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Tampa Dining Destinations You Should Visit

February 27, 2020 By Katie Moseman 12 Comments

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Our trip to Tampa was provided in part by Visit Tampa Bay.  All opinions are my own.

With a plethora of great restaurants, up-and-coming chefs, and ambitious new dining halls, Tampa has one of the most exciting dining scenes in Florida.

On our recent stay at the newly renovated Home2 Suites by Hilton Tampa Downtown Channel District, we found ourselves with so many dining choices that it was almost a challenge to narrow them down.  Many of Tampa’s top dining destinations are located on or near the Tampa Riverwalk, a 2.4 mile path bordering the Hillsborough River and Garrison Channel.

Tampa Riverwalk path next to river in downtown Tampa

The Riverwalk takes you through the very best Tampa has to offer, including many of the restaurants featured in Tampa’s hometown cookbook, Tampa’s Table.  We took home a copy of this cookbook as a souvenir, since it contained several recipes from restaurants we’d visited, and many more recipes from restaurants we’ll be coming back to visit.

Cover of Tampa's Table cookbook

One of the great things about Tampa is that it offers so many ways to get around.  We got to our destination restaurants in a variety of ways, using our convenient hotel shuttle, the free TECO Historic Streetcar Line, and the scenic  Pirate Water Taxi.  Excellent restaurants were often within easy walking distance of our favorite Tampa attractions.


Tampa Dining Destinations

Columbia Cafe

A well-known classic for a reason, the Columbia Cafe maintains its high standards for flavorful Spanish- and Cuban-inflected cuisine.  This outpost of the Columbia restaurant family is located at the  Tampa Bay History Center, a must-see stop on any Tampa itinerary.  Our family enjoyed savory Chicken Valenciana (included in the Tampa’s Table cookbook), fried calamari, bean soup, and the famous Cuban sandwich.

Exterior patio of Columbia Cafe at Tampa Bay History Center Classic cuban sandwich and plantain chips at Columbia Cafe Fried calamari at Columbia Cafe Chicken and Rice at Columbia Cafe

Oxford Exchange

Located in a painstakingly restored historic building near the campus of the University of Tampa, this elegant spot combines a restaurant, a coffee bar, a tea bar, a champagne bar, and several appealing shops all under one roof. 

Start with a meal at Oxford Exchange—in the sunlit conservatory if you can—then follow up your dining experience with leisurely shopping in the luxurious shops.  Pick up your choice of beautifully brewed coffee or tea before you go, or plan your visit for later in the day, when the champagne bar is open.

Sunlit conservatory at Oxford Exchange Pancakes with berries and whipped cream and maple syrup on a white plate Oat milk cappuccino in a white cup and saucer on a metal table The Champagne Bar at Oxford Exchange

Heights Public Market at Armature Works

Heights Public Market is a hopping food hall located at the north end of the Riverwalk inside Armature Works, a restored trolley barn with soaring ceilings and gorgeous vintage design elements.  We enjoyed a quiet Sunday morning at Heights Public Market, where we visited Soho Juice Company and Union by Commune + Co for a light breakfast. 

We carried our treats outside to the large plaza by the water, where we sipped and snacked while watching the sunlight sparkle on the Hillsborough River.  During lunch and dinner, you can choose from savory options like ramen, Neapolitan pizza, Southern specialties, gourmet salads, and much more.  It can get quite busy, so if you’re bringing a family or large group, plan your visit for the off-hours.

Exterior of Heights Public Market in Tampa with blue sky Closeup of cinnamon roll with frosting Purple smoothie inside Heights Public Market Heart in a to go cup of oat milk cappuccino

Sparkman Wharf 

This innovative entertainment district uses colorful shipping containers to house food and drink purveyors run by some of Tampa’s top chefs.  In addition to the gauntlet of dining options, there’s an open-air biergarten, a large lawn with seating, and Splitsville, a sit-down restaurant with bowling and other fun gaming options.   

We enjoyed our snacks, including gourmet popsicles from the Sparkman Wharf location of Whatever Pops, from the comfort of a table situated between the lawn and the biergarten, with a view of the water.  Sparkman Wharf continues to grow, and is slated to add even more dining and shopping venues in the near future. 

Shipping container food trucks at Sparkman Wharf Orange and pink popsicle with flowers in the background Entrance to Sparkman Wharf in Tampa Pink flowers with biergarten in the background

For more ideas of where to eat in Tampa, check out Visit Tampa Bay, and see also these gluten free Tampa dining recommendations.

 
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Filed Under: Southern Life, Travel

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Comments

  1. Amber Myers says

    February 28, 2020 at 2:44 pm

    Oo I’m hungry! When I travel, I love to find new places to eat. I really need to get to Tampa ASAP.

    Reply
  2. Kristine Nicole Alessandra says

    February 28, 2020 at 5:28 pm

    If I would be going on a foodie trip, I’d pick Tampa. Everything looks so good and there are so many places to enjoy great food.

    Reply
  3. Sara LaFountain says

    February 28, 2020 at 6:13 pm

    Looks like you had an amazing visit to Tampa! I love all the warm weather and delicious food. We need to plan a trip soon!

    Reply
  4. Theresa says

    February 28, 2020 at 10:06 pm

    I’ve been to FL many times, but never really explored Tampa. It looks like I need to put it on our travel plans soon since there seems to be so much to do and see and eat there. One would probably never grow bored in Tampa!

    Reply
  5. Lynndee says

    February 29, 2020 at 8:21 am

    Thank you for the list. Fried calamari is my son’s most fave appetizer ant that plate of fried calamari looks absolutely delicious.

    Reply
  6. Chef Dennis says

    February 29, 2020 at 8:49 pm

    Wow! These Dining Destinations are really worth the visit! I will definitely keep this list in mind when I get to visit Tampa with my wife and sons,.

    Reply
  7. Lizzie Lau says

    February 29, 2020 at 9:46 pm

    I lived in Florida for years and have yet to make it to Tampa. It’s on my list though, especially because a good friend moved there. I’ll keep these dining options in mind.

    Reply
  8. Amy H says

    February 29, 2020 at 10:55 pm

    I’ve been to a few places in Florida, but not Tampa! I know a few people who live there though. Maybe the next time I go to Florida, we will make a stop in Tampa

    Reply
  9. Melanie says

    March 1, 2020 at 12:33 am

    My favorite thing to do when I travel is EAT! Tampa sounds delicious! Plus, each location looks so cool. You can tell a lot has gone into making these restaurants have a great vibe.

    Reply
  10. Swathi says

    March 1, 2020 at 1:02 am

    I would love to visit Tampa some day. The food looks delicious and yummy.; Looks like lot of choices. Love this.

    Reply
  11. Catalina says

    March 1, 2020 at 3:16 am

    What a beautiful place. So perfect for a vacation and to try all the yummy food!

    Reply
  12. Rosemary says

    March 1, 2020 at 11:25 pm

    Have yet to visit Tampa and when I do, I want to go straight to Heights Public market. Love the vibe and I’d like the fresh juices from the Soho Juice company. Can’t wait!

    Reply

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