Since moving to California almost two years ago, I’ve craved quite a few tasty morsels hidden in the folds of Tampa’s food underbelly. On a recent trip back east, I undertook the momentous effort of packing all these culinary cravings into one very short gorg-cation. The result was not ... Read More »
Tampa Restaurant
Reviews of restaurants in Tampa.
Tampa defends its Cuban sandwich title: The best in the Bay
Miami has its attributes but can it claim rights to the holy grail of tropical sandwiches?
Ybor City was turning out these banquets on Cuban bread before the turn of the previous century. Early bricklayers flattened their “mixto’’ sandwiches between hot bricks thus toasting bread, melting ... Read More »
Tampa restaurant review: Un-ostentatious Osteria Natalina showcases seaside legacies
Osteria Natalina draws from its previous life as Spartaco to offer something new and something old. It’s set in the same location, a corner of a strip center in South Tampa. Its obscure location doesn’t keep it from being discovered — it’s a well-traveled haunt. And its short, uncomplicated ... Read More »
Eight of the best Tampa Bay food dishes that I crave from California
It’s been five months since I moved to Santa Rosa, California from Tampa, Florida, and besides the friendships, a few dishes still gnaw at my memory like a half-starved mongrel. I spent 17 years collecting these faves and so wish they could be Fed-Ex’d on a weekly basis just to keep the ... Read More »
Thai Temple tops for Tampa Thai tastes
Consider Wat Mongkolratanaram a way station for hungry nirvana-seekers who can’t cross the Universal Dateline. Every Sunday, the Thai temple affectionately nicknamed “Wat Tampa,” opens its compound, about a half-mile from U.S. 41 on the banks of the Palm River, to sell an amazing array of foods ... Read More »
Restaurant preview: Holy Hog Barbecue in West Tampa
Tampa’s BBQ scene has been improved by a worthy competitor. Many smoked/cured connoisseurs proclaim their beloved the BEST in our humble Florida community (Jimbo’s? Smoke? First Choice? Kojak’s?) but Holy Hog has arrived in all its delicious pig glory. This quote from Danny Hernandez, ... Read More »
Tampa restaurant preview: Love’s Artifacts Bar and Grille
Lynn Love has crossed a threshold — a move that landed him in one of the least successful businesses in our country: Restaurants. A risky decision, at best, since the majority of new food establishments fail within the first five years. But I think he’s being watched over by someone… ... Read More »
Restaurant preview: Ciro’s Speakeasy and Supper Club in Tampa
Ciro’s only opened less than two weeks ago but I just had to tell people about it… it’s quite possibly the coolest restaurant/bar Tampa has been offered in a long, long time. In fact, I almost didn’t want to write about it since keeping it to myself might keep down the crowds, ... Read More »
Restaurant preview: Seasons 52 opened this week in Tampa
I know a chain restaurant opening shouldn’t generate this much excitement, but I am positively giddy. Seasons 52 has always had one of the most impressive wine lists, guided by the passionate, down-to-earth Master Sommelier George Miliotes. Within the 60 wines by the glass and 40 more by the ... Read More »
Datz Deli hires new chef and changes up the menu
Uber popular Datz Deli in South Tampa has hired a new chef, Jason Dean, formerly of Mad Dogs and Englishmen. He replaces Heather Stalker who has been promoted to General Manager. This means big changes to the menu.
... Read More »Tre Amici Espresso and Wine Bar reopens in Ybor City
After a three and a half month closure, Tre Amici Espresso and Wine Bar has re-opened to little fanfare. Perhaps it’s a soft opening since they don’t even have a wine list printed yet — a chalk board touts their offerings. Good time to check it out.
... Read More »