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20 Best Lunch Spots in Tampa

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by The OpenTable Team
Updated February 06, 2020

Cotton candy-colored sunsets, white sand beaches, and crystal blue waters make Tampa, Florida an ideal destination. Tourist attractions include Busch Gardens and the artistic Ybor City. With access to the freshest catch, Tampa restaurants highlight Florida seafood elevated with tropical flavors. But where are the smartest, savviest diners eating out for the best lunch Tampa-style? Welcome to the Tastemaker Lists. We've surveyed expert diners and put together a list of the top spots for the best lunch Tampa has to offer. Book a table today!

Oxford Exchange
4.8 (5284)
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
Tampa
For one of the most trendy lunch experiences in Tampa, head to Oxford Exchange. This beautiful restaurant with long green leather banquette seating has bright white walls covered in beautiful framed paintings and photographs. The menu at Oxford Exchange features fresh American fare, and some of the most popular options on the lunch menu include lobster sliders and a steak wedge salad. Diners can come here for lunch Monday to Friday.
Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined 1 day ago
Our waitress, Courtney, was very attentive and accommodating. The atmosphere was very pleasant and the food was great for the price point. The environment was clean and very welcoming.
For one of the most trendy lunch experiences in Tampa, head to Oxford Exchange. This beautiful restaurant with long green leather banquette seating has bright white walls covered in beautiful framed paintings and photographs. The menu at Oxford Exchange features fresh American fare, and some of the most popular options on the lunch menu include lobster sliders and a steak wedge salad. Diners can come here for lunch Monday to Friday.
Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined 1 day ago
Our waitress, Courtney, was very attentive and accommodating. The atmosphere was very pleasant and the food was great for the price point. The environment was clean and very welcoming.
American Social Tampa
4.5 (2095)
$31 to $50
American
Tampa
When diners in Tampa want a sports bar experience, they head to American Social Bar. This true sports bar is one of the most beloved spots in the area to watch a game and drink a cold one. The menu at American Social Bar is classic bar food, which means that patrons can eat things like a fried chicken sandwich, pepperoni pizza, or vegetarian chili for lunch. American Social Bar and Kitchen is convenient in Tampa, located on Harbour Island.
Top review
Annie
Dined 3 days ago
Excellent server, great food, happy hour and view.
When diners in Tampa want a sports bar experience, they head to American Social Bar. This true sports bar is one of the most beloved spots in the area to watch a game and drink a cold one. The menu at American Social Bar is classic bar food, which means that patrons can eat things like a fried chicken sandwich, pepperoni pizza, or vegetarian chili for lunch. American Social Bar and Kitchen is convenient in Tampa, located on Harbour Island.
Top review
Annie
Dined 3 days ago
Excellent server, great food, happy hour and view.
Ulele
4.8 (14827)
$31 to $50
American
Tampa
Ulele, a new brewery and restaurant in Tampa, is open for lunch every weekday, and patrons say they serve some of the best lunch in Tampa. This name of this fusion restaurant, which combines Florida and Native American cuisine, comes from Princess Ulele, who was once a Native American Princess. Located on the Riverwalk, Ulele offers outstanding outdoor dining at lunchtime. Diners can order standouts like the Ulele Burger, which is char-grilled ground short rib, brisket and chuck blend burger topped with house steak sauce, Wisconsin sharp Cheddar, portobello mushrooms, fire-roasted red peppers and fried leeks served on brioche bun. They can also try the Alligator Hush Puppies, which have alligator, country ham, bacon, fresh corn, jalapeño, honey datil pepper sauce and fresh ground horseradish aioli. For beer lovers, Ulele is also a brewery, so try a cold one brewed in-house.
Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined 1 day ago
Out door dining was situated within sight of Riverwalk and beautifully landscaped. Great food and drink menus. Food was delicious and waiter was attentive and knowledgeable. Place had a real good vibe with customers of all ages. Highly recommend this restaurant.
Ulele, a new brewery and restaurant in Tampa, is open for lunch every weekday, and patrons say they serve some of the best lunch in Tampa. This name of this fusion restaurant, which combines Florida and Native American cuisine, comes from Princess Ulele, who was once a Native American Princess. Located on the Riverwalk, Ulele offers outstanding outdoor dining at lunchtime. Diners can order standouts like the Ulele Burger, which is char-grilled ground short rib, brisket and chuck blend burger topped with house steak sauce, Wisconsin sharp Cheddar, portobello mushrooms, fire-roasted red peppers and fried leeks served on brioche bun. They can also try the Alligator Hush Puppies, which have alligator, country ham, bacon, fresh corn, jalapeño, honey datil pepper sauce and fresh ground horseradish aioli. For beer lovers, Ulele is also a brewery, so try a cold one brewed in-house.
Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined 1 day ago
Out door dining was situated within sight of Riverwalk and beautifully landscaped. Great food and drink menus. Food was delicious and waiter was attentive and knowledgeable. Place had a real good vibe with customers of all ages. Highly recommend this restaurant.
edison: food+drink lab
4.7 (4003)
$31 to $50
Global, International
Tampa
edison: food+drink lab is a gastropub that has a distinct industrial feel. The brain behind edison is Jeannie Pierola, a 5-time James Beard Aware semifinalist and a local food scene celeb. edison's menu changes every day, since the whole conept of the restaurant is that the chef offers her food experiments daily. Some favorites served for lunch have included black truffle black bean soup, charred octopus horiatiki salad, and a garden grilled cheese. It's casual here, so patrons can come for lunch straight from the beach.
Top review
Donald
Dined 2 days ago
The BBQ sauce on the mahi mahi was so different and excellent and I enjoyed the okra on the dish just added a different texture and taste The oyster appetizer was also superb It was an anniversary celebration and a complimentary champagne toast was very much appreciated
edison: food+drink lab is a gastropub that has a distinct industrial feel. The brain behind edison is Jeannie Pierola, a 5-time James Beard Aware semifinalist and a local food scene celeb. edison's menu changes every day, since the whole conept of the restaurant is that the chef offers her food experiments daily. Some favorites served for lunch have included black truffle black bean soup, charred octopus horiatiki salad, and a garden grilled cheese. It's casual here, so patrons can come for lunch straight from the beach.
Top review
Donald
Dined 2 days ago
The BBQ sauce on the mahi mahi was so different and excellent and I enjoyed the okra on the dish just added a different texture and taste The oyster appetizer was also superb It was an anniversary celebration and a complimentary champagne toast was very much appreciated
Lila
4.8 (1212)
$30 and under
Contemporary American
Sarasota
Lila is well known in the Tampa area for being an excellent vegan-friendly restaurant. The also offer some of the best lunch in Tampa and its suburbs. This plant-based eatery has tons of options that are both healthy and delicious. Patrons can choose from selections like grilled tofu, a quinoa taco salad, and a falafel bowl. Lila is bright and trendy inside with soaring ceilings, chandeliers, and a long bar that lines the restaurant. Come here for a quick bite or to linger over lunch with a cocktail.
Top review
NaraVIP
Dined 5 days ago
Love love this restaurant can’t wait to wine and dine again . There Brussels sprouts and sushi rolls are amazing.
Lila is well known in the Tampa area for being an excellent vegan-friendly restaurant. The also offer some of the best lunch in Tampa and its suburbs. This plant-based eatery has tons of options that are both healthy and delicious. Patrons can choose from selections like grilled tofu, a quinoa taco salad, and a falafel bowl. Lila is bright and trendy inside with soaring ceilings, chandeliers, and a long bar that lines the restaurant. Come here for a quick bite or to linger over lunch with a cocktail.
Top review
NaraVIP
Dined 5 days ago
Love love this restaurant can’t wait to wine and dine again . There Brussels sprouts and sushi rolls are amazing.
Besito Mexican - Tampa
4.5 (2318)
$30 and under
Mexican
Tampa
Some of the best Mexican food in the area is at Besito Mexican—a beloved spot for some of the best lunch in Tampa. Besito features dishes that have only local and fresh ingredients, and popular menu items include options like street tacos with carnitas and chicken quesadilla. Besito is bright and colorful inside but it's also casual, so come in flip flops and unwind with one of the restaurant's strong magaritas.
Top review
LarryR
Dined 4 days ago
This was our visit and we were pleasantly surprised. The food was delicious and really good service too. Drinks excellent!!
Some of the best Mexican food in the area is at Besito Mexican—a beloved spot for some of the best lunch in Tampa. Besito features dishes that have only local and fresh ingredients, and popular menu items include options like street tacos with carnitas and chicken quesadilla. Besito is bright and colorful inside but it's also casual, so come in flip flops and unwind with one of the restaurant's strong magaritas.
Top review
LarryR
Dined 4 days ago
This was our visit and we were pleasantly surprised. The food was delicious and really good service too. Drinks excellent!!
Kona Grill - Tampa
3.9 (2735)
$30 and under
Contemporary American
Tampa
Kona Gril is a popular spot in Tampa for modern American and Japanese fusion cuisine. The restaurant's menu focuses on sushi and cocktails, but they also offer other seafood-focused fare for patrons who choose to dine at lunchtime. Some of the most popular menu options include the fish taco, Hawaiian tuna poke bowl, and the chicken and shrimp lettuce wraps. The restaurant is laid back and chill, so it's great for a beachy crowd who wants to take a break from the strong mid-day sun. Diners who come here also recommend tasting the cocktails, which are tropical and strong. In addition to some of the best lunch in Tampa, the restaurant also has one of the area's best happy hours.
Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined 1 day ago
Everything was awesome aside from the parking. There were no spots and I had to find a parking garage that was huge I had to use Google to figure out how to walk to the restaurant and it made me late. This gave me so much anxiety I may never return unless someone else drives with me.
Kona Gril is a popular spot in Tampa for modern American and Japanese fusion cuisine. The restaurant's menu focuses on sushi and cocktails, but they also offer other seafood-focused fare for patrons who choose to dine at lunchtime. Some of the most popular menu options include the fish taco, Hawaiian tuna poke bowl, and the chicken and shrimp lettuce wraps. The restaurant is laid back and chill, so it's great for a beachy crowd who wants to take a break from the strong mid-day sun. Diners who come here also recommend tasting the cocktails, which are tropical and strong. In addition to some of the best lunch in Tampa, the restaurant also has one of the area's best happy hours.
Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined 1 day ago
Everything was awesome aside from the parking. There were no spots and I had to find a parking garage that was huge I had to use Google to figure out how to walk to the restaurant and it made me late. This gave me so much anxiety I may never return unless someone else drives with me.
Michael's On East
4.7 (5766)
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
Sarasota
Michael Klauber and Phil Mancini are the brains behind Michael's on East. This restaurant is the only AAA Four Diamond Award Restaurant in town, which means they consistently serve outstanding, high-quality coastal cuisine—even at lunch. Some of the most popular menu items at lunchtime are Michael's Famous Cobb Salad, which comes with Marinated Grilled Chicken, Avocado, Bacon, Diced Tomatoes, Chopped Egg, Black Olives, Blue Cheese Crumbles & Honey Mustard Dressing, as well as the Southwestern Mahi-Mahi, served with Roasted Garlic Tomatoes, Corn Avocado Salsa, Yellow Tomato Gazpacho & Sautéed Spinach. Michael's on East has been open for 30 years, a testament to the quality of its menu and service.
Top review
Lei
Dined 2 days ago
We booked a table for 2 as a birthday date. The seafood was marvelous and the creme brule with the Birthday chocolate cake was outstanding. Our waiter Eddie was very attentive and did a wonderful job.
Michael Klauber and Phil Mancini are the brains behind Michael's on East. This restaurant is the only AAA Four Diamond Award Restaurant in town, which means they consistently serve outstanding, high-quality coastal cuisine—even at lunch. Some of the most popular menu items at lunchtime are Michael's Famous Cobb Salad, which comes with Marinated Grilled Chicken, Avocado, Bacon, Diced Tomatoes, Chopped Egg, Black Olives, Blue Cheese Crumbles & Honey Mustard Dressing, as well as the Southwestern Mahi-Mahi, served with Roasted Garlic Tomatoes, Corn Avocado Salsa, Yellow Tomato Gazpacho & Sautéed Spinach. Michael's on East has been open for 30 years, a testament to the quality of its menu and service.
Top review
Lei
Dined 2 days ago
We booked a table for 2 as a birthday date. The seafood was marvelous and the creme brule with the Birthday chocolate cake was outstanding. Our waiter Eddie was very attentive and did a wonderful job.
P.F. Chang's - Tampa
3.8 (327)
$30 and under
Chinese
Tampa
P.F. Chang's is a beloved nationwide chain for Asian fusion food. It's also a spot for some of the best lunch in Tampa. This popular eatery with soaring ceilings, columns, and a stunning open kitchen wows diners with a slew of Asian favorites. Come here to try the lettuce wraps, steamed pork dumplings, or Pad Thai, and don't forget to have dessert, since diners rave about the banana spring rolls: six warm, crispy spring rolls with coconut-pineapple ice cream and caramel and vanilla sauces. P. F. Chang's is in Tampa proper, in Westshore Plaza.
Top review
Andres
Dined on Mar 2, 2025
Our server Graham was great, he made sure we we’re good. The food was awesome from the portion to the flavor, even my kids of 2 and 6 ate it and it was their first time there. Will definitely come back.
P.F. Chang's is a beloved nationwide chain for Asian fusion food. It's also a spot for some of the best lunch in Tampa. This popular eatery with soaring ceilings, columns, and a stunning open kitchen wows diners with a slew of Asian favorites. Come here to try the lettuce wraps, steamed pork dumplings, or Pad Thai, and don't forget to have dessert, since diners rave about the banana spring rolls: six warm, crispy spring rolls with coconut-pineapple ice cream and caramel and vanilla sauces. P. F. Chang's is in Tampa proper, in Westshore Plaza.
Top review
Andres
Dined on Mar 2, 2025
Our server Graham was great, he made sure we we’re good. The food was awesome from the portion to the flavor, even my kids of 2 and 6 ate it and it was their first time there. Will definitely come back.
Jack Dusty Coastal Cuisine and Crafted Cocktails
4.5 (2373)
$30 and under
Seafood
Sarasota
It wouldn't be a Florida lunch if there wasn't some great seafood on the menu. Patrons looking for the best coastal cuisine they can find at lunchtime should head to Jack Dusty—a place famous for great fish and strong drinks. Jack Dusty has a giant patio on the Sarasota Marina, so it is a great place to dine al fresco when the weather is nice. Diners can find a huge selection of favorites here, from ceviche to fish tacos, to alligator bites. The restaurant is truly casual and laid back, so come in flip flops and sandals or sundress and enjoy the salty sea breeze while dining.
Top review
MichalVIP
Dined 3 days ago
Always love JD, good food, great service, beautiful view
It wouldn't be a Florida lunch if there wasn't some great seafood on the menu. Patrons looking for the best coastal cuisine they can find at lunchtime should head to Jack Dusty—a place famous for great fish and strong drinks. Jack Dusty has a giant patio on the Sarasota Marina, so it is a great place to dine al fresco when the weather is nice. Diners can find a huge selection of favorites here, from ceviche to fish tacos, to alligator bites. The restaurant is truly casual and laid back, so come in flip flops and sandals or sundress and enjoy the salty sea breeze while dining.
Top review
MichalVIP
Dined 3 days ago
Always love JD, good food, great service, beautiful view
Seasons 52 - Tampa
4.7 (7684)
$31 to $50
American
Tampa
One thing that makes Seasons 52 so popular is that its lunch menu changes regularly. The dishes here feature seasonal ingredients, so the chefs switch the offerings as the weather shifts through the year. What's consistent at Seasons 52 is that the lunch is always delicious. Patrons can enjoy flatbreads, salads, sandwiches, and more. Some of the most popular menu options come straight from the restaurant's wood-fired oven. Seasons 52 feels upscale inside, and they also have an excellent wine list. So diners should consider it if they want to celebrate a special occasion or unwind during a mid-day meal.
Top review
BillDVIP
Dined 3 days ago
The Chilean sea bass was amazing and our server was outstanding.
One thing that makes Seasons 52 so popular is that its lunch menu changes regularly. The dishes here feature seasonal ingredients, so the chefs switch the offerings as the weather shifts through the year. What's consistent at Seasons 52 is that the lunch is always delicious. Patrons can enjoy flatbreads, salads, sandwiches, and more. Some of the most popular menu options come straight from the restaurant's wood-fired oven. Seasons 52 feels upscale inside, and they also have an excellent wine list. So diners should consider it if they want to celebrate a special occasion or unwind during a mid-day meal.
Top review
BillDVIP
Dined 3 days ago
The Chilean sea bass was amazing and our server was outstanding.
The Capital Grille - Sarasota
4.7 (3049)
$50 and over
Steakhouse
Sarasota
The Capital Grille in Tampa is one of the town's nicest restaurants. It's also one of the places in town for a delicious lunch. Diners here enjoy impeccable service in a formal dining room, filled with white table clothed tables and a uniformed waitstaff. On the menu here is a host of traditional steakhouse fare. Find a NY strip, filet mignon, shrimp cocktail, and more, and also the beloved steakhouse sides (like creamed spinach and french fries). This is a pricy restaurant and one that feels upscale, so patrons on a business lunch or expense account may want to consider it. It's also a great place to celebrate a special occasion.
Top review
Mike
Dined 3 days ago
Excellent service, food and atmosphere. Our favorite steak house.
The Capital Grille in Tampa is one of the town's nicest restaurants. It's also one of the places in town for a delicious lunch. Diners here enjoy impeccable service in a formal dining room, filled with white table clothed tables and a uniformed waitstaff. On the menu here is a host of traditional steakhouse fare. Find a NY strip, filet mignon, shrimp cocktail, and more, and also the beloved steakhouse sides (like creamed spinach and french fries). This is a pricy restaurant and one that feels upscale, so patrons on a business lunch or expense account may want to consider it. It's also a great place to celebrate a special occasion.
Top review
Mike
Dined 3 days ago
Excellent service, food and atmosphere. Our favorite steak house.
Brio Italian Grille - Tampa - International
4.2 (1684)
$30 and under
Italian
Tampa
For some of the area's best Italian food, and some of the best lunch in Tampa, patrons head to BRIO Tuscan Grille. This restaurant, located next to the Renaissance Hotel, offers diners a wide variety of dining options from salads and soups to pastas and hearty entrees, and there's a little something for everyne here, no matter their tastes or dining restrictions. BRIO is upscale inside, with large chandeliers adorning a dining room with soaring ceilings and plush seating options. However, they welcome all kinds of guests and there is no dress code, so come here for a festive and filling meal that's fitting for nearly any occasion.
Top review
Mary
Dined 1 day ago
Server, food and atmosphere were all excellent! Loved the salmon!
For some of the area's best Italian food, and some of the best lunch in Tampa, patrons head to BRIO Tuscan Grille. This restaurant, located next to the Renaissance Hotel, offers diners a wide variety of dining options from salads and soups to pastas and hearty entrees, and there's a little something for everyne here, no matter their tastes or dining restrictions. BRIO is upscale inside, with large chandeliers adorning a dining room with soaring ceilings and plush seating options. However, they welcome all kinds of guests and there is no dress code, so come here for a festive and filling meal that's fitting for nearly any occasion.
Top review
Mary
Dined 1 day ago
Server, food and atmosphere were all excellent! Loved the salmon!
Duval's Fresh. Local. Seafood.
4.7 (5612)
$31 to $50
Seafood
Sarasota
Many local residents consider Duval's to be the place that serves the freshest seafood in all of the Tampa area. It's also an excellent spot for lunch. Come here to enjoy classic staples like fried calamari and po boys. There's also an extensive wine list to choose a glass or bottle to pair with a meal. Duval's is technically in Sarasota, so it's a good option for a lunch when trying to explore more of the region beyond Tampa proper.
Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined 3 days ago
The food was absolutely delicious! The shaved steak spring rolls, lobster mac n cheese and grilled snapper were all amazing!!
Many local residents consider Duval's to be the place that serves the freshest seafood in all of the Tampa area. It's also an excellent spot for lunch. Come here to enjoy classic staples like fried calamari and po boys. There's also an extensive wine list to choose a glass or bottle to pair with a meal. Duval's is technically in Sarasota, so it's a good option for a lunch when trying to explore more of the region beyond Tampa proper.
Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined 3 days ago
The food was absolutely delicious! The shaved steak spring rolls, lobster mac n cheese and grilled snapper were all amazing!!
Ocean Prime - Tampa
4.8 (11250)
$50 and over
Seafood
Tampa
Ocean Prime is a restaurant in Tampa that features outstadning seafood and a buzzing nightlife atmosphere. Despite its nighttime popularity, the restaurant also serves an excellent lunch, and diners love to come here for fresh fish and other seasonal fare. On the lunch menu, expect to find options like oysters on the half shell, shrimp saute in a Tabasco cream sauce, and a huge selection of sushi. Ocean Prime serves strong cocktails so choose it for a mid-day adult beverage.
Top review
CraigP
Dined 3 days ago
Great time it was for our anniversary and most importantly my wife was thrilled
Ocean Prime is a restaurant in Tampa that features outstadning seafood and a buzzing nightlife atmosphere. Despite its nighttime popularity, the restaurant also serves an excellent lunch, and diners love to come here for fresh fish and other seasonal fare. On the lunch menu, expect to find options like oysters on the half shell, shrimp saute in a Tabasco cream sauce, and a huge selection of sushi. Ocean Prime serves strong cocktails so choose it for a mid-day adult beverage.
Top review
CraigP
Dined 3 days ago
Great time it was for our anniversary and most importantly my wife was thrilled

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