Tampa’s exquisite waterfront food hall is home to a few of our favorite restaurants in the area. Hemingway’s Cuban bowls are to die for. The Karaage at Ichicoro is a one of our favorite dishes in the entire city of Tampa. Now they’re adding two more heavy hitters to the roster: Pane Rustica and Cress.
Y’all have probably already heard about Pane Rustica. This artisan bakery just kind of gets us, ya know? The fine dining establishment is the top indulgence spot in Tampa Bay. Don’t believe us? Just try the flash seared fresh calamari with Pad Thai sauce. It’s revelatory.
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Yes, the plates are small, but the ideas behind them are gigantic. The Cajun spiced chicken flatbread pizza with applewood bacon, caramelized onions, grilled corn, triple cheese blend, and molasses barbeque drizzle is a dish we dream about every single night.
The penne rustica, covered in fresh mozzarella, spinach, garlic Kalamata olives and tomato, is transformative. It puts you right back at your Nonna’s table.
We’re not sure what the full menu will be for Pane Rustica when it opens in Heights Public Market, but it’s worth treating yourself to a preview by visiting their original Tampa location at 3225 South MacDill Avenue.
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Cress is a concept we are less familiar with, but it looks like the vendor will be amping up the healthy options inside Heights Public Market.
The restaurant will feature healthy salads, bowls, and soups made fresh daily. Cress’s mantra: Eat well, be well.
On Instagram, the minds behind Cress have teased a peach caprese salad, and a hearty Tampa Greek salad.
That’s not all that’s debuted at Armature Works. Recently, SoHo Juice Co., and Stones Throw have both made major splashes in the area.
Need even more food news? A new concept called Fork & Gallina just opened on Franklin Street.
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