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EXPLORE | | | | | | | 1413 S Howard Ave
Tampa,
FL
33606
813-254-3355 | | | | | Description: SOHO. Although it could easily be pretentious, thanks to subdued lighting and gracious details, Bella's prefers to greet guests with relaxed charm. In fact, it's a delightful place to dine throughout the day, and folks return often to tuck into wood-fired pizzas and a plethora of delectable pasta dishes. The open kitchen provides a hint of what's to come, and whether you choose a chicken entree, stuffed eggplant, an appetite-pleasing bowl of pasta, or a bit of tiramisu, you'll see the kitchen's skill immediately. Late hours and favorable prices heighten Bella's appeal.
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| 3611 W Hillsborough Ave
Tampa,
FL
33614
813-873-7745 | | | | | Description: AIRPORT AREA. If old fashioned comfort grub is what you need to get the day started, give this casual little joint on West Hillsborough a try. Decorated with antiques and forever casual, the Brunchery stays true to its name by delivering time-tested classics like steak and eggs, Belgian waffles, omelets, crepes, eggs benedict and French toast. In addition to the morning eats, the kitchen also assembles some rather outstanding sandwiches. Consistently good, this is the type of place that doesn't really get much in the way of style but really racks up the points when it comes to service and food. NB If you're paying with plastic, be advised: The Brunchery requires a $10 minimum.
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| 2500 W Azeele St
Tampa,
FL
33606
813-879-5228 | | | | | Description: HYDE PARK. If you're looking for a local place that's sure to "run circles" around the familiar chain joints, this charming '20s bungalow may just be right up your alley. Here, fabulous Sunday brunches are served on intimate tables covered by white linens. As to the lunch and dinner offerings, the kitchen isn't afraid to fuse together flavors and ingredients from all over the world; therefore, it's not uncommon for one person at your table to enjoy a dish tinged with Asian influences while somebody else opts for a spicy Cajun dish. And here's a little-known gem: Circles features a pretty darn good selection of wines from all price ranges.
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| 14366 N Dale Mabry Hwy
Tampa,
FL
33618
813-908-7023 | | | | | Description: CARROLLWOOD. Folks in Carrollwood have long-recognized this Southern-based chain for its tasty, home-style breakfast and brunch eats, and justly so. Unpretentious and always friendly, J. Christopher's is the type of place locals treasure and travelers long for a casual place where diners are made to feel like neighbors and the food never fails to hit its mark. Signature numbers include waffles made using Carbon's Golden Malted Flour, Huevos Avocados, Crème Brulee French Toast, and Just Bubba, an order of biscuits smothered in old-fashioned country gravy. Salads and sandwiches are available for folks with appetites for something other than breakfast.
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| 13248 N Dale Mabry Hwy
Tampa,
FL
33618
813-968-1501 | | | | | Description: CARROLLWOOD. Although the menu can be a tad intimidating, the food is worth the momentary discomfort you feel stumbling through the Asian characters. Perfectly seasoned, spicy and flavorful, each entree is a study in balance, pairing textures and ingredients for optimal appeal. Dishes are tinged with lemongrass, cilantro and hot chilis, but judiciously so that no one component is overwhelming. Try the panang chicken or the beef sa-teh for a main dish, or sip the chicken and cream of coconut soup for a mild, velvety treat. The menu is extensive, so take some time to look over the selections. Then throw caution to the wind and wield your chopsticks in confidence.
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| 4103 W Kennedy Blvd
Tampa,
FL
33609
813-289-9724 | | | | | Description: AIRPORT AREA. You can be assured of good barbecue when you see the pit smoking out back. Jimbo's keeps close watch over it, taking great pains to ensure that all the meat reaches that moment of perfect flavor. When it's ready, they pile it high, add baked beans, mustard slaw and hushpuppies and bring it out to you. Whether you get chicken, beef, pork or ribs, you'll smack your lips at the tender, well-seasoned meat and the tangy sauce. It's down-home food and as good as you've ever tasted. Once you've finished licking your fingers clean, make sure to order up a piece of the apple pie. It's homemade.
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| 2808 Gandy Blvd
Tampa,
FL
33611
813-837-3774 | | | | | Description: SOUTH TAMPA. Anyone who comes here knows that Kojaks is good eating! Open since 1978, this laid-back restaurant is well-known for its fantastic ribs, and the locals concur, having named it an area favorite for many years. Diners tackle heaps of barbecue, braking only for a bite of coleslaw or some famous parsley potatoes. Although you can sit inside in one of three rooms, the best setting is out on the porch, where you can enjoy the breezes and the freedom that comes with outdoor dining. For an added treat, make sure you try a slice of homemade chocolate cake or a glass of ice-cold sangria.
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| 304 E Davis Blvd
Tampa,
FL
33602
813-251-2928 | | | | | Description: DAVIS ISLAND. All those classic images that come to mind when you think, "Florida restaurant" the seaside knickknacks, the fish tank, the just-a-tad quirky color scheme and, of course, the pink flamingos are a live and well at this très unique island eatery, located due south of downtown. Don't let appearance fool you, though, this place isn't all shtick. From down home breakfast eats like corned beef hash and crab cake Benedict to mid-day dandies like the battered grouper or turkey and roast beef melt, the Flamingo rarely fails to please. There are three outdoor tables for people who like to dine with their pets.
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| 1600 E 8th Ave
Tampa,
FL
33605
813-242-6688 | | | | | Description: YBOR CITY. Samurai Blue gets high marks from savvy diners for its outstanding lunch choices. Their bento boxes, for example, carry everything from beef short ribs to sushi. If you're looking for something more visually familiar, their panko-seared crab cakes or teriyaki-salmon wrap sandwich pose tasty alternatives. Though prices elevate some at dinner, this fun-loving joint continues to pack folks in, thanks to both its sleek design (the sushi bar, after all, is shaped like a tsunami) and its fantastic nigiri, sashimi and maki creations.
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| 1200 S Dale Mabry Hwy
Tampa,
FL
33629
813-253-3838 | | | | | Description: PALMA CEIA. For 40 years, this cafe and deli has provided Tampa with the freshest, tastiest food imaginable. Everything is homemade, and Wright's is as quick to provide corporate catering as it is to make your individual lunch order. Soups, salads, and quiche are on the menu, as are a host of sandwiches. The signature dish, the Beef Martini, tucks rare roast beef, crisp bacon and marinated mushrooms between slices of bread buttered with a garlic and herb spread. You can't go wrong with anything you order just make sure to save room for one of the sweets as their cakes and pies (made with real fruit fillings) are second to none.
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