One thing I’m excited for as I become an adult is traveling and exploring different cities. I’m originally from New Jersey, but last year my dad moved to Tampa for work. I spent my whole summer living with him as a tourist while completing a virtual internship. This summer, I decided to stay with him for a month before I start my full-time job in New Jersey. This means I get to be a local and really decide what to do in Tampa. For more about me look at my About Me page!
Tampa Bay is probably not the first place that comes to mind when people think of vacations in Florida. You probably think of a beach somewhere south or an amusement park like Disney. I don’t blame you because I used to do the same thing. However, Tampa should not be overlooked thanks to the variety of attractions, eateries, shops, and theme parks there.
Do you want to know things to do in Tampa Bay while you visit? Looking for a local’s guide to what to do, where to eat, and how to go outside in Tampa Bay? Look no further—you’ve found it!
Tampa shocked me a lot the first time I visited. The city has a mix of cosmopolitanism and informality. As ancient retail malls and warehouses are transformed into trendy restaurants and community centers, aging structures are given new life. Tampa also has a vibrant cultural past. The Cuban Sandwich and Cuban culture in Tampa are found in Ybor City, the historic global center of the cigar industry with restaurants such as Columbia Restaurant.
I want to make sure to give you a different perspective on this blog. I’ve been the local and the tourist here, and I understand this difference of needing to try a place if you have limited time and wanting a local favorite. So, in this post I will make sure to clarify whether I think you need to try it once or come back for more! I will also give my recommendations for specific dishes at restaurants when necessary 😉 I just want to add that these lists are in no particular order!
Best Breakfast Spots in Tampa
- Oxford Exchange: This is where I went out for my first breakfast in Tampa with my boyfriend and my dad. I had similar dining and shopping experiences throughout Europe as to the Oxford Exchange. This facility fosters the sense of social interaction that I adore in a place by providing a variety of activities under one roof, including shopping, dining, and afternoon tea or champagne bar. You can also grab some of the best coffee from the local favorite Buddy Brew! This place definitely seems like a special occasion breakfast place. You have to come here at least once to see the whole experience, and I don’t have one specific recommendation food wise since the few dishes I’ve tried were all great.
- Daily Eats: I have been here for breakfast with my dad quite a bit and we love it. The parent company that owns this restaurant, Ciccio Restaurant Group, owns many other favorite restaurants. Fresh, delectable sandwiches, salads, burgers, and other foods are available at Daily Eats. If the weather is favorable, you may eat outside on the terrace where there is courteous service. It’s also located on the trendy SoHo (S. Howard Avenue). You MUST get the Cap’N Cluck Bowl. I’ve tried other dishes here and they were fine, but this was AMAZING! It is served with their homemade buttermilk chicken tenders and Sriracha honey, and scrambled eggs are placed on top of the chef’s renowned Cap’N Crunch french toast. Helpful tip: order the scrambled eggs on the side and add ketchup as they are definitely not the star of the dish or belong on top of it. The siracha honey drips down to the captain crunch french toast and tastes divine, making it the best thing on the menu by far!
- Datz: I’ve been here a few times. Comfort cuisine with a modern touch is Datz’s specialty. I’ve been to both the Tampa location and the St. Pete location. Both are great, but have pros and cons. In the Tampa location, breakfast is only served until 11 am, but it is right next door to Dough. Doughnuts, cupcakes, and ice cream are served at this whimsical bakery in customized doughnut cones. The St. Pete location is great if you’re on your way to downtown St. Pete for the day or the beach and want breakfast served all day. However, it is inconvenient if you were not planning on seeing downtown St. Pete (but I recommend you at least see the downtown area). I’ve tried many dishes at Datz and they are all really good (it’s really hard to go wrong). If you’re in the mood for something very sweet and filling, you should get the Creme Brulee French Toast. Also can’t forget to mention the very Instagram-worthy: Cinny Bunny mocktail that is surprisingly made with almond milk.
- Halelife Bakery: When my family discovered this bakery, they were overjoyed! My brother has many, many food allergies and I have anxiety-based IBS, so this place was a lifesaver when he came to visit. The personnel are quite kind and helpful. My brother said the donuts are wonderful! He had them over the weekend he visited and thoroughly loved them! We go back every time he visits. I LOVE their cheesecake (obviously it doesn’t have dairy as everything is gluten-free and vegan). Even though I don’t necessarily need to be dairy free, sometimes when I’m anxious it makes me feel better to leave dairy out. The cheesecake is amazing whether you have allergies or not. It doesn’t necessarily taste like a normal cheesecake, but whatever it is tastes delicious that I always want more. Another great item is their cinnamon rolls that taste just as good as the “regular” kind. They also make fun, custom cakes for special occasions. Growing up, my brother never got a fun birthday cake. My mom would try her best and make him a simple cake since he has an absurd amount of allergies. This place made him this amazing, custom-ordered pea”not” butter bar cake that he was able to eat despite his allergies including dairy, eggs, nuts, gluten, shellfish, and more. He was so happy and it made him feel so special. I really wanted to make sure to include this place in case anyone reading this needs a place to go that is allergy friendly. This place is the best according to him (and me) and we’ve been to others in Orlando and NYC before.
- Timpano: I saved the best for last! This has now become my favorite breakfast (and dinner, but I’ll get to that later) spot. To the excitement of the whole Tampa neighborhood, Timpano in Hyde Park Village, reopened at the end of 2021. Let’s start by congratulating the Molten Tiramisu French Toast, which has the most gorgeous appearance of any brunch item. The delicacy, which appears to have been created with social media in mind, consists of espresso brioche filled with delectable coffee cannoli cream and chocolate nibs. A wonderfully delicious morning explosion will result from a single cut into this fluffy creation. This breakfast place is one that I just tried recently, but is my favorite breakfast ever because of this dish! I must also add that I love their Frozen Strawberry Aperol Spritz because I love frozen fruity specialty drinks.
Favorite Things To Do in Tampa
- Henry B. Plant’s legendary Tampa Bay Hotel: This is something you have to see at least once. You can even walk by it if you enjoy nice morning walks like I do with my dad or if you have brunch at Oxford Exchange. This place has a lot of history and is now on the University of Tampa’s campus. Also, it’s so beautiful that it appears to be from a storybook. This is nearby the next thing to do…
- Tampa Riverwalk: My dad lives in an apartment with very easy access to the Riverwalk, so I’ve been here a lot. It really has something for everyone as you can take a nice morning walk or bike ride along the Riverwalk or stop at a fun restaurant or bar along the way. Along the journey, keep a lookout for manatees, dolphins, and alligators. My dad saw a manatee on the Riverwalk in the spring/summer (but they are more common to see in the winter). I’ve seen a dolphin along Bayshore (another popular walking spot with many beautiful houses to see along the way) and I’ve seen an alligator near the end of the Riverwalk by Ulele. The fauna in Florida contributes to its allure.
- Hyde Park: I love this stunning Tampa Bay neighborhood and retail area. Some of my favorite stores, including Anthropologie and Sephora, are located here. With street art on every street corner, gorgeous older homes painted in pastel colors, and a park with a fountain, Hyde Park is an Instagrammer’s paradise! When you want a unique experience, head to The Candle Pour to pour your own candles or Cake Drip to create a custom chocolate bar with exotic flavors. I’ve done both and they are very fun for special events! In addition, my favorite restaurant is located here: Timpano.
- Sporting Event: Tampa is a sports fan’s dream, with the MLB’s Tampa Bay Rays and the NHL’s Lightning (who have had back to back victories for the Stanley Cup!). Additionally, depending on the season, you could find yourself watching a Red Sox or Yankees Spring Training game here. I have seen the Rays and the Lightning, and my brother has seen the Yankees Spring Training game and they were all so much fun to watch. My favorite games to watch are the Lightning because I’ve never seen a city so passionate about their team, especially a hockey team. The games are electrifying, no pun intended 😉 I was never a huge hockey fan, but this city turned me. I was even lucky enough to see the Stanley Cup Finals (game 3) where the Lightning needed a win and they got one (I must be a good luck charm 😉 )!
- Ybor City: A great thing about getting to Ybor is it’s so easy. My dad and I walk there a lot because I love to see the roosters in the morning, however, I know not everyone likes to walk. So, the city made it very easy with a free trolley that has stops to Ybor. In addition to being a cultural melting pot with some of the greatest Cuban food in the nation, Ybor City is well recognized for its cigars. Like I mentioned earlier, one of my favorite things to do here is to take photographs of the wild roosters and chickens that are free to roam about. The hens are safeguarded and you can find information about their past here: https://www.yborchickens.org/ . Other than the roosters and chickens, at La Segunda Central Bakery, the largest manufacturer of Cuban Bread, you can pick up some baked goodies or a Cuban sandwich. The greatest Cuban food I’ve eaten in a while, in all seriousness. Also, you can shop at vintage and used-clothing boutiques and cigar shops along East 7th and East 9th Avenue. I enjoyed observing the intergenerational activity via the window, where a grandmother and her grandson were making cigars. After this, without leaving Florida, you can go to Cuba by entering Jose Marti Park by honoring the guy who led the revolution against Spanish rule. Since 1956, the Cuban government has controlled this park, which is open to visitors without a passport.
- Go to a Beach: There are actually many great beaches that are an hour away and it just depends on what you are looking for in your beach day. I recommend Siesta Beach because it is a top rated beach according to TripAdvisor with silky quartz sand on an absolutely stunning beach. It is also very close to St. Armands Circle, which is a nice beach shopping center. In addition, if you are a fan of the show Siesta Key, you will definitely be able to find the spots highlighted on the show here. Another great option is Treasure Island Beach. This is the ideal spot to unwind, with its wide open spaces and breathtaking sunset views. Additionally, St. Pete Beach is the place to go if you want some fun and drinks. Personally, I don’t find this one as relaxing as the others, so it is a different scene, especially at the Miracle Mile, which offers a mile of bars. My favorite so far is Clearwater Beach because it is so relaxing and beautiful for unwinding, swimming, and tanning (I try but I turn out like a lobster). Also, you can take in the artists and street entertainers along Pier 60.
- Park & Rec: For 21+, this location is a lot of fun. There are several games and activities, and it has a college hangout atmosphere. They always have a huge variety of drinks. The place is fun for acting like a kid at an arcade again, but this time with drinks 😉
- Gasparilla: Many probably don’t know about this holiday, at least I didn’t until my dad moved to Tampa. Since 1904, the Gasparilla Pirate Festival has been an annual event in Tampa, Florida. It often occurs around the end of January, so I flew to Tampa for the weekend since school started back up at that point. Gasparilla essentially consists of a huge procession along Bayshore Boulevard with a pirate ship, pirates, parade floats, beads, and BOOZE! You MUST give it a go at least once in your life. We had tickets to the Gasparilla Invasion Brunch, which I recommend because you get first dibs at some beads from the pirates and great views of the pirate ship landing at the island. Plus you get all-you-can-eat buffet food for brunch.
Best Lunch and Dinner Places in Tampa
- Ulele: I read a lot about this place before I went here with my boyfriend and my dad for the first time, so I was super excited to try it. It’s super convenient to go to when you’re walking along the Riverwalk, but I recommend getting a reservation here, especially during popular hours. In Tampa, this is the place to go at least once for foodies. You may sample the mix of Florida’s wildness and Native American cuisine here. Unwind, play corn hole, and lounge on their outdoor couches while getting a tan. I recommend trying the Okra Fries as an appetizer and the Charbroiled Oysters, which I even liked despite not liking “pure” oysters as my boyfriend calls them. This was one of the reasons I was so excited to try this place because he loves “pure” oysters, so I thought this would be the perfect middle ground as they don’t have the fishy taste.
- Armature Works: Visit Armature Works if you still feel hungry or want something sweet, especially if you are on the Riverwalk (it’s located right next to Ulele). This big structure called Armature Works doubles as a venue for community gatherings and a snack court. For example, they host book clubs, yoga, and more. As the sun sets, people watch movies while having picnics, drinking, and playing board games. Any sweet craving may find food and treats at Armature Works. Another example of a structure that has been renovated and transformed into a mixed-use facility is Armature Works. I recommend coming here at least once, even if you’re not super hungry, just to experience it. Be aware that the parking prices change depending on day, time, and events, so I recommend trying to find street parking a little further before resorting to the pay lot (pro tip)!
- Timpano: As I mentioned above, my new favorite restaurant is Timpano. Not only do they have great brunch and drinks, but they have great dinner and lunch! While having brunch, my dad and I noticed a Parm to Table Macaroni Experience on the menu where they serve pesto pasta for two people, made tableside in a parmesan wheel. We knew we had to try this, so I made a reservation for the next day, which was Father’s Day. Once we looked over the whole menu, we decided to also split two appetizers before our pasta experience. I HIGHLY recommend the Stuffed Portobello Mushroom because it had amazing flavor. If you are really hungry, you should also try Georgio’s Meatballs that have a delicious sauce. Overall, this restaurant checks off everything on the list: location of the restaurant, flavor of food, overall experience, yummy drinks. It is on the pricier side, along with many restaurants in Tampa, but it is worth it for the food and the experience, especially for special occasions. This is my new go-to place.
- Sparkman Wharf: The only reason this is on the list is because I think the overall experience of this place is worth checking out once. It is similar to Armature Works, but a little smaller and outdoors, so it’s good if you need something fast. The food is pricier for smaller portions, but its outdoor seating area is super fun, especially with the outdoor bar. It’s convenient for me whenever I crave Jeni’s Ice Cream because they have a small location there and it’s only a 10 minute walk from the apartment.
- Columbia Restaurant: I LOVED this the first time I went, so I think you should go once because it is so historic. I recommend getting the 1905 Salad because they prepare it tableside, which is fun and tastes so good, especially if you love garlic like I do. They have multiple locations, but to get the real experience, you should go to the original Ybor location that was established in 1905 (hence the name of the salad), which is beautiful. You also must try the Sangria, which is pictured at the top of this blog because it is delicious and classic. You should make a reservation because it is quite popular!
- Wright’s Gourmet House: My dad (the REAL local as he works in Tampa full-time) showed me this local favorite. He comes here often for a sandwich and a slice of cake (which is not a normal size…it’s HUGE). Excellent service, spotless, and delicious meal! Honestly, all of their sandwiches are amazing, but make sure you try the Alpine Cake. It is quite delicious!
- Taco Dirty: One-of-a-kind eatery Taco Dirty excels at satisfying vegan and plant-based diets. My brother has tons of food allergies and I have IBS. This place is perfect for both of us. With a “make your own” assembly line, it offers a novel twist on the traditional Chipotle or Moe’s restaurant. There is a queue waiting for you, which tells you that this restaurant is popular. Regardless of your diet, it is the ideal small lunch or dinner location! I definitely prefer building my own bowl or taco rather than the preset ones and playing around with different combos, but everything is amazing. I HIGHLY recommend the vegan queso for people that can’t have regular queso. When I’m extra anxious, I stay away from dairy, but I love queso, so this is perfect for me. Another highlight to mention is the Fried Buffalo Avo Broccoli. We get Taco Dirty about once a week.
- On Swann: I went here with my boss last summer and once with my dad. Both times we didn’t order main dishes and just split a bunch of appetizers, or Nibbles and Starters as they call it. I recommend making a reservation here because it is always busy. Despite this restaurant being constantly crowded, the service and environment are both excellent. I HIGHLY recommend the Kale Salad to split with people.
- Salt Shack on the Bay: To begin, imagine that you are sitting by the lake and are holding a cold beverage. Fresh, fried shrimp aroma is emanating from the kitchen. The sky is a stunning shade of orange and pink as the sun slowly sets over the horizon. Not bad, huh? Well, this is what I experienced when I visited here the first time with my boss last summer. You can eat a ton of fresh fish while sitting by the water at The Salt Shack in Tampa. My favorite dish on the menu is the Fish Tacos and they have great Pina Coladas.
- Ella’s Americana Folk Art Cafe: This eatery has a wonderfully hip and homey vibe about it. There is nothing at all wrong with the atmosphere here, and I just adore the old Seminole Heights location, the antiques and folk art kitsch. Ella’s has an intriguing and eclectic ambiance, enormous servings, and affordable rates for good tasting food, so you should check this place out!
- Eddie & Sam’s NY Pizza: I’m from New Jersey, as I’m sure you know by now, so when I stayed in Tampa the whole summer last year, I really missed NJ pizza. I’m not sure if you know this, but the reason that NY and NJ pizza is so good is the water. Well, Eddie & Sam knew this and they brought NYC water to Tampa, which is why this pizza is great. Obviously, it’s not as good as the greats in NYC or NJ, but it satisfies the craving for NY pizza. Pro tip: add some salt to the pizza to bring out the flavor of the cheese!
- Portillo’s: Before every Lightning game, I get Portillo’s. There is another location not far in Brandon. However, the game is a good excuse for some food that exceeds expectations. The hot dogs are great, but my favorite is the Italian Beef Sandwich. Yes, this is not only in Tampa as it’s from Chicago, but it’s the best option for food at the hockey games.
- Rocca: I went here with my dad for his birthday dinner and the meal was delicious! Get the Mozzarella Cart; it’s worth the wait! However, it is on the pricier side. To be honest, I think the pasta was better at Timpano, but it’s still good overall.
- The Poke Company: I went here once for lunch and once for dinner. The Poke Burrito is an excellent dish! I was also impressed with the Poke Bowls, too. The vegetables were excellent, and the rice was cooked to perfection. The seasoning was perfect. This will most certainly become a lunchtime staple if you come to Tampa often or are moving here.
Sweet Treats
- TeBella Tea Company: I enjoy a cup of tea, so I’m happy I came across TeBella. The women working were really helpful and product-savvy. It is without a doubt a destination I would suggest.
- OddFellows Ice Cream: My dad and I visited this place, and we were impressed! We loved the fact we could order a flight of 6 smaller scoops to try a wide array of flavors.
- Jeni’s Ice Cream: This is quality ice cream. I’d been to Jeni’s before in Nasvhille, but they have a really convenient location in Sparkman Wharf. I was enticed to a variety of flavors, but on the advice of the clerk, I chose the Frose and Wildberry Lavender, and wow…. I’M IN LOVE. It was all I could have hoped for in an ice cream; it had SO much flavor and was incredibly creamy. When you approach the stand or store, you could smell the cones, which tasted like an actual waffle that had been flattened into a cone.
I just want to finish it up saying how much I love Tampa because of its countless restaurants and activities, as well as its subtropical temperature all year round. It is therefore the best location to offer the ideal getaway or place to work.
Be sure to comment on what your favorite highlights of Tampa are and follow me on Instagram!