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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 (5329)
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
Tampa

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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
WilliamVIP
Dined 1 day ago
Andy was fantastic 😊😍 Great Food and Service 🐕‍đŸŠș
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
WilliamVIP
Dined 1 day ago
Andy was fantastic 😊😍 Great Food and Service 🐕‍đŸŠș
American Social Tampa
4.5 (2125)
$31 to $50
American
Tampa

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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
DanielleVIP
Dined 2 days ago
I had been wanting the guavanero wings for a couple of months now .They did not disappoint! The Rhiskey Pineapple is always great too. Service by Ariana was great as well
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
DanielleVIP
Dined 2 days ago
I had been wanting the guavanero wings for a couple of months now .They did not disappoint! The Rhiskey Pineapple is always great too. Service by Ariana was great as well
Ulele
4.8 (14910)
$31 to $50
American
Tampa

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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
wendyVIP
Dined 3 days ago
Great menu. Meatloaf was indeed awesome as Robert Irvine stated. Wine list also great and VERY fairly priced. Totally enjoyed this one...
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
wendyVIP
Dined 3 days ago
Great menu. Meatloaf was indeed awesome as Robert Irvine stated. Wine list also great and VERY fairly priced. Totally enjoyed this one...
edison: food+drink lab
4.6 (4006)
$31 to $50
Global, International
Tampa

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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
Kathryn
Dined 7 days ago
Great outdoor dining experience. I watched the sunset.
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
Kathryn
Dined 7 days ago
Great outdoor dining experience. I watched the sunset.
Lila
4.8 (1216)
$30 and under
Contemporary American
Sarasota

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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
OpenTable Diner
Dined 7 days ago
Great vegan options and sushi!!
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
OpenTable Diner
Dined 7 days ago
Great vegan options and sushi!!
Besito Mexican - Tampa
4.4 (2323)
$30 and under
Mexican
Tampa

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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
Chris
Dined 6 days ago
We love Besitoooooooooo! Great guac, and super good bean and cheese burritos! Very nice staff and excellent dining experience!
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
Chris
Dined 6 days ago
We love Besitoooooooooo! Great guac, and super good bean and cheese burritos! Very nice staff and excellent dining experience!
Kona Grill - Tampa
3.9 (2738)
$30 and under
Contemporary American
Tampa

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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
AlVIP
Dined 6 days ago
First visit to Kona Grill and it was enjoyable. Our server Jazz was very personable attentive and made suggestions to what we should order. Our food was very good. We would go there again in the future.
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
AlVIP
Dined 6 days ago
First visit to Kona Grill and it was enjoyable. Our server Jazz was very personable attentive and made suggestions to what we should order. Our food was very good. We would go there again in the future.
Michael's On East
4.7 (5811)
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
Sarasota

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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 & SautĂ©ed Spinach. Michael's on East has been open for 30 years, a testament to the quality of its menu and service.
Top review
GeorgeVIP
Dined 2 days ago
Michaels on East consistently delivers an outstanding meal with exceptional service and ambiance - consistently the best in the Sarasota area!
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 & SautĂ©ed Spinach. Michael's on East has been open for 30 years, a testament to the quality of its menu and service.
Top review
GeorgeVIP
Dined 2 days ago
Michaels on East consistently delivers an outstanding meal with exceptional service and ambiance - consistently the best in the Sarasota area!
P.F. Chang's - Tampa
3.7 (329)
$30 and under
Chinese
Tampa

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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
LeonardVIP
Dined on Mar 24, 2025
Lettuce wraps, hit and sour soup, steamed shrimp dumplings were terrific. Thank you!!
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
LeonardVIP
Dined on Mar 24, 2025
Lettuce wraps, hit and sour soup, steamed shrimp dumplings were terrific. Thank you!!
Jack Dusty Coastal Cuisine and Crafted Cocktails
4.5 (2386)
$30 and under
Seafood
Sarasota

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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
MelissaVIP
Dined 1 day ago
Everything was lovely! Delicious food, outstanding service and gorgeous sunset views.
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
MelissaVIP
Dined 1 day ago
Everything was lovely! Delicious food, outstanding service and gorgeous sunset views.
Seasons 52 - Tampa
4.7 (7703)
$31 to $50
American
Tampa

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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
Stephanie
Dined 3 days ago
Delicious food, wonderful accommodating staff, clean restaurant.
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
Stephanie
Dined 3 days ago
Delicious food, wonderful accommodating staff, clean restaurant.
The Capital Grille - Sarasota
4.8 (3076)
$50 and over
Steakhouse
Sarasota

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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
DianeVIP
Dined 1 day ago
Always Excellent service and consistently quality food.
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
DianeVIP
Dined 1 day ago
Always Excellent service and consistently quality food.
Brio Italian Grille - Tampa - International
4.2 (1682)
$30 and under
Italian
Tampa

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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 on Mar 12, 2025
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 on Mar 12, 2025
Server, food and atmosphere were all excellent! Loved the salmon!
Duval's Fresh. Local. Seafood.
4.7 (5658)
$31 to $50
Seafood
Sarasota

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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
Donna
Dined 1 day ago
Our server was wonderful and our meal was delicious!
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
Donna
Dined 1 day ago
Our server was wonderful and our meal was delicious!
Ocean Prime - Tampa
4.8 (11280)
$50 and over
Seafood
Tampa

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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
Kenneth
Dined 2 days ago
Ocean Prime continues to exceed my expectations in every category. It was our 62nd wedding anniversary, a wonderful evening. The food was superb and the service excellent.
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
Kenneth
Dined 2 days ago
Ocean Prime continues to exceed my expectations in every category. It was our 62nd wedding anniversary, a wonderful evening. The food was superb and the service excellent.

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