AN INFLUENCER’S GUIDE TO TAMPA BAY: TOP 10 UNDER-THE-RADAR RESTAURANTS
Top 10 Under-The-Radar Restaurants
An Influencer’s Guide to Tampa Bay:
Tampa Bay has a lot to offer — from museums and major league sports to acclaimed restaurants and world class beaches. To help you discover the most photogenic places, under-the-radar restaurants, dog-friendly spots, and best things to do in Tampa Bay, we surveyed seven local influencers. Whether you’re visiting the area for the first time or looking for a new favorite spot, our Influencer’s Guide to Tampa Bay has a little something for everyone.
Last month, we covered the best places to dine with your pup. This month, we’re letting you in on some of Tampa’s best kept secrets. Here’s what Lauren West (@laurenashleywest), Courtney Silver (@influencetampa), Charlesea Stephens (@charliechowsdown), Danielle Miranda (@tampafoodplug), Nicholas Catania (@nhieguys), Ryan Sullivan (@nhieguys) and Jessica Olivia (@jesslivialife) had to say when we asked, “What are some of your favorite under-the-radar restaurants in Tampa Bay?”
Top 10 Under-The-Radar Restaurants
(recommended by @influencetampa): What’s not to love about Vietnamese food? It’s fresh, colorful, bold, and even good for you. Owner Lynn Pham shares the food she grew up eating, like fresh rolls loaded with vegetables, herbs, and grilled meats. It’s also great for vegans and anyone avoiding gluten!
(recommended by @tampafoodplug): Located in the heart of Ybor City, Bernini is a Tampa institution. Their claim to serve “innovative Italian cuisine” may be a little misleading, but nonetheless it’s delicious. You can’t go wrong with dishes like eggplant rollatini, cioppino, and gnocchi with beef ragu.
(recommended by @nhieguys): Serving breakfast, lunch, coffee, tea, and specialty drinks. Chef-owner Badia Verona and her team whips up a daily quiche, hearty salads, sweet and savory pastries, and European-inspired sandwiches on homemade bread.
(recommended by @jesslivialife): Not only do some of the vegetables come from their farm in Plant City, but they also have live seafood! The mostly Cantonese menu includes dim sum, roast duck, and steamed whole fish (choose one from the tank!) as well as traditional dishes from Hong Kong, Peking, and Szechuan Province.
(recommended by @jesslivialife): Ebisu has been a staple in Seminole Heights’ food scene since its opening in August of 2016. Housed in a 1928 bungalow, it has laid-back vibes and killer rolls.
(recommended by @laurenashleywest): Owners Rand and Tiffani Packer brought their Oaxacan-inspired restaurant to Seminole Heights in 2018 after spending 11 years at the original location in Lutz. Sip on a craft cocktail, snack on the salsa trio, fill up on the pork enchiladas with mole negro, and don’t pass up the flan for dessert.
(recommended by @charliechowsdown): Located in Carrollwood, Wesley Chapel, and St. Petersburg, you have multiple opportunities to check out this Southern and Italian-inspired restaurant. With indoor and outdoor seating, social tables, happy hour, and a creative and seasonal menu, it’s likely to become your new go-to spot.
(recommended by @laurenashleywest): With all of the other Italian restaurants in town, there’s a good chance that you’ve never been to this one even though it opened in 2000. It’s time to try this fabulous spot. The small menu leans towards coastal Italian seafood. If there’s something you want that isn’t on the menu, just ask. Spartaco Giolito will make it for you.
(recommended by @nhieguys): You can’t miss this retro pink building on West Hillsborough Avenue. Pickford’s debuted in June 2020, but it’s been a notable lunch counter since 1940. Chef Benjamin Pomales creates elevated diner classics with surprising twists, like golden curry hotcakes. After your meal or while you’re waiting for a table, check out the unique gifts and homegoods at Urban Bungalow, located in the same space.
(recommended by @influencetampa): This family owned and operated restaurant has been slinging pies since 1985! They’re famous for their sweet Chicago pie, but if deep dish isn’t your thing there’s also thin crust.