Tampa’s restaurant scene is growing by the day. From fast-casual to fancy AF establishments, diners have their pick of foodie hubs to enjoy. Yes, we also have hot spots for vegan and gluten-free diners. Five new restaurants just debuted that need to be on your radar:
Hales Blackbrick Hyde Park, 1809 W Platt St
The acclaimed Hales Blackbrick debuted a new location in Hyde Park at 1809 W. Platt St. at the end of 2024. This expansion marks a significant milestone for owner Chef Richard Hales, a third-generation Tampa native whose family has been in the community since 1954. Hales Blackbrick also operates a restaurant at 4812 N. Dale Mabry Hwy.
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The main menu highlights signature dishes like brisket and lobster noodle dishes, paella fried rice, and fried chicken and honey dumplings.
Lara Tampa, 1919 E 7th Ave
Chef Suzanne Lara has long teased the debut of this apothecary-themed restaurant in Ybor City. At long last, it is open. The love for this new craft cocktail hub was overflowing on Instagram. Guests can enjoy a variety of small plates and craft cocktails inside the former home of Stone Soup. It’s expensive.
Lara is currently in its soft opening phase, with a full opening and menu expansion set for February. It’s current listed hours:
- Thursday-Sunday: 11 a.m. – midnight
- Sunday: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Jay Luigi SoHo, 516 S Howard Ave
Ciccio Restaurant Group’s celebrated Italian restaurant, Jay Luigi, is officially open in Tampa. The menu offers healthy and creative twists on classic Italian dishes, including two offerings of Roman pizza: Pala (light and fluffy) and Tonda (thin and crispy), an array of shareable fancy plates, fresh pasta, locally grown veggies, grilled meats, and lighter craft aperitif-style cocktails.
YumSem Eats, 1441 E Fletcher Ave
Yumsem Eats, the newest Korean street food spot, has officially opened at 1441 E. Fletcher Ave, Unit 127 (the same plaza as staff favorite Kalesia Tea). And that’s not all—two more locations are coming soon to 5229 N. Florida Ave and 11802 Bruce B Downs Unit 103.
So, what exactly is on the Yumsem menu? Think savory, mouthwatering dishes made with high-quality ingredients. Start with Yumsem Tteokbokki, a dish of chewy rice cakes and fish cakes seasoned to perfection with scallions and onions. Or try the Yumsem Kimbap, a Korean-style sushi roll stuffed with pickled radish, braised burdock, carrot, spinach, and a perfectly fried egg, all wrapped in crispy roasted seaweed.
Lower Deck Tampa, 601 S Harbour Island Blvd
Three Oaks Hospitality, the group behind some of Tampa’s most popular dining spots like Steelbach at Armature Works and Hyde Park’s Ro, has just expanded its local footprint with the debut of Lower Deck at Pointe on Harbour Island (601 S Harbour Island Blvd suite 110).
Executive Chef Matt Mangone has designed a menu to complement the laid-back vibe. It features a selection of fresh raw oysters, shrimp scampi toast, pizzas, and handhelds, with plenty of options for all tastes.
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