Everyone likes a good restaurant when they are visiting a new city. It gives you a chance to get out and explore the area while trying a local restaurant for some tasty food. When we visit Tampa, Florida, there are 3 restaurants that are always at the top of our list.
#3 – Bern’s Steakhouse
No restaurant list of Tampa would be complete without Berns on the list, so here it is at #3. Our most favorite room is called the “Andrew” room, really. Each of their rooms are named. The Andrew room is near the back and has about 4 tables. Famous presidents have dined in this room, as well as yours truly. When you make your reservation, because it is a must, ask for your room. If the Andrew room isn’t available, try the Florentine room. Of course you can also order your meal right at the bar, which is another great option.
Restaurant website link: Bern’s Restaurant
For your first visit to Berns, make sure you ask for a tour of the wine cellar. With over 1,000,000 bottles of wine in their cellars, you’re sure to find one you like.
#2 – Royal Thai Palace (RTP)
Royal Thai Palace is known to locals at RTP. This is a Tampa must if you find your self in the SoHo (South of Howard) area. The friendly staff will make you feel right at home. The lunch here is less expensive and about the same portion as the dinner.
Great little Thai food restaurant. They shut down about once a year when the family returns to Thailand for their annual trip.
Restaurant website link: Royal Thai Palace
#1 Cappys Pizza
Yes, a pizza joint is our favorite restaurant in Tampa, Florida. This place is awesome.
They have a beer fridge that you go and pick up your own beer, click it against the bottle opener on the wall and you are in business. Name your beer and they’ve likely had it in this fridge. But you never know what beer is on order. They’ll typically have 10-15 different beers of the day that you can peruse through the glass door of the fridge that is stuck in the wall about knee height.
Restaurant website link: Cappys Pizza (South Tampa)
Did I mention they have awesome hand tossed pizza here too? Just make sure you bring cash or check, no credit cards accepted here.
Bottom Line
There are a number of good restaurants in the Tampa area. The list above captures our favorite restaurants in Tampa.
What are your favorite restaurant in Tampa, Florida?
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Local Tampa guy here. While you picked 3 good places …. you can’t come to Tampa without some awesome Latin/Cuban food.
Basically I tell people it comes down to two choices:
The Columbia if you want history, ambiance and a show.
La Teresita if you just want the good food at a real reasonable price.
Born and raised in Tampa, I would highly recommend Kojak’s House of Ribs, Taco Bus, and Yummy House. Also, keep in mind that Bern’s has a dress code and it is fairly pricey. The dessert room might be a better option for those on a budget.
Hi Mike – Agree with Columbia. But I find it’s more of a one-and-done type restaurant and Ybor City is unsightly at times.
Hi Gee K. – Another great pick with Kojak’s House of Ribs. Great location too.
Don’t forget Beaune’s wine bar in Ybor. While they have limited hours, you can’t beat the wine selection for the price. And Datz. Holy cow, we have a hard time not going to Datz on a regular basis!
Hi Jen C – Oh my, Datz (http://www.datzdeli.com/) was a close call on our list as was Mad Dogs and Englishmen (http://www.maddogs.com/).
What about Ceviche? Tapas are wonderful but it’s easy to run up a bill…
Local Tampa guy here- my favorite restaurant is Osteria Natalina on South Macdill( south Tampa )- great Italian food. And close to it as Pane Rustica- great for lunch and Sunday brunch!
Echo for Yummy House (http://www.yummyhousetampa.com/) which this “yummy” Chinese food store grows from one store to 5 stores in TWO years!
Best thing(cheapest) at Berns is the steak sandwich not on the menu.
I love Ted peters in st pete
Hi Peter. Was just at yummy house today. I only know of 3 that they own. What are the other 2?
Yummy House chain — One in Sarasota, two along Waters Ave and two along Hillsborough Ave.
I was in Tampa last month and the concierge at the Marriott Waterside recommended a place in Ybor city called Samurai Blue. Took the rail trolley over there and had a fantastic meal. Loved the architecture in the space with the high ceilings.
Samurai blue? Ugh, Matoi or Oragami is SO much better!
Andrew must have enjoyed more than a few martinis to get a room named after him. 😉
Hi AAdvantagegeek – It is a great place to celebrate special occasions in Tampa. We’ve had many memorable celebrations there 🙂
Can only imagine what the guy “Andrew” did to get it named after him.
3rd Gen Tampa here, and I’ve never heard of #2 and #1 – crazy
Hi Jayson – They are in South Tampa area. That is crazy if you live in that area. I lived in Tampa for many years and they are definitely good restaurants.
moved to Tampa from Singapore a few years ago.Yummy has to be the best Chinese.Datz is a must And if you are into craft beer Cigar City Brewery is ranked up there and its close to the Hyatt