Skip to Search Skip to Live Player Skip to Content Skip to Footer

Here Is The Top-Rated Tapas Restaurant In Tampa

Author Jeff Gorra

What is the best tapas restaurant in Tampa? If you seek the feedback of a reliable restaurant source like OpenTable or TripAdvisor it might be a traditional Spanish restaurant with multiple locations in the south.

Let’s break down what you look for in a great tapas establishment and why. With the spring weather perking up, the interest in tapas-style tables will likely pick up. It’s the ultimate friendly gathering setup where great food meets socializing meets a nice sit-down dinner. This shareable style of eating a meal encourages engagement and connecting with those who are seated at your table. Furthermore, it’s a cuisine arrangement that is flexible enough to accommodate a group of just two or a table of ten.

Do you pick a few of the favorites off the menu that have a high chance of being fan favorites? Do you go with the restaurant’s suggestions as to what their specialties are? Or do you go with the most collaborative approach and allow each person in your party to pick on tapas choice off the menu for all to pass around? Any and all of these options are acceptable.

At a great tapas restaurant these small plates are the star of the show. Nowadays, it is very common for a restaurant that is well-known for small, sharable plates to also serve entrees. True enthusiasts know however, the tapas section is meant to be the center of attention.

The Best Tapas Restaurant In Tampa Is Bulla Gastrobar According To Customers

OpenTable has Bulla Gastrobar and TripAdvisor has it ranked in the top five. In Tampa Bulla Gastrobar is located at 930 S. Howard Ave. In Florida, they also have restaurants in Doral, Coral Gables, Miami, and Winter Park.

Bulla Gastrobar describes themselves as “delectable tapas to be shared amongst friends.” The menu is organized into cured meats, cheeses, small plates, and seasonal specialties. The small plates section is where you will find the most variety. In fact, there are over 20 different options to pick from here. Sauted garlic shrimp, chorizo cheese dip, and fried artichokes are among the classics.

Another unique component of Bulla Gastrobar is the four Spanish-style rice options. They are large plates but meant to be shared amongst the entire table in a tapas-style. For example, the paella mixta is a delicious blend of calamari, clams, shrimp, chicken, chorizo, sofrito, and saffron.

“At Bulla, tapas-style dining is a great way to try many different dishes,” they conclude.

3 Tampa Cigar Bars You Need To Know About

In a market overview report by Straits Research, it was reported that the cigar industry is projected to reach USD 114,355.50 million by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 11.90% during the forecast period (2022-2030). Currently, there are dozens of locations in the greater Tampa area where you can go to purchase an authentic cigar. We have put together a list of Tampa area cigar bars you need to know about.

As we roll into summer, people tend to have more time to seek out a lounge-style atmosphere. A local cigar bar can serve as a destination gathering or as your nightcap spot to wind down. Holt’s Clubhouse describes the setting as, “The best cigar bars are outfitted with a powerful air purification system, meaning your spouse or non-cigar-smoking friends won’t mind hanging out with you while you smoke. This is the ultimate environment to enjoy a cigar.”

Furthermore, it is not uncommon to find cigar bars offering more than their smokes. Whether it’s a dining experience or entertainment, there’s reason to stay at the establishment longer than the duration of a smoke.

Do Your Cigar Homework

Though many local cigar bars welcome a walk-in experience, it is best to know in advance what you are getting yourself into. With regulations, as you can imagine, there are restrictions to blowing smoke in a public space. In addition, Holt’s Clubhouse also has a great list of etiquettes to be aware of. This includes the proper way to cut your cigar, how to control your mouth, and a few other common courtesies.

Where To Go

We considered a few key attributes to compile our list of Boston area cigar bars you need to know about. We reviewed location, what the bar offers, and how it differentiates from others in the region.

  • Corona Cigar CO.

    Corona Cigar is located right next to Tampa’s best buffet. The interior is completely humidified. In fact, humidors are a large part of their business offering. Corona is a larger space than your typical cigar lounge. They now have five locations in Florida including two in Orlando. Considered a “Cigar Superstore” Corona also offers a wide array of branded gear like ash trays, cutters, and apparel.

     

    View this post on Instagram

     

    A post shared by Corona Cigar Co. (@coronacigarco)

  • Casa De Montecristo

    There’s a reason why Montecristo is in the name of this SoHo establishment. Though there are other options, Casa De Montecristo primarily specializes Montecristo cigars. They host premier events such as the Tampa Cigar Bash, coming up in October. In addition, their club memberships operate off a points system that generate rewards. Casa De Montecristo consider themselves to be a “feel at home” place, with flat screen tv’s around the interior, often broadcasting a local sporting events.

  • Grand Cathedral Cigars

    Located along N. Florida Ave, Cigar World named Grand Cathedral the Best Lounge of 2022. Its name is connected to the fact that this used to be the First Congressional Church of Tampa. Grand Cathedral has it all – from a cigar museum feel, to plenty of indoor and outdoor space to be comfortable. The 6,000 square foot patio is also pet friendly. The entire inside is considered a smoke facility. There is a full service bar serving beer, wine, and craft drinks. In addition, the Sandwichi food truck is onsite. Different levels of lounge memberships are offered (but not required). Enjoy a premium hand-rolled cigar, sip a drink, eat a sandwich, and bring the dog.

 

Jeff Gorra is a Boston-based writer who has been with Beasley Media Group since the beginning of 2023. He writes about restaurants and food, as well as sports and rock music. His experience also includes show hosting and in-depth creative writing in rock and reggae dub music. Jeff’s an avid surfer, New York Giants, and Pearl Jam fan, however, if you make unforgettable pizza, he is sure to find you.

Get The WiLD Flex Newsletter Delivered To Your Inbox

Stay connected with the hottest celebrity, music and Tampa/St. Pete stories, exclusive contests, games, and more.

*
By clicking "Subscribe" I agree to the website's terms of Service and Privacy Policy. I understand I can unsubscribe at any time.
Author Jeff Gorra
Category:
Tags:

More Human Interest

Load More