‘Tis the season to be feasting and we, at My Tampa Agent, have curated a list of our favorite locally-owned small businesses with unique food and drink options for your next holiday get-together, from Friendsgiving to Festivus. Whether you’re hosting or being hosted, pick up a few items from any of the shops below for a thoughtful offering that will inspire the senses and satiate the belly.

As realtors, we know how much value people place on finding a home that allows them to welcome friends and family for get-togethers. Whether it’s a stunning open-concept kitchen with sprawling marble island or a charming poolside patio with string lights and a tiki bar, our homes are more than just a roof over our heads, they’re a place to make memories. But a wise man once said between mouthfuls, “the best memories are made on a full stomach!” So, without further ado, we present our local favorites for shopping, catering, and gifting Tampa’s best foods and beverages.

Local Flavors and Foodie Favorites 

1. If you ask any Tampa Bay resident what their favorite specialty grocery store or market is, 9 ½ times out of 10 you’ll hear them say Mazzarros Italian Market. Located on 22nd Avenue North in St. Petersburg, Mazzarros has been a staple in the area since 1982 and is widely known for their high-quality meats, cheeses, fresh pasta, wine, coffee, and desserts… basically everything, as supported by their nearly 6,000 5-star Google reviews. They offer on-site food service, pre-made foods to-go, and catering services as well. Aim to go during non-peak hours if possible as they get very busy, very quickly, particularly during the holiday season when everyone is trying to stock up on their gourmet goodies.

If there is one complaint against Mazzarros, it’s that they have no interest in opening more locations outside of St. Petersburg, making it a far trek for many Tampanians. Enter the new kid on the block.

2. Opened in 2021, Moschella’s Italian Eatery & Market is quickly becoming a new favorite in the Wesley Chapel area. Offering a full menu for dine-in service, plus prepared foods to go, Moschella’s is well-stocked in gourmet ingredients to feed a crowd or please your hosts and secure an invite to all future parties. They’ve received rave reviews on their decadent tiramisu and New Yorker-approved chicken parm subs. But if you really want to treat your taste buds, pick up a package (or three) of their braised brisket ravioli and thank us later.

3.With dietary restrictions on the rise, hooray for places like HaleLife Bakery. All of their delectable desserts are gluten-free, vegan, soy-free and nut-free. We know what you may be thinking, “How could that possibly taste like anything but frosted cardboard?” But with a quick peek at their Instagram you’ll be drooling to try their Pumpkin S’mores brownies or Butter Beer cupcakes.  They’ve rapidly expanded to three locations in Clearwater, downtown St. Pete, and South Tampa, and are Tampa Bay’s #1 rated bakery.  May we recommend their take-and-bake cinnamon buns for a holiday breakfast treat that will leave you asking, “Wait… could I possibly be a vegan now?!”

4. If going vegan is a stretch for you but you’re a fan of natural and organic ingredients, then you’ll love The Main Ingredient at 1903 Collier Parkway in Lutz. This small shop carries a wide assortment of products from cocoa bombs, to gourmet teas, balsamic vinegars, and a full line of Tampa’s award winning Intensity Academy spices and sauces. We recommend grabbing their Garlic Goodness hot sauce or Saucy Everything spicy mayo for your Thanksgiving leftover sandwich. Subscribe to The Main Ingredient’s email list on their website for 10% of your purchase.

Wine, Beer, and Other Holiday Cheer

Whether you’re giving a toast around the Thanksgiving table, cheering on your favorite football team, or ringing in 2022 with someone special, your beverage of choice is an important part of the experience. Tampa Bay excels at bringing some truly unique offerings to a fridge near you.

1. Pye Road Meadworks at 8533 Gunn Hwy in Odessa opened in March of 2021, but has been brewing a reputation as one of the state’s most talented mazers for years. For those of you who are unfamiliar with mead or aren’t Vikings, it is a wine brewed from fermenting honey and may include the addition of fruits and spices. Pye Road’s slogan “Where imagination meets balance” is reflected in their diverse selection of meads that range in both flavor profiles and ABV, from 5% to 14% on their tap menu. Stop in on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday (they’re closed during the week) and try a flight from their tap lineup, or pick up some bottles to go. Pye Road also ships mead from their website and offers a discount when you purchase 3 or more bottles. Then stop just a block up the road for…

2. BRU Florida Growler Bar at 8729 Gunn Hwy, with a second location in the Seven Oaks neighborhood of Wesley Chapel. Dedicated to only serving Florida-brewed craft beer, cider, seltzers, kombucha, and nitro coffee, they provide the usual bar experience, complete with newly-expanded seating and game room, while also allowing you to fill anything from their tap lineup in a glass growler to go. Using Pegas CrafTap filling machines, BRU keeps your beverage fresh for up to three weeks unopened. So, if you find yourself in the mixed company of IPA versus stout drinkers (and that one weird gluten-free cousin), BRU gives you the option to bring home a unique, locally-made selection of beverages that will keep whining to a minimum. Except for Aunt Margarite-- she always complains.

3. CRU Cellars is where you need to head if you want the best in wines from around the world, curated by local sommeliers. With locations in Palma Ceia, Armature Works, and a new location at the Westshore Marina, there’s a reason why they’ve been voted Tampa Bay’s best wine bar. They feature a wide (but not overwhelming) amount of small-production, hand-made wine. They also offer organic wine options at competitive prices so you can splurge on a fig and prosciutto flatbread from their scenic South Tampa patio. Because, you know, we all need to take a break during the hectic holiday season.

Prioritizing What Truly Matters

While the holiday rush is about to begin, it’s important to remember that this season is about gratitude, love, and peace. We’ll be making the extra effort to slow down and savor, enjoying each bite a little more and staying present in the moments with the ones we care about. We’ll be supporting our local shops, run by Tampa Bay families, who pour their hearts into their work and give our town so much unique character. Give some of these places a try and send us an email at Anthony@MyTampaAgent.com to share your Tampa favorites!