The best Tampa Bay restaurants I tried in 2024
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This year, I made it a mission to uncover the good, the great and, occasionally, the meh in Tampa Bay's dining scene — from new, upscale eateries to more affordable gems.
- With the holidays around the corner and friends and relatives not too far behind, I rounded up the best restaurants I tried this year.
1. Ash
Flashback: I visited Ash, the long-awaited Italian concept from Rooster & the Till chef Ferrell Alvarez, a few weeks after it opened in May.
- I almost couldn't reserve a table. But, when I did land one, I understood the wait. Each dish I ordered tasted better than the last.
Best bite: This honor goes to Ash's braised lamb neck, served with flatbread, refried white beans and salsa verde.
- Here's how I described it in May: "If you consider that the entree is intended for at least two people, the price is forgivable, and the taste is unforgettable."
2. Agave Social
Zoom in: I have revisited most of the restaurants I reviewed, but few as often as Agave Social. What keeps me coming back are its affordable prices and eclectic menu.
Best bite: The Umami Steak taco, piled high with lemongrass pepper steak, sticky rice, and furikake mayo.
- The "Gaucho" bowl is also worth a mention. It comes with flank steak, roasted purple potatoes and chimichurri elote corn.
3. Casa Cami
Flashback: I dined at The Current Hotel's rooftop concept, Casa Cami, in August. I snagged a reservation with ease: an indoor seat that provided an air-conditioned sight of the water.
- It's far from the most affordable option on the list, but hands down the most picturesque.
Best bite: The Barbacoa short rib fajita. It's tender and savory, an ample entree that could feed two people.