This summer has been a great summer for foodies when it comes to experiencing new places, unique menus, and interesting decor. We are featuring 16 new Restaurants in Tampa opened this summer that excited our tastebuds! We invite you to give each of them a try, to support local businesses and enjoy the rich diversity of the restaurant industry in Tampa.
Trips Diner - Seminole Heights
We hit up newly opened Trips Diner in Seminole Heights for Breakfast (served all day) and enjoyed several items. A favorite at our table...Mr. Crabs, a 3-egg omelet filled with soft, fresh lump crabmeat, fresh spinach, asiago cheese, and tomato. The real good old-fashioned 'belly buster' here is the 6 egg omelet! They also serve up fresh salads, sandwiches, meatloaf, pasta dishes, and more. A must try is the BST (bacon spinach and fried green tomato) sandwich, as well as their turkey and gouda sandwich.
Buffalo Wild Wings - South Tampa
At Buffalo Wild Wings, also known as B-Dubs, you always feel comfortable pulling tables together with your friends and staying as long as you want, relaxing, watching TV and enjoying great food. The wings are a good deal, and the sauces totally delicious though the wings are on the smaller side. The burgers are a little dry, they will NOT prepare them medium or medium rare for health reasons, so expect well-done. Their beer selection is major! Fun, modern and edgy we always run into friends in South Tampa's new sports bar.
Farmacy Vegan Kitchen + Bakery - Downtown Tampa
Healthy, delicious meals and vegan baked goods can now be at Farmacy, one of the new restaurants in Tampa opened this summer. Find them in the heart of Downtown Tampa inside Duckweed Urban Market. A small cafe with limited seating, the staff is friendly and helpful, guiding us to the vegan donuts and the BLT sandwich with a mixed greens side salad and light vinaigrette dressing. We also tried the Vegan Shepard's Pie topped with sweet potato topping and thoroughly enjoyed everything. To our surprise, they also offer Açai bowls. The only downside was the parking; it's paid street only unless you visit on weekends when parking is free.
Related Content: Açaí Craze Steals Tampa's Healthy Hearts
Little Donut House Kennedy Blvd. Corridor
Founders Stephen and Katie Schab fell in love with the mini donut concept last summer and knew it was the perfect small business for them. Unable to find a franchise opportunity or partnership they could get behind, they ventured out on their own, opening the Little Donut House on Kennedy Blvd. just east of Lois Avenue. The serve Buddy Brew and successfully created new and interesting mini donuts we could not wait to try. Our favorites, Snickers, Samoas, Rice Crispies, Butterfinger and Smores, though you sincerely can't go wrong with any of the choices. A 16 pack will set you back $12, a 3-pack, perfect for a sweet treat is $2.25. Stop by to say hello to this sweet new crew.
Pure Kitchen Tampa Kennedy Corridor
An organic - vegan Grab and Go in South Tampa. If you are eating plant-based meals, or on a ketogenic diet and looking for a place you can safely eat, this new restaurant in Tampa is quickly becoming a local favorite. They even offer a meal delivery service! Follow their Facebook page where they update their selections daily. We loved the cold Pad Thai, Eggplant Parm and Coconut Snowballs, truth is we wanted to try it all! And will definitely return.
Don Rigatoni Hyde Park Village, South Tampa
Create a homemade pasta dish to take to-go or order delivery through UberEATS at Don Rigatoni Pasta Bar Express in Hyde Park Village. Created as a way to honor the art of homemade pasta, this is a new concept for restaurants in Tampa, especially an Italian restaurant in Tampa, we were excited to give it a try, and were not disappointed. The first step is to choose from one of 20 kinds of pasta including everything from lobster ravioli to gluten free choices, black spaghetti and more. Step two is to choose your sauce, we chose, Principessa, a half Napoletana sauce, half fresh cream pink sauce, bolognese, carbonara, and an Arabbiatta, Italian tomatoes, pepperoncini, fresh garlic, and EVOO. The pasta and sauce are ONLY $10!! You can add meats for an additional cost, including meatballs that would make mama proud! Soup, salads, and desserts are also available. A total Tirimisu snob, theirs was divine. Our entire party was delighted by their selections and have been back several times. Our respects Don Rigatoni!
Zoёs Kitchen (South Howard) - Soho District, South Tampa.
We waited patiently for this place. Anxious for it to become a choice when looking at restaurants in Tampa. We'd been to Zoe's in other cities, and fully buy into the concept, "Living Mediterranean means getting more out of every meal every day. This means starting each day with fresh, wholesome food." Located in the hip SoHo District of South Tampa, Zoe's brings new flavors to this restaurant hotspot in Tampa. A fast foodie spot using real utensils, they offer an extensive menu including calorie counts. We ordered the Mediterranean Lamb Kafta seen in the pic below, and the baked feta for starters, baked brie was the inspiration for this Mediterranean take on a classic dish with grape tomatoes, lots of basil and peppers. The riced cauliflower bowl was awesome, but hey, anything with tzatiki sauce on it is going to be good, right! We also tried the tri-tip steak roll-ups and Salmon Kabobs with Moroccan harissa. Delish! You can order a small family meal for 3-5 people for $30, or order a la carte as we did. Typically priced, we will visit again.
Earl of Sandwich Downtown Tampa
Every menu item at the Earl is created with an emphasis on freshness and taste, and baked fresh. Downtown can always use a new choice when it comes to truly enjoying your lunch break. Earl of Sandwich is one of those restaurants in Tampa where you feel like you are at your Gran's table, and she just made your favorite sandwich! We've tried nearly the entire menu and keep going back for more! Favorites include the Original 1762 Roast beef sandwich, their artisan soups, and gluten free salads. The Veggie is great, full of fresh feta and veg. On the skinnier side you can order quinoa salads, and wraps, but if you are in full comfort food mode, opt for the bread pudding or red velvet cupcakes!
Chronic Tacos Carrollwood
Offering fresh, customizable Mexican food this fast foodie joint uses only the highest quality ingredients and all-natural meats. You will love the menu, including their Baja Tacos, expect deals on Taco Tuesday. Their shrimp tacos impressed, with plenty of seafood, and their bowls are lovely too, not too skimpy.
The Fat Rabbit Pub Tampa Palms
A great new pub in the Tampa Palms area, This neighborhood bar is casual and serving seriously good food. We tried the adult grilled cheese and loaded tots, and were in heaven! They had a few rough spots upon opening, but who doesn't? The kinks are worked out; this is a pub we will visit anytime we are in the area.
Rosati's Pizza _ Oldsmar
Rosati's offers fresh hot delivery or carryout, they also cater. Steadfastly clinging to a recipe they've used since 1964 they stick with tradition and focus on authenticity. If you are a fan of the pie, this is a must try!
Kraftologee
A unique concept is taking place in Brandon/Riverview at Kraftologee. Think cafe/daycare for kids and adults, and you got it! A totally kid friendly restaurant with a contemporary feel they are serving up Tampa's best brews, coffee, and beer wise, along with sandwiches, salads, interesting appys and of course a kids menu. The perfect place to bring a laptop and work, for family dinner, and fun.
The Latin Bistro Riverview
Mofongo fan? This is a place you need to stop into, serving authentic Latin American food with a smile, Chef Carlos' Mofongo Con Camarones is exceptional. We loved the empanadas and are looking forward to going back to try the Pastrami. They do local delivery on orders of $20 or more!
S Bar - Brandon
A chic new restaurant in Brandon can be found at S Bar. A 1920s inspired southern bistro, the staff is friendly and the ownership caring. The Executive Chef hails from Ocean Prime and owns the Urban Sushi Burrito stand. He won the 2016 Sushi Battle! Nuff said? Wait, how about Happy Hour everyday from 5PM-7PM! Shoot pool, play some darts, enjoy well-made drinks and delicious food at this upscale pub.
Tropical Rhythm - Brandon
Enjoy the food of the tropics at this authentic Carribean restaurant in Brandon serving favorites like jerk chicken, curried goat, and ox tails. Everything we tried was perfectly spiced; the sauces were extraordinary, the jerk pork is something we will get again and again. Loved it, can you tell!
Bootleggers Brewery - Brandon
The area's newest brew pub Bootleggers presents Brewworx. After spending the last seven years assisting local home brewers they decided to brew their own, opening 26 taps to the craft brew loving Beerophiles in Tampa Bay.
A good sign for the economy, we are in a flurry of activity as new restaurants in Tampa come online each week. As you can see from the list above, they cover the county north to south and east to west. We encourage you to take road trips to check them out; all are small local businesses, most family owned and operated. Dine and enjoy, leaving your review of your experience on their 813area local business page. Let others know what you think. Register above to stay connected to local businesses, restaurants, and events, it's free!
