BEST PLACES TO EAT IN TAMPA BAY, FLORIDA

The best places to eat in Tampa Bay range from casual dining at outdoor food markets to more than a dozen Michelin-recommended restaurants. I've visited Tampa annually for over a decade to see my parents, who retired to the region. During that time, they introduced me to many new places to eat, including some of Tampa's best restaurants, like Bern's. But it wasn't until recently that I had the opportunity to get to know downtown Tampa and nearby Ybor City more intimately, thanks to a stay in collaboration with Visit Tampa Bay. Since Tampa's waterfront is part of its appeal, I've split my list of the best places to eat into two sections. The first group is restaurants away from the water, while the second has water views.

Boulon Brasserie and Bakery

The gorgeously designed Boulon Brasserie & Bakery is a new addition to the Water Street neighborhood and offers an attractive, light-filled space to enjoy drinks and French cuisine. I started my lunch visit with a refreshing and not-too-strong cocktail, the Colombe Rose with Casa Noble Blanco Tequila. The food menu features fresh oysters on the half shell, king crab, blue crab beignets, and charcuterie to get you going. Caviar service and a selection of soups, including French onion and Maine lobster bisque, are also available.

Entrees include classic French fare such as moules frites, snapper amandine, and steak frites. I had a feeling Le Burger, made with smash patties, American cheese, and Thousand Island dressing, would be a good choice, and I'm happy to report it was! I skipped the desserts, including creme brulee, bread pudding, profiteroles, and butter cake, in favor of the outstanding chocolate chip cookies from the bakery, one of which I'd tried the day before

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