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20 Best Lunch Spots in Tampa

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!

A photo of Oxford Exchange restaurant

Oxford Exchange

4.8

4.8 (5100)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Tampa

About the restaurant

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

J

joseph

Dined 1 day ago

Very nice 1st Time experience. Service was great, food and drink exceptional Will definitely return

American Social Tampa

4.5

4.5 (2019)

$31 to $50

American

Tampa

About the restaurant

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

C

Cathy

Dined 4 days ago

We sat outside and staff turned on a heater near us. The meals were excellent and the service was wonderful. First time and will definitely be returning!

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A photo of Wagyu Steak Fried Rice of a restaurant

Wagyu Steak Fried Rice

A photo of AmSo Burger of a restaurant

A photo of AmSo Burger Taco of a restaurant

AmSo Burger Taco

A photo of Ulele restaurant

4.8

4.8 (14520)

$31 to $50

American

Tampa

About the restaurant

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

M

MackenzieVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Ulele is such a staple in Tampa. Our server, Lennon was amazing. Dinner & dessert was as excellent, as always!

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A photo of Charbroiled Oysters of a restaurant

Charbroiled Oysters

A photo of Seafood Risotto of a restaurant

Seafood Risotto

A photo of Coconut Ice Cream of a restaurant

Coconut Ice Cream

A photo of edison: food+drink lab restaurant

edison: food+drink lab

4.7

4.7 (3963)

$31 to $50

Global, International

Tampa

About the restaurant

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

J

JayVIP

Dined 2 days ago

I’m a foodie and always look for great restaurants when we travel. This turned out to be a great choice. I started with the tuna appetizer. It was fabulous. The accompaniments complemented the tuna perfectly. My wife had the mushroom soup. OMG it was tasty. My wife never orders pork in a restaurant, but the waiter’s description of it was so good she tried it and was glad she did. It was delicious. I had the steak. It was perfectly cooked and had a great tang to it. If you don’t like spicy foods I’d stay away, but I thought it was fabulous. I had the shortbread cookies for dessert. I would have preferred them with a little less jam and more ice cream, but that’s a minor complaint. My wife said the pomegranate sorbet was the best sorbet she ever had. Originally my wife gave me grief for picking a restaurant that was 40 minutes away from our hotel, but when we were done she acknowledged it was worth the drive. A few reviewers complained about the prices. Good food is expensive today. Don’t blame the restaurant for the Fed’s inflation.

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A photo of grilled octopus of a restaurant

grilled octopus

A photo of Sugar-Crusted Butter Cake of a restaurant

Sugar-Crusted Butter Cake

A photo of brûlée butter cake of a restaurant

brûlée butter cake

A photo of Cafe L'Europe - St Armand's restaurant

Cafe L'Europe - St Armand's

4.8

4.8 (2434)

$31 to $50

Modern European

Sarasota

About the restaurant

When patrons walk into Cafe L'Europe, they'll feel as if they hopped across the pond. That's because the owners of the restaurant have tried to make a place that offers old-world ambiance, with brick arches, a grand piano, and dark wood furniture, so Floridians can feel like they've taken a jaunt to Europe during their lunch break. Menu options here include salmon piccata, lido-style corned beef and a salade Nicoise. Cafe L'Europe has been serving patrons in the Tampa area for more than 38 years.

Top review

V

VirginiaVIP

Dined on Sep 25, 2024

Lovely experience. The amazing food, excellent service, and gorgeous style of this restaurant are truly wonderful

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A photo of French Onion Gratinée of a restaurant

French Onion Gratinée

A photo of Escargot of a restaurant

A photo of Tuna Niçoise of a restaurant

A photo of Lila restaurant

4.8

4.8 (1189)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Sarasota

About the restaurant

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

F

Fran

Dined 3 days ago

Our sever Shane was very helpful Food was delicious. Great variety of vegan choices. When we first arrived, it was very noisy and hard to talk in our group of seven but later on when less full the noise level was easier.

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A photo of Mushroom Burger of a restaurant

Mushroom Burger

A photo of Besito Mexican - Tampa restaurant

Besito Mexican - Tampa

4.7

4.7 (2279)

$30 and under

Mexican

Tampa

About the restaurant

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

G

Germarie

Dined 7 days ago

Our waiter Isabela was amazing!!! Will definitely be back!

A photo of Kona Grill - Tampa restaurant

Kona Grill - Tampa

3.9

3.9 (2692)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Tampa

About the restaurant

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

J

JennyVIP

Dined on Dec 19, 2024

I dined at Kona Grill last night and had the prime rib—it was absolutely delicious! The drinks were also fantastic. While it’s not a budget-friendly spot, the experience was worth it. The ambience was okay, but overall, I had a good time and will return.

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A photo of Shrimp of a restaurant

A photo of Asian Salad of a restaurant

A photo of Sushi Sundays at Kona Grill of a restaurant

Sushi Sundays at Kona Grill

A photo of Michael's On East restaurant

Michael's On East

4.7

4.7 (5601)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Sarasota

About the restaurant

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

D

DAVIDVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Our server, AJ, was exceptional! The food was, as always, delicious. You really can't "top" a Michaels dining experience.

A photo of P.F. Chang's - Tampa restaurant

P.F. Chang's - Tampa

4.0

4 (311)

$30 and under

Chinese

Tampa

About the restaurant

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

C

Carla

Dined on Dec 8, 2024

Food was decent, but felt overpriced for the quality of what we received. We were sick when by the time we got home. The menu could definitely stand to expand. PF Chang’s was once really nice, now it seems more like a Chili’s experience. Our server (Christian) was upbeat, informative, and had a great personality. He should move on to somewhere he can do better.

A photo of Jack Dusty Coastal Cuisine and Crafted Cocktails restaurant

Jack Dusty Coastal Cuisine and Crafted Cocktails

4.7

4.7 (2328)

$30 and under

Seafood

Sarasota

About the restaurant

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

P

Peter

Dined 2 days ago

Very nice restaurant and exceptional wait staff with premier food offerings.

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A photo of Pan Seared Grouper of a restaurant

Pan Seared Grouper

A photo of Crab & Fried Green Tomato of a restaurant

Crab & Fried Green Tomato

A photo of Sarasota Cioppino of a restaurant

Sarasota Cioppino

A photo of Seasons 52 - Tampa restaurant

Seasons 52 - Tampa

4.8

4.8 (7576)

$31 to $50

American

Tampa

About the restaurant

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

R

Rachel

Dined 4 days ago

Food was superb! Alaskan butter fish was out of this world. Never a disappointed at Seasons 52.

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A photo of Cedar Plank-Roasted Salmon of a restaurant

Cedar Plank-Roasted Salmon

A photo of Lobster Bisque of a restaurant

A photo of The Capital Grille - Sarasota restaurant

The Capital Grille - Sarasota

4.8

4.8 (2925)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Sarasota

About the restaurant

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

C

carolVIP

Dined 5 days ago

Food quality and service were excellent. Food was prepared as ordered. Sue our waitress was amazing as usual

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A photo of Creamed Spinach of a restaurant

Creamed Spinach

A photo of Parmesan Truffle Fries of a restaurant

Parmesan Truffle Fries

A photo of Caramelized French Onion Soup crock of a restaurant

Caramelized French Onion Soup crock

A photo of Brio Italian Grille - Tampa - International restaurant

Brio Italian Grille - Tampa - International

4.2

4.2 (1662)

$30 and under

Italian

Tampa

About the restaurant

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

K

Kathryn

Dined 1 day ago

Lobster bisque, chopped salad, and shrimp risotto were all very good. Gustavo, our waiter, was friendly and attentive. Overall excellent experience.

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A photo of Grilled Salmon of a restaurant

A photo of Shrimp & Scallop Risotto of a restaurant

Shrimp & Scallop Risotto

A photo of Duval's Fresh. Local. Seafood. restaurant

Duval's Fresh. Local. Seafood.

4.7

4.7 (5492)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Sarasota

About the restaurant

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

D

Disappointed

Dined 5 days ago

The food was delicious. My husband is British and very picky about his fish and chips and he thought the fish and chips there was excellent. Martini’s are $8 during Happy Hour, which is excellent value.

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A photo of Seafood Bruschetta of a restaurant

Seafood Bruschetta

A photo of Key Lime Pie of a restaurant

A photo of Creme Brulee of a restaurant

A photo of Ocean Prime - Tampa restaurant

Ocean Prime - Tampa

4.9

4.9 (11029)

$31 to $50

Seafood

Tampa

About the restaurant

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

V

VickiVIP

Dined today

We always love eating here. Our family’s favorite

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A photo of Point Judith Calamari of a restaurant

Point Judith Calamari

A photo of Ten Layer Carrot Cake of a restaurant

Ten Layer Carrot Cake

A photo of Blackened Snapper of a restaurant

Blackened Snapper

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