When we arrived in Tampa, I wasn’t sure what to expect from the food scene with a teen in tow. Finding restaurants that keep everyone happy when traveling with kids of any age can be a challenge. If you know me, I’ve had trips where one of my kids basically ate bread and falafel for a week! Now that they are a bit older, our menu options have expanded, but I still know exactly what works for families and what does not.
Tampa’s independent food scene is great! It’s approachable and family-friendly, even if it does not appear to be on the outside. Whether it was extensive mocktails on the menu or servers who knew to ask about cheese on a burger, we found plenty of spots that we could relax and eat as a family.
If you’re wondering where to eat in Tampa with kids from toddlers to teens, these are the places we’d go back to in a heartbeat.
Best Family-Friendly Restaurants in Tampa
Columbia Restaurant
Columbia Restaurant is Florida’s oldest restaurant. It has been serving Spanish-Cuban food since 1905! It has a huge menu, but I would suggest the Cuban Sandwich if you have sandwich lovers! I went for the 1/2 & 1/2 which offered a half Cuban and half 1905 salad. My 14-year-old went for the Cuban steak and was not disappointed!
Make reservations if you plan on heading to Columbia Restaurant. We were there on a weekday for lunch, and it was packed!
Psomi
Psomi does breakfast and lunch and is known for its in-house pastries. While I got a pastry, yogourt and granola at brunch, Mattias opted for their smashburger and said it was one of the best he has ever had!
Make sure to order your pastries early, as the favorites sell out by morning!
Heights Public Market
Heights Public Market at Armature Works is a food hall with lots of dining options. There are empanadas next to tacos, as well as sit-down options and ice creams! There is something for everyone here when you have family members who all want to eat something different!
We tried tacos and local ice cream!
The Pearl
The Pearl may be known for its seafood, but they offer a great burger option and fun mocktails that teens will appreciate. They also have an all-inclusive kids menu with kid-friendly chicken strips or more elevated options like roasted chicken and mashed potatoes. If you happen to be in town for a Tampa Bay Lightning game, like our sports-focused trip was, you can eat here before the game, it’s right next to the stadium!
Oxford Exchange
A meal at Oxford Exchange is a relaxed, beautifully curated experience in a stylish, light-filled space that blends a restaurant and a bookstore under one roof (perfect for souvenir shopping after a meal). The menu showcases fresh, seasonal American fare with creative touches, from classic brunch dishes like avocado toast and smoked salmon bagels to hearty sandwiches, salads, and shareable plates that make lunch feel special.
Quick & Casual Spots Kids Will Love
Pizza at Elev8 Fun
Dinner at Elev8 is an easy way to please the kids. Who doesn’t like pizza before bowling and arcade games!
Supernatural Food and Wine
Supernatural is known for its breakfast sandwiches, so if your kids are into those, you need to try this place! If yours are like mine and do not like eggs, then go here for the sourdough donuts, I promise, it’s worth it! But go early, they sell out! They have a few indoor seats and some seats on the sidewalk, but most people take their food to go! It’s right next to the Tampa Theatre!
Tips for Eating Out in Tampa with Kids
- Make a Reservation: If you are dining at peak times, it is easy to make a reservation. Places like Columbia Restaurant are busy at mealtimes, so it’s best to plan that one ahead!
- Heights Public Market pairs well with kayaking or paddleboarding. Grab a bite to eat before or after you head out on the water. Want more ideas of what to do? Here is my article on how to spend three days in Tampa with teens!
- If you are going to a Lightning game, look for tickets in The Mark Club section. It includes all-inclusive food and drinks, which is a lot of fun for kids (and mom or dad can enjoy a beverage and a good meal too!)
Map of Family-Friendly Restaurants in Tampa
Tampa was one of our favorite destinations for older kids and also made our list of the best trips for teen boys! If you want more teen travel inspiration, check out our guide to travel with teens.
Lindsay Nieminen hails from Vancouver, Canada and shares her love of travel on this website. She is passionate about showing others that they should not put off traveling the world just because they have children or are single parents. She aims to encourage them to seek out adventure, whether it is at home or abroad by providing information on how just about everywhere can be a destination to explore as a family.