Reader Jesse wants to know where to find lunch in downtown Tampa:
Dear Ask-a-tampan,
I began working in downtown Tampa a couple months ago, and have been going to the same places over and over. I get the feeling that I am missing something. Can you tell me which places are the best?
Jesse
Hey Jesse! Thanks for writing us! There are a number of good places to get lunch in downtown Tampa. Of course, determining “the best” depends on exactly what you are looking for.
One of my favorites is Eddie & Sam’s New York Pizza – Since I am mostly unfamiliar with “new york style” pizza, I can’t say for sure how authentic it is. I do know that the pizza served at Eddie & Sam’s is delicious – one of the best pies in town, in my opinion. Lunchtime can be very busy and crowded, so I go at 1pm. If you go before then and you are by yourself, you have a wonderful opportunity to make the acquaintance of a fellow downtown worker, since you will likely have to sit with a stranger.
I’m sure other readers would love to tell you about their favorite downtown lunch spots.
Rick
2 years ago
When downtown, some of my fav lunch spots that are NOT chains include Eddie & Sam’s, Jerk Hut, Moxie’s, Coonfare’s, SPAIN, Hatrick’s, Gilligan’s and Thai Corner. there are a number of new places that I have not checked out yet on Franklin Ave. For a detailed list of all the eateries, this site sums it up well, and it is up to date –
http://www.localeater.com/browse/tampa/downtown
jason
2 years ago
Lucky Dill Deli is always good on Ashley, Perrera’s on Morgan for decent, cheap Cuban. Also don’t discount the stalls on Franklin for good cheap food. A woman named Cheyenne runs the taco stand in front of City Hall at Jackson and Franklin and and her husband runs the pizza place next door. She makes her own pico de gallo which is pretty good. He makes a pretty good con leche as well. The Boarding House serves southern food in the suntrust building on Jackson but it is more expensive than I liked to spend for lunch.
Smitty
2 years ago
Au Rendezvous at Madison and Tampa is great for lunch, unique in the area. Second the Thai Corner mention above, great lunch deals and always good food. I’m a fan of the Loading Dock pub and sandwich shop on Madison between Ashley and Tampa. Just outside downtown, on Kennedy just east of Boulevard (south side of the road), Algusto is one of the best Mexican places around and a great fresh-food joint.
Eric Sturm
2 years ago
I heard Rendezvous was closed now, and the SP Times reported the Dill is close to closing due to rent issues. Sad, both are good places.
On a positive note – try the new Cafe Hey on the north end of Franklin past 275, great little place.
Wendy Withers
2 years ago
I agree about the Jerk Hut. It’s my favorite downtown eatery. Something about eating curried goat makes me giddy.
Also, although it’s a couple minute drive from downtown, there’s always Mema’s Alaskan Tacos in Ybor. Their gator tacos are great, and they’re open for lunch.
tim
2 years ago
SPAIN on Tampa Street is freaking amazing for lunch, dinner, or after-hours.
Jon Gales
2 years ago
My new fav is Paninoteca on Franklin/Twiggs. It’s new and really fresh.
scott
2 years ago
Au Rendezvous has closed but the same owner has a new place across the street, L’Eden. It has beer and wine and is open same hours plus friday and sat nights. Moxies two doors down is great also.
Steven Tamayo
2 years ago
i always used to eat at the mcdonalds in that brick building but they closed also sometimes i will just borrow something
Eric Sturm
2 years ago
Ah yes, L’Eden! That is a very nice place and I feel lukcy it is downtown. Thanks for mentioning it.
Anne
2 years ago
There’s a new website called http://www.LocalEater.com that’s just begun in Tampa with a “Downtown” section. I appreciate what this person is trying to do- I am so often looking for a new local spot and this will be my go-to site form now on!
tiffany
2 years ago
l eden is a great restaurant i love it. i didnt know that au rendezvous is closed, thats too bad. there is a amazing restaurant grassroots a few blocks outside of downtown and the food is the best. they have a website, but i dont know what it is.
Eric Sturm
2 years ago
the site is http://www.thegrassrootlife.com
likes2mtnbike
2 years ago
Gator tacos?!
jackie
2 years ago
Paninoteca is most definately my favorite place for lunch wish they would open for dinner.
Kay
1 year ago
The Paninoteca is very small, approximately six tables. The food is very good. I have had several of the panini sandwiches as well as the caprese tomato/mozzarella sandwich. However, because it is so small, the servers continually wipe your table encouraging you to leave as soon as you take your last bite. And on our last vist after being there only 30 minutes, actually requested that we pay and leave as there were people waiting. Paying $12 for a tomato sandwich and a glass of iced tea…I had to leave my tea and pay the bill. Being a steady customer to the restaurant I find these tactics rude, so we will not return.