The below list of new businesses has been updated as of Aug. 5.
Some people make to-do lists — we make to-dine lists. Many hot new Tampa + St. Pete restaurants have opened over the past several months, from palate challengers to homey comforts.
To satisfy those who are really hungry for fresh dining options, we’ve got details on TBAY restaurants coming soon, too. Grab your forks as we dig right in.
Newly open
V-Roll, Gulfport | Vietnamese | Reservations: No
It’s all rolls and bowls at the hippie town’s newest eatery. Customize your own spring rolls, rice and noodle dishes, or order off the menu — then take your haul right over to the beach. Pro tip: It’s in the old Golden Dinosaurs location.
Elliot Aster, St. Pete | Upscale eats | Reservations: Yes
A Michelin-starred chef just opened a new fine dining location at the Pink Lady. Elliott Aster — dedicated to the Florida wildflower + developer that named the Vinoy —offers steaks, an antipasti bar, and an outdoor seating area with those primo waterfront views.
RetroHouse, Tampa | Chinese, coffee | Reservations: No
This new Tampa gem goes day to night like no other. Start the morning off with coffee and pastries, then move into the range of Chinese dishes like dim sum and bao once you’re ready for lunch. So far, folks are raving about the matcha with yuzu dip, calling it “top of the line.”
Olivia, St. Pete | Modern Italian | Reservations: Yes
Chef Chris Ponte recently added an Olivia spot across the Bay to accompany the already popular South Tampa restaurant. You can expect the same beloved pizza, pasta, charcuterie, cicchetti, cheeses + more Italian delights.
Lara, Tampa | Drinks, small plates | Reservations: No
The Tampa Bay Times called this new Ybor City restaurant, apothecary bar, and marketplace the “most exciting restaurant to open this year.” Renowned local chef Suzanne Lara dreamed up a menu with Spanish, Italian, and Cuban influences.
Mad Dogs & Englishmen, Tampa| Pub eats | Reservations: Yes
The South Tampa pub recently reopened in a massive new space on South MacDill Avenue. Now helmed by Oxford Commons Hospitality Company, the new location serves some of the tavern’s old fare in a new 6,000-sqft space decorated with photos of British pop singers and a custom mural.
Seymour’s, St. Pete | Bagels, breakfast | Reservations: No
The newest member of the Pete’s Bagels is already a DTSP hotpsot. The coffee and bagel spot is serving matzo ball soup, sandwiches on rye bread, coffee, and bagels (duh) out of the historic Snell Arcade building. And the name? That’s an ode to owner Steven Peterman’s grandfather.
King of the Coop, Tampa | Fried chicken | Reservations: No
The beloved chicken finger joint makes a triumphant return to TBAY. The Nashville Hot Chicken spot serves your meat in a variety of heat preferences, along with hush puppies, fried pickles, and more. Don’t forget to make preorders for Huli Huli Chicken Mondays.
Perry’s Porch, St. Pete | Coffee bar + cafe | Reservations: Yes
Enjoy a quick working lunch with a view of the St. Pete Pier + the downtown waterfront. The menu is packed with breakfast, lunch, dinner, and cocktail options. We’re ravenous for the charred octopus.
Eat Art Love Café & Gallery, St. Pete | Brunch | Reservations: Yes
What’s more Tampa Bay than sinking into your breakfast surrounded by local art? Not much. The cafe’s menu rotates seasonally with dishes like blueberry cream cheese pancakes, watermelon salad, and duck and grits.
Cousin Vinny’s Sandwich Co., Tampa | Italian, sandwiches | Reservations: No
Michelin already named this new sandwich shop to its Florida Guide. So that means its chicken cutlet-stuffed and prosciutto sammies must be pretty dang good.
The Highland House, Dunedin | Upscale American |
The new Dunedin Golf Club eatery opens this fall as part of the historic club’s multi-million dollar renovation, and will also serve as event space for weddings + other gatherings.
Juno & the Peacock, St. Pete | New American Coastal Cuisine | Reservations: Yes
The new-ish concept in the former 400 Beach spot, serves Maryland crab cakes, Wagyu beef carpaccio, and ample yummy drinks at its swanky cocktail lounge, Pluma. Spoiler: It’s incredible.
Coming soon
Kinjo, Tampa | Wafu-Italian | Opening: Wednesday, Aug. 13
The new restaurant from the Koya team will serve Italian recipes with Japanese ingredients. What’s on the menu? Ready your bellies for crudo, pasta, sake, wine, and cured meats.
The Moon Under Water | British | Opening date: TBD
Talk about a comeback kid. The longtime Sunshine City British pub is reopening just four years after its 2021 closure — and just down the block from its former Beach Drive location. The pub’s old menu was packed with British staples like sausage rolls and cod fingers, plus award-winning Indian dishes.
Forbici Modern Italian | Modern Italian | Opening date: TBD
Hyde Park’s beloved Italian joint is opening up another location in TBAY. Owners announced a second location will replace Sea Salt in the revamped Sundial complex in downtown St. Pete. What’s on the menu? We hope the calabrian chicken wings and all of our other faves.
City Guides are presented by Water Street Tampa
