The Best Restaurants In Tampa's Davis Islands, Florida

A Davis Island staple for the past 14 years, 220 East is a cozy neighborhood restaurant adorned with stained glass frames in the windows and welcomes any and every passerby. The interior is dimly lit with a laid-back and casual atmosphere. This along with the quaint antiques – a typewriter, old movie projector and giant carousel rooster – make for the perfect space for a low-key evening in beautiful Davis Islands. Menu items include baked brie, French onion soup, crème brûlée and three berry shortcake, all of which will bring joy to your tastebuds. The consistent quality of their food keeps every customer coming back for more.

Zigi Cafe serves Israeli cuisine and houses an Italian espresso bar and a unbeatable combination of a wide variety of food and drinks. Their Italian Segafredo espresso is considered number one in the world, and their fabulous Turkish coffee takes the cafe to the next level. The food is organic, healthy, fresh and accessible to all diets, whether you’re gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan or none of the above. The space has cozy chairs and tables inside and out on the patio. There is also a play train set and coloring books for kids to play. All of the food is cooked with care and attention, from the chia seed pancakes (considered some of Tampa’s best) to the shakshuka and house-made pastries. Enjoy a relaxing and pleasant Florida morning at Zigi Cafe – it’s a perfect way to start the day.

A quaint, hidden gem with a relaxing outdoor and dog-friendly patio, Thai Island is one of the very best Thai restaurants in Tampa. The dishes are bright and colorful and made with the most fresh and flavorful of ingredients. You cannot go wrong with any of the traditional items on the menu. However, it is in your best interest to try the Panang Curry, to which you can add tofu, chicken, pork, shrimp, or even fried eggplant. Leave room for a sweet and creamy Thai iced tea with your meal and dessert of warm coconut milk with tapioca pearls or the most addicting Thai donuts you have ever had. If you aren’t in the mood to dine in, Thai Island travels well. So, don’t hesitate to pick it up and bring it right to your cozy couch.

Farrell’s On the Island is Davis Island’s ideal breakfast spot as well as home to exceptional deli eats and the best ice cream in town. Take advantage of a warm night on the patio. It’s a space with a truly welcoming and local feel. Enjoy all of the fresh and high-quality food they have to offer. If their fresh bagels and breads or deli meats and sandwiches of the New York Deli status are not enough to whet your appetite, go on a Sunday for all of that and more, buffet style. Sip on some coffee and read the newspape with any of Farrell’s delectable dishes for a lovely Sunday morning and afternoon.

Formerly known as Estella’s and rated the Best Mexican Food and Margaritas in Tampa, FL, Margarita’s Mexican Restaurant’s authentic cuisine has been Davis Island’s best for 20 years and counting. The margaritas are humongous and undoubtedly delicious. You can even make them spicy if the hot sauce on your meal just isn’t enough. The family-friendly atmosphere and festive decor sets the scene. The live music, whether an incredibly talented guitarist or mariachi band, brings it all home. Enjoy the great service and large portions of the freshest chips, salsa and guacamole alongside juicy steak fajitas with a jar of tastefully portioned sangria in hand.

Relatively new to the Davis Island scene, DI Coffee Bar is the modern, open and cozy coffee bar the neighborhood has been waiting for. The interior has a mix of old and new-age styles. There are tables of all types, long, high and low as well as leather arm chairs and a walk-up outdoor bar and porch. It is the most comfortable and inviting space to spend any time of day. Plus, DI is also said to share their space with a local home furnishing company for which almost everything in the cafe is for sale. This includes the old guitars that hang on the walls. They serve Panther coffee, which rivals some of the best local brews. At night they open the bar up for house beer and wine. Head to DI before work for coffee and avocado toast or in the late afternoon for a cheese board accompanied by a glass of some of Tampa’s finest beer and wine.

Islands Pizza has so many food options and deals that you’ll have to dedicate at least a couple of days to try them all. Take a seat at the bar where there are plenty of TVs to watch a game or two. Start happy hour off with their irresistible tater tots and fried pickles. Follow this with a burger and a pint of beer or some of the best wings in town. Next, enjoy a all-you-can-eat brunch with bottomless mimosas and Bloody Marys on Saturday, Sunday, or both. Even better, as is mentioned in the name, you can’t go to Islands Pizza without trying one of their stone oven pizzas. You know what to expect and you know it’s going to be good. A small place with big flavors, Islands Pizza is a Davis Island must.

Another newer restaurant in the Davis Islands neighborhood, The Fountain Mediterranean Restaurant & Bar is a fabulous cultural addition. It is said to be some of the best Mediterranean food in all of Florida. The manager and chef, Aida, is the most loving, warm and charming woman with a never-ending smile for all of her customers and employees. The restaurant gets its name from the fountain in the patio. This, along with the decor and the fun and friendly atmosphere, come together to create a European feel that attracts people from all over the city. Start off your meal with fresh hot pita bread with a house-made hummus platter and shwarma or lamp chops. The belly dancers and live music not only entertain, but make you want to get up and dance along.

Grecian Island Restaurant is Davis Island’s Greek restaurant. It is family-owned and run by a local and loving family. It is the quintessential neighborhood restaurant, perfect for those looking for high-quality food and a comfortable atmosphere that makes you feel at home. Open early for breakfast and until the afternoon for a late lunch, Grecian Island serves imported Greek yogurt with honey and granola or delicious egg dishes. These dishes include omelets with ingredients of your choice or simple scrambled eggs. Stop by a little bit later in the day for a tastefully assembled hummus, feta, and vegetable platter with a chicken fried steak or gyro sandwich. No matter when you come, you will be grateful you did.

Plum Tree is one of the best Chinese restaurants and take-out spots in all of Tampa, with all of the classic dishes you want or expect of your local Chinese go-to. Options include stir fry, noodles or any combo plate. You can order online, over the phone or at the restaurant. They have a lunch special, which comes with pork fried rice and an egg roll, all at an incredible price. Plum Tree is easy, simple and more than friendly. It has everything you would want and need. So, order up your favorites and enjoy a stroll down East Davis Boulevard to pick it up or enjoy in house.

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