Wright's Gourmet House is an american deli restaurant in Palma Ceia, Tampa.
Wright's Gourmet House on Dale Mabry Highway has run a Tampa sandwich and bakery counter since 1963, famous for Cuban sandwiches and the legendary rum cake.
Signature dishes: Cuban sandwich, Roast beef sandwich, Rum cake
Must order: The Cuban sandwich pressed crisp and a slice of the famous rum cake to take home.
Tip: The Casper family bought Wright's from the founders in 2024 to keep the recipes in Tampa hands; cash and card both work.
Address: 1200 S Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33629
Noble Rice at Sparkman Wharf is the minimalist Japanese sushi room flying bluefin and uni from Toyosu weekly, recognized in the Michelin Guide.
Signature: Nigiri omakase, Toro hand roll, Uni rice bowl
Order: Eight-piece nigiri omakase plus the toro hand roll and a cold sake pairing.
Tip: Reservations open on the 15th of each month for the following month through Tock; the chef's counter books out first.
Jotoro at Sparkman Wharf is Michelin-starred Chef Joe Isidori's modern Mexican kitchen, with tableside guacamole, birria tacos and a deep mezcal list.
Signature: Tableside guacamole, Birria tacos, Mezcal flight
Order: Tableside guacamole, the birria taco trio, and a mezcal flight from the Oaxacan section.
Tip: Same kitchen team also runs Jodog Craft Hot Dogs across the wharf for a casual second stop.
Lilac at the Tampa EDITION hotel runs Chef John Fraser's Mediterranean prix-fixe menu with Greek heritage, locally sourced ingredients and an open-kitchen.
Signature: Mediterranean prix fixe, Whole grilled fish, Greek-style mezze
Order: The chef's tasting menu with the whole grilled fish course and the mezze opening.
Tip: Lilac held a Michelin star 2024 and 2025; dropped to Michelin Recommended in 2026 but still serves the same kitchen team.
Ebbe on Franklin Street downtown holds a 2026 Michelin star for Chef Ebbe Vollmer's 10-seat Scandinavian chef's-counter open-fire tasting in 12 courses.
Signature: Scandinavian tasting menu, Smoked fish service, Open-fire course
Order: The full chef's-counter tasting menu with the wine pairing; the menu changes seasonally.
Tip: The chef's counter takes 10 guests per service; book the rare extra seats released two weeks ahead through Resy.
Kosen on Palm Avenue in Tampa Heights holds a Michelin star for Chef Andrew Huang's 12-seat chef's-counter omakase featuring 20-plus courses.
Signature: 20-course omakase, Toyosu nigiri, Wagyu course
Order: The signature omakase menu with the seasonal sake pairing; the wagyu course is the standout.
Tip: Reservations through Tock; Kosen held its Michelin star in the 2024, 2025 and 2026 guides under the Noble Rice ownership group.
Koya on West Platt Street in Hyde Park holds a Michelin star for Chef Eric Fralick's 8-seat omakase, with bluefin tuna and uni flown from Toyosu weekly.
Signature: 15-course omakase, Bluefin tuna, Uni handroll
Order: The full tasting menu ($295); the bluefin tuna course and uni handroll are the benchmarks.
Tip: Reservations open the 15th of each month at 10am for the following month; the 8-seat counter sells out in minutes.
