Where to Eat in Tampa, Florida

For dinner, you can’t go wrong with ramen at Ichicoro. My favorite of their offerings is the Champon, which features a rich pork broth, citrus-marinated pork belly, grilled shrimp, and pickled ginger. Add a soy sauce-marinated egg to really round it out. With just a four-top, a two-top, and eight barstools, it gets intimate here quickly. Because of their very limited seating, it’s a good idea to call ahead to join the waitlist an hour before arriving.

Nestled between old auto shops on Florida Avenue, Rooster & the Till is a charmingly loud and busy modern American restaurant. The menu’s influences are global, pulling influence from Spain, Italy, Mexico, and much of Asia. Start with a cocktail—perhaps a Spare the Dead, which features pineapple-arbol tepache, a fermented drink made with pineapple peels. Order small plates in pairs, and don’t be afraid to let the bartenders and servers guide you with their input. The cobia collar is a succulent, crisp piece of fish, with a nuoc cham sauce you’ll want to drink. Or go for the white asparagus with grilled wild mushrooms, herbed creme fraiche, a duck egg yolk custard, and fondant potatoes. Whatever you do, finish your meal with the restaurant’s mochi donut holes, filled with coconut milk custard and served in a shallow bowl of miso five spice-yuzu butterscotch.

End the night with a classic cocktail

If you’re stuffed after a day of nonstop eating but still want a nightcap, consider hopping over to Hotel Bar. It’s a swanky little spot in Downtown Tampa that features classic cocktails originating in some of the most famous international hotels. Grab a booth by the large oval painting of blooming flowers under a bright moon, or sneak into the enclave under their iconic neon sign to sip your drink.