Chances are, if there’s a Caesar salad on the menu, I’m ordering it.

There’s just something about the crisp romaine, the salty kiss of anchovies, a burst of lemon, garlicky croutons and the sweet, nutty hit of Parmesan. When prepared correctly, it’s the ideal combination of fat, acid, salt and crunch — pretty much my perfect bite.

The iconic salad, which was first created by chef Caesar Cardini, traces its origins to Tijuana, Mexico, where Cardini (a chef in San Diego) opened restaurants in the 1920s to skirt Prohibition. In its most classic version, the salad is composed of romaine tossed in a dressing made of eggs, olive oil, lemon, Parmesan, anchovies and Worcestershire sauce, with anchovies and croutons thrown in for a punch and a crunch.

Of course, I have my own preferences when it comes to the Caesar: I want a large, craggy-edged crouton and I love a loosely emulsified dressing, rather than a premixed creamy version. I’ll admit there’s a time and place where the creamy take will do just fine (like if it’s pizza night in our house). But overall, I prefer something light and zingy, slick with anchovies and plenty of cheese.

There is some room for interpretation. I enjoy a dish that colors outside of the lines, and every so often there comes along a new take that hits so hard it becomes a trend (I’m looking at you, charred romaine).

I’ve found — through many, many meals — that Tampa Bay is home to a great selection of both classic Caesars that honor tradition and those where creativity and innovation take center stage.

So, who makes Tampa Bay’s best Caesar salad? I had to find out. In no particular order, here are nine of my favorite Caesars around town. My very favorite? Scroll down to see.

Kinjo

Japanese and Italian cuisines combine at this South Tampa itameshi restaurant, where a clever play on a classic Caesar ($19) features romaine paired with Chrysanthemum leaves, boquerones (marinated white anchovies) and crunchy dehydrated bechamel crisps. Japanese sansho peppercorns lend a citrusy, zingy note while milk bread crumbs and a generous shower of Pecorino sardo provide a salty, decadent finish.

224 S. Boulevard, Tampa. 813-304-0000. kinjotampa.com

Ponte Modern American

Perhaps the most elegant Caesar on the list, the “modern” Caesar ($14) at this Midtown Tampa spot arrives at the table sheathed within a silver cylinder, which is removed tableside by a server to reveal a picturesque tower of romaine and red endive leaves dressed in a tart lemon anchovy dressing and topped with a black peppercorn Parmesan crisp.

1010 Gramercy Lane, Tampa. 813-582-7755. pontetampa.com

Good Intentions

I love this smart vegan twist on a Caesar ($17) — chock-full of leafy greens, shredded carrots, tahini hummus, pepitas and toasted almonds all dressed in a light Caesar dressing. A toss of golden cornbread croutons and “Parmesan” add a nice salty crunch to each bite.

1900 First Ave. S., St. Petersburg. 727-280-6068. goodintentionsfl.com

Wild Child

Though not currently on the menu, I’ve enjoyed the lovely Little Gem Caesar ($14) at Wild Child in the past. It’s a salad that takes a delightful detour from tradition with a creamy roasted shallot dressing, juicy cherry tomatoes and plenty of crunch from crispy tortilla strips. The whole thing arrives topped with a snowy blanket of thinly shaved manchego cheese and a sprinkling of Tajin.

2710 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727-954-7425. wildchildstpete.com

Cheeky’s Fish & Raw Bar

The Caesar ($13) at this popular Grand Central District oyster house and seafood restaurant really understands the assignment. It’s classic and simple — nothing fussy and no frills, just crisp romaine lettuce, shaggy croutons, whole anchovies and thick shavings of Parmesan. It’s also the perfect accompaniment to an ice cold martini and an order of the spot’s crazy delicious fries with garlic mayo, a special combo that will run you $28.

2823 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 877-243-3595. cheekys.net

Bern’s Steak House

There is perhaps no Caesar more widely beloved in Tampa Bay than the tableside Caesar for two ($30) at Bern’s Steak House. This iconic dish, and presentation, has cemented itself in our culinary canon for very good reason: The salad is garlicky, heavy on the anchovies, and oh-so-zingy with lemon and plenty of Parmesan. And watching the whole thing unfold is just a lot of fun.

1208 S Howard Ave., Tampa. 813-251-2421. bernssteakhouse.com

Quiote Tequilaria