11 of The Best Places to Eat Inside Tampa International Airport + All Access is Back!

Eats inside Tampa International Airport

If you're heading out of Tampa or just stopping by, on your way to a romantic getaway, the Tampa International Airport (TPA) is arguably one of the best in the country. With their streamlined security checkpoints at each airside—there are four airside total—that means you'll have even more time to relax and have a bite to eat before your flight!

There are plenty of grab-and-go options, places for coffee, bars, sit-down restaurants, and plenty of shopping, so we've organized this list according to Airside letters; that way, it's easier for you to find where to stop for a great Tampa bite or to shop!

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Tampa Bay International Airport All Access RETURNS!

Guests will be able to register for passes to enjoy retail and dining at the Tampa Bay International Airport starting November 3, 2025, and the best part is—no plane ticket necessary!

Here's how it works:

Be sure to register in advance for your two-hour window to enter the airside of your choice! Then on the day of your visit, pick up your pass with your photo ID at the information desk on level 3 in the main terminal. From there, you can head right to the airside you selected, go through security, and get to dining and shopping!

A few things to note:

  • Space is limited for each two-hour entry window to keep the Information Desk and TSA checkpoints from getting overcrowded, but you may stay as long as you want.
  • Alcohol and tobacco products are limited to international travelers.
  • Passes are valid for only one Airside per visit.
  • Visitors younger than 18 must be registered and accompanied by an adult.
  • TPA All Access users are subject to the same TSA security screening regulations as passengers boarding a plane.

Dining and Shopping Inside Tampa Bay International Airport

The majority of these restaurants also offer online or app ordering if you prefer to avoid any potential wait for seating. When shopping, alcohol and tobacco products are limited to international travelers only.

AIRSIDE A

Ducky's (Gate A9)

Open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Ducky's is a local hangout featuring elevated bar food selections.

Shops in Airside A

  • CNBC Smart Shop: Newsstand and fresh grab-and-go food
  • Dylan's Candy Bar: Whimsical candy shop with fun gifts and gadgets.
  • Inmotion: Premium electronics and accessories
  • Ron Jon Surf Shop: Beach-inspired apparel and gifts
  • Stellar Bay News: Newsstand, local gifts, and chef-inspired fresh, healthy grab-and-go options.
  • The Apartment: Fashion, accessories, and unique gifts.

AIRSIDE C

RumFish Grill (Gate C37)

Open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

RumFish Grill has a great menu of locally caught seafood and a neat aquarium feature inside the restaurant.

Shrimp from RumFish Grill inside the Tampa International Airport
Shrimp from RumFish Grill inside the Tampa International Airport — Image by @rumfishrill on Instagram

Louis Pappas (Gate C4)

Open from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.

At Louis Pappas you can find classic Greek Fare, including the famous local Greek Salad.

Cigar City Brewing (Gate C43)

Open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Cigar City Brewing is another spot with great local eats and brews. Here, the brews are hand-crafted on site!

Goody Goody (C34)

Open from 5 a.m.-9 p.m.

This is the only Goody Goody left in the Tampa area after the closing of their location in Hyde Park. Those of you who have experienced a Goody Goody burger know, this is a Tampa staple for a reason!

Ulele (Gate C34)

Open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Ulele is a hip Tampa joint with great craft beers, cocktails, oysters, and other seafood selections.

Delicious Charbroiled Oysters from Ulele
Ulele Charbroiled Oysters — Image by @uleletampa on Instagram

Shops in Airside C

  • News Channel 8: Newsstand and fresh grab-and-go food.
  • NewsLink: Newsstand, local gifts, and fresh grab-and-go options.
  • Paradigm Beauty: Clean beauty brands from all over the world
  • Spanx: Hometown brand of foundation and active wear.
  • Stellar Bay News: Newsstand, local gifts, and chef-inspired fresh, healthy grab-and-go options.
  • Tech on the Go: Electronics, including Bose, Sony, Beats, and Monster.
  • Time Zone / Shades: Eyewear by Ray Ban, Maui Jim, and Costa, watches, and local jewelry.

AIRSIDE E

Columbia Restaurant Café (Gate E68)

Open from 4 a.m. to 9 p.m.

One of Tampa's most iconic restaurants, Columbia, can be found inside Airside E. Whether you're a local heading out for a getaway or a visitor just passing through, stop by for a great Cuban meal!

A stack of Cuban Sandwiches from Columbia Restaurant
Cuban Sandwiches from Columbia Restaurant in the Tampa International Airport — Image by @columbiarestaurant on Instagram

Four Green Fields Irish Pub (Gate E62)

Open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Four Green Fields Irish Pub is serving up some of the best Irish pub comfort fare.

Shops in TPA's Airside E

  • Air Essentials: Newsstand, local gifts, and fresh grab-and-go options.
  • Corsa Collections: Designer jewelry and handbags, including Pandora and Brighton.
  • Tampa Bay Times: Newsstand and fresh grab-and-go.
  • World Duty Free of Tampa: Everyone is welcome to shop for fragrances and confections.

AIRSIDE F

Gasparilla Bar (Gate F78)

Open from 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Experience a bit of the pirate life before returning to the modern age. Gasparilla is a Tampa tradition, and this themed bar gives visitors a small taste of pirate life!

The Café by Mise En Place (Gate F85)

Open 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Mise En Place is another Tampa Bay iconic local restaurant, and if you're only stopping in the Tampa International Airport for a short layover, The Café by Mise En Place is a great way to try a local gem before you continue on to your final destination.

Buddy Brew (Gate F85)

Open from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Buddy Brew is a local coffee gem with great, hand-roasted coffee drinks and pastries if you're looking for a quick pick-me-up before your flight.

Cortado  from Buddy brew inside Tampa International Airport
Buddy Brew Cortado — Image by @buddybrew on Instagram

Cigar City Taproom (Gate F88)

Open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

This taproom rocks a great list of locally brewed beer and tapas for a relaxing small bite to eat before your flight.

Shops in TPA's Airside F

  • Bay to Bay News/MIXX: Newsstand, local gifts, and fresh grab-and-go options. Women's designer fashion apparel and accessories.
  • Stellar Bay News: Newsstand, local gifts, and chef-inspired fresh, healthy grab-and-go options.
  • Swarovski: Affordable, luxurious fashion jewelry.
  • Tech on the Go: Electronics, including Bose, Sony, Beats, and Monster.
  • World Duty Free of Tampa: Everyone is welcome to shop for fragrances and confections.

Is Tampa your final destination? We've got a list of some of the best rooftop bars and romantic sunset cruises for a unique date night out in Tampa Bay!