Some of the best brunch in Tampa can be found in the SoHo area of Hyde Park.
South Howard Avenue (known as SoHo) runs through the Hyde Park neighborhood of Tampa, Florida. Although the surrounding neighborhood is quite residential, these few blocks along South Howard have a concentration of bars and restaurants that make it some of the best nightlife in Tampa (Ybor City can make a valid argument) and probably the busiest area to watch college and NFL football games, great day drinking, and of maybe the best place in Tampa for weekend brunch.
When I was deciding where to live in Tampa, I reached out to Adam Morejon who runs the YouTube channel Florida Tampa Living to pick his brain. He named Hyde Park as the best neighborhood in Tampa and talked me into moving here. I’m glad I listened to him. Here is my list of spots for the best brunch in SoHo Tampa.
Daily Eats
The wait every weekend (and often weekdays too), lets you know that Daily Eats might be the best brunch in SoHo. But it’s not just a weekend brunch spot, as it’s one of the few places around that serves breakfast every day of the week. And don’t worry, you can be lazy, because it’s served until 3pm. One of their signature dishes is the Cap’n Crunch French toast, but they also have a great selection of eggs benedicts – my favorite of which is the Gobbler, made with turkey and potato hash. They even have serval flavors to create a mimosa mix if you’re bored with the standard orange juice.
Breakfast Offered: Every day until 3pm
Luv Child
Luv Child specializes in modern Cuban and Latino cuisine. You can find items like huevos rancheros, tres leches French toast, and a build your own taco platter. Throw in a café con leche and it’s a perfect brunch in Tampa.
They sometimes have drag brunches or live music. And I’ve seen more than a few of bridal shower brunches held there. This place would be a winner in any city.
Brunch Offered: Saturday & Sunday
Ava
Joe Maddon may have left as manager of the Tampa Bay Rays baseball team in 2014, but he didn’t completely leave Tampa. He remains a part owner of Ava, an Italian restaurant here on South Howard Ave that is also known for a having a great brunch in Tampa. There seems to always be large groups here at brunch celebrating a birthday, engagement, or even adopting a chihuahua (pretty sure I saw this). It’s a semi trendy brunch spot in SoHo, so you’ll witness some selfies from people younger and dressed nicer than you. Let it be and try the Italian benedict made with pancetta or the breakfast pizza.
Brunch Offered: Saturday and Sunday
Fun Fact: Joe Maddon was born to an Italian father whose last name was Maddonini until he shortened it.
Rose Bar
Bringing influences from Latin, Mediterranean, Caribbean, Italina, Asian, and African American cuisine, Rose Bar is still relatively new on the SoHo scene. Despite having a fairly small brunch menu, the offerings of the chocolate waffle, tempura fried shrimp or chicken wings on a waffle, eggs benedict, and shrimp & grits are all worth stopping in.
Brunch Offered: Saturday & Sunday
Bulla Gastrobar
Bulla is a Spanish tapas restaurant with a handful of locations in Florida as well as one in Atlanta and Charlotte. It has just few enough locations for me to not feel guilty liking it (as I generally avoid large chains). Bulla serves some of the best Brunch in SoHo weekends, and includes items like a Spanish tortilla, braised pork hash, and the huevos Bulla which is egg and serrano ham served over house made potato chips.
Brunch Offered: Saturday & Sunday
