Ten Rooms, a new restaurant, bar and retail space, is now open in Ybor. [ Courtesy of Ten Rooms ]
Our food critic’s rundown of the area’s buzziest newcomers so far in 2024.
We're not even halfway through the year, but the Tampa Bay restaurant scene has already been bustling. Several highly-anticipated spots debuted in the first quarter, and two new Michelin stars have been awarded.
Despite a number of recent closures in St. Petersburg, the industry shows no signs of slowing down. Exciting new spots like Pulpo, from the team behind Brick & Mortar, and Cheeky's, from the Willa’s crew, are set to launch later this year.
This list aims to answer the perennial question of where to dine right now. All the restaurants featured opened in 2024, and we'll update it every few months to include the latest newcomers.
Remember, Tampa Bay boasts a wealth of fantastic, well-established restaurants that are definitely worth a visit. However, if you want to stay current with the area's most exciting and talked-about new openings, this is the place to start.
Ash and Alter Ego
Ash, the new Italian-inspired restaurant and adjacent nightclub Alter Ego, opened in April in Tampa's Water Street district. [ DOUGLAS R. CLIFFORD | Times ]
The eagerly anticipated restaurant and cocktail lounge by the team behind Seminole Heights gem Rooster & The Till has been the talk of the town since its April opening, so securing a reservation in advance is essential. Ash features an Italian-inspired menu that's both progressive and modern, offering dishes like crispy artichokes with guanciale, amaro sabayon, and Parmesan streusel, as well as fried rabbit with Calabrian chile honey, pickled onions, and Cambozola celeriac espuma. The restaurant also boasts an impressive selection of handmade pastas and an exciting beverage program, including a martini selection, aperitivo list, after-dinner amari service, innovative twists on classic cocktails, and an extensive list of Italian wines. After dinner, head over to Alter Ego, the "music-forward" cocktail lounge, for a nightcap and some tunes.
420 S. Nebraska Ave., Tampa. 813-221-9191. ashtampa.com.
Casa Cami
From left to right, the queso frito, blistered shishito peppers, barbacoa short rib fajita and hamachi ceviche served at Casa Cami in Tampa. [ JEFFEREE WOO | Times ]
When Casa Cami opened on the 10th floor of the Current Hotel in Rocky Point, it boasted impressive credentials, including industry heavyweights and a creative contemporary Mexican menu. However, the real standout is its stunning rooftop patio, arguably the most impressive in the area. With panoramic views of the bay and beyond, the vistas alone make it worth a visit. The kitchen is led by Alex Hoaks, formerly the executive chef at St. Petersburg’s The Library. His modern takes on Mexican cuisine feature dishes like snapper crudo with charred pomelo segments and barbacoa short rib fajitas with pistachio salsa macha. If you’re hoping for a patio spot around sunset, be sure to make a reservation.
CRAFT
Patrons enjoy scenic views with their dinner and cocktails aboard CRAFT, a new European-style Riverboat dinner cruise in Tampa. [ LUIS SANTANA | Times ]
Billed as a “culinary and cocktail river journey,” Craft launched its inaugural dinner cruise on March 15. Inspired by European riverboats, this 130-foot-long vessel features a sleek, white silhouette and a vertical clearance of less than 11 feet, allowing it to glide smoothly under many of Tampa’s low-lying bridges. The highlight of the ship is its culinary program, offering a contemporary New American menu crafted by chef Allison Beasman, formerly of Edison: Food + Drink Lab. While a trip aboard this Tampa dinner cruise comes at a premium, it’s well worth it for a special occasion.
For Craft reservations and information, go to crafttampa.com. The riverboat departs from the dock at 603 Channelside Drive, Tampa.
Don the Beachcomber
The Zombie and Three Dots and a Dash cocktail are served at Don the Beachcomber in Madeira Beach. [ MAGGIE DUFFY | Times ]
The company behind Ford’s Garage and Tiki Docks acquired the iconic Don the Beachcomber brand in 2022 and opened a Madeira Beach location earlier this year on the first floor of the new Cambria Hotel. Reporter Maggie Duffy writes: The drinks are delicately balanced, featuring layers of rum, spices, and flavored syrups like falernum and orgeat. The Zombie cocktail, made with three types of rum, “Don’s Mix,” falernum, and fresh lime, is very potent — limited to two per person, a restriction that should be taken seriously!
15015 Madeira Way, Madeira Beach. 727-870-8454. donbeachcomber.com.
Dunedin Mix
Dunedin Mix, a new food hall with a carousel bar, is now open in downtown Dunedin. [ Courtesy of Brandon Stanley ]
Inspired by New Orleans’ iconic Carousel Bar at the Hotel Monteleone, a rotating carousel bar serves as the centerpiece and heartbeat of this eclectic new food hall and event space in downtown Dunedin. Featuring a variety of food vendors, it's the perfect spot to lounge, enjoy a few cocktails, and sample diverse dishes. The offerings include Huli Bowls, a Polynesian-inspired poke bowl and rotisserie chicken concept; Al Dente, specializing in Italian pizza and pasta; Spoons, a globally-inspired tapas restaurant; and The Green Table, a vegan burger and milkshake spot.
990 Broadway, Dunedin. 727-216-8861. dunedinmix.com
Eat Art Love
Eat Art Love, a new cafe and art gallery, opened in February in St. Petersburg's Warehouse Arts District. [ Courtesy of Mario Brugnoli ]
Breakfast takes center stage at this new cafe and art gallery hybrid, which opened in February in St. Petersburg’s Warehouse District. The kitchen is led by Mario Brugnoli, a local chef with an impressive background, having previously worked at the now-closed FarmTable Cucina at St. Petersburg’s Sundial, Tampa’s modern Italian restaurant Rocca, and most recently, Meliora in Sarasota. The small yet robust menu features breakfast and brunch dishes such as poached egg dips with creamed potatoes and sourdough toast, sweet and sour ricotta pancakes with cinnamon whipped cream and blueberry syrup, and confit duck leg served over grits with whipped feta and roasted red peppers. Note that the cafe is currently operating with limited hours, open only from Friday through Sunday.
2209 Sixth Ave. S., St. Petersburg. 727-289-1713. instagram.com/eatartlove_stpete
Grand Fortune Restaurant
This expansive Chinese restaurant and dim sum parlor, which opened earlier this year next to the MD Oriental Market on E Fowler Avenue, has quickly gained significant attention. The restaurant is especially noted for its extensive menu and remarkable daily offerings of Hong Kong-style dim sum. Guests can enjoy a variety of dishes, including turnip cakes with XO sauce, pork soup dumplings, shrimp shumai, and egg custard buns, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Additionally, the vast 17,000-square-foot venue serves as a large event space, featuring a stage and 10 private karaoke rooms.
1104 E Fowler Ave. Unit 102, Tampa. 813-328-8888. grandfortunetampa.com
Grove Surf Cafe
Avocado toast with scrambled eggs is served at Grove Surf Cafe, a new breakfast and lunch cafe in Indian Rocks Beach. [ HELEN FREUND | Tampa Bay Times ]
The team from Grove Surf and Coffee Shop in St. Pete Beach has launched a new cafe in Indian Rocks Beach, featuring an expanded breakfast and lunch menu. They continue to offer the same popular espresso drinks made with Bandit Coffee Co. beans, alongside their renowned baked goods. Highlights from the new menu include whipped ricotta on sourdough toast with honey, pistachio, and brown butter; a beet sandwich on ciabatta with mozzarella, pesto, tomatoes, and balsamic glaze; parfait bowls with almond butter, banana, granola, and toasted coconut; and a bacon, egg, and cheese on a brioche roll with chive aioli. Additionally, the new location serves beer, wine, and cocktails, including mocktails, adding zest to your beachside brunch experience.
1309 Gulf Blvd., Indian Rocks Beach. 727-517-8100. grovesurfandcoffee.com
Palihouse Lobby Bar
A club sandwich is served at Palihouse in Hyde Park Village. [ MICHELLE STARK | Times ]
Nestled within the stylish Hyde Park Village boutique hotel, the Palihouse Lobby Bar exudes a welcoming ambiance perfect for leisurely sipping cocktails. The extensive menu spans from breakfast-inspired options like avocado toasts and bruleed grapefruit to lunch and afternoon snack favorites such as Cobb salads, lobster tacos, gin-marinated olives, and tuna tartare. Cocktails take center stage with offerings like espresso martinis, Aperol spritzes, and a gin-based 50/50 martini infused with vermouth and lemon oil, each priced at $17. While the menu reflects the hotel’s upscale charm, there are also enticing happy hour specials featuring $10 burgers and cheese plates, $7 wines, and $10 cocktails.
1509 W. Swann Ave., Tampa. 813-820-1685. palisociety.com
Samurai Cat
Located in downtown St. Petersburg, this Japanese bakery and cafe, part of the Majestic Food Group's new offerings, presents a concise menu featuring boba drinks, coffee, and a variety of sweet and savory delicacies. Highlights from the savory options include egg sandwiches on Japanese milk bread, avocado toasts adorned with jammy eggs, nori, scallions, and chile crisp, smoked salmon onigiri, and cold sesame udon noodle bowls. Those with a sweet tooth can indulge in treats such as brown sugar boba tea, fruit sandwiches, Portuguese egg tarts, and ube bubble waffles. Recently, Majestic Food Group has also introduced Han Hand Roll Bar, Bap Bap Korean Eats, and Ling’s Dumplings, all housed within Armature Works in Tampa.
407 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. samuraicatdtsp.com
Shiso Crispy
The Short Rib Dirty Rice is sold at Shiso Crispy's newest location, in St. Petersburg's EDGE District. [ HELEN FREUND | Tampa Bay Times ]
One of the Tampa Bay area’s beloved food trucks has now established a permanent location in St. Petersburg’s EDGE District. The storefront is cleverly positioned with the food truck parked behind it, allowing guests to place orders indoors via a tablet or venture out to the lush outdoor courtyard for pickup. Fans of owner Ronnica Whaley’s celebrated dishes will delight in finding all her popular offerings here, including Bang Bang Chicken, Short Rib Dirty Rice, Ahi tuna bao buns, lobster rangoons, and the irresistibly tasty Schezuan Mandu dumplings. Moreover, it stands out as one of the few reliable spots in downtown St. Pete offering late-night dining options.
1431 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727-420-0511. shisocrispy.com
Sol de Cuba
Jesus Puerto has deep roots in Tampa, dating back to the 1930s when his great grandfather was a skilled baker at the renowned La Segunda Bakery in Ybor. The concept for his Cuban restaurant, Sol de Cuba, was conceived in the 1980s, but it wasn't until 2004 that the flagship restaurant opened in New Haven, Connecticut. Located in Seminole Heights, the restaurant's essence revolves around celebrating Afro-Cuban culture through both art and cuisine. The menu beautifully ties together various elements with offerings such as mojo chicken wings, lechon asado, oxtail stew, and, naturally, Cuban sandwiches.
6428 N. Florida Ave., Tampa. 813-367-2225. souldecuba.com
Streetlight Taco
Roasted brisket tacos are served at Streetlight Taco in Tampa. [ DIRK SHADD | Times ]
Shortly after its debut, this modern Mexican restaurant quickly gained acclaim, notably receiving praise from the prestigious Michelin Guide, which honored its South Tampa location with a Bib Gourmand distinction in April. The restaurant reflects chef Michael Brannock's profound admiration for Mexican culture and cuisine, offering inventive interpretations of regional Mexican dishes alongside an impressive selection of beverages. Brannock collaborated with Jack Murray and Nick Reader, managing partners of the Michelin-starred Tampa restaurant Rocca, to launch this establishment. Here, dishes feature nixtamalized heirloom corn tortillas embracing crispy carnitas adorned with crunchy chicharron and smoky chile de arbol salsa. The drink menu is equally impressive, featuring delights such as watermelon and smoked agave margaritas, as well as signature cocktails like the Macho Libre, blending Woodford Reserve bourbon, La Fuerza Rojo vermouth, and Campari.
4004 Henderson Blvd., Tampa. 813-217-9158. streetlighttacos.com
Ten Rooms
Ten Rooms, a new restaurant, bar and retail space, is now open in Ybor. [ Courtesy of Ten Rooms ]
One of the year's most eagerly awaited restaurant openings was Ten Rooms, a versatile venue blending dining, drinking, and retail within Ybor’s historic El Centro Español de Tampa. This upscale establishment, spearheaded by Tampa Bay bar industry veteran Ro Patel, encompasses a fine dining restaurant named Bar Martinez, a craft cocktail bar and lounge, a bakery, and a café. Additionally, it features a specialty goods store, rotating art exhibitions, and a spacious lobby area where guests can relax and socialize. Patel enlisted San Francisco chef Parker Brown to lead the kitchen, and the initial menu of contemporary New American cuisine has been met with high praise. Highlights include the indulgent Parker House Rolls infused with fennel pollen and served with cultured butter, followed by dishes such as dry-aged beef tartare with barrel-aged soy and egg "fudge," and sweet plantains complemented by salty farmer’s cheese, pickled Fresno peppers, and a zesty chimichurri sauce.
1536 East Seventh Ave., Tampa. 813-384-8338. tenroomsybor.com
Tchotchke
Tchotchke, a new breakfast and lunch spot inside the former Munch's building, is now open in St. Petersburg. [ Sharon Kennedy Wynne ]
“We aspire to become your local go-to spot. We understand the legacy left by our predecessor!” Tchotchke acknowledges from the start the significance of its predecessor, Munch’s, the cherished and iconic St. Petersburg diner that closed its doors in December 2022 after a storied 70-year history. While Tchotchke brings its own unique identity, it caters to a breakfast, brunch, and lunch crowd with elevated diner classics like biscuits and gravy, country-fried steak, and a fried chicken sandwich served with red pepper aioli and hot pepper relish. The menu also features contemporary offerings such as shakshuka with poached eggs in a red pepper and tomato sauce, poke bowls, and an upscale grilled cheese sandwich with Parmesan butter, prosciutto, a three-cheese blend, and sage.
3920 Sixth St. S., St. Petersburg. 727-202-8883. tchotchkecafe.com
tampabay.com | Tampa Bay Times | By Helen Freund, Times staff
Disclaimer: Reposted Content. The following content has been reposted on our blog for informational and educational purposes. The content and views expressed in this article are solely those of the original author and publication. We do not endorse or claim ownership of the information presented here. Any references, claims, or opinions made in the article belong to the original author and do not necessarily reflect our own views or opinions. We encourage readers to read the original article and its source for full context and accuracy. We make no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided in this reposted article. Readers are advised to use their own discretion and judgment when interpreting and relying on the content of this article.
Comments