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20 Best Lunch Spots in Tampa

by The OpenTable Team

Updated 06 February 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 (5034)

$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

M

Mike

Dined 4 days ago

The food and service is impeccable. We share our experiences with everyone we meet.

American Social Tampa

4.5

4.5 (1989)

$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

D

Denise

Dined 4 days ago

I took my team here for dinner and we had a blast watching sports, eating great food, and drinking yummy martinis. Our waiter, PJ, was the best!

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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 (14395)

$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

maude

Dined 4 days ago

Great grilled oysters ! Staff was great , fish was fresh

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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

4.8

4.8 (3956)

$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

S

Sean

Dined 7 days ago

Took my wife here for a date on a Friday evening. While I can’t say there was anything particular bad (other than the NY strip that I ate half of and left behind) I don’t think I will ever go back. All employees were extremely nice. Served was attentive and the GM came by twice to check on us. Food and drink was prepared promptly and delivered efficiently. The ambiance was great in the dining room but there were little details missing for a dinner that we ultimate spent $350 on for the two of us with tip. It’s all minor details but the paper towels in the bathroom were in a dispenser and were what you’d find in a McDonald’s; I would think that there would be some type of softer almost cloth like disposable napkin. The fixtures in the bathroom were what you’d see in a chilis, again this is just nitpicking but important in at a restaurant at this price point. Out of respect, I had my steak boxed and I would have expected it to be brought to the table in a branded bag but instead it was in a cheap box and left on the table. Parking lot is small and there is no valet, not a big deal but again it’s the details. You walk in through the back door past the bathrooms which I found odd. We had two appetizers the oysters and foie gras - both were fantastic. My wife had the scallops which she found delightful. I had the NY strip ordered medium rare and it came out closer to medium. I could tell as soon as it was set down that it was going to be dry. The sear marks on it looked nice but unfortunately carried an extremely charred and burnt taste that made it inedible. The dryness coupled with the burnt flavor absolutely ruined it for me. The rest of the plate was tasty but it felt like the dish was doing too much. I had similar thoughts about the other entrees and figured it would be hard to mess up a steak. We had the butter cake to finish and split an espresso martini. The cake was dry and the basil sauce was odd. Overall, I think it’s worth a try at least once.

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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 25 Sept 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

4.7

4.7 (1178)

$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

C

carrievip

Dined 4 days ago

Our local book club got together here this week. We are a large group and there was something for everyone - including those who are vegan, vegetarian AND gluten free. Food is excellent.

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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 (2268)

$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

C

Camille

Dined 1 day ago

The guac and chips made by our wonderful server (who’s from Columbia table) side was DEEE LISH US! The tacos, burger with jalapeños and chicken tortillas soup brought a smile to our stomachs. We have been struggling to find good Mexican food/restaurants in Tampa. Coming from San Diego nothing can compare. Until now. We will definitely be back! Muchas Gracias Besito Restaurant.

A photo of Kona Grill - Tampa restaurant

Kona Grill - Tampa

3.9

3.9 (2671)

$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

W

Wayne

Dined 2 days ago

Our server Brooklyn and the manager Jonathan we fantastic. The quality of food here is ALWAYS amazing! It is the number one destination on our open table app.

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A photo of Shrimp of a restaurant

A photo of Filet of a restaurant

Taste of Kona: 3-Course Prix Fixe Menu

A photo of Michael's On East restaurant

Michael's On East

4.8

4.8 (5553)

$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

C

Carolvip

Dined 3 days ago

We had another wonderful dining experience at Michael's on East, and because of the delightful weather we enjoyed our meal in the lovely outdoor atrium beneath the twinkling lights We decided on the monthly Epicurean menu, so this month we enjoyed menu options inspired by the cuisine of South Africa - what a treat! We always enjoy the regular menu options, but it is so special to be able to enjoy flavors from around the world as an alternative. The food, as always, was freshly prepared to order and every bite was delicious. The recommended wine pairings made the perfect match The service at Michael's on East is always wonderful, and this time was no exception - so many thanks to Freddy, Katie and the rest of the team for a wonderful service that added greatly to our enjoyment of the evening.

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

P.F. Chang's - Tampa

4.3

4.3 (303)

$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

R

Robbin

Dined on 20 Aug 2024

The crab Raggon's were amazing. They had chunks of crab, nothing I have ever had before!!

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A photo of Lucky 8 Happy Hour (Mon - Fri, 3 - 6pm) of a restaurant

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

A photo of Jack Dusty Coastal Cuisine and Crafted Cocktails restaurant

Jack Dusty Coastal Cuisine and Crafted Cocktails

4.8

4.8 (2305)

$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

J

Jerry

Dined 7 days ago

We sat outside and there was a wedding in the lower level outside. The wedding had a DJ and the outside dining area had a DJ. This made it extremely hard for my wife and I to have a conversation and to enjoy the beautiful night. The service was excellent along with the food. Would definitely like to come back but will have to check to make sure there are no events planned for the lower level.

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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 (7503)

$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

OT

OpenTable Diner

Dined 7 days ago

First time dining with season 52 when I snagged a last minute reservation, my husband and I had an AMAZING dinner and we were already planning on our next trip back before we left the dinner. Dinner, drinks, the cozy atmosphere all 10/10

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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 (2884)

$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

L

Lisa

Dined 2 days ago

Shauna in the bar area was awesome she took great care of us!

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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

4.3

4.3 (1644)

$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

C

Connie

Dined on 13 Oct 2024

Service was impeccable and food was delicious! It was a wonderful respite from the turmoil of Hurricane Milton.

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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 (5454)

$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

J

John

Dined 3 days ago

We had dinner during the week to celebrate a milestone birthday for my wife, joined by two sons and their wives. We ordered a lot of food and EVERYTHING was outstanding, the appetizers were perfect (Crab cakes were outstanding!), the fish was very fresh and perfectly prepared. Our server, Lexi, was friendly, attentive, and professional. We have all dined at high end restaurants around the world and this experience was considered by all as one of the best that we have experienced. Thank you Lexi, the chef, and owners, it made this occasion even more special and memorable.

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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 (10914)

$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

S

Shelly

Dined 5 days ago

We went for my mom’s 80th birthday. The service was amazing! They had birthday confetti on the table, provide a special cocktail for my mom and even comped her dessert. It was a beautiful, memorable dinner, we will return soon! Thank you, Ocean Prime ❤️

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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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