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25 recently closed Tampa Bay restaurants and bars we'll miss terribly

By CL Staff on Thu, Oct 3, 2024 at 2:44 pm

In just the last couple weeks, Tampa Bay was hit with the news that multiple beloved restaurants were calling it quits. Long standing icons like Ella's and Goody Goody are serving up their last plates, and they aren't the only ones. Over the last couple years, Tampa Bay has seen a wave of local favorites close their doors. Here are a few we'll miss.

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Bayou Bodega

241 E Davis Blvd., Davis Island
Known for its unique fusion fare and delectable selection of natty wines, Bayou Bodega was named by Creative Loafing to 2021’s Tampa Bay's 50 Best Restaurants. The business closed its Davis Island location, in February of 2023, but also mentioned plans to reopen sometime in the future.
Photo via Bayou Bodega/Facebook

Chief’s Creole Cafe

901 22nd St. S. St. Petersburg
Owners Elihu and Carolyn Brayboy announced the closure of Chief’s Creole Cafe back in April of 2023. The Creole, southern style restaurant was first opened in 2013 in honor of Elihu’s late mother Mary, and has been housed in its pink building on 22nd Street ever since. Known for their active work in the St. Pete Black communities, Mr. and Mrs. B announced their new work on a “uniquely affordable housing project.”
Photo via Chief’s Creole Cafe/Facebook

Crislip Cafe

645 Central Ave., St. Petersburg
Citing staffing shortages and rising prices, St. Pete’s Crislip Cafe announced its closing in March of 2023. Owners Kevin and Jennifer Schultz said they will continue to use the space to expand their retail gift shop located next store called The Merchant.
Photo via Crislip Cafe/Facebook

Pizzeria Gregario

400 2nd St. N., Safety Harbor
Owner of the one-man-show Pizzeria Gregario, Greg Seymour has sold his bright yellow waterside pizza storefront in April of 2023, bringing an end to 10 years of artisan. Seymour has become a Florida snowbird of sorts, but still serves occasional pizzas at local farmers markets and pop-ups.
Photo via Pizzeria Gregario/Facebook

Ichicoro

5229 N Florida Ave., Tampa
One of three restaurants to earn Tampa’s first Michelin Bib Gourmands, Ichicoro Ramen spent eight years changing the Seminole Heights dining scene. But in the springof 2023, the concept told employees that it was closing. Champion Pizza now lives in the former ramen hub.
Photo via Ichicoro/Instagram