5 Best Restaurants in The Tampa Bay Area, Florida

One of four locations, this regional chain fits right into downtown's hopping dining and shopping scene. The menu is as locally inspired as it gets—from the catch of the day courtesy of local fishing boats to the fresh herbs that literally grow on the walls here. The zucchini fries are a crowd-pleaser as an appetizer, and the Florida pink shrimp and grits is a spicy entrée that can only be done right in the coastal South. For drinks, you'll find everything from locally made kombucha and fresh-pressed juices to local craft beers and signature cocktails.

Innovative cuisine meets a rustic, chic setting at this bustling restaurant. Hand-cut truffle-Parmesan fries, beef tenderloin carpaccio with homemade ravioli, and slow-braised octopus are favorite starters; popular mains include seafood bouillabaisse with red curry. There’s also an interesting wine and craft-beer selection.

Dogs can tag along if you dine on the front patio at this pet-friendly eatery right on the Hillsborough River across from the Amalie Arena. Creative menu items, which vary by season, might include teriyaki-glazed salmon and homemade dim-sum. The bar menu has a nice selection of craft beers and cocktails.

If you're a sucker for mid-century modern flair, the aesthetic alone at this partially open-air St. Armand's Circle spot is a draw. But the food, whether you're in the mood for the St. Louis "Jenga" ribs or roasted cauliflower and quinoa, is the true enticement, especially when paired with the right local brew served on tap. This place is upstairs from a trendy (and surprisingly pricey) clothing boutique of the same name and owners, so keep that in mind while you navigate the busy surroundings in search of a meal. Bonus: this place gets extra points for the retractable roof in its back dining area.

Equal parts happy-hour spot and go-to dinner locale, this trendy Beach Drive restaurant—from the folks behind Bella Brava—has something for everyone. Its take on fish-and-chips gets cheers, as do the falafel (served on a bed of hummus) and most of the menu's other diverse, often locally sourced options. Tile floors and dark-wood furnishings give this place a smart, vintage feel, and you can sit at a table (recommended if it's evening, and there are more than two of you) or belly up to the bar for a quick bite and a drink selected from the imaginative cocktail list, the craft beers on tap, or the lengthy wine menu. Outdoor seating puts you amid all the sights and sounds of the strip.