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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in Ybor City

Lunch and date spots

A midday meal shared with someone special turns a routine break into a memorable pause.

Based on 616 Opinions
+613
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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.

Lunch offers doubles, aloo roti with channa, and buss up shut roti served with house-made pepper sauce. Options include rice with curry shrimp, dhal, and potato for a filling meal.

Trini cuisine offers a tasty and authentic experience that works well for couples exploring new flavors together. The food stands out as a unique date spot choice with genuine Trinidadian dishes.

People are saying

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

"The food here is so flavorful and spicy, perfect for a date spot."

"This lunch spot's goat roti is expertly prepared and bursting with flavor."

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
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.

Offers a light and healthy lunch option. Serves consistently great meals during midday visits.

Perfect for a date with intimate vibes and a menu that impresses, especially for those who appreciate authentic dishes. Couples enjoy a wonderful night together in a setting made for celebration.

People are saying

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

"The Mediterranean food here is top quality and delicious."

"This lunch spot has delicious, fresh 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.

03
Shrimp & Co. Restaurant image 1
Seafood restaurant

Small seafood restaurant offers a quaint, beachy vibe with casual, welcoming atmosphere. Decor is simple but unique, creating a cozy and vibrant setting ideal for relaxed dining. Guests often arrive in beach attire and enjoy fresh, well-presented seafood with generous portions.

Lunch features seafood platters like clam and fried oyster, plus a seasoned shrimp mofongo. It serves as a nice spot for midday meals in a lively area.

The patio offers a perfect ambiance for date night with a relaxed vibe. Sharing a Florida Steam Pot or enjoying shrimp scampi makes for a tasty meal together.

People are saying

"I highly recommend the seafood here; it's insanely good."

"The seafood here is fresh, creative, and celebrated in dishes like the shrimp po boy."

"This lunch spot's food was fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required; walk-ins are welcome in beach attire.

2

Expect no wait time during lunch hours.

3

Parking is paid only; street parking is cheaper than the lot.

04
Al's Finger Licking Good Bar-B-Que and Soul Food image 1

Small, hole-in-the-wall barbecue spot with old-fashioned charm and walls adorned with musical legends. Atmosphere feels like a warm family gathering, relaxed and inviting with friendly staff. Outdoor area hosts roosters and chickens, adding to the homey vibe.

Soul food with juicy, flavorful meat creates a relaxed vibe for couples. Sharing dishes like the pulled pork sandwich and two-item combos fits well for a casual date.

People are saying

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

"This lunch spot's BBQ is delicious and flavorful."

"The food here is delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking is free for patrons in the lot behind the restaurant.

2

A huge meat plate with two sides and a drink costs $20.

3

The restaurant often runs out of several side dishes.

05
OUTSIDE BBQ image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Barbecue restaurant with family-friendly atmosphere and clean, warm environment. Seating near the smoker grill offers an authentic experience while pop music plays at a comfortable volume. The vibe reflects Black culture and flavor, creating a joyful and welcoming space.

Easy to pop in and out for quick lunch to go with no crowd. The owner offers a friendly touch by sometimes buying lunch.

Rib dinners stand out as a favorite choice for couples seeking a casual meal. The spot offers authentic barbecue that fits well for a relaxed lunch or dinner date.

People are saying

"These ribs were perfectly seasoned and so tender."

"The pulled pork sandwich at this Lunch Spot is tender and flavorful."

"The ribs and chicken here are seasoned well and tender."

Good to know

1

Expect generous portion sizes for a satisfying meal.

2

The menu may not always reflect available items; check before ordering.

3

Family-friendly atmosphere makes it a great spot for gatherings.

06
Mr B's Restaurant image 1
Soul food restaurant

Soul food restaurant offers an elegant interior with southern charm and a calm dining experience. Gospel music plays softly, creating a warm and respectful atmosphere. The space feels clean and beautifully decorated, inviting a sense of home.

Lunch features southern food with a turkey lunch that is not too salty and well balanced.

Shared meals include turkey wings, dirty rice, and mac n cheese. The spot supports black-owned businesses, creating a community vibe.

People are saying

"The American Food's yams and mac & cheese are highly recommended."

"The food here is homemade with love and tastes amazing."

"The turkey lunch at this spot was just right."

Good to know

1

Key menu items like sweet tea, corn bread, and peach cobbler were out of stock.

2

They ran out of food during the event.

3

The restaurant is very clean and well-maintained.

07
Los Chapos Tacos image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant offers cozy family-friendly atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating including a patio with life-sized games. Music selection adds to the inviting and upbeat vibe. Known for exceptional tacos and specialty margaritas, it attracts those seeking authentic flavors and a relaxed setting.

Lunch offers satisfying meals that appeal to groups and couples alike. Everyone finds the experience enjoyable and fulfilling.

Tacos like carnitas, street, and mushroom offer solid choices for a casual date. Sides of beans and rice complement the meal well.

People are saying

"I thought their tacos were the best I had in a while."

"This lunch spot has delicious food that's just perfect."

"The food and drinks here are delicious and reasonably priced."

Good to know

1

You need to order in advance inside before selecting a table.

2

Parking can be difficult, especially on Friday nights.

3

Outdoor dining is available for those with pets.

08
IKEA image 1
Furniture store

Furniture store offers roomy layout with beautifully designed room displays and affordable modular furniture. Atmosphere ranges from laid-back and calm to occasionally crowded with families and children. Two separate food courts provide Swedish meatballs and other distinctive meals.

Inexpensive meals offer Swedish-style lunch options in a cafeteria setting. The menu includes lunch for three, desserts, snacks, and drinks all for around $28.

Walking around offers a relaxed way to spend time together with plenty of variety of products to explore. The store attracts many families and couples, making it a lively spot for a casual date.

People are saying

"I enjoyed the delicious meatballs; I had to get a second helping."

"You have to try the Swedish meatballs at this lunch spot."

"We considered walking around here a great date."

Good to know

1

Swedish meatballs are served only after 11am.

2

Kids eat free on Wednesday with an IKEA membership.

3

Expect busy crowds during major sales events like Veterans Day weekend.

09
La Segunda Bakery and Cafe image 1

Small bakery inside a vintage industrial building offers an authentic Cuban atmosphere with rich aromas and warm, family-like vibe. Space is tight with no seating, creating a bustling, shoulder-to-shoulder experience. Known for best Cuban bread and legendary Cuban sandwiches, it feels like a local treasure with old school charm.

Every visit feels like a special occasion for couples. The spot offers desserts that stand out during date outings. Many return trips happen because of its unique appeal for pairs.

People are saying

"I loved their Cuban sandwich; it's the best I've had."

"These breakfast Cubans are delicious and huge!"

"The Cuban sandwiches and sweets here are amazing."

Good to know

1

La Segunda Bakery and Cafe is takeout only with no tables or outdoor seating nearby.

2

Parking can be difficult, so plan accordingly.

3

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

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Ybor City, Tampa

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