When winter sneaks into Florida, soups across Tampa Bay suddenly become more than comfort food — they’re survival. The sudden chill leaves Tampa Bay locals scrambling for warmth, and nothing answers the call quite like a steaming bowl of seasonal soup. As Floridians dig out sweaters and scarves, soup season quietly takes center stage, offering warmth, flavor, and a reason to linger at the table just a little longer.
The beauty of soups across Tampa Bay is their diversity. From pho and pozole to borscht and French onion, each bowl reflects the cultural richness of the region and the passion of chefs who know how to fight the cold with flavor. Whether you’re craving something brothy, spicy, or indulgently cheesy, Tampa Bay delivers — one spoonful at a time.
Pho: A Bowl That Heals the Cold
Few dishes rival the comfort of pho when temperatures drop, and soups across Tampa Bay shine brightest here. In Pinellas Park, home to a vibrant Vietnamese community, pho spots line busy streets, serving bowls of aromatic broth, rice noodles, and tender meats that warm from the inside out.
Pho Kien Giang remains a standout, especially for its pho dac biet with star anise–infused broth and generous cuts of beef. Adventurous diners can also try bun bo hue, a spicy alternative with thick noodles and bold flavors. Other favorites like La V, Alesia, and Bamboozle keep the pho scene thriving across Tampa Bay dining destinations.
Official sites & socials:
Pho Kien Giang – 8150 49th St. N., Pinellas Park | 727-544-1393
La V – https://lavfusion.com
Alesia – https://alesiarestaurant.com
Bamboozle – https://eatbamboozle.com
Boat Noodles: Bangkok-Inspired Comfort
Street food lovers chasing soups across Tampa Bay should look no further than boat noodles. Inspired by Bangkok’s floating markets, Patti’s Kitchen delivers a rich pork broth layered with Thai spices, marinated pork, and crispy toppings that add texture and depth.
The thick, spice-packed broth at Patti’s Kitchen is unforgettable, while Royal Thai in Tampa offers another solid rendition. These bowls prove that noodle soups can be both rustic and refined, making them essential cold-weather companions.
Official sites & socials:
Patti’s Kitchen – 6527 Park Blvd., Pinellas Park | 727-289-4153
Royal Thai – https://royalthaitampa.com
Matzo Ball Soup: Classic Comfort, Tampa Style
Among the most soothing soups across Tampa Bay, matzo ball soup remains timeless. While it comforts year-round, it becomes irresistible when temperatures dip, delivering slow-simmered broth, pillowy matzo balls, and nostalgic warmth.
Jo-El’s Kosher Deli and The Nosh Pit in St. Petersburg serve versions that locals swear by. A cup quickly turns into a quart, proving that comfort food doesn’t need cold symptoms to be appreciated.
Official sites & socials:
Jo-El’s Kosher Deli – https://stpetedeli.com
The Nosh Pit – https://thenoshpitstpete.com
Hot Pot: Interactive Warmth
Hot pot has become a defining part of soups across Tampa Bay, blending social dining with serious heat. With Chinese roots and countless regional styles, local hot pot restaurants often pair bubbling broths with Korean barbecue, creating an immersive dining experience.
KPOT stands out as a favorite, offering all-you-can-eat options across multiple locations. The appeal lies in customization — diners cook meats, seafood, and vegetables in simmering broth, tailoring each bite to their liking.
Official site & socials:
KPOT Korean BBQ and Hot Pot – https://thekpot.com
Pozole: A Mexican Classic That Warms Deep
Pozole earns its place among the best soups across Tampa Bay thanks to its bold flavors and comforting depth. Whether green from Guerrero or red from Mexico City, this stew combines hominy, braised pork, and chile-rich broth into something deeply satisfying.
El Maguey in Kenneth City serves a standout pozole rojo with generous toppings, while Chile Verde offers a weekend-only version worth planning around. Each bowl delivers warmth, spice, and tradition.
Official sites & socials:
El Maguey – https://elmagueyfl.com
Chile Verde – https://chileverde22nd.com
Sancocho: Colombian Soul in a Bowl
For hearty comfort, soups across Tampa Bay don’t get much better than sancocho. At Antojitos Latin Cravings, this Colombian staple draws loyal fans with its herb-packed broth, root vegetables, and tender beef.
Each bowl arrives generously portioned and paired with rice, beans, and fried plantains, turning soup into a full feast. It’s a reminder that Latin American soups are built to nourish and satisfy.
Official site & socials:
Antojitos Latin Cravings – 2302 W. Columbus Drive, Tampa | 813-251-9499
Budae Jjigae: Spicy Korean Comfort
When spice is the goal, soups across Tampa Bay deliver with budae jjigae. Dooriban’s version arrives bubbling and bold, featuring kimchi broth, ramen noodles, and indulgent additions like sausage, SPAM, and cheese.
Known as the “army base stew,” this dish balances heat and richness, making it perfect for sharing. Sa Ri One and Matjoa Korean BBQ offer additional options for fans of Korean soups.
Official sites & socials:
Sa Ri One – https://sarione.com
Matjoa Korean BBQ – (local listings)
French Onion Soup: Bistro Elegance
Classic and comforting, French onion soup continues to shine among soups across Tampa Bay. From Bar Terroir’s dual-cheese version to Bern’s Steak House and Jacks London Grill, each bowl layers caramelized onions, beef stock, and molten cheese.
This timeless soup proves that simplicity, when done right, can be deeply satisfying — especially on a chilly Florida evening.
Official sites & socials:
Bar Terroir – https://barterroir.co
Boulon Brasserie – https://boulontampa.com
Alsace French Bistro – https://alsacefrenchbistro.com
Jacks London Grill – https://jackslondongrill.com
Ramen: Searching for the Perfect Bowl
Ramen lovers exploring soups across Tampa Bay have plenty to sample. Miku Ramen in Largo impresses with its black garlic ramen, featuring creamy broth, chashu pork, and perfectly cooked eggs.
Other options like Ichi Koroshi Ramen, Izakaya Tori, and Minano Ramen ensure Tampa remains a destination for Japanese noodle soup fans still hunting for their ultimate bowl.
Official sites & socials:
Miku Ramen – https://mikuramen.com
Izakaya Tori – https://izakayatorifl.com
Minano Ramen – https://minanorestaurant.com
Borscht: Tangy, Beet-Forward Warmth
Rounding out the list of soups across Tampa Bay is borscht — earthy, tangy, and vibrant. Pierogi Bar’s Ukrainian version delivers deep beet flavor balanced with sour cream and tradition.
Tampa spots like Nene’s and Babushka’s also serve comforting bowls, proving that Eastern European soups have found a welcoming home along the Gulf Coast.
Official sites & socials:
Pierogi Bar – https://pierogi.bar
Nene’s – https://nenerestaurant.com
Babushka’s – https://babushkas.us
Still craving warmth? Tampa Bay’s soup scene is deeper than this list — and the next bowl might just become your new winter tradition.
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