Top 6 Places To Eat and Drink in Tampa
When I travel, I love discovering hidden gems or one-of-a-kind spots. I wasn’t initially excited about spending three weeks in Tampa, but it turned into a great opportunity to find some of my favorite places. The locations below offer something for every type of traveler—from upscale matcha martinis and cozy, bookish spots to laid-back beach vibes and stunning Tampa views. These places all showcase the best of Tampa's food and atmosphere.
Oxford Exchange
My favorite spot in Tampa is a place that offers a unique mix of experiences. After visiting about 1.5 years ago, I was hooked, and this place remains tied with the next spot I'll discuss. What makes it so special is that it's not just a restaurant, tea shop (TeBella), or coffee bar – it's also a Champagne bar, bookstore, candle-making spot, and a shop with cute home décor, glassware, and more. You can spend hours working or reading on their comfortable leather couches, sipping coffee, tea, or champagne. The atmosphere is fun and light, making it the perfect place to hang out. If you fall in love with TeBella like I did, you can also check out their main store on Davis Island, which has an even bigger selection.
Whiskey Joe’s
My first glimpse of this place was from the highway while I drove from the airport to Tarpon Springs. It looked stunning. One downside was that I waited until my last week to visit, but I made up for it by heading there almost every night to watch the sunset! This spot is perfect for those who love spending time at the beach, listening to live music, and watching the sunset. Or maybe sipping a drink while swimming in the bay.
Whiskey Joe’s has three areas: the indoor space, the outdoor bar with a view of the bay, and my personal favorite, the tiki bar, where you can sit with your toes in the sand or take a dip.
Tori
If you enjoy craft cocktails you’ve never heard of (at least I haven’t) or Toco-style sushi, this place is a must-visit! I actually went twice! The TeBella shop inside Oxford Exchange recommended it since we talked about tea! Did you know there’s such a thing as a matcha martini?!? I had no idea until they told me.
While I was in Tampa, a friend was also there for work, and we met up at Oxford. Our curiosity about the cocktail was piqued! We ordered one with vodka and another with gin since she isn’t a fan of gin in general. But we both agreed the gin version was better! I went back again to try the sushi, since I’ve heard it’s the best, and I agree—it is! It’s unique because it doesn’t come in a roll, but rather in a Toco style—think of the seaweed paper as the shell. Naturally, I had their matcha gin martini again to confirm it wasn’t a fluke; it wasn’t!
Armature Works
If you’re looking for a view of Tampa and aren’t sure what you want to eat, I recommend coming here! This is more than a typical food hall. It truly has everything, from a rooftop view of the city while sipping a drink and watching people play chess below, to a casual yet refined vibe on the first floor with a variety of food options. You’ll find coffee, delectable ice cream, Korean cuisine, drinks, and another champagne bar, and more!
This place truly has something for everyone! You can also sit outside by the river and enjoy watching the boats go by.
JW Marriott Rooftop
I have to admit, I’m only including this because my friend stayed at this hotel. If you’re a fan of views like me, then you should check out its rooftop bar and restaurant.
I’ll warn you that it can get busy outside because of the stunning scenery and how fancy this hotel is. However, we managed to get some standing space while grabbing a drink before finding a seat at the bar. Their food was excellent, and honestly, this is the best place to hang out and experience Tampa’s nightlife.
Salt Shack
Here’s another spot to check out if you want to dine by the water. Unlike Whiskey Joe’s, you can’t jump into the bay—but you can still enjoy an incredible sunset!
It offers both indoor and outdoor seating, but be warned: if you’re not alone and are with two or more people, securing a table or bar seat can be challenging without a reservation. I had to wait about 10-15 minutes at the outside bar before I could find a spot. I would have arrived earlier if I wasn’t with a coworker. One of the perks of my job is that I can travel, but I always end up waiting for someone...
What do you think of these suggestions? Do any of them sound interesting? If so, let me know in the comments which one you chose and your thoughts about it! Also, if you visited a place that isn’t on this list, tell me so I can check it out and update this guide!