2025 was another banner year for new restaurants, and it can be hard to keep track of all of it if you’re not constantly dining out. It helps for us that it’s our job, and even we still haven’t been to everything we wanted to try this year.
Rather than a list of everything new that opened in Tampa in 2025 (that would be exhaustive), we’re highlighting some of the staff picks for the favorite new spots we’ve truly enjoyed. There will be several new spots missing from the list not out of displeasure, but because we just haven’t had time, yet.
Without further rambling, here are some of our favorite restaurants that opened in Tampa in 2025, in alphabetical order. Did we miss your favorite? Shoot us an email at info@thatssotampa.com so we can check it out in 2026!
Bar Terroir
3636 Henderson Blvd
The new concept from Chefs Bryce Bonsack & Max McKee is one of the most talked about debuts in Tampa this year, combining classic French cuisine with modern, coastal-inspired twists in a relaxed-yet-upscale setting.
Giancarlo’s Cafe & Spirits
1528 W North B St
From the popular team behind Santoro’s, Giancarlo’s has brought an entirely new experience to North Hyde Park. The new spot specializes in elevated diner fare at an affordable price, in addition to bar pies, coffee, breakfast, and cocktails.
H&H Bagels
1155 South Dale Mabry Hwy
Tampa had more new bagel spots open in 2025 than the last decade combined (or at least it felt that way), and picking just one is tough. But this beloved New York institution coming to the city has proven to be massively popular, and it remains a must-try.
Jay Luigi
516 S. Howard Ave
This one technically snuck in at the very tail end of 2024, but we had our first visit at the relaxed SOHO Italian star in 2025, so we’re counting it. With three different types of pizza and an impressive bar program, it’s Ciccio Restaurant Group’s most significant venture yet.
Kubana Kafe
5130 South Dale Mabry
One of the newest entrants in Tampa’s cafe scene is also one of its best. The family-owned hotspot has a beautiful interior space, perfectly paired with their decadent specialty coffees and tasty sandwiches.
Mad Dogs & Englishmen
4914 S. MacDill Ave
One of the first openings of the year was also one of the biggest. Technically, of course, this was a reopening, but the huge, beautiful new space makes the upscale British pub feel like an entirely new restaurant and experience.
Maxi Empanadas
9000 N Florida Ave
We could spend days waxing poetic about Maxi Empanadas, but in the name of brevity, we’ll just say these are our favorite empanadas in Tampa Bay. Fresh-made, bursting with flavor, and fully gluten-free. Try them if you haven’t.
Nori Nori
6705 N Florida Ave
The new hand roll spot in Seminole Heights has rocketed to the top of our sushi list, and it doubles as a great date night spot. The handcrafted specialties at Nori Nori are as photogenic as they are delicious, bursting with fresh flavors in every bite.
Photo via Ocean Ink
Ocean Ink Raw Bar
1632 E 7th Ave
Ybor City’s newest seafood spot brings Charleston charm and tradition to the neighborhood. The airy, indoor-outdoor space has become a favorite gathering spot for martinis and oysters, though the full menu offers plenty of hearty entrees, too.
Piccolo Buco
14904 N. Dale Mabry Hwy
A collaboration between some huge names in the culinary world, Piccolo Buco has brought a romantic taste of Rome to Tampa. The pizza and wine hotspot is a collaboration between Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants and Chef Luca Issa, owner of the original Piccolo Buco in Rome.
The Greene Turtle
5224 Bridge St
We’re suckers for a good sports bar, and this Maryland-based concept became an immediate hit when opening this fall in South Tampa. Featuring upscale bar food and local craft beer, The Greene Turtle also has a spacious bar, a large outdoor patio, and more than 20 HD TVs tuned to the season’s biggest games.