The 'original' cupcake bakery, Sprinkles, has opened a popular outlet in the heart of Hyde Park Shopping Village. This prime location makes it a great spot to stop for a sweet treat while shopping. Famous for their cupcake ATM, this boutique cupcake bakery carries an ever-changing menu of decadent cupcakes available 24/7. Freshness is guaranteed by baking small batches throughout the day. This location's menu also features ice cream and cookie menus. For those looking for gluten free options, there are both cupcake and cookie options.
Owned by the popular Tampa eatery Datz, Dough is an eccentric and fanciful bakery located in Tampa's fashionable SoHo neighborhood. The décor is colorful and delightfully "Alice in Wonderland," as are their delicious baked goods. Choose from freshly made doughnuts, pastries, fritters, tarts or cookies, just to name a few. In addition to their baked items, Dough also offers a light breakfast menu for those on the go, and a lunch menu featuring more creative and sophisticated dining options. To top it all off, Dough makes their own in-house gelato using fresh ingredients in unexpected combinations like coconut basil and pineapple cardamom.
Located in South Tampa, Gigi's is a little slice of cupcake heaven. With mouth-watering choices such as chocolate chip cookie dough, hunka chunka banana love, and midnight magic, these mini cakes are as beautiful to look at as they are to taste. Piled high with multi-colored frostings and sprinkles and little cupcake accessories, they are mini works of art. Their selection is large and changes daily. It's easy to understand how the Gigi's national franchise has grown from one store in 2008 to a little under 100 today.
Since 1912 the Alessi's have been providing Tampa residents with quality baked goods. Today, the business has evolved from a horse and wagon to a full service bakery, deli, restaurant, catering and wholesale operation. It's a great spot for breakfast where you can taste the difference those one hundred years of practice makes. From fresh baked croissants filled with fluffy eggs and cheese to oooey-gooey cinnamon buns, Alessi's is the perfect spot for a grab-and-go breakfast. While the name of the game is cannolis and other traditional bakery items at Alessi, you may be surprised at just how broad their offerings are. There is even a small marketplace where you can pick up hard to find Italian groceries
If you are craving fresh, made-to-order doughnuts, then this is the place for you. The Mini Doughnut Factory in the heart of south Tampa has made it their mission to bring personalized minis to the masses. There is a wonderful variety of ready-made options including the S'mores inspired Campfire doughnut and the Homer Simpson with strawberry icing and rainbow sprinkles. The real fun though is to create your very own custom doughnut recipe. Choose the cake, the icing, the toppings and the drizzle from a fairly exhaustive list of options. You can also try their unique doughnut milkshakes and sundaes.
Rollin Oats Market and Café is located in the West Tampa neighborhood, convenient to downtown and the airport. This local-focused, organic grocery has a great selection of produce, meats, bakery items and dry goods guaranteed to satisfy the pickiest of shoppers. The store is large, clean and well-organized so you can find the specialty items you're looking for quickly. The attached café is a good spot to stop for quick and healthy lunch alternatives featuring a new menu every week. Many customers come back time and again to sample their popular soups. There is a second location in St. Petersburg.
Located close to downtown and the airport, Whole Foods Market specializes in providing high-quality natural and organic foods. Tampa's version of the fast-growing chain features a large and well-appointed facility stocked with everything you might need, including a large selection of fresh produce, specialty cheeses, wine and craft beers, and baked goodies. They even have butchers and fishmongers making sure you find the perfect antibiotic and hormone-free piece of meat or fish. If you are on a special diet, you can find whatever you need here. The store also features a salad and hot food bar that draws rave reviews from regulars.
Focusing on natural and healthy foods and personal care products, Abby's Health & Nutrition has been a Carrollwood landmark for over 15 years. Opened by Abby Sayler, a well-regarded local nutritionist, Abby's is a full-service store stocking organic produce, bulk foods, beer and wine, raw foods, and gluten-free products among others. The on-site deli features delicious, organic and natural dining options including vegetarian, gluten free and raw dishes prepared fresh daily. Their fresh wheatgrass, organic vegetable juices and smoothies are also very popular. Cafe Eden at Abby's is a great spot for a quick and healthy lunch or an early dinner.
Sami's Bakery is located in Tampa's Temple Terrace neighborhood offers a full range of gluten free, low-carb, Millet and Flax baked goods. Their goal is to provide their customers with delicious products for the health and allergy conscious. What began in 1978 as a small, simple bread bakery has expanded to include all sorts of delicious products including muffins, cookies, cakes, biscotti, pastries, pies and more. No matter what you order, you can count on the same attention to detail and high-quality ingredients. Their newest initiative is an online ordering system, so if you like what you taste while you're here, you can order more from home.
Stacy's Gluten Free Goodies was inspired by Stacy's son whose developmental delays were reversed simply by changing his diet. This gave birth to Stacy's wish to help other moms provide their kids with allergen-free baked goods that were delicious as well as safe for them to eat. All of Stacy's goodies are made with no soy, no gluten, no wheat, no dairy, no eggs, no nuts and are all vegan. That's right - a whole bakery full of cookies, cakes, pies, muffins and brownies, completely allergen free! This bakery is located north of downtown Tampa in the Carrollwood neighborhood, but Stacy's recently opened a second location in South Tampa, check their website for details.
