The Best Cheap Eats in Tampa

Tampa offers a laid-back, urban epicenter along Florida’s Gulf Coast and has become one of the most popular vacation spots in the United States. Blue skies and sunshine overlook sparkly waterfront views with ample family fun and culture all in one place! Whether you’re enjoying the rides at Busch Gardens, 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, Tampa has a little something for everyone. The same goes for the town’s dining scene, which contains a huge range of cuisines and types of restaurants that appeal to both the locals who live in Tampa and the visitors who flock to its beaches year after year. Tampa is a town for foodies, from the authentic Mexican spots of Ybor City to the mom-and-pop Indian Eateries of North Tampa. If you’re wondering how you can enjoy a fantastic meal in Tampa that won’t cost you an arm and a leg, check out our Tastemaker list of the best cheap eats Tampa has to offer.

The OpenTable Team

19 Restaurants

Updated October 01, 2021

Restaurants:	Clasico Italian Chophouse Sarasota, Riverhouse Waterfront - Reef & Grill, LURE Restaurant-South Tampa…
Price Range:	$$ - $$
Cuisines:	Contemporary American, Seafood, Tapas / Small Plates…
Neighborhoods:	Sarasota, Palmetto, Tampa…

Clasico Italian Chophouse Sarasota

$$$$

Contemporary American

Sarasota

4.2

287 reviews

Located on the corner of Main and Palm in Sarasota, Classico is a favorite gathering spot for some of the best cheap eats Tampa has to offer. Recently renovated, it is a totally unpretentious yet interesting and eclectic place to grab a delicious meal and enjoy a tasty drink. The menu features contemporary American cuisine with options like Baja Fish Tacos, a Classico Hot Sicillian Sandwich and an Artisan Cheese Plate. They have a great beer list and offer excellent wine pairings upon request.

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Riverhouse Waterfront - Reef & Grill

$$$$

Seafood

Palmetto

4.5

798 reviews

Riverhouse Waterfront Restaurant is a fantastic restaurant for cheap eats in Tampa. The restaurant is trendy but casual, so you can hang here on a date or just stop in for a casual weekday dinner. The menu at Riverhouse is vast and varied. Choose from a selection of fish tacos, fish sandwiches, grilled seafood dishes, and pasta. They have a great bar scene, so check out their drink menu if you want to enjoy a delicious cocktail before or after you eat.

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LURE Restaurant-South Tampa

$$$$

Tapas / Small Plates

Tampa

4.5

160 reviews

Located on South Macdill Avenue in Downtown St. Petersburg, Lure is a great spot for some of the best cheap eats Tampa has to offer. The menu features tapas, small plates and sushi in a unique, irresistible location under the pines of Palma Ceia. The menu starts with sushi and then adds an array of tapas, tacos and flatbreads. You can also browse the selection of local craft brews on draft, custom cocktails and potent Tiki drinks. The atmosphere is convivial and welcoming, making it a great spot for friends, coworkers or a date.

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Chill- Restaurant & Bar

$$$$

Contemporary American

St. Pete Beach

4.2

364 reviews

Chill is a restaurant and bar located at St. Pete Beach that serves up delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner for a bargain. The menu offers traditional and eclectic speciaties and focuses on wholesome foods cooked from scratch. They do a great job of catering to special diets and have dishes that are gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan and more. The atmosphere is super casual and laid back and they have a full liquor bar with crafted cocktails and espresso. Come dine on the outdoor alfresco patio and enjoy the warm Florida breeze!

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Sophie's at Saks Fifth Avenue- Sarasota

$$$$

Contemporary American

Sarasota

4.8

613 reviews

Located on the 2nd floor of Saks Fifth Avenue in The Mall at University Town Center, Sophie’s is a casual spot to enjoy American cuisine with a global twist. Diners can enjoy the luxurious, intimate setting and open kitchen in the dining room or sit outside on the outdoor terrace to dine al fresco. The experience is just as high-end as shopping at Saks Fifth Avenue. Chef Andrew Thompson changes the innovative menu seasonally using the best locally-sourced ingredients. The best news is that even though the food tastes like haute-cuisine, the prices won’t hurt your wallet.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Lila

$$$$

Contemporary American

Sarasota

4.8

980 reviews

Lila means “creative play” and that is what the kitchen aims to do with their cuisine. It’s a spontaneous, playful and healthy menu comprised mostly of vegetables and sustainable meats. Located in Citrus Square, the dining room is comfortable and casual with a rustic vibe. Owners Ryan Boeve and Arthur Lopes know the restaurant industry well and set out to create a fresh new spot for cheap eats that are also good for your health! House favorites include a moist and mild buffalo filet mignon, plate of merguez sausage and the duck-fat braised pork belly.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Social Eatery & Bar

$$$$

Fusion / Eclectic

Sarasota

4.1

1005 reviews

Located on First Street, just across from Bayfront, Social Eatery and Bar is the place to go for cheap eats in a unique indoor/outdoor setting with a refined yet casual style. It’s a mix of old-world charm and New World sophistication, both in the decor and the food. The menu is both culturally and regionally inspired and focuses on ‘farm fresh’ ingredients to support local farmers and create new inspiration for the menu. Try one of their specialties, like the Sun Poke Bowl, Paella or a Wood Fired Pizza.

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Melange

$$$$

Contemporary American

Sarasota

4.7

452 reviews

Located on Orange Avenue in Sarasota, Melange is a classy restaurant with sidewalk seating and a handsome dining room. Inside, diners can sit and enjoy a fun cocktail like a Sir Sazerac or Blue Mule while watching the chefs prepare their meal in the open kitchen. The menu here includes some awesome budget items, including snacks, soups, salads and small plates designed for sharing so that diners can get a full sample of what is available. The kitchen prides itself on coming up with Tampa’s most creative dishes!

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

The Library

$$$$

American

St. Petersburg

4.7

2629 reviews

The Library, located on 5th Street South in St. Petersburg, is a laid-back spot to find good food on a budget. It has a gorgeous, stately dining room with the option to sit inside or outside on the patio. You can also grab a seat at the bar for a more casual meal. For walk-up service, the pastry counter serves coffee, tea, and cheap eats throughout the day. Then you can sit and enjoy specialties like the house burger, a burrata plate or the hand-cut beef tartare.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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Connors Steak & Seafood - Sarasota

$$$$

Steakhouse

Siesta Key

4.7

6092 reviews

Connors Steak and Seafood, located in Siesta Key, is a casual American restaurant specializing in fresh seafood and premium aged steaks. They also serve salads, hearty bowls of pasta and delicious sandwiches and burgers. The restaurant features well-appointed dining rooms and impeccable service. Every steak dinner comes with soup and salad as well as a baked potato or side of your choice so you get a full meal for a very affordable price. Connors also has a full bar with classic cocktails, beer and wine.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Stonewood Grill & Tavern - North Sarasota

$$$$

American

Sarasota

4.5

2233 reviews

Stonewood Grill & Tavern offers a casual dining experience on Bloomingdale Avenue in North Sarasota. They promise an extraordinary experience by preparing a feast that is beautifully presented, delicious and affordable! They oak-grill steaks to enhance natural flavors and use only the freshest seafood available, prepared by their gourmet chefs. They offer a selection of starters that are perfect for sharing with the table, like the calamari, house-smoked salmon and tavern wings.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Tzeva

$$$$

Mediterranean

Sarasota

4.2

328 reviews

Art Ovation Hotel has a number of signature restaurants and they always offer a luxurious dining experience. This Sarasota location features wood floors and chairs, floor-to-ceiling windows, bright green booths lining the walls and cool modern art! The ambiance and the service make this place a popular choice with locals and visitors alike. The menu features new curated culinary experiences and artistically inspired American Classics. Every dish features the freshest and finest ingredients, and cheap eats on the menu include the Shrimp Cocktail, Deviled Eggs and Blistered Shishito Peppers.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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Dry Dock Waterfront Grill

$$$$

Seafood

Longboat Key

4.8

6965 reviews

Another great option for outstanding cheap eats in Tampa is Dry Dock Waterfront Grill. Located at the end of Longboat Key, Dry Dock offers coastal cuisine in a laidback environment. Choose from great affordable menu options like the Grouper Bites, Gulf Shrimp, Seafood Chowder and Lobster Bisque. Dry Dock is also a great option if you like beautiful sunset views and watching boats come and go as you dine.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Clayton's Siesta Grille

$$$$

American

Sarasota

4.6

1653 reviews

In nearby Siesta Key (located off Sarasota) is Clayton’s, a local favorite for burgers, sandwiches, salads, fresh fish and other cheap eats. Clayton’s has a dive bar atmosphere that makes you feel right at home. And the food is cheap, but anything but sloppy! Clayton’s is a family favorite because of its bustling and friendly environment, and all the fried dishes are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Guppy's

$$$$

Seafood

Indian Rocks Beach

4.7

2500 reviews

Guppy’s is a favorite gathering place for locals and visitors interested in finding some delicious cheap eats in Tampa. Located on Gulf Blvd right on the waterfront, you can also enjoy some spectacular sunset views while you dine. The menu features Chef Scott’s Unique Seafood creations, like bacon-wrapped swordfish with chorizo asiago grits. Sandwiches are also deliciously affordable, like the signature Guppy’s Grouper Sandwich.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Bazille - Nordstrom International Plaza

$$$$

Contemporary American

Tampa

4.8

1223 reviews

Come to Bazille, located on the second floor of Nordstrom’s in the International Plaza, for casual dining that’s easy on the wallet. The menu features bold flavors and bistro classics and the ambiance is chic and inviting. It is the perfect place to take a break and refuel while you’re out shopping. Meet up with friends at the bar for internationally sourced wines and handcrafted cocktails. Cheap menu items include the crab bisque and chicken corn chowder. They also have a great kids menu!

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Bavaro's Pizza Napoletana & Pastaria-Sarasota

$$$$

Italian

Sarasota

4.5

660 reviews

Head to Bavaro’s Pizza on Franklin Street in downtown Sarasota for a wonderful meal and dining experience that won’t break the bank. This is an outpost of the original restaurant in Tampa and they feature the same awesome Italian food and fun, lively setting. They offer a full bar, brunch and live music and their authentic Neapolitan pizza is the best cheap meal in town!

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Moon Under Water

$$$$

International

St. Petersburg

4.5

68 reviews

Moon Under Water is one of the oldest restaurants in the Tampa area and a local favorite for the best cheap eats Tampa has to offer. They serve British Colonial-inspired food and drinks in an authentic pub atmosphere that’s perfect for a date, a hangout with friends or just a casual mid-week meal. The location on historic Beach Drive is an added draw and they have a large outdoor patio with scenic views of Straub Park and the downtown waterfront! Come in and try their cheap pub eats, like the Vindaloo curry!

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Muse at the Ringling

$$$$

American

Sarasota

4.4

1222 reviews

Muse, located on Bay Shore Road, is a super trendy eatery serving upscale local cuisine with an international flair. Muse is all about creating new flavor combinations to share with local and regional diners. They create food with an eye for presentation and only use fresh and high-quality ingredients - and you can find some super reasonable prices on the menu. Diners can enjoy a contemporary setting and relaxed vibes while they sip on a unique cocktail or glass of wine. Try some of their small plates to keep costs down.

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The Best Cheap Eats in Tampa

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