The 25 best tiny Tampa Bay restaurants you should’ve tried by now

Big Ray’s Fish Camp

6116 Interbay Blvd., Tampa, 813-605-3615
Fresh seafood dishes including a Grouper Reuben, Shrimp Po’ Boy and U-Peel ‘em Shrimp. Bring your crew and order as many plates off the menu to try it all.

Photo via Big Ray’s Fish Camp/ Facebook

Taco Baby

235 Main Street, Dunedin
Slinging from scratch al pastor tacos out of a renovated ATM machine, it’s safe to say Taco Baby takes the cake when it comes to tiny restaurants. Snag a $3 street taco and make your way down Main Street.

Photo via Taco Baby/ Instagram

Bodega St. Pete

1120 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg, 727-623-0942
The line will build down Central Avenue, and if you’re lucky you’ll be able to snag one of the few tables on the sidewalk or the couple in the back of the restaurant. No shame in standing and eating their Cuban sandwiches.

Photo via Bodega/ Instagram

Engine No. 9

56 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. N., St. Petersburg, 727-623-0938
If you get there during a rish, pop your name and party size up on the chalkboard and get cozy. The Sriracha hot wings are worth the wait. Thankfully their extensive brew list will keep you occupied while you wait for your turn at the bar.

Photo via Engine No. 9/ Facebook

Jerk Hut

4495 W Gandy Blvd, Tampa, 813-835-5375
This drive through actual hut comes in clutch when you’re on the go and in the mood for some island food. How can such great flavor come out of something so small?

Photo via Jerk Hut/ Facebook

Loli’s Mexican Cravings

8005 Benjamin Road, Tampa, 813-886-7467
Although the house that Loli’s runs out of is big, the seating is muy pequeño. Just a few tables inside which gets crowded with customers lining up to order. Grab your shrimp and steak tacos to-go if you’re claustrophobic.

Photo via Loli’s Mexican Cravings/ Facebook

Mermaid Tavern

6719 N Nebraska Ave., Tampa, 813-238-5618
Dim lighting for their few tables inside, but plenty of seating outside on picnic tables and on the patio. Order at the counter, and the server will find you when your food is ready.

Photo via Mermaid Tavern/ Facebook

Miller’s Jamaican Spice

3114 5th Ave. S., St. Petersburg, 727-322-2301
Small on seating, big on flavor. Grab the jerk chicken that is laced with ghost peppers for a kick - or grab the oxtails if you want to play it safe when it comes to heat.

Photo via Google Maps

Pinky’s

3203 W Bay to Bay Blvd, Tampa, 813-831-9339
Keep in mind this spot has limited hours, 7 a.m. - 2 p.m. Monday - Saturday and 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Sunday. Don’t hesitate, just order the pancakes.

Photo via Pinky’s/ Facebook

Palm Avenue Sandwich Shop

2002 N Nebraska Ave, Tampa, 813-223-5157
Get some cuban toast and a cafe con leche - no questions asked. While you’re at it, grab a palomilla steak sandwich.

Photo via Palm Ave Sandwich Shop/ Facebook

3 Dot Dash

6203 N Florida Ave, Tampa, 813-675-4522
Located within the Jug & Bottle Dept., this grab and go spot offers decadent vegan bites like the Not•Cho Fries - topped with our not•cho cashew queso, taco seasoned soy protein, lettuce, tomato, onion topped with fresh jalapeño and cilantro.

Photo via

Jamaica Jamaica Island Cuisine

8206 West Waters Ave., Tampa, 813 243-1569
Are you eating island food if you aren’t washing it down with a Red Stripe? The answer is no. Grab the JJ Shrimp Meal, you can get it buttered, curry or jerk.

Photo via Jamaica Jamaica/Facebook

Ikigai Sushi St. Pete

4195 54th Avenue N., St. Petersburg
This spot offers weekly specials including $3 hand rolls on Tuesdays. A selection of craft brews are available - as well as games for those who want to drink and hang.

Photo via Ikigai Sushi St. Pete/ Facebook

Fiesta Mexican

1202 S 22nd St., Tampa, 813-241-2477
This grocery store also serves up traditional Mexican fare. Super lowkey with minimal seating. Grab a Corona from the fridge to wash down your tacos.

Photo via Google Maps

Ebisu Sushi Shack

5116 N Nebraska Ave., Tampa, 813-252-6393
Limited amounts of booth and table seating in this house-turned-restaurant. There’s even a small tv playing in the corner. Grab a Kirin and get comfy while you feast on fresh rolls.

Photo via Ebisu/ Facebook

Stella’s

3119 Beach Blvd S, Gulfport, 727-498-8950
Gulfport hotspot, Stella’s is weeks away from moving to a large location. Brunch is a must! Indulge in items marked on the menu as “Stella’s favorites” like house-made corn beef hash, the southern shrimp and grits, and the fried green tomato omelette.

Photo via Stella’s/Facebook

Terra Sur Cafe

5358 W Village Dr, Tampa, 813-269-2694
On the smaller side, this joint serves up homestyle Peruvian fare and boasts a vast wine selection. Spring for the ceviche sampler.

Photo via Terra Sur Cafe/ Facebook

Antojitos Latinos

6729 N Armenia Ave., Tampa, 813-935-9262
Serving up authentic Latin-American cuisine, this spot is open Wednesday - Sunday. Grab a fat plate of carne asada con tajadas.

Photo via Antojitos Latinos Restaurant/ Facebook

La Creperia Cafe

1729 E. 7th Ave., Tampa, 813-248-9700
It’d be a crime to go and not order a crepe. Lucky for you, they offer an array of them - sweet, savory and breakfast. La Creperia also offers other french inspired dishes including la parisienne sandwiches, paninis and homemade soups.

Photo via La Creperia Cafe Facebook

Thuy Cafe

5944 34th St N., St. Petersburg, 727-521-6406
This place comes through with the Vietnamese sandwich offerings - 20 different ones to choose from. Thuy Cafe also has specialty entrees and 60 different flavors of boba tea. Limited seating, big offerings!

Photo via Google Maps