We asked, and you delivered. After hearing from readers across the region, we've rounded up some of the Tampa Bay area's favorite local restaurants. Whether you're craving fresh seafood, barbecue, pizza or waterfront dining, these reader-recommended spots are worth adding to your must-try list.
Please note, menu items and availability may change. Check with each restaurant for the most up-to-date offerings.
Salt Shack On The Bay
Since opening on July 1, 2019, Salt Shack On The Bay has become a popular waterfront destination, offering scenic views of Old Tampa Bay and the downtown St. Petersburg skyline.
The restaurant serves a wide variety of seafood dishes, comfort food and tropical cocktails, making it a spot that appeals to more than just seafood lovers.
Guests can start with appetizers such as calamari, tuna tartare, coconut fried shrimp or gator bites. Soup and salad options include lobster bisque and an avocado shrimp salad.
For those looking for a classic seafood meal, basket options include fried shrimp, Gulf fish and other favorites. If you're craving something fresh, the raw bar offers oysters, clams and shrimp.
Not a seafood fan? The menu also features handhelds including burgers, a chicken sandwich and a pulled pork sandwich.
The menu continues with fish tacos, chef's catch-of-the-day specials and plenty of other entrees.
To pair with your meal, Salt Shack offers an extensive drink menu featuring margaritas, Bahama Mamas, Pain Killers, piña coladas and other tropical cocktails, along with a full selection of beer, wine and liquor.
Eddie & Sam's N.Y Pizza
Craving a taste of New York? Eddie & Sam's brings classic New York-style pizza to the heart of downtown Tampa at the corner of Tampa Street and Twiggs Street.
While pizza is the main attraction, the menu also features appetizers like french fries and mozzarella sticks for those looking for a quick bite.
Not hungry enough for a whole pie? Giant pizza slices, reminiscent of those found in Times Square, are available for an easy grab-and-go meal.
If you're feeding a group, whole pizzas come in 14-inch, 20-inch and 28-inch sizes. Specialty options include flavors such as lasagna, chicken bacon ranch, veggie and more. Gluten-free crusts are also available for 14-inch pizzas.
The menu doesn't stop at pizza. Guests can also order bone-in or boneless wings, fresh salads and other favorites, making it easy to find something for everyone.
Propagation Whiskey Bar & Kitchen
Located in the heart of downtown Plant City, Propagation Whiskey Bar & Kitchen serves bold, seasonally inspired dishes alongside an impressive whiskey selection featuring more than 250 bottles from around the world.
Guests can start with appetizers such as pork belly, hush puppies, duck nachos and other shareable plates. Soup and salad options include crab bisque, a chef salad and additional seasonal offerings.
For those looking for something lighter, the menu also features handhelds including a grouper sandwich, fried chicken sandwich and a classic burger.
Heartier entrees include a pork chop, steak frites, filet mignon, salmon, shrimp pasta and other chef-inspired dishes.
While whiskey is the star of the bar, it's far from the only option. Guests can also enjoy cocktails like an Aperol Spritz, margarita, mule and other handcrafted drinks. With a full selection of spirits, beer and wine, there's something to suit every taste.
Wasabi Japanese Steak House and Sushi Bar
A longtime Plant City favorite, Wasabi Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar has been serving Japanese cuisine since opening in 2013. The extensive menu features everything from fresh sushi to hibachi entrees, offering plenty of options for every palate.
Kitchen appetizers include edamame, yakitori, shrimp tempura and other favorites, while sushi bar starters feature dishes such as baby octopus, tako sunomono and spicy mussels. Guests can also choose from a selection of soups and salads.
Teriyaki entrees are served with miso soup, a salad with ginger dressing and white rice. Tempura and katsu entrees come with the same accompaniments, creating a complete meal.
Those looking for something different can choose from a variety of udon noodle dishes or hibachi entrees. Hibachi meals are served with clear soup, a house salad, vegetables, a shrimp appetizer, fried rice and noodles.
Whether you're stopping in for sushi, hibachi or a traditional Japanese entree, Wasabi's expansive menu offers something for diners of all ages.
Johnson's BBQ
The Johnson family has been smoking meat since 1954, building a longtime tradition of barbecue in Plant City. Today, Johnson Barbeque continues that legacy with a menu packed with smoked meats and Southern favorites.
Guests can start with appetizers such as potato skins, fried mushrooms and black-and-blue chips, along with a variety of fresh salad options.
Sandwiches are served with a choice of one side and include smoked pork, chicken and burgers.
For a heartier meal, pit plates are served with two sides, pickles and a sweet roll. Diners can choose from smoked favorites including ribs, sausage, pulled pork and more.
The menu also features tacos, salmon and other entrees, offering something for both barbecue lovers and those looking for a different option.
Frenchy's
A Clearwater Beach staple since 1981, Frenchy's has grown into five locations across the beach, each offering its own atmosphere while serving the restaurant's signature seafood favorites.
Whether you're dining beachfront or grabbing a casual meal after a day on the sand, each location offers a menu filled with fresh seafood, tropical cocktails, tiki drinks, beer and wine.
Guests can choose from a variety of appetizers, tacos, seafood baskets, sandwiches and fresh salads, along with Frenchy's well-known Gulf seafood specialties. No matter which location you visit, you'll find a relaxed coastal dining experience that's become a longtime favorite for both locals and visitors.
The Gateway
With waterfront views in St. Petersburg, Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille offers a relaxed coastal dining experience from breakfast through dinner. Guests can pair their meal with everything from mimosas to mojitos while enjoying the scenic setting.
House favorites include the grouper sandwich, tuna nachos, grouper tacos, smoked fish spread, coconut shrimp and the restaurant's signature key lime pie.
The menu extends well beyond its most popular dishes, featuring burgers, tacos, fresh seafood and a raw bar with a variety of coastal favorites.
The tiki bar serves signature cocktails, frozen drinks, coffee cocktails, beer, hard seltzers and more, making it an ideal spot to unwind by the water.
Whether you're stopping in for a handcrafted cocktail, fresh seafood or a casual waterfront meal, Doc Ford's offers something for every occasion.