Guidebook for Tampa
Food Scene
Comfort food and a unique atmosphere unique to Seminole Heights - this restaurant is one of a kind. The massive deck with oak trees make for a comfortable, relaxed and casual outdoor dining experience.
201 locals recommend
Ella’s Americana Folk Art Cafe
5119 N Nebraska AveComfort food and a unique atmosphere unique to Seminole Heights - this restaurant is one of a kind. The massive deck with oak trees make for a comfortable, relaxed and casual outdoor dining experience.
There may be no restaurant in all of the Tampa bay area that packs more flavor into each bite. Go early or be prepared to wait for a table. Space is very limited and demand is always high but the flavors at this restaurant are well worth the wait.
136 locals recommend
Ichicoro Ramen
5229 N Florida AveThere may be no restaurant in all of the Tampa bay area that packs more flavor into each bite. Go early or be prepared to wait for a table. Space is very limited and demand is always high but the flavors at this restaurant are well worth the wait.
Located in the historic water works building and adjacent to Tampa's original water source, Ulele Spring, this restaurant combines flavors of old Florida with historic scenes, timeless beauty and a dining experience 2nd to none. Try the char-grilled oysters and take a walk along the river walk. Sunsets on the river are breathtaking.
Ulele is both a restaurant and a micro brewery that uses the water from the neighboring natural spring to brew its beer. Brewmaster Tim Shackleford is truly a master of his trade. I always check the seasonal brew but the Rusty's Red and the Wedding Beer are my favorite goto brews.
384 locals recommend
Ulele
1810 N Highland AveLocated in the historic water works building and adjacent to Tampa's original water source, Ulele Spring, this restaurant combines flavors of old Florida with historic scenes, timeless beauty and a dining experience 2nd to none. Try the char-grilled oysters and take a walk along the river walk. Sunsets on the river are breathtaking.
Ulele is both a restaurant and a micro brewery that uses the water from the neighboring natural spring to brew its beer. Brewmaster Tim Shackleford is truly a master of his trade. I always check the seasonal brew but the Rusty's Red and the Wedding Beer are my favorite goto brews.
Datz Delicatessen serves up hearty sandwiches and rich flavors from killer Reuben to fried jalapeno mac and cheese balls and craft beer. There is something for everyone at Datz and that's before we say a word about their desert bar and sister restaurant next door called Datz Dough. Neither location is for the calorie counter but if you deserve a treat, you've got to indulge here.
160 locals recommend
Datz - South Tampa
2616 S MacDill AveDatz Delicatessen serves up hearty sandwiches and rich flavors from killer Reuben to fried jalapeno mac and cheese balls and craft beer. There is something for everyone at Datz and that's before we say a word about their desert bar and sister restaurant next door called Datz Dough. Neither location is for the calorie counter but if you deserve a treat, you've got to indulge here.
Chef Ferrell Alvarez and his wife Nicole are personal friends but there is no bias when I tell you that the plates of food served from this open air observatory kitchen are some of the most creative, delicious and beautiful you will ever see. Go here to take your taste buds on a real adventure.
144 locals recommend
Rooster & the Till
6500 N Florida AveChef Ferrell Alvarez and his wife Nicole are personal friends but there is no bias when I tell you that the plates of food served from this open air observatory kitchen are some of the most creative, delicious and beautiful you will ever see. Go here to take your taste buds on a real adventure.
Go here to sip their unique and artfully curated craft beer selection, taste the sauteed pear& honey grilled gouda cheese sandwich and to see hipsters in the wild.
153 locals recommend
Independent Bar and Cafe
5016 N Florida AveGo here to sip their unique and artfully curated craft beer selection, taste the sauteed pear& honey grilled gouda cheese sandwich and to see hipsters in the wild.
Chicago and traditional style pizza in a fun/playful family friendly neighborhood pizzeria atmosphere filled with antique toys and Florida relics, this pizza shop is anything but boring. Bring your cash though because their cash registers are like their decor - old school...
93 locals recommend
Cappys Pizzeria
4910 N Florida AveChicago and traditional style pizza in a fun/playful family friendly neighborhood pizzeria atmosphere filled with antique toys and Florida relics, this pizza shop is anything but boring. Bring your cash though because their cash registers are like their decor - old school...
Best Chinese food in all of Tampa Bay - Hands down. End of story. If you like Chinese cuisine, you have to go here.
Salt-n-pepper appetizers will change your life!
Honey Walnut Shrimp is amazing too.
48 locals recommend
Yummy House China Bistro
2620 E Hillsborough AveBest Chinese food in all of Tampa Bay - Hands down. End of story. If you like Chinese cuisine, you have to go here.
Salt-n-pepper appetizers will change your life!
Honey Walnut Shrimp is amazing too.
Oxford Exchange is a restaurant, bookstore, lifestyle gift store, co-working space, design studio and event venue in Tampa, Florida.
https://oxfordexchange.com
199 locals recommend
Oxford Exchange
420 W Kennedy BlvdOxford Exchange is a restaurant, bookstore, lifestyle gift store, co-working space, design studio and event venue in Tampa, Florida.
https://oxfordexchange.com
Unassuming sushi restaurant in a strip center serving up big flavors and a happy hour menu with deeply discounted sushi rolls and $1 nigiri pieces till 7pm
17 locals recommend
Origami Sushi
6507 W Waters AveUnassuming sushi restaurant in a strip center serving up big flavors and a happy hour menu with deeply discounted sushi rolls and $1 nigiri pieces till 7pm
Sushi in a historic Seminole Heights Bungalow. Limited menu but really great flavors! The Orange Sunrise and the Electric Eye are my favorites. Get it with a bottle of Fuji Apple Sake and you'll be in great shape!
32 locals recommend
Ebisu Sushi Shack
5116 N Nebraska AveSushi in a historic Seminole Heights Bungalow. Limited menu but really great flavors! The Orange Sunrise and the Electric Eye are my favorites. Get it with a bottle of Fuji Apple Sake and you'll be in great shape!
This riverfront locals hangout has live music daily. Cheap eats and amazing people watching as you drink cold beer, watch the boats cruise by and listen to the live band of the day.
79 locals recommend
Rick's on the River
2305 North Willow AvenueThis riverfront locals hangout has live music daily. Cheap eats and amazing people watching as you drink cold beer, watch the boats cruise by and listen to the live band of the day.
Hole in the wall taco shop where they make the authentic corn tortillas to order or you can have your taco shell made entirely from grilled cheese! This little dive will blow your taste bud's mind.
20 locals recommend
Xtreme Tacos
5609 N Nebraska AveHole in the wall taco shop where they make the authentic corn tortillas to order or you can have your taco shell made entirely from grilled cheese! This little dive will blow your taste bud's mind.
Fresh white fish and shrimp ceviche daily. $2 authentic Mexican tacos everyday bursting with flavor. It's just a small shaky looking food trailer. Be brave - it is totally worth it!!
Los Comparres
5636 N Armenia AveFresh white fish and shrimp ceviche daily. $2 authentic Mexican tacos everyday bursting with flavor. It's just a small shaky looking food trailer. Be brave - it is totally worth it!!
Call ahead and make a reservation because tables are limited and they close early at 8pm daily. You don't have to leave at 8pm, you just have to be seated before they lock the door. This tiny italian restaurant is an experience like no other. If you like hearty authentic homemade pasta cooked up by a chef who will likely sit with you and share a taste of grappa after dinner then you NEED to try this place. Drive slow or you'll miss it. IT'S TINY on space but HUGE on flavor and personality. They don't serve alcohol but they welcome you to bring your own!
14 locals recommend
Piccola Italia Bistro
2140 W Dr Martin Luther King Jr BlvdCall ahead and make a reservation because tables are limited and they close early at 8pm daily. You don't have to leave at 8pm, you just have to be seated before they lock the door. This tiny italian restaurant is an experience like no other. If you like hearty authentic homemade pasta cooked up by a chef who will likely sit with you and share a taste of grappa after dinner then you NEED to try this place. Drive slow or you'll miss it. IT'S TINY on space but HUGE on flavor and personality. They don't serve alcohol but they welcome you to bring your own!
Quiet & private beautiful gulf beaches, hiking trails, a historic fort, paddle board & kayak rentals. This beach is awesome for a romantic afternoon or a family retreat.
Fort Desoto Park Tierra Verde Florida
Quiet & private beautiful gulf beaches, hiking trails, a historic fort, paddle board & kayak rentals. This beach is awesome for a romantic afternoon or a family retreat.
Armature Works is a fully restored mixed-use building that combines the necessities of a busy modern/urban lifestyle into the historic Tampa Heights neighborhood. With its unobstructed view of the Hillsborough River, the historic structure has been reinvented as a public market and upscale food court offering everything from breakfast to sushi, sandwiches, barbecue, smoothies and acai bowls. Go for the awesome food selection but hang out for the gorgeous water views and unique architecture.
845 locals recommend
Armature Works
1910 N Ola AveArmature Works is a fully restored mixed-use building that combines the necessities of a busy modern/urban lifestyle into the historic Tampa Heights neighborhood. With its unobstructed view of the Hillsborough River, the historic structure has been reinvented as a public market and upscale food court offering everything from breakfast to sushi, sandwiches, barbecue, smoothies and acai bowls. Go for the awesome food selection but hang out for the gorgeous water views and unique architecture.
Restaurant, Upscale sports bar, water front happy hour, sunset views. No matter what you're interested in, American Social is a can't miss Tampa dining gem.
108 locals recommend
American Social
601 S Harbour Island BlvdRestaurant, Upscale sports bar, water front happy hour, sunset views. No matter what you're interested in, American Social is a can't miss Tampa dining gem.
Parks & Nature
It's just an over the water walking trail that wraps around the river/bay peninsula of downtown Tampa connecting restaurants, bars, parks and various hotels. Along the walk are a number of water taxi stops where you can take a ride to the islands and various other points of interest in and around downtown.
620 locals recommend
Tampa Riverwalk
Tampa RiverwalkIt's just an over the water walking trail that wraps around the river/bay peninsula of downtown Tampa connecting restaurants, bars, parks and various hotels. Along the walk are a number of water taxi stops where you can take a ride to the islands and various other points of interest in and around downtown.
Want to see Alligators in the wild? Rent a canoe or kayak at this park and you'll get your fill! It's a beautiful park with miles of winding river and hiking trails.
49 locals recommend
Lettuce Lake Park Boardwalk and Nature Trail Observation Tower
Lettuce Lake Park TrailWant to see Alligators in the wild? Rent a canoe or kayak at this park and you'll get your fill! It's a beautiful park with miles of winding river and hiking trails.
Longest continuous sidewalk in the US. Awesome waterfront and mansion views for jogging and bike riding.
222 locals recommend
Bayshore Boulevard
Bayshore BoulevardLongest continuous sidewalk in the US. Awesome waterfront and mansion views for jogging and bike riding.
Arts & Culture
Take in a little of Tampa's history. There is always something new to learn as exhibits change from month to month.
139 locals recommend
Tampa Bay History Center
801 Water StTake in a little of Tampa's history. There is always something new to learn as exhibits change from month to month.
The Dalí (Salvador Dalí Museum)
1 Dali Blvdhttp://thedali.org
Sightseeing
bor City is a historic neighborhood in Tampa, Florida, United States, located just northeast of downtown. It was founded in the 1880s by Vicente Martinez-Ybor and other cigar manufacturers and was populated by thousands of immigrants, mainly from Cuba, Spain, and Italy. For the next 50 years, workers in Ybor City's cigar factories rolled hundreds of millions of cigars annually.
Ybor City was unique in the American South as a successful town almost entirely populated and owned by immigrants.
854 locals recommend
Ybor City
bor City is a historic neighborhood in Tampa, Florida, United States, located just northeast of downtown. It was founded in the 1880s by Vicente Martinez-Ybor and other cigar manufacturers and was populated by thousands of immigrants, mainly from Cuba, Spain, and Italy. For the next 50 years, workers in Ybor City's cigar factories rolled hundreds of millions of cigars annually.
Ybor City was unique in the American South as a successful town almost entirely populated and owned by immigrants.
Essentials
Publix is great for fresh veggies, meats, wine and just about anything else you might need while visiting the area.
82 locals recommend
Publix Super Market
6001 N Nebraska AvePublix is great for fresh veggies, meats, wine and just about anything else you might need while visiting the area.
Entertainment & Activities
Off Broadway shows on tour and special events all year around.
198 locals recommend
David A. Straz, Jr. Center for the Performing Arts
1010 N Macinnes PlOff Broadway shows on tour and special events all year around.
Rent an electric boat. Be your own captain and cruise around the harbor and up the Hillsborough river. Pack a cooler or dock at one of the riverfront restaurants. Each boat accommodates up to 12 guests.
27 locals recommend
eBoats Tampa
333 S Franklin StRent an electric boat. Be your own captain and cruise around the harbor and up the Hillsborough river. Pack a cooler or dock at one of the riverfront restaurants. Each boat accommodates up to 12 guests.
The Florida Aquarium
701 Channelside DrZooTampa at Lowry Park
1101 W Sligh AveIf Roller Coasters are your thing, then there is no reason to go to Orlando. Busch Garden's coasters are awesome!
2168 locals recommend
Busch Gardens
10165 McKinley DrIf Roller Coasters are your thing, then there is no reason to go to Orlando. Busch Garden's coasters are awesome!