Part of what makes Tampa Bay a great place to live is its vibrant culinary scene, where new food and beverage concepts are continuously appearing. These establishments aim to give diners something fresh, exciting and a spot they may soon call a favorite. We’ve rounded up some of the best spots to open in the area over the past year. From elevated meals to diner classics, these are Tampa Bay’s hottest new restaurants.
Riverwalk Terrace
505 Water St., Tampa | (813) 204-6391
Located on the Lobby Level of Tampa Marriott Water Street, Riverwalk Terrace offers a delightful blend of traditional breakfast and brunch dishes, with a touch of French and Italian flair. Enjoy freshly baked pastries, savory breakfast favorites and refreshing beverages, all while soaking in the stunning waterfront views in the beautifully designed Riviera-style setting.
Cheeky’s Fish & Raw Bar
2823 Central Ave., St. Petersburg | (877) 243-3595
To match the coastal vibe of St. Petersburg, seafood is always a winning choice—and newcomer Cheeky’s Fish & Raw Bar delivers just that. This neighborhood spot brings a taste of Nantucket and Key West to downtown St. Pete. On the menu, you’ll find fresh local shrimp, Gulf and Atlantic fish, and East Coast oysters. Standouts include a buttered Connecticut-style lobster roll, a blackened grouper sandwich (a Florida classic), house-smoked fish dip and from-scratch sauces and spice blends. Pair your meal with a frozen cocktail on a hot day or stop by for a laid-back weekend brunch.
Southern Luv BBQ
8019 Citrus Park Drive, Tampa | (813)-945-2443
Chef Essi Tadrus, founder of Southern Luv BBQ, discovered his passion for barbecue early—learning to cut meat, make sausages and cook by age 14. By 19, he had opened his first barbecue restaurant. Now at 39, his newest venture pays homage to the cities that define the craft. Inspired by travels through Texas, Georgia, the Carolinas, Alabama, Kansas, Tennessee and Florida, Tadrus brings regional favorites together under one roof. With scratch-made sauces and sides (even the barbecue potato chips are made in-house), pecan wood–smoked meats and hand-trimmed brisket and chicken, Southern Luv stays true to its motto: raising the bar in barbecue.
The Crane
575 Central Ave., St. Petersburg | (727)-201-4437
Once scrubbing dishes at a restaurant not far from where The Crane now stands, the founder of Mangosteen Hospitality Group has grown to own five successful restaurants along Central Avenue. The Crane, a casual fine dining steak and seafood concept with an Asian twist, is the latest addition to that lineup. Guests can expect memorable dishes such as handmade Wagyu or Seafood Lover Dumplings, off-menu specials and the ever-popular Chilean Sea Bass served over risotto—all best enjoyed with a selection from the extensive wine list or an inventive cocktail like the Ube Colada or Lychee Milk Punch.
Mighty Fine
1018 E. Cass St., Tampa | (813) 374-0169
Named after his grandfather’s signature phrase, Mighty Fine is Nathan Hardin’s homage to the classic comfort food of old Florida diners. Spotting a gap in Tampa for great but affordable smash burgers, Hardin set out to create a menu that emphasized simplicity and bold flavor. The result is purely delicious burgers and other menu items served from Mighty Fine’s home inside Late Start Brewing. With the tagline “comfy classics,” Mighty Fine also offers chili dogs, waffle fries, fried pickles and other nostalgic comfort food, all made with care and attention to quality.
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