Diners' Choice: Neighborhood gem restaurants in Tampa

OpenTable

Updated September 05, 2024

Looking for the best restaurants that are the best neighborhood gems in Tampa? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Quality Foods Market

5.0

5 (201)

$50 and over

Italian

Tampa

About the restaurant

Quality Foods Market offers a unique culinary experience, featuring authentic Italian cuisine, in a relaxed, elevated casual, and intimate atmosphere. Enjoy a seasonally changing, from scratch menu, featuring both classic and modern pastas; hand cut steaks from USDA Certified Premium Hereford Heritage 1881 Beef; New Zealand Lamb Chops; USDA Certified Prime Veal; and the freshest seafood available, flown in from around the world throughout the week. In addition, Quality Foods Market offers a curated wine list with selections from all over the world, and an unrivaled craft and imported beer selection. Executive Chef Christopher Houp takes the time to interact with each and every guest throughout the dining experience, taking the Chef's Table concept to a whole new level. Tables are limited, with just 16 seats inside, and an additional 16 seats for al fresco dining. Our guests are treated to a true Italian dining experience, as we allow a minimum of three hours between reservations.

Top review

Kathleen

Dined 1 day ago

Came here for my birthday yesterday and on a whim decided to try the steak. I was not AT ALL disappointed! The steak was juicy, cooked to a perfect medium rare (per my request) and absolutely melt in your mouth tender. I have tried wagyu at a chain restaurant before and honestly, this far exceeded my past experiences with steak, pretty much ever! Chef came to our table after we got the steak and made sure that it was cooked to my liking. Who does that!? What other restaurant do you know that is so conscientious of the meal you are being served? None that I know of, big or small! It was a wonderful experience. I could go on all day about the steak itself, but let me briefly focus on that delicious lamb! Again, perfectly seasoned and full of flavor. Chef uses New Zealand lamb and once again the meat he gets and the way he prepared it is mind blowing because we have never been fans of Australia/New Zealand sources lamb because it is gamey tasting. Not this stuff! This lamb is seasoned just right, using herbs grown right there in their garden! I have officially been spoiled and cannot go anywhere else for either lamb or steak. Thank you again for a delicious meal.

Caffe Paradiso - Tampa

4.9

4.9 (1111)

$30 and under

Italian

Tampa

About the restaurant

Caffé Paradiso voted best Italian resturant in Tampa is known for it's great home made regional dishes excellent service and reasonably priced wine list, also preparing special dishes at your request.

Top review

Bethvip

Dined 2 days ago

My veal special was outstanding, tender with a fabulous cream sauce and mushrooms. Great restaurant , superb service and attention to details!

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Paul’s Fusion Kitchen

4.9

4.9 (58)

$30 and under

Asian

Tampa

About the restaurant

We are a family with a rich Thai heritage that has been passed down for generations. Our love for Thai food and culture inspired us to create a fusion of traditional Thai dishes with a modern twist. Growing up in a Thai household, we were taught to appreciate the balance of flavors and the use of fresh ingredients in our cooking. Our menu features an array of dishes that combine Thai spices and flavors with other cuisines. Our goal is to showcase the beauty and complexity of Thai cuisine while infusing it with modern and creative flavors. We are excited to share our passion for food with you and hope you enjoy our unique fusion creations.

Our restaurant is located at 4034 W Kennedy Blvd right next to The British Shop and in the same plaza as Sucre and Chicken Salad Chick. Place a to-go order for your office or dine in with us in our cozy dining room!

We're looking forward to serving you in South Tampa, Florida.

Top review

Craigvip

Dined on Sep 11, 2024

This is a family run restaurant with food and service off the charts!! Chef Paul is a legend in Tampa/Clearwater/ St Pete area. Drunkin Noodles, Chicken Fried Rice, and the Thai Chicken are absolutely delicious!

Pane Rustica

4.8

4.8 (1354)

$31 to $50

Fusion / Eclectic

Tampa

About the restaurant

Pane Rustica is a Zagat-rated restaurant and artisan bakery featuring handcrafted baked goods, savory lunch items and enticing dinners. Lunch customers can choose from hearth-baked pizza, sandwiches and salads in a casual atmosphere. In the evening, the menu and service style elevate to fine dining, serving unique wood-fired entrees, appetizers and small plates. Our wine and drink menu offer delicious choices to pair with our menu items.

Top review

Mikevip

Dined 5 days ago

Great food, welcoming staff and a relaxing environment adds up to a Quality dining experience.

Cru Cellars Palma Ceia

4.7

4.7 (257)

$30 and under

American

Tampa

About the restaurant

A chef driven, new American menu with house-made small plates, entrées, and the finest selection of artisanal cheese and charcuterie!

Voted Tampa Bay's "Best Wine Bar," for many years, Cru Cellars is happily and obsessively wine focused, with 30+ wines & beers served by the glass in the back wine bar! Sample and taste different wines with our wine flights.

Cru is perfect for groups as well, with a lounge that seats 14, a cozy wine garden that seats 30! Our retail area is great for wine tastings and reception style events up to 60 people.

For groups of 8-12 guests, please call the restaurant directly. For groups of 13+, inquire here --> https://www.crucellars.com/private-events-catering-1

Holiday Hours-
*Christmas Eve-Sun. 12/24
Open for Brunch, Drinks, Retail, Gift Card Sales till 3pm.
*Christmas Day-Mon. 12/25
Closed.
*New Year's Eve-Sun. 12/31
Open for Brunch. Extended Hours for Dinner, Drinks, & Retail till 9pm.
*New Year's Day-Mon. 1/1
Brunch Available Open - 3pm.

Top review

Bryonvip

Dined on Sep 7, 2024

Always a delight! Boutique wine with delicious gourmet eats!

Acropolis Greek Taverna - South Tampa

4.6

4.6 (60)

$30 and under

Greek

Tampa

About the restaurant

Acropolis Greek Taverna - South Tampa is located few minutes away from Downtown Tampa.

We specialize in Mediterranean food and fun! Fridays and Saturday nights we have live music and do Zorba dancing performances and plate breaking, all in Greek fun! We offer a wide selection of Mediterranean food from salads and wraps to shish kabobs, fresh seafood, and lamb.

If you would like to experience unique food in a fun and diverse environment along with amazing cocktails and service, make sure to make a reservation right away! Yamas!

We are Honored to be Best of the Bay Award Winner for 2022!

Top review

Raj

Dined on Sep 7, 2024

Great place to eat greek cuisine. Music was a bit loud but we were seated away from music. Margaritas can be better with more tequila!!😂

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Experience

$5.00 Martini Mondays

Experience

$6.00 Tito Tuesday

The C House

4.5

4.5 (1565)

$31 to $50

American

Tampa

About the restaurant

*Please note*: A reservation guarantees your party a table. *Should you have a seating preference (e.g, inside or covered patio), please note it in the 'Notes' section at the time you make your reservation (or call us!) -- we assure you that we will do our best to accommodate (although, party size and reservation timeframe may not make such accommodation possible). 'C' you soon

#ConsciouslyCuratedClassicallyCool

Top review

Tammy Crutchfield

Dined on Sep 1, 2024

It was my first time at the C- House. Absolutely loved it. Food was delicious. I was there for brunch with a group of girls celebrating our birthdays highly recommend.

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Popular dish

CARBONARA GNOCCHI

P.F. Chang's - Brandon

4.5

4.5 (200)

$30 and under

Chinese

Brandon

About the restaurant

We are an Asian & Chinese restaurant offering dine-in, takeout, to-go, delivery, and catering. Make a reservation online to dine in. Order Asian and Chinese food delivery, takeout, and catering online or through the P.F. Chang's mobile app. Let us cater the perfect feast for you - corporate office catering menus are also available. P.F. Chang's offers a variety of signature Asian, Thai, Korean, Japanese, Mongolian, and Chinese food dishes including Chicken Lettuce Wraps, Chicken Pad Thai, Signature Lo Mein, Fried Rice, Mongolian Beef, Chang's Spicy Chicken, and Pork and Shrimp Dumplings. Order online for sushi delivery and takeout. Many gluten-free and vegetarian menu items are available. Try our seasonal cocktails and seasonal menu items.

Top review

OpenTable Dinervip

Dined on Jul 20, 2024

My experience was absolutely great, our server was wonderful. She made my special phenomenal only issue was the AC was not working which was beyond her control

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Experience

Lucky 8 Happy Hour (Mon - Fri, 3 - 6pm)

Spain Restaurant & Toma Bar

4.4

4.4 (603)

$30 and under

Spanish

Tampa

About the restaurant

Enjoy Mediterranean atmosphere in Tampa’s most unique, modern, urban setting complimented by excellent authentic Spanish (tapas) cuisine at affordable prices. Just blocks around the corner from Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center and the Tampa Theater, the Spain Restaurant and Toma Tapas Bar is the perfect place to be before or after a show.

We offer Live Music every Friday and Saturday nights.

Authentic Flamenco Dinners show is at 8pm the last Saturday of each month.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined 6 days ago

Paella Marinera was excellent, perfect portion for two people to share. Best Mojitos in Tampa. The calamari was super fresh 💯 If you get a chance I highly recommend this for a nice date night.

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Popular dish

Paella Marinara

Bahama Breeze - Brandon - Brandon Mall

4.4

4.4 (478)

$30 and under

Caribbean

Brandon

About the restaurant

Bahama Breeze Island Grille offers a To Go menu with easy online ordering. Take home a taste of the islands today. Bahama Breeze offers all your favorites: burgers, salads, seafood, chicken-all with our island flair. From jicama or plantains to jerk chicken pasta, you can enjoy the islands one taste at a time, discovering new flavors along the way. If our Latin and Caribbean-inspired recipes sound delicious but you're not sure you're ready to explore, ask us about the ingredients or preparation. We're always happy to share our knowledge of Latin American and Caribbean cuisine.

Top review

Rick

Dined 6 days ago

Everything was great except that neither our waiter nor the menu told us that happy hour draft beer came in two different sizes, with different prices. Wasn't a major deal, but would have liked to know before I ordered. Food was good as always, and we love the island vibe! Great happy hour, too!

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