele Spring Brewery. Since 2014, it has become a local favorite for its distinctive personality and flavor, focusing on family-owned or independent suppliers.
Bern’s Steak House
- Location: 1208 S. Howard Ave, Tampa, FL 33606, USA
- Average Price For Two: $184
- Must-Try Food: Dry-Aged Carpaccio/Shrimp, Filet/Chateaubriand mains, in-house steak cuts.
Bern’s Steak House in Tampa offers an exceptional steak dining experience with the specialty of in-house dry-aged (at least 45 days) USDA Prime steaks.
With an impressive wine collection of over 375,000 bottles, it is a must-visit destination for wine enthusiasts.
The menu features a variety of steak cuts, served with a comprehensive selection of sides. Bern’s has won numerous awards for its wine program, solidifying its reputation for excellence.
The Columbia Restaurant
- Location: 2117 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605
- Average Price For Two: $40-$60
- Must-Try Food: Deviled crab croqueta, Paella and chicken paella, and traditional Cuban dishes like conchas fritas, Cuban sandwiches, and ropa vieja.
The Columbia Restaurant in Tampa is Florida’s oldest continually operating restaurant, known for its Cuban and Spanish cuisine, historic atmosphere, and live flamenco performances.
The menu features specialties like deviled crab croquetas and the authentic Cubano sandwich. It’s the perfect destination for those seeking a blend of history, culture, and culinary excellence.
The Deviled Pig
- Location: 3307 S Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33629.
- Average Price For Two: $39
- Must Try Food: Mojo Whole Hog Tostada, Deviled Pig, Porky Bowl, Pirate Shipwreck Sandwich
Located in South Tampa, The Deviled Pig offers a unique blend of traditional barbecue flavors and Tampa-inspired dishes.
Must-try foods include the Mojo Whole Hog Tostada and the Smokin’ Double Chocolate Brownie. The restaurant is known for its award-winning smoked meats, BBQ, and Tampa-inspired sandwiches.
Open from 11 AM to 8 PM Tuesday through Sunday, it’s a popular spot for both casual dining and special events like the Whole Hog Feast.
Deviled Pig (@deviledpig) • Instagram photos and videos
Rome + Fig
- Location: 3500 N Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33604
- Average Price For Two: $31 to $50
- Must-Try Food: Southern Caprese salad with fried green tomatoes, seasonal entrees like scallops & filet mignon, and Fuego Margarita.
Rome + Fig in North Hyde Park, Tampa, is a cozy restaurant known for its fresh, seasonal Italian dishes with a modern twist.
The menu offers a variety of options, including Nona’s Meatballs and the Spring Strawberry Salad.
The restaurant provides dine-in, takeout, online ordering options, and drink specials like the Fuego Margarita. Rome + Fig is a delightful dining destination for both casual lunches and formal dinners.
La Teresita
- Location: 3248 W Columbus Dr, Tampa, FL 33607
- Average Price For Two: $24
- Must Try Food: Bistec de Palomilla and Ropa Vieja, Croquetas de Jamón, Puerco Asada, Café con Leche
La Teresita, a renowned American restaurant in Tampa, is the perfect spot to enjoy a laid-back and historic atmosphere.
The restaurant is popular for its wide range of healthy options, late-night food, and good coffee, making it an ideal dining destination for everyone.
With its drive-through service, La Teresita is open from early morning until late at night so you can grab a delicious bite anytime.
The restaurant welcomes families and is wheelchair accessible, ensuring a comfortable dining experience for all.
Whether you’re a local or a tourist, La Teresita is a must-visit place, offering an array of dining options to suit everyone’s taste buds.
On Swann
- Location: 1501 W Swann Ave, Tampa, FL 33606
- Average Price For Two: $50-$70
- Must-Try Food: Pomme Frites, Fried Green Tomatoes, Pork Belly, Tuna Crudo, and Grouper.
On Swann in Tampa is a celebrated restaurant known for its modern Southern-inspired cuisine. It offers exceptional quality food with standout dishes like saffron arancini and sirloin burger.
Locals and visitors can enjoy lunch and dinner services every day of the week. The restaurant’s charming atmosphere adds to the overall dining experience.
Azure at EDITION
- Location: 500 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33607
- Average Price For Two: $30–50 per person.
- Must Try Food: Tzatziki, Vegetables and Dip, Hummus, Tuna, Grilled Octopus, Tuna Tartare, and Baklava
Azure at EDITION, helmed by the talented Michelin-starred chef John Fraser, offers a delightful rooftop dining experience in Tampa that highlights the tantalizing flavors of Greek cuisine.
One dish that stands out is the Tzatziki, a testament to the restaurant’s unwavering commitment to Mediterranean cuisine.
With stunning views of Tampa Bay, the restaurant provides a relaxed and breezy atmosphere, making it a perfect choice for both lunch and dinner.
It stays open late on weekends, making it a versatile option for various dining occasions.
Elevage SoHo Kitchen & Bar
- Location: 1207 S. Howard Ave, Tampa, FL 33606
- Average Price For Two: $31 to $50
- Must-Try Food: Smoked BBQ chicken wings, wild mushroom chawanmushi, and a modern chicken schnitzel dish with buttery spaetzle and mustard jus.
Elevage SoHo Kitchen & Bar in Tampa is a chic dining spot celebrating international flavors. Their Lobster Thermidor is a must-try dish with fresh, seasonal ingredients.
The contemporary and elegant ambiance is perfect for casual lunches and formal dinners. With exceptional service, Elevage guarantees a memorable dining experience, making it a must-visit spot in the city.
Bamboozle Cafe
- Location: 1001 N Franklin St, Tampa, FL 33602
- Average Price For Two: $45
- Must Try Food: Banh Mi Tacos, Pho, Bun Bo Hue, Ga Ho Tofu, Ca Phe, and Thai Iced Tea
Bamboozle Cafe in Tampa is a perfect place to experience the vibrant Vietnamese cuisine.
The restaurant offers traditional dishes like Pho and Banh Mi in a modern yet authentic setting, enhanced by bamboo decor and lanterns.
The Banh Mi, a delightful fusion of French and Vietnamese culinary traditions, is a specialty dish you must try.
The exceptional service at Bamboozle Cafe ensures a personalized and memorable experience, making it the go-to place for those seeking authentic Vietnamese cuisine in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
