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Things to Do + Dining

Things to do + dining recommendations for the Tampa Bay area

Ajisai 3 - Hibachi & Sushi - AYCE

2101 East Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL 33612

Some of the best variety in AYCE sushi we've found in Tampa so far. Recently renovated and clean. We always go after a good pickleball session

Armature Works - Food Hall

1910 North Ola Avenue, Tampa, FL 33602

If you are looking for many food options and scenic views in one spot, stop by AW for the food hall and drinks! We love a little snack from Empamamas or a full meal at any of the restaurants. Head over to Chill Bros or Jeni's for dessert. End the night at the rooftop bar, M.Bird! Note: Pay for parking in AW lots or city meter parking

Hattricks - Sports Bar

107 South Franklin Street, Tampa, FL 33602

Arguably, one of our favorite places, especially if the Lightning are playing! All we have to say is get the chicken wings. Dave's way. IRA. Go Bolts!

Hong BBQ & Hot Pot Fowler

5840 East Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL 33617

Another top contender for one of our favorite hot pot + bbq AYCE. If you are feeling like you want the princess treatment, you order through your waiter for all your proteins and toppings. No need to get up except to make your sauce! We recommend the tum yum and green peppercorn broths!

Hyde Park Village

1602 West Swann Avenue, Tampa, FL 33606

Plenty of food, shopping and sweet treats here! Parking: there are a couple of free parking garages, but they do fill up fast!

International Plaza and Bay Street - Shopping

2223 North Westshore Boulevard, Tampa, FL 33607

Izakaya Tori - Japanese Tapas

310 South Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, FL 33609

One of the very first places Brian + I visited after moving to Tampa! Super casual spot serving up ramen, sushi, and other Japanese fare, plus craft beer and sake. Also has a great happy hour. If they have, get the oysters! Note: Parking is very limited in the front. Additional parking in the back. DO NOT park across the street at the neighboring restaurant as they will tow!

Jimmy's Tacos - Street Tacos

1604 North 17th Street, Tampa, FL 33605

Family-run taqueria whipping up tacos, burritos & tortas in Ybor. Note: would not recommend going too late in the evening. Also, be wary of the wild chickens....

LaMeiZi Hot Pot & BBQ - AYCE

2501 East Fowler Avenue, Tampa, FL 33612

A top contender for our fave hot pot + bbq AYCE! It's self-service style with so many options!! Also, the raw oysters are usually pretty good size and fresh! Staff is super friendly and helpful with the grill if you are busy focusing on your hot pot first! We recommend the tum yum broth!

Saigon Bay - Vietnamese

11301 North 56th Street, Temple Terrace, FL 33617

The pho is always piping HOT and delish!

Saigon Deli - Vietnamese

3858 West Waters Avenue, Tampa, FL 33614

The pho is on point here! They sometimes have premade foods to grab and go!

Santoro's - Pizza

1329 West Cass Street, Tampa, FL 33606

Crispy thin crust. Always served fresh and hot! Arguably best pizza in Tampa! Dave Portnoy gave this pizzeria a 7.8, but I think it deserves at least an 8.5!! Santoro's is Tiktok famous! Note: Pizzas are made to order. If you want to order a whole, call ahead otherwise you are waiting!!

Sparkman Wharf - Outdoor Food Hall

615 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602

If the weather is forgiving, this would the food hall Brian + Christie recommend most! Grab an assortment of foods throughout the dining garden and vibe at the Lighthaus beer garden. You can't go wrong with some ceviche from Swigamajig, a grouper sandwich from Half Moon Seafood Co, and a nice crips beer from the Lighthaus Beer Garden What we suggest: Edison's Swigamajig - ceviche mixto, fish + chips Half Moon Seafood Co - grouper sandwich Note: Parking in the lot right next to SW can have event/cruise surcharge. Try parking a block or so away and make the walk! If you are using the Park Mobile App, we like to park in Zone 4558 or 4503

Special Pho - Vietnamese

1390 34th Street North, St. Petersburg, FL 33713

The better Vietnamese food can be found across the bay. If you have the time to make the trip, we recommend you check out Special Pho!

St. Pete Beach

St. Pete Beach, FL

We recommend St. Pete Beach over Clearwater Beach!

St. Pete Pier

600 2nd Avenue Northeast, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Nice leisurely walk if you have the time. There's a cafe, restaurant, and rooftop bar at the very end.

Tampa Pickleball Crew

1701 East 2nd Avenue, Tampa, FL 33605

$16 for drop in for 2 hours. Covered courts in a renovated warehouse in Ybor. Plenty of courts with friendly and easy rotations.

The Glass Noodle - Asian Noodles

681 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

Christie is a noodles>rice girlie and this is one of her faves! All types of noodle dishes from all over Asia, all in one spot! Always really good quality and piping hot! We recommend the beef noodle soup, Sichuan hot pot soup and the Glass Noodle with homemade rice flour noodles! Note: street parking!

Tori Bar - Japanese Tapas and Cocktail Bar

442 West Grand Central Avenue, Tampa, FL 33606
, (813) 252-3839

We LOVE Tori Bar! Great vibes and great happy hour! They offer a great selection of Japanese-style skewers, hand rolls, and craft cocktails. Note: Street parking or parking garage down Magnolia Ave! And it gets pretty busy towards 7PM. No reservations unless party is 6+

Yummy House South China Bistro - Dim Sum

302 North Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, FL 33609

Traditional dim sum but without the carts! Very interesting take on how they handle service. You order off their menu and they bring to you.

Tampa Premium Outlets - Shopping

2300 Grand Cypress Drive, Lutz, FL 33559