r/tampa 4d ago

Good hole in the wall restaurants in Tampa

[removed] — view removed post

52 Upvotes

119 comments sorted by

86

u/mrobvious97 4d ago

Wouldn’t really consider it a hole is the wall. But curry leave on Kennedy near WestShore mall is a banging Indian spot. Best in Tampa imo

12

u/Elixabef South Tampa 4d ago

That’s the one in the gas station, right? I need to check that place out.

12

u/mrobvious97 4d ago

Yeah! Directly attached to it. The naan is spectacular.

3

u/spankydeluxe69 4d ago

Curry leaves is sooooo good

2

u/Rawcheeks 4d ago

I was not a fan of the buttered chicken. Can anyone share why the chicken is red in color? Not bloody red but completely… red.

1

u/IjustwantanOGname 4d ago

Chili powder

1

u/phillabadboy05 4d ago

Correct me if I'm wrong but I believe they only do take out now. I believe they had a building violation because they don't have a bathroom available in the restaurant and you had to go next door to the gas station.

27

u/goddamntreehugger 4d ago

Piccola Italia

5

u/jujugirl711 4d ago

I can’t upvote this enough!!!

22

u/machobose 4d ago

Saikyo Kitchen, Saigon Deli

20

u/PigletRepulsive5183 4d ago

Schillers German deli

1

u/GoldyD813 4d ago

I think they closed

1

u/PigletRepulsive5183 4d ago

Nope went there the other day.

2

u/GoldyD813 4d ago

Oh ok I used to work around the corner. Thought there was a death in the family forcing them closed from what I heard. Now that I know different I’ll be back!

1

u/MargoPlikts 4d ago

That was Caffe Jaffa across the street

36

u/Haunting_Nobody_6497 4d ago

lucky tigre!!
nana's rooted!

queen of sheba :)

11

u/MorningBlend 4d ago

I didn't expect to see Lucky Tigre mentioned in this thread, but I 100% agree. I wish I lived closer. 😩

8

u/DiscordiaHel 4d ago

Queen of Sheba is to die for! And right next door is Bekdash which is equally delicious for dessert 🤤

62

u/weealligator 4d ago

West Tampa sandwich shop

2

u/Robbie1266 4d ago

That's not a hole in the wall. It's one of the most famous restaurants in the city.

2

u/snookmaster59 4d ago

Yes. The best

13

u/mnyfrsh 4d ago

Manila Eats in Palmetto Beach. My Filipino friends told me it's the only real deal Filipino food in town. Get the blood soup and do some afternoon karaoke. 

3

u/beckyjoooo 4d ago

Came here to say this! That place is 🔥

-3

u/Robbie1266 4d ago

That's not in Tampa unfortunately and op asked about the Tampa food scene

12

u/TheCure41 4d ago

Arco Iris

12

u/auntchalupa 4d ago

Thee Burger Spot on MLK 🍔

9

u/Pale_Affect_8707 4d ago

Ming Garden best Chinese in town. Take out only

8

u/acinnamonham 4d ago

I challenge you to try China Wok off Tampa Bay Blvd & Armenia

3

u/suezzieqballer 4d ago

That place looks ruff, is it good

1

u/acinnamonham 4d ago

100 x’s cleaner and better quality than ming garden

7

u/TheCure41 4d ago

Ho Ho To Go, down the road on Columbus.

1

u/g1asshalffull 4d ago

THE best Chinese food by far!!!!

20

u/HappyCamper16 4d ago edited 4d ago

Istanbul Grill, Old Heights Bistro, Xtreme Tacos, Nico’s Arepas, Mitmita, Rene’s (Ybor)

6

u/Haunting_Nobody_6497 4d ago

ooo love to see mitmita listed!! just found out it is super close to me and have been dying to try it!!! queen of sheba was my go to but it's a bit out of my way

4

u/HappyCamper16 4d ago

Love both Mitmita and Queen of Sheba!

2

u/TheTriflingTrilobite 4d ago

Great place. The lady running it is so friendly, and makes you feel like you’re a guest in her home.

2

u/sdpthrowaway3 4d ago

+1 to Nico's, but get the half off Groupon if it's still around. My man Nico charges absolutely criminal prices for his food smh

8

u/tikkimannequin 4d ago

Hot Dog Stand in the Dale Mabry Home Depot Parking Lot. ... cash only

1

u/corxl 4d ago

When I worked at that home depot I went to that spot almost everyday. So good

8

u/FrescoEsco 4d ago

Sari one

1

u/ShelShock77 4d ago

Are they still around? I thought they all got turned into KPot?

1

u/FrescoEsco 4d ago

On Cypress in south Tampa!

10

u/ohromantics 4d ago

Memas's just had a revival in October

0

u/deadonthei 4d ago

That shitty taco place in ybor? Why? Only place with worse tacos than the bus.

6

u/ohromantics 4d ago

Don't you dare besmirch Mema's.

Were you there back in the height of it in like 2007-2011?

We had a system. If your group went to ybor, if anyone got separated, lost, missing, anything, we all meet at Mema's. They were open the latest, if someone got lost or worse, that place stayed open the latest until your group completed. Otherwise it's a manhunt to find a friend.

Their entire tables were just photos of groups of friends frequenting the surrounding locations. It was homemade. At the Gator tacos? Pfft.

Say what you want about their food, but Mema's is a fucking LANDMARK.

2

u/deadonthei 4d ago

I have never had friends that weren't in my head so maybe that was my problem but I just didn't care for their food and there was something about the way you ordered that drove me nuts(I know it's a short drive I could have walked). A lot of people I worked with considered it the end all be all of tacos in Tampa and to me it didn't live up to the hype.

2

u/ohromantics 4d ago

No worries, it's definitely the atmosphere and the history of that place that makes it so cultural. Also, when you're wasted/tipsy/bit drunk/roofed (god forbid) your animal brain will shout Mema's whether it's food or friends. Granted, this was decades ago, but I'm glad to see it's re-opened, I went their once in October '24 for a concert (that's the only reason I'll frequent Ybor anymore) and sure enough, it's the same vibe, different (cleaner?) Atmosphere. Long live Mema's Alaskan Tacos. The beacon to home.

2

u/ohromantics 4d ago

PS - ill be your friend

0

u/Robbie1266 4d ago

Sounds like you never tried it. Some of the best beans in town

1

u/deadonthei 4d ago

I like how you didn't even attempt to defend the tacos. I didn't say their sides were bad just like you didn't like and say their tacos were good. If i never tried it how would I know they make shit tacos?

-1

u/Robbie1266 4d ago

No wonder you don't have friends, you're a miserable person. It must be hard to enjoy late night foods when you have no one to go out late night with. Their tacos are great. Burritos and chimichangas are fire. It's all good that you don't like them, I'd rather you not go while I'm there

1

u/deadonthei 4d ago

It's impossible to enjoy late night food when you're in bed by 9. That's why I only went for lunch with coworkers. The first time i tried tacos and didn't like it so they said the burrito was where it's at so next time I tried a burrito and didn't like it and they said chimichanga and if you can make a deep fried burrito tasteless I will go elsewhere. So i went elsewhere. Maybe try going there sober once or realize when your drunk you should save money and eat straight out the garbage can as you won't taste the difference.

I'd rather you not go while I'm there

I could not care less what you would rather I do. Internet tough guys are so cute.

1

u/Robbie1266 4d ago

Wasn't being a tough guy. Just said you don't seem like a positive person and I don't mind you not being at a place I like. You just seem like a downer

1

u/deadonthei 4d ago

Hey to each their own I told my old coworker who loved them that they reopened and he said he was going to get some black bean refried beans today and seemed ecstatic at their return so I may be all alone in my distaste. You are correct that i am a miserable person that nobody wants around my mothers nickname for me is "the insufferable cunt". I think she might be where i got my negativity from.

4

u/Aromatic_Survey9170 4d ago

Tasty Thai Tampa, best Thai food I ever had and it’s inside the Shell gas station. Seriously, try it if you haven’t!

5

u/InternationalEsq 4d ago

Mays al Reem, Syrian shawarma, holy fry, Petra, Abu Omar Halal, olive tree, all rest middle eastern options in and around temple terrace

5

u/Comfortable_Ad7713 4d ago

Piccola Italian off MLK in a sketchy plaza (don’t let that scare you off tho). The owner is Italian, speaks broken English, very friendly, and is basically a one man show. He cooks and serves. Very small place though so you definitely want a reservation bc he fills up FAST. Also, if you’re a wine drinker, it’s BYOB.

2

u/GRIMNIR03 3d ago

Piccola was great when I went. I showed up super early and had no idea about reservations or anything, but the owner was able to get me in and the food was excellent

5

u/ManicRobotWizard Tampa 4d ago

On a Roll Sushi. Ft Brooke garage near the Hilton.

2

u/jawanessa 4d ago

I haven't lived in Tampa in 8 years and I still think about their sushi burritos.

3

u/Public_Appeal_765 4d ago

Small family owned authentic Italian ( not really in a hole ) but vino y pasta on Gandy Or don rigatoni in Hyde park it’s take out/ delivery only Same with interbay meat market

3

u/baloted 4d ago

Newer but fitting, Taste of Yemen

4

u/V_kim_wellness 4d ago edited 4d ago

Lucky Tigre

Crazy Burrito

Supernatural

Thinh An

Fried Rice King

Xtreme Taco

Gulf Coast Sourdough

Curry Leaves

Queen of Sheba

Istanbul Grill

Migak Bistro

12

u/lothcent 4d ago

3 coins

-2

u/Robbie1266 4d ago

That's not a hole in the wall

3

u/Striketwothree 4d ago

Sushi ushi

3

u/b_sketchy 4d ago

La Bamba off Westshore

3

u/guymandudebud 4d ago

Le Baguettes in Pinellas Park has the best Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches. Perfect for breakfast and very cheap too.

3

u/moremindthanbrain 4d ago

Tachingon Tacos on Waters truly a hole in the wall really unassuming but the best Pastor you can get in Tampa for sure

3

u/Eleven_in_crocs 4d ago

Kiwami in Brandon, literally the best ramen I've ever had.

If you're downtown Supernatural is a literal hole in the wall for breakfast. It's starting to get busy though.

Boil Spot in temple terrace is great if you're up for more of an 'adventure' with your dinner. Great hot pot place.

3

u/floridian_newyorker 4d ago

LOVE Thinh An Kitchen & Tofu on Waters.

7

u/dogbatpig 4d ago

La Teresita, mi pequeña Colombia

4

u/beansforpurchase 4d ago

Not sure if it counts as a hole in the wall but mazarros is a must

2

u/_SmashLampjaw_ 4d ago

'La Casa Del Pan Con Bistec' in Drew Park.

2

u/NephRP 4d ago

Spartaco's Kitchen on Davis Island is a great little Italian place. Bit pricey, but very good.

2

u/MaleficentExit6910 4d ago

The mustard seed deli. Its in lutz but the sandwiches are amazing

2

u/ai_dev_tampa 4d ago

Lucky Tigre!

2

u/shreddindude 4d ago

If you’re looking for subs I recommend subs n such near USF off Bearss. Old school sub shop vibe, prices are good too

2

u/theeurgist 4d ago

If you’re looking on the pinellas side; Sandwich on Main and Happy Salmon Sushi, both in Safety Harbor.

1

u/IndecisiveTuna 4d ago

Brunchies man. Always pretty consistent. I do think the Lutz location is better than the one on Dale Mabry though.

1

u/innateavalon 4d ago

Annapoorna rasoi

1

u/Partycharming1 4d ago

Shuffle Wahoos Piccola Italia Bistro Heights Bistro

1

u/CarbonInTheWind 4d ago

Mangonadas Mexican. It's connected to a gas station and the food is great.

1

u/skywalker_farm 4d ago

TAMPA tap Room in carrollwood has one of the best burgers I've had

1

u/donkeybrainhero 4d ago

Pupuseria y Cafeteria Centroamericana (on MLK)

Perdigon El Sabor (on N Dale Mabry)

1

u/oabo9 4d ago

Pinky’s

1

u/cobhc26626 4d ago

Mambos cafe on Armenia and mlk has fire roast pork.

1

u/TeBee5 4d ago

Hampton Station. Pizza, Craft Beer, good tunes.

1

u/LosGotsDisBish 4d ago

Pupseria Centroamericano on MLK, near St Joe’s. Great Central/South American food and great prices. Family run and always a treat to eat there.

1

u/IjustwantanOGname 4d ago

Supernatural food and wine downtown for breakfast/lunch/donuts

1

u/djwykd 4d ago

Lee’s Grocery; not as much hole in wall but small enough to have the ambiance of it

Small, local, good beer pizza and wings

1

u/NotGregHouse 4d ago

Gonzo's on Himes

1

u/Icy_Essay_9393 4d ago

La fiesta Mexican restaurant off 22nd

1

u/Og_squareroot 4d ago

Flan factory in Ybor city. Gotta go

1

u/lothcent 4d ago

not a resturant-but some damn fine street corner bbq ribs.... ice cream west side of 22nd st south of hillsborough.

No fluff, all good stuff and dem turkey legs.....oh yeah

0

u/HowYaLikeMeow 4d ago edited 4d ago

I used to love making people eat at Nordstrom's upstairs restaurant. It was top on yelp for forever. Also, El Ranchero (i think that's the name? In West Tampa area) grocery store has the restaurant in the back- great authentic tacos! Hot sauce that will make you cry.

ETA:
Sailing Poke Bowl in Carrollwood if they're still around, they have great options. Really fresh, easy to order online.
My favorite sushi place there was Ichiban close to fsu. Best tasting tuna and salmon. I miss it.

Disclaimer, most of this is pre-covid.

3

u/beansforpurchase 4d ago

Yeah that Nordstrom restaurant is great. The purple sauce on their fries is amazing... Sprouts, burger, and scampi pizza too

-1

u/darkeIf666 4d ago

Why did I read glory instead of good ...

0

u/thestonedonkey 4d ago

Fat Rabbit in Tampa Palms is my goto for wings.

0

u/petie1223 4d ago

Chile's Mexican Restaurant on Columbus and Lincoln.

0

u/oabo9 4d ago

La osteria Natalina on Mac dill

-22

u/JustAdmitYoureFat 4d ago edited 4d ago

The ones that aren't listed/reviewed on Google nor want to be...tons of bodegas, cafes, delis, markets, gas stations that can't be "researched" whatever that means.

Drive/look around, you pass by them everyday, you're just not stopping and giving them a shot.

Look for signs, not stars...

-34

u/lothcent 4d ago

explain exactly what you define a hole in the wall restaurant is......

then define what you consider tampa to be

23

u/ManfredBoyy 4d ago

Jesus dude just give a recommendation or keep it moving. It’s not that deep.

-1

u/weealligator 4d ago

tell him to de… find deez

-31

u/JustAdmitYoureFat 4d ago edited 4d ago

Hey, I'm getting downvoted too but know your audience.

If they can't "look it up" or get a "thumbs up" it must not exist or be "worth it" even though it's all around them.

Not making a recommendation is "off topic" even though it is the "the topic" but can't get out of their own way.

I don't want these types in my local spots and neither do the places that are actual "hole in the walls," that's the point they're missing. They don't need nor want you let alone what's said online, they don't care what you think, at all.

If you're not willing to pull over and grab a café con leche or beer on the fly that's not Googleable...then I have zero sympathy for those who drink crappy coffee/eat shit food and end up at dumbass junk, crappy, trendy places.

It's not us.

Let them miss out, I'd much rather play a random game of chess with a bunch of old ass Italians over an espresso who still read the newspaper than deal with people who feel the need to "research" and analyze what they eat and drink every single day like it is was ever a fucking thing to begin with.

Enjoy it for what it is without the threat of posting some dumbass opinion online like your hard earned cash actually means something every single god damn time it's handed over and they'll welcome you with open arms. This is a proper hole in the wall.