Tampa’s food scene punches well above its weight. Within a short drive you can go from a white-tablecloth steakhouse that’s been running since the 1950s, to a SoHo taco spot with a line out the door, to a tiny Temple Terrace dining room serving food you won’t find anywhere else in the Bay area. This guide rounds up local favorites worth a seat at the table — each one you can dig into further on our directory.
Hungry now? Browse every spot on our Tampa dining directory, or read on for the highlights.
Bern’s Steak House — A Tampa Institution in Hyde Park
If you only eat one memorable meal in Tampa, make it here. Open since 1956 on South Howard Avenue, Bern’s Steak House is famous for its house-aged steaks cut to order, an almost unbelievable wine cellar holding hundreds of thousands of bottles, and a separate upstairs Dessert Room where you’re seated inside cozy, barrel-like booths. It’s a full evening out rather than just dinner — kitchen and cellar tours are part of the experience. Plan ahead: it’s dinner-only, closed Mondays, and reservations are strongly recommended. See hours, contact details, and the map on our Bern’s listing.
Green Lemon — Tacos and Margaritas in SoHo
A few blocks down Howard Avenue, Green Lemon is South Tampa’s go-to for street-style Mexican food and a lively atmosphere. Think build-your-own taco trios, loaded bowls, the popular trio dip, and a long list of margaritas, with a daily happy hour in the late afternoon and a DJ-fueled energy after dark. There are gluten-free, vegetarian, and plant-based options, so it works for mixed groups. It’s a great choice for a casual lunch, happy hour, or a fun night out. Full details are on our Green Lemon listing.
Babushka’s — Authentic Eastern European Cooking in Temple Terrace
For something you genuinely can’t get elsewhere in town, Babushka’s in Temple Terrace serves homestyle Russian and Eastern European dishes — borscht, pierogis, blintzes, golubtsy, and beef stroganoff among them. The original location is small and cozy (just a handful of tables), with a warm, family-run feel, so reservations help. It has built a devoted following since opening in 2018 and has since added a second Tampa location. Hours and directions are on our Babushka’s listing.
Mama’s Southern Table — Soul Food on the East Side
On East Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Mama’s Southern Table delivers classic Southern soul food: fried chicken, oxtails, smothered pork chops, turkey wings, and a deep bench of sides like mac and cheese, collard greens, and cornbread — with desserts like peach cobbler and sweet potato pie. It’s family-owned, generously portioned, and easy on the wallet. Check current hours before you go, as the kitchen is closed early in the week. More on our Mama’s listing.
More Tampa Restaurants Worth Knowing
Our dining directory is growing. A few Tampa staples we’re adding next — and that belong on any serious eat-here list:
- Columbia Restaurant (Ybor City) — Founded in 1905 and billed as Florida’s oldest restaurant, known for Spanish and Cuban classics and its 1905 Salad prepared tableside.
- Ulele (Tampa Heights) — A riverfront spot near the Riverwalk featuring native-inspired Florida cooking and its own on-site brewery.
- Water Street dining (Downtown) — The fast-growing Water Street district has added a wave of modern restaurants and bars worth exploring on a night out downtown.
Want your favorite Tampa restaurant featured? Business owners can add a listing to the guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most famous restaurant in Tampa? Bern’s Steak House is arguably Tampa’s most famous restaurant, open since 1956 and known internationally for its aged steaks, enormous wine collection, and upstairs Dessert Room.
Where can I find the best tacos in Tampa? Green Lemon in the SoHo (South Howard) area is a local favorite for street-style tacos, bowls, and margaritas, with a lively happy hour and vegetarian and plant-based options.
Does Tampa have good soul food? Yes. Mama’s Southern Table on E. Dr. MLK Jr. Blvd. serves generous, classic Southern soul food, including fried chicken, oxtails, and traditional sides.
What unique cuisines can I try in Tampa? Beyond the usual options, Tampa has surprises like Babushka’s in Temple Terrace, serving authentic Russian and Eastern European dishes you won’t easily find elsewhere in the Bay area.
Planning a night out? Explore the full Tampa dining directory for hours, locations, and contact details, and check back as we add more of the city’s best places to eat.