The year 2011 was another year of good news/bad news in the local dining scene. Yes, we had a lot of great new places open in both New Tampa and Wesley Chapel, but we also saw too many more good places close their doors for good. That having been said, there was quite a bit pf movement in my favorites from last year. I hope you enjoy debating my selections as much as I enjoy trying each and every one of these restaurants more than once.

I also want to make it clear that with both your choices and mine, there are a LOT more restaurants from which to use in both New Tampa and Wesley Chapel. In other words, the 25th place finisher on either list didn’t finish “last” in my balloting — or yours. In fact, there were more than 60 restaurants receiving at least five votes in both of our distribution areas (close to 80 in New Tampa), so finishing 25th among more than 400 readers or on my list that follows actually puts you in at least the top third of all restaurants in the area, even though some restaurant owners look at their number and think it would’ve been better to not be mentioned at all. I definitely do NOT agree with that!

Gary’s 25 Favorite Restaurants In New Tampa

View Neighborhood News Editor's 2011 Dining Picks in a larger map

1. Ciccio's Lodge Great daily specials make the already-most eclectic menu in New Tampa even better. Where else can you get a perfect black-and-white sesame-crusted tuna and a delicious grilled turkey burger? Ciccio’s b...

2. Acropolis Greek Taverna The best value for your money in New Tampa, with reasonably priced entrées — from my favorite Athenian fish to grilled filet mignon (photo), chicken, filet and pork tenderloin kabobs — all featuring h...

3. Sushi Tsu Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar With recent additions to the menu like unique linecaught white meat fish (strawberry grouper, lane snapper, etc.) which I dip in Sushi Tsu’s unique spicy tataki sauce, and sesame-crusted tuna with man...

4. Cafe Ole Delicious fresh fish (photo), perfect pork chops, a tasty tapas menu and some of the most flavorful homemade sauces in our area, and a gorgeous bar area stocked with ultrapremium liquors and great Spa...

5. Jalapeno Mexican Grill One of the highest-rated newcomers ever on my list of favorites, Jalapeno is so much more than just New Tampa’s only authentic Mexican restaurant. It’s also one of our area’s top seafood houses, featu...

6. Sukhothai Restaurant Of New Tampa’s outstanding Thai restaurants, Sukhothai is the only one with authentic sunken seating and delicious fresh sushi. You can’t go wrong with Sukhothai’s signature tilapia tataki, its unique...

7. Liang's Bistro The best egg rolls, barbecued spareribs and sweet Thai chile sauce in our area combine with unique Pan-Asian dishes with everything from Japanese- style fried rice to Korean steak. Liang’s is always a...

8. Fushia With all the new menu items at Liang’s, Fushia has dropped to #2 in our Chinese cuisine “race” in our area, although real NY-style dim sum appetizers and the best beef with Chinese broccoli, spicy shr...

9. Thai Ruby Again, just a notch below the top three Asian places on my list because it doesn’t have sushi like Sukhothai, Thai Ruby may be the prettiest of the bunch and it still has my favorite crispy duck with ...

10. La Cubanita Cafe Adding ice cold cerveza to the best roast mojo pork, merluza and best bacon, egg and cheese on Cyban bread in our area didn’t hurt La Cubanita in my list of 2011 favorites.

11. Wood Fired Pizza Wine Bar Still serving 850-degree wood-burning- ovenbaked pizzas named for sexy female movie stars, Wood Fired also has a great wedge salad and an incredible selection of fine wines and craft draft and bottled...

12. Sushi Ko The best BBQ spare ribs in New Tampa, a superb pork with garlic sauce and always fresh sushi, Sushi Ko also has added a great dim sum menu to keep it near my top-10.

13. Stonewood Grill & Tavern This years readers favorite still gets high marks from me, too, for its excellent steaks and appetizers like sesame seared tuna and smoked salmon on crispy toast points, as well as for the happening b...

14. Urban Culinary Cuisine The best fried chicken place in New Tampa also offers great fresh fish specials, unique sauces and even decadent desserts like creamy white chocolate mousse. UCC also has featured live music and offer...

15. SoHo Sushi North The sushi is always fresh and the asparagus & steak maki, the best tempura in our area and incredible boxed meal specials keep Soho Sushi among my local favorites.

16. Kobe Japanese Steak House This small chain of Japanese steak houses opened in Wasabi’s former location a couple of months ago and from my first few experiences, the sushi and hibachi grill items definitely have been upgraded. ...

17. Oakley's Grille The second- highest-rated 2011 newcomer on my list (behind Jalapeno) features my favorite grilled cheeseburger, beef dip and Philly cheesesteak sandwiches in New Tampa, as well as delicious chicken sa...

18. Las Palmas Cafe Always reliable for Cuban style roast pork and merluza a la Russe, Las Palmas also has great pressed Cubans, ropa vieja and still boasts one of the best lunch crowds in New Tampa.

19. Lee Roy Selmon's Restaurant The awesome spicy Caesar salad, grilled NY strip steak, grilled chicken with wild rice and the multitude of TV screens make Selmon’s one of my favorite restaurants for watching football, baseball, bas...

20. J.baja's Mexican Grill The fresh food answer to places like Moe’s & Tijuana Flats, J. Baja’s in Tampa Palms is a new-in-2011 addition that makes each burrito, quesadilla and bowl to order and the difference in the quality o...

21. Seasons Fresh My new favorite coffee place (serving the delicious Illy Italian coffee), Season’s Fresh in the Palms Connection Plaza also has delicious sandwiches featuring the freshest, sometimes organic ingredien...

22. PJ Dolan's Irish Pub & Grill I never thought of myself as a big fan of Shepherd’s Pie or authentic fish & chips, but PJ Dolan’s, located in the same space as Remington’s & Cody’s Roadhouse, has these and other good and unique (fo...

23. Five Guys Burgers & Fries A favorite of mine since the first Bay area location opened on Fowler Ave., Five Guys combines big, juicy burgers and skin-on Idaho potato French fries with, of course, free peanuts while you wait.

24. Saffron Indian Cuisine Curry still isn’t high on my list of favorites or Saffron in the Cross Creek Center would finish higher on my list because of the quality of items like the best lamb chops in New Tampa and delicious g...

25. Ploy Thai Great duck, excellent fresh fish and great spring rolls in an elegant setting make Ploy Thai another New Tampa dining treasure. Try the coconut cake for dessert!