Tampa Bay’s Best Weekend Bites: Where to Find the City’s Hottest New Openings
09 November 2026
Tampa’s dining scene continues its rapid growth with a wave of talented chefs and exciting openings, adding more options to an already vibrant selection of delicious possibilities for locals and visitors to choose from. From the elegant atmosphere of Chef Robert Hesse’s The Landon to the stylish shopping experience of Nomi Bar, Tampa Bay is offering fresh flavors and trendy menus for every food lover.
South Tampa and Hyde Park
In Hyde Park, The Landon attracted crowds of diners the moment it opened, securing a prime spot on the culinary map. The contemporary American restaurant features a menu crafted by Chef Robert Hesse, known for his work on Gordon Ramsay’s Hell’s Kitchen. The lively area is also home to the new Mita’s Cocina Moderna, a family-owned Mexican restaurant that’s earning quiet praise. While Clearwater has its own food scene, South Tampa is quickly becoming a destination.
Around the corner in a former bookstore, O-ku opened in late May as the second Tampa location from the Atlanta-based Indigo Road Hospitality Group. The pan-Asian eatery is known for its small-plates approach, blending Singaporean street food with sushi craftsmanship.
Downtown Tampa and North Tampa
The team behind Kimball House, which made waves in Tampa, adds another standout with the modern Spanish Lumbre, which opened last month in North Hyde Park. Executive chef Nick Orr, formerly of Rocca, leads the kitchen and also holds a stake in the restaurant. The name means ‘ember,’ reflected in dishes like their shaved ice with lemon and chile, as well as the Teriyaki Thigh with bok choy slaw and romesco sauce. Orr puts a Spanish spin on smashburgers and spicy tuna poke, among other must-try dishes.
Downtown, the Bodega Bus offers a nostalgic take on upscale takeout, serving chopped cheese sandwiches. The father-son duo Freddy Terán and Freddy Terán Jr., who founded Bodega in the Summit, have now opened their first standalone eatery. The menu spans sandwiches, burgers, rice bowls, and American classics like loaded hot dogs.
Another all-American favorite has arrived in Temple Terrace—the first Tampa Bay location of Cook Out, known for late-night eats. Grab a burger or chicken plate to go, or enjoy the electric blue seating adorned with tattoo-inspired art.
The party atmosphere is the main draw at downtown’s Nomi Bar, opening November 12 in the former Taps Tavern space. The Instagram-worthy decor features moody monochrome tones and a striking 14-foot oak bar.
St. Petersburg
Emerging from the shadow of its sister restaurant Next, ISU opened earlier this year and quickly became a St. Pete favorite, blending Japanese techniques with Peruvian flavors.
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Earlier this year, Mei took over the old Farm Table space, introducing a French-bistro vibe with Japanese culinary influences. The menu highlights Nordic preservation techniques, from the tasting counter to dishes like blowtorch-tenderized beef with fish jerky and lime.
Meanwhile, ISU has cemented its place as one of St. Pete’s trendiest spots, combining Asian-Peruvian flavors with a design featuring fairy lights and repurposed wood.
Hot new bites
Start at The Landon with the Shepard’s pie, made with Wagyu brisket and house-made crust, paired with their signature fries.
At O-ku, try the crispy pork rib with chimichurri and fried pig ears.
Mei’s standout dishes include Beijing-style barbecue and sake lees custard.
For a quick bite at Bodega, the chocolate shave ice with condensed milk is a must, or go for their smashed burger.
At the Bodega Bus, the chopped cheese sandwich draws crowds, but the pork belly burger is a standout.