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Oxtail and fish in Tampa

A hearty meal centered on rich, braised meat and fresh fish is what the appetite demands.

Based on 505 Opinions
+502
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Updated May 2026
01
Wha Gwaan Jamaica Jamaica image 1
Wha Gwaan Jamaica Jamaica image 2
Wha Gwaan Jamaica Jamaica image 3
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Restaurant offers lively Jamaican vibe with reggae music and colorful dรฉcor featuring Jamaican flags and jerseys. Atmosphere feels cozy and inviting, with a central bar and wood floors creating a welcoming space. Live music and karaoke add energy, drawing people together in a fun, authentic setting.

Oxtail comes tender and fall-off-the-bone, often paired with white rice. It appears in platters alongside curried goat and jerk chicken, offering a rich, savory experience.

Salted fish dishes come with island-style flavors like ackee and okra. Fish orders take time but deliver excellent taste with sides like ground provisions and white dumplings.

People are saying

"I thought the Jamaican food here was the best."

"The oxtail here is so tender it basically melts."

"The salt fish ackee was delicious and authentic."

Good to know

1

Karaoke happens every Friday from 6-10pm, great for families.

2

Live reggae performances occur on Saturdays, creating a vibrant atmosphere.

3

Expect a lively crowd on weekends, especially during karaoke 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.

Oxtails come fall off the bone tender and swim in an exquisitely rich gravy. Plates often include collard greens, mac & cheese, and honey cornbread alongside the oxtails.

Fish comes out fried and cooked very well. It pairs with grits and seafood salad for a solid meal.

People are saying

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

"The oxtail was fall off the bone tender."

"The fried fish here is really good."

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
M&R Cafรฉ Southern Cuisine image 1

American restaurant with throwback R&B music and clean, cool decor creates a relaxing, upbeat vibe that feels like home. Large portions and exceptional soul food define the dining experience, with standout dishes like oxtail and fried catfish. A Black-owned business adds to the welcoming atmosphere.

Oxtails come tender and flavorful, falling off the bone easily. They pair well with sides like potato salad and candied yams for a hearty meal.

Fish comes very fresh and perfectly seasoned, often served on a bed of yellow rice. Portions can be large, like the fish and spaghetti combo that lasts for days.

People are saying

"The American Food here is seasoned well and tastes great."

"The oxtail here is so tender, you can pull it with a plastic fork."

"The fish here is so fresh and perfectly seasoned."

Good to know

1

Expect a 30-minute wait for food during peak hours.

2

Drinks cost $6 for Kool-Aid style beverages.

3

There is a 3% surcharge for credit card payments.

04
Mom's Restaurant Haitian Cuisine and Bakery image 1

Tiny space offers a warm family vibe with a cozy, calm atmosphere that feels like a home cook meal. Friendly staff share culture with genuine pride, creating a welcoming environment. The place stands out for its authentic Haitian cuisine served with care.

Oxtails come tender and full of flavor, served with rich gravy juice that enhances dishes like griot and red beans and rice. The preparation rivals Jamaican oxtails, offering a truly authentic taste experience.

Fish comes perfectly seasoned and pairs well with other dishes like chicken stew and Haitian sodas. The flavor stands out alongside fresh vegetables and other foods.

People are saying

"The Haitian food here is authentic and seasoned with so much love."

"The oxtail here is so tender and full of flavor."

"The Fish here is perfectly seasoned."

Good to know

1

They open on Sundays.

2

The restaurant was clean.

3

There were plenty of parking spots available.

05
J&J Jam'Soul image 1
Family restaurant

Family restaurant offers authentic Jamaican and Caribbean cuisine with a quiet, homie atmosphere that encourages deep conversations. Indoor seating features clean, simple decor and reggae music plays softly, enhancing the warm, welcoming vibe.

Oxtail comes with rich gravy and plenty of meat for the price. It pairs well with sides like candied yams and Mac and cheese.

Brown stew fish stands out with its rich seasoning and deep flavor. Snapper fish comes perfectly seasoned and crisply fried.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and fresh."

"I thought the oxtail here was the best I've had in Tampa."

"The fried fish here is seasoned perfectly."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required but recommended during peak hours.

2

Expect longer wait times on weekends, especially during brunch.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted; cash is also welcome.

06
Steaming Pots West Africa Cuisine image 1

Space blends beautiful African art with a warm, inviting atmosphere and a cozy patio. Music pulses with live DJs and afro beats, creating lively energy especially on weekends. Guests enjoy authentic West African dishes in a setting that feels like home.

Rich oxtail stew stands out with perfectly cooked oxtails and deep flavor. It pairs well with jolof rice for a satisfying meal.

Fish dishes come out incredibly flavorful and perfectly cooked with a super crispy texture. Options like snapper and fried fish pair well with traditional sides like attieke and banku.

People are saying

"The food here is really tasty and full of flavor."

"The oxtail stew was tender, meaty, and flavorful."

"The fish here is so flavorful and worth the taste."

Good to know

1

They have a buffet every Sunday with additional food options not on the menu.

2

You should stop by on Sunday for the $33 buffet.

3

They host an open mic event every third Wednesday.

07
7th + Grove image 1
Southern restaurant (US)

Southern restaurant with two distinct sides offers both lively party atmosphere and quieter dining. Live music and DJ sets create a vibrant vibe featuring 90s R&B and soul, complemented by art celebrating black culture. Space includes lounge seating with inviting blue tones and room for large groups.

Oxtails come very tender and flavorful with sides like greens, mashed potatoes, or mac and cheese. Portions vary, with some servings offering more meat than others, and prices range from affordable to pricey.

Fish and Grits come out very well cooked with a good balance of fish and shrimp. The dish consistently tastes amazing and satisfies with its rich flavors.

People are saying

"The brunch food here is phenomenal and every bite is delicious."

"The oxtail here is tender and very flavorful."

"The fish and grits were so good."

Good to know

1

Happy hour specials are available daily from 4 PM to 7 PM.

2

Drag brunch events occur every Sunday with a reservation recommended.

3

Expect a 30-40 minute wait for drinks during peak happy hour times.

08
Caribbean Twist image 1
Caribbean restaurant

Modern space with clean, spacious seating and wood accents creates a welcoming, peaceful vibe. Atmosphere feels authentic with hints of Dominican Republic influence and a pleasant, quiet energy. Small but inviting, it suits family gatherings and casual dining.

Oxtail comes fall off the bone and packed with rich flavor. It costs more than regular meats but pairs well with two sides for a reasonable price.

Stuffed fish comes with cheese and peppers and offers a large portion size. The fish tastes delicious and fits well with the authentic Cuban menu.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and full of flavor."

"I ordered the stuffed fish and it was yummy."

"The oxtail was fall off the bone and packed with flavor."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is extremely clean and well-maintained.

2

There is parking in the rear and a handicap space in front.

3

Expect affordable prices for generous portions of Latin food.

09
Ladies of the Sea & Soulfood image 1

Small seafood restaurant offers a cozy, family-oriented atmosphere with a warm, home-like environment. Space is limited with only two booth tables, making it better suited for takeout. The vibe feels like a family reunion, inviting and comfortable.

Tender and juicy oxtails come with flavorful sides like yams and baked mac and cheese. The dishes highlight buku flavor and pair well with collard greens or fish sandwiches.

Fish comes crispy with a breading that stands out. Options include whiting, basa, and snow crab, all packed with flavor.

People are saying

"The American food here, especially the mac and cheese, feels like home."

"I thought the fish here was the best I had ever eaten."

"The oxtail was so tender and juicy."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is better suited for takeout because it only has a couple of tables inside.

2

There isn't much seating available, so plan accordingly.

3

An extra fee of about $6 applies for credit or debit card payments; cash is recommended.

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