Discover the Best New Restaurants in Tampa

by The OpenTable Team

Updated 31 October 2019

Located along Florida’s Gulf Coast, Tampa represents a cool, urban epicenter and a popular vacation spot in the United States. Blue skies and sunshine reflect across sparkly waterfronts. The lively atmosphere welcomes family fun with a twist of Cuban culture, whether enjoying the rides at the Busch Gardens theme park, visiting historic Ybor City, the “Cigar Capital of the World,” or heading to the pristine Gulf of Mexico waters for a day of sun and surf. In between all the activities, new restaurants in Tampa serve anything from authentic Mexican in Ybor City to the mom-and-pop Indian Eateries of North Tampa. Tampa especially shines when it comes to seafood, and this coastal city has endless eateries serving fresh, flaky fish. But where are the smartest, savviest diners eating out? Check out our Tastemaker 10 list of the best new restaurants in Tampa and book a table today!

Forbici Modern Italian Restaurant

4.8

4.8 (1800)

$31 to $50

Unspecified

Tampa

About the restaurant

Located on West Snow Avenue in Hyde Park Village, Forbici is a casual but trendy Contemporary Italian restaurant and pizzeria. The interior is whimsical and energetic and there is plenty of room in the wide open space for diners to sprawl out. There is even an “ancestor table,” a large table that sits beneath a gallery of family photos. The menu features Roman-style pizza, salads, pastas, main plates and grain bowls alongside an extensive wine list.

Top review

Daniel

Dined 2 days ago

Bobby was great. The food was amazing. Had the alora flat bread and left no crumbs

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4.2

4.2 (1485)

$31 to $50

Italian

Tampa

About the restaurant

Cena is a smart and sleek new Italian Spot at Grand Central and is definitely one of the best new restaurants in Tampa. The focus here is on fresh and simple Italian food served in a contemporary and stylish setting. They offer great ingredients, traditional dishes and attentive service to guarantee guests an excellent experience. The menu has a little something for everyone, including antipasti like hearty ravioli and Kobe beef carpaccio. Their pasta bowls are the real star here and regulars love the rustic bolognese, Puttanseca and Cacio e Pepe. Make sure to pair your meal with a glass of Italian wine, too.

Top review

beckyvip

Dined on 27 Sept 2024

Even though they were short staffed because of the hurricane, the food was just great and everyone was very welcoming.

Whiskey Cake - Tampa

4.8

4.8 (1858)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Tampa

About the restaurant

Whiskey Cake is a Texas-based “farm-to-fork” concept located at International Plaza in the mall’s Bay Street dining corridor. They serve up tasty dishes and cocktails from the scratch-only kitchen and bar. They focus son using slow-cooking methods on the live-wood grill, smoker and spit because food just tastes better that way! They believe that local is a place as much as a way of eating so everything on the menu is inspired by local ingredients available each season. Grab a fancy dining table or relax out on the beautiful porch.

Top review

Lisa

Dined 3 days ago

Great food. Friendly staff. Outdoor seating seems to be a little quieter during lunch hours on a weekday.

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Beachwood Seafood Kitchen & Bar

4.9

4.9 (1084)

$30 and under

Seafood

Tampa

About the restaurant

Beachwood Seafood Kitchen and Bar is one of the best new restaurants in Tampa for delicious seafood and sushi. It’s a casually sophisticated restaurant with a focus on fish. They pride themselves on creatively delicious seafood and also offer plenty of other dining delights to please any pallet. The interior features calming colors and beautiful textures that take your mind on a mini-vacation! It’s a perfect spot for happy hour with friends, a romantic date night, family dinner or a large party.

Top review

Denise

Dined on 20 Sept 2024

It was my first time there, excellent menu selection. Totally enjoyed it and will be back.