1. Stonewood Grill
17050 Palm Pointe Dr.
(813) 978-0388
Stonewoodgrill.com
Based on the results of our Annual Reader Dining Survey every year since 2011, it doesn’t matter how many new restaurants — chain or otherwise — open in New Tampa, the nearly unbeaten (it “only” finished second once, in 2015) champion is Stonewood Grill & Tavern in Tampa Palms.
After winning by a comfortable margin again this year with its third managing partner in as many years, Stonewood has shown that it doesn’t matter who’s in charge, its combination of delicious American cuisine, great drinks and outstanding service continue to make it top-of-mind with our readers — despite the fact it always has been one of the most expensive eateries located in zip code 33647.
Stonewood’s extensive menu includes everything from fresh seafood to great steaks and chops (photo, right), plus big salads, pasta dishes and more, and it likely has become even more popular with our readers since it began opening for lunch (with a smaller, and less pricey, lunch menu, although the dinner menu also is available at lunch time).
Among the favorite starters at Stonewood are the tasty and ever-popular bruschetta (served with a delicious balsamic dressing) and sesame-seed-seared ahi tuna served with wasabi cream and sesame ginger dressing.
Salad lovers definitely go for the Asian chicken salad (with ginger lime-marinated chicken, chilled sesame noodles and sesame ginger dressing) and the Stonewood salad (with blue cheese crumbles, dried cranberries, blackened walnuts and blue cheese vinaigrette).
Handheld favorites include the oak-grilled cheeseburger, two-hand chicken club and the veggie quesadilla.
And, with great steaks like two sizes of filet mignon and prime rib, a unique sweet tea brined pork chop and blackened chicken pasta. Market Fresh Fish options include ever-changing favorites like Chilean sea bass, grouper and the menu options like Atlantic salmon and yellowfin tuna.
Stonewood also has New Tampa’s second favorite bar with our readers this year and a great Sunday brunch with bottomless bubbles and unique menu items like creme brulée French toast, shrimp and grits and crab cake and prime rib Bennies. — GN
2. Mr. Dunderbak’s
14929 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.
(813) 977-4104
Dunderbaks.com
J.B. Ellis bought Mr. Dunderbak’s with the intention of owning a bar, but over the years, he says the place has shifted from being 66% bar and 33% restaurant to 33% bar and 66% restaurant.
Ellis has only himself to blame. A combination of old-time classics (the sandwich board has barely changed in 50 years) to derivations of old family recipes Ellis has tweaked just a little keeps the crowds coming back for seconds. The food (like the Venison sausage platter pictured) must be getting better every year. After a No. 4 finish in 2019, and No. 3 in 2020, Mr. Dunderbak’s inches up another spot in our 2021 Reader Survey., its highest-ever finish.
Mr. Dunderbak’s is an experience. It also boasts this year’s No. 1 bar with our readers, featuring a seemingly unlimited variety of beer, a gift shop, a deli, and atmosphere that is pure Oktoberfest, with the best German dishes around. Choose from authentic favorites like schnitzel, Spaetzle, Kartoffelpuffer (potato pancakes) and Sauerbraten, to name a few, and wash it all down with a delicious Hefeweizen. — JCC
3. Liang’s Bistro
17515 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.
(813) 978-1225
LiangsBistroTampa.com
Like Stonewood and Mr. Dunderbak’s, Liang’s Bistro is another perennial favorite with our readers.
Although it is more of an Asian fusion restaurant — which also includes Japanese- and Thai-style options — than a classic New York-style Chinese place, Liang’s has been the favorite Chinese or Asian (depending upon which of those options have been offered in the Survey each year) place in New Tampa pretty much every year it’s been open and has never finished lower than sixth Favorite Restaurant overall.
Although I love it for menu items like the crispy pork egg rolls, Liang’s BBQ ribs, sautéed string beans (I order them spicy) and sizzling Shanghai steak, our readers always mention Liang’s signature dishes — like General Tso’s, sesame, orange, pineapple or tropical chicken — as their favorites.
Liang’s also offers lunch specials and currently is the only sit-down Chinese place in New Tampa, where you can enjoy a variety of wines and bottled beers. — GN
4. VIA ITALIA
Outstanding pizzas and pasta, and the charcuterie is a treat.
5. ACROPOLIS
New Tampa’s favorite Mediterranean returns to the top-5.
6. FIRST WATCH
New location, same old results for bougie breakfast fans.
7. CALI
Tampa Palms staple drops after 4 straight years at No. 2.
8. SUSHI CAFE
The best sushi in New Tampa, according to our readers.
9. GLORY DAYS
The place to go for good food, football & beer. Nice patio, too.
10. FRESH KITCHEN
Another newcomer bowls into our Top 10, for good reason.
11. FAT RABBIT
Tampa Palms hangout has all the ingredients of a perfect bar.
T12. KOBE JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE
New Tampa’s only teppanyaki tables moves south on BBD
T12. LAS PALMAS
Fabulous pork and Cubans sold from a food truck, for now.
14. BRUNCHERY
Super specials for breakfast & lunch, tasty skillets and more.
T15. CANTINA REAL MEXICAN RESTAURANT
Has built a loyal following on Cross Creek Blvd.
T15. CRACKER BARREL
Still attracting attention & votes despite more competition.
T17. BURGER 21
The last to finish No. 1 ahead of Stonewood, back in 2015.
T17. FRAMMI
Area is flush with delish Italian food, don’t sleep on Frammi.
T19. CAPPY’s
The Chicago- and New York-style pizzas are reader favorites.
T19. RED LOBSTER
In an area lacking seafood, Red Lobster remains popular.
21. PANERA
Fast & healthy breakfast & lunch options. Pastries, too!
T22. CHIPOTLE
Hit or miss, but folks like their big bowls & big burritos.
T22. LITTLE GREEK
Falafel pita, hummus, gyros & Greek salad popular choices.
T24. OLIVE GARDEN
The Garden is always packed & not just for the breadsticks.
T24. CHILI’S
Not a great location, but folks like what they like.
25. MICHI RAMEN
New Tampa’s first ramen place also has great appetizers.
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