Stay in the know with 22 new and upcoming Tampa Bay restaurants

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.

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.

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.

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