Escape Without the Jet Lag: 4 Tampa Bay Restaurants That Feel Like You’re Dining Abroad

Amy West
Jun 30
2 min read

Woman in yellow jacket smiles at a bar inside a stylish, brightly lit hotel lobby. A waiter and another guest are in the background. — Amy West in Florence

If you’re craving international flavors and faraway vibes—without boarding a plane—you’re in luck. Right here in Tampa Bay and St. Pete, you’ll find transportive restaurants that whisk you away to Greece, Tulum, Tuscany, and Eastern Europe through unforgettable food, ambiance, and experience. Here are four local spots that make every meal feel like a luxury vacation:

1️⃣ Santos Kitchen + Lounge – A Taste of Tulum in Downtown Tampa

Step through the doors of Santos Kitchen + Lounge and you’re instantly transported to Tulum’s sultry jungle scene. With tropical plants, warm stone textures, candlelit corners, and Latin fusion small plates, it’s the perfect escape from city life. Their mezcal cocktails? Practically a vacation in a glass.

📍 Downtown Tampa

Outdoor dining table with wooden chairs, set with glasses and napkins. Surrounded by lush green plants, creating a tranquil, inviting scene. — Image Sourced from Open Table

2️⃣ Babushka’s – Rustic Russian Charm in Hyde Park & Temple Terrace

Craving something cozy and unexpected? Babushka’s serves up hearty Eastern European comfort food—like borscht, pelmeni, and khachapuri—in a space that feels like a chic countryside dacha. From the Soviet-era decor to their signature infused vodkas, it’s an immersive trip to Russia—no visa required.

📍 Hyde Park Village & Temple Terrace

Cozy restaurant interior with hanging plants, warm lighting, wooden beams, and cushioned chairs around tables. Soft, inviting atmosphere. — Babushkas Hyde Park - Image Sourced from Open Table

3️⃣ Hellas Restaurant & Bakery – An Authentic Greek Getaway in Tarpon Springs

Located along the historic Sponge Docks, Hellas is a Tarpon Springs staple that channels the heart of the Greek islands. Dine on grilled octopus, lamb souvlaki, and flaming saganaki under blue-and-white decor that feels like Mykonos. Be sure to stop by the on-site bakery, where golden baklava, syrup-soaked galaktoboureko, and honey-drizzled loukoumades await. It’s the perfect end to your “Gre-cation.”

📍 Tarpon Springs

Greek-themed restaurant interior with blue chairs, mural of ancient ruins, potted plants, and decorative columns. Warm, colorful lighting. — Hellas Greek Restaurant Tarpon Springs - Image Sourced from Hella's Website

4️⃣ Crislip Café – Tuscan Wine Window Vibes in Downtown St. Pete

Tucked inside St. Pete’s charming Crislip Arcade, Crislip Café delivers Italian café vibes with a twist—a wine window inspired by the buchette del vino of Florence. Order your wine or espresso through the tiny window and sip your way into a dreamy Italian reverie. Pair it with a charcuterie plate or a freshly baked pastry for the full effect.

📍 Downtown St. Pete

Smiling person in pink pants and "Lucky" hat holds an orange drink. They're in a floral-decorated space with a wooden door and chair. — Crislip Wine Window St Pete - Image by The Gala Life Alexia Gonzales

✨ Final Thoughts:

Who says you need a passport to be transported? These local gems make it easy to explore the world—one bite, sip, and scene at a time. Whether you're feeling like Greece or craving a taste of Tulum, Tampa Bay delivers major destination energy close to home.

🌎 For more luxurious local escapes and travel-inspired experiences, visit amywesttravel.com and follow me on social @AmyWestTravel.