In the neighborhood of Tampa, Florida lies the historic Ybor City, known for cigars. It is called the “Cigar Capital of the World” and is named after a Spanish Entrepreneur Vicente Martinez-Ybor, who was responsible for bringing the booming cigar industry from Cuba in the 1880s. Today, it is known for major tourist attractions and restaurants that serve a delicious and diverse range of cuisines. Here are a few of the best restaurants in Ybor City that you must check out on your visit to downtown Ybor City.
Acropolis Greek Taverna
Are you looking for a casual dine-out but something beyond the regular? Acropolis Greek Taverna serves classic Greek food and drinks such as dolmades, souvlaki, and gyros. On weekends, special entertaining acts of live music and belly dance are organized at Acropolis Greek Taverna for visitors to enjoy a gala evening and a memorable experience.
Address: 1833 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605, United States | Timings: 11:00 am to 11:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/k9mS3dAesJYq6Sqn6 | Phone Number: +18132424545
Columbia Restaurant
Since 1905, Columbia Restaurant has been carving a history for serving authentic Spanish and Cuban cuisine at Tampa Bay. Arguably one of the top restaurants in Ybor City, Columbia Restaurant’s traditional menu includes beef, seafood, and pork dishes and has been in the same family for five generations. The nightly live shows, flamenco dance, and jazz music will accompany your evenings. Although Columbia Restaurant is located in several locations across Florida, the flagship historic one is in Ybor City.
Address: 2117 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605, United States | Timings: Sunday to Thursday: 11:00 am to 09:00, Friday and Saturday: 11:00 am to 10:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://g.page/Columbia-Restaurant-Ybor-City?share | Phone Number: +18132484961
La Terrazza
This restaurant has been offering a quaint yet elegant dining experience since 1996. The setting of the space and the mouth-watering Italian food take one to North Italy, giving a “la dolce vita” experience while in Tampa. Be it a casual lunch or a romantic dinner, if you are looking for a stylish and moderately priced spot in the historic Ybor City, this is the one.
Address: 1727 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605, United States | Timing: Tuesday to Friday: Lunch at 11:30 am and dinner at 05:30 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/fpEy64Pd6U25qBYi7 | Phone Number: +18132481326
Carmine’s
This Ybor City restaurant is an old-school and local favorite in Tampa, serving delights from Spain, Italy, and Cuba. The site is large and has a bright ambiance with iconic features such as exposed brick walls and large windows. Be it a Cuban sandwich for lunch, or a plate of shrimps prepared with a Spanish twist for dinner, this place has got you covered.
Address: 1802 E 7th Ave #3808, Tampa, FL 33605, United States | Timings: Monday and Tuesday: 09:00 am to 05:00 pm, Wednesday and Thursday: 09:00 am to 09:00 pm, Friday and Saturday: 09:00 am to 11:00 pm, Sunday: 09:00 am to 06:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/dfEcb9VaXKK5BVes5 | Phone Number: +18132483834
Bernini of Ybor
Named after the famous Italian painter Giovanni Lorenzo Bernini, this restaurant boasts decorative columns and fine art that add charm to its ambiance. Bernini specializes in gourmet dishes like orange-glazed duck and Black Angus beef. The highlight food items are the authentic wood-fired flatbread pizza and the opulent martinis. Although there are several main dishes to enjoy at Bernini, make sure you save some space for the classic Italian desserts!
Address: 1702 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605, United States | Timings: Wednesday and Thursday: 11:30: am to 10:00 pm, Friday and Saturday: 11:30 am to 11:00 pm, Sunday: 11:30 am to 09:00 pm, Monday and Tuesday: Closed | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/xwZtkokZhi3rj65V6 | Phone Number: +18132480099
Tampa Bay Brewing Company
This family-run micro-brewery is best known for its handcrafted beers and the unique food made with beer incorporated in it. The Stout Iron Rat Shepherd’s Pie, Beer Cheese Soup, Cider chicken wings, and spicy curry mussels are the specialties at Tampa Bay Brewing Company. The open-brick décor, eight-core beers, and 38 seasonal rotating beers make the dining experience more special.
Address: 1600 E 8th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605, United States | Timings: 11:00 am to 10:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://g.page/TBBC-Beer?share | Phone Number: +18132471422
Barterhouse Ybor
Inventive American cuisine and imaginative craft cocktails are the stars of the menu here. With its well-curated plates and a speakeasy-inspired bar, stocked with a local brew, Barterhouse offers a nostalgic feeling, making one crave for a second visit. If you enjoy a fine dining experience accompanied by delicious food, you must add this one to your list!
Address: 1811 N 15th St ste a, Tampa, FL 33605, United States | Timings: Monday and Tuesday Closed, Wednesday and Thursday: 05:00 pm to 10:00 pm, Friday and Saturday: 05:00 pm to 11:00 pm, Sunday: 11:30 am to 3:00 pm| Google Map Location: https://g.page/barterhouseybor?share | Phone Number: +18135421710
Ulele
Pronounced You-lay-lee, this restaurant serves intricately flavored, delicate, and vibrant dishes and is inspired by the native roots. The food here is prepared using fresh ingredients, and it has been serving hormone-free delicacies since 2014. There’s also serve exclusively available craft beer on the menu, made at the Ulele Spring Brewery.
Address: 1810 N Highland Ave, Tampa, FL 33602, United States | Timings: Sunday to Thursday: 11:00 am to 10:00 pm, Friday and Saturday: 11:00 am to 11:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://g.page/UleleTampa?share | Phone Number: +18139994952
El Puerto Restaurant & Grill
This family-owned restaurant, located in the main strip of historic Ybor City, takes you on a tour of South America with its delicacies. The specialties are dishes from Peru, Argentina, Mexico, El Salvador, Cuba, and the Cuban rolls and beef prepared with an Argentinian flair. Chef and owner Nelson Umana has over 20 years of experience in crafting delicious dishes with traditional recipes. El Puerto is truly one of Tampa’s best hidden gems and worth a visit.
Address: 1623 E 5th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605, United States | Timings: Monday to Thursday: 11:00 am to 09:30 pm, Friday and Saturday: 11:00 am to 10:30 pm, Sunday: 12:00 pm to 09:30 pm | Google Map Location: https://g.page/ElPuertoYbor?share | Phone Number: +18132488222
Blue Smoke Cigar Bar
Ybor City has its popular historic tale when it comes to cigars. This cigar and drinks lounge offers a friendly, premium, and relaxable vibe and range to visitors in Tampa. The cigars are hand-rolled and major brands like La Vida Cigars, San Lotano, and more. A large variety of beer and port is also served, making it the perfect hangout spot. Since 1997, it has been the go-to place for cigars and drinks among Ybor restaurants.
Address: 2440 FL-580 #13A, Clearwater, FL 33761, United States | Timings: Monday to Wednesday 11:00 am to 11:00 pm, Thursday to Saturday: 11:00 am to 12:00 am, Sunday 12:00 pm to 08:30 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/CBB5pGwKirsBP6da7 | Phone Number: +17277963777
Big Easy Bar
This cocktail bar and restaurant brings a splash of Orleans to historic Ybor City and serves delicately carved food and vibrant drinks to its visitors. Every Monday to Friday evening (from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm) are happy hours and include a variety of house beers and wines. It is a local favorite among Ybor City restaurants with food that is not just aesthetic to see but a treat for the tongue.
Address: 1704 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605, United States | Timings: Monday to Thursday: 04:00 pm to 12:00 am, Friday: 04:00 pm to 02:00 am, Saturday: 11:00 am to 02:00 am, Sunday: 12:00 pm to 08:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://g.page/BigEasyBarYbor?share | Phone Number: +18132483444
Eddie And Sam’s N.Y Pizza
Bringing the authentic New York Pizza to downtown Tampa, this restaurant has been serving tasty pizzas and pies along with other Italian dishes since 1998. How do we identify a classic New York pizza? It is characterized by wide, foldable slices with a thick, and flavorful crust. Mouth-watering appetizers, healthy salads, and delicious wings are among the many special dishes served here.
Address: 203 E Twiggs St, Tampa, FL 33602, United States | Timings: Wednesday to Sunday: 11:00 am to 10:00 pm, Monday and Tuesday: Closed | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/37KFa82JLoCB8Avz9 | Phone Number: +18132298500
The Stone Soup Company
This friendly eatery’s tasty and healthy dishes are what make it a favorite among the Ybor City and Tampa locals. The menu specializes in soups and sandwiches, flatbreads, empanadas, and entrees for you to choose from. Its rendition of the Cuban sandwich and versions of soups have been awarded and loved by all. If you want to try tasty and healthy food combined with comfortable dining, The Stone Soup Company is your place to be!
Address: 1919 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605, United States | Timings: Monday to Thursday, 10:30 am to 9:00 pm, Friday and Saturday 10:30 am to 11:00 pm, Sunday 10:30 am to 9:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://g.page/StoneSoupCompany?share | Phone Number: +18132477687
Samurai Blue
The Ybor City branch of this eatery is best known for its cool ambiance, savvy diners, and diverse lunch choices. The spacious and urban setting provides a comfortable atmosphere for you to enjoy modern Japanese cuisine. If you’re looking for a change from regular food, say “Konnichiwa” to this place!
Address: 1600 E 8th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605, United States | Timings: Monday and Tuesday: 11:30 am to 02:00 pm, 05:00 pm to 11:00 pm, Wednesday and Thursday: 11:30 am to 02:00 pm, 05:00 pm to 12:00 am, Friday: 11:30 am to 02:00 pm, 05:00 pm to 01:00 am, Saturday: 05:00 pm to 01:00 am, Sunday: 05:00 pm to 11:00 pm | Google Map Location: https://goo.gl/maps/odQwpT3fvcrkTLEv7 | Phone Number: +18132426688
Ybor City tells its historic tale when it comes to cigars and makes for a great place to visit on vacation. If you’re confused about where to enjoy your meals while in Tampa, you just received the answer in this list!