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What are America’s Best Foodie Cities?
WalletHub recently released its 2017 list of best cities in America for finding good food. The list rated cities based on the accessibility, diversity and affordability and quality of their food options.
Just missing the top 10 cut, Tampa comes in at #11 on the list of best foodie cities in America! And the #11 is nothing to snuff at – Tampa beat out well-established foodie cities like Chicago and Philadelphia for a top spot. It even beat out its sister city across the bay, St. Petersburg (#91)!
For Tampa residents, the rank really comes as no surprise. Tampa’s diverse history and culture have allowed for a vibrant and thriving ethnic food scene combining Spanish, Latin and Caribbean cuisines to create a thriving foodie culture. What’s more, the influx of innovative, ‘new food’ concepts that have been coming to Tampa recently are pushing the city into the national spotlight.
Tampa’s food scene is ever-evolving, with more great things coming in everyday, positioning it as one of the leading destinations for food-lovers from all over the world.
In honor of making the list as on of America’s top ‘foodie’ cities, here are some of our favorite foodie spots around Tampa. If you’re moving to Tampa, make sure to put these stops on your list!
Cuban
Let’s start with the cuisine that put Tampa on the map – Cuban food. And we’re not just talking Cuban Sandwiches. While Tampa is known for the iconic sandwich, there is so much more to Cuban cuisine. Mixing Latin and Spanish cooking with Caribbean flavors, Cuban food creates unique flavors that will
For some real home-style Cuban cooking, check out La Teresita or Arco Iris.
For traditional Cuban Sandwiches and Medianoches, check out West Tampa Sandwich Shop or head over to Brocato’s Sandwich Shop.
‘New Food’
For lack of a better term, ‘new food’ describes the innovative food movement that has emerged in Tampa recently. New concepts, focusing on fresh, farm-to-table options and seasonal ingredients have reinvigorated whole neighborhoods. The Seminole Heights neighborhood , in particular, has emerged as a local leader in these new culinary concepts.
In Seminole Heights, make sure you check out Ichicoro Ramen or Rooster and the Till. Ichicoro is serving up some of the finest traditional ramen bowls you’ll ever taste and Rooster and the Till is a pioneer in the area for modern, farm-fresh dishes.
A Foodie’s Paradise
Tampa has so much more for all you food-lovers out there – too much to fit in one blog! For even more great restaurant ideas in Tampa, check out our blog. Our “Know Your Neighborhood” segments highlight some of the best food options neighborhood-by-neighborhood!