New foodie finds are always popping up around the Bay! From sweet treats to global flavors, here are some of the hottest new restaurants.
Top Shelf Sports Lounge
401 E. Jackson St., Tampa | 813-374-3577
Voted one of the best new restaurants in Tampa Bay and winner of Best Wings in Tampa Magazine’s 2025 Best Restaurants List, Top Shelf Sports Lounge redefines bar food with favorites like the Cuban sandwich and Ybor egg rolls. The brand’s second location—a 4,700-square-foot space in downtown Tampa has 33 TVs between the inside and outdoor patio where you can watch your favorite games. Whether you’re craving brunch, game-day specials, rave-worthy wings, or an expansive drink menu, it’s easy to see why Top Shelf Sports Lounge has quickly become a local favorite.
Cookie Dough Bliss
3409 W. Bay to Bay Blvd., Tampa | (813) 252-2447 | @cookiedoughblisstampa
Opening between hurricanes Helene and Milton, Cookie Dough Bliss swiftly brought a sweet new experience to Tampa. As Florida’s only location for this emerging brand, the shop is decked out in all things pink and serves up 16 flavors of ready-to-eat cookie dough daily, including seasonal favorites like peppermint and gingerbread. Beyond cookie dough scoops, Cookie Dough Bliss offers milkshakes, eight rotating ice cream flavors, cookie dough pops, baked cookies, sampler packs, bliss pies—a delicious layer of ice cream topped with cookie dough on a graham cracker crust—and even cookie dough flights. Don’t forget the toppings – there are over 30!
Storm Runners Tavern
3128 Beach Blvd. S., Gulfport | (727) 201-4569
Storm Runners Tavern offers three unique dining experiences on a single Gulfport property, each sharing a thoughtfully curated menu of American fare, seafood, sandwiches, entrées, and more, along with artfully crafted cocktails, artisanal beers, and a carefully selected wine list. The main dining room serves as the heart of Storm Runners, offering a blend of casual bites and gourmet indulgence. The Crow’s Nest, located on the upper deck, provides picturesque waterfront views with open-air tables, while Bark, the dog-friendly outdoor tiki bar, makes every hour a “yappy hour” with a full bar of exotic drink options.
Kiwa Asian Kitchen
5415 Bayshore Blvd., Tampa | (813) 999-1006
Bayshore Boulevard’s latest addition, Kiwa Asian Kitchen, combines Korean and Japanese influences in a vibrant sushi and boba bar. The menu offers a variety of savory dishes, from bulgogi and baked mussels to steamed buns, plus sushi rolls like the Kiwa Roll and Asian Sensation, along with generous sushi platters. With a commitment to authenticity, the chefs and owners bring their culinary roots to each dish, from the spider roll to the galbi. For drinks, Kiwa offers a colorful cocktail menu and boba options, featuring sparkling fruit teas, milk teas and other specialty sips.
The Neon Lunchbox
1756 Central Ave., St. Petersburg | (727) 201-9710
With its retro decor and menu, The Neon Lunchbox is an 80s/90s-themed lunch spot that serves up a taste of nostalgia. Inspired by owner Chelsey Andrew’s love for sandwiches, it’s become a comfort zone for both ambiance and food. Fresh ingredients lead the way, with house-sliced lunch meats for sandwiches like the muffuletta and made-to-order mac-n-cheese, playfully dubbed The Charizard. Live music on the weekends and a full bar—serving themed drinks like The Polly Pocket and The Godfather—add to the fun, while a kid’s menu ensures The Neon Lunchbox appeals to children and the young at heart alike.
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