The fall and winter seasons are in full swing in Tampa Bay at last. With football-filled weekends, blustery days, and longer nights, it's the perfect time of year to get out and try one of the new restaurants open in Tampa Bay. Below, get the scoop on several fun new destinations for dining in Tampa, St. Pete, Brandon, Clearwater and more. Save the date for an upcoming Friday or Saturday night, and experience the new culinary sensations Tampa Bay offers!
Viva Napoli - South Tampa
This new Italian restaurant in Tampa is the brainchild of Simona Sarpa, whose family drew her from Napoli, Italy to Tampa, Florida. For a taste of authentic Neapolitan pizza, you'll want to put this restaurant on your bucket list. Don't miss the centerpiece of the kitchen, a magnificent wood-fired oven where the pizza is cooked to a perfect airy finish. In addition to the main event, there is a selection of pasta, antipasti, soups, and salads to round out their authentic Italian menu. Save room for dessert and a rich cappuccino to finish off your meal.
Related Content: Best Pizza in Tampa | New York, Delivery, Hand Tossed
4301 El Prado Blvd. | Phone (813) 443 - 8500 (photo credit Tracy Ann Guida - Facebook)American Social Tampa - Downtown Tampa
Anchored in The Westin Tampa Harbour Island, the concept of this new restaurant in Tampa is over 15,000 square feet of modern dining and entertainment space. Part bar, part restaurant, and all new, American Social aims to be the new hangout for Tampa's downtown residents - a social space where eating and drinking are equal to networking and making memories with friends. Head to the restaurant for brunch - don't skip the classic burger and fries combo - or a casual lunch, which includes a variety of early-in-the-day specials. The dinner menu appeals to an array of tastes, and a wide selection of craft beer or craft cocktails only helps. Want to visit for a special event? They're hosted here weekly! From Happy Hours to Taco Tuesdays to Ladies Nights, there's something for everyone.
Related Content: American Social Tampa Set to Open October 30 on Harbor Island
601 S. Harbour Island Blvd. Phone: (813) 605 - 3333Bulla Gastrobar - SoHo
Get a taste of tapas at this new gathering place in the heart of one of Tampa's most active neighborhoods. SoHo has been the scene of expanding condo and apartment construction, revitalized restaurants and fresh concepts, and is a vibrant player when it comes to nightlife in Tampa with the introduction of their bars. Bulla Gastrobar offers several components of fun to the scene, including a soon-to-open rooftop bar. Inspired by the tapas restaurants of Madrid, this fresh concept is the perfect place to head for brunch or happy hour. "Patatas bravas" and "huevos bulla" are both signature house dishes you'll want to try. Don't miss the albondigas - these Spanish-style meatballs are the perfect appetizer before a night out on Howard Ave.
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930 S Howard Ave. Phone: (813) 773-8626 (Photo of Bulla Paella - Facebook)1895 Kitchen Bar and Market - Downtown Tampa
Self-billed as a Southern Comfort Kitchen, 1895 is a new mainstay of downtown Tampa. What does a southern comfort kitchen translate into for your palate? It turns out; it's delicious food with a home-fried twist. Try the grilled cheese - it's a far cry from the staple of your childhood. Paired with a flavorful tomato bisque, it's the perfect meal for the coming colder months. Another aspect of 1895 that you'll want to note? The handcrafted cocktails and classic southern flavor combinations, like the Apple Pie Moonshine Sweet Tea or the adventurous, American whiskey-infused Honky Tonk. Head to 1895 for a late night dessert straight from the state fair - fried Oreos, anyone?
510 N Franklin St. Phone: (813) 375-9995 (Photo of 1895 Chicken & Waffles - Facebook)Smashburger - South Tampa
After months of anticipation, Smashburger finally opened their doors in South Tampa. The successful franchise is known for their unique method of cooking burgers by slamming them onto the grill with force - hence the burger joint's moniker. Already established in nearby Clearwater and south of the Skyway in Sarasota, the chain had some construction delays that pushed the opening back to October 2017. They're up and running now, with a menu full of signature burgers and a nod to the local craft beer scene. You can also enjoy chicken sandwiches, salads, and handspun milkshakes.
4035 S. Dale Mabry Hwy. Phone: (813) 513-8024 (Photo of Tots Tuesday - Facebook)Dough-Nation - Downtown Tampa
Tasty treats that serve a worthy cause: where do we sign up? Dough Nation is the brainchild of Metropolitan Ministries, and all proceeds go toward charities the group supports. The pop-up shop is located in downtown Tampa. What are the wares? Sundaes - COOKIE DOUGH sundaes. That's right, you read correctly. Enjoy edible cookie dough in a variety of flavors for a good cause. Sample Peanut Butter Fluff or Toasty S'more. Not in the mood for that much dough? There's also Working Cow ice cream available, along with freshly-baked cookies and milkshakes. Help feed the hungry in Tampa Bay.
Related Content: Cookie Dough by the Scoop? Indulge for a Good Cause at Dough Nation
505 N. Tampa St. Phone: (813) 227-9248Badfins - Clearwater
If you have heard the positive reviews that Badfins Food & Brew is getting, it's time to join in on the fun! Part beer and wine bar, part hangout, this restaurant in Clearwater is a relaxed beachside getaway. The official motto here is "Be bad. Eat good, " and it's easy to see why. Food choices include a section called "munchies." Over on the "Tap This" page, there is plenty of craft beer, wine, and cocktails to go around for even the discriminating drinker. Another motto plastered on the menu? "Rebellious at Heart. Comfort Fusion." The combination of wild flavors that ranges from breakfast food to layered bowls and even hot dogs is a testament to the sentiment. Start off a day at Clearwater Beach with breakfast here, or round it out with a nice dinner th Badfins, one of our favorite new restaurants open in Tampa Bay.
215 S. Gulfview Blvd. Phone: (727) 474-5591 (Photo of Badfin PIG Poppa - Facebook)Waypoint 6 Tavern & Geekery - Largo
Talk about a unique name for an establishment: Waypoint 6 Tavern and Geekery is an exciting find when researching New Restaurants Open in Tampa this Fall / Winter. Stop in to play games and grab a signature cocktail or a draft from the beer list. Waypoint 6 focuses on popular themes from pop culture and entertainment: namely, Star Wars and Harry Potter.
9057 Ulmerton Rd. Phone: (727) 754-7346 (Photo of Broccoli Cheese Soup in a Sourdough Bread Bowl - Facebook)Hybar - St. Pete
Hybar bills itself as a destination for brunch, beats, and bubbles. Come for mimosas and Bloody Marys, stay for bacon, eggs, and DJs serving up fresh sounds. Hybar is located inside of Hyatt Place in downtown St. Petersburg, and it has a hip vibe to match. This place is a bar first, restaurant second. An impressive array of craft cocktails and beer round out the drinks list, while the food is focused on standard fare. Make it a staycation by spending the night at the Hyatt and enjoying the bar by night and brunch the next morning at this new restaurant in St. Pete - the perfect combination.
25 2nd St. N. Phone: (727) 220-0950 (Photos of cocktails Hybar - Facebook)
Bumpa's Fish Shack - Tarpon Springs, Clearwater Beach
After a warm welcome in Tarpon Springs, Bumpa's Fish Shack expanded to Clearwater Beach, moving into the former Reef Steak and Seafood Company space. The restaurant group behind Bumpa's is also responsible for the popular Brown Boxer Pub and Grills in Madeira Beach and Clearwater Beach. Bumpa's is a classic surf and turf establishment, serving a wide variety of seafood and steak dishes along with salads, soups, and desserts. Try the seafood pot, which includes sauteed mussels, fish, shrimp and scallops; or go for the baby back ribs or lamb t-bone.
900 N. Pinellas Ave. Phone: (727) 935-1426 | 752 S. Gulfview Blvd. Phone: (727) 240-1179Noble Crust Wesley Chapel
A soulful southern Italian restaurant with origins in north St. Pete and another location opening in Carrollwood soon, residents in Wesley Chapel are thrilled to welcome this award-winning business to the community, Serving seasonal cuisine this stylish, contemporary destination offers craft beer wine and cocktails. Executive Chef Rob Reinsmith is a Pinellas County native who spent years working with chefs in New York City before returning to Tampa Bay to open Noble Crust. Reinsmith and his team combine farm-fresh flavors to craft creative dishes, making it difficult to taste where Italy ends and Southern begins.
The Mill Restaurant - St. Pete
Voted Best New restaurant in St. Petersburg The Mill is designed to be an all-around sensory delight. From the unique decor and top-notch libations to Chef's delectable creations like the grilled cheese pictured below. With another location in Brandon, Chef Ted Dorsey, as Managing Partner, grew up in the industry, graduating from Le Cordon Bleu. His early roots took him to local Tampa fave Mise En Place. He developed menu's for notable bay area restaurants, Ciro's Speakeasy and Supper Club, Boca Kitchen Bar and Market South Tampa, Copperfish Seafood Grill & Oyster Bar and Kimpton Hotel Zamora.
200 Central Ave Suite 100, Saint Petersburg FL Phone (727) 317-3930 (Photo of the Grilled Cheese - Facebook)On the foodie Horizon and Coming Soon:
- Flûte Champagne Bar - St. Pete
- Meat Market - Hyde Park Village
- Paul's Landing - St. Pete
- Rocco's Tacos - Downtown Tampa
- The Lure - Tampa
- Urban in the Trop - St. Pete
- Better Byrd- Hyde Park Village, St. Pete
We hope you get a chance to try each of the new restaurants open in Tampa Bay this and find a new favorite or two. One thing we do not lack in the bay area is choices when it comes to Dining in Tampa, St. Pete, Clearwater and the beaches from Gulfport to Tarpon Springs. Let's support these entrepreneurial spirits and give each of these new restaurants a try. #SupportLocal #SupportSmallBusiness
