Standout Takeout Food in Tampa
We’ve gotta take a moment to applaud our local restaurants—COVID-19 has forced them to pivot how they offer up the dishes we crave, and boy, have they pivoted and delivered. Before March, you never would have seen me taking professional photos of food packed in takeout boxes (I’ll be the first to admit it, it’s not the best “aesthetic”), but alas, my “new normal” when it comes to sharing my favorite eats with you has become just that.
We 100% embraced the self-isolation and mask-wearing life from the very start, to both keep us safe and keep those we come into contact with safe. While you won’t see me dining in at a restaurant anytime soon, I do want to share with you my favorite spots in Tampa that we continuously order takeout from, who’ve offered us incredible dining experiences from the comfort and safety of our home.
Cru Cellars
When you want to feel fancy at home with a charcuterie and cheese board, Cru Cellars is the way to go. We always order a Farmer’s Platter of a selection of seven meats, cheeses and accoutrements. Our absolute favorites are the Humboldt Fog goat cheese, Sottocenere truffle cheese, finocchiona salami and fried bacon almonds. Your selection is always served with a delicious loaf of crusty bread, whole grain mustard, strawberry basil jam and candied pecans. The white cheddar cheese curds with jalapeno ranch are a must (ask for extra jalapeno ranch on the side!), and I’m also very fond of the bucatini carbonara, topped with crispy prosciutto and pecorino.
Guac n’ Cheese Mexican Grill
While we used to love dining in nearly once a week at Guac n’ Cheese, the pandemic hasn’t stopped us from ordering all of our favorites for a delicious fiesta at home: chips and salsa, cheese dip (with added ground beef), guacamole, my favorite chili con carne (it’s so savory, and not too thick!) and taco salad with ground beef. Guac n’ Cheese is, hands down, our favorite Mexican spot in the area, and it hasn’t hurt that their takeout has been so good.
OLIVIA Tampa
By now, you’re likely well-aware of my obsession with OLIVIA. Their ability to put delicious Italian dishes together for dine-in did not get lost in translation at all with takeout. The arancini, stuffed with a four-cheese risotto is so flavorful and satisfyingly cheesy, and the mini rigatoni with ragu bolognese, Parmesan, & herb ricotta is my absolute favorite housemade pasta dish in town. They also offer their comforting Apple Butter Torta dessert to-go, served with a side of salted caramel mascarpone cream and warming instructions for the perfect bite.
Thee Burger Spot
No one likes a soggy burger, which is why Thee Burger Spot is the spot for a burger that holds up through a 20-minute car ride home. Their freshly grilled burgers are incredibly flavorful and not one bit greasy, which means the buns hold their shape and promise a perfect, scrumptious bite once you get home. Don’t forget an order of loaded french fries (topped with melted cheese, bacon and ranch dressing) to eat on the ride home as an appetizer!
Yoko’s Japanese
Oh, Yoko’s. We legitimately order from here once a week, to the point that they always recognize me when I pick up our order, even with my black mask covering over half of my face. Yoko’s does not disappoint when it comes to the quality and presentation of their sushi, even with takeout. Favorites include hama-jale (thinly sliced yellowtail with jalapeno, scallions and ponzu), chicken tatsutaage (deliciously fried pieces of chicken), a spicy salmon hand roll, spider roll and some tuna sashimi.
Yummy House China Bistro
Lastly, but certainly not least, Yummy House rounds out this list of takeout favorites, because who can resist their beloved salt and pepper calamari and all of the dim sum to-go? Yummy House always does takeout right, and provides the necessary touches to ensure food is still perfect when you get home. For instance, if you order salt and pepper calamari, you’ll notice they always cut the top corners of the foam takeout boxes to ensure the box doesn’t condensate and eliminate the crispy texture of the fried calamari. For dim sum, you must order fried shrimp balls, stuffed taro, sticky rice, fried sticky pork dumplings and steamed shrimp dumplings. Be sure to ask for some of their hot chili oil on the side!
The end of this post doesn’t mark the end of my hunt for more delicious takeout meals. The takeout adventures will still continue, and I’m making more of an effort to plan some trips across the bridge so that I can create a round-up of my favorite St. Pete spots for you, as well! Until then, please stay safe and wear a mask, so that one day, we can all finally dine out with the utmost confidence and without fear of getting sick or getting those around us sick.
