Nov 13, 2024 - Food and Drink
Bite club: Get the fish at Tampeño
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Tampeño Fish & Meat Market's La Minuta. Photo: Yacob Reyes/Axios
On a drive back from Downtown Tampa, my fiancée Maya and I stumbled upon the Tampeño Fish & Meat Market.
- The restaurant opened its doors a few weeks ago and describes itself as "a celebration of West Tampa's origins." It's a stone's throw from Raymond James Stadium — offering upscale vibes without upscale prices.
State of plate: The menu boasts Spanish influences, with dishes like croquetas de bacalao (codfish croquettes) and albóndigas (Spanish-styled meatballs).
- We ordered Crispy Fish Bites ($13), Pollo al Ajillo ($23), La Minuta ($32) and a Pistachio and Ricotta Torte ($10). We clocked in at under $100.
Best bites: La Minuta is by far the most memorable dish we tried. It's red snapper coated in seasoned flour and fried until golden brown, served with fresh herbs, a lemon wedge and cilantro rice.
- We inhaled the Pistachio and Ricotta Torte, too. The cake pairs the creamy, sweet tang of ricotta with the earthy crunch of pistachios, which makes for an absolute must-have.
The verdict: The restaurant puts fish before meat in its name for a reason.
