For better or for worse, Tampa Bay's dining scene took a giant leap forward in 2023.
Over the past 12 months, three local restaurants bagged the region's first Michelin stars, a high-end members only dinner club emerged, multiple omakase spots debuted, Hollywood stars opened new concepts, and some highly-anticipated chains finally made their big debut.
Well, I guess this means growing up. But overall Tampa Bay's dining scene saw a vast variety of new culinary flavors and ideas. From new rooftop bars, health-focused Vietnamese spots, and even a "modern ouzeri," it truly has never been a better time to be a diner in Tampa Bay.
What follows are the most exciting new eateries that popped up in Tampa Bay this year.