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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Tampa

Family owned seafood

Seafood served by a family that cares about the catch as much as the community, not just the bottom line.

Based on 592 Opinions
+589
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Updated May 2026
01
Pepper’s Island Restaurant image 1
Pepper’s Island Restaurant image 2
Pepper’s Island Restaurant image 3
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Historic building with hand-painted Trinidad mural and fire-themed decor creates an authentic Caribbean setting. Laid-back atmosphere filled with live Soca and calypso music brings vibrant island energy. Small, colorful space offers a cozy, scruffy charm that feels like a Caribbean escape.

Small and family owned, this spot offers a welcoming and personable atmosphere. It carries a strong sense of passion and rich history.

Shrimp dishes stand out with curry shrimp and shrimp doubles offering rich, flavorful experiences. Chicken and goat curries also complement the seafood options well.

People are saying

"The roti here is soft, flavorful, and made with love."

"The seafood here is so spicy and flavorful."

"It's a fantastic, family-owned gem with a welcoming atmosphere."

Good to know

1

Drink specials on Wednesdays: buy three beers and get one free.

2

Vibe Night occurs on the third Wednesday of each month.

3

Live DJ performances happen on Friday and Saturday nights.

02
YaYa Southern Cuisine image 1
Soul food restaurant

Intimate 16-seat soul food spot with warm, welcoming atmosphere and dark, relaxing decor. Small size creates an exclusive, personal vibe filled with good music and genuine smiles. The space feels like home, inviting guests to slow down and enjoy hearty, authentic meals.

Family recipes inspire this family-owned and operated restaurant. The business stays small and personal, reflecting its roots in home cooking.

Fried fish and fried shrimp come out cooked very well. The seafood pairs with sides like cheese macaroni and greens for a solid meal.

People are saying

"The food here was so good, I had to comment."

"The fried fish here is the best I've ever had."

"I loved that it's a family-owned and operated business."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends to avoid long wait times.

2

Expect wait times of over 2 hours during peak dining hours.

3

Ordering ahead is advised as food is prepared to order.

03
Rosenheim Restaurant image 1
Middle Eastern restaurant

Middle Eastern restaurant offers live entertainment with dancers and drummers alongside hookah for a lively atmosphere. Both indoor and outdoor dining areas feature modern, beautiful decor with outdoor AC enhancing comfort. The vibe is energetic and memorable, combining music, dance, and a refined dining experience.

Family ownership shapes the atmosphere with friendly service and clear pride in operation. The team runs the place themselves, creating a personal touch throughout.

Dynamite shrimp stands out as a flavorful and popular choice, often ordered twice. Mixed seafood and seafood platters come in generous portions and are beautifully presented.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned."

"I thought the seafood had good flavor, especially the shrimp."

"This Family Owned spot has phenomenal, flavorful food."

Good to know

1

Samba night happens every Saturday with live dancers and music.

2

Live music is featured every Friday night at the restaurant.

3

A big party with a live DJ and belly dancer starts at 6:30 PM on weekends.

04
EL SABOR DE MEXICO image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican restaurant with authentic Mexican decor and a bar area playing Mexican music creates a cozy and comfortable atmosphere. The space fills with a diverse crowd including families and locals, making it lively and a bit noisy. Tables are spaced to avoid feeling cramped despite the small size.

A family-owned business runs the place, keeping operations personal and hands-on. This setup often reflects in the authentic atmosphere and consistent care in service.

Fish tacos stand out with fresh, flavorful fillings. Shrimp tacos offer a very delicious option. Seafood soup provides a warm, satisfying choice.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here to be really authentic and good."

"It's a family-owned business."

"I found the shrimp tacos to be very delicious."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers $2 tacos, making it a popular day to visit.

2

Parking is available, but it can be limited during peak hours.

3

The restaurant maintains a high standard of cleanliness throughout.

05
K-DELI image 1
Korean restaurant

Small Korean deli with tight space packed with Japanese snacks and drinks creates a mom and pop vibe. K-Pop music videos play on TV, adding to the lively and friendly atmosphere. Seating is limited to a long high-top bar with stools, offering quick meals or takeout.

Family-owned with a cozy atmosphere and friendly people. The spot feels personal and welcoming.

Fish cakes appear in several dishes, including a hard-to-find prepared version and a warm fish cake soup popular on chilly days. Shrimp tempura comes with the vegetable box, which suits pescatarians but may need adjustment for vegetarians.

People are saying

"You'll love the huge portions in these lunch boxes."

"This Family Owned spot has huge, delicious lunch boxes."

"I'd order the japchae or kimbap again; it's the best part."

Good to know

1

K-DELI offers a military discount for service members.

2

Expect limited seating as the shop is quite small.

3

Food prices are very affordable, with many options under $20.

06
The Happy Burger & Ecuadorian Food image 1

Small, cozy eatery with an Ecuadorian theme and a hole-in-the-wall vibe. Atmosphere stays calm and family-friendly, featuring board games and live music for entertainment. Space includes a stage for karaoke and offers an inviting spot for gatherings.

Staff here is family owned and delivers amazing service. The place keeps a personal touch in its operations.

Fish sandwich and fish bun with rice stand out with solid preparation and flavor. Dishes like encebollado and bolon with garlic shrimp offer a rich mix of tastes.

People are saying

"I loved the delicious Ecuadorian food and traditional snacks."

"The encebollado and bolon with garlic shrimp were a spectacle of flavors."

"This Family Owned spot has amazing empanadas and outstanding cheeseburgers."

Good to know

1

Karaoke night happens every Friday at 9pm with a two-drink minimum.

2

Movie night is every Friday featuring horror films at 8pm.

3

The restaurant has a maximum capacity of 40 people, so arrive early.

07
Mema’s Alaskan Tacos image 1

Quaint wood-floored casita offers a cozy, homemade vibe with casual indoor and outdoor seating. Atmosphere feels like a friendly family gathering with pet-friendly accommodations. Energy stays relaxed and welcoming, perfect for enjoying authentic, flavorful tacos.

Staff work together seamlessly in this family-owned restaurant, creating a smooth and welcoming environment. The business maintains a strong sense of family values throughout its operations.

Fish tacos come with grouper or salmon and use very good quality fish. Alligator tacos also appear alongside the fish options, both hitting the spot.

People are saying

"These tacos are fresh, flavorful, and delicious."

"I highly recommend the fish tacos; they're delicious."

"It's a family owned restaurant where the staff work together seamlessly."

Good to know

1

Mema’s Alaskan Tacos offers a loyalty punch card; get one free taco after ten.

2

The restaurant is pet-friendly with outdoor seating available.

3

They provide water for dogs at outdoor tables.

08
Thee Burger Spot image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Small hamburger joint with limited seating and fenced windows creates a gritty, old-school vibe. 80's and 90's music plays, adding to a laid-back, nostalgic atmosphere. Walls display cool art and merchandise, reflecting a strong neighborhood culture.

A small, family-owned burger spot with a hole in the wall vibe and friendly staff.

Grilled grouper sandwiches come with huge portions of quality fish and reasonable prices. Fish sandwiches stand out as a solid choice here.

People are saying

"I thought these burgers were better than fast food."

"This family owned spot has some of the best burgers I've ever had."

"I found the burgers and fries to be some of the tastiest."

Good to know

1

Wednesday offers a buy a sandwich and get free fries promotion.

2

Free fries are available on specific promotional days.

3

Prices at the spot are considered reasonable and affordable.

09
Esposito's Italian Restaurant And Bar image 1

Small Italian restaurant with authentic decor and cozy, retro ambiance. Atmosphere feels warm and inviting but can be loud due to limited sound treatment. Italian music plays throughout, creating a cultured, upscale vibe.

A family-owned Italian spot with a nice vibe and decor that feels a bit more upscale than similar places. The atmosphere reflects its family roots clearly.

Shrimp dishes like shrimp scampi and shrimp parmigiana stand out here. Chicken parmigiana also appears often and satisfies many.

People are saying

"The Italian food here is outstanding, bursting with fresh flavors."

"The shrimp scampi here is the best I have ever had."

"The family-owned portions here are large and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-5 PM, featuring red and white sangria.

2

Arrive early for happy hour to enjoy a quieter atmosphere.

3

The venue is suitable for hosting large gatherings and events.

10
Beccofino Italian Bistro image 1
Italian restaurant

Small, family-owned Italian bistro offers an intimate, authentic atmosphere with tableside cooking and live piano music. Warm, homey vibe includes homemade pasta and unique Italian wines. Guests often enjoy private moments near the kitchen and a welcoming patio.

Family ownership shapes a warm, Italian-like atmosphere here. The restaurant stays true to its roots with authentic recipes and a close-knit operation.

Seafood dishes feature flavorful calamari and tasty fish that stand out. The seafood risotto offers rich, memorable taste, and seafood items sometimes get removed from the bill.

People are saying

"I found the Italian food here to be super authentic."

"The seafood here is so tasty, especially the tuna tartar."

"This family-owned spot serves the most authentic Italian food."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for special events like New Year's Eve.

2

Expect a unique menu featuring wild game not found in most Italian restaurants.

3

Prices are on the higher side, but the quality of food justifies it.

11
Front Porch & Bart's Tavern image 1

Old house converted into a restaurant and bar offers cozy indoor and outdoor seating with a wraparound porch and dog-friendly areas. Live music plays regularly, creating an awesome atmosphere that draws a friendly crowd. The space combines vintage decor with modern food and drink options.

Ownership stays within the family, giving the place a family-owned feel. The owner's family runs the spot, keeping it close-knit and personal.

Fish and chips come with a spicy breading and a crispy, fluffy texture. Fried fish tacos and shrimp thermidor offer flavorful seafood options alongside sweet glazed sweet potato fries.

People are saying

"The Outdoor Seating is great for delicious, eclectic menu options."

"The seafood here is golden and delicious."

"This family owned spot has great food and service."

Good to know

1

Brunch is served from 8 AM to 2 PM on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

2

Live music starts at 5 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.

3

Saturdays feature $3.50 mimosas from 8 AM to 2 PM and all day on Sundays.

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