Tampa Bay is growing and evolving, and so is its culinary scene. While filled with longstanding favorites like Bern’s Steak House and the Columbia Restaurant, the area is also seeing an incredible number of new and reimagined restaurants emerge. From modern and contemporary to vibrant and eclectic, residents and visitors alike are flocking to some of Tampa Bay’s newest dining options.
True Food Kitchen
Located in the heart of Midtown Tampa is the new True Food Kitchen, an award-winning, seasonally inspired restaurant and scratch bar. Midtown is True Food’s fifth restaurant in the state of Florida and 40th location nationwide. The health-focused fast-casual concept joins a growing list of dining options in the Midtown Tampa neighborhood that includes a Shake Shack and Ben & Jerry’s to go along with Bella Brava’s second location.
Willa's
Recently opened in 2021 by Nate Siegel and Merrin Jenkins, Willa’s is a casual neighborhood restaurant and bar serving classic and seasonal French and American dishes. Located inside a refurbished century-year-old building, Willa’s was designed to serve food that people want to eat all the time coupled with a deep sense of hospitality. Willa’s is connected to Willa’s Provisions, an all-day café serving locally roasted coffee, tea, breakfast and baked goods.
The Battery
Sparkman Wharf’s newest addition, The Battery, is Tampa Bay’s hottest new bourbon and wine dining experience. As the second concept from the owners of the Seminole Heights classic, C House, The Battery offers tableside service and a handcrafted cocktail bar. From delicious steak to mouthwatering pork chops, the Battery is a great place to enjoy the bustle of the waterfront food hall.
FLocale
The newest multi-concept space in Seminole Heights was conceived by owners of two Tampa Bay brands, King of the Coop’s Joseph Dodd and Westshore Pizza’s Travis Masters. Joined by Rock Brothers Brewing’s Joey Redner, a gathering place for the Tampa Bay community was born. FLocale’s menu features favorites from all three Tampa staples, including King of the Coop’s Nashville hot chicken, Westshore Pizza’s large pies, and Rock Brother’s Craft Beer selections.
NOBLE RICE
The celebrated modern Japanese restaurant originally opened in Hyde Park has moved to a new, larger location in Sparkman Wharf. the dining experience at Noble Rice is distinct, offering a fresh take on classic Japanese meals including sushi, ramen, small plates as well as a full bar focused on Japanese whiskey and sake. Meanwhile, the original Hyde Park location has been transformed into Koya, a higher-end, tasting menu-only concept focused on superior ingredients and a hyper seasonal menu.
Sal Y Mar
Now you can take that Tulum trip you’ve always wanted in the comfort of your own home when you head over to Midtown’s Sal Y Mar Rooftop Bar. Perched atop the NEW Aloft / Element Midtown Hotel, this casual yet sophisticated restaurant offers a unique blend of style and flavors from their setting to their old-world inspired menu. Whether a girl’s night out or a perfect date night, Sal Y Mar’s incredible 360-views of Tampa Bay make for the perfect venue.
Flor Fina
Located in Historic Ybor City at Tampa’s NEWEST boutique hotel, Hotel Haya, an eclectic culinary experience awaits at Flor Fina. This restaurant tells the story of this significant are of Tampa and its history of bringing cultures and people together. Taste the flavors of Latin America, the Mediterranean, and our Gulf Coast with meals from the incredible executive chef, Doug Rodriguez.
Naked Farmer
Naked Farmer's locally-sourced food menu is grown in direct conversation with small and medium-sized farmers in the Tampa Bay region, brought in from the fields, and cooked on site by chefs who know their vegetables. Experience healthy dining with a new American restaurant twist!
Six
Take in breathtaking views of Downtown and the Tampa Bay waterfront at SIX, the indoor/outdoor lounge located on the sixth floor of the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street. Enjoy chef-crafted specialties at this modern American Bistro overlooking the bustling Downtown convention district. At SIX, you will experience luxury dining with excellent dishes inspired by the local cuisine of Tampa Bay.
Casa Santo Stefano
Columbia Restaurant Group is bringing you another piece of Tampa Bay history with their new Sicilian concept, Casa Santo Stefano. Immerse yourself in a traditional Sicilian meal inside the former 1925 Ybor City macaroni factory. Experience the craftsmanship and art of the interior design while you divulge into a Nana inspired meal. Every bite is curated to pay homage to the Sicilian, Cuban, and Spanish immigrants who made Tampa and Ybor City such a melting pot of cultures.