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Last updated on April 27th, 2024
Hi Tampa foodies! Are you ready to explore the hottest places to eat in downtown Tampa? Tampa’s downtown is a mosaic of flavors. Whether you’re craving a quick bite or a leisurely feast with friends, I’ve got the inside scoop on where to fill up.
From quirky cafes to stylish restaurants, get ready to loosen your belt a notch as we zigzag through downtown Tampa’s best restaurants!
Casual restaurants in downtown Tampa
Lona
We’re starting off strong with one of my favorite restaurants on Water Street! If you’re craving Mexican cuisine with a chic twist, look no further than Lona. Dining at Lona by Chef Richard Sandoval is like diving into a flavor-packed fiesta! I had the lobster quesadilla, which sounds straightforward, but arrived bursting with rich, buttery lobster.
The enchiladas divorciados present a harmony of flavors that are simply unforgettable! And don’t breeze past dessert; the tres leches paired with the el jefe espresso martini is a force to be reckoned with – even for a tequila skeptic like myself. It’s officially my favorite espresso martini in Tampa Bay. It’s that good!
For mezcal enthusiasts (me!), the Passion Picante will ignite your senses. I also recommend the Mercado Margarita which is crowned with hibiscus rosemary foam and is pure mixology magic!
And if you’re looking to add a sprinkle of entertainment to your experience, the TopGolf swing suites are perfect to enjoy while sipping on your margaritas.
American Social
American Social is where classic Americana meets modern Tampa flair. Nestled cozily on Harbour Island, it offers more than just a meal – it’s a feast for the eyes with stellar views of the sparkling Tampa skyline.
AmSo offers up hearty dishes and a lively sports bar vibe, it’s the spot to be on game day or for a casual outing. Their menu carries bar favorites like wings, burgers, and more. Plus, their craft beer selection is one of the finest in downtown. This is one of the best places to eat in downtown Tampa if you’re looking for a buzzing vibe with waterfront views.
Their Social Hour turns any weekday into the weekend vibe with $10 specialty cocktails and $6 margaritas Monday to Friday from 4 pm to 7 pm.
Jotoro
Jotoro brings a spark of Mexican flair and inventive cocktails to Sparkman Wharf in Tampa. With a playlist that’s as curated as the menu, you’re in for an energetic evening. Their supreme guac and to-die-for birria tacos are true showstoppers, ideal for those nights when you’re craving bold flavors and good vibes.
Let’s taco ’bout their supreme guac first! Roasted corn, pico, and jalapeño bring the fiesta, while pickled onion, a sprinkle of tajín, and a double cheese team-up of cotija and parm bring it home. The birria tacos are rich, juicy, and served up on a silver platter of deliciousness. Even better, if you hit up Taco Tuesday, you’ll snag ’em for just five bucks!
With cocktails like the spicy watermelon on the menu (my personal go-to, substituting mezcal for tequila) it’s clear that their lineup of drinks is set to be an absolute hit!
Market at Edition
While Market at Edition may not boast an overly complex menu, it certainly doesn’t disappoint. Its offerings are inspired by the essence of the Italian coast, particularly shining through with their fresh Neapolitan-style pizzas and meticulously crafted charcuterie.
Accompanied by a hand-picked selection of negronis and spritzes, the ambiance suggests a laid-back slice of la dolce vita in downtown Tampa. I found simple pleasure in their pizza, which made it to my list for some of the best pizza in Tampa.
Admittedly, dining here comes with a higher price tag, a somewhat expected consequence given its premium location within The Tampa EDITION. The cost, although noticeable, reflects the upscale ambiance and quality ingredients that make up each plate.
In contrast, my experience at Lilac, another restaurant under The EDITION’s umbrella, fell short of my expectations, especially considering the price points. It’s a stark reminder that a higher cost doesn’t always equate to a more memorable meal.
While Lilac isn’t a culinary misstep by any means, the value proposition seems misaligned when Tampa’s vast dining landscape is considered—offering similar or superior experiences at a lesser hit to the wallet.
Lilac might well appeal to some patrons; unfortunately, it just didn’t resonate with my palette to the extent that other local restaurants have. It’s a clear case of personal preference, as others may find what’s lacking in my experience to be their gastronomic pleasure.
Bamboozle
Bamboozle is a Vietnamese fusion restaurant that is a standout for places to eat in downtown Tampa. Whether you opt for a pho bowl brimming with fragrant broth or a fresh spring roll, the flavors are authentic and robust. It’s a fantastic lunch spot for downtown workers and residents alike looking for a nutritious pick-me-up.
Their pho and curry are standouts. Each spoonful of their red curry is a lovingly crafted homage to Vietnamese culinary traditions, yet it makes itself perfectly at home amid the kaleidoscope of flavors found in Tampa. It’s a dish that masters the harmonious balance of spicy and sweet, coupled with a symphony of vegetables and the perfect amount of heat.
As for their beef pho, I often find myself UberEatsing it from their Seminole Heights location whenever I get the craving! Their commitment to freshness elevates each taste into a therapeutic experience.
Cava
Despite being a chain and leaning towards the fast-casual side of dining, Cava earns its rightful spot on this list. The chokehold their harissa avocado bowl has on me is nothing short of unreal. It’s BURSTING with flavor while also being good for you – a combination that’s hard to come by.
The bowl comes alive with vibrant ingredients, and each spoonful is a testament to the rich and bold profile of Mediterranean cuisine. And let’s not forget about the pita chips – they’re not just an add-on; they’re essential. Perfectly prepared and seasoned, they turn any meal here into an absolute must.
Haiku
Roll into the world of Haiku, downtown Tampa’s sizzling slice of Asian cuisine heaven, where the vibes are as fresh as the sushi! Picture a trendy, urban oasis with a sparkling sushi bar, where the clatter and chatter of an open kitchen set the rhythm for your dining experience.
The vibrant atmosphere here makes it a go-to spot in downtown Tampa for fueling up with great energy before a fun night out (it’s a great pregame dinner for Tampa bach parties!).
At Haiku, they’re all about creating unforgettable dining moments that leave you buzzing with excitement! Their creatively crafted dishes are bursting with fresh flavors. If you want a roll that’s a feast for the eyes and the appetite, try the volcano roll! It’s a trifecta of tuna, salmon, and crab that will erupt in flavors on your palate.
Everything about this downtown Tampa restaurant is Insta-worthy, so have your phones ready!
Upscale casual restaurants in downtown Tampa
CW’s Gin Joint
Step into the bygone era at CW’s Gin Joint where the ambiance oozes Prohibition-era charm. As you’d guess from the name, gin is the star here, with an extensive list of juniper-infused concoctions to choose from. Not a gin enthusiast? No worries, their culinary offerings are equally impressive – especially their sous vide grilled octopus that falls apart in your mouth and ribeye.
They even have live music most nights adding to the ambiance! This is one of the best places to eat in downtown Tampa for a cozy date night or an elegant catch-up with old friends.
Noble Rice
For an intimate and refined Japanese dining experience, Noble Rice is your go-to. Their sushi masters craft some of the freshest and most innovative rolls in town. And if sushi isn’t your thing, they have plenty of other dishes that are sure to hit the spot.
While you may notice the prices at Noble Rice are a bit of a step up from your usual sushi spot, it’s for good reason– they jet in their catch straight from Japan weekly to guarantee quality and freshness!
They even offer uni and toro as menu highlights. We loved their toro tartare and tempura poke roll. The white shoyu the roll was paired with it complimented it perfectly.
And, if you’re feeling a little fancy, their omakase offering is a splurge that’s perfect for sprinkling extra sparkle on a date night or celebrating an anniversary in style.
Predalina
At Predalina, Mediterranean cuisine is elevated to an art form. Before you dive into the main course, do yourself a favor and start with the pita & crudité. It’s the perfect teaser for what’s to come – fresh, flavorful, and an essential beginning to your dining experience.
Their salmon dish deserves a mention too, with each forkful pulling apart effortlessly. But for me, the star of the show has to be the blue crab chitarra – it’s hands down one of my favorite pasta dishes in Tampa! It has etched a permanent place in my heart and is my go-to whenever I visit.
Predalina also serves up a salt crust branzino that’s flamed right at your table, offering both a visual and culinary spectacle that serves 2-4 people. This dish is not only a feast for the senses but also a shared experience that elevates the act of dining into a memorable event.
Perfect for a leisurely lunch or a romantic dinner, this place will transport your taste buds to the shores of the Mediterranean without ever leaving Tampa.
The Dan
Tucked away in the Hotel Flor Tampa, The Dan offers a dining experience reminiscent of a Jay Gatsby affair, unique in its sparkling embrace of the roaring twenties. This Valentine’s Day, I was captivated by their special menu, a tantalizing preview of what’s to become part of their regular offerings.
The truffle sacchetti emerged as a personal favorite—a decade-old recipe from the chef’s personal collection that married the essence of fine dining with soulful passion. Equally impressive was the scallop risotto, meticulously cooked to tender perfection.
From the playful beginning with their inventive cocktails to the exquisitely sweet conclusion (their bread pudding is one of my favorite desserts in Tampa!), this Gatsby-giving establishment promises an unforgettable journey of taste and elegance.
Are you ready to experience the best places to eat in Downtown Tampa?
Now that you have your all access pass to the best places to eat in downtown Tampa, I hope you’re ready to dig in! From each bite of Noble Rice’s sushi rolls to the every sip Lona’s espresso martini, downtown Tampa is just waiting to serve up your next unforgettable dining adventure!
Before you go be sure to follow @sunkissedintampa_ on Instagram and check out some of the best restaurants in other areas of Tampa:
Restaurants on the Tampa Riverwalk
Must-visit Ybor City restaurants
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