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20 Best Lunch Spots in Tampa

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by The OpenTable Team
Updated February 06, 2020

Cotton candy-colored sunsets, white sand beaches, and crystal blue waters make Tampa, Florida an ideal destination. Tourist attractions include Busch Gardens and the artistic Ybor City. With access to the freshest catch, Tampa restaurants highlight Florida seafood elevated with tropical flavors. But where are the smartest, savviest diners eating out for the best lunch Tampa-style? Welcome to the Tastemaker Lists. We've surveyed expert diners and put together a list of the top spots for the best lunch Tampa has to offer. Book a table today!

4.8 (5501)
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
Tampa
For one of the most trendy lunch experiences in Tampa, head to Oxford Exchange. This beautiful restaurant with long green leather banquette seating has bright white walls covered in beautiful framed paintings and photographs. The menu at Oxford Exchange features fresh American fare, and some of the most popular options on the lunch menu include lobster sliders and a steak wedge salad. Diners can come here for lunch Monday to Friday.
Top review
Stephanie
Dined 3 days ago
Love the service…Joel was amazing…loved the food…and as always…loved the ambiance!
For one of the most trendy lunch experiences in Tampa, head to Oxford Exchange. This beautiful restaurant with long green leather banquette seating has bright white walls covered in beautiful framed paintings and photographs. The menu at Oxford Exchange features fresh American fare, and some of the most popular options on the lunch menu include lobster sliders and a steak wedge salad. Diners can come here for lunch Monday to Friday.
Top review
Stephanie
Dined 3 days ago
Love the service…Joel was amazing…loved the food…and as always…loved the ambiance!
4.5 (2182)
$31 to $50
American
Tampa
When diners in Tampa want a sports bar experience, they head to American Social Bar. This true sports bar is one of the most beloved spots in the area to watch a game and drink a cold one. The menu at American Social Bar is classic bar food, which means that patrons can eat things like a fried chicken sandwich, pepperoni pizza, or vegetarian chili for lunch. American Social Bar and Kitchen is convenient in Tampa, located on Harbour Island.
Top review
Shannon
Dined 4 days ago
Loved everything about the event!! Alina and Abi did amazing job!
When diners in Tampa want a sports bar experience, they head to American Social Bar. This true sports bar is one of the most beloved spots in the area to watch a game and drink a cold one. The menu at American Social Bar is classic bar food, which means that patrons can eat things like a fried chicken sandwich, pepperoni pizza, or vegetarian chili for lunch. American Social Bar and Kitchen is convenient in Tampa, located on Harbour Island.
Top review
Shannon
Dined 4 days ago
Loved everything about the event!! Alina and Abi did amazing job!
4.8 (15157)
$31 to $50
American
Tampa
Ulele, a new brewery and restaurant in Tampa, is open for lunch every weekday, and patrons say they serve some of the best lunch in Tampa. This name of this fusion restaurant, which combines Florida and Native American cuisine, comes from Princess Ulele, who was once a Native American Princess. Located on the Riverwalk, Ulele offers outstanding outdoor dining at lunchtime. Diners can order standouts like the Ulele Burger, which is char-grilled ground short rib, brisket and chuck blend burger topped with house steak sauce, Wisconsin sharp Cheddar, portobello mushrooms, fire-roasted red peppers and fried leeks served on brioche bun. They can also try the Alligator Hush Puppies, which have alligator, country ham, bacon, fresh corn, jalapeño, honey datil pepper sauce and fresh ground horseradish aioli. For beer lovers, Ulele is also a brewery, so try a cold one brewed in-house.
Top review
FranchescaVIP
Dined 3 days ago
Great food, love the steak and the ambience. Is always a good experience
Ulele, a new brewery and restaurant in Tampa, is open for lunch every weekday, and patrons say they serve some of the best lunch in Tampa. This name of this fusion restaurant, which combines Florida and Native American cuisine, comes from Princess Ulele, who was once a Native American Princess. Located on the Riverwalk, Ulele offers outstanding outdoor dining at lunchtime. Diners can order standouts like the Ulele Burger, which is char-grilled ground short rib, brisket and chuck blend burger topped with house steak sauce, Wisconsin sharp Cheddar, portobello mushrooms, fire-roasted red peppers and fried leeks served on brioche bun. They can also try the Alligator Hush Puppies, which have alligator, country ham, bacon, fresh corn, jalapeño, honey datil pepper sauce and fresh ground horseradish aioli. For beer lovers, Ulele is also a brewery, so try a cold one brewed in-house.
Top review
FranchescaVIP
Dined 3 days ago
Great food, love the steak and the ambience. Is always a good experience
4.7 (4017)
$31 to $50
Global, International
Tampa
edison: food+drink lab is a gastropub that has a distinct industrial feel. The brain behind edison is Jeannie Pierola, a 5-time James Beard Aware semifinalist and a local food scene celeb. edison's menu changes every day, since the whole conept of the restaurant is that the chef offers her food experiments daily. Some favorites served for lunch have included black truffle black bean soup, charred octopus horiatiki salad, and a garden grilled cheese. It's casual here, so patrons can come for lunch straight from the beach.
Top review
Carole
Dined 7 days ago
Fabulous service and the food was fantastic as well… From the potato crusted oysters, grilled octopus, burrata salad, to the duck and pork belly mains. Great Reserve Old Fashioned and Gin cocktail followed by an excellent Nebbiolo Red wine. Chef Pier
edison: food+drink lab is a gastropub that has a distinct industrial feel. The brain behind edison is Jeannie Pierola, a 5-time James Beard Aware semifinalist and a local food scene celeb. edison's menu changes every day, since the whole conept of the restaurant is that the chef offers her food experiments daily. Some favorites served for lunch have included black truffle black bean soup, charred octopus horiatiki salad, and a garden grilled cheese. It's casual here, so patrons can come for lunch straight from the beach.
Top review
Carole
Dined 7 days ago
Fabulous service and the food was fantastic as well… From the potato crusted oysters, grilled octopus, burrata salad, to the duck and pork belly mains. Great Reserve Old Fashioned and Gin cocktail followed by an excellent Nebbiolo Red wine. Chef Pier
4.8 (1232)
$30 and under
Contemporary American
Sarasota
Lila is well known in the Tampa area for being an excellent vegan-friendly restaurant. The also offer some of the best lunch in Tampa and its suburbs. This plant-based eatery has tons of options that are both healthy and delicious. Patrons can choose from selections like grilled tofu, a quinoa taco salad, and a falafel bowl. Lila is bright and trendy inside with soaring ceilings, chandeliers, and a long bar that lines the restaurant. Come here for a quick bite or to linger over lunch with a cocktail.
Top review
SusanVIP
Dined 7 days ago
We eat at Lila regularly and love their vegan specialties. We highly recommend it.
Lila is well known in the Tampa area for being an excellent vegan-friendly restaurant. The also offer some of the best lunch in Tampa and its suburbs. This plant-based eatery has tons of options that are both healthy and delicious. Patrons can choose from selections like grilled tofu, a quinoa taco salad, and a falafel bowl. Lila is bright and trendy inside with soaring ceilings, chandeliers, and a long bar that lines the restaurant. Come here for a quick bite or to linger over lunch with a cocktail.
Top review
SusanVIP
Dined 7 days ago
We eat at Lila regularly and love their vegan specialties. We highly recommend it.
4.6 (2336)
$30 and under
Mexican
Tampa
Some of the best Mexican food in the area is at Besito Mexican—a beloved spot for some of the best lunch in Tampa. Besito features dishes that have only local and fresh ingredients, and popular menu items include options like street tacos with carnitas and chicken quesadilla. Besito is bright and colorful inside but it's also casual, so come in flip flops and unwind with one of the restaurant's strong magaritas.
Top review
Joseph
Dined 5 days ago
I had the coconut striped fish. It was delicious. I would recommend it all my friends.
Some of the best Mexican food in the area is at Besito Mexican—a beloved spot for some of the best lunch in Tampa. Besito features dishes that have only local and fresh ingredients, and popular menu items include options like street tacos with carnitas and chicken quesadilla. Besito is bright and colorful inside but it's also casual, so come in flip flops and unwind with one of the restaurant's strong magaritas.
Top review
Joseph
Dined 5 days ago
I had the coconut striped fish. It was delicious. I would recommend it all my friends.
3.9 (2786)
$30 and under
Contemporary American
Tampa
Kona Gril is a popular spot in Tampa for modern American and Japanese fusion cuisine. The restaurant's menu focuses on sushi and cocktails, but they also offer other seafood-focused fare for patrons who choose to dine at lunchtime. Some of the most popular menu options include the fish taco, Hawaiian tuna poke bowl, and the chicken and shrimp lettuce wraps. The restaurant is laid back and chill, so it's great for a beachy crowd who wants to take a break from the strong mid-day sun. Diners who come here also recommend tasting the cocktails, which are tropical and strong. In addition to some of the best lunch in Tampa, the restaurant also has one of the area's best happy hours.
Top review
Madison
Dined 4 days ago
First time here & won’t be my last! Our server was amazing, the food and drinks were so tasty, & they have amazing deals and offers! I definitely recommend saving room for the chocolate lava cake!
Kona Gril is a popular spot in Tampa for modern American and Japanese fusion cuisine. The restaurant's menu focuses on sushi and cocktails, but they also offer other seafood-focused fare for patrons who choose to dine at lunchtime. Some of the most popular menu options include the fish taco, Hawaiian tuna poke bowl, and the chicken and shrimp lettuce wraps. The restaurant is laid back and chill, so it's great for a beachy crowd who wants to take a break from the strong mid-day sun. Diners who come here also recommend tasting the cocktails, which are tropical and strong. In addition to some of the best lunch in Tampa, the restaurant also has one of the area's best happy hours.
Top review
Madison
Dined 4 days ago
First time here & won’t be my last! Our server was amazing, the food and drinks were so tasty, & they have amazing deals and offers! I definitely recommend saving room for the chocolate lava cake!
4.7 (5956)
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
Sarasota
Michael Klauber and Phil Mancini are the brains behind Michael's on East. This restaurant is the only AAA Four Diamond Award Restaurant in town, which means they consistently serve outstanding, high-quality coastal cuisine—even at lunch. Some of the most popular menu items at lunchtime are Michael's Famous Cobb Salad, which comes with Marinated Grilled Chicken, Avocado, Bacon, Diced Tomatoes, Chopped Egg, Black Olives, Blue Cheese Crumbles & Honey Mustard Dressing, as well as the Southwestern Mahi-Mahi, served with Roasted Garlic Tomatoes, Corn Avocado Salsa, Yellow Tomato Gazpacho & Sautéed Spinach. Michael's on East has been open for 30 years, a testament to the quality of its menu and service.
Top review
jackieVIP
Dined 2 days ago
Food is superb as always, in one of the best values in town for quality of service flavor and ambience
Michael Klauber and Phil Mancini are the brains behind Michael's on East. This restaurant is the only AAA Four Diamond Award Restaurant in town, which means they consistently serve outstanding, high-quality coastal cuisine—even at lunch. Some of the most popular menu items at lunchtime are Michael's Famous Cobb Salad, which comes with Marinated Grilled Chicken, Avocado, Bacon, Diced Tomatoes, Chopped Egg, Black Olives, Blue Cheese Crumbles & Honey Mustard Dressing, as well as the Southwestern Mahi-Mahi, served with Roasted Garlic Tomatoes, Corn Avocado Salsa, Yellow Tomato Gazpacho & Sautéed Spinach. Michael's on East has been open for 30 years, a testament to the quality of its menu and service.
Top review
jackieVIP
Dined 2 days ago
Food is superb as always, in one of the best values in town for quality of service flavor and ambience
4.2 (338)
$30 and under
Chinese
Tampa
P.F. Chang's is a beloved nationwide chain for Asian fusion food. It's also a spot for some of the best lunch in Tampa. This popular eatery with soaring ceilings, columns, and a stunning open kitchen wows diners with a slew of Asian favorites. Come here to try the lettuce wraps, steamed pork dumplings, or Pad Thai, and don't forget to have dessert, since diners rave about the banana spring rolls: six warm, crispy spring rolls with coconut-pineapple ice cream and caramel and vanilla sauces. P. F. Chang's is in Tampa proper, in Westshore Plaza.
Top review
BrendaVIP
Dined on Jun 7, 2025
We were a party of 6 and everything was perfect the service, ambience, and food with the exception of the crab Rangoon We order crab Rangoon practically every Chinese restaurant we go to but this one was fishy tasting. I know it is crab but this tasted bad. We told waiter but he said that was "normal". We didn't press the subject but definitely won't be ordering it again.
P.F. Chang's is a beloved nationwide chain for Asian fusion food. It's also a spot for some of the best lunch in Tampa. This popular eatery with soaring ceilings, columns, and a stunning open kitchen wows diners with a slew of Asian favorites. Come here to try the lettuce wraps, steamed pork dumplings, or Pad Thai, and don't forget to have dessert, since diners rave about the banana spring rolls: six warm, crispy spring rolls with coconut-pineapple ice cream and caramel and vanilla sauces. P. F. Chang's is in Tampa proper, in Westshore Plaza.
Top review
BrendaVIP
Dined on Jun 7, 2025
We were a party of 6 and everything was perfect the service, ambience, and food with the exception of the crab Rangoon We order crab Rangoon practically every Chinese restaurant we go to but this one was fishy tasting. I know it is crab but this tasted bad. We told waiter but he said that was "normal". We didn't press the subject but definitely won't be ordering it again.
4.7 (2415)
$30 and under
Seafood
Sarasota
It wouldn't be a Florida lunch if there wasn't some great seafood on the menu. Patrons looking for the best coastal cuisine they can find at lunchtime should head to Jack Dusty—a place famous for great fish and strong drinks. Jack Dusty has a giant patio on the Sarasota Marina, so it is a great place to dine al fresco when the weather is nice. Diners can find a huge selection of favorites here, from ceviche to fish tacos, to alligator bites. The restaurant is truly casual and laid back, so come in flip flops and sandals or sundress and enjoy the salty sea breeze while dining.
Top review
debraVIP
Dined 2 days ago
Our gentleman waitstaff was attentive as he answered questions and guided us wisely. The swordfish sandwich special was outstanding….and the lobster roll is always a winner!
It wouldn't be a Florida lunch if there wasn't some great seafood on the menu. Patrons looking for the best coastal cuisine they can find at lunchtime should head to Jack Dusty—a place famous for great fish and strong drinks. Jack Dusty has a giant patio on the Sarasota Marina, so it is a great place to dine al fresco when the weather is nice. Diners can find a huge selection of favorites here, from ceviche to fish tacos, to alligator bites. The restaurant is truly casual and laid back, so come in flip flops and sandals or sundress and enjoy the salty sea breeze while dining.
Top review
debraVIP
Dined 2 days ago
Our gentleman waitstaff was attentive as he answered questions and guided us wisely. The swordfish sandwich special was outstanding….and the lobster roll is always a winner!
4.8 (7768)
$31 to $50
American
Tampa
One thing that makes Seasons 52 so popular is that its lunch menu changes regularly. The dishes here feature seasonal ingredients, so the chefs switch the offerings as the weather shifts through the year. What's consistent at Seasons 52 is that the lunch is always delicious. Patrons can enjoy flatbreads, salads, sandwiches, and more. Some of the most popular menu options come straight from the restaurant's wood-fired oven. Seasons 52 feels upscale inside, and they also have an excellent wine list. So diners should consider it if they want to celebrate a special occasion or unwind during a mid-day meal.
Top review
MaresiaVIP
Dined 4 days ago
Lexi was awesome customer service. The food was scrumptious. It was a special birthday for our friend. They did special touches and we all enjoyed it.
One thing that makes Seasons 52 so popular is that its lunch menu changes regularly. The dishes here feature seasonal ingredients, so the chefs switch the offerings as the weather shifts through the year. What's consistent at Seasons 52 is that the lunch is always delicious. Patrons can enjoy flatbreads, salads, sandwiches, and more. Some of the most popular menu options come straight from the restaurant's wood-fired oven. Seasons 52 feels upscale inside, and they also have an excellent wine list. So diners should consider it if they want to celebrate a special occasion or unwind during a mid-day meal.
Top review
MaresiaVIP
Dined 4 days ago
Lexi was awesome customer service. The food was scrumptious. It was a special birthday for our friend. They did special touches and we all enjoyed it.
4.8 (3163)
$50 and over
Steakhouse
Sarasota
The Capital Grille in Tampa is one of the town's nicest restaurants. It's also one of the places in town for a delicious lunch. Diners here enjoy impeccable service in a formal dining room, filled with white table clothed tables and a uniformed waitstaff. On the menu here is a host of traditional steakhouse fare. Find a NY strip, filet mignon, shrimp cocktail, and more, and also the beloved steakhouse sides (like creamed spinach and french fries). This is a pricy restaurant and one that feels upscale, so patrons on a business lunch or expense account may want to consider it. It's also a great place to celebrate a special occasion.
Top review
AndreaVIP
Dined 3 days ago
A great place to celebrate my birthday. Always a great meal and a great time. 
The Capital Grille in Tampa is one of the town's nicest restaurants. It's also one of the places in town for a delicious lunch. Diners here enjoy impeccable service in a formal dining room, filled with white table clothed tables and a uniformed waitstaff. On the menu here is a host of traditional steakhouse fare. Find a NY strip, filet mignon, shrimp cocktail, and more, and also the beloved steakhouse sides (like creamed spinach and french fries). This is a pricy restaurant and one that feels upscale, so patrons on a business lunch or expense account may want to consider it. It's also a great place to celebrate a special occasion.
Top review
AndreaVIP
Dined 3 days ago
A great place to celebrate my birthday. Always a great meal and a great time. 
4 (1708)
$30 and under
Italian
Tampa
For some of the area's best Italian food, and some of the best lunch in Tampa, patrons head to BRIO Tuscan Grille. This restaurant, located next to the Renaissance Hotel, offers diners a wide variety of dining options from salads and soups to pastas and hearty entrees, and there's a little something for everyne here, no matter their tastes or dining restrictions. BRIO is upscale inside, with large chandeliers adorning a dining room with soaring ceilings and plush seating options. However, they welcome all kinds of guests and there is no dress code, so come here for a festive and filling meal that's fitting for nearly any occasion.
Top review
Abigail
Dined 4 days ago
Steven was a phenomenal server. He was attentive and friendly. His food recommendations did not disappoint. We ended our meal with the lemon tart per his suggestion and left more than satisfied!
For some of the area's best Italian food, and some of the best lunch in Tampa, patrons head to BRIO Tuscan Grille. This restaurant, located next to the Renaissance Hotel, offers diners a wide variety of dining options from salads and soups to pastas and hearty entrees, and there's a little something for everyne here, no matter their tastes or dining restrictions. BRIO is upscale inside, with large chandeliers adorning a dining room with soaring ceilings and plush seating options. However, they welcome all kinds of guests and there is no dress code, so come here for a festive and filling meal that's fitting for nearly any occasion.
Top review
Abigail
Dined 4 days ago
Steven was a phenomenal server. He was attentive and friendly. His food recommendations did not disappoint. We ended our meal with the lemon tart per his suggestion and left more than satisfied!
4.7 (5778)
$31 to $50
Seafood
Sarasota
Many local residents consider Duval's to be the place that serves the freshest seafood in all of the Tampa area. It's also an excellent spot for lunch. Come here to enjoy classic staples like fried calamari and po boys. There's also an extensive wine list to choose a glass or bottle to pair with a meal. Duval's is technically in Sarasota, so it's a good option for a lunch when trying to explore more of the region beyond Tampa proper.
Top review
Carlos
Dined 2 days ago
Delicious dinner options of local seafood combinations. Highly recommended.
Many local residents consider Duval's to be the place that serves the freshest seafood in all of the Tampa area. It's also an excellent spot for lunch. Come here to enjoy classic staples like fried calamari and po boys. There's also an extensive wine list to choose a glass or bottle to pair with a meal. Duval's is technically in Sarasota, so it's a good option for a lunch when trying to explore more of the region beyond Tampa proper.
Top review
Carlos
Dined 2 days ago
Delicious dinner options of local seafood combinations. Highly recommended.
4.8 (11476)
$50 and over
Seafood
Tampa
Ocean Prime is a restaurant in Tampa that features outstadning seafood and a buzzing nightlife atmosphere. Despite its nighttime popularity, the restaurant also serves an excellent lunch, and diners love to come here for fresh fish and other seasonal fare. On the lunch menu, expect to find options like oysters on the half shell, shrimp saute in a Tabasco cream sauce, and a huge selection of sushi. Ocean Prime serves strong cocktails so choose it for a mid-day adult beverage.
Top review
Destiny
Dined 4 days ago
Our waiter Juan was above and Beyond! We came in to celebrate two Sweet 16 Bdays at 9:30 pm, and had 1 late arrival to our party after closing time (10pm) and the staff and Juan were More than accommodating, which we were truly grateful for considering the special occasion and that we aren't locals to Tampa. The service was wonderfully attentive and warm and personal, and Juan was so knowledgeable and descriptive that ordering was fun and easy. (Our 1st time eating here). Best service we've experienced in quite awhile. The food was very flavorful, and had great options for those in our family who dont prefer seafood. The coffee and desserts were delectable as well. We ordered the Dynamite Sushi, Truffle Mac, Twice Baked Potato, Chicken, Ten Layer Carrot Cake , Creme Brulee, etc. Everything was fresh, and delightful! We will be back and have found a new gem to add to our family favorites.
Ocean Prime is a restaurant in Tampa that features outstadning seafood and a buzzing nightlife atmosphere. Despite its nighttime popularity, the restaurant also serves an excellent lunch, and diners love to come here for fresh fish and other seasonal fare. On the lunch menu, expect to find options like oysters on the half shell, shrimp saute in a Tabasco cream sauce, and a huge selection of sushi. Ocean Prime serves strong cocktails so choose it for a mid-day adult beverage.
Top review
Destiny
Dined 4 days ago
Our waiter Juan was above and Beyond! We came in to celebrate two Sweet 16 Bdays at 9:30 pm, and had 1 late arrival to our party after closing time (10pm) and the staff and Juan were More than accommodating, which we were truly grateful for considering the special occasion and that we aren't locals to Tampa. The service was wonderfully attentive and warm and personal, and Juan was so knowledgeable and descriptive that ordering was fun and easy. (Our 1st time eating here). Best service we've experienced in quite awhile. The food was very flavorful, and had great options for those in our family who dont prefer seafood. The coffee and desserts were delectable as well. We ordered the Dynamite Sushi, Truffle Mac, Twice Baked Potato, Chicken, Ten Layer Carrot Cake , Creme Brulee, etc. Everything was fresh, and delightful! We will be back and have found a new gem to add to our family favorites.
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