The below list of new businesses has been updated as of Sept. 22
Looking for the next new restaurant hitting Tampa Bay’s food scene? Check out these buzzy places to eat and drink in Tampa + St. Pete — plus, some spots coming soon. Keep tabs on this list to stay ahead of the cuisine curve. And don’t forget to bookmark it.
Newly open
1983, Tampa | New American | Reservations: Yes
This “neighborhood social hub” serves up casual brunch, family dinner, and casual fare on the expansive outdoor patio.
Pop-Up Bagels, Multiple locations | Bagels | Reservations: No
You don’t slice these famed bagels, they’re the tearing kind. The “not famous, but known” chain Pop-Up Bagels serves plain, poppy, salt, and sesame bagels, tubs of schmear, and the fishy works.
River’s Edge, Downtown Tampa | | Reservations:
Cognac, Downtown St. Pete | French | Reservations: Yes
We’ll take the mussels, caviar, and actually the whole menu. Cognac, a new French bistro from the owners of Bacchus, serves a daily happy hour brunch, lunch, and dinner.
Fisk, Tampa | Scandinavian bistro | Reservations: Yes
Michelin-starred chef Ebbe Vollmer opened a second Tampa restaurant late last year. And it’s right next door to his second concept, Ebbe. The intimate spot serves a constantly evolving menu of fish and Scandinavian dishes.
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.
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.
Say hello to Juno & the Peacock and Pluma.
Rendering via Juno & the Peacock
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.
Kinjo, Tampa | Wafu-Italian | Reservations: Yes
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.
Coming soon
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 — but now in Gulfport. 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.
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