Best Pizza
Any way you slice it, Westchase-based Marina’s is the favorite in this category once again.
Best Italian
Casa Cosenza and Iavarone’s Italian Steakhouse tied for top prize from the options we offered; however, 22% of the votes were write-ins with a majority for Esposito’s and Rocca.
Best Greek Food
We added this category and Westchase-based Little Greek beat out Tarpon Springs hot spot Hellas.
Best Mexican Food
In this new category, South Tampa’s Miguel’s Mexican Seafood & Grill was the clear winner. Closer to home, Grand Hacienda and Senor Tequila came in second and third.
Best Taco
We have a shakeup in this category, with Oldsmar’s Shaker & Peel ousting longtime champ Loli’s Mexican Cravings.
Best Steak
When it comes to steak, it’s tough to beat the iconic Bern’s Steakhouse in SoHo, which took top prize for the ninth time.
Best Sushi
Sushi Alive on Race Track Road seized a definitive sixth straight win.
Best Chinese Food
Yummy House on East Hillsborough Avenue was the clear winner in this category. Chef Li and Kang’s Garden (under new ownership) were one point apart for second and third.
Best Asian Fare
In this new category, Westchase’s own Siam Thai won out, with newcomer Doodle Noodle in second place.
Best Brunch
After an upset last year, Oxford Exchange bounced back to reclaim this title, bumping Mother’s to second.
Best Grouper Sandwich
Beachside staple Frenchy’s once again walked away with this win.
Best Date Night Spot
The Riverwalk in Downtown Tampa is the go-to spot for Date Night. After losing to Armature Works last year, Ulele came back to beat its neighbor by 13 votes.
Best Dinner with a View
We added in a few options and things got interesting. Frenchy’s came out on top again but tied with Oystercatchers. In a close second was a tie between Rusty Pelican and Jackson’s Bistro.
Best Restaurant to Take Out-of-Town Visitors
That Riverwalk appeal was in play once again, with Ulele edging out the famed Columbia Restaurant.
Best French Fries
Absence apparently does make the heart grow fonder, as Five Guys continues to win this category long after they left Westchase.
Best Hamburger
In the battle of the burgers, local favorite Ford’s Garage won for the fourth year straight.
Best Cuban Sandwich
After an upset last year, Columbia Restaurant reclaimed first place, bumping Cuban Breezes back to second.
Best Seafood Restaurant
Westshore’s Ocean Prime won Best Seafood for the fourth year but Catch Twenty-Three narrowed their second-place margin.
Best Chicken Wings
McDivot’s and Maloney’s delivered the one-two punch in wings once again.
Best Place to Watch Sports
If you want wings while you watch sports, you’re in luck. McDivot’s narrowly nabbed this win, with Maloney’s and Irish 31 just one vote behind in a tie for second.
Best Brewery
Tampa Bay Brewing Company came in first for the fifth year, with Wild Rover and Crooked Thumb just one point apart for second and third.
Best Place to Grab Dessert
Bern’s Harry Waugh Dessert Room once again beat out the competition. Go for the ambience; stay for the Baked Alaska.
Best Frozen Treat
We combined all the frozen treats (minus milkshakes) and Westchase-based Whit’s walked away with the overall win, with Jeremiah’s Italian Ice and DQ rounding out the top 3.
Best Milkshake
Steak ‘n Shake had a more decisive win this year, with Burger 21 jumping into second place over PDQ.
Best Coffee
The Grind in West Park Village out brewed the coffee competition for the seventh straight year.
Best for Vegetarians
Westshore’s Fresh Kitchen claimed a more decisive victory over Westchase’s Fresh Bites this year.
Best Non-Supermarket Bakery
Tampa Landmark Wright’s Gourmet Café was the winner in baked goods by a mile once again.
Best Sandwiches/Deli
After a surprising upset last year, the Pub Sub bumped back to second place behind Wright’s this year.
Best Barbecue
Carrollwood’s 4 Rivers Smokehouse took the BBQ crown, but Mission and Westchase BBQ were close behind.
Best Place to Grab a Cocktail
The prohibition-themed Repeal 18 in the heart of Westchase was the clear winner in this newly added category.
Best Trivia
Mother’s wins this round of Trivia, with Maloney’s and Irish 31 a close second and third.
Best Live Music
For a true concert feel, it’s tough to beat the tribute band scene at Wild Rover Brewing, the winner in this newly added category.
