Time to dig into Tampa’s delicious restaurant history. These aren’t just restaurants; they’re institutions that bring award-winning dishes and family recipes to life. Whether you’re in the mood for a loaded burger or an old-school Italian Sunday dinner, we’ve tracked down the top establishments that keep locals coming back for more. Bring your appetite, Tampa, because we’re diving into the city’s tastiest traditions. These might be the best date night spots Tampa has to offer.
Explore 14 of the best old school restaurants across the city of Tampa. These beloved Tampa restaurants serve up 5-star Cuban sandwiches, amazing desserts, mouthwatering guava pastries, serious burgers, huge plates of pasta, and so much more. Here’s where you must treat yourself in Tampa (and enjoy the meal with a slice of local history). Several of these local Tampa restaurants are also featured in the Florida MICHELIN Guide.
We of course may have missed your favorite old school spot in Tampa. Send an email to info@thatssotampa.com and let us know your favorite so we can check it out and add it to the list! 
Photo via Bern’s Steak House/FB
Bern’s Steak House
1208 S Howard Ave
Few things pair as nicely as steak and wine. At Bern’s Steak House, they’ve perfected both. An expert in decadence, Bern’s prime steaks are cut to order and dry-aged in-house for anywhere between 5 and 8 weeks. In addition to their selection of steaks, diners can choose from an array of appetizers, caviar, and a la carte sides. No meal is complete at Bern’s without a look at their wine list, which features bottles from one of the largest wine collections in the world. One of the most important rules at Bern’s is to save room for dessert. Before you head out, visit their internationally famous dessert room for after-dinner beverages and decadent, handmade sweets.
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Kojak’s House of Ribs
1809 S Parsons Ave
In 2022, Kojak’s left its iconic South Tampa location for a new spot in Seffner, but it’s still worth visiting and celebrating. You’ll find more than ribs and BBQ at Kojak’s–you’ll get a real taste of Southern homemade eats. This family-owned and operated staple is known for the best ribs from Tampa to West Texas. While their BBQ pork spare ribs steal the show for most, don’t forget about their other fixings, from Hot Smoked Country Sausage and Pulled Pork to their world famous Mama’s Chocolate Cake. Using custom smokers, Kojak’s guarantees all their meat to be tender, juicy, and full of flavor. So order up a platter with a glass of their special sangria and sit out on their veranda while you savor the sauces and spices.
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The Columbia is one of the most beloved restaurants in Florida, and it all began in Ybor City | Photo via The Columbia Restaurant Group
2117 E 7th Ave
Hailed as Florida’s oldest restaurant, Columbia Restaurant started as Columbia Saloon back in 1903, and is now the largest Spanish restaurant in the world. Family-owned and operated, this historic eatery in Ybor City uses family recipes as inspiration for their Spanish-Cuban dishes. Whether you’re in the mood to mix and match tapas or craving a heartier dish like their Ropa Vieja or Picadillo Criollo, Columbia Restaurant is our pick for Spanish cuisine in Tampa. Just be sure you try their Original Cuban Sandwich, voted the “Best Sandwich in Florida” by Food & Wine Magazine.
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Jimbo’s Pit BBQ
4103 W Kennedy Blvd
Jimbo’s Pit Bar B-Q has served renowned BBQ to regulars and visitors alike for over 50 years. Using in-house rubs and BBQ sauces, the oakwood smoked meats are freshly cooked in two on-site smokers that run 24/7—all day and all night, laureling Jimbo’s as one of the best BBQ joints in Tampa Bay. Located at 4103 West Kennedy Blvd, Jimbo’s BBQ Pit is open Mon-Sat, 7am-9pm. The BBQ joint is right across the street from another TST staff favorite, Sucre Table.
Jimbo’s is and always will be a family business. “The family is always here,” says Joseph Lehman. “Controlling quality, quantity. Keeping an eye on the baby. Don’t drop the baby,” he laughs. Full story here.
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Photo by Ysanne Taylor
Mise en Place
442 W Grand Central Ave
Looking for French cuisine in Tampa? There’s one name that consistently tops the charts, and that’s Mise en Place. Featured in the Florida MICHELIN Guide, this local gem has been serving Tampa Bay since 1986. The restaurant combines classic French dishes with contemporary flair, making it an intimate spot for date night or a stylish haven for family occasions and professional gatherings. Their menu is ever-changing, so book your table soon to take part in their spring offerings, including Butternut Squash Mushroom Ragout, Smoked Salmon Carpaccio, and Venison Loin.
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Bella’s Italian Cafe
1413 S Howard Ave #100
Next time you’d like to impress Nona with homestyle Italian cooking, take her to Bella’s. Their classic dishes like Bolognese Pasta, Margherita Pizza, and Pollo Parmigiana will satisfy every craving. But Bella’s really shines with their creative creations, including their Grouper Piccata, Genoa Pizza, and decadent Vesuvio dessert. With happy hour food and drink specials, an impressive Italian wine list, and late night offerings, Bella’s has a little something for everyone, no matter the occasion. And for those looking for some Italian inspiration at home, you can pick up a copy of Bella’s cookbook before you head out.
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Pane Rustica
3225 S MacDill Ave
Pane Rustica, a beloved Tampa establishment, is celebrating 25 years of culinary excellence. Located at 3225 S MacDill Ave, Pane Rustica has become a local favorite known for its artisanal bakery and restaurant offerings. The team posted the following on their anniversary:
“July 15th, 1999, Pané Rustica opened its doors. We are so thankful for all of the amazing customers and staff along the way and we’re excited to celebrate such a special milestone with all of you!”
Despite its strip mall setting, Pane Rustica offers a diverse global dinner menu and cocktails at night, making it a versatile dining destination for any occasion. It has earned a reputation as one of Tampa’s highest-rated restaurants on TripAdvisor and Yelp.
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Enjoy some of the best ribs in Tampa Bay at this local gem
Big John’s BBQ
5707 N 40th Street
The best BBQ joint in Florida is in Tampa, according to a survey conducted by Southern Living. That spot is Big John’s Alabama BBQ (5707 N 40th St). Southern Living Magazine states the survey was conducted by a third party and 20,000+ people weighed in between July and August 2023.
“Big John’s is new to the South’s Best list but it’s hardly new to the Tampa Bay area,” writes the Southern Living editorial team.
The late Rev. John A. Stephens came to East Tampa from Eufaula, Alabama, and opened Big John’s in 1968. Today the restaurant is run by Stephens’s grandchildren, and though it moved into a new building in 2010, it still features splendid chicken, sausage, and ribs cooked hot and fast on an Alabama-style open pit with a giant brick chimney.
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Photo via La Segunda/IG
La Segunda
2512 N 15th St
From its humble beginnings in Ybor City, La Segunda has expanded to four locations across the Tampa Bay area, becoming a cherished institution in the community since its founding in 1915 by Juan Moré. Now under the leadership of Copeland Moré, the 4th generation owner, La Segunda continues to uphold its tradition of authentic cuisine and local flair.
The bakery was also just listed among the 100 best bakeries in the country by Food & Wine. Here’s what the site had to say about this local gem:
“Cuban bread, handmade by a small army of lifers, still with the signature palm frond running the length of each loaf, the way it’s been done for more than a century. Any further questions? Thought not. Family-owned since day one, a second, sit-down location finally opened not long ago—come in the morning for too much cafe con leche and buttered toast, otherwise known as one of Tampa’s best breakfasts.”
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Mel’s Hot Dogs
4136 E Busch Blvd
Mel’s Hot Dog is an old school joint serving up the “top dogs in Tampa.” The restaurant has been at it for decades. The concept had been family-owned and operated since it opened back on July 3rd, 1973, and back in 2023 it sold. The new owners have kept Mel’s the same so future generations can enjoy it. Mel’s is located on the corner of Busch Boulevard and 42nd Street. The restaurant prides itself on serving the highest quality food.
The restaurant also serves up Chicago-style dogs, chili dogs, a slaw dog, and even a veggie option. Mel’s also serves up a huge bratwurst sandwich, a 5-star fried chicken sandwich, and an Italian sausage sammie that is perfect for the summer months.
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Mr Dunderbak’s
14929 Bruce B Downs Blvd
Mr. Dunderbak’s is Tampa’s German-American brewpub, and it might be home to the best beer garden in the city. This Munich-inspired restaurant is serving all the German classics and craft brew you could desire. Their long communal tables came over direct from the Hofbrau Haus in Munchen, Germany.
For nearly 50 years, the kitchen has been cranking out more schnitzel than you can imagine. So much schnitzel in fact, that Mr. Dunderbak’s had to import a specialized “schnitzel machine” from Germany to keep up with the demand. This machine is what makes your veal or pork so lean and tender before it is breaded in a secret blend of herbs and flour, and pan-fried to perfection.
The schnitzel comes out of the pan hot, crackling, and full of flavorful personality. Top it off with anything from homemade rich mushroom gravy to spicy sour cream. You can even have your schnitzel Hawaiian style and layered with melted gruyere cheese, black forest ham, grilled pineapple, and cherries.
Wright’s Gourmet
1200 S Dale Mabry Hwy
The cafe/deli has been serving the city of Tampa since 1963. Over 1,000 patrons have left reviews of their experiences here, with more than 800 of those reviews acting as a perfect 5 stars. In 2019, TripAdvisor regarded it as one of the very best restaurants in Tampa and the entire state of Florida.
What put Wright’s on the map originally was the Beef Martini Sandwich. Nearly 60 years later, it’s still a proverbial crowd-pleaser. How’s it made? With rare roast beef, mushrooms marinated in white wine, and crisp bacon slices with Wright’s own garlic and herb spread on butter crust white bread.
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Brocato’s
5021 E Columbus Drive
Since 1948, Brocato’s Sandwich Shop has been serving up football-sized devil crabs and Cuban sandwiches to the hungry Tampa community. Brocato’s Italianized version of this blue-collar fried ball of blue crab claws tips its cap to the sauce Fra Diavolo, but in this delicacy, you will notice stewed peppers and onions inside. Besides the devil crab, Brocato’s is also a Tampa traditionalist favorite every year for the best Cuban Sandwich in the city.
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West Tampa Sandwich Shop
3904 N Armenia Avenue
West Tampa Sandwich Shop was listed as the spot serving the best Cuban sandwich in the city of Tampa, according to Mashed. Known as the home of the honey Cuban sandwich, the West Tampa Sandwich Shop has been putting together the area’s finest Cuban for almost 40 years. The spot received national attention when President Obama paid the business a visit and remarked how much he enjoyed their sandwich in a phone call after his trip. The West Tampa Sandwich Shop is located at 3904 North Armenia Avenue.
The West Tampa Sandwich Shop is a no fuss, no frills deli located just west of the Hillsborough River, writes Mashed reporter Amber Lake. Specializing in Cuban food for breakfast and lunch, this authentic little shop is the perfect place to get a Colada or espresso with your Cuban sandwich.
Donatello’s Restaurant
232 N Dale Mabry Hwy
Donatello’s has been a staple of fine Italian dining in Tampa for decades, bringing old-school elegance and authentic flavors straight from Italy. The restaurant’s menu draws inspiration from every corner of the country, starting in the south with dishes like Calamari Amalfitana—chilled squid dressed in lemon, olive oil, garlic, and parsley—and Capelli al Pomodoro, a simple yet satisfying angel hair pasta with tomato and basil. From Naples comes the Medallion Napoletana, seared beef tenderloin medallions topped with a bold garlic and oregano marinara. Heading north to Rome, the Scottadita alla Romana—grilled lamb chops with rosemary and garlic—and Saltimbocca, veal sautéed with prosciutto and sage in white wine, steal the show.
The culinary tour continues to Florence, where Donatello’s serves a hearty Fracosta al Chianti—New York strip in a rich Chianti wine sauce with onions and sage. Milan brings the showstopper Osso Buco Milanese, a tender braised veal shank with saffron risotto. Finally, the journey ends in Venice, the hometown of founder Guido Tiozzo and his son, current owner Gino Tiozzo. Their seafood heritage shines through in dishes like Risotto di Pesce, packed with clams, mussels, shrimp, and scallops, as well as the ever-popular Linguine alle Vongole. With each dish based on time-honored family recipes, Donatello’s offers a true taste of Italy—and a timeless dining experience in the heart of Tampa.
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