Winner: Buya Ramen
Finalists: Doodle Noodle Bar, Hawkers Asian Street Food
Finalists: Doodle Noodle Bar, Hawkers Asian Street Food
Food & Drink
Spend any amount of time on Davis Islands and you’ll see clear as day that the makeup of the storied Tampa neighborhood has changed (thanks, Tom Brady). Something that’s always stayed the same is perhaps the tiniest small business in Tampa, Fit Bowl Co., tucked into a veritable closet that still pumps out some of the healthiest bowls, smoothings, coffee and soft serve in town. Founded by Trent McAree and his brother Kyle seven years ago, the company has expanded to Sparkman Wharf and Armature Works but maintains its first location that is a reminder of a time before TMZ landed in the 813. fitbowlco.com —Ray Roa
We know, we know, $100 could feed some families for a week—but if you’re gonna splurge, do it with a midday menagerie at this Michelin-approved Greek hotspot from Chef Christina Theofilos. All-day breakfast is fun, but start with a dip (the airy, fresh, favosalata or trio if you’re feisty), then fill up on the hearty horiatiki salad topped with a brick of feta and a crusty baguette (baked in-house, of course). Split a lamb pita or smashburger to round things out. All that, combined with a wine and/or cortado (the latter Elais’ way with a splash of EVOO), your take home dessert and tip will easily leave a Benjamin Franklin-sized hole in your bank account, but you’re guaranteed to walk out knowing it was one of the best meals of the year. eatpsomi.com —Ray Roa
Winner: SOHO Juice Co.
Finalists: Grain & Berry, Kaia Bowls
Finalists: Grain & Berry, Kaia Bowls
Growing up, Seminole used to have a lone Rita’s Italian Ice and a crappy mall (shoutout Cloud 9 arcade). Now, there are options galore for stuff to do in Seminole, which is weird if you were raised near here. One of the tremendous new advents? Locally owned coffee and kava bar, Driftwood, on Seminole Boulevard and Park Street. Folks in St. Pete might know the sister location already on Central Avenue, but the Seminole spot is the perfect place to get some work done or have a coffee date. The best part? Driftwood is open early and closes late, a rarity for coffee shops today (not even Starbucks or Dunkin does that anymore). We haven’t tried the kava yet, but the in-house roasted coffee is top-tier, and the folks at Driftwood are some of the kindest in town. driftwoodkavacoffeecafe.com —Arielle Stevenson
Winner: Fortu
Finalists: Bern's Steakhouse, Noble Crust
Finalists: Bern's Steakhouse, Noble Crust
Winner: Fortu
Finalists: Yummy House, Hawkers Asian Street Food
Finalists: Yummy House, Hawkers Asian Street Food
In an August episode of “Beat Bobby Flay” on the Food Network, the executive chef of Wild Child in St. Pete first dispensed with another chef in a battle over mahi mahi, then took on celeb chef Flay using Reinsmith’s chosen dish, corn empanadas. The show is edited to heighten tension, so of course the cook-off seemed neck-in-neck. In the end, the judges of the blind taste test chose Reinsmith’s version. If you’re not familiar with the show, Flay wins a lot of these contests, so taking him down was no small feat. Reinsmith also acquitted himself well during the brief interview segments. He did St. Pete (OK, Tampa Bay) proud. And he did himself and his restaurants (and future restaurants) a lot of good. @rreinsmith on Instagram —Eric Snider
Oldsmar’s Craft Street Kitchen once did a damn good job replicating this sandwich, and there’s a difference between this beauty and the monstrosity that Krusty the Clown begrudgingly promoted in 2007. But the last remaining location of the “flavor-crusading” eatery (which used to have three establishments open) captured national foodie attention a few years ago with The Cheesy Todd, a burger made with a three-meat patty, American cheese, and for the buns, two slabs of deep-fried, bacon-and-jalapeno mac and cheese. It’s $17, which is considerably cheaper than some local artisan burgers, and it’s definitely not a “pick it up like a sandwich” ordeal; you’ll need a fork and knife. You can head to Krusty Burger in Universal Studios and get the greasy “Clogger Burger” itself, yes, but you and Plopper the Pig both know that those buns are plain AF compared to this all-American beast. However, if you’re gonna chow down on one before heading across the street to Jannus Live, just be ready to lose your ultra-close spot when that poop starts a-bubbling. datztampa.com —Josh Bradley
Winner: St. Pete Bagel Co.
Finalists: Pete's Bagels, Clearwater Bagels
Finalists: Pete's Bagels, Clearwater Bagels
Winner: Mazzaro’s Italian Market
Finalists: La Segunda Bakery, The Sourdough Co.
Finalists: La Segunda Bakery, The Sourdough Co.
Winner: Mazzaro's Italian Market
Finalists: Alessi Bakery, Frida's Bakery
Finalists: Alessi Bakery, Frida's Bakery
Winner: Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming - South Tampa, Clearwater, Dunedin
Finalists: Bark Avenue Dunedin, Three Dog Bakery
Finalists: Bark Avenue Dunedin, Three Dog Bakery
Winner: La V - Vietnamese Fusion
Finalists: Saigon Deli, Alesia
Finalists: Saigon Deli, Alesia
Winner: The Landing at Jannus
Finalists: COCKtail St. Pete, ThunderBay Bar & Grill
Finalists: COCKtail St. Pete, ThunderBay Bar & Grill
Winner: Breweries of Dunedin Pub Crawl
Finalists: Communi-Tea Kava Crawl, Safety Harbor Third Friday
Finalists: Communi-Tea Kava Crawl, Safety Harbor Third Friday
Winner: The Dunedin Smokehouse
Finalists: The Brisket Shoppe, 4 Rivers Smokehouse
Finalists: The Brisket Shoppe, 4 Rivers Smokehouse
Winner: Trip’s Diner
Finalists: Dead Bob's, La Teresita
Finalists: Dead Bob's, La Teresita
Winner: Basha Brach (Mazzaro's)
Finalists: Bonsai Beverage Co. - Ean Neville, Keaira Orr (Kahwa Coffee)
Finalists: Bonsai Beverage Co. - Ean Neville, Keaira Orr (Kahwa Coffee)
Winner: Jersey Lane
David Mocilan - Fortu, Amy Alexius - OZ
David Mocilan - Fortu, Amy Alexius - OZ
If a little BBQ truck is parked near a church, and it’s been there a long time and always smells good, you should probably try it. C & J’s Bar-B-Que is a food truck parked on 117th Street and Ulmerton Road in Largo, and it’s some of the best ‘que in town. As the sign says, “Ribs/Chicken/Pulled Pork” are available, along with sides like the collard greens (in the most heavenly potlikker known to man), baked mac & cheese (as it should be), and more. It’s cash only, so come prepared and come hungry. —Arielle Stevenson
Winner: Thunderbird’s Ikki Woo-Woo’s Tiki Hut
Finalists: Jimmy B's Beach Bar, The Toasted Monkey
Finalists: Jimmy B's Beach Bar, The Toasted Monkey
Winner: Frenchy's Rockaway Grill
Finalists: The Original Crabby Bill's, Caddy’s
Finalists: The Original Crabby Bill's, Caddy’s
Winner: House of Beer Dunedin
Finalists: Beerbusters Movie Bar, Green Bench Brewing
Finalists: Beerbusters Movie Bar, Green Bench Brewing
Winner: Gigglewaters
Finalists: The Living Room, Good Intentions
Finalists: The Living Room, Good Intentions
The shopping plaza on East Bay Drive in Largo doesn’t look like much from the road. If you live in Pinellas, you’ve probably driven by it a million times and never noticed. But El Milagro Mexican Store is a portal into another world filled with the most perfect birria tacos served on homemade tortillas from a bodega that does it all. Piñatas fill the ceiling like a paper mache Milky Way inside El Milagro’s part grocer, part take-out cantina. On Sunday, a cooler is filled with still-warm tamales and wax-paper-wrapped homemade tortillas from Milagro’s on-site Tortilleria. To be fair, everything El Milagro makes is delicious. But the Birria tacos take one far from the traffic and grind of East Bay Drive to some little town in Mexico, where meats are still slow-roasted, and tortillas are still made from scratch. Yes, they’re on uber eats, too.
@elmilagrotiendamexicana on Facebook —Arielle Stevenson
@elmilagrotiendamexicana on Facebook —Arielle Stevenson
Winner: Hawthorne Bottle Shoppe
Finalists: Rollin Oats Tampa, Book + Bottle
Finalists: Rollin Oats Tampa, Book + Bottle
Winner: Acropolis Greek Taverna
Finalists: Jesse's Steakhouse, The Stein & Vine
Finalists: Jesse's Steakhouse, The Stein & Vine
Let’s say you've got the urge to splurge. And let’s say you’ve got a hankering for fish. We got you. The branzino—aka Mediterranean or European sea bass—at Allelo is terrific. Flaky but also moist. The restaurant is a worthy addition to St. Pete’s upscale Beach Drive. The fine-dining establishment’s vibe is not stuffy or pretentious, although you can pay nine bucks for “bread service,” which is what restaurants call it when they charge for bread. As of June, it cost $47 for a “half branzino,” which is kind of misleading because it’s actually an ample portion. Eat slowly. Savor.
allelostpete.com —Eric Snider
allelostpete.com —Eric Snider
Winner: Lenny’s Restaurant
Finalists: Trip's Diner, Bacon Street Diner
Finalists: Trip's Diner, Bacon Street Diner
Winner: St. Pete Bagel Co.
Finalists: Bassano Cheesecake, Bacon Street Diner
Finalists: Bassano Cheesecake, Bacon Street Diner
Winner: Captain Steve - 3 Daughters
Finalists: Doug Clark - Tampa Bay Brewing Company, Khristopher Johnson - Green Bench Brewing
Finalists: Doug Clark - Tampa Bay Brewing Company, Khristopher Johnson - Green Bench Brewing
It’s been a hell of a year for Big Storm Brewing Co. Over the summer, the 22-year-old project dealt with a lawsuit over ties to a troubled nonprofit. Then in mid June, Big Storm was evicted from its Ybor City location. The company has also closed locations in Odessa and Cape Coral, and Orlando. But it’s poised to bounce back after confidentially settling the lawsuit, and only time will tell if it’s clear skies in ‘25.
bigstormbrewery.com —Ray Roa
bigstormbrewery.com —Ray Roa
Winner: Tampa Bay Brewing Company
Finalists: Coppertail, Barriehaus
Finalists: Coppertail, Barriehaus
Winner: Dade City Brewhouse
Finalists: Florida Avenue Brewing Co., Escape Brewing Co
Finalists: Florida Avenue Brewing Co., Escape Brewing Co
Winner: 3 Daughters Brewery
Finalists: 7venth Sun Brewery, Green Bench Brewing
Finalists: 7venth Sun Brewery, Green Bench Brewing
Winner: Noble Crust
Finalists: Safety Harbor Resort & Spa, Oxford Exchange
Finalists: Safety Harbor Resort & Spa, Oxford Exchange
Winner: The Living Room
Finalists: Melting Pot Social, The Wet Spot at COCKtail
Finalists: Melting Pot Social, The Wet Spot at COCKtail
Winner: Jerk Hut
Finalists: Island Way Grill, Fred's Market
Finalists: Island Way Grill, Fred's Market
Most fast-casual burger restaurants offer a non-meat option—usually Beyond or Impossible—and they’re usually a waste of time and stomach space, with a flavor and texture that comes off as fake. That’s why eating the Impossible Burger at Burger Monger on 4th Street in St. Petersburg was such a delightful surprise. It had the pebbly feel of cooked ground beef, a char on the outside, and tasted … like meat. It held together like meat. One night at least, the restaurant’s Impossible Burger was better than its signature Steakhouse Monger. burgermonger.com—Eric Snider
Winner: Gigglewaters
Finalists: Engine No. 9, El Cap
Finalists: Engine No. 9, El Cap
Winner: Shrimp & Grits - The Tides Seafood Market & Provisions
Finalists: Walk-Ons Sports Bistreaux, Crawfish Etouffee at Cajun Cafe
Finalists: Walk-Ons Sports Bistreaux, Crawfish Etouffee at Cajun Cafe
Winner: The Cake Girl
Finalists: Wright's Gourmet House, Mazzaro’s Italian Market
Finalists: Wright's Gourmet House, Mazzaro’s Italian Market
Winner: Noble Crust
Finalists: The Sacred Pepper, Iavarone's Steakhouse
Finalists: The Sacred Pepper, Iavarone's Steakhouse
Earlier this year, Meishan Lu of the Heritage Dim Sum pop-up secured an Ybor City brick and mortar alongside Felicitous Coffee owners Corrinne Liou and Paul Venghaus. The up-and-coming space will soon provide a coffee shop and dining room to enjoy its Asian fare in, but currently slings Lu’s comforting Chinese plates, housemade baos, and dumplings (which utilize her family’s 100 year-old recipes) on a to-go basis. Chef Lu’s great-grandfather, grandparents, and parents have all dedicated their lives to the craft of making dim sum and other specialty pastries from the Canton region of China, with Lu continuing the family tradition right here in Tampa Bay. While the menu is still ebbing and flowing during its soft opening period, a few early favorites on the Retro House menu include its har gow shrimp dumplings, pan-fried pork and shrimp bao, crab rangoon egg rolls and crispy mango and shrimp wontons. retrohousetampa.com – Kyla Fields
Winner: Mazzaro's Italian Market
Finalists: SoCuterie FL, MUST Wine Loft
Finalists: SoCuterie FL, MUST Wine Loft
Winner: Bassano Cheesecake
Finalists: Fortu, Mazzaro's Italian Market
Finalists: Fortu, Mazzaro's Italian Market
Winner: Fortu - Chef Nathan Howey
Chef Christopher Atrip - The Black Pearl, Chef Chris Ponte
Chef Christopher Atrip - The Black Pearl, Chef Chris Ponte
Winner: PDQ
Finalists: Gigglewaters, King of the Coop
Finalists: Gigglewaters, King of the Coop
Petra, located across Kennedy Boulevard from the University of Tampa playing fields, has been making authentic Middle Eastern food for a very long time, without much acclaim. Anything on the menu will be worthwhile, but for starters try the chicken shawarma wrap. The pita is the right amount of chewy. The seasoned chicken within is a mix of pieces, not just breast meat, which can be dry. Order your shawarma with the basmati rice that’s enhanced by a hint of turmeric. If it’s not sweltering out, eat on the restaurant’s charming covered patio out back.
petratampa.com —Eric Snider
petratampa.com —Eric Snider
Winner: Yummy House
Finalists: Hai Long Bay, Zom-Hee
Finalists: Hai Long Bay, Zom-Hee
Cassis is primarily known as one of downtown St Pete’s best al fresco eating spots. But it also boasts a top-notch bakery. So if you’re in the mood for a decadent chocolate chip cookie, but not a whole package, buy a single one here—to go. It’s more than a half-inch thick, moist and chewy and riddled with generous chocolate chunks, not those wimpy chips. Actually, you really should buy an extra one for later.
cassisstpete.com —Eric Snider
cassisstpete.com —Eric Snider
Winner: Clear Sky on Cleveland
Finalists: Frenchy's Rockaway Grill, Lenny’s Restaurant
Finalists: Frenchy's Rockaway Grill, Lenny’s Restaurant
Winner: The Saint
Finalists: Sonder Social Club, CW's Gin Joint
Finalists: Sonder Social Club, CW's Gin Joint
Winner: Mazzaro’s Italian Market
Finalists: Kahwa Coffee, White Duck Espresso
Finalists: Kahwa Coffee, White Duck Espresso
Winner: Mazzaro’s Italian Market
Finalists: Kahwa Coffee, Bonsai Beverage Co., Hogg Batch Coffee Roasters (tie for third)
Finalists: Kahwa Coffee, Bonsai Beverage Co., Hogg Batch Coffee Roasters (tie for third)
Winner: Kahwa Coffee
Finalists: White Duck Espresso, Bonsai Beverage Co.
Finalists: White Duck Espresso, Bonsai Beverage Co.
Winner: Bake’n Babes
Finalists: Mazzaro’s Italian Market, Ellie Mae's Bakery
Finalists: Mazzaro’s Italian Market, Ellie Mae's Bakery
Winner: Bad Ass Beer Fest (Tampa Bay Brewing Co.)
Finalists: Dunedin Craft Beer Festival, Green Bench Oktoberfest
Finalists: Dunedin Craft Beer Festival, Green Bench Oktoberfest
The lines around Gabby Bakes’ bright pink tent at Indie Flea market in St. Pete are proof that Gabby Duncan’s treats are definitely worth waiting for. Over the past few years, Duncan leased a larger Seminole Heights commercial space and has geared up production of her custom cakes, pastries, doughnuts, savory galettes, ice cream and more. And as tasty, creative and cruelty-free as Duncan’s vegan baked goods are—with complex flavor profiles and seasonal ingredients—her decorating skills are equally as stunning. A few signature Gabby Bakes adornments include picture-perfect piping, bright colors, whimsical designs, and of course, the use of ethically-sourced ingredients—since Duncan is always keeping the best interests of “human and non-human animals across our food system” in mind. gabbybakes.com —Kyla Fields
Winner: La Segunda
Finalist: La Teresita, Pipo’s Cuban Cafe
Finalist: La Teresita, Pipo’s Cuban Cafe
Winner: The Columbia Restaurant
Finalists: La Terasita, Bodega St. Pete
Finalists: La Terasita, Bodega St. Pete
Winner: La Segunda
Finalists: The Brinehouse, Bodega St. Pete
Finalists: The Brinehouse, Bodega St. Pete
Winner: Wright's Gourmet House
Finalists: The Cake Girl, Ellie Mae’s Bakery
Finalists: The Cake Girl, Ellie Mae’s Bakery
Winner: CW’s Gin Joint
Finalists: The Black Pearl, Bern's Steak House, Fortu (tie for third)
Finalists: The Black Pearl, Bern's Steak House, Fortu (tie for third)
The truck is painted in flames, and that’s no lie because Go Stuff Urself fire-grills its stuffed burgers. The Franco Avocado’s black angus beef is gorged with fresh avocado, bacon, red onion, melted cheese blend, tomato and lettuce, served on a brioche bun. If it sounds like an unholy mess in the making—nope. The Franco Avocado comes neatly halved in a basic cardboard container, and you can actually eat it with one hand (carefully). Bring a defibrillator. gostuffurself.com —Eric Snider
Winner: Wright's Gourmet House
Finalists: Mazzaro’s Italian Market, DeCosmos Italian Market
Finalists: Mazzaro’s Italian Market, DeCosmos Italian Market
Ten Rooms, we hardly knew ye. The multi-concept establishment in Centro Ybor opened with much promise in April but was closed by early July. Even in that brief life-span, it left some lingering culinary memories—none more indelible than its extraordinary transformation of an ordinary cabbage, beautifully charred and brightened by scallions and peanuts.—David Warner
Winner: Bern's Steak House, Harry Waugh Dessert Room
Finalists: Mazzaro’s Italian Market, Fortu
Finalists: Mazzaro’s Italian Market, Fortu
Winner: Brocato's
Finalists: The Columbia Ybor City, Carmine's
Finalists: The Columbia Ybor City, Carmine's
Winner: Mama's Kitchen
Finalists: Lenny’s Restaurant, Trip's Diner
Finalists: Lenny’s Restaurant, Trip's Diner
Winner: St. Petersburg Distillery
Finalists: Tarpon Distillery, Cotherman Distilling Company
Finalists: Tarpon Distillery, Cotherman Distilling Company
Winner: Bauser's
Finalists: Mahuffer's, ThunderBay Bar & Grill
Finalists: Mahuffer's, ThunderBay Bar & Grill
Doc Ford’s on the St. Pete Pier is the best-known local outpost of Randy Wayne White’s mega-popular seafood chain, opened with much fanfare along with the Pier itself in 2020. Accordingly, it’s the one where it’s harder to get a table, let alone a seat with a view. A better alternative for fans of Yucatan shrimp and campeche fish tacos by the water is Doc’s Jungle Terrace location. There’s a big parking lot, two- and four-tops on the outdoor deck, and a sublime view of boat slips and Boca Ciega Bay looking west into (hopefully) a perfect sunset. docfords.com —David Warner
Winner: Dog Bar DTSP
Finalists: UniTea Kava Lounge, Mutts & Martinis
Finalists: UniTea Kava Lounge, Mutts & Martinis
Winner: Fray's Donut House
Finalists: Hole in One, St. Pete Bagel Co.
Finalists: Hole in One, St. Pete Bagel Co.
The folks behind this black-and-white cafe on Central Avenue keep its environment as minimalistic as possible, and were inspired by the diners and cafes of Europe to create a haven where writers and artists can get work done, friendships can be made, and just about everything is locally made. It’s no secret that there’s no shortage of coffee on Central (read: Bandit Coffee Co., The Under Grounds, etc.), but 2D’s charcuterie boards, chocolate chip muffins, and iced chai lattes are rich and flavorful enough that once you’re done, you’ll almost feel depressed about returning to our own dimension. 2dcafe.com —Josh Bradley
Winner: The Living Room
Finalists: Clear Sky Draught House, Casa Tina's Authentic Mexican
Finalists: Clear Sky Draught House, Casa Tina's Authentic Mexican
Winner: Oxford Exchange
Finalists: American Social, The Living Room
Finalists: American Social, The Living Room
Winner: Sonder Social Club
Finalists: Fortu, The Living Room
Finalists: Fortu, The Living Room
Drinking while playing entertainment trivia at a local bar is nothing new, but New World Brewery has found a unique way to infuse a night of drinking with educational topics that actually pertain to the local community. Each event brings three experts in their fields to discuss a range of topics including water conservation, behavioral analysis and coral restoration. newworldtampa.com/pints-of-science —Jourdan Ducat
Tampa specialty coffee and breakfast pop-up Una Más may not have a permanent home just yet, but its regulars have proved that they’ll follow owners Paola Chamorro Ward and Curt Hensley wherever they go. With Chamorro Ward helming the coffee program—which boasts straightforward lattes and cold brew plus specialty beverages and bags of beans—and Hensley dishing out prized breakfast burritos, pasteles de pollo and arepas, it’s hard to resist ordering just one more item from their Colombian and Cuban-inspired menu. While these longtime hospitality veterans may change up their offerings from pop-up to pop-up, ordering an Una Más latte sweetened with a syrup made from panela (unrefined whole cane sugar) never misses. @unamastpa on Instagram —Kyla Fields
Nothing has a death grip on millennial women come autumn like “Gilmore Girls.” Its annual viewing is as sacrosanct as pumpkin spice itself. So last October, when Elevenses bakery hosted its first “Gilmore Girls” pop-up, we swarmed, devouring Team Jess & Team Dean macaroons, sipping on coffee concoctions bearing the “Luke’s” emblem, and purchasing the topical “Babette Ate Oatmeal” t-shirts. When Elevenses came back in May with the “1000 Yellow Daisies” fest, we were back again. For fans, it’s the culinary equivalent of Comic Con, the proper way to celebrate the show. Elevenses nailed it. Even Sooki would’ve approved.
elevensesco.com —Caroline DeBruhl
elevensesco.com —Caroline DeBruhl
Winner: The Tides Seafood Market & Provisions
Finalists: Jack's London Grill, Cricketeers
Finalists: Jack's London Grill, Cricketeers
Winner: Ted Peters Famous Smoked Fish
Finalists: Hookin Aint Easy Seafood Co., Old Bay Cafe, Wahoos Bayside Pub and Grill (tie for third)
Finalists: Hookin Aint Easy Seafood Co., Old Bay Cafe, Wahoos Bayside Pub and Grill (tie for third)
Winner: John’s Pass Seafood Festival
Finalists: Dunedin Stone Crab Festival, Tampa Bay Vegfest
Finalists: Dunedin Stone Crab Festival, Tampa Bay Vegfest
Winner: Nah Dogs
Finalists: Memphis BBQ, Chef’s Table by Lolita’s
Finalists: Memphis BBQ, Chef’s Table by Lolita’s
Winner: Taco Bus
Finalists: Shiso Crispy, Nah Dogs
Finalists: Shiso Crispy, Nah Dogs
Winner: @thisbabeeats
Finalists: @pandemicfoodie, @eatlocalflorida
Finalists: @pandemicfoodie, @eatlocalflorida
Winner: The Black Pearl
Finalists: Mise en Place, The Left Bank Bistro
Finalists: Mise en Place, The Left Bank Bistro
Winner: King of the Coop
Finalists: Southern Fresh, Noble Crust
Finalists: Southern Fresh, Noble Crust
Winner: Mazzaro's Italian Market
Finalists: The Tides Seafood Market & Provisions, MUST Wine Loft
Finalists: The Tides Seafood Market & Provisions, MUST Wine Loft
Winner: Acropolis Greek Taverna
Finalists: Psomi, Hellas in Tarpon Springs
Finalists: Psomi, Hellas in Tarpon Springs
Winner: Gigglewaters
Finalists: Fo' Cheezy, Bacon Street Diner
Finalists: Fo' Cheezy, Bacon Street Diner
Winner: The Tides Seafood Market & Provisions
Finalists: Frenchy's Rockaway, Dockside Dave's
Finalists: Frenchy's Rockaway, Dockside Dave's
Winner: Red Mesa Restaurant
Finalists: Casa Tina's Authentic Mexican, VIP Mexican American Cuisine T.I.
Finalists: Casa Tina's Authentic Mexican, VIP Mexican American Cuisine T.I.
Winner: Pia's Trattoria
Finalists: Golden Dinosaur, Tommy’s Hideaway
Finalists: Golden Dinosaur, Tommy’s Hideaway
The memory of her Aunt Stella, a Catholic nun and a talented cook, inspired Barbara Banno to open Stella’s 15 years ago in Gulfport. In 2018 the beloved breakfast-and-lunch spot moved across Beach Boulevard to its present location in the Village Courtyard, where the outdoor patio is almost always packed (especially at weekend brunch). Then Banno went on to open Stella’s Sundries, a wittily curated gift and kitchen boutique across the courtyard, and—just this summer—Stella’s Divine Wine and Gourmet in the former home of Red Hot Tiki. And that’s not all: Banno’s Salty Nun continues to be a hoppin’ spot in St. Pete’s Grand Central District, especially for the ladies. The spirit of Stella will not be stopped! stellasingulfport.com —David Warner
Winner: COCKtail St. Pete
Finalists: Walk-Ons Sports Bistreaux, Birchwood Canopy
Finalists: Walk-Ons Sports Bistreaux, Birchwood Canopy
This downtown Tampa hotspot offers a fantastic happy hour for drinkers, too, but its daily discounted food menu stacked with karaage, crisp cucumber salad, hand rolls and skewers are definitely worth the trip even if alcohol isn’t your thing. Tori Bar—a late-night Japanese pub owned by the same folks that operate restaurant Izakaya Tori—offers a range of sake-based drinks and craft cocktails in a hip atmosphere, but also a spread of affordable eats and mocktails for your average, food-loving sober person (or a “California sober” individual who has the munchies). Happy hour for both food and drinks runs every day from 4 p.m.-6 p.m, as well as 10 p.m. to last call Monday-Thursday and 11 p.m.-to last call on Friday-Saturday. toribartampa.com —Kyla Fields
For almost 30 years, Jackson’s has been a staple—and in many ways the face—of Tampa’s Harbour Island. It endured a dead downtown (who remembers the people mover?), and made a name for itself on the strength of al fresco dining with ridiculous views, all while looking across the channel as the urban core grew up. Over the last year, it got a little nip and tuck in the form of renovations that’ve set the restaurant and nightspot up for at least another few decades of looking good.
jacksonsbistro.com —Ray Roa
jacksonsbistro.com —Ray Roa
We could give Barriehaus Beer Co. a lot of awards, but they’ve already won so many. Their Vienna Lager, Family Tradition, earned a gold medal at The Brewers Association’s World Beer Cup in 2022; a German Style Gold Lager, Florida Export, won a gold medal at the 2023 Brewer’s Ball; and this year, they earned the title, “Best Small Brewery in Florida” at the Best Florida Beer Championship. What they haven’t won an award for yet is their commitment to giving great head. Barriehaus installed Lukr pull faucets from the Czech Republic for their ability to produce a variety of foam levels. Here, you don’t have to ask for the perfect pour. Three fingers of dense foam are standard. But if you’re in the mood for something different, Barriehaus offers five different styles of head, all with varying amounts of foam. Now that’s how to keep your customers satisfied. barriehaus.com —Jennifer Ring
Winner: Rollin' Oats Market
Finalists: Nature's Food Patch, Abby's Health & Nutrition
Finalists: Nature's Food Patch, Abby's Health & Nutrition
Winner: Nature's Food Patch
Finalists: Rollin' Oats Market, Abby's Health & Nutrition
Finalists: Rollin' Oats Market, Abby's Health & Nutrition
Winner: Mel's Hot Dogs
Finalists: Gigglewaters, Coney Island Hot Dogs
Finalists: Gigglewaters, Coney Island Hot Dogs
Winner: The Dunedin Smokehouse
Finalists: Redacted Hot Sauce, Angry Pepper Waterside
Finalists: Redacted Hot Sauce, Angry Pepper Waterside
Winner: COCKtail St. Pete
Finalists: Birch & Vine, Hi-Fi Rooftop Bar
Finalists: Birch & Vine, Hi-Fi Rooftop Bar
Winner: Sal Rosa
Finalists: Bluefin Waterfront Grill, Casa Cami
Finalists: Bluefin Waterfront Grill, Casa Cami
True to its name, this place on 4th Street in St. Petersburg makes its ice cream in-house in small batches. The place has a lot of custom flavors that rotate, so building your own sundae is plenty of fun, and the results are sublime. The not-so-secret weapon, though, is the shell, which is a small tub made out of waffle cone. It gives this shop’s sundae an added crunch that makes them stand out from the pack.
@smallbatchcreamerystpete on Facebook —Eric Snider
@smallbatchcreamerystpete on Facebook —Eric Snider
Winner: Dairy Rich
Finalists: Sal Rosa, Chill Bros.
Finalists: Sal Rosa, Chill Bros.
Madu and her husband Ray, Cafe Masala’s owners, are the sweetest people. They’re the only two humans working the place, and it appears as if they share the cooking and the serving. Cafe Masala’s traditional Indian cuisine is first-rate, especially the vegan and vegetarian options (try the paneer). Madu and Ray make their small restaurant in a St. Pete shopping center but it seems like they’re serving you a homemade meal in their personal dining room—which, in a way, they are. Their only help is Lychee, a robot that brings the meals out from the kitchen. It’s a cute touch. cafemasalaflorida.com —Eric Snider
Winner: Curry Leaves
Finalists: Flames, Twisted Indian
Finalists: Flames, Twisted Indian
Tampa brews a lot of beer–so much beer that it’s difficult for tourists, and even locals, to know where to begin. Which is why, hear us out, sometimes it’s better to start at a taphouse that has beer from several Tampa breweries than to choose a single Tampa brewery. On a recent trip to LightHaus Beer Garden in Sparkman Wharf, there were eleven beers from seven Tampa breweries on tap. And if you tell the bartenders at LightHaus what kind of beer you like, they are excellent at helping you choose a Tampa brew or two to try. Try enough, and it will suddenly become clear what Tampa breweries you’d enjoy visiting in the future.
linktr.ee/LightHausTPA —Jennifer Ring
linktr.ee/LightHausTPA —Jennifer Ring
Winner: Flanagan's Irish Pub
Finalists: O'Keefes, Mary Margaret's Olde Irish Tavern
Finalists: O'Keefes, Mary Margaret's Olde Irish Tavern
Winner: Pia's Trattoria
Finalists: Frankie's Italian Chophouse, Bella's Italian Cafe
Finalists: Frankie's Italian Chophouse, Bella's Italian Cafe
Winner: SOHO Juice Co.
Finalists: Nature's Food Patch, Gone Juicing Cafe
Finalists: Nature's Food Patch, Gone Juicing Cafe
Winner: UniTea Kava Lounge
Finalists: The Zen Den, Bonsai Beverage Co.
Finalists: The Zen Den, Bonsai Beverage Co.
Winner: Mike's Pies
Finalists: JJ Gandy's, Bern's Steak House, Harry Waugh Dessert Room
Finalists: JJ Gandy's, Bern's Steak House, Harry Waugh Dessert Room
Winner: Mother Kombucha
Finalists: Bonsai Beverage Co., Beech Kombucha
Finalists: Bonsai Beverage Co., Beech Kombucha
Winner: Taco Bus
Finalists: Acropolis Greek Taverna, Melting Pot Social
Finalists: Acropolis Greek Taverna, Melting Pot Social
Winner: COCKtail St. Pete
Finalists: Blur, Enigma
Finalists: Blur, Enigma
If you're looking for a special bottle to bring to a party, restocking your bar cart, or you've got a hankering for a classic cocktail with a twist, Bareswilt, now crafting drinks at Alter Ego, is your go-to guy. "The Leopold Bros. 4 year is really pretty and light," he says, after recommending a trip to Gaspar's Liquor Shoppe with an open invitation to text him pictures of the vast array housed there. "They have a lot of bangers—ArteNOM 1146 is the Mount Rushmore of tequila producers; one of the best añejos you can find anywhere. Fuenteseca is the oldest and rarest tequila full stop. I buy those as investments." With a stacked resume that includes years at some of the best bars in the Bay (Gin Joint, Azure, and now, Alter Ego), it's no wonder he knows his stuff. Stop in and ask for something special. @edwardswizzlehands on Instagram —Annalise Mabe
With almost 40 years under its belt, Bella’s has cemented itself in the fabric of South Tampa thanks to big ol’ portions, solid service and an ability to regularly upgrade parts of the dining room until it looks like a whole new restaurant altogether. So many favorites have endured menu changes, too (shoutout to the carpaccio, goat cheese appetizer, chopped salad, pollo rosso, and Nate’s chicken) meaning, you, your mom and grandma have all been able to take each other out to eat there over the years. While we miss the weekend nights eating half-price pizzas and BellaRitas until the restaurant had to legally close, Bella’s is still one of the last places to get a good meal until midnight (Friday-Saturday), too.bellasitaliancafe.com—Ray Roa
Winner: Luekens Wine & Spirits
Finalists: Total Wine, ABC Liquor
Finalists: Total Wine, ABC Liquor
Winner: Got Lobstah?
Finalists: The Helm Provisions and Coastal Fare, Mason's Famous Lobster Rolls
Finalists: The Helm Provisions and Coastal Fare, Mason's Famous Lobster Rolls
Winner: 3 Daughters Brewing
Finalists: HOB Dunedin, Reef Donkey (TBBC)
Finalists: HOB Dunedin, Reef Donkey (TBBC)
Winner: St. Petersburg Distillery Spiced Rum
Finalists: Cotherman Distilling Company, Big Storm Distilling
Finalists: Cotherman Distilling Company, Big Storm Distilling
Winner: 3 Daughters Brewing
Finalists: Sour apple - If I Brewed The World, Grindhaus
Finalists: Sour apple - If I Brewed The World, Grindhaus
Winner: The Brinehouse- Half Sandwich & Soup or salad- $10
Finalists: Mama J's Jollijeep, Bacon Street Diner
Finalists: Mama J's Jollijeep, Bacon Street Diner
Winner: Mazzaro’s Italian Market
Finalists: The Library, Luna Lux
Finalists: The Library, Luna Lux
Winner: The Brisket Shoppe
Finalists: The Dunedin Smokehouse, Melting Pot Social
Finalists: The Dunedin Smokehouse, Melting Pot Social
Winner: Casa Tina's Authentic Mexican
Finalists: VIP Mexican American Cuisine T.I., Red Mesa Cantina
Finalists: VIP Mexican American Cuisine T.I., Red Mesa Cantina
Winner: Fortu
Finalists: Sonder Social Club, Bern's Steak House
Finalists: Sonder Social Club, Bern's Steak House
We cannot lie, Sal Rosa inside downtown Tampa’s historic-federal-courthouse-turned hotel offers one of the city’s criminally-overlooked dining and cocktail options. With spacious lobby seating for a work meeting or happy hour, and a comfy dining room that serves breakfast, brunch, plus Cuban and Caribbean-inspired comfort food, we’re compelled to find a seat in the courtroom at least once a week.
salrosatampa.com —Ray Roa
salrosatampa.com —Ray Roa
Winner: Acropolis Greek Taverna
Finalists: The Pearl Restaurant, Luna Lux
Finalists: The Pearl Restaurant, Luna Lux
You would be hard-pressed to find more knowledgeable and enthusiastic champions of “usquebaugh” (water of life)—or whisky—than Bob Peirson and Matt Hartigan. Their peripatetic tastings through the New World Celts, Dunedin chapter not only demystify the world of Scotch whisky, but they feature opportunities to experience lesser known, or even rare drams. Whether it’s Flanagan’s Irish Pub, the VFW, or even Ruth Eckerd Hall, you’ll be transported to the nuanced world of Single Malts paired with a delightful and delicious assortment of tasty appetizers. And, as a nonprofit, all the proceeds go toward scholarships to support individuals or organizations who demonstrate an interest in learning and promoting Celtic culture and heritage in our community. As they say “feel good about feeling good.”
dunedinnwc.org —Jon Palmer Claridge
dunedinnwc.org —Jon Palmer Claridge
Winner: Casa Tina's Authentic Mexican
Finalists: Taco Bus, Happy Cactus
Finalists: Taco Bus, Happy Cactus
Winner: Nana Street Food
Finalists: Baba, Byblos
Finalists: Baba, Byblos
On the last Sunday of each month for the last seven years, Shadrack’s has enticed throngs of locals to line up for what is arguably the most extensive bloody mary buffet in town. Skewers loaded with chicken wings, bacon, pizza rolls and a plethora of other snack-sized options perfectly accompany the drinker’s choice of vodka and housemade Bloody mix. Vegetarians can still partake in the traditional offerings of okra, pickles, olives and cheese. @ShadracksPAG on Facebook —Jourdan Ducat
Some kids grow up thinking an extra Kraft single on grilled cheese is decadent; for them, fondue is like manna from heaven. But even Swiss cheese in a caquelon can become routine. So it makes sense that The Melting Pot moved its needle a bit with Melting Pot Social. Sure, you can still get gruyère, raclette and other cheeses to dip, but MeltSo goes full stoner-rific with straight up pass around appetizers, burgers and tenders for the kids, and even boozy desserts. With late night hours Friday-Saturday (11 p.m.), it’s been a welcome addition to the downtown Tampa scene.
meltingpotsocial.com—Ray Roa
meltingpotsocial.com—Ray Roa
Winner: Thunder Bay Bar & Grill
Finalists: Independent, The Rollin’ Mullet
Finalists: Independent, The Rollin’ Mullet
Winner: Noble Crust Wesley Chapel
Finalists: Steamworks Pub, Ukulele Brands - Land O Lakes
Finalists: Steamworks Pub, Ukulele Brands - Land O Lakes
Winner: Harvey's 4th Street Grill
Finalists: Bauser's, Rosie’s Tavern
Finalists: Bauser's, Rosie’s Tavern
By the time this hits your eyeballs, Sky Puppy will have only been officially open for two weeks, but in many ways, the brewery at 1313 E 8th Ave. in Ybor City has been a lifetime in the making for Danielle Vergnaud-McKinnon and her husband Matthew McKinnon. The beers are a product of years spent tinkering in their kitchen (and alongside teams at TBBC & Coppertail) and bound to win awards. What’s more is that Danielle has taken her design experience and created a ridiculously cozy tasting room complete with sculptures from Florida artist Copper Tritscheller who’s helped Sky Puppy place 13 bats on the tap handles, more near the entrance and one (albeit temporary) almost human-sized sculpture at the front door. We’re excited to wear in the seats of the 45-person tasting room in the years to come.
skypuppybrewing.com —Ray Roa
skypuppybrewing.com —Ray Roa
Winner: Shiso Crispy Central St. Pete
Finalists: Mama J's Jollijeep, Tower 10 Burger
Finalists: Mama J's Jollijeep, Tower 10 Burger
Winner: Frankie's Italian Chophouse
Finalists: Fortu, Sal Rosa
Finalists: Fortu, Sal Rosa
Tampa-based developer Ben Willner bought the former Magnuson Hotel Marina Cove two years ago and transformed the 18-acre property between I-275 South and Tampa Bay into the SkyBeach Hotel & Marina. The snazzy re-do opened with much fanfare on July 4th weekend, and offered a fresh new destination for Skyway Marina District locals: The renovated two-story SkyBar. With its sweeping views of the bay and all-week happy hours, it’s a convenient alternative to Gulf-side beach bars.
skybeachhotel.com —David Warner
skybeachhotel.com —David Warner
Winner: The Saint
Finalists: UniTea Kava Lounge, The Zen Den
Finalists: UniTea Kava Lounge, The Zen Den
This charming place in Kenneth City is a proudly German bakery and coffeehouse, but its cinnamon roll is quintessentially American. It’s smallish and cheap ($3.50), and covers all the basics: light donut glaze on top (not some heavy icing), lovely veins of cinnamon throughout and bread that has the right level of chewiness. All the elements balance beautifully. This cinnamon roll is a can’t miss if you're looking for an empty-calorie breakfast or snack (and there are five locations across the Bay area). mamagsbakery.com —Eric Snider
Winner: The Living Room
Finalists: Salt Shack By The Bay, Fortu
Finalists: Salt Shack By The Bay, Fortu
Winner: Lemongrass
Finalists: Hawkers Asian Street Food, Thai Am
Finalists: Hawkers Asian Street Food, Thai Am
Winner: Mystic Fish
Finalists: Ozona Blue, The Lucky Dill
Finalists: Ozona Blue, The Lucky Dill
Maryann Ferenc has never really pulled any punches. Nearly 40 years ago, she and Chef Marty Blitz, in many ways, set Tampa on its fine dining future by opening Mise en Place. Some of the city’s most celebrated chefs have passed through the Mise kitchen, and Ferenc regularly speaks her mind about the state of the local hospitality and tourism industries. Late last month, she took Visit Florida to task during public comment at the Tampa Convention Center by confronting the agency’s CEO, Dana Young, over the removal of LGBTQ sections from the state tourism website. “It doesn't make sense,” she said as kindly as possible, while reminding the board of how much hard work the community has done to make gay people feel welcome. “What are we going to do?” Young—appointed in 2019 by Gov. Ron DeSantis to lead the state's public-private tourism program which uses taxpayer funds to promote the state to visitors worldwide—had no choice but to roll over for the guv, but Ferenc made her point. May oui all have the spine to say what’s right when the time comes.
miseonline.com —Ray Roa
miseonline.com —Ray Roa
Winner: Noble Crust
Finalists: The Living Room, Craft Street Kitchen
Finalists: The Living Room, Craft Street Kitchen
Tucked alongside St. Pete's Booker Creek, in a not-yet-gentrified strip mall, Estate Cigars & Social offers an oasis of sociability from the city's surrounding neglect. You never know who you will meet here; the bar, tended by the affable Christian rocker Jonathon Waterman, somehow manages to be just the right kind of half-full. A good cigar forces you to sit still. And when you sit with other people, you chat. On St. Pete's southside, folks from different worlds come together. I like to grab a high-top on the patio, watch the tide push black water past the parking lot, and get to know some locals. With rampant construction redrawing the city skyline, and real community being swallowed by high-end development, Estate Cigars provides an unexpected public house. estatecigars.com —Thomas Hallock
Winner: Madison Ave. Pizza
Finalists: Nona Slice House, Cappy's Pizzeria, Eddie & Sam's NY Pizza (tie for third)
Finalists: Nona Slice House, Cappy's Pizzeria, Eddie & Sam's NY Pizza (tie for third)
Pickles and mustard on pizza may sound psychotic, but like with most pies, it all comes down to the crust. ABC Pizza has been perfecting its thick crust for nearly 60 years, which has a sweetness that can seemingly encase a Cuban sandwich’s core ingredients (ham, salami, pork, mayo, mustard, pickle, and cheese. And you call yourself a Tampeño) ideally. While you can order classics like a meat lovers or a veggie pizza, the Greek-run eatery—which has six locations in Florida—has also taken to putting cheesesteak and gyro toppings on its pies, while still being able to slap some lamb in between actual pita for the less bold ones in your life.
abcpizzahouse.com—Josh Bradley
abcpizzahouse.com—Josh Bradley
Behold! Far north on Bruce B Downs Boulevard lies New Tampa’s beacon of a supermarket, a land of plenty where you can get curry puffs, collagen cream, ahi tuna for a song. A place filled with Halal meat, Korean fried chicken, 24-packs of frozen naan. A palace whose halls are lined with sacks of sushi rice, fascinating snacks, produce that beguiles the mind. Carrots the size of toddler arms for pennies! Dragon fruit, donut peaches, durian! Go, pilgrim. Dine in the food hall, stock up on skin care, purchase fresh fish and fruit you’ve only dreamed about. Enjoy the splendor, because it’s a Lotte. lotteplaza.com —Caroline DeBruhl
If you love Gasparilla but don't want to wait until January to get your fix, this recently opened craft cocktail bar in downtown Tampa hits the spot, matey. The space is nautically themed from floor-to-ceiling, including windows that were actually used on a ship in the movie “Pirates of the Caribbean.” The elevated craft cocktail menu and small bites are tiki themed, a nod to the bar’s parent company, Don the Beachcomber. @morganscovetampa on Instagram —Jourdan Ducat
Winner: The Tides Seafood Market & Provisions
Finalists: Ulele, Molly Goodheads
Finalists: Ulele, Molly Goodheads
Winner: Pacific Counter
Finalists: The Honu Restaurant and Tiki Bar, Doodle Noodle Bar
Finalists: The Honu Restaurant and Tiki Bar, Doodle Noodle Bar
Winner: Thunderbird's Ikki Woo-Woo’s Tiki Hut
Finalists: The Wet Spot at COCKtail, Hollander Hotel
Finalists: The Wet Spot at COCKtail, Hollander Hotel
A common rule of thumb is that you shouldn’t leave leftovers in the car for too long and then eat them, otherwise you’ll pay for it. That is, unless it’s a buffalo chicken pizza from the Ybor hub of this legendary joint with eight locations (including one in Tampa International Airport). That’s not to say that we don’t love a hot pie (or at this point, a hot meal in general), but leftovers from lunch hit differently when you’re sitting and waiting for parking lot traffic to clear at a long-awaited Lana del Rey gig at the old Gary amphitheater. It saves you a few quick bucks if your normal go-to is a late-night Wawa sub, and plus, you’ll probably still have leftovers for the next day.
nynypizzeria.com.—Josh Bradley
nynypizzeria.com.—Josh Bradley
If your life is falling apart, the circles under your eyes won’t slag off, and your heftiest knit sweater is clean, the creamiest beef enchiladas in Pinellas County are made in this 47-year-old establishment just off of McMullen Booth, and will give you hope within an hour. After you’re done indulging in chips and tableside guacamole, these enchiladas come wrapped in two big, cozy corn tortillas, and are topped with shredded cheese and a white sauce. If you order a combinacióne, it comes with two sides of your choice, so if you’re slowly getting back on your feet and want to push yourself for some fried ice cream, the seasonal vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, and squash) are a hit, too. poblanosmex.com—Josh Bradley
It doesn’t take newb or native Tampeños long to figure out that a date at the Tampa Theatre is the romantic option for moviegoing, but the go-to pregame is a little harder to figure out. Look no further than CW’s Gin Joint, just a block away, and a few stories below Creative Loafing Tampa Bay’s downtown HQ. There’s the famous gin matrix that’ll pull your through a rabbit hole of aromas and flavors (and leave you with one hell of a buzz thanks to the few dozen options), and a solid menu that offers it all from bar snacks (get the pork belly fried artichoke) to seafood (lobster potato, anyone?) and full-on entrees. With sometimes hard-to-get reservations, it’s always best to call ahead (and don’t let too many people in on the secret).cwginjoint.com—Ray Roa
The marquee at Angry Chair Brewing proudly calls the dining room a food shanty, and if that’s what the popular watering hole wants to call itself, then we welcome the crude offerings. From the wet ass wings, to the poutine fries with duck fat demi, or smashburgers and elote, the two-page menu is a straight up daydream for daydrinkers and bar-closers alike. If only they had an outdoor bathroom option so we could all go even harder. angrychairbrewing.com—Ray Roa
On E Tyler Street outside The Portico Cafe in downtown Tampa is a recreation of Timothy Schmalz’ so-called “Homeless Jesus” statue depicting someone, covered in a blanket, sleeping on a park bench. In a city that has not given up its war-on-sitting, the work is a refreshing sight. But what happens inside the cafe—and at The Portico’s adjacent co-working and gathering areas—is even more inspiring. Yes, there is a religious aspect to the mission, but skeptics, agnostics and truly all are welcome at 1001 N. Florida Ave. where the cafe serves as a place for folks to transition out of homelessness and into job training, work and—get this—safe, affordable housing. It’s hard to consume anything these days without feeling like you’re harming the world around you. The Portico Cafe offers an alternative.
porticocafe.org—Ray Roa
porticocafe.org—Ray Roa
Winner: Downtown St. Pete
Finalists: Downtown Dunedin, Safety Harbor
Finalists: Downtown Dunedin, Safety Harbor
Winner: The Dunedin Smokehouse
Finalists: The Brisket Shoppe, Ozona Pig
Finalists: The Brisket Shoppe, Ozona Pig
Grumbling greeted the idea of a cafe staffed by robots, but the concerns proved to be unfounded. Because, while this eatery’s dishes do travel to your table via self-driving trolleys, friendly human servers greet you, take your orders, hand you your plates, check your coffees, and generally make Corner Cafe a pleasant place to be. Chef/owner Sal Ibraimi takes frequent tours through the dining rooms to check on diners’ experiences and we tell him, every time, “It’s wonderful!” Excellent pancakes and egg dishes, plus lunch and dinner options, too. An added boon of the bots: You get to check out the dishes rolling by toward other customers so you can make a mental note of what to order next time. Plus, you can ask your personal robot to sing “Happy Birthday.” cornercafegulfport.com.—David Warner
Winner: The Canopy at the Birchwood
Finalists: Sal y Mar, Level 11 at The Bellwether Beach Resort
Finalists: Sal y Mar, Level 11 at The Bellwether Beach Resort
Winner: Gigglewaters
Finalists: The Tides Seafood Market & Provisions,The Brinehouse
Finalists: The Tides Seafood Market & Provisions,The Brinehouse
Winner: Nature's Food Patch
Finalists: Rollin' Oats Market, Secret Garden
Finalists: Rollin' Oats Market, Secret Garden
Winner: Mazzaro's Italian Market
Finalists: Wright's Gourmet House,The Tides Seafood Market & Provisions
Finalists: Wright's Gourmet House,The Tides Seafood Market & Provisions
The staff at downtown Tampa’s beloved slightly-larger-than-a-window shop can do a lot more than make the best breakfast sandwich Alton Brown has ever had. If you’re ever depressed about Supernatural’s weekly supply of donuts selling out in the blink of an eye, this sandwich, loaded with four meats, provolone cheese, LTO, and a rich, pepper-based mayo can put your sweet tooth to sleep for a few hours. Perhaps the most genius part is the fact that somebody thought to incorporate everything on ciabatta bread (which you can substitute for sourdough or Focaccia if you don’t want to overstretch your mouth). For an extra 50 cents, you can make the sammich spicy, and if you spend the extra $2 to add avocados? To hell with avocado toast, man. supernaturaltpa.com—Josh Bradley
Winner: Columbia Restaurant
Finalists: Red Mesa Cantina, Ceviche Tapas Bar & Restaurant
Finalists: Red Mesa Cantina, Ceviche Tapas Bar & Restaurant
Winner: The Tides Seafood Market & Provisions
Finalists: Frenchy's, Rusty Bellies Waterfront Grill, Inc.
Finalists: Frenchy's, Rusty Bellies Waterfront Grill, Inc.
Winner: Rooster & the Till
Finalists: The Rollin’ Mullet, Three Dot Dash
Finalists: The Rollin’ Mullet, Three Dot Dash
Winner: Dylon Luce - Pisces Sushi and Global Bistro
Finalists: The Brinehouse - Kalby Chanthalsy, Fortu - Andrea
Finalists: The Brinehouse - Kalby Chanthalsy, Fortu - Andrea
Winner: Rollin' Oats Market
Finalists: Nature's Food Patch, SOHO Juice Co.
Finalists: Nature's Food Patch, SOHO Juice Co.
Winner: Jayme Kosar
Finalists: Sophie Moss, Ryan McSwiggin - Lilac
Finalists: Sophie Moss, Ryan McSwiggin - Lilac
Winner: The Brinehouse
Finalists: Bern's Steak House, Columbia Restaurant
Finalists: Bern's Steak House, Columbia Restaurant
Not all croissants are created equal, even if they all need butter with the highest fat content of all. State Flour Bakery’s Sourdough croissants exist in another realm of flavor altogether, a pastry with both butter and body. There aren’t many bakeries in the state that are producing this level of laminated pastries. The bakery’s retail setup is no frills but the pastry case is packed with impeccably assembled baked goods. We recommend the guava croissant, with its gorgeous bands of bright red and fresh guava jam. stateflourbakery.com—Arielle Stevenson
Winner: On Swann
Finalists: Bern's Steak House, Mise en Place
Finalists: Bern's Steak House, Mise en Place
Winner: Southern Fresh
Finalists: Ozona Pig, Fred's Market
Finalists: Ozona Pig, Fred's Market
If you’re looking for an exceptional cup of specialty brew in Tampa, odds are the shop isn't selling a full spread of hearty breakfast, too. But the marriage of locally-roasted coffee from Wuz Here and the comforting eats of La Pequena Colombia find a perfect marriage at Armenia Avenue’s L.P.C.X Cafe. Sorry bland avocado toasts and day-old pastries, there’s no average coffee shop fare at this family-owned and operated restaurant where Colombian breakfast plates, loaded arepas, empanadas and sandwiches reign supreme. And when it's not slinging shots of espresso or Spanish lattes during daytime service, Wuz Here hosts curated coffee pop-ups and sells ethically-sourced Colombian beans at its home base of L.P.C.X Cafe—where coffee and breakfast don’t have to be two different stops in your morning routine.
lpcxcafe.com—Kyla Fields
lpcxcafe.com—Kyla Fields
Winner: Bern's Steak House
Finalists: The Black Pearl, Fortu
Finalists: The Black Pearl, Fortu
Winner: Ferg's Sports Bar & Grill
Finalists: ThunderBay Bar & Grill, Eddie's Bar & Grill
Finalists: ThunderBay Bar & Grill, Eddie's Bar & Grill
Winner: Fortu
Finalists: Frankie's Italian Chophouse, Red Mesa Restaurant
Finalists: Frankie's Italian Chophouse, Red Mesa Restaurant
Winner: Bern's Steak House
Finalists: Council Oak, Fortu
Finalists: Council Oak, Fortu
Someone once asked the president of Sears Roebuck why he built his department store so close to the vaunted Marshall Field & Co. (now Macy’s) on Chicago’s State Street. His answer? “Traffic.” So maybe that’s the reason St. Pete’s 4th Street N sports six supermarkets in just 11 blocks: Trader Joe’s, The Fresh Market, Wild Fork (under construction), and a Whole Foods lurking just to the northeast of the two Publixes, located across the street from one another at 38th Street. And we can’t forget Rollin’ Oats, just a few blocks west from Trader Joe’s on MLK. “Traffic” would seem to be a given, though it might mean that this supermarket row (rhymes with “hoe”) could devolve into a supermarket row (rhymes with “wow”) if the traffic gets too, um, good.—David Warner
Winner: Pisces Sushi & Global Bistro
Finalists: SeaWhip Sushi Bar, Noble Rice
Finalists: SeaWhip Sushi Bar, Noble Rice
Winner: Red Mesa Restaurant
Finalists: Casita Taqueria, Taco Bus
Finalists: Casita Taqueria, Taco Bus
Winner: Oak & Ola
Finalists: Rocca, Lee's Grocery
Finalists: Rocca, Lee's Grocery
Winner: Bern's Steak House
Finalists: Mise en Place, Sal Rosa
Finalists: Mise en Place, Sal Rosa
Winner: Fortu
Finalists: Ceviche Tapas Bar & Restaurant,The Living Room
Finalists: Ceviche Tapas Bar & Restaurant,The Living Room
Lobster rolls are steadily expanding their reach beyond New England—but still, can you really expect to find a good one in downtown St. Pete? Mason’s Famous, founded in Maryland with three locations in the Bay area, manages to export its excellence well South. Prime lobster meat, lightly seasoned and mayo’d, rests inside a piece of bread that splits the difference between sub roll and hot dog bun. The sandwich goes down easy, although it’s pretty small for the price ($20 plus). At Mason’s Famous, you can get a lobster fix without all that cracking, pulling and prying. masonslobster.com—Eric Snider
Winner: UniTea Kava Lounge
Finalists: The Zen Den, Bonsai Beverage Co.
Finalists: The Zen Den, Bonsai Beverage Co.
Winner: Big John's Alabama BBQ
Finalists: Queen of Sheba, Gaspar's Patio Bar & Grille
Finalists: Queen of Sheba, Gaspar's Patio Bar & Grille
Winner: Red Mesa Cantina
Finalists: Tequila Daisy, Casa Tina's Authentic Mexican
Finalists: Tequila Daisy, Casa Tina's Authentic Mexican
Winner: Lemon Grass Thai Kitchen
Finalists: Nitally's,Thai-Am Restaurant
Finalists: Nitally's,Thai-Am Restaurant
Every neighborhood needs a friendly gathering space. For the longest time, folks on the north side of downtown Tampa have coalesced at The Hub to either grab a drink at the horseshoe bar or pick something up from the package store. It only makes sense that fancy schmancy Water Street would have something similar just a mile away. Nowhere near as divey (the light comes through the windows, people), WoW has more than 150 wines and liquors to choose from, but more importantly offers events like its weekly wine divvy where folks can buy a bottle, have a glass of their own and share the rest with others. And get this, there’s no smoking inside either.
wineonwatertpa.com —Ray Roa
wineonwatertpa.com —Ray Roa
My god, this is a good sandwich. A big mess o’ pulled pork drenched in Gouda cheese sauce and tangy BBQ sauce, topped with grilled tomato and onion and piled between two slices of grilled sourdough bread. And it’s only eight bucks! It need only be accompanied by a cold beer from Urban’s many brews on tap. Be sure to ask for extra napkins. Lots of extra napkins. urbanbrewandbbq.com—David Warner
Winner: Thunderbird’s Ikki Woo-Woo’s Tiki Hut
Finalists: The Honu Restaurant and Tiki Bar, Pier Teaki
Finalists: The Honu Restaurant and Tiki Bar, Pier Teaki
Don’t let this award title fool you—this Tampa-based food truck is dishing out “familiar favorites and Asian-inspired street food” of the highest quality. Alberto “Tito” Jusi, who worked at the now-closed ramen spot Ichicoro for several years, launched his food truck in late 2022 and has boasted a rotating menu of Filipino favorites, beer-friendly snacks, “trash” burgers, tacos and more ever since. A few more menu favorites include Trash Panda’s vegan bang-bang cauliflower, lemony crab fries, bulgogi burritos, fish sauce caramel chicken wings, crispy chicken bao buns and even a homage to Ichicoro-style ramen. While Trash Panda can pop-up at different events throughout Tampa, its main homebase is at Seminole Heights’ Common Dialect Brewery, where you’ll find Jusi pulling a solo shift on any given day.
@trash_panda_provision on Instagram—Kyla Fields
@trash_panda_provision on Instagram—Kyla Fields
Sara’s Kebab specializes in authentic Turkish cuisine. Traditional dishes are made with imported ingredients, many of which are available for purchase in the attached Mediterranean market inside. Every meal at Sara’s begins with complimentary hot Turkish tea, and an assortment of homemade breads with dipping sauce. Sara’s doner kebab sandwich on homemade pita bread in particular is worth driving to Clearwater for. Warm, soft, thick pita bread that tastes more like focaccia is sprinkled in olive oil and sesame seeds, the kebab is smoky, and the toppings inside are so beautifully fresh. These flavors have been around since the Ottoman Empire, probably longer, and Sara’s does history right by offering up impeccable renditions of traditional Middle Eastern classics. saraskebab.com—Arielle Stevenson
This new Korean barbecue-slash-hot pot spot by Countryside Mall (which is open until 1 a.m. most nights) runs about $30 per person, and while your server brings out all-you-can-eat raw meat for you to cook yourself, most of your non-meat ingredients come by on a fully-functional conveyor belt, whether it’s ramen noodles for your spicy broth, spam for your table-installed griddle, or a slab of coconut cake for once you feel the fullness coming on. In short, when you’re flying high on Delta-9 (wipe that smirk off your stupid face and go vote yes on Amendment 3), munchies are inevitable. But when cake comes by on a working conveyor belt? Forget it.
ninespiceshotpotfl.com—Josh Bradley
ninespiceshotpotfl.com—Josh Bradley
Winner: Good Intentions
Finalists: Golden Dinosaurs,The Green Table
Finalists: Golden Dinosaurs,The Green Table
For about a century plus a dozen years, Versaggi Shrimp Co. has served Tampeños by delivering delicious Gulf-caught sea bugs to the docks. Get him started, and local chef Jason Rodriguez will talk about them for about as long. “Key West Pinks are probably the best shrimp you can buy,” he’ll say, lauding their clean flavor. Rodriguez, known behind the flattop as Clamaster Jay, will put his money where is mouth is, too, by making anyone one of his famous shrimp rolls on bread baked less than four miles from the docks at Jamison B. Breadhouse. “It's a New England Style lobster roll bun that he customized just for me so it's perfect for the Key West shrimp roll,” Rodriguez adds. “Match made in Tampa.” Indeed.@clammasterjay on Instagram—Ray Roa
Winner: La V Vietnamese Fusion
Finalists: Pho Quyen, Ha Long Bay
Finalists: Pho Quyen, Ha Long Bay
Winner: Bern's Steak House
Finalists: Fortu, Acropolis Greek Taverna
Finalists: Fortu, Acropolis Greek Taverna
Winner: Fresco's Waterfront Bistro
Finalists: Bon Appetit, Teak
Finalists: Bon Appetit, Teak
This Tampa Heights burger joint is already well-known for its stacked offering of specialty burgers and has been featured on local news channels and food blogs since opening in 2016. Every Friday and Saturday, foodies can enjoy “Thee Glazed One,” a bacon cheese burger sandwiched between two Krispy Kreme glazed donuts. Just be sure you clear your calendar for the inevitable midday nap you’ll need afterwards. theeburgerspot.com—Jourdan Ducat
Risk takers will delight in this extremely unique combo offered at Ybor City’s finest hole in the wall. It's as simple as it sounds—take a shot of tequila and eat a dried and food-safe scorpion after while fellow patrons look on in both disgust and amazement. For bragging rights, be sure to spend a little extra to get a commemorative T-shirt.@reservoir_bar on Instagram—Jourdan Ducat
If you love all things German beer but can’t afford a trip to the motherland, Independent Bar & Cafe in Seminole Heights hosts two annual events—Halfway to Oktoberfest in March and Oktoberfest from late-September through the first week of October—where you can challenge yourself to down two liters of your favorite draft from a rather hefty glass boot. Sharing is allowed, but the pride of finishing one on your own is what it’s all about. independentbartampa.com—Jourdan Ducat
Winner: The Living Room
Finalist: Walk-Ons Sports Bistreaux, Cooper's Hawk
Finalist: Walk-Ons Sports Bistreaux, Cooper's Hawk
Winner: Urban Stillhouse
Finalists: Whiskey Exchange, Flanagan’s Irish Pub
Finalists: Whiskey Exchange, Flanagan’s Irish Pub
Winner: Bern's Steak House
Finalists: Stirling Wine, Keel & Curley Winery
Finalists: Stirling Wine, Keel & Curley Winery
Winner: The Dunedin Smokehouse
Finalist: Madison Avenue Pizza, Mullet's Fish Camp
Finalist: Madison Avenue Pizza, Mullet's Fish Camp
After a scorching hot show at The BayCare Sound, or even just waking up in a cold sweat at 2:30 a.m. realizing how much you miss the 24-hour spots of your youth, there’s really nothing quite like a chocolate egg cream (chocolate syrup, milk, and seltzer) from one of the last remaining all-night joints in Tampa Bay. After you’re greeted with a warm ‘50s vibe on the checkerboard floors and an ideal amount of neon (and a friendly “what’ll it be?”), if you want a gyro, granola pancakes, or even a banana split to go along with it, nobody’s gonna judge your needs. Time restrictions are preposterous at this joint—which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year—and anything on Papa’s massive menu can beat out that late-night Big Mac any day.
papasnewyorkdiner.com—Josh Bradley
papasnewyorkdiner.com—Josh Bradley
Winner: The Cake Girl
Finalists: Faba’s Sweetshop, Erotic Sweets Tampa
Finalists: Faba’s Sweetshop, Erotic Sweets Tampa
Winner: Acropolis Greek Taverna
Finalists: The Columbia Restaurant, Tampa Bay Brewing Company
Finalists: The Columbia Restaurant, Tampa Bay Brewing Company