Tampa Airport Food: Best Places To Eat

what to eat in tampa airport

Tampa International Airport (TPA) has been named one of the best airports for food in the United States by Food and Wine. The airport has a unique layout, with the entire airport encircled by the aircraft runway and taxi areas. TPA has one terminal and four concourses (A, C, E, and F) with various dining options. Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a sit-down meal, Tampa Airport has something for everyone. From sports bars and tables with aquarium views to authentic Neapolitan pizzas and Spanish cuisine, here's a guide to what to eat when you're at the airport.

Characteristics Values
Airport Name Tampa International Airport (TPA)
Location 4100 George J. Bean Pkwy., Tampa, FL 33607
Terminals 1
Concourses 4 (A, C, E, F)
Cuisine Spanish, Italian, Seafood, American, Local Beers
Notable Restaurants Columbia Café, NYNY Pizza, Bavaro’s, Goody Goody, The Cafe by Mise En Place, Cigar City Brewing, Rumfish Grill, Brewpub
Awards Best airport for food in the country by Food and Wine, Top 5 airports for the J.D. Power Airport Satisfaction Study

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Spanish cuisine and sangria at Columbia Café

If you're craving a taste of Spain while at Tampa Airport, look no further than Columbia Café, a gem among the airport's dining options. With a rich history dating back over 115 years, Columbia Café is Florida's oldest restaurant and the world's largest Spanish restaurant. Run by the fourth and fifth generations of the same family, it has become a beloved staple of Spanish cuisine in the Sunshine State.

The café offers a delightful menu featuring classic Spanish dishes and their famous homemade sangria. Whether you're in a rush or have time to spare, Columbia Café caters to your needs with its convenient grab-and-go market. For those with a little more time, sit down and savour the unique atmosphere and flavours of Spain.

The 1905 Salad is a must-try, renowned by many as a delicious staple of the Columbia Café experience. Pair it with their Original Cuban Sandwich for a true taste of Cuba. The generous portions and exquisite flavours will surely satisfy your appetite.

For those seeking a refreshing beverage, the Red Sangria is a perfect choice. Crafted with care, it provides a delightful complement to your meal or a refreshing stand-alone drink. The café's omelette has also received rave reviews, offering a delicious breakfast option for early morning travellers.

Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a leisurely dining experience, Columbia Café is a wonderful choice for travellers seeking a taste of Spain at Tampa Airport. With its combination of traditional cuisine, delightful drinks, and rich heritage, it offers an unforgettable culinary journey that will leave you with fond memories long after your flight.

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Seafood and cocktails at Rumfish Grill

If you're looking for a quiet, underwater-themed dining experience at Tampa Airport, Rumfish Grill is the place to go. Located near gate C37, you can spot Rumfish Grill from a distance thanks to its aquarium right outside the front. The restaurant features a massive fish tank that dominates the dining area, creating a unique atmosphere for travellers seeking a seafood feast.

The menu offers cutting-edge seafood dishes, beautifully presented, with options like the local favourite Lobster Mac and Cheese. Pasta, meat, and poultry are also available, ensuring there is something for everyone. Gluten-free options are plentiful, so dietary restrictions won't be an issue here.

The full-service bars, both inside and outdoors, offer a wide range of drinks, including specialty cocktails, beer, and rum flights. With a modified dining menu available at the bars, you can enjoy a refreshing beverage alongside a delicious meal. The indoor bar even has a massive TV screen, so you can catch up on your favourite sports teams while you dine.

For those seeking entertainment, Rumfish Grill provides live nightly performances on a stage visible from both the indoor and outdoor dining areas. The restaurant also features a retail shop with merchandise from local artists and brands, allowing you to bring a piece of Florida home with you.

Whether you're looking for a relaxing meal, a refreshing cocktail, or a unique underwater dining experience, Rumfish Grill at Tampa Airport is the perfect destination.

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Neapolitan wood-fired pizzas at Bavaro's

If you're looking for a quick bite to eat at Tampa Airport, look no further than Bavaro's. Located in Airside C, Bavaro's offers a range of delicious Neapolitan wood-fired pizzas, sure to satisfy any hunger cravings you may have.

Bavaro's is known for its commitment to the art and craft of Neapolitan pizza. The restaurant uses traditional wood-fired brick ovens, handcrafted by third-generation Neapolitan craftsmen. Their pizzas are made with a 100-year-old yeast culture and recipes, and only the finest ingredients sourced directly from Italy.

The menu offers a variety of mouth-watering options, including their famous san marzano tomato sauce, fior di latte, fire-roasted peppers, spicy fennel sausage, and basil pies. For those who enjoy a little spice, they also offer pies with calabrian chilies and spicy soppressata. If you're a fan of mushrooms, try their baby bella, portobello, and oyster mushroom pie, which can also be topped with chicken or shrimp for an additional treat.

In addition to their pizzas, Bavaro's also serves fresh pasta, filled with mozzarella, parmigiano reggiano, and ricotta cheese, smothered in their renowned vodka sauce. They also offer a range of sweet treats, such as their homemade cannoli shell with sweet ricotta filling, and their take on the classic tiramisu, made with espresso, ladyfingers, and mascarpone cream, dusted with Ghirardelli cocoa powder.

So, if you're craving a taste of Italy before or after your flight, be sure to check out Bavaro's at Tampa Airport. Their passion for food and tradition is evident in every bite, and you're sure to have a delightful dining experience.

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Local beers at Cigar City Brewing

If you're looking for a bite to eat at Tampa Airport, there are plenty of options to choose from. From native-inspired cuisine and seafood at Rumfish Grill to pizza at NYNY Pizza or Bavaro's, you're sure to find something to suit your taste. Goody Goody is also a great choice for burgers, breakfast sandwiches, and shakes.

Now, if you're a beer enthusiast, a stop at Cigar City Brewing is a must. This iconic Tampa brewery offers a wide selection of local and craft beers, including:

  • Jai Alai, an IPA with notes of orange peel, clementine, and caramel—it's a popular local brew and Cigar City's most produced beer.
  • Tony Jannus, a cedar-aged pale ale (5% ABV) named after the famous aviator, which you can only find at the Airport Brewpub and Cigar City's tasting room.
  • Minaret, an English-style pub ale (6% ABV) honouring Henry B. Plant and the Tampa Bay Hotel.
  • Tampa-style Lager, a German-style leichtbier (4.5% ABV).
  • Frostproof, a tropical shandy (4% ABV) brewed with guava and tangerine.
  • Maduro, an English-style Brown Ale (5.5% ABV) named after the maduro wrapper on a cigar.
  • Florida Cracker, a Belgian-style White Ale (5.5% ABV) honouring Florida's cracker cowboys.
  • Margarita Gose, a German-style sour ale (4.2% ABV) made with orange, lime, and salt, and named after the cocktail.
  • Florida Man, a Double IPA (8% ABV) inspired by the infamous "Florida Man" news headlines.
  • Invasion, an American pale ale (5% ABV) crafted for the Gasparilla Pirate Invasion.
  • Oatmeal Raisin Cookie, a brown ale (5.5% ABV) brewed with cinnamon, raisins, and lactose.
  • Cubano Espresso, a brown ale (5.5% ABV) brewed with espresso beans, cacao, and lactose.
  • Good Gourd, an Imperial Pumpkin Ale (8% ABV), with a barrel-aged version ranked as the Best Pumpkin Beer of 2016 by Paste Magazine.

So, whether you're looking for a quick bite or wanting to sample some local beers, Tampa Airport has plenty to offer!

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Burgers, sandwiches and shakes at Goody Goody

Tampa International Airport (TPA) has been named one of the best airports for food in the country by Food and Wine. The airport has 1 terminal with 4 concourses (A, C, E, and F) and offers a wide range of dining options, including Goody Goody, a popular choice for travellers.

Goody Goody is known for its delicious burgers, sandwiches, and shakes. If you're craving a juicy burger, Goody Goody has got you covered. Their burgers are sure to satisfy your hunger and are perfect for a quick bite before your flight. Pair your burger with a side of crispy fries, and you've got a classic comfort meal that will fuel your travels.

But it's not just about the burgers at Goody Goody. Their breakfast sandwiches are a fan favourite, especially if you have an early morning flight. You can choose from a variety of sandwiches, each packed with flavour and made with fresh ingredients. Whether you prefer a traditional breakfast sandwich or something with a twist, Goody Goody has options to satisfy different taste preferences and dietary needs.

And let's not forget the shakes! Goody Goody offers a range of creamy, indulgent shakes to accompany your meal. Whether you're a chocolate lover, a fruit fanatic, or someone who enjoys a more unique shake flavour, they've got you covered. Their shakes are the perfect way to treat yourself while you're on the go.

So, if you're travelling through Tampa International Airport and find yourself in the mood for a burger, sandwich, or shake, be sure to head to Goody Goody. It's a great choice for travellers seeking a convenient, tasty meal in a lively airport setting.

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Frequently asked questions

Tampa International Airport (TPA) has been named one of the best airports for food in the country. Some recommended places to eat include:

- Goody Goody, which serves pies, fries, shakes, and juicy burgers

- The Cafe by Mise En Place, which serves traditional American food

- Columbia Cafe, which serves Spanish cuisine and sangria

- Bavaro's, which serves Neapolitan wood-fired brick oven pizza and homemade pasta

- Cigar City Brewing, which serves local beers and Neapolitan wood-fired pizzas

Tampa Airport offers a few unique dining experiences, such as:

- Rumfish Grill, which has an aquarium out front and serves fresh seafood and cocktails

- The Brewpub, which serves handcrafted ales and lagers brewed on-site

In addition to those mentioned, there are several other restaurants located within the airport, including Ducky's, Bella's, Guy Harvey's, Ulele Bar, PDQ Test Kitchen, Tampa Bay Brewing Company, and Burger 21.

Yes, Tampa International Airport was the first airport in the country to partner with UberEats, allowing passengers to place their orders in advance.

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