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26 new Tampa Bay restaurants and bars opening this spring

By CL Staff on Wed, Jan 16, 2019 at 11:26 pm

Compile all of the Tampa Bay restaurants and bars shooting for openings in spring and you've got one hefty list. (Click here to see it for yourself.) Luckily, diners can look forward to both casual and upscale additions to the food scene now until summer. These are the newcomers you need to know.

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WEPA! Cocina de Puerto Rico

2149 Third Ave. S., St. Petersburg. 727-420-7832.
Mid-February is when this traditional Puerto Rican kitchen hopes to premiere. Anticipated dishes include mofongo and arroz con gandules.
Photo via WEPA! Cocina de Puerto Rico

Grain & Berry

Various locations, Tampa Bay.
The popular superfood cafe has six sites under construction around town. Brandon Mall will score its own outpost in late January, followed by Carrollwood (14308 N. Dale Mabry Highway) and South Tampa (1155 S. Dale Mabry Highway) in February and Sarasota in March.
Photo via Jenna Rimensnyder

Taste

Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa Downtown Convention Center, 513 S. Florida Ave., Tampa.
The New American eatery does ingredient-driven dishes with an emphasis on local farmers, ranchers and artisans. It’s shooting for a late February debut.
Photo via Embassy Suites by Hilton Tampa Downtown Convention Center

The Mill

2500 W. Azeele St., Tampa.
Known for New American grub and craft cocktails, the downtown St. Pete favorite takes over the former spot of Ceviche with its (relocated) second restaurant.
Photo via The Mill

Pokéworks

2734 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa.
The Hawaiian poke franchise carries a customizable lineup of create-your-own poke burritos, bowls and salads, as well as signature builds, starting next month.
Photo via Pokéworks

Garrison Tavern

Tampa Marriott Waterside Hotel & Marina, 700 S. Florida Ave., Tampa.
Developed by pioneering chef-restaurateur Richard Sandoval, this gastropub with contemporary-meets-approachable comfort food will replace Champions Sports Bar. Another new venue is planned for the property, too.
Photo via RS Hospitality

Park & Rec

290 S. Meridian Ave., Tampa.
On top of playful food, Park & Rec’s second location showcases four bars, bringing signature cocktails like a grown-up CapriSun across the bay. Giant beer pong and retro arcade games are other highlights.
Photo via Hunger + Thirst Group

King State

520 E. Floribraska Ave., Tampa.
The specialty roaster’s first brick-and-mortar cafe will fuse coffee, beer and food under one roof.
Photo via Jenna Rimensnyder

No Vacancy

937 Central Ave., St. Petersburg.
Florida-inspired bites and specialty drinks are found at the indoor-outdoor hangout replacing Kings Street Food Counter.
Photo via Facebook

Sandwich House

5214 N. Nebraska Ave., Tampa.
The brainchild of Gulf Coast Sourdough & Wild Yeast Breads founders Brett Wiewiora and Christina Cann slings elevated sandwiches on fresh-baked artisan loaves, plus sides, beverages and desserts.
Photo via Gulf Coast Sourdough & Wild Yeast Breads

Hole In One Donuts

39024 U.S. Highway 19 N., Tarpon Springs.
The fiercely loved neighborhood doughnut shop’s latest location is scheduled to open within the next month or so.
Photo via Chris Fasick

Dio Modern Mediterranean

519 N. Franklin St., Tampa. 813-341-2525.
The restaurant formerly known as Paninoteca, which expects to debut early next month, will fully embrace the Mediterranean region with a wide-ranging menu
Photo via George Khabbaz

Sekushi on the Beach

524 Mandalay Ave., Clearwater Beach.
Originally projected to open before Christmas, Sekushi provides a taste of the Las Vegas strip through chef-partner Viet Vo’s sushi, but also dumplings and noodles.
Photo via Alexandria Jones

Mr. & Mrs. Crab

1251 E. Fowler Ave. #D3, Tampa.
The casual Bradenton restaurant expands its Cajun-style seafood, everything from shrimp and oysters to clams and crawfish, once again.
Photo via Facebook

Cass Street Deli

1331 W. Cass St., Tampa.
Launching in late February, the New York-style Jewish delicatessen promises carryout-focused fare like stacked pastrami on rye and matzo ball soup. Also expect a grab-and-go market.
Photo via Cass Street Deli

Giovanni’s Fresh Italian Kitchen

Vista Inn Lake Tarpon, 37611 U.S. Highway 19 N., Palm Harbor. 727-935-2106.
A relaxed family joint featuring simple spins on Italian classics and a full-liquor bar.
Photo via Alexandria Jones

Mole y Abuela

1202 N. Franklin St., Tampa.
Premiering next month where Fly Bar & Restaurant last operated, celebrity chef Fabio Viviani and Nocturnal Hospitality Group’s next culinary collaboration works fresh, locally sourced ingredients into Spanish-inspired dishes that accompany a Latin spirits bar on the roof.
Photo via Mole y Abuela

Plant+Love Ice Cream

953 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. 727-900-6744.
Rotating flavors of vegan ice cream, made with an organic coconut milk base, from a community-driven artist collective.
Photo via Celine Duvoisin

Tiki Docks River Bar & Grill

10708 Palmetto St., Riverview.
One of the newest ventures for Ford’s Garage parent company 23 Restaurant Services is on the Alafia River, allowing for boat-up access to three bars, a large patio and tropical eats.
Photo via 23 Restaurant Services

Olivia

3601 W. Swann Ave., Tampa.
The neighborhood restaurant — which chef Chris Ponte and his wife, Michelle, aim to open with their son, JT Mahoney, in February — will deliver a mix of northern and southern Italian cuisine, including pasta and Neapolitan pizza.
Photo via Jenna Rimensnyder