If you have just landed in Tampa or you’ve to catch a flight, there’s no need to wait in a boring airport lounge.
Instead, you can explore Tampa’s authentic southern cuisine. But, if you’ve to catch a flight, you don’t want to take any risk. On the contrary, if you’ve just landed, you don’t know about any restaurant.
Well, guess what? We’ve got a solution to your problem.
In this article, we will guide you about the best food places near Tampa airport. So you can soothe your taste buds.
Actually, there are two international airports. Wait, What?

Well, no worries, this article is going to be your ultimate guide, and whether it’s the St. Pete Clearwater International Airport or Tampa International Airport, we’ve got you covered.
10 Best Restaurants Near Tampa International Airport To Try!
Several restaurants are located near Tampa’s airport. From Brunch to a fancy dinner, there is a possibility for everything here. So, let’s have a quick look at all your options.
1. Hard Rock Cafe – Traditional American Cuisine, Only 2 Minute Drive Away

Technically, this American fast-food cafe is located on the premises of the city’s airport. You can enjoy legendary steak burgers, sandwiches, and salad bowls.
Separate kids and desert section is also available. If you want to have some extra fun, you can also order cocktails or gin and tonic. Cafe operating hours are from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm, Monday to Sunday.
2. Ocean Prime – Enjoy Tender Meat By Driving 4 Minutes Only
A classic steakhouse in Tampa known for its wide menu and wine list, with elegant decor. This place is also quite popular among locals for surf n turf, delicious appetizers, and Sushi.
The restaurant’s speciality is Lobster Bisque, the best in town. Apart from it, you can also enjoy soup and salads there. The cherry on top is that the prices are very affordable.
3. Brio Italian Grille – Best Italian Restaurant, Just 5 Minutes Away
Welcome to Brio grill, heaven for pasta and seafood lovers. Undoubtedly, here the city’s best calamari is served. The menu is filled with pure delights.
From soups to the vegan option, they got all the essentials for everyone. Surprisingly, the dearest section is limited to 4 dishes only. You are welcome here, 11:00 am to 10:00 pm, from Monday to Sunday.
4. Eddie v’s Prime Seafood – Your Seafood Platter Is Just 5 Minutes Away
If you want to taste a pure delicacy, then go to Eddie V’s, which serves the best seafood in Tampa, which is not just delicious but also quite affordable.
Start your 3-course meal either with fried calamari or burrata and fresh green salad. They have the city’s best king crab and parmesan crusted. So, be ready to dive into seafood heaven!
5. The Cheesecake Factory – Drive 6 Minutes To Enjoy Tampa’s Best Cheesecake
Hy, sweet tooth, just rush here because it’s a desert heaven for you. Certainly, you can order savoury food too, but among us Tampeños, it is famous as a chocolate candy land.
No worries, you can also enjoy a full 3-course meal here. From burgers to pasta, there are several options to soothe your taste buds. This eatery welcomes guests from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm.
6. Bahama Breeze – A Caribbean Restaurant, Only 9 Minutes Away
Undoubtedly, Bahama Breeze is one of the most romantic places to eat in Tampa. From the water overlooking booths to the misty breeze, everything seems magical here.
The menu is a blend of both sweet and savoury. They serve the best guacamole with crisp cheese sticks. Traditional Caribbean salad and sandwich is the restaurant’s speciality.
7. Doc B’s Fresh Kitchen – A Short 5 Min Drive For Your Seasonal Comfort Food
If you’re in the mood to party, then come here as soon as you land in Tampa. A separate bar section with red, white, and bottled beer is enough to boost your adrenaline rush.
On the menu, you’ll find many vegan and gluten-free options. You must try their buttermilk fried chicken and 10 oz Chimichurri steak, both equally delicious and cooked to perfection.
8. Daily Eats – Tampa’s Favorite All-Day Breakfast, Just 12 Minutes Away
Tampa’s renowned brunch spot is popular for its breakfast bowls and the house’s favourite burro. You can enjoy a comfy breakfast up to 3:00 pm here, with exotic beverages.
After noon, taste the most delicious burgers in town. They have the best Mexican food in Tampa bay. So, don’t forget to try a Mexican shredded bowl and Taco with Cali.
9. Byblos Tampa – Drive 12 Minutes To Taste Traditional Lebanese Fare.
One of its own kind, Byblos is the hidden gem in the bay area with mouthwatering continental and middle-eastern food. Their Tabbouleh, a kind of salad, is highly recommended.
From wraps to Greek Mezah, there are so many options for you to try. The cherry on top is that there’s a “happy hour,” Tuesday to Thursday, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
10. Datz – A Pure Delicacy, Only 12 Minutes Away
Datz is where all the fun happens. It is probably the only restaurant that is near both the international and St. Pete Clearwater Airport. So, its location makes it the most accessible place.
You ought to try their Strawberry pancakes, topped with cream and maple syrup. They also serve the infamous “Nashville chicken doughnut,” a fun combination of sweet and savoury.
3 Restaurants Near St. Pete Clearwater Airport That’re All About Flavor!
Located in Pinellas county, the St. Pete Clearwater airport is reserved for Tampa bay public flights. It is 17 miles away from downtown Tampa, but still, the food scene is delicious here.
Here’re the top 3 places to eat near clearwater airport;
1. Cuban Mexican Restaurant – Fine Exotic Place, Only 5 Min Away
Just around Bascom’s chop house, there is a hidden gem restaurant in Pinellas county. You can enjoy your breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a cosy atmosphere here.
The menu has all the delights, with vegan and gluten-free options. The cafe’s specialities are Cuban sandwiches and spicy crab rolls. Not to mention that the food portions are huge here.
2. Quaker Steak & Lube – Perfect Diner For Lavish Dinner, Just 6 Min Drive Away
This is where you should either have your dinner or lunch. They serve the most tender and juicy steaks, cooked to perfection. The most “American” dish on the menu is Quaker Lube Burgers.
Their chicken boneless wings are crisp and juicy. A separate beverage menu is also available if you’re looking to make your night extra special. The only flaw is that no dessert section is available on the menu.
3. Mike’s Pizza Deli Station – Drive 6 Minutes To Grab Your Favorite Pizza Slice
Welcome to Clearwater’s Pizza land, where you can order any flavorful pizza. My personal favourite is “Pepperoni with pineapple” (yup, the weird flavour). I am not exaggerating, but Tampeños travel all the way from downtown to grab the finest pizza here.
As a side dish, order Spinach Stromboli, a cheese pocket that’ll leave you stunned. Salads, pasta, beverages, and breakfast are also served in the house.
Wrapping It Up!
The food scene is always “right” in Tampa. That’s why you’ll find several places to eat on the airport premises. For quick grabs, these are exceptional. But if you’re craving more exquisite food, then you might want to explore restaurants in downtown Tampa.
Be assured that you’ll find both sweet and savoury foods. So, worry not, as all you need to do is drive a bit and let the chef cook your food to perfection.
We hope that this article helps you find delicious and stunning food places near the airport. Whether you’re coming or have to catch a flight, don’t forget to grab a quick bite. Because life is more beautiful when we eat!