If you’re hungry for culinary adventure, the Esplanade of Tampa neighborhood is one of the city’s most delightful—and often overlooked—food destinations. Tucked between the vibrant University area and bustling Bruce B Downs Blvd, Esplanade dazzles with everything from chef-driven bistros to cozy bakeries and inventive food trucks. Whether you love an early morning latte or want to indulge in a multi-course dinner, the Esplanade of Tampa dishes up something special for every food lover. Here’s your in-the-know guide to the neighborhood’s must-try dining spots, secret local traditions, and the best bites on (and off) the main drags.
Breakfast & Brunch: Start Your Day Deliciously
- Maple Street Biscuit Company (17600 Bruce B Downs Blvd)
Known for their golden, pillowy biscuits and decadent breakfast sandwiches, this Southern-inspired favorite is a morning staple. Try the "Squawking Goat"—a crispy chicken biscuit with fried goat cheese and pepper jelly—that’s won over Tampa locals and visitors alike.
*Cuisine:* Southern comfort, breakfast
*Price:* $$
- University Café & Bakery (E. 177th Ave near the Esplanade park entrance)
A hidden gem tucked just behind the main retail strip, this quaint café serves house-baked pastries, strong espresso, and some of the city’s best Cuban toast. Locals pop in for guava pastries, breakfast scrambles, and the buzz of friendly morning chatter.
*Cuisine:* Cuban-American, bakery
*Price:* $
Midday Eats: Lunches to Crave
- SoFresh (17509 Preserve Walk Ln, just south of the Esplanade entrance)
If you crave fresh, healthy fare, SoFresh is your go-to for customizable bowls and wraps. With a focus on whole foods and plant-based ingredients, their Thai Chicken Bowl or Superfood Strawberry Salad always win rave reviews.
*Cuisine:* Healthy, bowls, salads
*Price:* $
- Pho Quyen (18101 Highwoods Preserve Pkwy, at Bruce B Downs Blvd)
Don’t be fooled by its unassuming strip mall location—Pho Quyen is a local landmark for authentic Vietnamese cuisine. The aromatic beef pho, crispy spring rolls, and bright vermicelli bowls are beloved for bold flavor and big portions.
*Cuisine:* Vietnamese
*Price:* $
Afternoon Pick-Me-Ups: Coffee, Sweets & Small Plates
- Oxford Exchange Express (Satellite within Esplanade Retail Center)
A stylish outpost of Tampa’s famous Oxford Exchange, this petite café offers artisan coffee, gourmet teas, and signature pastries. The interior is cozy yet chic—perfect for an afternoon study date or work break.
*Cuisine:* Coffee, pastries
*Price:* $
- Bake ‘n Babka (Hidden along Esplanade Blvd, near the roundabout by the fountains)
Not your average bakery, Bake ‘n Babka specializes in Eastern European treats like authentic babkas, rugelach, and honey cakes. Swing by on Fridays for their pop-up bakes—arrive early as locals snap up croissants and specialty loaves within the hour.
*Cuisine:* Bakery, Eastern European
*Price:* $
Dinner Destinations: Where Esplanade Shines After Dark
- BellaBrava (Esplanade Blvd & Preserve Walk Ln intersection)
For an Italian-inspired night under twinkling lights, BellaBrava is Esplanade’s crown jewel. Their wood-fired pizzas (the "Parma e Funghi" is a favorite), handmade pastas, and craft cocktails fill the stylish patio with lively chatter come sunset.
*Cuisine:* Italian, pizza, pasta
*Price:* $$
- White Oak Bar & Table (Inside the Esplanade Clubhouse, open to the public)
The definition of elevated neighborhood dining, White Oak sources from local farms to create inventive Southern fare—think charred okra, blackened grouper, and a legendary bourbon bread pudding. Upscale yet approachable; watch for special tasting menus and wine dinners.
*Cuisine:* Southern, New American
*Price:* $$$
Food Trucks & Street Eats: Unexpected Flavor Finds
- Tampa Taco Co. (Food truck parked Thursdays and Sundays on the Esplanade soccer fields off E. Esplanade Blvd)
A cult favorite for street tacos, this food truck is worth tracking down for their zesty carnitas and house-made salsas. Pro tip: Don’t miss their "Esplanade Special" burrito, only available at this specific location.
*Cuisine:* Mexican, street food
*Price:* $
- Fusion on Four Wheels (Rotates at Highwoods Preserve Pkwy and Esplanade Blvd roundabout—check social media for schedule)
From sushi burritos to Korean BBQ sliders, this creative fusion truck pushes flavor boundaries for Tampa’s adventurous eaters. Their kimchi fries and matcha cheesecake are local legends.
*Cuisine:* Fusion, Asian street food
*Price:* $
Sweet Treats & Nighttime Nibbles
- Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams (Bruce B Downs Blvd, near the Esplanade Shopping Center entrance)
What’s better than finishing your night with a scoop of Brambleberry Crisp or Salted Peanut Butter ice cream? Jeni’s is a Tampa treat, perfect for families and date nights alike.
*Cuisine:* Ice cream
*Price:* $
- Evening Desserts at La Parisienne (Preserve Walk Ln, near BellaBrava)
Craving a flaky pastry after-hours? La Parisienne’s éclair and macaron selection transports you straight to France. Their late-night hours and chic sidewalk seating make it a favorite for post-dinner indulgence.
*Cuisine:* French bakery
*Price:* $$
Local Food Traditions & Insider Tips
- Every Sunday morning, local vendors pop up at the Esplanade Park for a mini farmers' market, offering local honey, handmade empanadas, and seasonal fruits. Get there before noon for the freshest finds.
- Esplanade residents are proud of their international food scene—don’t be shy to ask for recommendations at local coffee shops; the baristas usually have a secret list of new must-tries.
- Take a food crawl on foot: Start at University Café for coffee and pastelitos, stroll down to Pho Quyen for a light lunch, grab tacos at Tampa Taco Co., and end with ice cream at Jeni’s. You’ll taste the whole world in just a few blocks.
Esplanade of Tampa may not be the first neighborhood to pop up on Tampa’s “best eats” lists, but ask any dedicated diner and they’ll tell you—this vibrant pocket is a culinary treasure trove. Next time you’re in North Tampa, make it your mission to try Esplanade’s standout flavors and find your new favorite foodie haunt.