The Best Restaurants In Ybor City, Tampa

On the bustling 7th Ave is Columbia, Ybor’s historical restaurant and one of the largest Spanish restaurants in the world. With 1,700 hundreds seats in 15 dining rooms, Columbia takes up almost an entire city block. This restaurant has been in the same family for five generations and have nightly live flamenco shows as well as jazz music five times a week. With a large menu with options varying from tapas to paella dishes, Columbia is a must visit in Ybor City.

Immerse yourself in the flavors of Ybor City on our exciting Ybor City Food Tour, featuring 4-5 delicious food tastings paired with a staple drink: Cafe Con Leche. This leisurely 3-hour walking tour invites you to savor the essence of Ybor through its culinary delights. As you indulge in diverse eats, you’ll also uncover the rich history of this historic city, established since 1855. Our knowledgeable guide will share fascinating stories that enhance your experience, offering a journey that delights both your taste buds and your curiosity. Experience the best of Ybor City’s culture, cuisine, and history all in one enjoyable outing!

Embark on a culinary adventure through Tampa’s Ybor City on this walking food tour. Explore the vibrant neighborhood on foot and indulge in up to six delicious food and drink tastings that together make up a satisfying meal. A knowledgeable guide will accompany you, sharing fascinating insights into Ybor City’s rich history as you stroll. This tour is perfect for food enthusiasts eager to discover new flavors and local eateries, offering a great way to find restaurants to revisit during your stay in the city. The tour begins at the easily accessible meeting spot at Jimmy John’s restaurant, ensuring a convenient start to your Ybor City exploration.

Right down the street is Carmine’s, a classic Ybor restaurant that showcases dishes from Spain, Italy and Cuba. The space is large and bright, refurbished from an industrial space but keeping all the best features such as exposed brick walls and large windows. Come here for a lunchtime Cuban sandwich or stop in at night for a plate of oysters or roast pork.

Just around the corner from Carmine’s, La Terrazza Ristorante lies on 7th Ave and is another Italian restaurant heavy on tradition. Here you can enjoy Northern Italian classics in a friendly and cozy atmosphere. Salads, ravioli and pasta dishes are the main treats in this small hidden gem in the middle of the bustle of Ybor City.

Also on the historic 7th Ave is Bernini of Ybor, an Italian bistro named after Renaissance era artist Giovanni Lorenzo Bernini. Described by themselves as ‘an eclectic eatery where the cuisine compliments your surroundings without compromising your wallet,’ Bellini certainly delivers when it comes to beautiful, authentic cuisine for a reasonable price Come to Bernini for more fine-dining options in Ybor, such as the multiple duck entrees or the classic Italian pasta dishes.

A treat for the eyes as well as the tastebuds, Al’s found its home at a colourful bungalow, converted into one of the best Tennessee-style BBQ joints this side of the US. Opened in 2009, Al’s speciality is dry-rub meats that are smoked for many hours at a time. A real family affair, the dishes are named to reflect that homely feel such as Aunt Ruza’s Pecan Pie and Aunt Nita’s Black-Eyed Peas. One of the top rated restaurants in the city of Tampa, Al’s takes pride in serving quality barbecue to customers who come from all over the state. Come here for a sit-down meal and some southern charm.

Just on the outskirts of 7th Ave is The Bricks, truly a one-of-a-kind place. All of their sauces, desserts and dips are made in house and the vegetables used are grown in their rooftop garden. Their menu has a lot of creativity to it, with options spanning from café standards, to barbecue, to food truck cuisine. Come here to try the Bird and Pig – a roasted chicken, bacon, apples, brie and agave concoction, and the Deluxe Grilled Cheese with mozzarella, spinach, pesto, tomato and red onion.

In the heart of Ybor is King Corona Cigars, a café that serves all day breakfast, Cuban coffee and to top it all off, cigars as well as tobacco accessories. Come here to read La Gacete, the nations only trilingual newspaper (Spanish, Italian and English) and enjoy the food and daily regulars who come to this special Ybor spot.

El Puerto Restaurant and Grill is a family-owned restaurant off the main strip of Ybor City. A popular lunch spot, the menu showcases dishes from Peru, Argentina, Mexico, El Salvador and Cuba. This mom and pop style joint is known for fabulous appetizers and Cuban rolls, but save room for the many delicious entrées the restaurant has to offer too.