Though I personally don't care for the food, lots of people love The Columbia Resturant in Tampa. It's in the historic Ybor City area. I personally like a tiny no-frills place called Pipo's on W. Hillsborough Ave. & Hanley Road, in the Town & Country area. They serve real Cuban food. For seafood/Italian, there's a wonderful place in N. Tampa called Iavarone's. Their # is (813)932-5241. They are off the main drag of Dale Mabry Hwy. They are on the corner of Himes Avenue & Humphrey. All their food is great, especially the steaks. It's a bit more upper crust. I also have to mention a wonderful Mexican place, Tias. They are in the Temple Terrace area of Tampa, on Fowler Avenue. While in St. Pete, you cannot miss dining at The Hurricane Resturant. It's about a mile past the infamous Don Cesear Resort on the beach. Please check when you get there because I think they are reservations only, if not the line is looooong! Also, in Clearwater Beach there is a great place call Bob Heidelman's Beachcomber Restaurant. Fresh area seafood, the best fried chicken and prime rib. Best of luck!
Tampa, FL