Eat and Drink in Tampa
Tampa Bay’s cuisine is just as unique and rich as its culture. Sip on lavish libations at the waterfront bistros and bars. Take a bite into culinary diversity. Discover the fine dining or farm-to-table restaurants and enjoy fresh seafood and authentic Spanish dishes.
Fresh gulf seafood is plentiful—raw bars serving oysters, clams, and mussels are everywhere. Tampa’s many Cuban and Spanish restaurants serve paella with seafood and chicken, boliche criollo (sausage-stuffed eye-round roast) with black beans and rice, ropa vieja (shredded flank steak in tomato sauce), and other treats. Tarpon Springs adds classic Greek specialties.
Tampa’s Food Festivals Tampa’s Food Festivals A Cuban sandwich-ham, salami, roasted pork, Swiss cheese and a slew of condiments packed in between two slices of freshly baked Cuban bread-is a culinary experience unto itself. Indeed, no stay in Tampa Bay is complete until you’ve had one (or several).
Numerous area cafes and eateries offer their own unique take on Tampa Bay’s signature sandwich. Pair one with an order of devil crab-another Tampa Bay staple-from Carmine’s, a casual cafe in Ybor City. Insider tip: Enjoy your devil crab with plenty of hot sauce!
Tampa Bay’s Foodie Scene Tampa Bay’s foodie scene tells a distinctive story of its people, its past and its location. Even the trendy, nationally recognized chefs pay homage to its culinary traditions by building fresh, inventive dishes with traditional ingredients. History is served.
The city keeps the area’s rich past alive through its creative cuisine. Locals start their day with Cuban bread and a piping hot cup of café con leche on the brick-lined streets of the Historic Latin Quarter, Ybor City and whether you’re on the waterfront or in Hyde Park Village, its unique cuisine will certainly satisfy.
With a focus on local culture and fresh ingredients, Cigar City Brewing handcrafts a number of inspired brews, ales and lagers. With creations such as the Jai Alai IPA-which is also sold in growlers-and Humidor Geiger’s Hoppy Amber, Cigar City offers a nod to the rich history of Tampa Bay while appealing to modern beer aficionados appreciative of a bold beverage.
