Author: Gary Nager

The Best Of The Best Of Gary’s Top 25 Wesley Chapel Restaurants: The Top 10!

1 — TREBLE MAKERS
6034 Wesley Grove Blvd.
The Grove at Wesley Chapel
(813) 406-4371
When Treble Makers Dueling Piano Bar & Restaurant was getting ready to open in the new Village at The Grove, I didn’t know what to expect in terms of the food — that is, until I met with co-owner Jamie Hess and Executive Chef Kevin Maggard.

Then, I couldn’t wait for it to open.

Maggard promised delicious, tender steaks (like the perfectly seasoned filet shown in the top photo), fresh fish and seafood and unique, inspired appetizers and in the six months or so that Treble Makers has been open, he has more than delivered on that promise, at least in one editor’s opinion.

His seared, sesame-crusted ahi tuna appetizer (photo, left) is as good as there is in the area, and although it hasn’t always been as crispy as the perfect first time I had his sweet & spicy calamari, there’s no doubt that it’s different than you’ll find anywhere else. People we’ve spoken with also rave about his imperial crab dip and homemade potato gnocchi appetizers.

In addition to the coconut curry grouper and the filet, definitely also try the seared diver scallops, the tender veal or chicken Marsala and I still plan to try the NY strip and prime rib steak options.

And of course, please also check out the dueling piano shows and other entertainment options at my favorite for 2020!

2 — TROPICS at SADDLEBROOK
5700 Saddlebrook Way
(813) 973-1111
When Dempsey’s Steak House at Saddlebrook resort closed for much-needed renovations in 2020, it was a little easier for me to move Treble Makers up to this year’s top spot in Wesley Chapel, even though much of the Dempsey’s menu is still available at the resort’s The Tropics restaurant. Another factor in dropping the only non-chain restaurant in Wesley Chapel to offer a tomahawk ribeye steak (photo) is affordability. Treble Makers definitely isn’t cheap, but The Tropics is still primarily a “big night out” kind of meal for almost anyone, especially for a certain news magazine editor.

3 — GRILLSMITH
2000 Piazza Ave #100
The Shops at Wiregrass
(813) 907-1900
I honestly don’t remember when Grillsmith first added its “short trip” fish entrée (above), but Jannah and I have been much bigger fans of this Tampa-based mini-chain ever since. We’ve had everything from grouper and mahi to corvina and amberjack since then and we’ve never been served anything but nice-sized portions of fresh, delicious fish. We’re also really fond of the smashed cauliflower side shown above, as well as the crunchy tuna appetizer, the lemon feta chicken, port wine filet and the outstanding service we always receive at the spacious bar. I also enjoy the skirt steak chimichurri entrée and the desserts.

4 — ZUKKU-SAN SUSHI
25916 Sierra Center Blvd
(813) 419-1351
While I don’t want to spoil the surprise for you about why I love Zukku-San so much — my full-length review of this elegant, new and delicious sushi-and-so-much-more restaurant located just west of I-75 on S.R. 56 appears in our latest issue — I will tell you that it also is Jannah’s 15-month-old granddaughter Rosie’s favorite place to eat in our area, so we’ve been going there a lot. And, it’s definitely not so much about the sushi, which is excellent, as much as it is about creativity. The dish shown above — a semi-spicy raw bluefin tuna appetizer topped with caviar and served with golden grape tomatoes — isn’t on the menu, yet…but I’m guessing it will be soon.

5 — ROCK & BREWS
26000 S.R. 56
(813) 537-6016
Directly across S.R. 56 from Zukku-San is Rock & Brews, which is owned in part, and inspired, by Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley of the rock group KISS. But, Rock & Brews is a really delicious restaurant offering everything from “sweet heat” chicken (photo) and a really good 8-oz. filet mignon, to crispy calamari, unique Brews-chetta, blackened redfish, wings, blackened chicken pasta and even the “front row” pizzas. And, even though it also opened during the pandemic, it seems that a lot of local people agree with me when it comes to the made-from-scratch food, the atmosphere and the live music on weekends (please call about availability). Jannah and I love the covered outdoor bar.

6 — OMARI’S GRILL
Lexington Oaks Golf Club
26133 Lexington Oaks Blvd.
(813) 907-7270
Omari’s Grill at the Lexington Oaks Golf Club is still (sadly) one of Wesley Chapel’s best-kept secrets. And, even though you can only get co-owner/chef Anass El-Omari’s perfect grilled mahi-mahi topped with mango salsa (above), crispy, but tender chicken parmigiana and filet mignon with cream sauce as Friday night dinner specials, the regular golfer-oriented menu for lunch and dinner is delicious, too. From burgers and grilled chicken sandwiches to salads and wings, everything is made from scratch and it shows. You can even give it a try for free as a first-time visitor to a Rotary Club of Wesley Chapel meeting on Wednesdays at noon.

7 — FLORIDA AVENUE BREWING CO.
2029 Arrowgrass Dr.
(813) 452-6333
When you think about craft beer breweries, you may not think of delicious food, but in the case of Florida Avenue Brewing Co.’s location in the former Sports + Field building on S.R. 56, you’d really be missing out on something yummy. With small plates like perfectly sesame-seared, Szechwan ahi tuna, excellent Chinese sticky ribs, Buffalo cauliflower and the jumbo lump crab cakes shown above (with zesty remoulade sauce), a variety of flatbreads, Korean-style bibimbap bowls, braised short ribs and Gulf grouper fish & chips, Florida Ave. has great chef-created food to go with a unique variety of craft beers and hard ciders and seltzers.

8 — BUBBA’S 33
26340 Silver Maple Pkwy.
(813) 522-5090
Bubba’s 33, which is an entirely different concept restaurant from Texas Roadhouse, features sports bar prices with restaurant-quality food. Delicious starters include the crispy wings in a variety of sauces and dry rubs to unique items like “Big O”(onion) Rings, crispy fried pickles, Bubba’s fiesta dip (with bacon, ground beef and refried beans), plus tasty hand-tossed pizzas, excellent bacon grind bacon burgers (photo), plus everything from California grilled chicken to Southern fried chicken and chipotle chicken & shrimp pasta. There’s even two different Texas Roadhouse-quality grilled and marinated signature ribeye steaks and outstanding drink prices.

9 — LONGHORN STEAKHOUSE
2647 Creek Grass Way, Lutz
(813) 909-0003
When Jannah and I feel like a delicious filet at a fair price, with great sides included, Longhorn is the first place we both usually think of — and not just because it’s the closest steakhouse to where we live. From the tender Flo’s filet (photo) to the NY strip or the recently added bone-in “outlaw” ribeye, Longhorn’s steaks are always done to perfection and if you’re somehow ever not happy, the management will always make it right. We love the salad, the crisp-crust bread and always-fresh veggies, too. Jannah also loves the parmesan-crusted chicken. And, although we wish the bar area was a little bigger, the bartenders and drink prices are outstanding.

10 — AUSSIE GRILL
25340 Sierra Center Blvd.
(813) 261-0140
You have to hand it to Bloomin’ Brands, the parent company of Outback Steakhouse, for coming up with this fantastic fast-casual concept. Even though it opened in the middle of the pandemic, the new Aussie Grill — ours is the first freestanding unit — with its super-easy drive-through and order-ahead pickup options, was the right concept at the right time. The food is Outback-quality — from the topped, grilled chicken (photo) and seared beef tenderloin large plates, to the bacon “bomb” burger and braised brisket sandwich and more — Aussie Grill has been a welcome addition to our local dining scene. With a larger menu, it could have finished even higher on this list.

Gary’s Favorites in Wesley Chapel, Nos. 11-25!

Wesley Chapel definitely had one of its biggest years ever, in terms of restaurant openings, in 2020, so my list this year looks very different than last year. Here are short write-ups about my 25 favorite restaurants (new and existing) in Wesley Chapel for 2020, starting with No. 25 and counting down to No. 11. Tomorrow, we’ll show you the Top 10.

Here we go. Enjoy! — GN

25 — 900 DEGREES WOODFIRED PIZZA
Shops at Wiregrass
28152 Paseo Dr., St. 195
(813) 527-6940
The next three restaurants, which tied for my 25th place this year, are all among my favorite NY-style pizza places, but all three also feature one or more of my favorite local pasta dishes, so they all deserved to be on this list. I personally prefer the NY-style to the woodfired Neapolitan-style pizza at 900º Woodfired Pizza, but my favorite dish is definitely the freshly-made penne pesto Genovese shown above, although I usually have owner Steve Falabella’s happy crew add grilled chicken and even some sautéed spinach to mine. The penne alla vodka and lasagne are awesome, too!

25 — FRATELLI’S PIZZA & CAFE
5327 Village Market
(813) 991-1118
Even though I didn’t remember the name of their long-time, open-24-hours-a-day original Fratelli’s in the Hunts Point Market in The Bronx, NY, I am so happy that the Fratelli brothers decided to sell that location and bring their tasty NY-style pizza and pastas to Wesley Chapel. I was even happier when I first sampled the truly authentic penne with broccoli rabe, chicken and sausage shown above. You won’t find better broccoli rabe in the Tampa Bay area and the baked pastas and hot subs also rock! Fratelli’s also features Jannah’s favorite garlicky Grandma’s pizza in Wesley Chapel.

25 — AMICI PIZZA
26602 Wesley Chapel Blvd.
(813) 973-9734
For anyone who loves authentic NY-style pizza, the new location of Amici’s on Wesley Chapel Blvd (aka S.R. 54) in Lutz has brought me ever closer to the Mannino brothers and their delicious pizza. But, like 900º Woodfired, Amici’s makes my list of Wesley Chapel favorites in part because it features a very authentic NY-style version of another one of my favorite pasta dishes — the linguine with white clams shown above. I can’t really call it a sauce, because it’s correctly more of a light broth, but it is loaded with whole clams and garlic and is a definite must-try! And, although I’ve never been a big fan of the garlic knots at most pizza places, try Amici’s garlic bread with marinara dip. Yum!

24 — RICE-N-BEANS
27405 Wesley Chapel Blvd.
(813) 803-7974
Although I never really thought of Puerto Rican food as one of my favorite Latin cuisines until I tried the original location of Rice-n-Beans on S.R. 54 in Lutz, the beautiful new location (in the former Cody’s Roadhouse building) has kept me a fan of Wesley Chapel’s Rice-n-Beans, especially the amazing fried chicken chicharrons shown above. I’m also a fan of the roast pork mofongo, the grilled pork chops and chicken breast in garlic sauce. And yes, the rice and (I prefer the red) beans served with every meal are also delicious and authentic. Rice-n-Beans also has great drink prices at its spacious, full-liquor bar and had added salsa dancing and other entertainment pre-pandemic.

23 — THE GARDEN GRILLE
at the Hilton Garden Inn
26640 Silver Maple Pkwy.
(813) 591-6900
Please stop me if you’ve heard me say this before, but when the Hilton Garden Inn Tampa-Wesley Chapel first opened in late 2018, it hosted a Grand Opening event, where the food served in the hotel’s Garden Grille restaurant was so good, I thought it must’ve come from an outside caterer. Wrong! The food at the Garden Grille is excellent, from delicious crispy wings, to tasty meatballs, perfect Pan Asian ribs and even a great New York strip steak (photo). I wish the Garden Grille was open for lunch, but it’s also great for “event” food like a unique French toast casserole for brunch and more. The bar is never crowded and has great drink prices.

22 — LITTLE ITALY’S
24436 S.R. 54, Lutz
(813) 909-2122
Owners Jessica and Carl Meyers’ seemingly hard-to-find location on S.R. 54, a mile or so west of the Tampa Premium Outlets, has been bringing in hungry fans from the moment it opened and the addition of beer, wine and homemade sangria definitely hasn’t hurt business, either. Although I’ve always said that the menu could be more diverse, if you’re looking for huge portions of lasagne, chicken or veal parmigiana (photo, usually offered as a special only) and, especially the calzones, this is your place. I can’t partake of the “lobsta” ravioli, but I’ve seen and heard many rave about it.

21 — ARROY THAI
27427 Wesley Chapel Blvd.
Pinebrook at The Grove plaza
(813) 501-4924
For anyone looking for delicious (which is what “Arroy” means) Thai food in Wesley Chapel, Arroy Thai is fast, casual and excellent. I enjoy the lunch specials, which include steamed jasmine rice, fried wontons and a salad with peanut dressing for only $8.95-$13.95, depending upon the protein you choose — which for me is usually chicken or pork, with garlic and black pepper sauce, although I also love the spicy basil and fresh ginger sauces, too. I also love the crispy duck dinner entrées, although I’m not big on curry sauces or noodle dishes.

20 — GLORY DAYS GRILL
28812 S.R. 54
(813) 535-7678
I’ve said before that when Glory Days Grill first opened in New Tampa a few years ago, replacing the popular Lee Roy Selmon’s, I wasn’t a big fan. However, when Jannah and I first tried the new Glory Days on S.R. 54, less than a mile from my office, we immediately recognized that the menu had been greatly upgraded. Even though they did away with our favorite appetizer (zucchini fries), the burgers (try the proprietary blend) are excellent and I also enjoy the comeback chicken (with sundried tomatoes and feta cheese in lemon-butter sauce), fried chicken & waffles, the Boston clam “chowda,” the 1988 center-cut sirloin and the house-marinated pork chops shown above.

19 — FORD’S GARAGE
25226 Sierra Center Blvd., Lutz
(813) 540-3673
Another mini-chain (with 14 of its 16 locations here in Florida) with really good food, Ford’s Garage features a big variety of prime black angus burgers, plus excellent sesame-crusted ahi tuna and a giant funnel tower of jumbo piston onion rings and six different kinds of mac n’ cheese. Jannah and I love the grilled chicken Henry entrée (shown above) and the chop salad and the 10-oz. NY strip steak entrée is tasty, too. With great drink specials and lots of indoor and outdoor bar seating, Ford’s Garage lets you keep your social distance, too.

18 — TOP SHELF SPORTS LOUNGE
at AdventHealth Center Ice
3173 Cypress Ridge Blvd.
(813) 953-1032
Based on my experience at other ice rinks when both of my sons played ice hockey, I had no real expectations for good food when what is now called AdventHealth Center Ice first opened. Boy, was I wrong. Not only does Top Shelf have some of the best wings, burgers (photo) and bar food around, it also serves delicious mixed veggies as a side and the craft beers from owner Keelan Cottle’s own 81Bay Brewing are definitely popular with the hockey moms and dads. Top Shelf also is mine and Jannah’s favorite place to watch Lightning games.

17 — THE HUNGRY GREEK
2653 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.
(813) 345-8526
Now that there are so many new restaurants in Wesley Chapel, it’s easy to forget about The Hungry Greek, but not if you enjoy great Greek specialties (as I do) in a fast-casual environment that never disappoints for quality, service or price. I’ve yet to try the recent addition of Greek bowls (with brown rice, garbanzo beans, tomatoes, feta, olives, pepperoncini and tzatziki sauce, with your choice of chicken, gyro meat, shrimp, falafel or salmon), but the spanakopita and the gyro dinner shown above (I get it without the onions) are always great, especially with a Mythos or other Greek beer.

16 — BONEFISH GRILL
25264 Sierra Center Blvd., Lutz
(813) 907-8202
When you’re looking for the best seared tuna sashimi appetizer (photo) in Wesley Chapel, there’s no doubt in my mind that the recently relocated Bonefish Grill is still near the top of the list. The thick slices are always fresh, always well-seared but still rare and covered in black and white sesame seeds. Bonefish also features excellent fresh fish, but not as good for my money as Grillsmith’s. The Outback-quality steaks are an added bonus. I can’t eat the bang-bang shrimp because of my accursed shellfish allergy (but they will make it as bang-bang chicken for folks like me) and it’s still among the best you’ll find anywhere. Love the new bar area, too!

15 — UMU JAPANESE & THAI
2653 Bruce B Downs Blvd.
(813) 591-6121
Many locals rave about the sushi at Umu Japanese & Thai and you can count me among them, but when you take a deeper dive into the menu (as I finally have), you find out that there’s even more to love than the huge selection of sushi rolls and the best variety of white meat fish nigiri (on rice) and sashimi in our area. I have enjoyed the crispy soy-marinated Kara-Age chicken appetizer (from Umu’s “Hot Tasting” starters menu), the deep-fried chicken and pork (Umu-ton) katsu, the “Wafu-style” Japanese NY strip steak and especially, the miso-marinated Chilean sea bass shown here.

14 — CHUCK LAGER AMERICA’S TAVERN
2001 Piazza Ave Suite 175
Shops at Wiregrass
(813) 820-4500
While it didn’t take much for this third link in a new, small chain with a menu inspired by celebrity TV chef Fabio Viviani to surpass its predecessor (Primebar) in its space at the Shops at Wiregrass, there’s no doubt that Chuck Lager’s is a beautiful new restaurant with a great vibe and a unique menu that has caught on with locals, even though it opened deep into the pandemic. Jannah and I love the Fabio’s meatball sub and Cajun grouper taco handhelds, as well as the chicken parmesan, pork chop Milanese and Italian steak (photo) entrées and the sautéed baby broccolini is amazing. There also are great burgers, flatbreads and salads.

13 — PASTA DI GUY
4839 Bruce B Downs Blvd
(813) 994-1294
Owner/chef Guy Carmeli continues to add items to his still-smallish menu, but it’s hard to argue with the quality served up at the 2020 addition to our local dining scene. Our favorites at Pasta di Guy (see ad on pg. 42) are the made-from-scratch strozzapreti and spaghetti pastas, topped with any of the six different freshly made sauces (Alfredo, beef Bolognese, marinara, creamy pesto, vodka or aglio e olio (garlic and oil), and what may be the best house-cut zucchini noodles (above) in our area. Yes, it costs extra to add grilled chicken, house-made Italian sausage and veggies like broccoli and cauliflower, but it’s worth it. And, the recent addition of design-your-own, house-made pizzas is a step in the right direction, too.

12 — NOBLE CRUST
28330 Paseo Dr.
Shops at Wiregrass
(813) 703-2602
There is no doubt in my mind that with a little larger and more diverse menu, Noble Crust also would finish higher on my list of Wesley Chapel favorites. I love the house-made gnocchi and unique beef and pork meatball appetizers (there’s even Impossible meatballs available now), as well as the double cut pork chop, bistro steak and chicken fried chicken parm (above) entrées. Recently added items include crispy Brussels sprouts, a gorgonzola filet and eggplant parm. And, people rave about Noble Crust’s oven-baked pizzas, although we usually go for the entrées. The bar area may be a little tight, but it offers an amazing selection of ultra-premium liquor and a great, fun vibe.

11 — OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE
5710 Oakley Blvd.
(813) 973-7717
The steak quality at the Outback Steakhouse has never been in question. The Victoria’s filet is very similar in quality and price to Longhorn’s Flo’s filet and the bone-in New York strip shown here is, as the menu claims, full of flavor. In addition to the great variety of steaks, Outback also is famous for its shrimp on the barbie and bloomin’ onion appetizers, Alice Springs chicken and surf & turf options that I sadly can’t enjoy, but rewards members (like me!) get $20 off at Outback or Bonefish or $40 off at Fleming’s every third visit. Jannah and I still won’t wait for a table, but whether we sit at the bar or use the easy takeout system, we’re rarely disappointed.

food gary's favorites restaurants Wesley Chapel

It’s Kind Of Awesome To Live In ‘Champa’ Bay These Days!

When I first moved back to Florida in 1993, the Tampa Bay Lightning had just completed their first season in the National Hockey League — at the Expo Hall at the Florida State Fairgrounds in unincorporated Hillsborough County.

And, one of the reasons I moved to Florida from Westchester County, NY, was because Tampa Bay was rumored to be getting not just an expansion baseball franchise, but my beloved San Francisco Giants were supposed to be leaving Candlestick Park to come to our area and I wanted to publish a Giants magazine.

Well, as the saying goes, the best laid plans of mice and Giants often go astray, and the Giants never moved here, but the Nagers still did. Five years later, the Tampa Bay Devil Rays were finally born as a Major League Baseball expansion franchise.

And, when I moved here in 1993, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were simply awful.

After going 0-14 in their first year (1976), the Bucs made the playoffs for the first time in 1979, and two more times in 1981 and ‘82, but then went 15 years before their next postseason game, under second-year coach Tony Dungy. Their record during that span was a dismal 100-223, which means they won less than a third of their all-time games from their inception through my third year of owning the Neighborhood News. Even so, you’d never know it if you talked to any fan who was from any part of the Bay area.

The Bucs’ fans were almost cult-like, despite their creamsicle-colored uniforms, long before Dungy became the coach. I remember being threatened by a bar owner in New Port Richey for suggesting that he turn his largest-screen TV off a Bucs preseason game. He told me, “We’re all Bucs fans here, son. If you don’t like it, I invite you and your family to leave.”

But oh, how the Tampa Bay area’s sports franchises have risen. In perhaps the hardest year for sports ever, as virtually everyone in the country now knows, the Tampa Bay Lightning won the 2020 Stanley Cup (the team’s second), the Tampa Bay Rays made it to the World Series for the second time and the Tampa Bay Bucs capped their 2020 season with a dominating 31-9 win over the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs the day before we went to press with this issue — the team’s second time hoisting the Vince Lombardi trophy (photo).

It historically hasn’t been an easy time rooting for the local major sports franchises, especially, this Covid-crazy year, but how rewarding has it been?

Who would have thought that the Bolts would come back from the previous season’s devastating sweep at the hands of the Columbus Blue Jackets in the first round of the 2019 playoffs? Who would have thought that the Rays, with one of MLB’s lowest payrolls, would beat out the Red Sox, Yankees and defending American League champion Astros to advance to the World Series? And, who would have thought that the Bucs would go from being a 7-5 playoff pretender with a questionable defense and a finally-old-looking 43-year-old QB to reel off eight consecutive wins, including decisive victories over Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints, Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers and the seemingly unbeatable Pat Mahomes and the Chiefs? Out of nowhere, we won eight consecutive games with a top-level defense and Tom Brady looking like, well, the Brady who had won six Super Bowls with the Patriots.

Wow. If not for The Weekend’s worst-ever halftime performance and Covid forcing most local fans to stay away from the first-ever Super Bowl played and won by a team in its own stadium, Brady, head coach Bruce Arians, offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich and defensive coordinator Todd Bowles finished off an almost perfect game to give the GOAT his seventh win and fifth Super Bowl MVP award.

Congrats to the health care heroes who got to attend the game for free. I salute you and your efforts to keep as many of us as possible alive during this plague even more than I salute the Bucs, the Bolts, the Rays and even MLS’s Tampa Bay Rowdies for providing the best-possible distractions during this most difficult year. Way to go, Champa Bay!

editorial Super Bowl Tampa Bay bucs

The Best Of The Best Of Gary’s Top 25 New Tampa Restaurants: The Top 10!

Here’s Gary’s favorite restaurants in New Tampa. If you missed Gary’s New Tampa favorites from 11-25, CLICK RIGHT HERE.

Here’s the Top 10!

1 — STONEWOOD GRILL & TAVERN
17050 Palm Pointe Dr., Tampa Palms
(813) 978-0388
Even though it hasn’t always been my #1 favorite restaurant in New Tampa, there’s no doubt that Stonewood Grill & Tavern in Tampa Palms has been near the top of my list since the day it opened two decades ago. And yes, it did win with our readers again in 2020, too.

Stonewood continues to serve delicious and popular ahi tuna, crab cake and bruschetta appetizers, as well as the best (and best variety of) steaks (like the 9-oz. filet mignon pictured above) in New Tampa and it also offers a daily “market catch” (like the fresh grouper piccata, with sauce on the side and perfectly sautéed spinach) and other specials (like excellent lollipop rib lamb chops…mmm) that have kept it near the top of my list every year.

GM Matt Passardi — who previously ran the Grillsmith in the Shops at Wiregrass — and his staff also are back to keeping their guests happy at New Tampa’s most-happening bar scene, but of course, Covid-19 had shut down the bar and Stonewood’s elegant dine-in experience for several months.

Passardi told me that the posting of the picture of the ribeye steak with last issue’s Reader Survey results definitely helped boost his ribeye sales since then.

2 — VIA ITALIA
8644 Hunter’s Village Rd.
The Village at Hunter’s Lake
(813) 475-4857
The fact that Via Italia had only been open a short time before our annual survey ended but still finished 9th in New Tampa with our readers is an indication of what a great place it is. Owner/chef Roberto Maganuco’s place has an amazing variety of different styles of pizza (Neopolitan, Roman and others), but I love it even more for its beautiful, full-liquor bar and amazing pasta selection — including two types of pesto — Genovese and Siciliano — as well as linguine with clams, cavatelli with broccoli & sausage (photo above) and more. If Roberto adds fresh fish and maybe a steak special next year, Via Italia could move up to #1.

3 — THE FAT RABBIT
16029 Tampa Palms Blvd.
City Plaza at Tampa Palms
(813) 252-3004
The Fat Rabbit in Tampa Palms is another place with outstanding food (like the best wings in New Tampa, and great burgers and tater tots) and beverages that could finish even higher on my list with even more menu options. Adding a fresh catch — fish (photo), or sometimes shellfish — option in 2019 definitely moved it up and the addition of a petite (5-oz.) “Fat Filet” has given it even more appeal for me. And of course, The Fat Rabbit also has a large and attractive, premium liquor bar that would make it a great option for live music or karaoke (or both), in addition to its regular trivia nights, but maybe that’s just my opinion.

4 — LIMA PERUVIAN
19056 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.
New Tampa Center
(813) 304-0205
When Lima opened basically a couple of weeks before the pandemic hit in the former location of El Pescador in the Publix-anchored New Tampa Center plaza, I was excited, because I already loved Peruvian-style rotisserie chicken (photo) and fresh fish ceviche. And, owner Oscar Escudero’s delightfully different (at least from any place in our area) take on the cuisine widely considered as the best of the Latin countries is absolutely delicious and my second favorite new place (to Via Italia) to open in New Tampa in 2020. Try the baked scallops (conchita parmesano) appetizer and the Peruvian/Chinese-style fried rice, too!

5 — CALI-TAMPA PALMS
17004 Palm Pointe Dr.
Shoppes at The Pointe
(813) 975-1222
The Ciccio Restaurant Group has created one of the most successful slates of local eateries in the entire Tampa Bay area, with concepts like Green Lemon, Daily Eats, Ciccio Water and Better Byrd (look them all up), but Cali (nee Ciccio Cali) has been the only one in our area since Lodge closed in the former Ciccio & Tony’s location in City Plaza. But, I have always credited Cali as the first to bring “bowl culture” to New Tampa. The menu has been simplified, with multiple “bowl style” options (try the “Lean & Clean” with tuna), plus crisp-crust, hand-tossed pizzas and famous wrap sandwiches (photo; the Cali Club is my fave).

6 — LAS PALMAS LATIN GRILL
6431 E. County Line Rd.
(813) 803-3903
If you’re looking for amazing fish, owner/chef Ramses Garcia serves our area’s flakiest, tastiest merluza (like snapper) a la Rusa, as well as award-winning Cuban sandwiches (photo) and traditional specialties like ropa vieja (shredded beef), picadillo (ground beef) and arroz con pollo (chicken & yellow rice). I really love the steaks — palomillo (in mojo sauce, with onions), churrasco (skirt steak with chimichurri sauce) and sautéed vaca frita (crispy beef). But, the lechon asado (tender roasted pork), masitas (pork chunks) and special pork chops are my faves. Try Ramses’ wife Ana’s award-winning tres leches dessert, too!

7 — LIANG’S BISTRO ASIAN CUISINE
17515 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.
(813) 978-1225
Liang’s is now the undisputed champ of our local Chinese places with both yours truly and our readers, now that Fushia in Tampa Palms has closed. There’s no doubt Liang’s is an upscale Chinese (with other Asian options) restaurant with great food. My favorite entrées are the steamed (with mixed veggies) or Liang’s crispy fish, the sizzling Shanghai steak and Sichuan chicken, but I love Liang’s for its New York-style BBQ spareribs (photo) and crispy egg rolls. The item Jannah and I take out most often, though, are Liang’s awesome sautéed string beans, but I order them in a spicy chili sauce.

8 — ORONZO HONEST ITALIAN
18027 Highwoods Preserve Pkwy.
The Walk at Highwoods Preserve
(813) 730-0100
What happens when you take a fast-casual concept like Chipotle but instead of Mexican fare, you offer homemade Italian dishes with freshly made pasta, unique wrap sandwiches, pizza-style flatbreads and more? In the case of Oronzo, the answer is “something delicious.” Owner Dan Bavaro, who also has Bavaro’s Pizza locations in downtown Tampa and downtown St. Pete, offers house-made spaghetti (with delicious meatballs, above), sausage, veggies and a variety of sauces, plus beer, wine and yummy desserts.

9 — ACROPOLIS GREEK TAVERNA
14947 Bruce B Downs Blvd.
Oak Ramble Plaza
(813) 971-1787
Although I spend a lot less time these days south of Tampa Palms on BBD, it never takes much to convince Jannah to go to (or take out from) Acropolis. Part of another successful Bay-area mini-chain, Acropolis features authentic saganaki cheese flambé and artichoke & spinach dip appetizers, a tender shish (filet) and chicken kabob duo, savory loin lamb chops and our favorite entrée — the thin, crisp, lightly fried Athenian fish pictured above. And, even though Acropolis doesn’t have a true Greek vinaigrette-style dressing, the Greek salad also is outstanding.

10 — BAYSCAPE BISTRO
at Heritage Isles Golf Club
10630 Plantation Bay Dr.
(813) 994-3445
Former Wharton High culinary teachers Eddie and Lourdes Bujarski have created an impressive restaurant inside the Heritage Isles GC clubhouse. As I said last year, with a more extensive menu, Bayscape would finish even higher on my list, because it’s hard to beat for breakfast, lunch or dinner. There are great wings, burgers, salads and sandwiches, but my faves are the dinner “signatures” like country fried chicken and slow-roasted, top round roast beef with brown gravy above. It’s been a while since Jannah and I stopped in for dinner and Friday night karaoke, but we’ll definitely be back.

If you missed Gary’s New Tampa favorites from 11-25, CLICK RIGHT HERE.

gary's favorites Stonewood Grill top 25

Gary’s New Tampa Top 25 Restaurants. First up: 11-25!

Every year, after we report the results of our Reader Dining Survey & Contest, I always feel compelled to give you my dining favorites, including all of the restaurants that opened in (or very near) New Tampa and Wesley Chapel the previous year. And, with all the new eateries that opened in our distribution areas in 2020 after the reader voting ended, my “survey” list looks even more different than usual than the places our readers voted for in our last issue.

While Wesley Chapel definitely saw more new restaurants open in 2020, New Tampa did have some wonderful additions to its local dining scene — and, unlike “The Chap,” almost all of the new places that opened last year were mom-and-pop restaurants with a nice variety of cuisine options, from Asian to Italian and from Acai bowls to poké bowls.

Here are my favorite restaurants (new and existing) in New Tampa for 2020, from Nos. 11-25. The top 10 will publish online tommorrow. — GN

25. THE BRUNCHERY
17507 Preserve Walk Ln.
(813) 533-7271
For those of us who had been begging for a great breakfast place in New Tampa, owner Stanley Athan’s The Brunchery filled that void. And, even though I prefer fried eggs over easy with crispy bacon to the beautiful pancakes topped with fresh fruit shown here, this was such a pretty picture we decided to use it instead. The Brunchery also serves a selection of “Benedict” (poached egg) breakfasts, avocado toast, a lox (smoked salmon) platter, ultimate omelettes and an incredible variety of French toast options. The Brunchery also serves great burgers, sandwiches (including tuna and grilled chicken melts) and salads for lunch, too.

24. PEABODY’S
Shoppes at Amberly
15333 Amberly Dr.
(813) 972-1725
Peabody’s is more than just a sports bar taken to the next level — with amazing video games, pool tables, dart boards and more TV screens to watch every game at once than just about anyplace else in New Tampa. It’s also a great place for NY-style pizza, the best wings this side of The Fat Rabbit and a recently expanded menu offering Philly cheesesteak and Santa Fe egg rolls, pickle fries, and “Classics” like country fried chicken, loaded boneless wings and of course, some of the best burgers and hand-cut French fries in town. The full-liquor bar also has great drink prices and an outstanding selection of beers on tap.

23. THAI LANNA & SUSHI
Cross Creek Center
10022 Cross Creek Blvd.
(813) 991-0108
For those of you who don’t live off of Cross Creek Blvd., Thai Lanna is another excellent (and pretty) Thai place that also features really good appetizers like Thai spring rolls, pan-fried dumplings (bottom right in photo above), fried calamari and even fried eggplant. There also are three kinds of crispy duck, with the volcano duck (with mixed veggies and sweet chili sauce) being my favorite. Try the crab fried rice, too. The basil and garlic & black pepper sauces are my faves. Thai Lanna also has added really fresh sushi (cooked shrimp sushi and California roll are shown in the above), too.

22. THE LITTLE GREEK
New Tampa Center
19022 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.
(813) 972-0707
When you want a great Greek gyro sandwich (photo) or platter served with an authentic Greek salad, and you want it to be affordable, served quickly and delicious, you can’t go wrong by visiting The Little Greek. The spanakopita (spinach pie) is my favorite starter and in addition to the traditional gyro meat freshly carved off a rotating spit, there also are chicken (and Greek chicken), falafel, lamb, veggie and steak pita sandwiches, plus chicken, lamb and steak souvlaki skewer entrées in “light meal” and dinner-sized portions. Save room for excellent baklava for dessert.

21. MR. DUNDERBAK’S
Oak Ramble Plaza
14929 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.
(813) 977-4104
When the original Mr. Dunderbak’s was in the University Square Mall, I thought it was a cool place for German food, even though I really only had roast beef and pastrami sandwiches there. The location on BBD (which has been around the last 15-20 of its 45 years in business) has a much more diverse menu, and I really enjoy German dishes like the crispy jagerschnitzel (available in veal or pork, both are great, photo above), the Holstein schnitzel, topped with two fried eggs, and the kassler rippchen (pork chops). I’m not a big beer drinker, but Mr. D’s biergarten has a huge selection. Great European chocolate selection, too.

20. ISLAND FIN POKE CO.
6417 E. County Line Rd.
(813) 575-8002
Island Fin Poké Co., which was opened by former New Tampa residents Brenda, Jeff and son Jason Sproat in late 2019, is now well-established as the first Hawaiian-style create-your-own poké bowl place in New Tampa. I love the regular and spicy ahi tuna options as my protein (I usually do two scoops of spicy and one scoop of regular), and there are unique options like spam, octopus, shrimp and tofu, plus veggie options (like regular and spicy pickled veggies, edamame and corn), but as the Sproats say, Island Fin’s sauces are delish. I personally only need the OG and Island Fire marinating sauces…and an occasional Dole whip dessert.

19. GLORY DAYS GRILL
17508 Doña Michelle Dr.
(813) 513-7550
When this, our distribution area’s first Glory Days Grill, opened a few years ago, replacing the popular Lee Roy Selmon’s, I will say I wasn’t a big fan. However, when Jannah and I first tried the new Glory Days on S.R. 54 in Wesley Chapel, we recognized that the menu had been greatly upgraded and we have visited both locations quite a bit since then. We love the steak rice bowl, the comeback chicken entrée, Boston chowda and the 1/2-lb. proprietary blend burgers (photo). Glory Days also has two sizes (7-oz. & 10-oz.) of its tasty “1988” sirloin steak, a great sports bar atmosphere and decadent Oreo cookie ice cream sandwiches.

18. WOODFIRED PIZZA & WINE BAR
Palms Connection
2822 E. Bearss Ave.
(813) 341-2900
The first woodfired pizza place to open in (or near) either of our distribution areas is known for its high-quality pizza ingredients, as well as owner Peter Taylor’s unique pizza names — like my favorite Pizza Raquel, which features house-made fresh mozzarella, fresh basil, grana padano cheese and olive oil, to which I usually add either pepperoni, fire-roasted sausage or Italian-style meatballs (Peter’s “carnivore” pizza has all three) and fresh spinach. The woodfired meatball appetizer and wings and fresh Caesar and wedge salads also are excellent, too.

17. SUSHI CAFE
The Walk at Highwoods Preserve
18015 Highwoods Preserve Pkwy.
(813) 977-7800
For anyone who’s asking, for my money, Sushi Café has the best sushi in New Tampa. With a huge assortment of sushi rolls (photo), including some truly unique options like a Pacific fusion roll with spicy tuna, crunch, cucumber and avocado on top, plus a wide variety of sashimi, Sushi Café also has one of the best spicy tuna tataki appetizers in our area. I also really enjoy the “hibachi from kitchen” entrées, like the filet mignon and chicken options, even though (especially because?) there are no teppanyaki tables. I also recommend the crispy chicken katsu and chicken and veggie tempura.

16. FULL CIRCLE PIZZA
Pebble Creek Collection
19651 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.
(813) 994-3700
Don’t get me wrong…even though I find the deep-dish, Chicago-style pizza shown above very tasty, I’ll never say I like it as much as the New York-style pizza I grew up with. And, even though I know that deep-dish and thin-crust Chicago pizza is a big reason why many locals love Full Circle, I’m actually a much bigger fan of the other delicious menu items owner/chef Freddy Nova and his wife Julia have added since taking over the place in 2017. My favorites are the chicken and broccoli in garlic and oil and the meatball and chicken parmigiana subs.

15. MAHANA FRESH
17512 Dona Michelle Dr.
(727) 238-9967
Yes, bowl culture is in full swing in New Tampa and Mahana Fresh distinguished itself when it opened early last year by not just having ahi tuna and grilled chicken poké bowls. Try three kinds of chicken, plus tofu and grilled steak as protein options. I’m addicted to its kale crunch salad as a base, although there also are sweet potato noodles, spinach salad and multiple different rice (including cauliflower rice) options, too. My favorite veggies are the sesame ginger broccoli, the garlicky cilantro green beans and honey sriracha Brussels sprouts. I love the Mediterranean tomatoes as an add-on, and the citrus ginger and cilantro vinaigrette sauces, too.

14. MICHI RAMEN
18027 Highwoods Preserve Pkwy.
The Walk at Highwoods Preserve
(813) 374-5320
Another newcomer breaking into my top-15 this year, Michi Ramen literally opened as the pandemic hit, and only served at a uniquely designed, plexiglass-enclosed takeout window for several months. But, once it did open, I could see that not only is Michi Ramen great for takeout, it also is a beautiful new place for a delicious sit-down lunch or dinner, with a full, premium-liquor bar. I’m not the biggest ramen noodle fan, but I have heard folks rave about the flavor and variety and I’m not surprised — Michi Ramen’s appetizers like pan-fried gyoza (pork dumplings) and semi-spicy, popcorn-style fried chicken are outstanding.

13. FRAMMI (formerly Oakley’s Grille)
17631 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.
(813) 523-5075
Even though the restaurant hasn’t been owned by anyone named Oakley in a few years, owner Luca Ammirati kept the name of the popular burger-&-sandwich joint the same until revamping the place into an Italian & American eatery with a much bigger American variety than Oakley’s, plus a big variety of Luca’s authentic Italian dishes (like the amazing fusilli pasta with house-made pesto and grilled chicken above) with the new name “Frammi.” This year’s 13th-place finish is based on Oakley’s menu, but Frammi will finish higher next year.

12. THAI RUBY
Shoppes at Amberly, Tampa Palms
15319 Amberly Dr.
(813) 558-0570
As Thai restaurants go, Thai Ruby is the most beautiful Thai place in New Tampa and also has the best food, especially since Sukhothai closed. The spring rolls, ginger chicken, the spicy Thai combination fried rice (with chicken, beef and pork), the Siam chicken, filet of grouper and soft shell crab are all top-notch and Thai Ruby may have the largest selection of veggie dishes you’ll find anywhere (I love the steamed broccoli with carrots, green beans and snow peas). But, this also is the place I go when I have a craving for Thai-style crispy duck with sweet & sour, ginger or garlic sauce.

11. KOBE JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE
Pebble Creek Collection
19601 Bruce B Downs Blvd.
(813) 994-6600
For those who crave the teppanyaki (hibachi) table experience in our area, please check out Kobe. And, even though Jannah and I usually sit at the bar rather than share a table with families with young children, you get the same great meal, just without the show. Kobe definitely has the best-quality filet mignon, sirloin steak and chicken of any Japanese restaurant in our area, and you can even get pepper-crusted tuna tataki hibachi, as well as beautiful-looking surf-&-turf combos with lobster, shrimp and scallops that I (sadly) can’t eat. Great sushi, too.

Tomorrow: The top 10!

food survey