15 Must Try Ybor City Restaurants
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If you’re planning a day in one of Tampa’s most iconic neighborhoods, you’re definitely going to want this list of the best Ybor City restaurants. This historic district is packed with flavor! From Cuban classics and long-loved local spots to trendy restaurants that keep the neighborhood feeling fun and fresh. Ybor has such a distinct vibe, and the food scene totally matches it, so this guide will help you figure out exactly where to eat while you’re exploring.
Best Restaurants in Ybor City
1. Los Chapos Tacos
If you’re craving something casual, flavorful, and satisfying, Los Chapos Tacos is a laid-back, counter-serve taco joint. This spot keeps things simple with fast service, affordable prices, and tacos that hit every single time. The flavors are bold without being over the top, and the portions are exactly what you want when you’re wandering around Ybor and need something quick but good.
My go-to move here is grabbing their birria tacos and esquites. The birria is amazing, but honestly, you can’t go wrong with any of their tacos. They also serve burritos, quesadillas, and burrito bowls
Keep in mind they’re closed on Sundays.
2. 7th and Grove
7th + Grove is the spot in Ybor when you’re in the mood for comfort food with a little extra flair. The vibe here is always lively. It’s one of those places where you walk in and immediately feel the energy.
The menu leans into Southern-inspired dishes, and everything comes out packed with flavor. Some standout dishes are their deviled eggs with fried chicken, fried green tomatoes, and their Cuban egg rolls. And the cocktails are just as good as the food!
If you want a spot that works for brunch, dinner, or a fun night out with friends, this is it. The music is always on point, the portions are generous, and the whole place just has that “let’s have a good time” feel that makes Ybor so much fun.
3. Casa Santo Stefano
Casa Santo Stefano is one of those Ybor City restaurants that just feels special from the moment you walk in. It’s housed in a restored historic building, and the whole place has this cozy, old-world charm that makes you feel like you’ve stepped straight into a Sicilian kitchen. The menu is packed with family recipes—handmade pastas, fresh seafood, incredible sauces—all the comfort food goodness you want when you’re craving real Italian.
The lasagna Bolognese is unforgettable, and their pastas are always cooked perfectly. And don’t skip dessert… the cannolis and tiramisu are so worth it. Pair everything with a glass of wine from their great selection and you’re set.
This spot is one of the best Italian restaurants in Tampa!
4. La Creperia Cafe
La Creperia Cafe is perfect when you’re craving something a little different. This place gives off total European cafe vibes—small, charming, relaxed—and the menu is packed with both sweet and savory crepes that taste so fresh. Whether you’re in the mood for something cheesy and hearty or you want to go all-in on Nutella, they’ve got you covered.
We did the Marie Antoinette (Nutella, banana, strawberries, and a splash of Bailey’s) and it was hands-down one of the best crepes I’ve ever had. For savory, the Oppa Mexicana was packed with cheese, red meat sauce, green pepper, sweet corn, and Tabasco, topped with sour cream and salsa.
It’s one of my favorite laid-back stops for brunch or a casual afternoon bite. Grab a table outside if the weather’s nice, sip on a coffee or a glass of wine, and just enjoy the slower pace. It’s such a sweet little escape right in the heart of Ybor.
5. Sushi House
Sushi House is such a go-to in Ybor when you want something fresh, flavorful, and easy. It’s a cozy little spot with a super relaxed vibe—perfect for a casual lunch, a low-key dinner, or a pre-night-out bite before exploring the rest of Ybor City.
Their sushi rolls are always solid, and the menu has a great mix of classics and fun specialty rolls. My personal favorite is the volcano roll—absolute perfection. If you love something crunchy, spicy, or topped with all the sauces, you’ll be happy here.
They also have great appetizers and sake options if you want to make it more of a full experience.
6. Al’s Finger Licking Good Bar-B-Que
I finally got around to trying Al’s Finger Licking Good Bar-B-Que, and wow—why did I wait so long?! The smoky aroma hits you before you even walk in, and trust me, the food lives up to the hype.
Their Tennessee-style BBQ is on point, and the ribs are fall-off-the-bone good. But the sides? Just as impressive. The mac and cheese is rich and creamy, and the coleslaw is the perfect balance of tangy and sweet.
This is a non-negotiable stop if you’re on the hunt for the best restaurants in Ybor City!
7. Madame Fortune
If you’re looking for an unforgettable dining experience in Ybor, you have to check out Madame Fortune. This hidden speakeasy isn’t just one of the best restaurants in Ybor City—it’s also one of Tampa’s best-kept secrets.
The menu mixes Southern influence with creative twists, and everything comes out beautifully plated and full of flavor. Think dishes like elevated comfort food, shareable bites, and cocktails that are almost too pretty to drink.
We couldn’t resist ordering their turkey wings, and they did not disappoint. They were huge, packed with flavor, and absolutely drenched in a lemon pepper sauce that was to die for! Just when we thought we couldn’t eat another bite, we made room for their lemon and blueberry icebox cake, and wow—heavenly is an understatement.
8. La Segunda
You can’t talk about Ybor City restaurants without mentioning La Segunda. This spot is famous for its Cuban sandwiches, and for good reason. They make some of the best Cubans in Tampa, and while it’s not a sit-down restaurant, it’s an absolute must-visit if you want to experience an authentic taste of Tampa Bay.
Even if you haven’t been here before, chances are you’ve had La Segunda bread without realizing it. So many restaurants in the area serve their Cubans on this legendary bread because it’s just that good.
9. Rosenheim Restaurant
If you’re in the mood for Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors, Rosenheim Restaurant is where it’s at. This was actually my first time at a Middle Eastern restaurant, so I didn’t know what to expect—but wow, everything was so fresh and flavorful!
We went with the tabbouleh, falafel, and shish tawook grilled chicken skewers, and I’m already planning to come back to try more. The meats were seasoned so well, and the flavors were completely different from what I’m used to in the best way possible.
The restaurant itself is also stunning, especially the covered outdoor patio. And of course, the drinks were delicious too!
10. Bernini of Ybor
Bernini of Ybor is an Italian restaurant with a killer happy hour. Every day from 4-7 PM, you get 50% off pasta and entrees and $3 Stoli martinis—so obviously, we had to check it out. Remi and I highly recommend their dirty or espresso martini.
Located in the historic Bank of Ybor City building, Bernini has such a cool, charming vibe. We ordered the lasagna and calamari, and both were absolute perfection. Whether you’re stopping by for a fancy dinner or just taking advantage of that amazing happy hour, this spot is always a solid choice!
11. Chateau Cellars
Chateau Cellars is such a fun spot in Ybor! Their menu and wine wall change regularly, but everything we tried was delicious—clearly they know what they’re doing in the kitchen. We went for a charcuterie board, one of their pastas, and the steak, and it did not disappoint.
The wine wall is honestly such a cool feature. It’s a self-serve system where you can sample wines by the ounce or pour a full glass, which makes it perfect if you want to try a few different varieties without committing.
Pair that with the cozy, stylish vibe and fun events like Vino & Vinyl night—a vinyl-spinning DJ while you sip—you’ve got a really unique night out in Ybor. They also host jazz nights, tastings, and other events, so there’s always a reason to go back.
12. Coppertail Brewing
Coppertail Brewing isn’t just a popular Ybor City brewery—they also serve up some seriously delicious food. Their menu has a little something for everyone, but the real star of the show? Their pulled brisket sandwich. It’s loaded with tender, flavorful brisket that melts in your mouth, making it an absolute must-try.
Even the waffle fries were 10/10—crispy, golden perfection. I usually go for tots, but these completely won me over. Whether you’re here for the beer or the bites, Coppertail Brewing is has definitely earned it’s spot on this list of must-visit spots in Ybor City.
13. Jimmy’s Tacos
Jimmy’s Tacos is another great taco spot in Ybor. It has a laid-back, open-air vibe and is perfect for a quick bite or a low-key night out. Their tacos are packed with flavor—fresh ingredients, creative toppings, and tortillas that actually taste homemade.
And again, I can never skip on the birria tacos when they’re available, and these ones were definitely slow-cooked to perfection, packed with flavor, and served on warm tortillas that soak up every bit of that rich, savory goodness.
14. Asiatic Street Food and Noodle Bar
Asiatic Street Food and Noodle Bar serves up fresh, authentic street food-style dishes inspired by Asia—think flavorful noodles, vibrant curries, and tasty small plates perfect for sharing.
The atmosphere is relaxed and colorful, making it a fun stop whether you’re grabbing lunch, dinner, or a casual night out in Ybor. I love how every dish feels fresh and packed with flavor, and their noodle bowls are honestly some of the best I’ve had in Tampa!
Definitely pair your meal with their selection of beer and sake!
15. Barterhouse
Barterhouse is where inventive American cuisine meets next-level craft cocktails in an intimate, stylish setting. It’s a stunning spot year-round, but around the holidays, the decorations make it feel extra magical.
When we visited, they had a seabass special that was absolutely phenomenal. But the real standout? The steak, which came with an entire roasted garlic bulb so you could squeeze the cloves right onto the meat. Let me tell you—it rocked my world. I even started doing it at home because it was just that good!
BONUS: Pete’s Bagels
Pete’s Bagels brings some of the most delicious bagels to Tampa Bay. It’s got a laid-back coffee shop feel, a sunny patio, and even a dog-friendly area, making it the ultimate breakfast hangout.
My go-to order? The Millennial Pete—a bagel loaded with creamy avocado and zesty pickled red onions. Every bite is a flavor explosion, and honestly, I’d argue Pete’s has the best bagels in Tampa.
Which of these Ybor City restaurants are you visiting first?!
Whether you’re craving authentic Cuban sandwiches, mouthwatering tacos, fresh seafood, or a next-level brunch, there’s no shortage of amazing restaurants in Ybor City to check out! No matter what you’re in the mood for, I know you’re going to love eating your way through Ybor! Let me know which spot you’re most excited to try—or if you have a favorite I should add to my list for next time!
I would also like to note that Colombia is one of the most popular restaurants in Ybor, but personally, the only thing I have enjoyed there is their salad (which is fabulous). But it is an iconic Ybor establishment.
Before you go, be sure to follow me on Insta @guidedbydestiny and check out some of my other Florida blog posts:
Awesome Restaurants on the Tampa Riverwalk
Fun Things to Do in Seminole Heights Tampa
