Nearly a month ago, historic Valencia Gardens closed their doors after more than eighty years in business, which got us thinking. Tampa is not all about the beaches, the humidity, or the old fogies (okay, so what if it is?). But, it's also about the cubans and the original Hooters; the best steakhouse in the country, and traditional Spanish food in Ybor City.
Although there are many legendary restaurants to leave their mark on the Tampa area, this list compiles just some of our faves.
Best Bets: 20 Legendary Restaurants
July 7, 2009
The Columbia Restaurant
2117 East 7th Avenue -
Tampa
813-248-4961
Classic Spanish Restaurant in the heart of Ybor City. Come for dinner, stay for the Flamenco stage show.
Sea Horse Restaurant
800 Pass-A-Grille-Way - St. Pete Beach727-360-1734
St. Pete Beach breakfast and lunch restaurant located in historic Pass-a-Grille.
Donatello
232 N. Dale Mabry Hwy. - Tampa813-875-6660
Donatello is a romantic restaurant specializing in northern Italian cuisine.
Crabby Bill's - Indian Rocks
401 Gulf Blvd. - Indian Rocks Beach727-595-4825
There are six Crabby Bill's seafood restaurants located in Florida and all but two are in the Bay area.
Frenchy's Original Cafe
41 Baymount St. - Clearwater Beach727-446-3607
When Clearwater Beach is the topic of conversation, one restaurant comes to mind: Frenchy’s.
Bern's Steakhouse
1208 S Howard Ave - Tampa813-251-2421
This world renown restaurant serves amazing steaks and has a huge wine cellar!
Capogna's Dugout Italian Restaurant
1653 Gulf to Bay Blvd. - Clearwater727-441-4791
Clearwater sports bar
Bob Heilman's Beachcomber
447 Mandalay Avenue - Clearwater Beach727-442-4144
Shake off the sand and get yourself polished up for a night of formal beachside dining at this area classic. Beachcomber has been a touch of class on Clearwater Beach since 1948.
Colonnade
3401 Bayshore Blvd - Tampa813-839-7558
The Colonnade offers an unparalleled view of the bay from its wrap-around windows overlooking the water by way of Bayshore Boulevard. Seafood dominates the menu filled out with reliably traditional fare.
Malio's Prime Steakhouse
400 N. Ashley Drive - Tampa813-223-7746
Malio's Prime Steakhouse, located in downtown Tampa, offers an elegant dining experience along the Hillsborough River. Malio's offers ten cuts of USDA prime beef, fresh seafood and a wine list with more than 300 labels.
Carmine's Restaurant and Bar
1802 E. 7th Ave. - Tampa813-248-3834
Legendary Ybor restaurant and bar
El Cap
3500 4th St N -
St. Petersburg
(727) 521-1314
A great homemade burger without having to made it at home.
The Chattaway
358 S. 22nd Ave. - St. Petersburg727-823-1594
Laid-back outdoor dining, captures the essence of old Florida. Burgers are their specialty.
Skipper's Smokehouse
910 Skipper Rd. -
Tampa
(813) 971-0666
Tampa's award-winning blues bar is beloved for its Florida ambiance. Skipper's has been serving up Southern cuisine and live music in a tropical by-way-of-the-bayou setting.
Mel's Hot Dogs
4136 E. Busch Blvd. - Tampa813-985-8000
A Tampa landmark, celebrating over thirty years of service to the area.
Kojak's House of Ribs
2808 Gandy Blvd. -
Tampa
813-837-3774
Kojak's House of Ribs boasts some of the best ribs from here to west Texas and is a must-visit while in South Tampa.
What other people are saying...
RCaldwell6774 from Town & Country - July 11, 2009 at 8:38 PM
How could there be a Best 20 in Tampa and not include the Rusty Pelican Restaurant? Best View, Best Service, Best Food....
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