Alright, alright. By now you’ve seen countless pics of my foodie chronicles on Instagram. Yes, I’m a self-professed foodie with a taste palette distinguished enough for caviar yet simple enough for edamame. The fact is, food is one of the perfect ways to experience culture. Music and fashion are the alternatives, of course. When I’m not cooking up some newly discovered meal from Pinterest, I’m out dining at some newly discovered spot. Today I’ve outlined some of my absolute favorite dishes and restaurants around the Tampa Bay Area. So if you are local or plan on visiting the home of the Cuban sandwich, rest assure—you won’t be disappointed. 

“Tampa has a diverse culinary scene from small cafes and bakeries to bistros and farm-to-table restaurants. The food of Tampa has a history of Cuban, Spanish, Floribbean and Italian cuisines. There are also many Colombian cuisine, Puerto Rican cuisine, Vietnamese cuisine and Barbecue restaurants. Seafood is also very popular in Tampa, and Greek cuisine is prominent in the area, including around Tarpon Springs.”-Wikipedia

There are lots of hidden gems throughout this magnificent tri-city area I call home.  From communities like South Tampa, West Chase, New Tampa, Clearwater and St. Petersburg—there are enough options here to please any palette.  So here are five of my local favorites. 

• The Capital Grille – I know that it is a popular chain throughout most major metropolis. I first discovered The Capital Grille while living in the Washington, D.C area some years back. Part of the Darden Group (Olive Garden, Seasons 52, Red Lobster) of restaurants, TCG is certainly my favorite within the group. The steaks are phenomenal, but my favorites are the raisin bread and the best calamari to be ever prepared. Oh yeah, let’s talk about the calamari. Pan fried with chili peppers and infused with a secret butter sauce, it’s a must have. Any true lover of the Mediterranean favorite should certainly give it a try.

• Z Grille – Located in downtown St. Petersburg. This hip and trendy spot totally puts me in a setting reminiscent of a cool west coast bistro with New York City culinary flair. From the fabulous deviled eggs, Dr. pepper ribs, west coast oysters, WTF fries and my all-time favorite—seafood nachos, it’s a must try. Made with grilled calamari, gulf shrimp, lump crab, corn salsa, queso, jalapeños, pickled onions and poblano creme. It’s worth every penny of the $15.

• Takara Sushi – Located in the New Tampa community. This hidden gem serves up some excellent Asian favorites. My favorite dishes are the crab rangoon and the jabada hut roll. Let’s talk about the jabada hut roll for a minute. Made with tempura grouper, avocado, red onion, cucumber and crab salad, rolled in seaweed and rice, topped with tuna, served with tempura scallops and crab salad with eel sauce, yum yum sauce, spicy sweet chili sauce and scallion. Geesh, my mouth is watering just thinking about it. There is one slight deviation from this for me. Instead of tuna–I get smoked torched salmon. It is a masterpiece. Takara Sushi should certainly consider renaming this role in my honor.  Ha, wishful thinking. LOL.

• Terra Sur Café – Nestled in a strip mall in the Carollwood community; this best kept Peruvian gem is full of Spanish influence. From the music of choice streaming throughout the dimly lit establishment; to the warm and earthy décor. Favorites on the menu are— white sangria, conchitas a la parmesana, ceviche, arroz con mariscos, lomo saltado and pear cake.

• Datz – A Tampa favorite for quite some time. Although an awesome brunch and breakfast spot, rest assure that their dinner menu is just as appetizing and extensive as their early-bird option. With infinite options on tap; brew lovers will certainly have their fair share of IPA, pale ale, stout or lager choices. They make amazing sandwiches and those house chips are everything. But wait….how about those chicken and waffles! Scrumptious boneless fried chicken tossed in honeyed pecan butter on a rosemary waffle with spicy smoked buffalo trace maple syrup. Ummmm….Ok, I’m officially hungry. Bon Appétit!