Spending the day conquering thrilling roller coasters and encountering exotic animals at Busch Gardens Tampa? After all that excitement, your stomach is bound to be rumbling. Don’t settle for just the standard theme park fare! Busch Gardens is a world-class destination, and it deserves equally impressive dining options to complement your adventure. Fortunately, the area surrounding the park boasts a diverse culinary landscape ready to satisfy any craving and budget. This guide is your passport to discovering the best food near Busch Gardens Tampa, ensuring a delightful dining experience that perfectly caps off your day of fun. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite to get back to the thrills or a relaxing sit-down meal to unwind, this culinary roadmap will help you find the perfect restaurant just a stone’s throw from the park’s gates. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds!
Speedy & Satisfying: Casual Dining Options for a Quick Refuel
After hurtling through SheiKra’s drop or exploring the Serengeti Plain, you might just want a fast and satisfying meal to get you back to the excitement. These casual dining spots offer speed and convenience without sacrificing flavor, perfect for maximizing your time at Busch Gardens.
Fabrica Pizza
Located a short drive from the entrance of Busch Gardens on Fowler Avenue, Fabrica Pizza is a crowd-pleaser known for its authentic, wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas. The atmosphere is modern and lively, and the pizza is cooked in a massive oven right before your eyes. It’s the perfect spot to grab a quick and delicious lunch or dinner.
Why is Fabrica Pizza a good choice? The pizza is consistently high-quality, with fresh ingredients and a perfectly charred crust. The service is fast and friendly, making it ideal for families and groups who want to eat quickly without compromising on taste. The prices are reasonable, so you can enjoy a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
A must-try menu item is their classic Margherita pizza. With simple ingredients like San Marzano tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, basil, and olive oil, it showcases the beauty of Neapolitan-style pizza. They also offer specialty pizzas with various toppings, salads, and appetizers to cater to different tastes. Fabrica also offers a wide selection of beers on tap. Both indoor and limited outdoor seating are available, offering great flexibility. It is the perfect place to grab a slice, enjoy a quick meal, and head back to enjoy more rides!
Burger Culture
Craving a juicy, flavorful burger? Look no further than Burger Culture, located just north of Busch Gardens on 30th Street. This casual spot offers a wide selection of creatively crafted burgers, fries, and milkshakes that will surely satisfy your burger craving.
Burger Culture’s is a good choice because they focus on quality ingredients and bold flavor combinations. The patties are made from fresh, never-frozen beef, and the toppings are always fresh and flavorful. The atmosphere is laid-back and inviting, making it a great spot for families, friends, and solo diners.
One of their standout burgers is the “Culture Burger.” Featuring toppings such as American cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickle and their signature Culture sauce. Don’t forget to try one of their delicious milkshakes, like the Oreo or Chocolate shake, for the perfect finish to your meal. Burger Culture offers takeout and dine-in service.
Taco Bus
For a taste of authentic Mexican street food, Taco Bus, situated on Fowler Avenue, is a popular and affordable option. Serving up a wide range of tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and other Mexican favorites, this food truck turned brick-and-mortar restaurant is a Tampa staple.
Taco Bus is a good choice for several reasons. First, the food is delicious and authentic, prepared with fresh ingredients and traditional recipes. Second, the prices are incredibly reasonable, making it a great option for budget-conscious travelers. Third, the atmosphere is fun and lively, providing a unique dining experience.
The Al Pastor taco is a must-try, featuring marinated pork cooked on a vertical spit and served with pineapple, onions, and cilantro. They also offer vegetarian and vegan options. With its convenient location and delicious food, Taco Bus is the perfect spot for a quick and satisfying meal.
Relax & Recharge: Sit-Down Restaurants for a Relaxing Meal
After a long day of walking and thrilling rides, you may desire a more relaxed dining experience. These sit-down restaurants offer a chance to unwind, savor delicious food, and recharge before heading back to your hotel or home.
Ulele
For a truly unique and memorable dining experience, Ulele, located a short drive from Busch Gardens along the Hillsborough River, is a must-visit. This iconic restaurant celebrates the history and culture of Tampa through its Native-inspired cuisine and stunning waterfront setting.
Ulele offers an upscale casual ambiance with indoor and outdoor seating options. Its a good choice because of its commitment to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients to create innovative dishes that pay homage to Florida’s rich culinary heritage. The atmosphere is lively and inviting, with live music on select nights.
One of the signature dishes is the charbroiled oysters, prepared with various flavorful toppings. The menu also features grilled meats, seafood, and vegetarian options, all prepared with creative flair. The dessert menu is equally impressive, with decadent creations that are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. Ulele often requires reservations, especially during peak hours, so it is best to plan ahead. This restaurant provides an elegant and distinctive dining experience.
Seasons 52
If you’re looking for a sophisticated and health-conscious dining option, Seasons 52, located in the International Plaza and Bay Street area (a slightly longer drive, but worth it), is an excellent choice. This restaurant features a seasonally inspired menu with dishes prepared using fresh, whole ingredients and cooked using minimal fat.
Seasons 52 offers a refined and elegant ambiance, making it perfect for a special occasion or a romantic dinner. The restaurant’s commitment to providing healthy and delicious meals makes it a good choice for those who are health-conscious.
The menu changes with the seasons, so there’s always something new and exciting to try. One of the standout dishes is the Cedar Plank Roasted Salmon, cooked to perfection and served with fresh vegetables. The restaurant also offers an extensive wine list, with selections from around the world. Reservations are highly recommended.
Cask Social Kitchen
Cask Social Kitchen is a fantastic spot to unwind and enjoy a craft cocktail and savory food. Cask is more on the upscale side of restaurants, and features a sophisticated atmosphere, with dark wood accents, plush seating, and mood lighting. Cask Social is a good choice for its elevated comfort food and hand-crafted cocktail menu.
The menu at Cask includes a variety of dishes, from small plates and appetizers to entrees. You should try the Cask burger which consists of 2 patties with American cheese, smoked bacon aioli, lettuce, tomato, pickle, and onion. They also offer many craft cocktails that are the perfect pairing for any meal.
Local Flavors: Unique Eateries for the Adventurous Palate
For those who want to experience the authentic tastes of Tampa, these restaurants offer unique and local flavors that you won’t find anywhere else.
Columbia Restaurant
A Tampa institution, the Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City (a short drive from Busch Gardens) is the oldest restaurant in Florida, serving up delicious Cuban cuisine since 1905. This landmark restaurant offers a step back in time, with its beautiful Spanish architecture, live music, and traditional dishes.
Columbia is a good choice for experiencing local flavors because it has been a part of Tampa’s culinary landscape for over a century. The food is authentic and flavorful, with dishes prepared using traditional Cuban recipes.
A must-try dish is the Original Cuban Sandwich, a classic combination of ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard on Cuban bread. The restaurant also offers a wide range of Cuban specialties, such as paella, ropa vieja, and black beans and rice.
Datz
For a quirky and unforgettable dining experience, Datz, located just west of Busch Gardens, is the place to go. This restaurant is known for its creative and indulgent comfort food, as well as its extensive selection of craft beers and bourbons.
Datz is a good choice for those who want to try something different and have a little fun. The menu is full of unique and inventive dishes, such as the “Cheesy Todd,” a grilled cheese sandwich made with three different cheeses and served with a side of tomato soup.
The restaurant also has a bakery, where you can find delicious cakes, pastries, and other sweet treats. With its fun atmosphere and creative food, Datz is sure to be a memorable dining experience.
Savvy Savings: Budget-Friendly Bites that Won’t Break the Bank
Having fun doesn’t have to drain your wallet! For those looking to save money on food, these budget-friendly options offer delicious meals without breaking the bank.
PDQ
PDQ, or “People Dedicated to Quality,” is a fast-casual restaurant chain that serves up delicious and affordable chicken tenders, sandwiches, and salads. With its focus on fresh ingredients and friendly service, PDQ is a great option for a quick and satisfying meal.
PDQ is a good budget choice because it offers a variety of value meals and special deals. The chicken tenders are always fresh and flavorful, and the sauces are delicious. The prices are reasonable, making it a great option for families and budget-conscious travelers.
Jimmy John’s
Jimmy John’s is a popular sandwich chain that is known for its fast service and affordable prices. Serving up a wide variety of sandwiches, wraps, and salads, Jimmy John’s is a great option for a quick and easy meal.
Jimmy John’s is a good budget choice because it offers a variety of value meals and combos. The sandwiches are always fresh and made to order, and the service is lightning fast.
Smart Dining: Tips for Eating Near Busch Gardens Tampa
To make the most of your dining experience near Busch Gardens, keep these tips in mind:
- Venture Beyond the Immediate Vicinity: Don’t limit yourself to the restaurants directly adjacent to the park. A short drive in any direction can open up a wider variety of options, often with better prices and less crowded conditions.
- Confirm Restaurant Hours of Operation: Especially if you’re planning a late dinner after a full day at the park, always double-check the restaurant’s closing time to avoid disappointment. Many restaurants near tourist attractions adjust their hours based on the season.
- Consult Online Reviews: Before deciding on a restaurant, take a few minutes to read online reviews from other diners. Sites like Yelp, Google Reviews, and TripAdvisor can offer valuable insights into the food quality, service, and overall experience.
- Book in Advance: If you’re planning to dine at a sit-down restaurant, especially during peak season or on weekends, making a reservation is highly recommended to avoid long wait times.
- Consider Delivery: If you’re staying at a nearby hotel and prefer to relax in your room after a long day, consider using a food delivery app to have your meal brought directly to you. Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub are popular options in the Tampa area.
The Perfect Ending: Enjoying Delicious Food After Busch Gardens Tampa
So, next time you’re at Busch Gardens Tampa, don’t settle for just theme park food! Explore the diverse and delicious culinary scene that surrounds the park and create a truly memorable dining experience. Whether you’re craving a quick bite, a relaxing sit-down meal, or a taste of local flavors, there’s something for everyone near Busch Gardens Tampa. Let us know your favorite restaurant near Busch Gardens in the comments below. By trying a few of the suggestions we provide, you are sure to cap off a perfect day with a great meal. Great food is the perfect way to end a thrilling day at Busch Gardens Tampa!
