Best of Tampa Bay Dining Guide
Disclaimer: We are not paid to promote any restaurant, hotel, activity, product, or attraction. All opinions are subjective and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
It may not be a world-class foodie destination like New York, Chicago, or San Francisco, nevertheless, the Tampa Bay metro area offers a number of interesting restaurants choices across the board. From fresh seafood along the Gulf coast, to authentic Cuban fare, to the world’s largest Spanish restaurant, to some of the best Greek food in the country, as well as a growing health food scene, there is an option here for everyone. I had absolutely no problem finding great things to eat every single weekend during my 3 years living in the Bay metro.
Disclaimer: All of these reviews are my personal opinion: I Have not been paid to promote any local business featured on this list. Your experience may differ from mine as a result of personal preferences, service, etc. Note that some of these businesses near the beach (Indian Shores Coffee, Ryan’s Island) are still closed as of spring 2025 from Hurricane Helene damage. Hopefully, they get things renovated soon! I wish them the best!
Breakfast fare
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, even moreso if you are getting up early to walk on the beach. Here are a few great local choices that I recommend.
Samaria Café: Popular family-run downtown establishment known for their diverse menu of breakfast offerings which are served all day. A simple no frills place to enjoy classic American fare. Convenient location to the riverfront and other downtown attractions.
What to try: Veggie Quiche, served with fresh fruit and the muffin of the day
St. Pete Bagel: Delicious authentic NY bagels in every variety imaginable. Boiled and baked fresh daily. Voted best bagel shop for the past 9 years. Sandwiches, donuts, and quiche also available. Be prepared to wait on weekends.
What to try: Pumpernickel hummus bagel sandwich (hummus, sprouts, tomatoes, and cucumbers)
Ryan’s Island Beach Café: Low key tropical beach diner located within walking distance of Clearwater Beach. Great bang-for-your-buck in a pricey tourist area. Cute décor. Coffee is excellent.
What to try: Vegetarian hash browns (potatoes with sautéed mushrooms, onions, peppers, spinach, tomatoes, and Cajun seasoning)
Clear Sky Café: This downtown Clearwater café offers the perfect classy ambiance for a brunch date. Great food, nice décor, and great service. Beautiful patio to enjoy on cooler fall/winter mornings.
What to try: Burrito Grande (Chicken, onions, peppers, black bean relish, cheddar, salsa rojo & verde, queso blanco, homestyle potatoes), Breakfast tacos
Local Coffeehouses
Move over Starbucks! The independent coffee scene continues to expand in Tampa. Here are a few of my recommended coffee shops to get your morning buzz.
Indian Shores Coffee: Popular local coffee roaster across the street from Indian Rocks Beach. Features a breezy covered patio. Great specialty drinks, best espresso in town, and fresh pastries baked daily.
What to try: Chocolate croissant, Apple Cinnamon muffin, Americano, house coffee
Belleair Coffee Company: Spacious roaster located near Indian Rocks Beach. Serves 4th wave coffee. The coffee is top-notch, as are the pastries. Another highlight is the great presentation in an area where most coffee shops only serve drinks in paper cups.
What to try: Overnight oats, Americano, Veggie quiche
Buddy Brew: Local roaster with numerous locations including a prime spot in Tampa’s lovely Hyde Park shopping village. Enjoy a homemade biscuit and expertly made espresso drink while people watching on the relaxed patio.
What to try: Pumpkin spice latte, Americano, biscuit with honey
Caffeine Roasters: Laidback local roaster with 2 convenient Tampa locations. Downtown shop features brick walls. Convenient access to city attractions. Coffee is always top-notch. The pastries are always fresh!
What to try: Pour over, Americano, croissant, homemade muffin of the day
Explore my full guide to the best Bay coffeehouses
Healthy fare
Numerous cafes and smoothie shops focusing on the use of organic and sustainable ingredients have popped up in recent years. As a bonus, most of these cafes offer plenty of gluten-free and vegetarian choices.
Cali: California/American style regional chain which serves an array of fresh salads, wraps, and bowls. Lots of fresh veggies used. Ample protein options including delicious vegan lentil bites. The New Tampa café features a lovely patio with lots of pretty landscaping.
What to try: Big Italy Bowl (features your choice of base, roasted broccoli, roasted cremini mushrooms, charred grape tomatoes, herb garlic oil, and almond ricotta). Try the Coconut Avocado rice (base) and lentil bites (protein).
So Fresh: Made-to-order grain bowls, salads, and wraps. Grass fed meats, organic tofu, and sustainable seafood available. Healthy smoothie and juiced drinks also available.
What to try: Superfood bowl (brown rice, red quinoa, tomatoes, broccoli, avocado, walnuts, balsamic vinaigrette)
Authentic Greek
Home to Tarpon Springs, which clams the title of “Greek capital of the US,” there are plenty of enticing choices in this category.
Hellas: Touristy Greek favorite in the sponge dock district of Tarpon Springs. Great ambiance and décor. Amazing selection of dozens of homemade desserts including delicious baklava cheesecake.
What to try: Spanakopita (served with rice pilaf, veggie of the day, Greek potatoes and bread), Greek salad, Chicken Souvlaki
Mr. Souvlaki: Where the locals go for fresh no frills Greek fare. This Greek gem is located off the main tourist drag. Known for their fresh salads and their trademark Greek Chow Mein (choice of meat, feta, sautéed peppers and onions, and rice pilaf).
What to try: Greek salad, Spanakopita, Souvlaki dinner
Louis Pappas: Quick service Greek joint known for their trademark chopped Greek salads. Fresh, fast, and affordable. Best falafels in Tampa. Nice outdoor patio.
What to try: Chopped Greek salad with falafel
The Hungry Greek: Casual Greek chain known for their affordable tasty Greek dishes, clean ambiance, and quick service.
What to try: Greek salad, Veggie or chicken pita, Greek bowl topped with falafel (brown rice, tomatoes, garbanzo beans, cucumbers, olives, pepperoncini, feta cheese, tzatzaki sauce)
My full guide to Greek dining in the Bay area
Delicious Asian
It’s not New York or San Francisco, however, there are a number of decent Asian restaurants throughout the Bay. A few of my recommended picks include:
Liang’s Chinese Bistro: Local favorite in the New Tampa region. Great ambiance and service. The food is delicious and the lunch specials are fantastic. Best spring rolls in the Bay!
What to try: Buddha’s Delight, Veggie fried rice, spring rolls, egg drop soup
Yummy House: Popular Chinese bistro with several locations. The ambiance, service, and presentation here are all top notch. The egg drop soup is amazing! Huge portions – come hungry! Lots of fantastic lunch specials which come with Jasmine rice and tea.
What to try: Egg drop soup, Chicken or Veggie Lo Mein, Vegetable Fried Rice
Island Fin Poke – Best place for poke bowls in Tampa. Customize your bowl with fresh veggies like seaweed, cucumber, and pickled veggies) and a protein/base of your choice. Don’t leave without trying the Dole Whip!
Michi Ramen: Top choice for quality ramen in the bay area. I absolutely love the veggie bowl here. Located in a small strip plaza in New Tampa, and thus, never overcrowded. In addition to ramen, rice bowls, Michi tea drinks, salads, and appetizers available.
What to try: Vegetable ramen featuring veggie broth, soy milk, avocado, zucchini, mushrooms, egg, tomatoes, tofu, and noodles.
