2 Best Restaurants in The Tampa Bay Area, Florida

At this colorful local institution, you can veg out on roasted chiles rellenos (cheese-stuffed peppers); enchiladas with vegetables; and a cactus salad that won't prick your tongue but will tickle your taste buds with the flavors of tender pieces of cactus, cilantro, tomatoes, onions, lime, and queso fresco. Tamales, tacos, and tortillas are prepared in dozens of ways.

This fun, friendly, flavorful Mexican eatery from Michelin-star chef Joe Isidori is the latest full-service restaurant to join a stellar line-up at Channelside’s Sparkman Wharf. The globally inspired menu offers playful renditions of classics—from wood-fired tacos with fillings you might not think to try on your own (think: Korean-style barbecue, Vietnamese steak, tempura fish) to hearty knife-and-fork burritos. And the starters and sides are as delicious as the entrées. Make sure you try the street corn and the crispy Brussels sprouts.