Where To Find Great Food In Tampa Bay

What are you in the mood for? BBQ? Noodles? Tacos? We got you covered. Here is our guide for where to eat in Tampa Bay. Photos: Julia Gennocro and Edible Tampa Bay Staff

Dang Dude

There are lots of great dining options at Sparkman Wharf, the colorful collection of shipping-container-based eateries in the Water Street area. Now Chef Farrell Alvarez has added his “creative takes on Asian food” to the roster (joining Gallito Taqueria, another of his eateries). Do not miss the perfectly crispy fried grouper bites with cilantro, scallions, and chili lime relish; or the yaki-udon stir-fried noodles with shiitakes and fried shallots in a sweet and tangy yakisoba sauce with optional five spice pork. Grab a cold Japanese lager and a shaded seat in front of a misting fan—Dang Dude is worth braving the summer heat! ~ETB

Dang Dude
615 Channelside Dr., Tampa
dang-dude.com
IG @dang_dude_tpa

Eli’s Bar-B-Que

Once you see the flaming sign and smell the smoker grill, you will know you have arrived at Eli’s Bar-B-Que. Only open two days per week, Eli’s is located alongside the Pinellas Trail in Dunedin. You can bike or walk up to Eli’s Bar-B-Que for one of its signature sandwiches or family-sized dinners.

This cash-only establishment is best known for generous portions, signature BBQ sauces, and low-and-slow-style authentic southern barbecue. One of Eli’s most popular menu items is the chopped pork sandwich. Open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m on Fridays and Saturdays, Eli’s lunch and dinner can be enjoyed on one of their many red picnic tables, perfectly shaded by large oak trees. ~JG

Eli’s Bar-B-Que
360 Skinner Blvd., Dunedin
@ElisBarBQueDunedin on Facebook.

Gangchu

Gangchu, the latest from Chef Noel Cruz of Ichicoro, spotlights the favorite Korean pairing of chicken and beer—chimaek—and takes it for a joyride. “It’s about comforting, casual, fun food,” Cruz says. In addition to local craft brews, Gangchu offers a thoughtful cocktail menu at its spacious bar in the Seminole Heights neighborhood. The signature Gangchu chicken comes as gluten-free pieces or a crispy sandwich; other drink-friendly shareables include cheesy loaded fries (add a fried egg for another buck) or the fried pork dumplings with a tamari vinegar sauce. The braised galbi sando is Cruz’s nod to the steak sandwich, with marinated beef, pickled veggies, scallions, and sesame seeds. Did we mention fun? There’s also a private karaoke room for rent. ~ETB

Gangchu
6618 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa
eatgangchu.com
IG @eatgangchu

Shiso Crispy

The Japanese fusion food truck Shiso Crispy is parked next to Par Bar in downtown St. Petersburg. It is best known for its variety of plant-based favorites, such as the bang-bang “chicken” served with dirty rice and vegan garlic chive rangoons, but meat lovers have options also, such as fresh pork gyoza and wagyu barbacoa dumplings.

Inspired by her time living in Malaysia, owner Ronicca Whaley started Shiso with the intent of bringing more vegan options to the Tampa Bay area. Whaley says she has plans to expand her plant-based cuisine with an additional food truck based in Clearwater and a brick-and-mortar dumpling house. ~JG

Shiso Crispy (next to Par Bar)
2253 First Ave. S., St. Petersburg
IG or Facebook @shisocrispy

Taco Baby

Tucked away on a quiet corner of Main Street in Dunedin, Taco Baby holds the title for Florida’s tiniest taqueria. From the location of what was once an ATM, Taco Baby serves up fresh street tacos and nachos every Tuesday through Saturday.

Taco Baby is not shy when it comes to loading on its toppings. One of the taqueria’s most popular menu items is the Tinga, piled with chipotle chicken and pickled corn, and topped with queso fresco and fresh cilantro. The taqueria is also vegan-friendly with options such as the fan-favorite jackfruit pibil. ~JG

Taco Baby
235 Main St., Dunedin
taco-baby.com
IG @eattacobaby

Two Graces

Two Graces, located in western St. Petersburg, is a new farm-to-table dining experience (see Edible Tampa Bay, Winter 2021). Its ever-changing seasonal menu features fresh produce grown in the on-site garden, while both the sleek, mural-filled interior and airy outdoor patio contribute to this unique dining experience.

Customer favorites include the whole roasted cauliflower, which rests on a green goddess sauce and goat cheese mousse and is topped with a crispy cashew and garlic dukkha; or the fresh arancini—risotto balls stuffed with prosciutto and fontina cheese served in a roasted Colina tomato sauce. ~JG

Two Graces
6001 Central Ave., St. Petersburg
twogracesrestaurant.com
IG @two_graces_stpete

Urban Brew & BBQ

Urban Brew & BBQ, located on Central Avenue in St. Petersburg, is a family-friendly, laid-back outdoor dining experience. It’s also fine to bring along the doggie. Featured dishes like the slow-smoked pulled pork and St. Louis ribs can also be enjoyed courtside next to Urban’s four shuffleboard courts.

The craft brew menu puts an emphasis on local breweries while the bar also features 21 whiskeys and a helpful “bourbon & rye guide” to make cocktail decisions a little easier. ~JG

Urban Brew & BBQ
2601 Central Ave., St. Petersburg
urbanbrewandbbq.com
IG @urbanbrewbbq

Edible Tampa Bay

At Edible Tampa Bay, we tell the story of our region’s local, seasonal food culture: what to eat, where to find it, how to make it, and who is growing it.