Hey, Tampa Bay. TBAYtoday’s newest City Editor Brad here. 👋 As a former picky eater turned tasty treat enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for fresh + exciting international food around town.
We’ve put together a list of our favorite authentic restaurants from six global regions — that will 100% take your taste buds on a wild ride to flavor town.
Latin American + Caribbean
🌎 Copa, 1047 Central Ave. St. Petersburg, Foodies can find a fusion of Latin American flavors with a Caribbean and Mediterranean twist. Try the empanadas, which hit the spot with their perfectly flaky outside and flavorful chicken inside.
🌎 The Latin Grill Tampa, 9331 E. Adamo Dr., Tampa, This vibrant and fun restaurant turns into a colorful dance club at night. Mojitos + margaritas mix well with the Latin music.
🌎 Bodega, 1180 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, Inspired by the islands, Bodega offers flavorful Latin street food in a clean environment + the Cuban Sandwich is impressive for the price.
🇪🇸 Bulla Gastrobar, 930 S. Howard Ave., Tampa, Inspired by Spain’s social Tapas scene, Bulla encourages customers to share dishes with a close friend. We highly recommend Bulla for date night. Plus, impress your date with Patata’s Bravas
🇲🇽 Taco De Oro, 10002 N. Florida Ave., Tampa, Blink, and you’ll miss it. Located off a bustling road, this food truck serves some of the absolute top tacos in Tampa.
European
🇬🇧 Yeoman’s Cask and Lion British Pub, 202 N. Morgan St., Tampa, Yeoman’s celebrates British culture, claiming they serve the best fish and chips in Florida. They also serve half-off Sunday mimosas and a great chicken buffalo mac and cheese. Also, the downtown location makes Yeoman’s a great Lightning game hangout spot.
🇭🇺 🇷🇴 🇩🇪 Chanta, 113 S. Hyde Park Ave., Tampa, Located in the beautiful Hyde Park neighborhood, the family-owned Chanta offers a fusion of Hungarian, Romanian, and German cuisine. You must try the rack of lamb + homemade bread.
The Mediterranean
🇮🇹 Oggi, 236 E. Davis Blvd, Tampa, Located in the heart of Davis Island, Oggi Italian Cafe and Wine bar might have the best Chicken Parmesan in the Bay. Pro tip: Ask to eat in the alleyway. It feels like you’ve teleported to the motherland.
🇮🇹 Frankie’s Italian Deli, 3930 U.S. Hwy. 301, Riverview, This Deli makes you want to push back your diet. Frankie’s Corned beef, swiss cheese, sauerkraut, and Thousand Island dressing on rye is a must-try. We order the Dirty Jerz bagel sandwich, the Black and White cookie, and the Napolean Slice.
🇬🇷 Psomi, 701 N. Howard Ave., Tampa, From the Greek sourdough bread to the stunning Santorini decor to the refreshing cocktails and baklava coffee cake — Psomi feels wholesome, clean, and put together. Try a refreshing glass of Halkia Amber Assyrtiko Wine.
🇪🇸 Ceviche, 332 Beach Dr. N.E., St. Petersburg, Between the patio space and the service, Ceviche is well worth checking out for a taste of Spain. We recommend the Picahna.
Middle Eastern
🇮🇱 The Nosh Pit Deli and More, 4040 Park St. N., St Petersburg, This deli imports meats directly from the Big Apple + has all the deli favorites — latkes, knishes, desserts, and even Dr. Brown’s soda. Order off the Messugganah menu and get a slice of NY Cheesecake + a NY Egg Cream Soda with U-Bet chocolate syrup
🌍 Abu Omar Halal, 12208 N. 56th St., Temple Terrace, From Houston’s first halal food truck to brick-and-mortar locations across the country, Abu Omar’s signature chicken shawarma is a must-have.
African
🌍 Steaming Pots, 1109 W. Waters Ave., Tampa, Like A taste of West Africa, Steaming Pots puts together a robust list of famous cuisine with everything from hibiscus juice to goat peanut stew and, of course, jollof rice.
🌍 Asher Amens African,1412 W Waters Ave. #107, Tampa, Experience some of the best that African Tampa Bay offers from pepper soup to Ugba salad. Don’t miss out on the Ogbono Stew.
Asian
🥠 Good Fortune, 260 1st Ave. S. #100, St. Petersburg, Unique and exotic dishes coupled with decadent cocktails + karaoke — Good Fortune is a hot new restaurant in St. Pete serving up dishes like tempura shrimp, shishito peppers, drunken noodles, and ube cake. The Neo-Tokyo atmosphere transports you to a neon future.
🇨🇳 Yummy House China Bistro, 2620 E. Hillsborough Ave., Tampa, Both restaurant owners are from China — making this food as highest quality as possible. The service is excellent, and the food is even better, which is why it’s been voted almost yearly as one of the best restaurants in the area.
🇯🇵 In Between Days, 2340 1st Ave. S., St. Petersburg, St. Pete’s Tokyo-style hi-fi music listening bar is perhaps the only of its kind in Florida. Stop by if you adore jamming out while sipping craft sake.
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