The below list of new businesses has been updated as of Wednesday, Sept. 25.
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
Juno & the Peacock, 400 Beach Dr. NE, St. Pete | New American Coastal Cuisine | Reservations: Yes
The new 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.
Alter Ego, 420 S. Nebraska Ave. | Light bites | Reservations: No
The moody, music-inspired cocktail lounge also serves up some jazzy eats — like caviar service and fancy chex mix. This is one of the latest Proper House Group offerings.
Stormrunners Tavern, 3128 Beach Blvd S., Gulfport | Casual eats | Reservations: No
Gulfport’s new bar + restaurant just opened in the former Caddy’s location. The casual eatery is perched in the perfect spot for sunset viewing at Boca Ciega Bay sunset. Here you can also find The Bark, a dog-friendly bar, packed with boozy bevs.
Ash, 420 S. Nebraska Ave., Tampa | Italian | Reservations: Yes
Chef Ferrell Alvarez’s highly anticipated restaurant is now serving oysters, triple tail, and tons of other inspired eats on the ground floor of the residential high-rise, Asher Tampa. Plus, we love the glam design for a date night or girls night treat.
Yard House, 450 Channelside Dr., Tampa | Modern American | Reservations: No
Water Street Tampa’s casual eatery offers classic American dishes with a modern twist alongside a large selection of beers on tap.
Streetlight Taco, 4004 Henderson Blvd., Tampa | Mexican | Reservations: No
Traditional Mexican flavors abound in South Tampa, with authentic ingredients + cooking processes like nixtamalization.
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. Dig into bites like dips, charcuterie, veggie plates + desserts.
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-shelf 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 to soak in waterfront views while youchow down on a range of empanadas + shaved ice options. .
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 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. The space offers immersive tasting experiences + a wide range of dishes with fish delivered direct from Tokyo.
Wu, 4410 N. Florida Ave., Tampa | Latin-Asian fusion | Reservations: No
Indulge 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.
Coming soon
Elliot Aster, 501 5th Ave NE, St. Pete | Upscale eats | Opening date: Early 2025
A Michelin-starred chef is opening a new fine dining location at the Pink Lady. Elliott Aster — dedicated to the Florida wildflower + developer that named the Vinoy — will offer refined dishes, an antipasti bar, and drinks with waterfront views.
Olivia, 225 First Ave. N., St. Pete | Modern Italian | Opening date: TBD
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.
The Highland House, 1050 Palm Blvd., Dunedin | Upscale American | Opening date: Nov. 1
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.
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.
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 including bone marrow, octopus carpaccio, and caviar service.
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