Tampa Bay's food scene has undergone a transformation over the past decade — what was once a meat-and-seafood-on-the-water scene has evolved into one of the Southeast's most exciting dining environments, with James Beard nominees, outstanding Cuban cuisine, a remarkable steakhouse legacy, and a food hall culture anchored by Armature Works.
The Tampa Cuban Sandwich
Tampa's Cuban sandwich is different from Miami's — the Tampa version adds salami (a legacy of the Italian immigrant workers who lived alongside Cuban immigrants in Ybor City in the early 1900s). The city takes its Cuban sandwich extremely seriously, and the debate over the best version is an ongoing civic institution.
Best Tampa Cuban sandwiches:
- Columbia Restaurant (Ybor City) — The original, made the same way since 1905
- Carmine's Restaurant (Ybor City) — Locals' choice for the best version
- La Segunda Bakery — The bread supplier to most Tampa Cuban restaurants; buy a whole sandwich here
Bern's Steak House
Bern's on South Howard is not just Tampa's best restaurant — it's one of America's great restaurant institutions. Owner Bern Laxer built his farm-to-table supply chain in the 1960s (decades before it was fashionable), maintained his legendary wine cellar (500,000+ bottles), and created a unique upstairs dessert experience in the Harry Waugh Dessert Room where dessert and after-dinner drinks are served in converted wine barrel booths. Reservations required well in advance.
Armature Works
The most remarkable development in Tampa dining in a decade — a historic 1910 trolley maintenance building on the Hillsborough River converted to a spectacular food hall and event space. The Heights Public Market inside features approximately 15 restaurant stalls, a full bar, and a rooftop bar with river views.
Water Street Tampa
Tampa's newest major development has brought a wave of restaurants to the Channelside/Water Street area:
- The Edition Hotel restaurants — Multiple concepts, excellent quality
- Ola Restaurant — Cuban-inspired fine dining
- St. Pete restaurants expanding to Water Street
Hyde Park Village
Tampa's upscale neighborhood shopping and dining district — a pedestrian-friendly area with excellent independent restaurants:
- The Refinery — Farm-to-table, James Beard award-nominated
- Forbici Modern Italian — Consistently excellent Italian
- Cru Cellars — Outstanding wine bar with food
Seminole Heights
Tampa's "restaurant row" neighborhood — a formerly declining area that's become the city's most creative dining district:
- Rooster & the Till — Local sourcing, creative American cuisine
- Fodder & Shine — Florida indigenous cuisine with a story
- Independent Bar & Café — Community-oriented neighborhood spot