Some of the best brunch in Tampa can be found along South Howard Avenue in the Hyde Park neighborhood.
South Howard Avenue—commonly referred to as SoHo—cuts through an otherwise residential area of Hyde Park, but these few blocks are packed with bars and restaurants. The concentration makes it one of the busiest dining and nightlife corridors in Tampa. Between weekend brunch crowds, day drinking, and packed bars during college and NFL football games, SoHo consistently rivals Ybor City for the city’s most active scene.
When I was deciding where to live in Tampa, I reached out to Adam Morejon, who runs the YouTube channel Florida Tampa Living, to get his take on neighborhoods. He strongly recommended Hyde Park as the best place to live in the city—and he was right. After spending countless weekends eating and drinking my way down South Howard, this is my list of the best brunch spots in SoHo Tampa.
Daily Eats
The constant wait on weekends, and often weekdays, is usually a good sign, and at Daily Eats it’s well deserved. This is one of the most popular brunch spots in SoHo, but it’s not limited to weekends. Daily Eats serves breakfast every day of the week, making it one of the more reliable options in South Tampa if you’re craving brunch-style food outside the usual Saturday and Sunday rush.
Breakfast is served until 3 p.m., which makes this an easy choice for late risers. One of their most well-known dishes is the Cap’n Crunch French toast, but the menu goes far beyond that. They offer a strong lineup of eggs Benedicts, with the Gobbler—made with turkey and potato hash—being my personal favorite. If you’re in the mood for drinks, they also offer several juice options for mixing mimosas beyond the standard orange.
Breakfast offered: Every day until 3 p.m.
Ava
Former Tampa Bay Rays manager Joe Maddon may have left the dugout in 2014, but he didn’t leave Tampa behind. He’s a part owner of Ava, an Italian restaurant on South Howard Avenue that has also become a popular brunch spot in SoHo.
Brunch at Ava tends to draw larger groups celebrating birthdays, engagements, or other milestones, which gives the space a lively, social feel. It’s a more polished and semi-trendy brunch crowd, so expect a fair amount of people dressed up and taking photos—but that comes with the territory here. The Italian-leaning brunch menu is the real reason to visit. The Italian Benedict, made with pancetta, is a standout, as is the breakfast pizza.
Brunch offered: Saturday and Sunday
Fun fact: Joe Maddon was born to an Italian father whose last name was originally Maddonini before it was shortened.
Bulla Gastrobar
Bulla Gastrobar is a Spanish tapas restaurant with a small number of locations in Florida, plus a few others outside the state. It has just few enough locations for me not to feel guilty liking it, since I generally avoid large chains. The SoHo location consistently delivers one of the best weekend brunches in the area.
The brunch menu leans heavily into Spanish flavors, with standout dishes like the classic Spanish tortilla, braised pork hash, and huevos Bulla—eggs and serrano ham served over house-made potato chips. It’s a great option if you want something that feels different from standard American brunch without being overly fussy.
Brunch offered: Saturday and Sunday
Élevage SoHo Kitchen & Bar
Élevage SoHo Kitchen & Bar, located in the lobby of The Epicurean Hotel on South Howard Avenue, delivers one of the more elevated brunch experiences in SoHo. While it’s technically inside a hotel, Élevage has developed a local following for its weekend brunch thanks to thoughtful seasonal menus, creative cocktails, and a refined yet relaxed atmosphere that feels right at home with the rest of SoHo’s brunch scene.
Brunch here leans into chef-driven takes on classic favorites, with dishes that change by season and inspiration. Favorites often include house-made pastries, fresh seasonal salads, and elevated entrées that balance comfort and sophistication. Pair your meal with brunch cocktails, wine, or a classic mimosa for a midday meal that feels a touch more special without being overly formal.
Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, entertaining friends from out of town, or just looking for a brunch that feels a bit more occasion-worthy, Élevage is a standout choice among SoHo’s brunch options.
Brunch offered: Typically Saturday & Sunday (hours vary with season and hotel events)
