Each issue, our Bites and Brews department highlights a new flavor of Tampa Bay — from essential Italian and unbeatable brunches to the perfect place to wine(d)own. But for our Best Restaurants Edition, we’re tossing out the rulebook and indulging in pure culinary celebration. From boba tea and cozy coffee shops to crave-worthy tacos and fresh, savory sushi, this is your guide to the best flavors across Tampa Bay.
Tealicious Cafe
3375 34th St. N., Suite 105, St. Petersburg | (727) 329-6226
A rainbow of fresh fruits, brewed-to-order teas and creative toppings form the base of the expansive drink menu at Tealicious Cafe. New to St. Petersburg but already a Best of 2025 Business Rate winner with more than 500 five-star reviews, Tealicious stands out for its attention to quality in every sip. The lineup ranges from dairy-free milk teas to fruity refreshers and smoothies, all made with freshly brewed tea and customizable toppings. On the food side, bubble waffles, gelato, the TikTok-famous mango ice cream and strawberry Dubai satisfy every sweet craving, while mini pizzas and egg rolls add a savory twist.
Eddie & Sam’s N.Y. Pizza
203 E. Twiggs St., Tampa | (813) 229-8500
For 27 years, Eddie & Sam’s N.Y. Pizza has served downtown Tampa with classic New York-style pies — thin, wide and perfectly foldable slices made with some of the finest cheeses and tomatoes in the country.
Steps from Tampa’s most iconic attractions — including the Tampa Riverwalk, Tampa Theatre, Straz Center, Benchmark International Arena and Water Street — Eddie & Sam’s New York Pizza is a must-visit for anyone exploring the city. The secret behind its 7,700 Google reviews and more than 10,000 ratings on DoorDash and Uber Eats? The crust — handcrafted with water shipped straight from New York to deliver that authentic, unmistakable taste in every bite.
A frequent winner in all three of our reader-voted contests — Best of the City, Best of South Tampa and Best Restaurants — Eddie & Sam’s is more than just a pizza joint. From giant slices to 28-inch pies, it’s a true slice of New York right here in Tampa.
1983
2616 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa | (813) 738-8560
Named for the birth year of twin brothers and Tampa natives Chas and Kyle Bruck, 1983 pays tribute to their hometown by blending the warmth of a neighborhood spot with the polish of a modern restaurant.
Offering something for everyone, the main dining room channels midcentury country clubs and classic Americana with framed TVs showing live sports and nostalgic Tampa photos. Relax on the patio with backyard games like pingpong and a putting green and head inside to the ’83 Game Room with golf simulators, arcade favorites and prizes for the kids.
The menu highlights American comfort food with bold flavors and fresh ingredients, including burgers featuring Steelbach beef, shareable flatbreads, wings and the signature Chicken Tender Tower. The Lunch Box combos offer quick options for business lunches, and weekend brunch brings cinnamon rolls, weekly pancake specials and mimosas.
Whether for lunch, date night or game day, 1983 is a place where neighbors become regulars and every visit feels like home.
Tacos Las California
5635 Memorial Hwy., Tampa | (813) 280-1779
Tacos Las California, family-owned business, brings California-style Mexican flavors to the Bay, blending street food with home-style comfort. Everything is made fresh in-house, from hand-chopped ingredients to real fruit agua frescas with no artificial flavors — a commitment to quality that’s made Tacos Las California a four-time Tampa Bay Wine & Food Festival winner.
Babushka’s Hyde Park
901 W. Platt St., Tampa | (813) 867-8999
Babushka’s Hyde Park offers a distinctive dining experience that blends comfort and sophistication, bringing authentic Eastern European cuisine to Tampa’s culinary scene. The restaurant caters to every occasion and palate — from cozy comfort food like traditional dumplings and hearty classics to elevated fine-dining dishes such as expertly prepared venison. Guests can enjoy caviar service, explore an extensive selection of craft cocktails and house-infused vodkas, or savor a leisurely weekend brunch.
Ocean Seven
385 S. Gulfview Blvd., Clearwater | (727) 281-8077
A 2026 winner for Best Seafood Restaurant, a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence recipient and OpenTable Diners’ Choice Restaurant in 2025, Ocean Seven, perched on the seventh floor of The Hiatus Hotel, offers incredible ocean views and unforgettable dishes. Enjoy nightly sunset champagne toasts paired with Floribbean-style menu items. To make a reservation or to learn more about private dining experiences, visit the website.
Retro House Coffee Bar & Asian Bistro
934 E. Henderson Ave., Tampa | (813) 812-5025
After sharing side-by-side vendor booths at a Moon Festival event, locally roasted artisan coffee crafters and Felicitous owners Corrinne Liou and Paul Venghaus joined forces with Joseph “Joe” Hixon, a chef with experience at five-star international hotels and restaurants in Miami, and his wife Meishan Lu, a fourth-generation dim sum chef and handcrafted bao bun expert, to create RetroHouse. The concept blends the rich flavors of authentic Chinese cuisine with the artistry of high-quality coffee. The menu features craft lattes, hand-selected teas and a variety of original Chinese and Asian dishes, including dumplings, wontons and, of course, dim sum and bao.
Café Clementine
255 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg
What started as a pandemic project for co-owner Paulina Graniela quickly gained traction at local farmers markets before finding a home inside St. Pete’s Museum of Fine Arts. Café Clementine exudes a made-with-love vibe, with every menu item crafted from scratch — from citrus morning buns and breakfast cakes to the salted brown butter chocolate chip cookie, a staple since Gerbasi’s farmers market days. Even the English muffins on the breakfast sandwiches, along with every loaf of bread, brioche and croissant, are made in-house. The bakery and sandwich offerings are even better when paired with a seasonal cream clouds, coffee, tea or a Clementine classic like the Blueberry Cobbler Chai Latte, made with blueberry jam and spiced crumble.
Boulon Brasserie
1001 Water St., Tampa | (813) 768-9988
Boulon Brasserie, nestled in Tampa’s vibrant Water Street district, captures the essence of a modern Parisian brasserie. With its lively atmosphere, impeccable service and refined yet approachable cuisine, Boulon has become a downtown favorite. Its signature Le Burger — perfectly balanced, rich and unforgettable — has earned top honors as Tampa’s “Best Burger.” It’s a testament to Boulon’s commitment to quality, craftsmanship and the joy of simple, extraordinary dining.
SoHo Sushi
3218 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa | (813) 873-7646
For 20 years, SoHo Sushi has established itself as a culinary cornerstone, known for its dedication to quality, sourcing fresh fish flown in daily for its 50+ handcrafted rolls, expertly prepared by 12 dedicated chefs. But SoHo is much more than a sushi spot. Its upscale menu boasts rich Japanese wagyu, satisfying fried rice and noodle dishes, and an unparalleled beverage program not typical of a sushi bar. This includes over 450 wines and sake’s, with almost 100 available by the glass.
Union New American
1111 N. Westshore Blvd., Tampa | (813) 768-9989
Union New American masterfully blends global inspiration with modern American flair. Located in Tampa’s Westshore District, the restaurant delivers a refined yet welcoming dining experience where bold flavors and creative technique meet. Led by Executive Chef Casey Alfonso, Union’s menu seamlessly unites cultures through innovative dishes and craft cocktails, offering guests a culinary journey that feels both familiar and exciting. This commitment to excellence has earned Union the honor of “Best Fusion Restaurant.”
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