Tampa's Sizzling Food Scene: A Melting Pot Of Flavors And Tradition

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Tampa's culinary landscape has undergone a remarkable transformation, evolving into Florida's hottest food scene. The city's rich history dates back to the early 20th century, when Ybor City emerged as the "Cigar Capital of the World." The influx of Cuban, Italian, Spanish, Eastern European, and Chinese immigrants who worked in the cigar factories brought with them their culinary traditions.

One of the earliest and most enduring restaurants in Tampa is Columbia Restaurant, established in 1905 by Spanish-Cuban immigrant Casimiro Hernandez, Sr. This iconic eatery, now the oldest in Florida, continues to serve up beloved dishes like the Original 1905 Salad, the Original Cuban Sandwich, and Lechón Asado "1905." The restaurant's commitment to traditional cuisine has been a cornerstone of Tampa's dining scene.

In the decades that followed, other legendary restaurants opened their doors, including Bern's Steak House, which boasts one of the world's largest wine collections, and Malio's Prime Steakhouse, a family-owned institution since 1969. Mise en Place, from chef Marty Blitz and Maryann Ferenc, is celebrating 40 years in 2026. Despite the rise of casual family dining and chain restaurants, which once threatened the survival of independent eateries, Tampa's culinary ← →

Susan B. Barnes has written about food and travel for Food ⁘ Wine since 2018. She has been published in AARP magazine, Allrecipes, Condé Nast ...

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