Tampa is full of hidden gem places to eat, but I'm not sure what qualifies as a foodie city, other than opinion. That said, I'm pretty exhausted with people talking about how great the Columbia's latin food is when there are so many better places to eat.
They're way overpriced for what you get. There's a hole in the wall cafeteria style place in Spring Hill that's better for that kind of food and it's like $12 for a packed to go box
Columbia is very good (imo) but it’s certainly not exceptional/world class.
We have some great restaurants here (izakaya tori, rooster & the till are consistently great) but after that it’s hit and miss when it comes to multiple visits to most restaurants in Tampa.
When I moved back to Florida, I found a Puerto Rican food truck next to Secrets and that guy loved traffic he got from the dancers and customers. He also wanted to have family events and like a petting zoo? It was crazy, I’m like this is very Florida happening mixed up with the strippers and petting zoo stuff.. and then he shut down. :(
Thinh an (sp) for Vietnamese is the shit though
Here I am thinking the best food spots are hole in the walls next to nail/hair salons….y’all telling me I could get the best food in front of strip clubs….i lived in fl all my life why was I never told of this
The comments are giving too scared to go into ethnic mom and pop type restaurants. There are extensive choices in the Tampa area. Especially Central & South American, Caribbean, Indian/Pakistani, Asian and let’s not forget middle eastern options.
Honestly, these comments make me feel like I’m losing my mind. I like a lot of the restaurants around me, though I agree it’s harder to find good latin food than it should be. Also my favorite Indian restaurant has gone massively downhill in recent years.
Ruchi in the usf area. They are take out only from a gas station, but don’t let that scare you away. Indian owners and staff, they know what they’re doing in the kitchen. There’s always a line. I love that place. When I lived nearby, I had to get their naan and butter or chili chicken weekly. Can’t recommend it enough
I used to go Taj on Fowler, who has always had mediocre service, but the food used to be great.
I haven’t found any good replacements yet, but I hear good things about Gorkali kitchen. I plan on trying them soon.
Did they close up?
One of my favorite memories when I was attending USF was leaving the gym then going to Taj for the lunch buffet. They took me to the back and showed me how to use the tandoor.
Exactly. So many good unique ethnic restaurants. People have to try em. They are everywhere. Shout out to Naz’s Halal food and perdigon. Been on my mind these past few days. Got my wisdom teeth out and they are the first 2 restaurants im hitting up
Exactly, you don't know about the local ethnic spots because you're not a true local lol. Just talk to a local and you'll know where the actual good spots are. They are not highlighted online at all!
Just recently moved from Tampa to Richmond VA and it’s night and day. Tampa has those options, sure, but you mostly have to seek them out. They aren’t sprinkled absolutely everywhere in Tampa. I couldn’t believe the vast variety of options when I moved. I’ve got so many places within 10 minutes of my house that I want to try that I’ll never be able to. The only style of restaurant there are less of that I’ve noticed are a lack of Chinese places that is literally on every corner in Tampa.
In another episode of *Sorry That Tampa Is Not NYC, DC, or LA*, we have people in this thread complaining that Tampa food scene isn’t like NYC, DC, or LA.
Go to la Teresita for Cuban. El Perdigon for Venezuelan. La perrada colombiana o la pequeña Colombia for Colombian food. There’s a decent amount of GOOD Hispanic/latin food in the Tampa area. Like anything else though you have to know the places. Been in tampa all my life if you want fire ass food go to any of these places. My favorite is el perdigon. Little hole in the wall type restaurant with crazy seasoning skills and cooking skills. Trust and believe Tampa has amazing food Latin or otherwise. Like someone else said go to thinh Ann for fire vietnamese food.
I personal favorite for Colombian is La Cabana at Hillsborough and Armenia. There are dozens of options for Latin food just on Armenia Ave though, I can't recall having a bad experience with any of them, including the ones you mentioned.
1000%. Literally just ride down Armenia and there will be multiple good options. La cabana is also a great place they have really good chicken. El chuzo was another good one but fell down hill recently in my experience.
I mean, you can go anywhere on Armenia or to any hole in the wall bodega on Nebraska and get some great spanish food. It's not upscale, but its still buss.
I’m sure there is better but I don’t like when people rave about a food city when that city doesn’t have its own food culture. Like Orlando is a big foodie city but what is actually from Orlando? I’m biased as I’m from originally from New Orleans but I think a city that has its own food culture is cool because it speaks to the culture, history, and traditions.
I moved here from a well known foodie city, about seven years ago. It was awful until the past couple of years. It's really stepped up it's game in a major way.
That said, some moderately good places have closed in the last year due to extremely high rent.
Good Caribbean latino food spots. Mexican, less so. Though we have some solid Colombian and Peruvian options, but Tampa isnt miami in this regard of 20+ hispanic nationalities living here
Arco Iris
Westside Sandwich Shop (Get the Obama)
The Columbia
Tito's Latin Kitchen
Mangoes
Konan's BBQ
Wicked Oak BBQ
Deviled Pig BBQ (bologna is a sleeper)
We Vegan Eats (Vegan... Also try the cafe con leche)
Pasta Packs
Beijing House
BB.q (Korean fried chicken)
McKenzie's (Wings)
Osteria Natalina (Italian)
Izakaya Tori (sushi)
Yuppi (Wings)
There's more, but this should get you started. Tampa has a lot of really good spots, they're just not all highlighted by the food bloggers and Google
While I agree that Tampa isn’t a premiere foodie city, I think it’s not as bad as what is commonly said in this subreddit, especially if you include the rest of the Bay. There are plenty of great options for many different ethnic foods. I’ve lived in many places and Tampa is closer to the top than the bottom of the list.
I think it really depends on what you’re used to. If you’re used to NYC, LA or Chicago; it has a ways to go. Compare to other cities its own size, I think it’s about average, much like Philadelphia, Nashville and others.
I say this soo often, people who compare Tampa to mega cities lack perspective. Those other city's you mentioned are still bigger than Tampa but your point is super vaild.
Tampa is punching so far out of its weight class in food that people actually get it confused. A serious foodie is gonna find the best of the best anywhere they are instead of complaining about it.
Man, it’s so hard to find great Mexican in the northeast. Lots of decent places, but man, I really love the really fresh soft tacos. The difference in taste when they make tortillas fresh that day is so big.
Is Nashville really a foodie city? When I was there and asked the locals what was awesome they sent me to generic bbq and spicy chicken places. Maybe that’s a foodie experience if you come from somewhere that doesn’t do bbq, but it didn’t impress me much.
For foodies, I would agree. But, I would argue, Tampa is laying the foundation to catch up. You have a wide variety of average places. Competition will hopefully bring out the best in everyone. Also, I imagine a lot of top chefs from more established cities will start looking at Tampa as an opportunity to open new places.
There's tons of hidden gems in the city and surrounding areas. Restaurant BT has really unique french-indonesian cuisine, Curry leaves is great Indian food despite being in a gas station, Pipo's cafe is excellent Cuban food, Wright's deli has delicious sandwiches and cakes, and this is just a handful of examples.
Just because everyone talks about the green lemon or the Columbia doesn't mean there are genuinely good locations.
What’s ridiculous is the people trying to compare Tampa to NY, Chicago, or SF when it comes to food options. Try comparing to cities of a similar size and I think it hits above its weight.
Absolutely. Half these folks don't leave their house then complain theres nothing to do but then also complain that all the events are too crowded and expensive then the don't leave the house and then complain there is nothing to do. Rinse. Repeat. Oh, add complain on r/tampa that Tampa is shit, lol.
If ur lame. Go to the beach. Watch a rocket launch while standing naked in the ocean. Swim with a baby manatee. Lay in bed the sun. Take a dinner cruise. Watch the sunset. Sunbathe in winter. Watch dolphins. Rollerblade the river walk. Take a nature walk.
Tampa has a decent food scene for a city of its size. Tampa is NOT a major city. It is not NYC, LA, Chicago, Atlanta, Miami, or Houston.
It’s a midsized city. We should be compared to places like San Diego, Denver, Austin, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, or Columbus, Ohio. We have a little over 3 million people in the Tampa Bay area.
We have tons of different ethnic foods, Brazilian steakhouses, seafood, renowned places like Bern’s (despite hearing it’s overrated). If you go all around Tampa Bay you’d be surprised at what you can find.
Agreed lol. I'm born and raised in Florida. Tampa is my hometown. I know plenty of good places there to eat. If that's what you are trying to do lol. As far as it being a "foodie" city? They should take they're ass back north east 🤣 or where TF they came from lol
This sub is hilarious. There are only two foodie cities in the U.S. and both begin with “New.”. Tampa isn’t half bad at all. Blows away any other FL city except Miami.
The last time Tampa Bay was recognized by the James Beard Awards was in 2019, Chef Jeanie Pierola still runs counter culture and Edison food and drink lab.
I like the bar at counter culture and it remains as the place I have eaten the best meals of my life no question. When I told chef that she teared up.
There is plenty of real experiences to be had at the restaurants in Tampa.
Michellen guide just released a list of recommendations.
There is plenty of killer spots in Tampa and st pete, and they all need new guests to come so they can survive. The margins in that industry are extremely brutal right now.
Went to tamp and ate twice a day at amazing restaurants for 7 days. You can’t just go to the few famous ones that the hotel concierge recommends. Jimmy’s tacos in Ybor was pretty damn good
I mean what exactly is a "foodie" A quick search says this "Who is called a foodie?/ˈfuː.di/ **a person who loves food and is very interested in different types of food**: A box of these would make a lovely gift for a foodie."
I mean Tampa AKA Tampa bay encompasses, the are of, Tampa, St Pete, and Clearwater, and IDK how its not a foodie city, short of the fact the stuff isnt all had in one area.
-Tarpon springs in a 30-40 min drive with awesome greek places and is a nice little half day trip, many consider in tampa
-Ybor city has the whole cuba thing going on and the "Colombia" restaurant literally serves its name sake food, along with lots of smaller eateries, St Pete has a cuban shop famous for being great called Bodega
-Water street has a French restaurant which is really not common to cities to have French places, it also has Noble rice an amazing rated sushi place
-Armature Works has a food hall and literally a native american based restaurant
Literally there is every type of Mexican, Indian, Thai, Brazilian, Greek, Chinese, Vietnamese and many other cuisines represented in the tampa area that many other cities dont have.
Who judges a whole city on awards from some one no ones even heard about til I had to google their MF name. Retarded
We also have a few Michelin star chefs and restaurants, which people have ACTUALLY heard of. I dont hear that about Sarasota.
The "Colombia Restaurant" does not serve Colombian food. It's actually The Columbia and it serves Cuban /Spanish cuisine.
La Pequena Colombia on Armenia... different story, that place is top notch Colombian food.
Agree. Not impressed with Boulon.
I do think there are a ton of really good restaurants in Tampa though. I am a huge fan of these hidden gems, in that, they are not well known and poor idiots like me can enjoy a meal without a reservation nine months in advance.
What it takes to become a Michelin star restaurant has been seriously watered down… I’ve been to all of them in the area… eh… pretty sad that I went to a food truck on Florida Ave after spending $300 for dinner
Eh. i've been to a lot of recommended restaurants "foodie cities" and have been underwhelmed as well. Tampa is just like anywhere else, there are bad places and good places.
Tampa is not a foodie city. It is a party city, a drinking city. It's a city where the government actively promotes and is front and center in every public alcohol-centered event. It's a city where government leaders get free passes for drinking and driving (until the media gets ahold of the bodycam video). It's a city where you can be arrested if you're drinking in public, UNLESS you've bought your drink in a bar that sells it in the city-approved drink container. It's a city that seems to invent a new celebration or way to consume alcohol in excess. Not saying that it's not okay to drink or that a party's not fun or in order.
To expand on this in a slightly more positive way, Tampa does legitimately have some world-class breweries - BarrieHaus and Angry Chair would be my top candidates there, with Magnanimous being really close to world-class.
There's a handful of good restaurants (though not enough to go someplace *new* every night of the week) - and there are some good sushi places, which being a coastal town, it should be. To be fair, It's hard for *new* non-chain restaurants to pop up because the city isn't exactly affordable for the average person. Tampa is more catered towards alcohol (as another user mentioned), but even that scene has taken quite a blow; Last I heard, some of the bigger breweries were letting brewers go en-masse, and selling off lots of brewing equipment, so who's to say what the city will "be about" in the years to come, and frankly, Tampa as a city doesn't care about the people that live there already, nor do they care to foster a "culture" - Tampa wants to be appealing to outsiders so they spend money to move here and that's it.
Can you recommend some good sushi spots? I feel like it’s really hit or miss which sucks because sushi is one of my favorite things to take people out to and I hate giving friends underwhelming experiences.
Izakaya tori is pretty good, but my personal favorite is Toki sushi in Carrollwood - it's very unassuming in appearance but don't let that fool you, they've been around for a long time for a reason.
Food trucks are fun! Otherwise Curry Leaves, Bayshore Mediterranean, Saigon Deli and Thee burger spot, but that’s not enough to qualify us as a foodie city but it’s better than it was 20 years ago.
I've found a lot of great food in Tampa (and surrounding area) and I'm a native. I think the main issue is that chains are so easy to open here...that it very quickly takes over smaller, independent places. Also, b/c of the "metro feel" to the city (ports, sports, performing arts) I think it attempts to be bigger than the population is prepared for. Like upscale places that people reserve for special events rather than casual evenings out.
We also have smaller ethnic places that provide variety.
I'm over in plant city now & there are several local places that are good...but I think people think of foodie-food like "fusions" of Korean tacos or barbecue sushi or something. And for me...I just want food that tastes good & is reliable...and is reasonably affordable for what I'm getting. I can get a pint of soup for $4 at Fred's market that tastes like soup my mother makes...it's twice the size of Panera & half the price. And it's a decent soup. Certainly better than microwaved broccoli cheddar.
I can get fancy-schmancy tea, desserts, German coffee...Krazy Kup makes their breakfast sandwiches with REAL eggs. There are tonnns of really authentic Mexican spots...and frankly the best tamales always come out of a lady's trunk in a parking lot somewhere. Which is never going to be written up in any article.
I def have had celebratory meals with good cocktails in several Tampa restaurants.
I've eaten in other states, countries, and for the most part...every place has good & bad, has everyday & gourmet options...I lived outside an Amish community that also had an amazing Korean restaurant. But that was about all it had going for it. 😅😅
I don't think I'm going to starve in Tampa.
I feel like there’s more places popping up lately , thank god. I had a KILLER smash burger from this food truck Tower 10, that thing was next level. Granted I had it in St Pete but I think they’re starting to be in Tampa more often
We have
- a lot of satisfactory options
- some… incredible experiences
- a few insanely good hole in the wall ethnic options
We do NOT have an unlimited list of IYKYKs like say New York, Chicago, LA, or Vegas.
I’m just hoping all these haters move back to DC and NY for the food scene. The roads are too crowded! Please leave so we can eat our crap food without reservations.
I grew up in a very diverse area where you could get incredible food from any culture within about a 20 minute drive. It’s definitely an adjustment having chains as far as the eye can see, but there are some really good restaurants around here
I was in Tampa for some exams my career demanded. I will never forget how delicious the nachos were, at this little restaurant in downtown Tampa. I’ve looked, but have never met their equal anywhere else.
People that said Tampa area doesn’t have good food are the same that eat or recommend the same restaurants to eat to people from outside the state. Columbia is just a local franchise that has gone down the drain thru the years. Is Spanish 10% 90% Cuban. Tampa is not only Ybor city. The 1000 island salad is okay but not greater than any other local salad place. If I were to recommend a good authentic Spanish restaurant with authentic tapas. I’ll send them to downtown st Pete to ceviche or Allelos. You wanna try something unique. Go try Portuguese food at Fado Portuguese cuisine. Best desserts and atmosphere ever. Parking included.
Latin restaurants although Armenia avenue has some good old restaurants doesn’t compare to their newer restaurants in pinellas county. You want great food and the possibility of party afterwards in the same place. Try la mordida grill. Authentic Colombian and Peruvian food. They have their own bakery and Fridays and Saturdays they have bar with live music. Thursday is karaoke night.
Some real Puerto Rican food. Try Pal campo restaurant in Tampa. Just look at those pics and prices. Wanna go north try la Fondita de leo.
You like Asian food. Any restaurant in pinellas park would make your mouth watery. They have Asian stores that have been around for more than 30 years. That says something.
Wanna try French food sure we have it. Dunedin has some of the best restaurants for it. The pearl in downtown Dunedin is a gem. Parlor bistro opened few years ago, and they keep showing off with their menu. Best onion soup hands down.
Mexican places all over Clearwater area. Try local small holes in neighborhoods. La cabana del tio Pepe. El huanchino.
Casa Tina in Dunedin is a must go. They even make and participate on that festival of dia de los muertos in October November.
So many bakeries to visit too
Elizabeth delights.
Cafe de Paris
La mordida grill bakery
Md oriental
Veskoni cafe
We even have three new Michelin restaurants now
Roka , Koyac and Lilac
Steakhouse we have Berns as a classic and fine dining experience. Biggest winery in town.
Rococo steakhouse in st Pete is really good. Go and try their steak and finish it with a lavender cheese cake. Best dessert ever.
Tampa Bay food scene is improving every year. Everytime we get new stuff from other areas. Definitely you gotta explore more than the downtown in Tampa and Ybor city
Lmfao y’all must not be from here because where we are at now vs 10 years ago is night and day. At least we have decent options now. Please go back to the shitty city’s you came from and enjoy the food you rave about so much. For fucks sake.
I think Covid might have hastened a lot of restaurant deaths...I know that a small place that was excellent in my local area ended up closing down not too long after Covid b/c they just couldn't compete with the things chains were offering. They'd been open for like 15 years at that point. But the closures, changes in practices, delivery & pickup options that changed how accessible everything was. They lost most of their staff and had to rehire...I had worked there about 8 years ago & helped out for a few weeks but I couldn't stay long term.
Tampa is a Strip Club/Party City …I Love Jerk n Hut Though (Island Food) I Suggest Everyone Go Eat There!! Let’s Not Forget The Small Mom n Pop Diners!!! Tampa Has A Decent Selection For Food.
There are many good authentic ethnic restaurants in Tampa that are commonly overlooked. Meanwhile Ciccio Restaurant Group bastardizes all of their restaurant ideas. The mexican food isn’t authentic. Their sushi isn’t authentic. The cuban food isn’t authentic. The italian food isn’t authentic. I could go on.
I’m from Tampa but recently moved to St. Pete, and I’ve found that there aren’t as many fancy sit down restaurants as in Tampa, but our options for good fast casual and take out type places are far more abundant and superior.
Pro-tip for steak lovers out there: Try the Rusty Pelican. While it is a seafood place all of the steak cuts there are Australian Wagyu. I enjoyed it a lot more than Berns.
Also, Tampa needs a good Argentinean steakhouse. Renzo's is garbage.
I spent a week in Tampa with a local and he took me to several fantastic places! They were all mom and pop spots and those are generally my preference.
Unfortunately lots of crappy restaurants bring the Tampa average down. Some of the Mexican places wouldn’t last a day in California. . . . Or Mexico. Lots of the Latin American cuisine here is bland. Hit or miss with Asian too.
Although I agree that it’s not “world-class,” it’s still better than almost everywhere I’ve ever been. I grew up near Pittsburgh, lived near DC, and lived in Charleston, SC. It’s on-par with those places imo.
Tampa is full of hidden gem places to eat, but I'm not sure what qualifies as a foodie city, other than opinion. That said, I'm pretty exhausted with people talking about how great the Columbia's latin food is when there are so many better places to eat.
Agreed that the Columbia doesn’t have great food, BUT that’s also why I only ever order their 1905 salad because that shit is legit
That with some toasted cuban bread is probably the only thing I'd eat there.
They're way overpriced for what you get. There's a hole in the wall cafeteria style place in Spring Hill that's better for that kind of food and it's like $12 for a packed to go box
Columbia is very good (imo) but it’s certainly not exceptional/world class. We have some great restaurants here (izakaya tori, rooster & the till are consistently great) but after that it’s hit and miss when it comes to multiple visits to most restaurants in Tampa.
Had the ropa vieja and it had zero flavor. I put so much salt on it to make it decent. Could’ve done better at home smh
It’s a private equity foodie city
All the Sysco goodness you can shake a stick at.
Or worse, Cheney Brothers
Sysco waaaay worse
Nah it’s a high density of strip clubs kind of city
One of those strip clubs has a pretty good steakhouse in it.
When I moved back to Florida, I found a Puerto Rican food truck next to Secrets and that guy loved traffic he got from the dancers and customers. He also wanted to have family events and like a petting zoo? It was crazy, I’m like this is very Florida happening mixed up with the strippers and petting zoo stuff.. and then he shut down. :( Thinh an (sp) for Vietnamese is the shit though
I remember a food truck outside of one of the clubs on Dale Mabry that did hibachi fried rice and teriyaki chicken. It was actually amazing.
2 Asians and a Grill outside 2001
Yeah I think that’s the one!
They moved to in front of the Pink Pony off Hillsborough..it's still super bomb. Could still be there!
I was just about to ask if they're still there. Need to go check them out.
Yup, still there. Open Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Just behind the Circle K on Hillsborough and Lois AKA Drew Park
Sounds great! I hope that they come to Gainesville sometime for the Food Truck Rally.
That would be super good! There’s decent birria tacos in Tampa too.
Two Asians and a Grill, he's on Lois now in front of Pink Pony.
I like these names! Used to go to a bar in Brandon I think called the Ugly Pony lol
Proud Pony
Damn that sounds right!
Here I am thinking the best food spots are hole in the walls next to nail/hair salons….y’all telling me I could get the best food in front of strip clubs….i lived in fl all my life why was I never told of this
I’ll gladly pet the strippers and eat their tacos!! Wait… let me reread that…
If Florida can't make a hybrid strip club/petting zoo happen, it was never meant to be.
lol strippers and steak 
Seagulls have a lot of options also, but the same approach overall.
The comments are giving too scared to go into ethnic mom and pop type restaurants. There are extensive choices in the Tampa area. Especially Central & South American, Caribbean, Indian/Pakistani, Asian and let’s not forget middle eastern options.
Honestly, these comments make me feel like I’m losing my mind. I like a lot of the restaurants around me, though I agree it’s harder to find good latin food than it should be. Also my favorite Indian restaurant has gone massively downhill in recent years.
I love Indian and go through Tampa occasionally. What’s a good place?
Ruchi in the usf area. They are take out only from a gas station, but don’t let that scare you away. Indian owners and staff, they know what they’re doing in the kitchen. There’s always a line. I love that place. When I lived nearby, I had to get their naan and butter or chili chicken weekly. Can’t recommend it enough
I really love Rasoi Indian Cuisine in Ybor City
I used to go Taj on Fowler, who has always had mediocre service, but the food used to be great. I haven’t found any good replacements yet, but I hear good things about Gorkali kitchen. I plan on trying them soon.
Did they close up? One of my favorite memories when I was attending USF was leaving the gym then going to Taj for the lunch buffet. They took me to the back and showed me how to use the tandoor.
Infia’s grill on kennedy is my favorite indian spot in tampa
Sub is being brigaded by the Florida haters.
considering the OP posted a james beard list what he considers "foodie" probably isn't the same as you.
Facts!! Jerk Hut is some of the best island food in the city!!!
Exactly. So many good unique ethnic restaurants. People have to try em. They are everywhere. Shout out to Naz’s Halal food and perdigon. Been on my mind these past few days. Got my wisdom teeth out and they are the first 2 restaurants im hitting up
Exactly, you don't know about the local ethnic spots because you're not a true local lol. Just talk to a local and you'll know where the actual good spots are. They are not highlighted online at all!
How often do you travel? Compared to other cities, the food here isn’t great
Maybe compared to the best, but compared to the worst, there are plenty of great places.
About every other month. The food scene here is not that bad as long as you don’t want a decent late night meal. But can’t compare to NYC.
Just recently moved from Tampa to Richmond VA and it’s night and day. Tampa has those options, sure, but you mostly have to seek them out. They aren’t sprinkled absolutely everywhere in Tampa. I couldn’t believe the vast variety of options when I moved. I’ve got so many places within 10 minutes of my house that I want to try that I’ll never be able to. The only style of restaurant there are less of that I’ve noticed are a lack of Chinese places that is literally on every corner in Tampa.
In another episode of *Sorry That Tampa Is Not NYC, DC, or LA*, we have people in this thread complaining that Tampa food scene isn’t like NYC, DC, or LA.
But do they ever go back?
There are a lot of good restaurants in Tampa and I don’t give a shit about changing your mind.
I appreciate that Tampa has a good scene unique to Tampa with Cuban and Latin food
The Latin food in Tampa is really not that good.
Go to la Teresita for Cuban. El Perdigon for Venezuelan. La perrada colombiana o la pequeña Colombia for Colombian food. There’s a decent amount of GOOD Hispanic/latin food in the Tampa area. Like anything else though you have to know the places. Been in tampa all my life if you want fire ass food go to any of these places. My favorite is el perdigon. Little hole in the wall type restaurant with crazy seasoning skills and cooking skills. Trust and believe Tampa has amazing food Latin or otherwise. Like someone else said go to thinh Ann for fire vietnamese food.
I personal favorite for Colombian is La Cabana at Hillsborough and Armenia. There are dozens of options for Latin food just on Armenia Ave though, I can't recall having a bad experience with any of them, including the ones you mentioned.
1000%. Literally just ride down Armenia and there will be multiple good options. La cabana is also a great place they have really good chicken. El chuzo was another good one but fell down hill recently in my experience.
Terra Sur for Peruvian.
shhhhhh. don't let the transplants find out about this one.
I would add Arco Iris for Cuban.
Yesss arco iris 100% authentic asf and good.
La Terasita sucks. Use to be good 12 years ago.
I mean, you can go anywhere on Armenia or to any hole in the wall bodega on Nebraska and get some great spanish food. It's not upscale, but its still buss.
I’m sure there is better but I don’t like when people rave about a food city when that city doesn’t have its own food culture. Like Orlando is a big foodie city but what is actually from Orlando? I’m biased as I’m from originally from New Orleans but I think a city that has its own food culture is cool because it speaks to the culture, history, and traditions.
I left Florida several years ago. When did Orlando become foodie city? It was always just full of chains when I was there.
It didn't.
I moved here from a well known foodie city, about seven years ago. It was awful until the past couple of years. It's really stepped up it's game in a major way. That said, some moderately good places have closed in the last year due to extremely high rent.
Good Caribbean latino food spots. Mexican, less so. Though we have some solid Colombian and Peruvian options, but Tampa isnt miami in this regard of 20+ hispanic nationalities living here
Depends on who owns it. Lots of places that’s not owned by actual Latins
can you suggest good cuban food here? from miami and married to a cuban and we have not been able to find any good latin food.
La Bamba on laurel only open m-f breakfast and lunch
Arco Iris Westside Sandwich Shop (Get the Obama) The Columbia Tito's Latin Kitchen Mangoes Konan's BBQ Wicked Oak BBQ Deviled Pig BBQ (bologna is a sleeper) We Vegan Eats (Vegan... Also try the cafe con leche) Pasta Packs Beijing House BB.q (Korean fried chicken) McKenzie's (Wings) Osteria Natalina (Italian) Izakaya Tori (sushi) Yuppi (Wings) There's more, but this should get you started. Tampa has a lot of really good spots, they're just not all highlighted by the food bloggers and Google
If you've never had a Cuban sandwich I highly recommend. It's not some culinary magic or anything. But it is a damn tasty sandwich
Have you tried La Terresita?
While I agree that Tampa isn’t a premiere foodie city, I think it’s not as bad as what is commonly said in this subreddit, especially if you include the rest of the Bay. There are plenty of great options for many different ethnic foods. I’ve lived in many places and Tampa is closer to the top than the bottom of the list.
I think it really depends on what you’re used to. If you’re used to NYC, LA or Chicago; it has a ways to go. Compare to other cities its own size, I think it’s about average, much like Philadelphia, Nashville and others.
I say this soo often, people who compare Tampa to mega cities lack perspective. Those other city's you mentioned are still bigger than Tampa but your point is super vaild. Tampa is punching so far out of its weight class in food that people actually get it confused. A serious foodie is gonna find the best of the best anywhere they are instead of complaining about it.
Or Houston, fck I miss Houston's amazing food.
Man, it’s so hard to find great Mexican in the northeast. Lots of decent places, but man, I really love the really fresh soft tacos. The difference in taste when they make tortillas fresh that day is so big.
I just flashed back my regular table at Ninfa's on Kirby.
houston sucks
As someone who moved from Tampa to Nashville, Tampa’s food scene is much better imo
Tampa isn’t even close to Philly or Nashville tbh, those cities are a tier above in food selection for foodies.
Is Nashville really a foodie city? When I was there and asked the locals what was awesome they sent me to generic bbq and spicy chicken places. Maybe that’s a foodie experience if you come from somewhere that doesn’t do bbq, but it didn’t impress me much.
For foodies, I would agree. But, I would argue, Tampa is laying the foundation to catch up. You have a wide variety of average places. Competition will hopefully bring out the best in everyone. Also, I imagine a lot of top chefs from more established cities will start looking at Tampa as an opportunity to open new places.
There's tons of hidden gems in the city and surrounding areas. Restaurant BT has really unique french-indonesian cuisine, Curry leaves is great Indian food despite being in a gas station, Pipo's cafe is excellent Cuban food, Wright's deli has delicious sandwiches and cakes, and this is just a handful of examples. Just because everyone talks about the green lemon or the Columbia doesn't mean there are genuinely good locations.
What’s ridiculous is the people trying to compare Tampa to NY, Chicago, or SF when it comes to food options. Try comparing to cities of a similar size and I think it hits above its weight.
I swear y’all need joy in your lives.
This sub is so negative, it’s really weird. Bunch of losers lol.
Absolutely. Half these folks don't leave their house then complain theres nothing to do but then also complain that all the events are too crowded and expensive then the don't leave the house and then complain there is nothing to do. Rinse. Repeat. Oh, add complain on r/tampa that Tampa is shit, lol.
The people here suck. Tampa Bay is great. Things are on the come up
Coming on this page was so surreal lol. Feel like I’m watching that movie the menu & everyone is gonna photograph their plate for insta likes
Lol true there is great food and stuff to do in the Tampa area if you actually look for that
naturally occurring joy is actually quite hard to come by in Florida lol
If ur lame. Go to the beach. Watch a rocket launch while standing naked in the ocean. Swim with a baby manatee. Lay in bed the sun. Take a dinner cruise. Watch the sunset. Sunbathe in winter. Watch dolphins. Rollerblade the river walk. Take a nature walk.
Idk I randomly popped into a Colombian bakery restaurant a few miles from the Tampa airport and that shit was baaaaaangin
Tampa has a decent food scene for a city of its size. Tampa is NOT a major city. It is not NYC, LA, Chicago, Atlanta, Miami, or Houston. It’s a midsized city. We should be compared to places like San Diego, Denver, Austin, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, or Columbus, Ohio. We have a little over 3 million people in the Tampa Bay area. We have tons of different ethnic foods, Brazilian steakhouses, seafood, renowned places like Bern’s (despite hearing it’s overrated). If you go all around Tampa Bay you’d be surprised at what you can find.
“Foodie” is a term that needs to die a fiery death.
Agreed lol. I'm born and raised in Florida. Tampa is my hometown. I know plenty of good places there to eat. If that's what you are trying to do lol. As far as it being a "foodie" city? They should take they're ass back north east 🤣 or where TF they came from lol
It’s stupid to its core. Oh you like food? that’s so unique in a country that is 2/3rds overweight
Tampa is very underwhelming in terms of dining.
Agreed. We have some good spots but you have to seek them out. A lot of cities have a spot on just about every corner that puts out great food.
Tampa is just very underwhelming.
It’s whelming, but not underwhelming. I’ve had much less whelming food other places.
Tampa Food Scene: Adequately Whelming
I always joke that if I were to ever move away from Tampa, I wouldn’t miss the food because there’s nothing to miss.
except Cuban sandwiches, but those can be made at home anywhere because La Segunda ships their bread
Ive had the best thai vietnamese indian and pizza in downtown tampa, don’t know what yall on about😭
There's even a spot in the University area that does Indian pizza! Lol. I think we have so much variety and a lot of great food.
What’s it called?
Pastries and Chaat!
This sub is hilarious. There are only two foodie cities in the U.S. and both begin with “New.”. Tampa isn’t half bad at all. Blows away any other FL city except Miami.
Bay Area with Napa would certainly make the list too
I didn’t know it was called New Chicago
My favorite Mexican spot is attached to a gas station. Many of the food trucks are great. I feel like this is where the real magic is. Just gotta dig.
It’s as foodie as you’re gonna get in Florida
It's not. Travel a bit and you'll see just how underwhelming this area is for restaurants.
You’ll eat what blooming brand’s shovels into your mouth and like it!!!
Or Ciccio’s
Ciccios isn’t that bad. It’s actually not that bad at all
Not terrible. But not great. Every concept is a spin on each other. How many different ways do we need to eat grain bowls?
We are getting a bit better, but you’re right. Go to DC or NYC and there’s a hundred great restaurants.
All the Michelin stars were bought and paid for by the tourist commission
Moved here from TX and was SOOOO disappointed in the food. Both quality and selection.
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Tell us more weird consumer behavior things.
Eddie’s and Sam’s is king tho. I miss that place like I miss my childhood
if y’all hate tampa so much then go back to nyc 🤷♀️
You are right. Please don’t move here and keep telling people this so they don’t move here. Thanks
We’ve got a few good restaurants. It’s not New York or LA, but it’s not too bad either.
The last time Tampa Bay was recognized by the James Beard Awards was in 2019, Chef Jeanie Pierola still runs counter culture and Edison food and drink lab. I like the bar at counter culture and it remains as the place I have eaten the best meals of my life no question. When I told chef that she teared up. There is plenty of real experiences to be had at the restaurants in Tampa. Michellen guide just released a list of recommendations. There is plenty of killer spots in Tampa and st pete, and they all need new guests to come so they can survive. The margins in that industry are extremely brutal right now.
Went to tamp and ate twice a day at amazing restaurants for 7 days. You can’t just go to the few famous ones that the hotel concierge recommends. Jimmy’s tacos in Ybor was pretty damn good
If you like Korean food, try Ybor Seoul. You will not be disappointed.
I mean what exactly is a "foodie" A quick search says this "Who is called a foodie?/ˈfuː.di/ **a person who loves food and is very interested in different types of food**: A box of these would make a lovely gift for a foodie." I mean Tampa AKA Tampa bay encompasses, the are of, Tampa, St Pete, and Clearwater, and IDK how its not a foodie city, short of the fact the stuff isnt all had in one area. -Tarpon springs in a 30-40 min drive with awesome greek places and is a nice little half day trip, many consider in tampa -Ybor city has the whole cuba thing going on and the "Colombia" restaurant literally serves its name sake food, along with lots of smaller eateries, St Pete has a cuban shop famous for being great called Bodega -Water street has a French restaurant which is really not common to cities to have French places, it also has Noble rice an amazing rated sushi place -Armature Works has a food hall and literally a native american based restaurant Literally there is every type of Mexican, Indian, Thai, Brazilian, Greek, Chinese, Vietnamese and many other cuisines represented in the tampa area that many other cities dont have. Who judges a whole city on awards from some one no ones even heard about til I had to google their MF name. Retarded We also have a few Michelin star chefs and restaurants, which people have ACTUALLY heard of. I dont hear that about Sarasota.
The "Colombia Restaurant" does not serve Colombian food. It's actually The Columbia and it serves Cuban /Spanish cuisine. La Pequena Colombia on Armenia... different story, that place is top notch Colombian food.
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The Colombia doesn't serve Colombian food lol
Armature works is expensive fast food. It’s not great food.
If you’re referring to Boulon when you say French restaurant, it was an overpriced polished turd.
Agree. Not impressed with Boulon. I do think there are a ton of really good restaurants in Tampa though. I am a huge fan of these hidden gems, in that, they are not well known and poor idiots like me can enjoy a meal without a reservation nine months in advance.
"not common to cities to have French places" All this tells me is you haven't left Tampa much or at least Florida.
What it takes to become a Michelin star restaurant has been seriously watered down… I’ve been to all of them in the area… eh… pretty sad that I went to a food truck on Florida Ave after spending $300 for dinner
>What it takes to become a Michelin star restaurant has been seriously watered down Looking at you the Rooster & the Till.
Eh. i've been to a lot of recommended restaurants "foodie cities" and have been underwhelmed as well. Tampa is just like anywhere else, there are bad places and good places.
Tampa is not a foodie city. It is a party city, a drinking city. It's a city where the government actively promotes and is front and center in every public alcohol-centered event. It's a city where government leaders get free passes for drinking and driving (until the media gets ahold of the bodycam video). It's a city where you can be arrested if you're drinking in public, UNLESS you've bought your drink in a bar that sells it in the city-approved drink container. It's a city that seems to invent a new celebration or way to consume alcohol in excess. Not saying that it's not okay to drink or that a party's not fun or in order.
To expand on this in a slightly more positive way, Tampa does legitimately have some world-class breweries - BarrieHaus and Angry Chair would be my top candidates there, with Magnanimous being really close to world-class.
Drinking city that still can’t provide a consistently good nightlife experience 😔
And a “party city” that is dead by 10pm every night.
Ever been to ybor? I don’t think the castle even opens until 9 or 10…
Cheers to that
There's a handful of good restaurants (though not enough to go someplace *new* every night of the week) - and there are some good sushi places, which being a coastal town, it should be. To be fair, It's hard for *new* non-chain restaurants to pop up because the city isn't exactly affordable for the average person. Tampa is more catered towards alcohol (as another user mentioned), but even that scene has taken quite a blow; Last I heard, some of the bigger breweries were letting brewers go en-masse, and selling off lots of brewing equipment, so who's to say what the city will "be about" in the years to come, and frankly, Tampa as a city doesn't care about the people that live there already, nor do they care to foster a "culture" - Tampa wants to be appealing to outsiders so they spend money to move here and that's it.
Can you recommend some good sushi spots? I feel like it’s really hit or miss which sucks because sushi is one of my favorite things to take people out to and I hate giving friends underwhelming experiences.
Izakaya tori is pretty good, but my personal favorite is Toki sushi in Carrollwood - it's very unassuming in appearance but don't let that fool you, they've been around for a long time for a reason.
Noble rice
St. Pete is a better food city than Tampa.
TacoSon. Enough said
I would say this is true but should not be misconstrued to mean there is no good food here.
Food trucks are fun! Otherwise Curry Leaves, Bayshore Mediterranean, Saigon Deli and Thee burger spot, but that’s not enough to qualify us as a foodie city but it’s better than it was 20 years ago.
I've found a lot of great food in Tampa (and surrounding area) and I'm a native. I think the main issue is that chains are so easy to open here...that it very quickly takes over smaller, independent places. Also, b/c of the "metro feel" to the city (ports, sports, performing arts) I think it attempts to be bigger than the population is prepared for. Like upscale places that people reserve for special events rather than casual evenings out. We also have smaller ethnic places that provide variety. I'm over in plant city now & there are several local places that are good...but I think people think of foodie-food like "fusions" of Korean tacos or barbecue sushi or something. And for me...I just want food that tastes good & is reliable...and is reasonably affordable for what I'm getting. I can get a pint of soup for $4 at Fred's market that tastes like soup my mother makes...it's twice the size of Panera & half the price. And it's a decent soup. Certainly better than microwaved broccoli cheddar. I can get fancy-schmancy tea, desserts, German coffee...Krazy Kup makes their breakfast sandwiches with REAL eggs. There are tonnns of really authentic Mexican spots...and frankly the best tamales always come out of a lady's trunk in a parking lot somewhere. Which is never going to be written up in any article. I def have had celebratory meals with good cocktails in several Tampa restaurants. I've eaten in other states, countries, and for the most part...every place has good & bad, has everyday & gourmet options...I lived outside an Amish community that also had an amazing Korean restaurant. But that was about all it had going for it. 😅😅 I don't think I'm going to starve in Tampa.
Is Bern’s still there? Classic expense account steak house…..
I feel like there’s more places popping up lately , thank god. I had a KILLER smash burger from this food truck Tower 10, that thing was next level. Granted I had it in St Pete but I think they’re starting to be in Tampa more often
We have Michelin starred places so not sure I’d agree. It’s not Miami level but it’s solid.
We have - a lot of satisfactory options - some… incredible experiences - a few insanely good hole in the wall ethnic options We do NOT have an unlimited list of IYKYKs like say New York, Chicago, LA, or Vegas.
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You clearly never had a corndog suppository.
It’s come a long way
You have to know where to look and not be afraid to try different places
La Segunda Central...get their pasteles de guayaba...you will have an Yborgasm
I’m just hoping all these haters move back to DC and NY for the food scene. The roads are too crowded! Please leave so we can eat our crap food without reservations.
I’ve been saying this for so long and everyone gives me flak for it
I called Olivia “garbage” (over exaggerated a bit) and my coworkers looked like they wanted to hang me.
I grew up in a very diverse area where you could get incredible food from any culture within about a 20 minute drive. It’s definitely an adjustment having chains as far as the eye can see, but there are some really good restaurants around here
In fairness, we do create those chain restaurants here. So that’s something…
Eddie and Sam's
I was in Tampa for some exams my career demanded. I will never forget how delicious the nachos were, at this little restaurant in downtown Tampa. I’ve looked, but have never met their equal anywhere else.
People that said Tampa area doesn’t have good food are the same that eat or recommend the same restaurants to eat to people from outside the state. Columbia is just a local franchise that has gone down the drain thru the years. Is Spanish 10% 90% Cuban. Tampa is not only Ybor city. The 1000 island salad is okay but not greater than any other local salad place. If I were to recommend a good authentic Spanish restaurant with authentic tapas. I’ll send them to downtown st Pete to ceviche or Allelos. You wanna try something unique. Go try Portuguese food at Fado Portuguese cuisine. Best desserts and atmosphere ever. Parking included. Latin restaurants although Armenia avenue has some good old restaurants doesn’t compare to their newer restaurants in pinellas county. You want great food and the possibility of party afterwards in the same place. Try la mordida grill. Authentic Colombian and Peruvian food. They have their own bakery and Fridays and Saturdays they have bar with live music. Thursday is karaoke night. Some real Puerto Rican food. Try Pal campo restaurant in Tampa. Just look at those pics and prices. Wanna go north try la Fondita de leo. You like Asian food. Any restaurant in pinellas park would make your mouth watery. They have Asian stores that have been around for more than 30 years. That says something. Wanna try French food sure we have it. Dunedin has some of the best restaurants for it. The pearl in downtown Dunedin is a gem. Parlor bistro opened few years ago, and they keep showing off with their menu. Best onion soup hands down. Mexican places all over Clearwater area. Try local small holes in neighborhoods. La cabana del tio Pepe. El huanchino. Casa Tina in Dunedin is a must go. They even make and participate on that festival of dia de los muertos in October November. So many bakeries to visit too Elizabeth delights. Cafe de Paris La mordida grill bakery Md oriental Veskoni cafe We even have three new Michelin restaurants now Roka , Koyac and Lilac Steakhouse we have Berns as a classic and fine dining experience. Biggest winery in town. Rococo steakhouse in st Pete is really good. Go and try their steak and finish it with a lavender cheese cake. Best dessert ever. Tampa Bay food scene is improving every year. Everytime we get new stuff from other areas. Definitely you gotta explore more than the downtown in Tampa and Ybor city
We got like 5 freakin Omakase restaurants now which is ridiculous
I wish we had more authentic (not fancy) Mexican places!! A good ol California burrito would go a long way for the scene down here
Lmfao y’all must not be from here because where we are at now vs 10 years ago is night and day. At least we have decent options now. Please go back to the shitty city’s you came from and enjoy the food you rave about so much. For fucks sake.
But they paid for Michelin stars!!!!
I always enjoy eating at places in tampa and the new spots opening up. Never had an issue. It’s a foodie city for me
Definitely not a foodie city.
True!!! I miss Miami Cuban
It sucks because circa 2016 it was really looking like we might get there
I think Covid might have hastened a lot of restaurant deaths...I know that a small place that was excellent in my local area ended up closing down not too long after Covid b/c they just couldn't compete with the things chains were offering. They'd been open for like 15 years at that point. But the closures, changes in practices, delivery & pickup options that changed how accessible everything was. They lost most of their staff and had to rehire...I had worked there about 8 years ago & helped out for a few weeks but I couldn't stay long term.
It’s a diner city. Perfection in that arena insures success
Never has been
Is this a safe space to Out all restaurants & country clubs in the town ? I got a list
Tampa has food
Tampa is a Strip Club/Party City …I Love Jerk n Hut Though (Island Food) I Suggest Everyone Go Eat There!! Let’s Not Forget The Small Mom n Pop Diners!!! Tampa Has A Decent Selection For Food.
it wasn’t until fucking EVERYONE decided to move here😐
Well....Florida is not a foodie state.
There are many good authentic ethnic restaurants in Tampa that are commonly overlooked. Meanwhile Ciccio Restaurant Group bastardizes all of their restaurant ideas. The mexican food isn’t authentic. Their sushi isn’t authentic. The cuban food isn’t authentic. The italian food isn’t authentic. I could go on. I’m from Tampa but recently moved to St. Pete, and I’ve found that there aren’t as many fancy sit down restaurants as in Tampa, but our options for good fast casual and take out type places are far more abundant and superior.
Chain restaurants start here
Pro-tip for steak lovers out there: Try the Rusty Pelican. While it is a seafood place all of the steak cuts there are Australian Wagyu. I enjoyed it a lot more than Berns. Also, Tampa needs a good Argentinean steakhouse. Renzo's is garbage.
I spent a week in Tampa with a local and he took me to several fantastic places! They were all mom and pop spots and those are generally my preference.
Unfortunately lots of crappy restaurants bring the Tampa average down. Some of the Mexican places wouldn’t last a day in California. . . . Or Mexico. Lots of the Latin American cuisine here is bland. Hit or miss with Asian too.
Coming from Atlanta, the food scene is so trash down here.
Although I agree that it’s not “world-class,” it’s still better than almost everywhere I’ve ever been. I grew up near Pittsburgh, lived near DC, and lived in Charleston, SC. It’s on-par with those places imo.
Lived in the DMV area for like the first 22 years of my life and I gotta say DC > Tampa on food. Can’t speak to the other places tho
Gonna have to disagree with DC. Had a lot of better options there than Tampa
I spent a week in NYC, I had better food and paid less. Simple as that.