New Restaurants in St. Pete & Tampa — Openings & Food News 2026
New restaurants opening in St. Pete and Tampa, the breweries everyone's in line for, the bar concepts worth the drive, and the openings + closings worth knowing about this week.
O-Ku brings Tokyo-sourced sushi to South Tampa's Bayshore Gardens
The Southeast's beloved modern Japanese restaurant O-Ku just opened in South Tampa, landing next door to sibling spot Maru on scenic Bayshore Boulevard.
Cook Out just opened its first Tampa Bay location near USF
The beloved North Carolina fast-food chain Cook Out opened its first Tampa Bay restaurant at 5501 E. Fowler Ave in Temple Terrace — and the buzz is real.
Ziki's Greek Street Food is bringing gyros to Sparkman Wharf this July
A Tampa father-and-son team is opening Ziki's Greek Street Food in Sparkman Wharf's Container Dining Garden — gyros, loukoumades, and a waterfront view.
Rippers is coming to downtown Clearwater — and who's behind it matters
The Michelin-starred group behind Tampa's Rocca just announced its first Pinellas concept — a casual hot-dog-and-burger joint inside Clearwater's restored Telephone Building.
Central Park St. Pete is finally open — and it's just getting started
St. Pete's most-anticipated food hall, Central Park at 551 Central Ave, is rolling out 14 concepts across five stories this summer. Here's what's open now.
Cousin Vinny's is headed to Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives — and St. Pete
Tampa's Michelin-recommended Cousin Vinny's Sandwich Co. lands a July 10 Food Network debut and is expanding to St. Pete. Here's what locals need to know.
Mozzarella Mike is opening Mozza Paninoteca on MLK this summer
St. Pete native 'Mozzarella Mike' Deininger is turning his sold-out pop-ups into a permanent paninoteca on MLK Street in Crescent Heights this summer.
Whataburger Finally Hits Tampa Bay — and More Are on the Way
The Texas-born burger chain famous for its 40-plus milkshake flavors just opened its first Tampa Bay location in Largo — with Brandon and Lutz coming soon.
Tampa Bay just landed 10 new Michelin Guide spots — here's what to know
The Michelin Guide Florida 2026 added 10 Tampa Bay restaurants to its list, including a new Green Star for Tampa and first-ever nods for Elliott Aster in St. Pete.
Green Bench Brewing crosses the bay with its first Tampa tasting room
St. Pete craft beer icon Green Bench Brewing is opening its first Tampa location this month at 200 N. Tampa St. — a big deal for local beer lovers on both sides of the bay.