1. 717 South

   Editor's pick

   South Tampa : 717 S Howard Ave., Tampa, 33606

   Half Italian, half Asian and all South Tampa style, the place feels homey. Burgers, duck salad, Thai beef, bread bowls, lasagne, pizza and espresso-seared steak all get uptown presentation and warm neighborhood vibe. Plus miso, pesto and the whims of chef Robert Masson. The bar scene: Swank is t …

2. Ameer's Restaurant

   South Tampa : 4004 W Neptune St # 103, Tampa, 33629

3. Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza (South Tampa)

   South Tampa : 1901 S Dale Mabry, Tampa, 33629

   Known for its high energy atmosphere and signature menu items, Anthony's uses 800-degree anthracite coal-burning ovens. Anthracite, said to be the "cleanest" of coals, cooks the pizzas in just four to six minutes. Coal-oven-roasted chicken wings topped with grilled onions and signature …

4. B J's Alabama BBQ

   South Tampa : 3307 S Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, 33629

5. Beef O'Brady's (Southdale)

   South Tampa : 4516 S Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, 33611

   The now 270+ strong chain of family pubs started in Brandon. Founder Jim Mellody was a transplanted Pennsylvanian who tried a steakhouse, but when that didn't work, he added his mother's maiden name to the word "Beef" on the sign and watched business take off. The formula is simple: go …

6. Beef'O'Brady's (Tampa, S MacDill Ave.)

   South Tampa : 2819 S MacDill Ave., Tampa, 33629

   The now 270+ strong chain of family pubs started in Brandon. Founder Jim Mellody was a transplanted Pennsylvanian who tried a steakhouse, but when that didn't work, he added his mother's maiden name to the word "Beef" on the sign and watched business take off. The formula is simple: go …

7. Bella's Italian Cafe

   South Tampa : 1413 S Howard Ave. # 101, Tampa, 33606

   Joanie Corneil and Bill Shumate opened the SoHo restaurant more than 25 years ago. At the time it was one of only a handful of restaurants between Kennedy and Bayshore. Years later, many times more restaurants have come to the area. The place has had two remodels in its lifetime and still manage …

8. Bern's Steak House

   Editor's pick

   South Tampa : 1208 S Howard Ave., Tampa, 33606

   Naysayers can grouse, but there's no denying the fine meat and one of the world's best and cheapest wine lists. You can drink back through 20 years in Spanish, Italians, Rhones and zins for $75 or less. Lighten up and relax; just exploring the menu's new additions takes time. Dessert takes more. …

9. Bernardo's

   South Tampa : 2221 W Platt St, Tampa, 33606

10. Bianchi's Enoteca

    South Tampa : 3215 S MacDill Ave., Suite G, Tampa, 33629

    Italian neighborhood spot in Bayshore Plaza features wines, artisan cheeses, charcuterie with no TV or loud music to get in the way of conversation. Hours: Tuesday and Wednesday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Thursday and Friday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; call (813) 837-2233.

11. Boca Kitchen Bar Market

    South Tampa : 901 W Platt St., Tampa, 33606

    Along with a growing group of Tampa Bay restaurants, the new Boca Kitchen Bar Market isn't satisfied with a little local lettuce and some backyard herbs—it sources locally, Big Time. The locavore fervor wouldn't mean much if what Boca did with all this bounty was ho-hum. Executive chef Ted …

12. Bonefish Grill (Tampa, Henderson Blvd.)

    South Tampa : 3665 Henderson Blvd., Tampa, 33609

    Bonefish Grill's mother ship opened on Fourth Street N in 2000. Now more than 150 locations strong, it was selected the best value in the seafood category by Consumer Reports in June 2009. The menu at Bonefish has been fairly steady, but there is some movement in a new direction: affordable, sh …

13. Brunchery Restaurant

    South Tampa : 3225 S MacDill Ave. # 109, Tampa, 33629

14. BT

    Editor's pick

    South Tampa : 2507 S MacDill Ave., Tampa, 33606

    B.T. Nguyen-Batley presents the flavors of France and Vietnam with a style of her own, half feng shui, half fashion model. She recently downsized to a smaller 16-table restaurant from her 200-seat space in Old Hyde Park Village. Though the new places will have a different feel and menu from the  …

15. Bungalow Restaurant

    South Tampa : 2202 W Kennedy Blvd., Tampa, 33606

    The Bungalow opened in 2008 in a charming Craftsman bungalow that dates to 1919. It's around the corner from the mayhem of MacDinton's, drawing a much broader spectrum of customers, from Hyde Park families and older couples to posses of young adults relishing the opportunity to watch the game en …

16. Byblos Cafe

    Editor's pick

    South Tampa : 2832 S MacDill Ave., Tampa, 33629

    The local rebirth of Middle Eastern cuisine gets its most stylish display thanks to smart Lebanese entrepreneurs. Yogurt, grape leaves and kibbe are deliciously fresh. Stay late and finish with intoxicating bellydancing or a dreamy draw on the water pipe (hookah).

17. Cafe European

    South Tampa : 113 S Hyde Park Ave., Tampa, 33606

18. Caffe Paradiso

    South Tampa : 4205 S MacDill Ave. # D, Tampa, 33611

    You may dine next to big shots, but fine dining Italian-style in this tiny hideaway is casual and comfortable. Veal is at its best here; salmon-stuffed ravioli is exquisite; linguine with clam sauce is perfect. All are set off by crisp salads, fresh vegetables and first-rate service.

19. Cappys Pizzeria

    South Tampa : 3200 W Bay to Bay Blvd., Tampa, 33629

20. Carmel Cafe & Wine Bar

    South Tampa : 3601 Swann Ave., Tampa, 33609

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