The below list of new businesses has been updated as of Wednesday, Nov. 29.
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 7 TBAY restaurants coming soon, too. Grab your forks as we dig right in.
Newly open
Ajisai, 2101 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa | Japanese | Reservations: Yes
Chow down on all you can eat sushi rolls, ramen, hibachi, and more in a sleek setting full of endearing design details in North Tampa.
Beacon Rooftop Lounge, 510 Water St., Tampa | Bar + restaurant | Reservations: Yes
The new restaurant + luxe cocktail bar sits on the 27th floor of the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street and features 360-degree views of the Big Guava, and boasts bites like dips, charcuterie, veggie plates + desserts.
Cala Italian Kitchen, 800 31st St. S., St. Pete | Italian | Reservations: No
Enjoy a relaxed night on the eatery’s outdoor patio, soaking in Sicilian vibes with handmade pastas, local seafood, and live music.
Concrete Jungle, 475 Central Ave. N. #100, St. Pete | Modern Mexican + bar | Reservations: Yes
Challenge your palate with ambitious plates + cocktails inspired by Tulum and the Yucatán Peninsula, before heading downstairs to dance off those calories.
Fortu, 95 Central Ave., St. Pete | Pan-Asian | Reservations: Yes
Occupying the former Ceviche space downtown, Fortu boasts a large steak menu, including a showstopping Koji dry-aged Japanese wagyu steak, as well as top-tier cocktails.
Work up an appetite before heading to Ajisai.
Photo by TBAYtoday
Gordito’s, 615 Channelside Dr., Tampa | Latin street food | Reservations: No
Head down to Sparkman Wharf and chow down on a range of empanadas + shaved ice options as you soak in waterfront views.
Kōsen, 307 W. Palm Ave., Tampa | Modern Japanese | Reservations: Yes
Perfect for a special occasion, this 20-course omakase — meaning “I leave it up to you” — experience offers fine-dining in an intimate setting for 10 people at a time in Tampa Heights.
Lepley’s Kitchen + Lounge, 6310 N. Florida Ave., Tampa | Southern + Caribbean | Reservations: Yes
Head to Seminole Heights to enjoy Southern comforts, Caribbean flavors, and craft cocktails at this new spot spearheaded by actor + movie star Tyler Lepley.
Localz, 1 Beach Dr. SE #41, St. Pete | Sports bar + grill | Reservations: Yes
Catch the game and enjoy modern pub grub, including loaded tots, Brussels sprouts, a huge range of sandwiches, and homey desserts in casual surroundings, alongside a wide selection of beer, wine, and cocktails.
Nomi Nori, 1572 Central Ave., St. Pete | Sushi + poke
Reservations: Yes
Savor high-end delights like hand rolls, poke, and sake inside the contemporary setting of the Edge Eatery St. Petersburg micro food hall.
Nomi Nori is St. Pete’s newest sushi spot.
Photo by Nomi Nori
ro, 1500 W. Swann Ave., Tampa | Modern Asian | Reservations: Yes
Dine fine in Hyde Park Village at this restaurant led by Chef Kiichi Okabe of multiple Michelin stars, offering immersive tasting experiences + a wide range of challenging dishes with fish delivered direct from Tokyo.
Sesame, 705 S. Oregon Ave., Tampa | Breakfast | Reservations: No
Feast on bagels sourced from Long Island, with a host of in-house-crafted spreads, plus great cups of joe in the heart of Hyde Park Village.
Toastique, 1011 E. Cumberland Ave., Ste. 1018, Tampa | Health-conscious offerings ss | Reservations: No
Sample gourmet toast options, acai bowls, smoothies, and juices in this Water Street Tampa spot with great Instagram potential.
Vela Tampa, 5232 Bridge St., Tampa | Italian + Mediterranean | Reservations: Yes
Transport yourself to Europe at the Cru Cellars-transformed spot in the Westshore Marina District, which now offers fish, salads, pizzas, and other yummy dishes in a contemporary setting.
Wu, 4410 N. Florida Ave., Tampa | Latin-Asian fusion | Reservations: No
Divulge on a range of unique culinary dishes, from breakfast bao buns to Cuban ube French toast in the Seminole Heights neighborhood, and wash it down with boba tea.
Perry’s Porch will be across the street from the St. Petersburg Museum of History.
Photo by TBAYtoday
Coming soon
Ash, 420 S. Nebraska Ave., Tampa | Italian | Spring 2024
Chef Ferrell Alvarez’s highly anticipated restaurant will open on the ground floor of the residential high-rise, Asher Tampa.
King State, 15 Eighth St. N., St. Pete | American food, brewery, coffee roaster + bar | Opening date: Friday, Dec. 8, 2023.
The Tampa spot is getting a friend located inside St. Pete’s COhatch coworking space, where beer will be brewed + coffee will be roasted, alongside a comforting food menu and cocktails.
Olivia, 225 First Ave. N., St. Pete | Modern Italian | Opening date: Early 2024
Chef Chris Ponte is adding an Olivia spot across the Bay to accompany the already popular South Tampa restaurant which serves up pizza, pasta, charcuterie, cicchetti, cheeses + more Italian delights.
Perry’s Porch, 335 Second Ave. NE, St. Pete | Coffee bar + café | Opening date: TBD
Soon, you’ll be able to enjoy a quick working lunch with a view of the St. Pete Pier + the downtown waterfront.
Streetlight Taco, 4004 Henderson Blvd., Tampa | Mexican | Opening date: TBD
Traditional Mexican flavors are coming to South Tampa, with authentic ingredients + cooking processes like nixtamalization.
The H, 1504 S. Howard Ave., Tampa | Mediterranean steakhouse | Opening date: TBD
One of Orlando’s favorite eateries is adding a location in Hyde Park Village, offering a wide range of steak options + other faves include bone marrow, octopus carpaccio, and caviar service.
Yard House, 450 Channelside Dr., Tampa | Modern American | Opening date: Sunday, Dec. 3, 2023
Water Street Tampa is getting a Yard House location serving classic American dishes with a modern twist alongside a large selection of beers on tap.
City Guides are presented by Water Street Tampa
