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20 Best Lunch Spots in Tampa

by The OpenTable Team

Updated 06 February 2020

Cotton candy-colored sunsets, white sand beaches, and crystal blue waters make Tampa, Florida an ideal destination. Tourist attractions include Busch Gardens and the artistic Ybor City. With access to the freshest catch, Tampa restaurants highlight Florida seafood elevated with tropical flavors. But where are the smartest, savviest diners eating out for the best lunch Tampa-style? Welcome to the Tastemaker Lists. We've surveyed expert diners and put together a list of the top spots for the best lunch Tampa has to offer. Book a table today!

A photo of Oxford Exchange restaurant

Oxford Exchange

4.8

4.8 (5134)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Tampa

About the restaurant

For one of the most trendy lunch experiences in Tampa, head to Oxford Exchange. This beautiful restaurant with long green leather banquette seating has bright white walls covered in beautiful framed paintings and photographs. The menu at Oxford Exchange features fresh American fare, and some of the most popular options on the lunch menu include lobster sliders and a steak wedge salad. Diners can come here for lunch Monday to Friday.

Top review

S

Stephanie

Dined 3 days ago

Excellent service, delicious food and drinks! We stop here whenever we’re in town!

American Social Tampa

4.5

4.5 (2037)

$31 to $50

American

Tampa

About the restaurant

When diners in Tampa want a sports bar experience, they head to American Social Bar. This true sports bar is one of the most beloved spots in the area to watch a game and drink a cold one. The menu at American Social Bar is classic bar food, which means that patrons can eat things like a fried chicken sandwich, pepperoni pizza, or vegetarian chili for lunch. American Social Bar and Kitchen is convenient in Tampa, located on Harbour Island.

Top review

A

Andy

Dined 1 day ago

Service was great! Smash burgers were on the dry side. Wish they used meat with more fat content. If you are in to dry smash burgers you will love them. Just not my preference. Get the ranch wedges!

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A photo of Wagyu Steak Fried Rice of a restaurant

Wagyu Steak Fried Rice

A photo of AmSo Burger of a restaurant

A photo of AmSo Burger Taco of a restaurant

AmSo Burger Taco

A photo of Ulele restaurant

4.8

4.8 (14581)

$31 to $50

American

Tampa

About the restaurant

Ulele, a new brewery and restaurant in Tampa, is open for lunch every weekday, and patrons say they serve some of the best lunch in Tampa. This name of this fusion restaurant, which combines Florida and Native American cuisine, comes from Princess Ulele, who was once a Native American Princess. Located on the Riverwalk, Ulele offers outstanding outdoor dining at lunchtime. Diners can order standouts like the Ulele Burger, which is char-grilled ground short rib, brisket and chuck blend burger topped with house steak sauce, Wisconsin sharp Cheddar, portobello mushrooms, fire-roasted red peppers and fried leeks served on brioche bun. They can also try the Alligator Hush Puppies, which have alligator, country ham, bacon, fresh corn, jalapeño, honey datil pepper sauce and fresh ground horseradish aioli. For beer lovers, Ulele is also a brewery, so try a cold one brewed in-house.

Top review

M

MollyVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Fabulous menu, food and service. The outdoor patio was perfect on a lovely evening.

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A photo of Charbroiled Oysters of a restaurant

Charbroiled Oysters

A photo of Seafood Risotto of a restaurant

Seafood Risotto

A photo of Coconut Ice Cream of a restaurant

Coconut Ice Cream

A photo of edison: food+drink lab restaurant

edison: food+drink lab

4.8

4.8 (3979)

$31 to $50

Global, International

Tampa

About the restaurant

edison: food+drink lab is a gastropub that has a distinct industrial feel. The brain behind edison is Jeannie Pierola, a 5-time James Beard Aware semifinalist and a local food scene celeb. edison's menu changes every day, since the whole conept of the restaurant is that the chef offers her food experiments daily. Some favorites served for lunch have included black truffle black bean soup, charred octopus horiatiki salad, and a garden grilled cheese. It's casual here, so patrons can come for lunch straight from the beach.

Top review

C

Chris

Dined 1 day ago

Amazing spot with exquisite cuisine. Drinks are to die for and variety of craft beers. You feel like you stepped into the NYC restaurant

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A photo of grilled octopus of a restaurant

grilled octopus

A photo of Sugar-Crusted Butter Cake of a restaurant

Sugar-Crusted Butter Cake

A photo of brûlée butter cake of a restaurant

brûlée butter cake

A photo of Cafe L'Europe - St Armand's restaurant

Cafe L'Europe - St Armand's

4.8

4.8 (2434)

$31 to $50

Modern European

Sarasota

About the restaurant

When patrons walk into Cafe L'Europe, they'll feel as if they hopped across the pond. That's because the owners of the restaurant have tried to make a place that offers old-world ambiance, with brick arches, a grand piano, and dark wood furniture, so Floridians can feel like they've taken a jaunt to Europe during their lunch break. Menu options here include salmon piccata, lido-style corned beef and a salade Nicoise. Cafe L'Europe has been serving patrons in the Tampa area for more than 38 years.

Top review

V

VirginiaVIP

Dined on 25 Sept 2024

Lovely experience. The amazing food, excellent service, and gorgeous style of this restaurant are truly wonderful

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A photo of French Onion Gratinée of a restaurant

French Onion Gratinée

A photo of Escargot of a restaurant

A photo of Tuna Niçoise of a restaurant

A photo of Lila restaurant

4.8

4.8 (1197)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Sarasota

About the restaurant

Lila is well known in the Tampa area for being an excellent vegan-friendly restaurant. The also offer some of the best lunch in Tampa and its suburbs. This plant-based eatery has tons of options that are both healthy and delicious. Patrons can choose from selections like grilled tofu, a quinoa taco salad, and a falafel bowl. Lila is bright and trendy inside with soaring ceilings, chandeliers, and a long bar that lines the restaurant. Come here for a quick bite or to linger over lunch with a cocktail.

Top review

R

Robin

Dined on 2 Jan 2025

I met a friend for lunch. We both enjoyed a bowl of fresh and hearty minestrone soup and some of delicious gluten-free and sugar-free bread with a vegan spread and were delighted with the taste and consistency. Also, the water serve table side is filtered! Such a nice touch

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A photo of Mushroom Burger of a restaurant

Mushroom Burger

A photo of Besito Mexican - Tampa restaurant

Besito Mexican - Tampa

4.6

4.6 (2284)

$30 and under

Mexican

Tampa

About the restaurant

Some of the best Mexican food in the area is at Besito Mexican—a beloved spot for some of the best lunch in Tampa. Besito features dishes that have only local and fresh ingredients, and popular menu items include options like street tacos with carnitas and chicken quesadilla. Besito is bright and colorful inside but it's also casual, so come in flip flops and unwind with one of the restaurant's strong magaritas.

Top review

J

JasonVIP

Dined on 3 Jan 2025

I've been here a number of times, and it's consistent great with food and ambience.

A photo of Kona Grill - Tampa restaurant

Kona Grill - Tampa

3.9

3.9 (2700)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Tampa

About the restaurant

Kona Gril is a popular spot in Tampa for modern American and Japanese fusion cuisine. The restaurant's menu focuses on sushi and cocktails, but they also offer other seafood-focused fare for patrons who choose to dine at lunchtime. Some of the most popular menu options include the fish taco, Hawaiian tuna poke bowl, and the chicken and shrimp lettuce wraps. The restaurant is laid back and chill, so it's great for a beachy crowd who wants to take a break from the strong mid-day sun. Diners who come here also recommend tasting the cocktails, which are tropical and strong. In addition to some of the best lunch in Tampa, the restaurant also has one of the area's best happy hours.

Top review

W

williamVIP

Dined 7 days ago

We had the baby back ribs with fries and Asian slW which was delicious and cooked to perfection.

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A photo of Shrimp of a restaurant

A photo of Sushi Tacos of a restaurant

A photo of Filet of a restaurant

A photo of Michael's On East restaurant

Michael's On East

4.7

4.7 (5625)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Sarasota

About the restaurant

Michael Klauber and Phil Mancini are the brains behind Michael's on East. This restaurant is the only AAA Four Diamond Award Restaurant in town, which means they consistently serve outstanding, high-quality coastal cuisine—even at lunch. Some of the most popular menu items at lunchtime are Michael's Famous Cobb Salad, which comes with Marinated Grilled Chicken, Avocado, Bacon, Diced Tomatoes, Chopped Egg, Black Olives, Blue Cheese Crumbles & Honey Mustard Dressing, as well as the Southwestern Mahi-Mahi, served with Roasted Garlic Tomatoes, Corn Avocado Salsa, Yellow Tomato Gazpacho & Sautéed Spinach. Michael's on East has been open for 30 years, a testament to the quality of its menu and service.

Top review

J

Jack

Dined 4 days ago

Fabulous experience again. As always, Kathy was terrific as our server. My wife had the crab cakes and I had the Epicurean dinner and both were fantastic

A photo of P.F. Chang's - Tampa restaurant

P.F. Chang's - Tampa

4.1

4.1 (317)

$30 and under

Chinese

Tampa

About the restaurant

P.F. Chang's is a beloved nationwide chain for Asian fusion food. It's also a spot for some of the best lunch in Tampa. This popular eatery with soaring ceilings, columns, and a stunning open kitchen wows diners with a slew of Asian favorites. Come here to try the lettuce wraps, steamed pork dumplings, or Pad Thai, and don't forget to have dessert, since diners rave about the banana spring rolls: six warm, crispy spring rolls with coconut-pineapple ice cream and caramel and vanilla sauces. P. F. Chang's is in Tampa proper, in Westshore Plaza.

Top review

M

Marie

Dined on 29 Dec 2024

We asked for a booth on our reservation. Upon arrival, we were asked if a booth in the bar area would be okay. Service was not as good as usual, but not for lack of effort. The bartender was busy making drinks and service the booths in the bar area. Next time we would wait longer for a booth in the dining room.

A photo of Jack Dusty Coastal Cuisine and Crafted Cocktails restaurant

Jack Dusty Coastal Cuisine and Crafted Cocktails

4.6

4.6 (2333)

$30 and under

Seafood

Sarasota

About the restaurant

It wouldn't be a Florida lunch if there wasn't some great seafood on the menu. Patrons looking for the best coastal cuisine they can find at lunchtime should head to Jack Dusty—a place famous for great fish and strong drinks. Jack Dusty has a giant patio on the Sarasota Marina, so it is a great place to dine al fresco when the weather is nice. Diners can find a huge selection of favorites here, from ceviche to fish tacos, to alligator bites. The restaurant is truly casual and laid back, so come in flip flops and sandals or sundress and enjoy the salty sea breeze while dining.

Top review

B

Beth

Dined 7 days ago

Server did a great job and the matre de was wonderful…providing some heat to our table since it was a chilly day

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A photo of Pan Seared Grouper of a restaurant

Pan Seared Grouper

A photo of Crab & Fried Green Tomato of a restaurant

Crab & Fried Green Tomato

A photo of Sarasota Cioppino of a restaurant

Sarasota Cioppino

A photo of Seasons 52 - Tampa restaurant

Seasons 52 - Tampa

4.8

4.8 (7609)

$31 to $50

American

Tampa

About the restaurant

One thing that makes Seasons 52 so popular is that its lunch menu changes regularly. The dishes here feature seasonal ingredients, so the chefs switch the offerings as the weather shifts through the year. What's consistent at Seasons 52 is that the lunch is always delicious. Patrons can enjoy flatbreads, salads, sandwiches, and more. Some of the most popular menu options come straight from the restaurant's wood-fired oven. Seasons 52 feels upscale inside, and they also have an excellent wine list. So diners should consider it if they want to celebrate a special occasion or unwind during a mid-day meal.

Top review

K

KimVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Excellent overall! Wonderful place! Would dine here again hands down!

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A photo of Cedar Plank-Roasted Salmon of a restaurant

Cedar Plank-Roasted Salmon

A photo of Lobster Bisque of a restaurant

A photo of The Capital Grille - Sarasota restaurant

The Capital Grille - Sarasota

4.8

4.8 (2946)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Sarasota

About the restaurant

The Capital Grille in Tampa is one of the town's nicest restaurants. It's also one of the places in town for a delicious lunch. Diners here enjoy impeccable service in a formal dining room, filled with white table clothed tables and a uniformed waitstaff. On the menu here is a host of traditional steakhouse fare. Find a NY strip, filet mignon, shrimp cocktail, and more, and also the beloved steakhouse sides (like creamed spinach and french fries). This is a pricy restaurant and one that feels upscale, so patrons on a business lunch or expense account may want to consider it. It's also a great place to celebrate a special occasion.

Top review

K

kerryVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Service by Melissa was outstanding. My only quibble was the nutmeg in the creamed spinach. Most ppl hate nutmeg

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A photo of Creamed Spinach of a restaurant

Creamed Spinach

A photo of Parmesan Truffle Fries of a restaurant

Parmesan Truffle Fries

A photo of Caramelized French Onion Soup crock of a restaurant

Caramelized French Onion Soup crock

A photo of Brio Italian Grille - Tampa - International restaurant

Brio Italian Grille - Tampa - International

4.2

4.2 (1666)

$30 and under

Italian

Tampa

About the restaurant

For some of the area's best Italian food, and some of the best lunch in Tampa, patrons head to BRIO Tuscan Grille. This restaurant, located next to the Renaissance Hotel, offers diners a wide variety of dining options from salads and soups to pastas and hearty entrees, and there's a little something for everyne here, no matter their tastes or dining restrictions. BRIO is upscale inside, with large chandeliers adorning a dining room with soaring ceilings and plush seating options. However, they welcome all kinds of guests and there is no dress code, so come here for a festive and filling meal that's fitting for nearly any occasion.

Top review

R

Rick

Dined on 1 Jan 2025

Conner was our server, and made our experience a delight! Thanks Conner!

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A photo of Grilled Salmon of a restaurant

A photo of Shrimp & Scallop Risotto of a restaurant

Shrimp & Scallop Risotto

A photo of Duval's Fresh. Local. Seafood. restaurant

Duval's Fresh. Local. Seafood.

4.7

4.7 (5506)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Sarasota

About the restaurant

Many local residents consider Duval's to be the place that serves the freshest seafood in all of the Tampa area. It's also an excellent spot for lunch. Come here to enjoy classic staples like fried calamari and po boys. There's also an extensive wine list to choose a glass or bottle to pair with a meal. Duval's is technically in Sarasota, so it's a good option for a lunch when trying to explore more of the region beyond Tampa proper.

Top review

L

Lori

Dined 1 day ago

Excellent food and service. Salmon and swordfish were terrific. Our waiter was extremely attentive. A little pricey but what isn’t these days?

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A photo of Seafood Bruschetta of a restaurant

Seafood Bruschetta

A photo of Key Lime Pie of a restaurant

A photo of Creme Brulee of a restaurant

A photo of Ocean Prime - Tampa restaurant

Ocean Prime - Tampa

4.8

4.8 (11083)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Tampa

About the restaurant

Ocean Prime is a restaurant in Tampa that features outstadning seafood and a buzzing nightlife atmosphere. Despite its nighttime popularity, the restaurant also serves an excellent lunch, and diners love to come here for fresh fish and other seasonal fare. On the lunch menu, expect to find options like oysters on the half shell, shrimp saute in a Tabasco cream sauce, and a huge selection of sushi. Ocean Prime serves strong cocktails so choose it for a mid-day adult beverage.

Top review

T

TimVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Off menu Piemonte fillet is best that exists. Better than Waygu and always perfectly cooked by chef. Their desserts are also delicious

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A photo of Point Judith Calamari of a restaurant

Point Judith Calamari

A photo of Ten Layer Carrot Cake of a restaurant

Ten Layer Carrot Cake

A photo of Blackened Snapper of a restaurant

Blackened Snapper

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