The beauty of Tampa Bay is its ever-evolving culinary scene. From limited-time pop-ups to restaurants built to last, the area embraces new concepts and cuisines that continue to cement its reputation as a foodie destination. Here are some of the hottest new restaurants you need to try.
The Landon
717 S. Howard Ave., Tampa | (813) 725-4199 | @thelandonrestaurant
From the ashes of 717 South comes The Landon, a new culinary concept specializing in refined American cuisine. Already a Best of the City winner for its ambiance, food and overall dining experience, the dinner destination features a menu curated by Chef Robert Hesse of Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen. Expect creative fare such as 10K Scallops, alongside playful takes on starters, including Lobster Popcorn and Truffle Beef Tartare, plus indulgent bread and caviar service.
ISU
10 Beach Drive NE, St Petersburg | (727) 866-4633
From the creators of Fortu, ISU opened downstairs from its sister restaurant in November with a menu that combines Japanese techniques with Peruvian flavors. With sustainability in mind, almost every part of the fish is used across dishes, whether it’s the signature nigiri, crudo or sashimi. The Akami Crudo with tuna, blood orange and charred garlic has quickly become a customer favorite, as has the nigiri tasting, featuring sauces and toppings made and prepared in-house. Each dish pairs beautifully with something from the expansive, rotating sake collection, Peruvian wines, Japanese beer or a specialty cocktail, like the yuzu- and lychee-forward Pitaya Fizz.
Giancarlo’s
1532 W. North B St., Tampa | (813) 851-6646
Family has always been at the heart of Travis Kaiser’s restaurants. He opened Santoro’s Pizzeria in 2021, naming it after his oldest son and bringing a taste of his New Jersey roots to Tampa. This year, he expanded with Giancarlo’s, named for his youngest son, alongside Homesick Bagels, serving authentic New Jersey-style bagels. Giancarlo’s offers tavern-style fare, from burgers and pizzas to Italian favorites, while its coffee bar transforms into Sidebar, an intimate cocktail lounge, each evening. Signature dishes like the spicy rigatoni and eggplant stack, along with weekend brunch and community events, have made it a neighborhood favorite.
Rio Izikaya
5232 Bridge St., Tampa | (813) 918-7777
Created by Thomas Qinsen and his wife, Leona, Rio Izakaya brings a refined approach to Japanese dining through precision-driven techniques and exceptional ingredients. After Leona spent a year and a half training in Japan, learning the craft of yakitori, udon and ramen, the couple brought those techniques to St. Petersburg. Opened in May, Rio specializes in yakitori, a traditional Japanese grilling technique where hand-cut portions of chicken are skewered and cooked over Binchotan, a Japanese white oak charcoal prized for its high heat and ability to seal in flavor. The restaurant also features house dry-aged sushi and sashimi, with nearly all fish sourced from Japan and prepared to preserve its natural flavors.
Mei
320 3rd St. S., St Petersburg | (727) 471-7448
Named after Executive Chef Alex Chamberlain’s sister, Mei blends casual dining with highly executed cuisine rooted in Japanese culinary philosophy. The St. Petersburg restaurant features a French bistro-inspired dining room and a tasting counter highlighting Japanese flavors and Nordic preservation techniques. The menu changes with the seasons, driven by ingredients from local farmers and foragers, with vegetables and sides rotating frequently. While offerings evolve, the house dry-aged duck remains a guest favorite and a staple since opening. From Japanese seafood and sustainable ingredients to house-made breads, pastries and sauces, Mei focuses on simplicity, craftsmanship and letting quality ingredients shine.
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