The 13 Best Places to Eat in Downtown Tampa
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If you’ve been trying to figure out the best places to eat in downtown Tampa, I’ve got you. After living in Tampa Bay for years, I’ve eaten my way through this area more times than I can count, and downtown has become one of my go-to spots for everything from date nights to quick bites before a Lightning game.
There’s so much good food packed into a walkable little area—cozy lounges, waterfront restaurants, and spots that are great for on the go. I’m rounding up all my favorites, the ones I keep going back to and always recommend when someone texts me asking where they should go.
Casual Places to Eat in Downtown Tampa
1. Lona
We’re kicking things off strong with one of my absolute favorite restaurants on Water Street! If you’re craving Mexican flavors with a modern twist, Lona is the spot. I had the lobster quesadilla, which might sound simple, but trust me—it was loaded with rich, buttery lobster and absolutely unreal.
The enchiladas divorciados bring the perfect balance of flavors, and whatever you do, don’t skip dessert. The tres leches paired with the El Jefe espresso martini is a game-changer—even for a tequila skeptic like me. It’s officially my favorite espresso martini in Tampa Bay.
If you’re into mezcal, the Passion Picante will wake up your taste buds in the best way, and the Mercado Margarita with its hibiscus rosemary foam is a whole experience.
Oh, and for a little added fun? They’ve got TopGolf swing suites so you can sip your margarita while perfecting your swing.
2. American Social
American Social is where classic Americana meets modern Tampa. Sitting right on Harbour Island, this spot gives you stunning waterfront views with your meal.
It’s got that lively sports bar energy with a menu full of bar favorites like wings, burgers, and next-level craft beer. Whether you’re here for game day or just a laid-back night out, this is one of the best places to eat in downtown Tampa if you want a fun, buzzing vibe.
And if you’re looking for a good deal Social Hour is where it’s at—Monday to Friday from 4 PM to 7 PM with $10 specialty cocktails and $6 margaritas.
3. Jotoro
If you’re in the mood for a Mexican flair with a side of inventive cocktails, you’ve gotta hit up Jotoro at Sparkman Wharf. The vibe here is all energy–from the curated playlist to the bold flavors on the menu. Their supreme guac and birria tacos are absolute must-haves.
Let’s dive into that guac. It’s roasted corn, pico, and jalapeño with pickled onion, a sprinkle of tajín, and the double cheese combo of cotija and parm take it to the next level. And those birria tacos? They’re rich and juicy. Plus, if you’re there on Taco Tuesday, you can grab ’em for just five bucks!
Don’t forget to try the spicy watermelon cocktail—substitute mezcal for tequila and thank me later!
4. Anchor & Brine
If you’re exploring downtown and want a spot with a view, Anchor & Brine needs to be on your list. It’s tucked inside the Tampa Marriott Water Street and has a stunning outdoor setup right on the water.
The ceviche, lobster roll, and blackened grouper sandwich with truffle fries are all musts! And their cocktails are just as solid. We loved grabbing lunch here and then walking it off on the Riverwalk for a perfect Tampa afternoon!
5. Market at Edition
Looking for a taste of the Italian coast? Market at Edition brings that laid-back vibe right to downtown Tampa. With fresh Neapolitan-style pizzas and a curated selection of negronis and spritzes, it’s a vibe you don’t want to miss.
I had a pizza here that made it onto my list for some of the best pizza in Tampa. Simple, fresh, and absolutely delicious. While it’s a bit on the pricey side (thanks to the swanky Tampa EDITION location), the quality of the ingredients and the atmosphere make it worth it. A little slice of la dolce vita in downtown Tampa!
6. Bamboozle
If you’re craving Vietnamese fusion, Bamboozle is the place. They serve up some of the best pho in Tampa so it’s a stand-out when it comes to top restaurants in downtown Tampa. Whether you go for their pho, brimming with fragrant broth, or a fresh spring roll, you’re in for authentic, robust flavors. It’s the perfect lunch spot for downtown workers and anyone looking for a nutritious pick-me-up.
Their red curry is also great—it’s spicy, sweet, and packed with vegetables, creating a perfect balance of flavors. And don’t even get me started on their beef pho. I find myself UberEatsing it from their Seminole Heights location when the craving hits. It’s the perfect comfort food!
7. Shiso Crispy
Get ready to have your taste buds blown away by Shiso Crispy, a food truck that’s taking both downtown Tampa and downtown St. Pete by storm! This trendy Japanese fusion truck serves up comfort fare with insane portion sizes. Plus, they’ve got vegan options, so everyone’s covered!
My absolute favorites? The short rib bao, pork gyoza, and the bang bang chicken dirty rice. Trust me, the flavors are nothing short of unreal. Every bite is packed with bold, deliciousness, and you’ll definitely be craving more!
8. Cava
Now, I know Cava is a chain, but don’t let that stop you from trying this spot. Their harissa avocado bowl has a chokehold on me that I can’t shake off—it’s bursting with flavor and somehow still healthy (talk about a rare combo!).
The bowl comes with vibrant, fresh ingredients that are balanced perfectly. And if you’re not getting pita chips to go with your bowl, what are you even doing? They’re not just an add-on; they’re essential. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
9. Haiku
Haiku is a downtown Tampa gem for Asian cuisine lovers! The sushi bar vibe here is the perfect blend of trendy and cozy, making it a go-to spot for dinner before a fun night out. I mean, if you’re heading out for a Tampa bach party, Haiku is the perfect pregame spot!
Their creatively crafted dishes are bursting with fresh flavors. Don’t miss the volcano roll. It’s the perfect combination of tuna, salmon, and crab that will have your taste buds erupting in flavor.
Upscale Restaurants in Downtown Tampa
10. CW’s Gin Joint
Step back in time with the Prohibition-era charm at CW’s Gin Joint. This place is all about gin (obviously), but if you’re not a gin lover, don’t worry—there’s something for everyone. I’m talking sous vide grilled octopus that practically melts in your mouth and a ribeye that’s simply to die for.
The vibe here is perfect for a cozy date night or an elegant catch-up with friends. Bonus points for live music on most nights, which just adds to the already great ambiance. Definitely a top spot for a chill night out in downtown Tampa.
11. Noble Rice
For an intimate and refined Japanese dining experience, Noble Rice has sushi masters who craft some of the freshest and most innovative rolls in town. Not a sushi fan? No worries, they’ve got plenty of other dishes that will hit the spot!
Now, the prices here are a bit of a step up from your usual sushi spot, but it’s for good reason—they import their catch directly from Japan weekly to ensure the highest quality and freshness.
They even offer uni and toro as menu highlights, which is a real treat! Their toro tartare and tempura poke roll were amazing, especially paired with the white shoyu—it complemented everything perfectly.
And if you’re feeling a little fancy, their omakase is an indulgent treat, perfect for a special occasion like a date night or anniversary. It’s definitely worth the splurge!
12. Driftlight
Driftlight Steakhouse in downtown Tampa is a spot that really delivers across the board. We let our server guide us through the menu, and I swear every single thing that hit the table was so good. The jumbo lump crab cakes with that passionfruit remoulade was amazing, the Japanese Wagyu literally melted in our mouths, the scallops were super delicate and flavorful, and the local shrimp mac & cheese with truffle… unreal.
The funny part is these are all dishes we normally skip because we’ve been disappointed too many times at other places, but Driftlight completely changed our minds. They just nailed everything.
And the drinks deserve their own moment. If you see the Farmer’s Margarita on the menu, get it. It’s made with carrot juice, lemon, agave, and jalapeño—I swapped the tequila for mezcal, and it was exactly the smoky, bright, refreshing drink I was hoping for. Perfect way to round out the meal.
13. The Dan
Hidden away in the Hotel Flor Tampa, The Dan gives you a dining experience that feels like stepping back into a Jay Gatsby affair—full of sparkle and glamour.
The truffle sacchetti—a recipe passed down from the chef’s personal collection—was a standout for me. It paired fine dining with soulful passion. The scallop risotto was also perfection. And don’t miss out on dessert. Their bread pudding is one of my absolute favorite desserts in Tampa!
Are you ready to experience the best places to eat in Downtown Tampa?
These places to eat in downtown Tampa have such a good mix of flavors and atmospheres, and whether you’re going for a casual bite, a date night, or a friend hang, there’s something on this list perfect for the occasion. I hope this helped you find your next favorite spot, let me know which restaurant you’re most excited to check out!
Before you go, be sure to follow me on Insta @guidedbydestiny and check out some of my other Florida blog posts:
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