We’ll admit it: We tend to have a one-track mind. We eat, sleep, breathe and live for real estate. But real estate is so much more than the brick-and-mortar of a property.
‘Like what?’ you may ask yourself.
We’re so glad you asked! Real estate, at least in our humble opinion, is everything that makes that particular parcel of land home. So sure, it’s its location, its curb appeal, its specs, its layout, and its amenities. But it’s also its community – its school district, its neighbors, its local businesses and – arguably one of our favorite selling points – its walking score. Or, at least in Tampa’s case, its walk-slash-bike-slash-driving score.
Tampa has been long regarded as the place for certain cuisine – ahem, Food Network recently named the Cuban sandwich at the Columbia the ‘quintessential Cuban sandwich.’ Take that, Miami. But Tampa has also been somewhat quietly broadening its foodie horizons with some of the most inventive, delicious and thoughtful cuisine – and thankfully, the Tampa Bay Times just published a list of the top-10 best restaurants in the Tampa Bay area.
So the next time you find yourself hemming-and-hawing about where to eat, consider any one of these 10 mouth-watering restaurants.
But readers and diners beware: Drool bibs are sold separately. Don’t believe us? Just read what people are saying about these delicious gems.
- Cena
“If I could give this place a 6/5 I would. The drinks, appetizers, entree and desserts were all beautiful in their presentation and amazing in their taste. I’ve spent a lot more and have enjoyed the meals a lot less. I have nothing bad to say about this place, it’s amazing. I already have reservations to go back!”
- Ichicoro Ane
“The grilled Florida avocado was outstanding. They crusted the open face of the avocado with plenty of flavorful spices – each bite was so seasoned. I’ve had plenty of grilled avocados and nothing compares to their version. The Miso ramen was a dream. But the most outstanding dish was the Mapo Tofu. It’s extremely flavored and my table could not get enough.”
- Brick & Mortar
“Great menu and presentation! Outside seats are very roomy and there is a private room for larger parties. Best prepared charred octopus in the Bay area hands down! I had the short rib, perfectly prepared and so soft that a knife is not required. Bread pudding is highly recommended for dessert.”
- Dr. BBQ
“In the trophy cabinet on the main floor are stacks of collector’s mugs in the shape of his visage, ready for purchase. His name is on the sign out front, at the top of the menu. And in the past few weeks, he has been on every local news and talk show cooking barbecue, eating barbecue, talking barbecue. Dr. BBQ, a.k.a. Ray Lampe, is the name and face of St. Petersburg’s new hot spot.
“But let’s pause for a moment. This Barbecue Hall of Famer has been the victor in hundreds of barbecue competitions around the country; he has been a judge or competitor on virtually every television show involving fire, knives and smoke. And he lives in St. Petersburg.”
- Cafe Ponte
“The service here is unprecedented. The servers, the bartenders, the pianist, the chef, and ESPECIALLY the food – all top notch! Clean, classy, professional, welcoming, sophisticated, and delicious are all words I would use to describe this establishment’s appeal. You can literally order anything on the menu and it will be extraordinary. The appetizers were outstanding – crab cakes, pizza, and chicken satay. The short rib practically melts in your mouth. The flourless chocolate cake is a dream! This restaurant is the best of the best. Highly recommend!”
- Edison: Food+Drink Lab
“ I’ve been all over Florida for a week, did a Google search and found this place – best food the whole trip! Most amazing decision, food, and drinks I’ve had in Florida! I’m not normally a food mixer but I decided to branch out and it made for an exquisite unique experience! Bartender, staff, and chefs made this an eclectic dining endeavor! Next time I fly into Tampa, this will be my first stop!”
- Il Ritorno
“My partner and I shared three dishes, each delicious and beautifully presented. We began with mussels. The sauce was so good, flavored by lamb nduja, caramelized onions and served with charred ciabatta. Not a crumb of bread left as it soaked up all the sauce. We then shared mushroom carbonara, prepared with pork jowls and served with a sous vide egg on top. As a side dish, we had Brussel sprouts, roasted and seasoned to perfection.”
- Noble Rice
“You will taste the freshest sashimi here! The A5 wagyu is delectable and melts in your mouth. Everyone needs to try their Omakase tasting to experience how delightful it is. Chef Eric & Chef Adriana are very creative, each ingredient compliments the whole dish, and the presentation is so beautiful. All the staff is friendly. This is how Japanese food should be!”
- Reading Room
“Everything was delicious. Huge serving of their made-in-house bread and butter. Cioppino was light and had so many layers of flavor. I tried a piece of the duck and it was very tender and cooked perfectly. Husband loved it. We ended with the almond and orange sundae, recommended by our server. Guys, this was probably the best part of the meal and I’m glad we saved room for dessert. There were so many components in that dessert and each bite was insanely good. It was not too sweet, had that bit of saltiness and the crunch from the cookies set it off. I would probably be happy just coming back and getting a drink and dessert.”
And last, but certainly, not least …
- Rooster & the Till
“Rooster & the Till is incredible and it’s no surprise it was named the best restaurant in the area by the Tampa Bay Times this past year. The attention to detail the entire staff has is on a whole other level. Sitting at the bar, overlooking the kitchen, is an enlightening experience: you can see the choreography and thoughtfulness of the entire system at work and the zen-like focus and genius of the cooks. And, of course, the food is incredible. The portions are mostly a shareable size, and any time I come here, I order to share. Be adventurous and try new things; you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.”
So, we don’t know about you, but we’re suddenly very hungry. Simply put: There’s no end to the reasons why living in Tampa Bay is the best.
If you’re ready to make the move – or any move – let the experienced real estate professional sat DeLeon Sheffield work with you, every step of the way, until you find your dream restaur – err, home.
Because at DeLeon Sheffield Company, ‘We’re More Than Realty; We’re Family.’
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