Who’s ready to go on a culinary journey through time? Because we’re about to embark on a flavorful adventure through Tampa’s classic eateries. These aren’t just restaurants; they’re institutions that bring award-winning dishes and family recipes to life. Whether you’re in the mood for a loaded burger or an old-school Italian Sunday dinner, we’ve tracked down the top establishments that keep locals coming back for more. Bring your appetite, Tampa, because we’re diving into the city’s tastiest traditions.
We of course may have missed your favorite old school spot in Tampa. Send an email to info@thatssotampa.com and let us know your favorite so we can check it out and add it to the list!
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Bern’s Steak House
1208 S Howard Ave
Few things pair as nicely as steak and wine. At Bern’s Steak House, they’ve perfected both. An expert in decadence, Bern’s prime steaks are cut to order and dry-aged in-house for anywhere between 5 and 8 weeks. In addition to their selection of steaks, diners can choose from an array of appetizers, caviar, and a la carte sides. No meal is complete at Bern’s without a look at their wine list, which features bottles from one of the largest wine collections in the world. One of the most important rules at Bern’s is to save room for dessert. Before you head out, visit their internationally famous dessert room for after-dinner beverages and decadent, handmade sweets.
Kojak’s House of Ribs
1809 S Parsons Ave
In 2022, Kojak’s left its iconic South Tampa location for a new spot in Seffner, but it’s still worth visiting and celebrating. You’ll find more than ribs and BBQ at Kojak’s–you’ll get a real taste of Southern homemade eats. This family-owned and operated staple is known for the best ribs from Tampa to West Texas. While their BBQ pork spare ribs steal the show for most, don’t forget about their other fixings, from Hot Smoked Country Sausage and Pulled Pork to their world famous Mama’s Chocolate Cake. Using custom smokers, Kojak’s guarantees all their meat to be tender, juicy, and full of flavor. So order up a platter with a glass of their special sangria and sit out on their veranda while you savor the sauces and spices.
Columbia Restaurant
2117 E 7th Ave
Hailed as Florida’s oldest restaurant, Columbia Restaurant started as Columbia Saloon back in 1903, and is now the largest Spanish restaurant in the world. Family-owned and operated, this historic eatery in Ybor City uses family recipes as inspiration for their Spanish-Cuban dishes. Whether you’re in the mood to mix and match tapas or craving a heartier dish like their Ropa Vieja or Picadillo Criollo, Columbia Restaurant is our pick for Spanish cuisine in Tampa. Just be sure you try their Original Cuban Sandwich, voted the “Best Sandwich in Florida” by Food & Wine Magazine.
Goody Goody Famous Hamburgers
1601 W Swann Ave
There’s only one place you can head to when you’re craving a burger in Hyde Park Village: Goody Goody Famous Hamburgers. Originally open in 1925, this Tampa tradition closed in 2005 and reopened in 2014 under the management of the Columbia Restaurant Group. Although they serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner (with curbside pickup available), this is a burger joint through and through. Their Angus beef burgers come drenched in a secret tomato-based sauce, listed affectionately on the menu as POX, or pickles, onion, and secret sauce. Finish off any burger, sandwich, or entrée with one of their homemade pies, made fresh daily.
Jimbo’s Pit BBQ
4103 W Kennedy Blvd
Jimbo’s Pit Bar B-Q has served renowned BBQ to regulars and visitors alike for over 50 years. Using in-house rubs and BBQ sauces, the oakwood smoked meats are freshly cooked in two on-site smokers that run 24/7—all day and all night, laureling Jimbo’s as one of the best BBQ joints in Tampa Bay. Located at 4103 West Kennedy Blvd, Jimbo’s BBQ Pit is open Mon-Sat, 7am-9pm. The BBQ joint is right across the street from another TST staff favorite, Sucre Table.
Jimbo’s is and always will be a family business. “The family is always here,” says Joseph Lehman. “Controlling quality, quantity. Keeping an eye on the baby. Don’t drop the baby,” he laughs. Full story here. 
Mise en Place
442 W Grand Central Ave
Looking for French cuisine in Tampa? There’s one name that consistently tops the charts, and that’s Mise en Place. Featured in the Florida MICHELIN Guide, this local gem has been serving Tampa Bay since 1986. The restaurant combines classic French dishes with contemporary flair, making it an intimate spot for date night or a stylish haven for family occasions and professional gatherings. Their menu is ever-changing, so book your table soon to take part in their spring offerings, including Butternut Squash Mushroom Ragout, Smoked Salmon Carpaccio, and Venison Loin.
Bella’s Italian Cafe
1413 S Howard Ave #100
Next time you’d like to impress Nona with homestyle Italian cooking, take her to Bella’s. Their classic dishes like Bolognese Pasta, Margherita Pizza, and Pollo Parmigiana will satisfy every craving. But Bella’s really shines with their creative creations, including their Grouper Piccata, Genoa Pizza, and decadent Vesuvio dessert. With happy hour food and drink specials, an impressive Italian wine list, and late night offerings, Bella’s has a little something for everyone, no matter the occasion. And for those looking for some Italian inspiration at home, you can pick up a copy of Bella’s cookbook before you head out.
Pane Rustica
3225 S MacDill Ave
Pane Rustica, a beloved Tampa establishment, is celebrating 25 years of culinary excellence. Located at 3225 S MacDill Ave, Pane Rustica has become a local favorite known for its artisanal bakery and restaurant offerings. The team posted the following on their anniversary:
“July 15th, 1999, Pané Rustica opened its doors. We are so thankful for all of the amazing customers and staff along the way and we’re excited to celebrate such a special milestone with all of you!”
Despite its strip mall setting, Pane Rustica offers a diverse global dinner menu and cocktails at night, making it a versatile dining destination for any occasion. It has earned a reputation as one of Tampa’s highest-rated restaurants on TripAdvisor and Yelp. 
Big John’s BBQ
5707 N 40th Street
The best BBQ joint in Florida is in Tampa, according to a survey conducted by Southern Living. That spot is Big John’s Alabama BBQ (5707 N 40th St). Southern Living Magazine states the survey was conducted by a third party and 20,000+ people weighed in between July and August 2023.
“Big John’s is new to the South’s Best list but it’s hardly new to the Tampa Bay area,” writes the Southern Living editorial team.
The late Rev. John A. Stephens came to East Tampa from Eufaula, Alabama, and opened Big John’s in 1968. Today the restaurant is run by Stephens’s grandchildren, and though it moved into a new building in 2010, it still features splendid chicken, sausage, and ribs cooked hot and fast on an Alabama-style open pit with a giant brick chimney.
La Segunda
2512 N 15th St
From its humble beginnings in Ybor City, La Segunda has expanded to four locations across the Tampa Bay area, becoming a cherished institution in the community since its founding in 1915 by Juan Moré. Now under the leadership of Copeland Moré, the 4th generation owner, La Segunda continues to uphold its tradition of authentic cuisine and local flair.
The bakery was also just listed among the 100 best bakeries in the country by Food & Wine. Here’s what the site had to say about this local gem:
“Cuban bread, handmade by a small army of lifers, still with the signature palm frond running the length of each loaf, the way it’s been done for more than a century. Any further questions? Thought not. Family-owned since day one, a second, sit-down location finally opened not long ago—come in the morning for too much cafe con leche and buttered toast, otherwise known as one of Tampa’s best breakfasts.”
Mel’s Hot Dogs
4136 E Busch Blvd
Mel’s Hot Dog is an old school joint serving up the “top dogs in Tampa.” The restaurant has been at it for decades. The concept had been family-owned and operated since it opened back on July 3rd, 1973, and back in 2023 it sold. The new owners have kept Mel’s the same so future generations can enjoy it. Mel’s is located on the corner of Busch Boulevard and 42nd Street. The restaurant prides itself on serving the highest quality food.
The restaurant also serves up Chicago-style dogs, chili dogs, a slaw dog, and even a veggie option. Mel’s also serves up a huge bratwurst sandwich, a 5-star fried chicken sandwich, and an Italian sausage sammie that is perfect for the summer months.
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