Brunch in Bloom: A Tampa Morning in Two Acts
Act I: Olivia
Some mornings feel like they’re meant to be remembered before they even begin. This one started with a reservation and ended with us calling it the best brunch we’ve ever had.
My best friend was in town, and we drove into Tampa to try Olivia—an upscale Italian spot that somehow made brunch feel like an event without ever feeling heavy-handed. She ordered sweet. I ordered savory. And between bites and mimosas, we lingered in that in-between space that only slow mornings can give you.
The food? Flawless. Every bite was the kind you pause for. The savory dishes were layered, bold but balanced, and the sweet side was comforting without being cloying. Add in crisp mimosas, excellent service, and a beautifully designed space, and it quickly became the brunch to beat.
If you’re headed to Olivia, make a reservation—this isn’t a stroll-in kind of place. But it’s worth it. Every detail feels considered, and yet, completely unpretentious. It’s upscale without trying too hard. The kind of place that feels like a treat—but also like it belongs to you.
Act II: Hyde Park
After brunch, we wandered into Hyde Park Village, one of those neighborhoods that quietly flexes—tree-lined streets, polished storefronts, and the kind of curated charm that makes you want to spend a few hours (or a few hundred dollars).
We grabbed coffee at Buddy Brew, a place that somehow manages to be both industrial and warm, then walked through Sur La Table, West Elm, and one of my forever favorites, Paper Source—aka heaven for anyone who collects notebooks like artifacts.
Hyde Park feels like a suburb built for wandering. You can shop, pause, sip, and people-watch without ever feeling rushed. There’s intention in the layout, in the balance of local and luxe, and in the way it invites you to slow down while still keeping your senses wide awake.
