Tampa’s cuisine is inspired by its rich, diverse culture with tastes that embody the feeling of al fresco bistro dining on the bay, warm, family comforts and white-tablecloth elegance. A city just as comfortable with farm-to-table restaurants as fine dining culinary showstoppers, Tampa has a wealth of culinary expertise ready to put a smile on your face and another notch on your belt. Check out our selection of fulfilling food to savour when you are next in the bay.
We are kicking off proceedings with a farm-to-table restaurant, but not just any organically-sourced establishment, at Rooster & the Till, the chefs Ferrell Alvarez and Ty Rodriguez have been nominated for Chef of the South awards for their stellar dishes. The whole concept revolves around a communal atmosphere, reflecting the importance they place on producing their ingredients within a community, striving to achieve one thing, delicious food. Here, small plates are designed for sharing so bring your family and friends for a hearty, comforting exploration of organic produce. Notable plates include the short ribs with gnocchi, laden with smoked ricotta, San Marzano tomatoes and pickled peperonata, or the belly of sea bass served with a glass noodle crab salad, a deeply aromatic pumpkin panang curry, and zingy coconut chutney.
Presenting modern Japanese cuisine in a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere that eschews white-tablecloths in favour of a more authentic setting. The Chef’s tasting menu (Omakase) is the show-stopper at Noble Rice. It features a mix of local fish and, for the more exquisite and rare ocean produce, from Tokyo’s Toyosu market. Flown in from Tokyo, diners can enjoy bluefin tuna and Hokkaido uni regularly. With an ever challenging and innovating menu, seasonal produce is favoured for freshness that explodes from the dishes. Pair these with the wide range of reputable sakes or a glass of wine for an unprocessed, exaltation of what seafood can be. This establishment carries a reputation amongst the upper echelons, so make sure to reserve a table for either the Omakase or the á la carte menus.
Established to serve the discerning diners of Tampa and further afield, this rustic Italian spot is as fulfilling as it is tasty. Il Ritorno presents modern tweaks on tried-and-tested Italian cuisine, as thought straight from a grandmother’s kitchen in Naples. With a changing menu that seeks to incorporate all the freshest, seasonal ingredients, it simultaneously champions sustainability of produce and concentrated flavours. The signature five-course tasting menu is a must for first-time diners or those who love to eat like true Italians. Priced as $80 a head, this tasting menu is well priced for a celebration or romantic dinner with your significant other. Try the mushroom carbonara with crispy pork jowls or charred octopus puttanesca for a memorable meal.
Here, one of Florida’s most celebrated chefs, Chef Jeannie Pierola, combines Floridian and international, world-cooking in a modern fusion that seeks to impress your eyes and your mouth. Having opened other restaurants, notably Swigamajig at Sparkman Wharf at the tail end of 2018, and the CounterCulture endeavour in South Tampa at the end of 2019, Chef Pierola is a talent worth watching. Edison continues to dazzle with dishes such as a madras infused scallops or creole-maninated wagyu steak.
One of the newer spots in town, this is as authentically Tampa as can be. Indulge yourself in the local live music, art, food and atmosphere that exudes true Floridian style. Traditional cooking with authentic Tampa flavours, Hooch and Hive offers pulled duck confit atop waffles, served with an ice-cold pre-Prohibition cocktail (available from dusk). With a menu inspired by the hardworking honeybee, the effort that has gone into this establishment is tangible. It is fast becoming a hotspot for local and international creatives to talk shop or relax in a tasty, unpretentious environment.
Sleek and trendy, this New York style bistro offers upmarket dining in a modern space. Chef Ponte draws inspiration from a wealth of culinary knowledge and inspiration from a truly international palette to create the finest American fusion cuisine. Sporting an open-kitchen for the honesty and the showmanship, diners can watch as the chefs prepare and plate tasty, elegant dishes. Signature favourites at Cafe Ponte include a Chilean sea bass marinated with deep umami miso flavours and the dry-aged, succulent filet mignon steak. Attentive wait-staff, organically-sourced produce and an upmarket ambiance without the pretence makes this a local favourite in Tampa.
Credit: Café Ponte
This restaurant is testament to the drive and passion recent restaurateurs, Hope Montgomery and Jason Rhue, have placed in becoming professionals within the competitive Tampa food scene, especially considering the restaurant’s location in the heart of busy St. Pete’s. From giving up their full-time careers, they have kneaded the knots out of their first attempt to make, what feels like, a finished project. This homespun establishment, adorned with bohemian, horticultural ornaments produces enjoyable flavours through a modern, refined plate. The menu is packed with delightful dishes but a special mention must be awarded to the house carpaccio with an airy goat’s cheese moose, leek, truffle oil and a lone ravioli encasing runny egg yolk.
At the Station House, an already lively building down in the midst of Tampa’s Waterfront district, the existing, more traditional, basement restaurant space has been taken over by the talented team from Ichicoro. The ensuing creativity designed a sleek, modern Asia-inspired interior featuring a DJ for after-hours at the weekend when the signature cocktail concoctions start to flow. The ramen here is warming and deep in flavour with tonkotsu broth. This spot is great for late night dining and cocktails before experiencing nightlife in central Tampa.
The refined, energetic cooking at Cena carries an artistic flair with a penchant for bright colour. Chef Michael Buttacavoli travels to sample international ingredients that he harmoniously combines to produce sensational plates. The Channel District restaurant, opened since 2013, underwent a redecoration in 2019 to uplift the space to match the quality of food coming off the pass. The subtle monochromatic design is a fitting modern setting and offsets the colourful dishes such as the strawberry and elderflower tuiles piped with mascarpone-whipped ganache, a basil foam and almond cake.
We get it, it's not strictly a restaurant, but it would be wrong of us not to include this bastion to culinary delights. Elevated by the ex-industrial open-plan warehouse space, the Heights Public Market is a thoroughly enjoyable weekend activity. It features independent vendors and outlets from fan-favourite, local establishments, from cubanos or chia bowls to coffee or cocktails, there's so much to explore. Sign up for one of the “Show + Tell” events including cooking classes with resident chefs, wine tastings or pop-up guest chef evenings.
Tampa is alive with fantastic opportunities for foodies and with great access to the rest of Florida, it is just the beginning of your journey. To find out about Tampa’s property opportunities, contact Propeterra today.