Picture this: the late afternoon sun splashes gold across palm trees, and every block seems to come with its own tempting aroma of roasting corn or sizzling tortillas. Tampa’s taco scene happens in real time—vibrant, evolving, and just a little competitive. If you think tacos here mean a generic combo of lettuce and cheese, brace yourself. Tampa has a world-spanning approach, with taquerias and restaurants each guarding their own blend of flavors and traditions.
I’m convinced that eating your way through Tampa’s taco landscape is like flipping through an exciting novel, one fresh chapter after another. From slow-roasted meats to zesty house-made salsas, the city blends the traditional with the creative, often in the same tortilla. Whether you crave seafood, crave a modern twist, or keep things classic, this list will guide you without any of the usual fluff. Hungry to know where to start? Let’s dive into Tampa’s top tacos, one expertly crafted bite at a time.
Where to find the best tacos in Tampa, FL
Here are some of the top spots to find the best tacos in Tampa, FL:
- Green Lemon
- Oxford Exchange
- Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
- Armature Works
- Seasons 52
- Besito Mexican
- Bahama Breeze
- Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant- Tampa
- Haven
- Edison: Food+Drink Lab
1. Green Lemon
Step into Green Lemon and you can feel the pulse of Tampa’s SoHo. This spot doesn’t just serve food; it buzzes with energy—think bustling gatherings and friends splitting a half-dozen tacos over tales of the week. The menu manages a balancing act: street-style Mexican fare that’s playful, but never messy with tradition.
Tacos are the star here, especially the Grilled Chicken and Baja Shrimp varieties. The tortillas arrive soft, the fillings vibrant—cabbage just crisp enough, salsa always with a kick. Vegan and gluten-free options are treated with respect, never as an afterthought.
If Taco Tuesday sneaks up on you, rest assured you’ll find inventive combinations to pair with a house margarita. Green Lemon is where flavor meets a fun, casual mood, every single time.
2. Oxford Exchange
Oxford Exchange is more than a beautiful glass-roofed café—it’s Tampa’s answer to cultured leisure. The space brings together books, conversations, and a menu rooted in thoughtful sourcing. The vibe is calm yet lively, inviting you to tuck into lunch while flipping through a new novel.
The fresh take on tacos here makes them impossible to skip. The Blackened Fish Tacos are a highlight, crowned with crisp slaw and a squeeze of lime that ties every bite together. Even their vegetarian options, like veggie tacos loaded with seasonal produce, are satisfying and full of flavor.
Oxford Exchange delivers light but filling fare, ideal for a midday treat. If you’re drawn to places where taste and ambiance are equally important, Oxford Exchange should be on your list.
3. Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
Eddie V’s Prime Seafood feels like dining on the edge of celebration, even when it’s just a regular weekday. The room hums with live jazz while the staff tends to every detail, making you feel both relaxed and a little dressed up. This is Tampa’s haven for high-end plates and fresh flavor, night after night.
What sets Eddie V’s apart is its dedication to seafood flown in daily. The fish tacos here are something special—the Snapper Tacos layer delicate, fresh fish with cool cabbage and a whisper of citrus, all wrapped in flour tortillas. Each bite says premium, without straying into fussy territory.
If you’re searching for tacos with the soul of a seafood house, this spot more than delivers. Eddie V’s pairs refined dining with the comfort of classic flavors, all under one roof.
4. Armature Works
Armature Works isn’t a typical restaurant; it’s a sensory playground right on the river. On any afternoon, you’ll find an easy mix of locals and visitors, all drawn by the buzz of its open market and communal tables. The space itself is a feast—high ceilings, brick walls, sunlight pouring through windows, and food stalls that reflect Tampa’s food-loving spirit.
Taco options here are plentiful, but the standout is the Fish Taco—lightly grilled, topped with a fresh slaw, and kissed by citrus. Whether you want something vegan or packed with seasonal veggies, there’s always a new twist to try. Each kitchen brings a different cultural spin, so every taco stop is a fresh discovery.
If you’re indecisive, Armature Works is the best way to eat your way across Tampa in a single afternoon.
5. Seasons 52
Seasons 52 is the spot you choose when you want to eat lighter but still crave flavor. Walking in, there’s a calm, polished feel—fresh flowers at the entrance and a menu shaped by whatever is best that week. Each dish here feels intentional, never weighed down or overdone.
The Grilled Mahi Tacos are a highlight, filled with sweet corn salsa and bright, zesty sauce. Every bite is light but satisfying, and the fish is always cooked right. The gluten-free tortillas and creative veggie sides make this spot stand out for different diets.
If you’re after tacos that straddle healthy and delicious, Seasons 52 delivers, no fuss, just bold flavor and seasonal twists.
6. Besito Mexican
Walking into Besito Mexican feels like discovering a hidden corner of Mexico, reimagined for Tampa. Eucalyptus beams stretch overhead, and the gentle clatter of tableside guacamole starts the meal with flair. There’s warmth here—details in every bite, every smile, every dish.
Tacos at Besito are true to their roots: the Tacos de Camarones brings crisp shrimp, spicy jalapeño slaw, and just a flash of citrus. For a lighter touch, the Veggie Tacos showcase roasted cauliflower and poblano, both wrapped in soft corn tortillas. Pair that with fresh salsa and you’re set.
Besito’s charm is in mixing tradition with just enough surprise to keep you guessing, and every taco delivers a “little kiss” of flavor worth chasing.
7. Bahama Breeze
Bahama Breeze is pure getaway mode—even on a Tuesday. Sitting out on the patio, you catch hints of citrus and grilled pineapple in the air, and suddenly Tampa feels like the Caribbean. This is the place for breezy vibes, island colors, and food that always tastes like vacation.
The Fish Tacos steal the spotlight here. Lightly grilled, tucked into soft flour tortillas, and topped with mango salsa, every bite is fresh without being fussy. Even the sides—think island slaw and black beans—show off bright flavors and thoughtful touches.
At Bahama Breeze, the fun is easy, the food bold, and the tacos deliver a touch of sun, even if the forecast misses.
8. Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant- Tampa
Cooper’s Hawk in Tampa isn’t your typical winery—it feels inventive, polished, and relaxed all at once. You’ll spot clusters of friends in the Napa-style tasting room, wine glasses in hand, as aromas drift from the open kitchen. This place works just as well for a lively dinner or a casual tasting flight after work.
The standout here is the Blackened Fish Tacos. They arrive in soft tortillas, with a tangy slaw that picks up notes of lime and a drizzle of chipotle sauce. Every element is fresh, and each bite meshes spicy, crunchy, and cool perfectly.
What sets Cooper’s Hawk apart is the pairing—ask for a recommended wine and see how the flavors play together. Taco night has never felt so refined.
9. Haven
Haven feels like Tampa’s best-kept secret, where the mood is always lively and the menu is full of playful surprises. The dining room leans modern, but still feels friendly, and you’ll spot regulars who know their way around good cheese and bold pairings. This is a spot where curiosity is rewarded.
The Tuna Poke Tacos are a signature—packed with fresh ahi, avocado, and a whisper of sesame in a crisp wonton shell. Each taco is light but loaded with flavor, balancing creamy and crunchy textures in every bite. Gluten-free options mean no one misses out on the fun.
If you’re hunting for tacos with a twist, Haven’s playful small plates beg you to keep sampling just one more.
10. Edison: Food+Drink Lab
Edison: Food+Drink Lab is part culinary playground, part neighborhood hangout. Step inside, and you’ll feel that sense of invention—menus that seem to shift and surprise with each visit. This is where Tampa’s foodies go when routine just won’t do.
The Taco of the Day keeps regulars guessing. One night, it might be Grilled Fish Tacos with a smoky aioli, the next, a creative vegetarian combo bursting with seasonal flavor. Every taco feels like an idea in progress, with unexpected garnishes and textures.
At Edison, tacos are never an afterthought—they’re a showcase for what’s new, fresh, and fun to eat.
More Things to Try in Tampa, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best places for tacos in Tampa, FL?
Tampa has plenty of great taco spots. Favorites include Green Lemon, Taco Bus, Armature Works, Besito Mexican, and Loli’s for their mix of fresh ingredients and creative flavors.
Are there good vegetarian or vegan taco options in Tampa?
Absolutely. Many taco spots, like Green Lemon and Urban Cantina, offer inventive vegan and vegetarian tacos. Look for places that highlight local vegetables and house-made salsas.
Where can I find authentic Mexican tacos in Tampa?
If you want classic street-style tacos, Loli’s and Taco Bus specialize in the basics, with fillings like grilled chicken, fish, and plant-based options in homemade tortillas.
Do any Tampa taco restaurants offer gluten-free options?
Yes, most of the top taco spots—including Green Lemon, Besito Mexican, and Seasons 52—have gluten-free tortillas and other allergen-friendly dishes available.
Are there any seafood taco specialties in Tampa?
Definitely. Tampa’s coastal flair means you’ll find delicious fish and shrimp tacos at places such as Bahama Breeze, Armature Works, and Eddie V’s Prime Seafood.
Who has the best Taco Tuesday deals in Tampa?
Green Lemon is well-known for its Taco Tuesday specials, but you’ll also spot weekly deals at Urban Cantina, Taco Bus, and Bartaco.
