Are you trying to figure out where to eat in Tampa on a tight budget?
Look no further as I’m here to help you !
As someone who’s explored Tampa’s culinary scene without breaking the bank, I’m excited to share my favorite wallet-friendly spots.
Tampa might be known for its upscale restaurants, but trust me, you can still enjoy amazing flavors without emptying your wallet.
Let’s sink our teeth into 10 places where you can satisfy your cravings for under $20!
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Key Takeaways
- Tampa offers a variety of delicious dining options for under $20.
- Pho Quyen is celebrated for its fresh Vietnamese cuisine in a casual setting (my favorite!).
- Bento Picnic specializes in healthy, flavorful Japanese-inspired meals.
- Grimaldi’s Pizzeria is renowned for its unique coal-fired pizza and whole pies only.
- Taco Bus and Datz provide unique and affordable culinary experiences worth exploring.
Keep reading to see why you have to visit these amazing Tampa dining spots!
1. HOLY FRY
This hidden gem is a must-visit for anyone craving comfort food that won’t drain your savings.
HOLY FRY serves up incredible fried chicken, seafood and more that’s crispy, flavorful, and surprisingly affordable.
For around $12, you can get a generous portion of their signature wings with your choice of sauce.
Plus, the owner is super nice and will help you pick out something on the menu that will be perfect for you!
They are also known for their Halal cuisine so there is something for everyone at this Tampa budget-friendly restaurant.
Below are some of my other recommendations that we know you’ll love:
- Red Snapper Platter
- Fish and Shrimp
- Chicken Tender Platter
- Loaded Holy Fry
HIPSTER POWER TIP: Order the half-and-half sauce option to experience both their sweet and spicy flavors without committing to just one!
2. Pho Quyen
When it comes to authentic Vietnamese cuisine that won’t hurt your wallet, Pho Quyen is my go-to spot. Their massive bowls of pho start at just $13 and are guaranteed to fill you up.
The laid-back atmosphere makes it perfect for casual dining, and the fresh ingredients really make the flavors pop.
This is my favorite restaurant in Tampa, Florida!
Although I no longer live in the city, I always go out of my way to eat here. Just make sure you choose the Town ‘n’ Country location!
Ever since I discovered this restaurant in 2008, I have been a fan of the amazing flavors and the way every dish continues to impress me, no matter how many times I visit!
Be sure to try their fried cheesecake is under $8 and makes a perfect lunch dessert option if you’re not on a special diet!
Best Dishes on the Menu:
- Grilled Curry Chicken on Angel Hair Rice Noodles (my favorite)
- Chicken Cabbage Salad
- Beef Combination Pho
- Grilled Curry Chicken on Broken Rice (my favorite)
- Fried Cheesecake
- Fresh Rolls
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3. Bento
Bento offers quick, hearty Japanese-inspired meals that are both satisfying and affordable.
Their bento boxes give you a complete meal with protein, rice, and veggies for around $11 to 15.
With its modern and chill vibes its a great spot to grab lunch during a day of exploring Tampa.
Be sure to try their famous Pao Pao chicken!
It’s sooooo good and comes with wok-fried chicken and tossed in their signature spicy cream glaze, bell pepper, and a side of seasonal veggies.
4. Mel’s Hot Dog
A Tampa institution since 1973, Mel’s serves up classic American comfort food at prices that seem frozen in time.
Their famous hot dogs start at just $5.75, and you can get a full meal with fries and a drink for under $10.
The no-frills atmosphere adds to its charm, making you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
I love stopping by this spot whenever I’m leaving Busch Gardens Tampa.
HIPSTER POWER TIP: Try the “Chicago Dog!” it’s loaded with toppings on a steamed poppy seed bun and gives you the most bang for your buck!
5. Kura Revolving Sushi Bar
Sushi on a budget? Absolutely!
Kura offers conveyor belt sushi starting at just about $3.50 per plate.
The interactive experience makes dining fun, and you can control exactly how much you spend.
Their technology-driven approach (with tablet ordering and plate counting) adds to the unique experience.
From my experience, you’ll want to go during weekday lunch hours to avoid the wait, and stick to 5 to 6 plates to keep your bill close to $20!
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6. Bolay
Health-conscious travelers will love Bolay’s build-your-own nutrient bowls starting around $10.
Choose your base, protein, veggies, and sauce for a customized meal that’s both filling and nutritious.
I love the bright, airy space and stopping in to refuel after some of my Tampa adventures whenever I can.
Just know that their “small bol” is actually quite generous and perfect for staying under budget while still getting plenty of food!
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7. Daily Eats
This retro-style diner serves up hearty breakfast and comfort food at reasonable prices all day long.
Most menu items hover around $12-15, with portions generous enough to potentially save half for later.
The funky, casual vibe makes it popular place to eat in Tampa and a hidden gem among us locals.
Don’t Forget to Try the Best Dishes on the Menu:
- Cap´n Cluck Bowl: Scrambled eggs on top of their Chef’s famous Cap’N Crunch© French toast, topped with handmade buttermilk chicken tenders drizzled with Sriracha honey
- New York Bleu Bowl: Grilled steak, sautéed mushrooms, diced tomato & red onion, bleu cheese crumbles & crumbled bacon with Cajun horseradish dressing
- Memphis Southern Fried Chicken Sandwich: Buttermilk battered crispy chicken breast coated in seasoned flour, topped with country remoulade sauce, house-made pickle slices & lettuce, served on a DE bun and tossed in Buffalo sauce with bleu cheese crumbles
- Spicy Buffalo Mac´n Cheese: Crispy Buffalo chicken, diced celery, bleu cheese crumbles, topped with toasted bread crumbs
- Jersey Shore Bagel: DE Angus burger, bacon, red onion, fried egg, served on an everything bagel with cream cheese
HIPSTER POWER TIP: Parking and space inside of the restaurant is limited so go before or after the breakfast/lunch rush.
8. Grimaldi’s Pizzeria
For authentic coal-fired pizza that won’t break the bank, Grimaldi’s is the place to go. A small pizza runs about $15-18 and can easily feed two people.
One of the reasons I keep coming back to this yummy Tampa restaurant is that it isn’t your typical pizza joint.
I love how they use traditional cooking methods and always the freshest high quality ingredients you can taste in every bite.
I recommend that you go ahead and skip the fancy toppings and stick with their perfect classic margherita because sometimes simpler is better (and cheaper)!
Don’t Forget to Try the Best Dishes on the Menu:
- Bruschetta Trio: Personalize your platter with 3 options from classic tomato and basil, marinated artichoke, roasted red pepper & ricotta
- Brooklyn Bridge Pizza: Roasted red peppers, creamy ricotta cheese, and hand-pinched Italian sausage, atop their traditional pizza
- Prosciutto Arugula Pizza: Their classic white pizza topped with thinly sliced prosciutto, shaved cheese blend, and fresh arugula
- Bacon and Asparagus with Hot Honey: Pesto-based pizza topped with bacon, red onions, garlic, and asparagus and finished with Mike’s® Extra Hot Honey
- Grimaldi’s Famous Cannoli: Fried pastry dough filled with sweet ricotta cheese and chocolate chips
9. Taco Bus
This Tampa favorite restaurant serves up authentic Mexican street food at prices that’ll make your wallet happy.
Most tacos are under $4 each, and their enormous burritos (around $10) can easily provide two meals.
This is not your average place to eat in Tampa with its super cool vibe of literally a bus and quirky fun atmosphere.
It’s a local favorite always buzzing with regulars and one of my top places to eat in Tampa on a budget!
I mean, did you really visit Tampa if you didn’t stop by the Taco Bus???
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10. Datz
While Datz can be pricey for dinner, their lunch menu offers several creative comfort food options under $15.
But let me tell you their famous stuffed meatloaf and four cheese macaroni are worth every penny.
You can even split one of their massive sandwiches with a friend and add a side which will allow both of you to eat well for around $10 each!
Datz is the perfect spot for a casual lunch with its hip and bustling atmosphere and one of the most popular gastropubs in Tampa.
Don’t Forget to Try the Best Dishes on the Menu:
- Waffles N’ Tweet: Boneless fried chicken breast, honeyed pecan butter, Belgian waffle with spicy smoked Buffalo Trace maple syrup and candied pecans
- The Cheesy Todd Burger: As seen on GMA; Ground brisket and short rib burger, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, red onion, and pickle. Served on two bacon-jalapeño mac n’ cheese “buns”
- Barry C’s Stuffed Meatloaf: As seen on the travel channel! Meatloaf! Stuffed: bacon-jalapeño mac n’ cheese. Topped: ketchup glaze. Served with: house-mashed potatoes, peas, and pearl onions
- Funnel Fries: Funnel cake fries dusted with powdered sugar and served with caramel dipping sauce
- Sticky Ribs: Four smoked St. Louis ribs deep fried and tossed in house-made honey peach chipotle BBQ sauce tossed with green onions and sesame seeds
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My Final Thoughts
Tampa’s food scene doesn’t have to drain your bank account! These 10 spots prove you can enjoy so many different types of delicious meals without spending a fortune.
Remember that lunch specials, happy hours, and splitting larger portions are great strategies for stretching your food budget even further.
Now get out there and eat your way through Tampa without the financial guilt!
What’s your favorite budget-friendly Tampa eatery? Drop a comment below as I’m always looking to add to my list!
Until next time, Happy Florida Travels!
Contributors
About the Author
My name is NikkyJ. I’m a wife, a mother, a pharmacist turned theme park blogger, USA Today 10Best Contributor, and a writer who loves exploring all the hidden gems of Florida!
I was born and raised in Leesburg, Florida which attributes to my passion about for this amazing state.
I want to show you how you can create your own memories while discovering the Sunshine State!
Connect with me on Instagram!
About the Author
Sarah Jordan is a solo traveler enthusiast, professional travel writer, and proud mama to her rescue dog Coconut.
With a love for destinations across the globe, she made Epcot her first theme park and still treasures her EPCOT World Showcase passport to this day.
After finally following her inner wanderlust, she discovered the freedom and empowerment that solo travel brings.
