15 Must-Try Ybor City Restaurants
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Ybor is one of those Tampa neighborhoods where you can show up hungry and end up turning lunch into an entire afternoon. Between the historic brick streets, cigar-city charm, live music drifting out of bars, and a food scene that goes way beyond just one type of cuisine, there are so many Ybor City restaurants worth making time for!
This list includes a little bit of everything I love about eating in Ybor: casual taco spots, iconic Cuban bakeries, cozy cafes, elevated dinners, fun brunch restaurants, and a few places that just feel so perfectly Ybor.
Whether you’re planning a full day in the neighborhood or just need somewhere good before a night out, these are the restaurants in Ybor I’d send you to first.
Best Restaurants in Ybor City
1. Los Chapos Tacos
Los Chapos Tacos is the kind of spot I love having in my back pocket when I’m in Ybor and want something quick, casual, and actually satisfying. It’s counter-service, laid-back, and easy, but the food still feels intentional. No overthinking, no fuss, just really good tacos.
My go-to order is their birria tacos with a side of esquites. The birria is rich, cheesy, and exactly what you want when you’re craving something a little messy. They also have burritos, quesadillas, and burrito bowls if you’re not in taco mode.
Just keep in mind they’re closed on Sundays, so plan accordingly!
2. Tommy’s Chophouse
Tommy’s Chophouse has quickly become one of my new favorite steakhouses in Tampa. It feels like such a smart addition to Ybor—elevated, polished, and special, but not in a way that feels stiff or out of place.
It still has that slightly moody, character-filled Ybor energy, just with a really great steakhouse menu behind it.
You absolutely need to start with the crab beignets, but the steaks are the reason I’m still thinking about this meal. We ordered the 16 oz wet-aged Prime Ribeye with the Steak Frites Set, which comes topped with house-cut fries and their incredible whiskey peppercorn sauce. Truly, this was one of the top three steaks I’ve had in Tampa.
And if you’re somehow not in the mood for steak, the Local Reds Farm Chicken was also impressive. The chicken was juicy, the sauce had so much flavor, and the whole meal made me excited about where Ybor’s dining scene is heading!
It’s still fun, still full of personality, but now you also have a spot that works for a more elevated dinner.
3. 7th and Grove
7th + Grove is one of the liveliest restaurants in Ybor! It’s perfect when you want comfort food with a little extra flair. The second you walk in, you can feel the energy. It’s colorful, upbeat, and feels made for a fun brunch, birthday dinner, or pre-night-out meal with friends.
The menu leans Southern-inspired, with dishes that are hearty, playful, and easy to share. I love the deviled eggs with fried chicken, fried green tomatoes, and Cuban egg rolls. And the cocktails absolutely match the vibe, which is important here because half the fun of 7th + Grove is staying for a while.
It’s also one of the most fun brunch restaurants in Tampa if you’re planning a weekend food crawl.
4. Casa Santo Stefano
Casa Santo Stefano is set inside a restored historic building, and the whole space has this cozy, old-world charm that makes dinner feel a little more special before the food even arrives.
The menu is full of Sicilian-inspired comfort food: handmade pastas, seafood, rich sauces, and family-style recipes. I’d happily order the lasagna Bolognese again, and their pastas are always cooked perfectly!
Definitely save room for dessert too. The cannoli and tiramisu are both worth it, especially with a glass of wine. It’s easily one of the best Italian restaurants in Tampa.
5. La Creperia Cafe
La Creperia Cafe is perfect when you want something a little different from the usual Ybor lineup. It has a small, charming, almost European cafe feel, with a menu full of sweet and savory crepes.
We tried the Marie Antoinette, which comes with Nutella, banana, strawberries, and a splash of Bailey’s, and it was hands-down one of the best crepes I’ve ever had. If you want something savory, the Oppa Mexicana is loaded with cheese, red meat sauce, green pepper, sweet corn, Tabasco, sour cream, and salsa.
I love this as a slower-paced stop in the middle of a Ybor day. Grab a table outside if the weather is behaving, order a coffee or a glass of wine, and let this be your cute little reset before heading back out to explore.
6. Sushi House
Sushi House is a solid sushi spot! It’s cozy, casual, and easy to pop into for lunch, a simple dinner, or a pre-night-out bite before exploring more of Ybor City.
The menu has a nice mix of classic rolls and more loaded specialty rolls, which is exactly what I want from a neighborhood sushi spot. My personal favorite is the volcano roll. If you love something crunchy, saucy, and a little spicy, that’s the move.
7. Al’s Finger Licking Good Bar-B-Que
I finally got around to trying Al’s Finger Licking Good Bar-B-Que, and my only regret is waiting so long. You can smell the smoke before you even walk in, which is usually a pretty good sign that you’re in the right place.
Their Tennessee-style BBQ is the star here, especially the fall-off-the-bone ribs. But I’m also very serious about sides, and Al’s does those right too. The mac and cheese is rich and creamy, and the coleslaw brings that tangy-sweet balance you want with barbecue.
This is one of the most classic, no-frills, “just feed me something good” stops in Ybor, and it absolutely deserves a place on this list.
8. Madame Fortune
Madame Fortune is one of the more memorable dining experiences in Ybor. This hidden speakeasy isn’t just one of the best restaurants in Ybor; it’s also one of Tampa’s best-kept secrets.
The menu has a Southern influence with creative twists, so it feels familiar and unexpected at the same time. Think elevated comfort food, shareable plates, and cocktails that are almost too pretty to drink.
We couldn’t resist ordering the turkey wings, and they were huge and absolutely covered in a lemon pepper sauce that I would happily put on everything. And even though we were full, we still made room for the lemon and blueberry icebox cake, which was the right decision.
9. La Segunda
You really can’t talk about Ybor food without talking about La Segunda. It’s famous for its Cuban bread and Cuban sandwiches, and for good reason. They make some of the best Cubans in Tampa, and it’s one of those places that feels tied to Tampa’s food identity in such a real way.
Even if you haven’t been to La Segunda before, there’s a good chance you’ve had their bread without realizing it. So many local restaurants use La Segunda bread for their Cubans because it’s just that iconic. It’s not really a sit-down restaurant, but it is absolutely worth a stop.
10. Rosenheim Restaurant
Rosenheim Restaurant is a great pick when you want something fresh, colorful, and flavorful. The menu leans into Mediterranean and Middle Eastern flavors, and everything we tried felt bright, seasoned, and really well-balanced.
We ordered the tabbouleh, falafel, and shish tawook grilled chicken skewers, and I left already wanting to come back and try more. The chicken was seasoned so well, the falafel had great texture, and the tabbouleh was exactly the kind of fresh bite I wanted between richer dishes.
The restaurant itself is also beautiful, especially the covered outdoor patio!
11. Bernini of Ybor
Bernini of Ybor is a long-loved Italian restaurant with one of the best happy hours in Tampa. Every day from 4-7 PM, they do 50% off pasta and entrees and $3 Stoli martinis, which is exactly the kind of deal that makes you wonder why you are not there more often.
The setting helps too. Bernini is located in the historic Bank of Ybor City building, so it has that charming, old-school Ybor feel. We ordered the lasagna and calamari, and both were excellent. And if you’re ordering a martini, Remi and I both recommend the dirty martini or espresso martini.
12. Chateau Cellars
Chateau Cellars is such a fun Ybor spot if you want wine, good food, and a night that feels a little more relaxed. Their menu and wine wall change regularly, which makes it the kind of place you can revisit and have a slightly different experience each time.
The wine wall is the part that makes it extra fun. It’s a self-serve system where you can sample wines by the ounce or pour a full glass, so you can try a few different varieties without committing to one bottle or glass right away.
Food-wise, we had a charcuterie board, pasta, and steak, and everything was delicious. They also host events like Vino & Vinyl night, jazz nights, tastings, and other fun happenings, so it’s a great option when you want dinner and drinks to feel like more of an experience.
13. Coppertail Brewing
Coppertail Brewing is obviously known as one of the best breweries in Tampa, but the food deserves attention too. This is a great Ybor stop when you want something casual, especially if your group wants beer and actual food instead of just bar snacks.
The pulled brisket sandwich is the standout for me. It’s tender, flavorful, and hearty in the way brewery food should be. And I have to give credit to the waffle fries too. I usually lean tots, but these were crispy, golden, and totally won me over!
14. Jimmy’s Tacos
Jimmy’s Tacos is another taco spot worth knowing about in Ybor, especially if you want something casual with an open-air, laid-back feel. It’s great for a quick bite, a casual dinner, or one of those nights where tacos just sound better than anything else.
And yes, I apparently cannot resist birria tacos when they’re on a menu. Jimmy’s version is slow-cooked, savory, and served on warm tortillas that soak up all that rich flavor.
15. Asiatic Street Food and Noodle Bar
Asiatic Street Food and Noodle Bar is a solid pick when you’re craving noodles, curry, or shareable Asian-inspired dishes in Ybor. The menu has a nice mix of street food-style bites, noodle bowls, curries, and small plates, so it’s easy to order a few things for the table.
Their Pad Thai and curries are truly amazing, and I love that the food feels fresh while still being super comforting. Definitely pair your meal with something from their beer and sake selection if you’re staying for a full dinner.
BONUS: Pete’s Bagels
Pete’s Bagels is technically my bonus pick because it’s more of a breakfast/coffee stop than a full restaurant, but it absolutely belongs on your Ybor food radar.
It has a laid-back coffee shop feel, a sunny patio, and a dog-friendly area, making it an easy morning stop before wandering the neighborhood.
My go-to order is the Millennial Pete, which comes loaded with avocado and pickled red onions. It’s simple, but the flavors are so good together. Honestly, I’d argue Pete’s has some of the best bagels in Tampa, so don’t skip it just because it’s not a dinner spot.
Which of these Ybor City restaurants are you visiting first?!
There is such a fun mix of restaurants in Ybor, which is exactly why I love eating here! I also have to mention Columbia Restaurant because it’s one of the most iconic restaurants in Ybor. Personally, the only thing I really love there is their mojitos and their 1905 salad, which is fabulous, but it’s still such a classic Tampa establishment and worth knowing about if you’re visiting for the first time.
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
