Best Lunch in Tampa: Midtown Tampa’s Top Spots
When it comes to finding the best lunch in Tampa, one neighborhood stands out above the rest: Midtown Tampa. Perfectly located between Downtown Tampa and Westshore, Midtown is more than a shopping center—it’s one of Tampa Bay’s most exciting must-visit foodie destinations. With high-quality eateries, lively patios, and a mix of fast-casual restaurants, fine dining spots, and rooftop bars, Midtown has become a go-to place for locals and visitors alike.
Whether you’re in the mood for a quick lunch, a polished business lunch, a relaxed outdoor lunch, or even weekend brunch, Midtown Tampa offers something for every appetite and occasion. Add in happy hour specials, live music nights, and plenty of spaces designed for both date nights and family-friendly gatherings, and it’s clear why Midtown has become one of Tampa Bay’s most talked-about dining districts.
Quick Lunch in Tampa
Sometimes lunch is all about speed—without sacrificing flavor. Midtown has plenty of fast-casual spots that make it easy to grab something delicious between errands or meetings.
- Shake Shack – A staple in the Tampa restaurant scene, Shake Shack is known for its crave-worthy burgers, golden crinkle-cut fries, and creamy shakes. It’s perfect for a fast bite, whether you dine in or order takeout. With its consistent quality, it’s also one of the most family-friendly options in Midtown.
- Kale Me Crazy – This modern superfood café is a hidden gem for healthy eaters. Smoothie bowls, wraps, salads, and cold-pressed juices make it easy to enjoy a lunch that feels light yet energizing. It’s the perfect choice for a laid-back vibe when you’re short on time.
- Colony Grill – Pizza at lunch? Absolutely. Colony Grill serves its famous thin-crust pies with their signature “hot oil” topping, creating bold flavors that set them apart from other Tampa Bay pizzerias. Great for groups, solo lunches, or grabbing a pie to go.
Business Lunch in Tampa
When your lunch hour doubles as a meeting, Midtown offers restaurants that balance ambiance with efficiency. These spots make it easy to impress clients or coworkers while still enjoying a great dining experience.
- Sunda New Asian – With inventive sushi rolls, flavorful noodle dishes, and a sleek interior, Sunda offers a refined yet approachable setting for professional lunches. The menu is built around bold flavors from across Southeast Asia, making it a standout for both business and special occasions.
- BellaBrava – A modern Italian restaurant that blends rustic charm with contemporary style, BellaBrava is perfect for pasta lovers and pizza enthusiasts. Their wine list pairs perfectly with lunch meetings, and the ambiance feels elevated without being formal. This is also a great spot to transition from business lunch to happy hour later in the day.
- True Food Kitchen – For a productive working lunch, True Food Kitchen is hard to beat. The menu focuses on fresh, high-quality ingredients designed to leave you energized rather than sluggish. Whether you’re enjoying their seasonal bowls, truffle pizza, or refreshing teas, this is a spot where health and flavor meet.
Outdoor Lunch in Tampa
Florida sunshine deserves to be enjoyed, and Midtown Tampa delivers with several excellent options for an outdoor lunch.
- Sal Y Mar – Perched on the 7th floor of the Aloft and Element hotel, Sal Y Mar is a rooftop bar and restaurant that offers sweeping skyline views. Known for its Latin-inspired plates and signature cocktails, it’s one of Midtown’s most scenic spots for both lunch and date night. The atmosphere alone makes it a must-visit.
- Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux – A lively sports bar with plenty of patio seating, Walk-On’s is perfect for groups. From Po’boys and burgers to tacos and shareable appetizers, it’s a go-to for casual lunches. On select nights, you’ll even find live music, adding energy to an already vibrant setting.
- True Food Kitchen – With shaded patio seating, True Food Kitchen is also a top pick for outdoor dining. The refreshing menu, combined with Midtown’s laid-back vibe, makes it one of the most versatile lunch spots in the district.
Brunch, Happy Hour & More
One of Midtown’s biggest strengths is that its restaurants go beyond lunch. They create reasons to come back again and again:
- Brunch: Midtown shines on weekends, with Sal Y Mar offering a rooftop brunch with a view and BellaBrava serving Italian-inspired brunch plates. Both are local favorites for late mornings that linger into the afternoon.
- Happy Hour: After a workday, Midtown is the perfect place for happy hour in Tampa Bay. BellaBrava, Walk-On’s, and Sunda all feature drink and appetizer specials, making it easy to turn a casual lunch spot into an evening hangout.
- Date Night: From the skyline views at Sal Y Mar to the refined plates at Sunda, Midtown doubles as a date night destination. The mix of ambiance, signature cocktails, and creative menus makes it a dining experience worth sharing.
Foodie Favorites & Hidden Gems
For those who love to explore the foodie scene, Midtown Tampa offers variety that rivals any neighborhood in Downtown Tampa or Ybor City.
- Colony Grill – Known for its “hot oil” pizza, a true hidden gem in the Midtown lineup.
- BellaBrava – Beyond pizza and pasta, try their truffle dishes, a favorite among locals.
- Walk-On’s – Southern classics with bold flavors, from seafood to shareable plates.
- Sal Y Mar – A must-visit Tampa restaurant for anyone who loves Latin flavors and signature cocktails paired with a skyline view.
Whether you’re a Tampa Bay local or a visitor exploring nearby Ybor City, Midtown belongs at the top of your must-visit foodie list.
Midtown Tampa: Dining for Every Occasion
Midtown Tampa isn’t just a place to eat—it’s a neighborhood designed to make every outing feel like an event. With its laid-back vibe, walkable design, and mix of new restaurants, it’s perfect for everything from a family-friendly lunch to a special occasion dinner.
Want a quick bite? Stop at Shake Shack or Kale Me Crazy. Need a polished meeting spot? BellaBrava and Sunda are excellent for business. Looking for date night or a rooftop bar with views? Sal Y Mar delivers every time. Midtown even brings in live music, turning lunch or dinner into a mini celebration.
For those exploring Tampa Bay, Midtown pairs perfectly with nearby Downtown Tampa attractions or a visit to historic Ybor City. It’s a neighborhood that doesn’t just serve meals—it offers a complete dining experience that captures the energy of the city.
Plan Your Next Lunch at Midtown Tampa
From brunch to happy hour, from casual sports bars to elevated rooftops, Midtown Tampa has quickly earned its place among the best Tampa restaurants. Whether you’re after a quick lunch, an indulgent pizza with truffle oil, or a refined meal paired with a thoughtful wine list, you’ll find it here.
The next time noon rolls around, skip the guesswork. Midtown Tampa is waiting with high-quality eateries, a welcoming atmosphere, and the kind of ambiance that turns any lunch into something more. Come hungry, stay for the foodie vibe, and see why Midtown is one of Tampa Bay’s most must-visit neighborhoods.
