1 — NOBLE CRUST
When a new restaurant opens in Wesley Chapel, it typically become’s a reader’s favorite in its first year, and then gradually fades to the middle of the pack.
Not Noble Crust. A testament to an innovative and delicious menu, maintaining a steady staff in these difficult times for restaurants and focusing on excellence and consistency, Noble Crust has placed third in our Reader’s Survey every year since opening in 2017.
Not this year, however. This year, Noble Crust has moved up to No. 1.
“That’s huge for us,” says operating partner Danny Autrey. “To be able to stand apart from our other two locations (in Carrollwood and St Petersburg) is great. We pride ourselves on our great staff, and it’s nice to see them rewarded by the community.”
There is much to like about Noble Crust, which is located at the Shops at Wiregrass — the service, the bar, the ambiance and let’s be honest, the place just smells terrific.
Billed as Deep South Italian, Noble Crust combines farm-fresh flavor with unique pairings to create tasty dishes. It is likely so popular with our readers because it does so many things well. You could make the case that it has the best fried chicken (Autrey confesses that it’s so good, he enjoys a piece almost daily), best pizza, best weekend brunch and maybe even the best Italian food around.
The fusion of Deep South and Italian is where it shines, however. Traditional Chicken Marsala is served over four-cheese grits and chicken sausage, the chicken fried chicken parmigiana is country-fried for a more rustic result, the BLT is served with fried green tomatoes, pork belly and pimento cheese and one of its most popular dishes, the bronzed salmon (bottom right), is highlighted by pickled raisins that bring it all together.
And, don’t sleep on the pasta dishes, either, like the super-popular rigatoni + short rib ragu.
Noble Crust’s brunches on Saturdays and Sundays are exceptional, with its popular friend chicken and waffles, lemon ricotta pancakes and steak-and-eggs among the standout favorites.
The service ties it all together. Autrey says his grandfather would never return to a restaurant if a manager hadn’t stopped by see how the meal was, and he has taken that to heart running the Wesley Chapel location. When we stopped by last week, he was busy helping deliver dishes and checking in with customers.
“The personalized experience is important,” he says. “It’s something all of us here strive for, and I think it keeps our customers coming back.” — JCC
2 — TREBLEMAKERS
Rather than resting on its laurels after debuting as our readers’ fourth (and yours truly’s #1) Favorite Restaurant in Wesley Chapel last year, Treble Makers Dueling Piano Restaurant & Bar has continued to upgrade its menu and service under executive chef Kevin Maggard, GM & co-owner Lee Bevan and co-owner Jamie Hess and his family.
In fact, Treble Makers is this year’s Favorite Bar in Wesley Chapel with our readers this year, after adding great new bartenders and entertainment options to go with the popular weekend dueling piano shows.
But, for me, the best thing about Treble Makers is the food. With better fresh fish — like the grilled wahoo to the right — than most seafood restaurants and top-quality steaks, lamb chops, I hope you’ll check out Treble Makers soon.—GN
3 — FIRST WATCH
Located in The Shoppes at New Tampa, Wesley Chapel’s popular breakfast chain is well-known for its long lines (especially on Sundays) as it is for its delicious and healthy breakfast and lunch menu.
We can’t remember a time that First Watch wasn’t the top vote getter for breakfast joints, and it’s third-place overall finish this year is a testament to its terrific food.
The breakfast menu has traditional egg-and-bacon dishes, omelettes, and Floridian French toast (photo) gigantic pancakes, but items like the healthy turkey omelette, superfoods bowls & power wraps set it apart.
Now serving beer, wine and unique mixed drinks, too, First Watch’s all-natural healthy juices and lunch items like a variety of salads and sandwiches (ham and gruyere melt, mmmm) have kept people coming back in droves for more than a decade. —JCC
4. FALABELLA FAMILY BISTRO
Our highest-finishing newcomer has great weekend specials.
5. FLORIDA AVE. BREWING COMPANY
The food might be better than the beer — a big compliment.
6. VALLARTA’S
Wesley Chapel’s Latin favorite has its highest finish ever.
7. BAHAMA BREEZE
Still high among your faves despite all of the new eateries.
T8. KEKE’S BREAKFAST CAFE
Breakfast newcomer finishes in the top-10.
T8. GRILLSMITH
Last year’s No. 1 has been the top choice six of last 10 years.
10. 900º WOODFIRED PIZZA
Your favorite pizza place also makes your top-10 overall.
11. BJ’s BREWHOUSE
Its huge menu and fair prices keep BJ’s near your top-10.
T12. BONEFISH GRILL
Two-time Reader Survey winner survives moves to S.R. 56.
T12. THE HUNGRY GREEK
Voted as Wesley Chapel’s top Greek restaurant, again.
14. ZUKKU-SAN SUSHI
Your fave Asian has high-end, creative sushi & more.
T15. AMICI PIZZA
Your 4th-fave pizza place also has great Italian food.
T15. ROCK & BREWS
KISS-themed bar with classic American food from scratch.
T15. KING OF THE COOP
Put a little spice in your life with the King’s Nashville hot chicken.
T15. TEXAS ROADHOUSE
This year’s highest-finishing steak place has great prices, too.
19. RICE-N-BEANS
Your 2nd-favorite Latin choice features Puerto Rican cuisine.
20. CHUY’S TEX-MEX
Super-fun atmosphere & tasty Tex-Mex specialties.
21. UMU JAPANESE & THAI
Great setting, fresh sushi and the lobster rolls are a hit.
T22. GLORY DAYS GRILL
Quality bar food and one of best places to catch all the games.
T22. BUBBA’S 33
Another fave for “upscale” bar food & TVs galore.
24. FORD’S GARAGE
A top spot for a classic burger, fries and a craft beer.
25. CAPITAL TACOS
Unique taco/burrito/bowl combinations made fresh for you.
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