Mediterranean$$north-hyde-parkSun-Thu 11:00-21:30, Fri-Sat 11:00-22:00
Petra on Kennedy Boulevard has served halal-certified Jordanian and Palestinian dishes since 2004, with mansaf lamb shank and shawarma as the table builders.
Order: Mansaf lamb shank with yogurt sauce and the chicken shawarma wrap.
Tip: Halal-certified; gluten-free menu available except for the pita; lunch special runs until 3pm.
Thai$tampa-heightsSun 9:00-13:00
Wat Mongkolratanaram on Palm River Road runs a Sunday Thai market every week from 9am to 1pm, with food cooked by temple volunteers under live-oak trees.
Order: Pad thai from the noodle line plus mango sticky rice from the dessert tables.
Tip: Cash only; arrive before 11am; religious services in the temple follow at 1pm.
Japanese Izakaya$$downtown-tampa
Ichicoro Imoto downtown is the izakaya sister of Ichicoro Ramen, with yakitori, sushi rolls and a sake program from the same Seminole Heights ownership.
Order: Yakitori skewers, the chicken karaage, and one of the spicy tuna rolls.
Tip: Bar seats are first-come; the sake list rotates monthly Walk-ins usually OK.
Southern American$$seminole-heights
Mangos Southern Kitchen and Bar works bold Southern comfort cooking with Caribbean accents on Florida Avenue in Seminole Heights, with weekend live music.
Order: Fried chicken with mac and cheese and the weekend brunch shrimp and grits.
Tip: Weekend brunch leans on live music; book ahead for a table near the band.
Mediterranean$$$north-hyde-park
Rome and Fig in North Hyde Park runs Mediterranean small plates, a chosen wine list and a creative cocktail bar in a sleek Howard Avenue room.
Order: Bone-in lamb chops, the burrata fig salad and the Negroni Sbagliato.
Tip: Bar seats first-come; the wine room books for special occasions.
Farm-to-table$$water-streetSun-Thu 11:00-21:30, Fri-Sat 11:00-22:30
Naked Farmer on Water Street runs a fast-casual farm-to-table kitchen with locally sourced bowls, grain plates, salads and grouper sandwiches.
Order: Farmer bowl with grilled chicken and the citrus farro salad.
Tip: Lunch focus; produce sourcing rotates weekly from Florida growers.