Best Restaurants and Cafes in Tampa? (Miami, Miami Beach: to rent, condos, hotel)

[independent mind]

Hi, I'm moving to Tampa from Paris/London, where I am used to eating out a lot and frequenting cafes. I'm wondering what are the very best cafes and restaurants you would recommend to get the very best out of the experience? I love exotic/spicy/haute/regional cuisine. I'm also wondering what are the most currently trendy neighborhoods to rent a flat in Tampa or the waterfront area? Many thanks and I look forward to the Florida sun!!

[algia]

Please don't expect to find the types of Cafe's we have in Europe here...there are 2 places in Florida that "I" as European also can say they are "similar" but by far NOT the same...one in on Ocean Drive in Miami Beach and the 2nd at a MUCH smaller scale is in St. Armand's circle in Sarasota...Tampa doesn't have anything Paris/London look a like cafe's...You will have a bit of a cultural shock when you see it for yourself...

People here are not into that type of stuff simply because the culture here is Chain restaurants and eating after 7pm...and also because here it is generally too hot to enjoy being out like that......

[gypsychic]

You should look south to Sarasota - we have a large and growing population of Europeans here, especially from France and UK. Many of them have opened cafes and bistros here. We even have friends from Belgium/France who recently relocated here (Cortez area) from the south of France! Sarasota has a LOT of wonderful unique restaurants of all types - Algia already mentioned St. Armand's Circle, but many more exist downtown and scattered all over town. Sarasota's downtown has several authentic French/Italian/Austrian bakeries as well. For such a small city, it really has a lot to offer. Not to mention some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

In Tampa, you will want to check out the neighborhoods in South Tampa and around Westshore for restaurants.

[TB Fla]

Most cafes in Tampa can be found in Ybor City, Channelside, or Hyde Park villiage.

Trendy neighborhoods are South Tampa, Channelside, Davis Island, or Harbour islands and maybe even Downtown. Ybor City is an up-and-coming neighborhood aswell. A lot of new condos, and townhouses there.

[lavender]

downtown St Pete too
Dunedin is quaint with a few cafes and nice to stroll around
Indian Rocks Beach has a few nice places you can sit outside and walk around from one to another, but more beachy than euro - though a fair chunk of euros eat and drink there

[tampaguy03]

Check out restaurant rows such as Main Street in Dunedin(like Kelly's...); or Beach Blvd in Gulfport(Backblue FIn, Pias...); or South Howard Ave/Hyde Park Village(Restaurant BT, Wine Exchange, Ceviche, 717 South, Mangroves...); Ybor City's 7th Avenue and surrounding blocks(El Puerto, Laughing Cat, Berninis, La Terraza, La Creperia, Tre Amici-Bunker....) Downtown St Pete's Central Ave/Beach Drive(400 Beach, Moon Underwater, La Brasserie, Bella Brava, Red Mesa Cantina, Fresco's.....); Armenia Avenue rom Columbus Drive to Busch Blvd will have a very international eateries..cuban, indian, mexican, spanish, italian, chinese, vietnamese.

[thethinktank]

As per usual, TampaGuy's advice is golden. I lived in downtown Chicago for 8 years, living on the independent local fare crafted by some pretty impressive culinary establishments. After months (years now) of research, Tampa has precisely what I want for a continued enjoyment of an indie dining experience. Want top quality tapas with a Spanish-inspired environment? Visit Ceviche on South Howard in South Tampa. Want Thai food in its original sense, cooked by newly immigrated Thais that don't Americanize their cuisine? Check out Wat Tampa near Ybor on a Sunday. Want the best damn french fries and American-style food you've eaten? Hit up The Bungalow on Kennedy, a block East of Howard. Prefer a deli-style, New York experience for foodies? Datz Deli is your spot without a doubt.

In a city this size, good cuisine is always present-- finding it is the challenge. For any style of food you desire, there is fulfillment in Tampa. If you want to be within walking distance of some of Tampa's best, look for housing in South Tampa, specifically Hyde Park, SoHo, Palma Ceia and others. Oh, and always listen to TampaGuy's advice

[triplegold]

My favorites are:

Don Cesar Hotel for a Sunday brunch
The Greek restaurant in Ybor on 7th Ave (forgot the name)
Cafe Bistro in the International Mall
The dinner cruise that leaves from Channelside

and several more places in Hyde Park whose names I can't remember

[FloridaKash]

How is the Rusty Pelican?

[gypsychic]

Originally Posted by AlaskaKash

How is the Rusty Pelican?

I LOVE the Rusty Pelican! Haven't been there for a couple years, but it has great ambiance, great setting and I love the food! Give it a try!