WEST TAMPA. The heritage of Italian baking runs prominently through this family-run business, which opened on Cypress Street in the early 1960s. When you step into the place, you'll find a host of delicacies to choose from, including cakes, pastries, cookies and tortes of all flavors and varieties. Quality ingredients are always used, and the light, tender results are proof. There's also a deli on the premises where you can order soups, salads and sandwiches. Specialty offerings include the Italian steak sandwich, the vegetarian and the Cuban, a Tampa-area classic.

DOWNTOWN. A quiet, measured dining experience awaits at this popular hotel establishment. Expansive windows invite views of the Hillsborough River into the space, and muted surroundings allow fresh flowers, modern artwork, and terrific cuisine to shine through. The menu updates classic fare, featuring such dishes as salmon carpaccio, lobster strudel with shiitake mushrooms, roasted Long Island duck, and chicken Wellington with mustard demi-glace. Steaks and a full bar are also available, along with an outdoor terrace.

PALMA CEIA. Well-received by locals, this popular coffeehouse is a good place to pick up a cup of java or an iced coffee drink. Light fare is on order for lunch and breakfast and includes pastries, soups, sandwiches and desserts. Stop in for a quick one, or hang out for a while and enjoy the laid-back ambience and the regulars.

AIRPORT AREA. If old fashioned comfort grub is what you need to get the day started, give this casual little joint on West Hillsborough a try. Decorated with antiques and forever casual, the Brunchery stays true to its name by delivering time-tested classics like steak and eggs, Belgian waffles, omelets, crepes, eggs benedict and French toast. In addition to the morning eats, the kitchen also assembles some rather outstanding sandwiches. Consistently good, this is the type of place that doesn't really get much in the way of style but really racks up the points when it comes to service and food. NB If you're paying with plastic, be advised: The Brunchery requires a $10 minimum.

SOHO. Part of the Ciccio and Tony's family of restaurants, Daily Eats is a contemporary diner whose shtick includes counter seating, plenty of chrome accents and caddies loaded up with sweeteners, salt and pepper shakers, ketchup and, of course, Tabasco. That said, the kudos really stem from Eats' knack for tasty fare, particularly morning numbers like buttermilk pancakes, Mediterranean omelets and Cuban breakfast wraps. On weekends, the menu expands some after 12pm to include their signature California Bowls (chopped chicken and fresh vegetables over brown rice), brick-oven pizzas and wrap sandwiches.