You may not be able to sit down and enjoy food at your favorite local restaurant, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still drool over Tampa Bay’s spectacular food scene from the comfort of your couch. It was nearly impossible, but we’ve narrowed down 10 dishes that every Tampa resident or visitor MUST try ASAP!
#1. The Gator Sub - Jon Smith Subs
This sub shop is located in Lutz and has been serving the best subs in the area. Their famous Gator Sub hits all of the cravings with sirloin steak, kielbasa, and chicken, topped with provolone cheese and scrumptious swamp sauce. Call ahead and pick it up without even leaving your car!
#2. Korean BBQ Pork Belly Tacos - Datz
This new menu item is available for delivery or carryout. Enjoy juicy pork belly tossed in our sweet and spicy Korean BBQ Sauce and topped with shredded lettuce, cotija cheese, avocado, and a splash of hot sauce. Does it get much better than that?
#3. Breakfast Fare - Central Park Family Restaurant
Who doesn’t love a delicious omelet that is stuffed with bacon and cheese!? Central Park Family Restaurant is serving up New York diner-inspired cuisine in New Port Richey. They are offering curbside pickup or delivery through DoorDash and Grub Hub. If you mention that you saw them on Magic 94.9 you’ll get 20% off your order.
#4. "1905" Salad - Columbia Restaurant
Would it really be a Tampa Bay staple list if we didn’t include the infamous “1905” salad from the Columbia Restaurant group?! The salad hits every spot with it’s delectable dressing, shredded cheese, and perfectly sliced cuts of ham. Order it now and enjoy!
#5. Calzones - Cappy's Pizza
Craving Chicago-styled pizza or New York-style pizza? Well, Cappy’s got them both. Where they really excel is their calzones. They are huge, yet you will still be craving more!
#6. Honey Butter Chicken Sandwich - PDQ
PDQ is the go-to fast food restaurant that will please chicken lovers everywhere. They have creative sauces, crunchy chicken, and a staff that is 100% dedicated to quality (it’s even in their name!). Grab a honey butter chicken sandwich from their drive-thru and enjoy all the crunchy-goodness from the comfort of your couch!
#7. Pastrami Deli Sandwich - Cass Street Deli
Honestly, you’ll want to thank us after eating this. Pop open a Dr. Brown’s soda and enjoy! I’m just going to let the image below do all the talking.
#8. Schnitzel - Mr. Dunderbak’s Brewpub
Enjoy the German deli options as well as the classics like the delightful schnitzel! They are offering to-go brews from their in house brewery so make sure you grab one to pair with your schnitzel.
#9. BBQ Ribs - Jimbo's Pit Bar B-Q
You can’t come to the south without trying some BBQ, make sure you get it from the pros! Jimbo’s is a family-owned BBQ joint that serves up the most amazing ribs. Whether you are a Tampa resident or just passing by, make sure to come in.
#10. Cream Puffs - Alessi Bakery
Now that you’ve enjoyed all of the best foods in Tampa, it’s time to wrap it up with a delicious dessert from Alessi Bakery. They have been around for over 100 years so they know what they are doing when it comes to whipping up delightful desserts for everyone to enjoy. Our recommendation? CREAM PUFFS. They are so fluffy, light, and perfectly represent everything that a cream puff should be.
Don’t forget about our local cuisine in Tampa. Due to unforeseen events, many are facing extreme hardship. Let’s all get together and help support our local food restaurants and servers!