We had a great visit. We were greeted with a friendly acknowledgement as we entered and she was extremely kind in answering our questions and helping us make selections from their delicious looking pastries. The Nutella croissant was delicious and can’t wait to try the others. The drinks were great and we enjoyed drinking them in the lovely dining area. Highly recommend.
Sep 16 · Steven TurnerBAKERY PROFILE
Chef & the Baker South Tampa
★ 4.0102 recorded reviews$10–20
3413 S Manhattan Ave, Tampa, FL 33629, USA
Directory information can change. Confirm current hours, prices, products, dietary needs, and custom-order requirements directly with the bakery.
PLAN THE VISIT
Essential details
- Address
- 3413 S Manhattan Ave, Tampa, FL 33629, USA
- Phone
- (813) 746-0006
- Website
- Visit official site
- Rating signal
- 4.0 from 102 recorded reviews
HOURS
Listed operating hours
- Monday7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
- Tuesday7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
- Wednesday7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
- Thursday7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
- Friday7:30 AM – 4:00 PM
- Saturday8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Sunday8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
About and visit notes
Introduction / Overview: A Culinary Gem in South Tampa
For discerning food enthusiasts across the Florida region, Chef & the Baker South Tampa is a must-visit destination that transcends the typical bakery experience. Situated right in the heart of Tampa, this establishment is a harmonious collaboration between two culinary experts, Chef Rosana Rivera and Chef Ricardo Castro. It is a full-service gourmet eatery and bakery, offering an array of world-class baked goods alongside elevated breakfast and lunch menus.
What truly sets this location apart is its celebrated culinary pedigree. Co-owner Chef Rosana Rivera achieved national recognition for famously defeating celebrity chef Bobby Flay on the Food Network with her signature baked empanadas. This level of recognized excellence is infused into everything they create, from their signature house-crafted artisan sourdough breads to their delicate French-inspired pastries and the "delicious looking pastries" that captivate every guest, such as the rave-reviewed Nutella croissant. Customers consistently praise the "friendly acknowledgement" and helpful staff, making every visit a great experience.
Proudly identifying as a Latino-owned and women-owned small business, Chef & the Baker is a true reflection of the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit of the Tampa Bay community. Whether you're stopping by for a quick, decadent breakfast or planning a major catered event, this South Tampa spot delivers quality, flavor, and service that is genuinely unforgettable.
Location and Accessibility: Your Convenient South Tampa Stop
Conveniently located for local users in the Tampa area, Chef & the Baker can be found at 3413 S Manhattan Ave, Tampa, FL 33629, USA. Its prime South Tampa address makes it easily accessible for daily visits, business lunches, or picking up catering orders.
The bakery is committed to ensuring an inclusive and hassle-free experience for every guest, offering extensive accessibility and amenity features:
- Physical Accessibility: Features include a Wheelchair accessible entrance, Wheelchair accessible parking lot, Wheelchair accessible restroom, and Wheelchair accessible seating, ensuring comfort for all diners.
- Parking: Customers benefit from both a Free parking lot and Free street parking, removing the stress of finding a spot in a busy area.
- In-Store Amenities: The comfortable and "lovely dining area" is complemented by Wi-Fi access and inclusive facilities, including a Gender-neutral restroom and a standard Restroom.
- Payments: For efficiency, the bakery accepts modern payment methods, including Credit cards, Debit cards, and NFC mobile payments, perfect for those seeking a Quick visit.
Services Offered: Chef-Driven Cuisine and Expert Baking
Chef & the Baker offers a comprehensive culinary experience, blending the artistry of a master baker with the skills of a celebrated chef.
- Full-Service Dining Options: Serving Breakfast items all day and a robust selection of Sandwiches and Salads available after 11 am.
- Artisan Baked Goods: Daily offerings include fresh, house-crafted signature breads made with King Arthur un-bromated flour, such as Traditional Sourdough, Olive Sourdough, and Challah (Braided Bread).
- Gourmet Pastry Variety: An extensive bakery menu featuring classic and specialty items like Buttery Croissants, Guava Croissants, the decadent Kouign Amman, and the signature Croix Donuts (croissant-donut hybrids in flavors like Nutella and Guava).
- Cold Patisserie and Desserts: A refined selection of cold desserts, including colorful Macarons, L'Opera Cake Slice, Crème Brûlée, and several tart varieties such as Lemon Meringue Tart and LEMON Raspberry Chantilly Tart.
- Lunch and Savory Dishes: Offering a selection of Tartines (like Salmon and Avocado), classic Sandwiches served on house-made breads (including a local favorite, the Cuban), and chef-crafted Salads with house-made dressings.
- Specialty Empanadas: Featuring the signature Beef Empanada, which won on Food Network's *Beat Bobby Flay*, alongside options like Chicken Empanada and Vegan Eggplant.
- Professional Catering: Providing Onsite services and catering for events, with the ability to customize menus with "special details that were meaningful" to the client, ensuring a personal and successful event.
- Flexible Service Options: Offering multiple convenient ways to get your food, including Dine-in, Takeout, Delivery, Curbside pickup, and In-store pickup.
Features / Highlights: Award-Winning Talent and Local Love
The unique features of Chef & the Baker position it as a culinary leader in the South Tampa area:
- "Beat Bobby Flay" Signature Dish: The Beef Empanada is a world-famous item, having defeated celebrity chef Bobby Flay, a massive draw for food tourists and local Floridians alike.
- Dual Ownership by Master Chefs: The collaboration between Chef Rosana Rivera (Food Network winner) and Chef Ricardo Castro (Disney+ featured artist) ensures a high level of expertise in both savory cuisine and artistic, technical baking.
- Commitment to Artisan Craftsmanship: The use of King Arthur un-bromated flour for all house-crafted artisan breads demonstrates a dedication to high-quality ingredients and traditional baking techniques.
- Diverse and Inclusive Ownership: Identifying as both Latino-owned and women-owned reflects the bakery's commitment to diversity and the local community's evolving palate.
- Gourmet Retail Selection: Beyond food, the store offers a curated selection of RETAIL items, including gourmet foods (like Galantino Olive Oil and Lighthouse Keeper Jam) and artisanal home & kitchen wares from Chef Rosana’s brand, allowing customers to take the gourmet experience home.
- Catering with a Personal Touch: Customer feedback highlights the catering service’s willingness to personalize the menu, showing a commitment to client satisfaction that extends beyond standard offerings.
Contact Information: Your Access to Gourmet Tampa Dining
Whether you're looking to place a large catering order or simply ask about the daily Kouign Amman flavor, you can reach the South Tampa location using the following information:
Address: 3413 S Manhattan Ave, Tampa, FL 33629, USA
Phone: (813) 746-0006
Mobile Phone: +1 813-746-0006
What is Worth Choosing Chef & the Baker South Tampa
Choosing Chef & the Baker South Tampa is a decision to experience a top-tier bakery that provides far more than just sweet treats. This is a culinary powerhouse where every item, from the simplest Demi Baguette to the most complex L'Opera Cake Slice, is crafted with an award-winning level of skill. For Florida residents, this bakery offers a unique blend of Latin-inspired flavor and French-style pastry technique that is difficult to find elsewhere.
The biggest reason to choose this spot is the unparalleled quality driven by its celebrated chefs. Where else can you grab a Cuban sandwich for lunch, a meticulously crafted Kouign Amman for dessert, and the famous Beef Empanada that Beat Bobby Flay—all in one place? Furthermore, the customer experience is consistently praised, with friendly service and a "lovely dining area" that creates a welcoming ambiance for both dine-in guests and those rushing through for a quick visit.
Finally, by supporting this Latino-owned and women-owned small business, you are investing directly into the local Tampa economy and celebrating the diverse talent within the Florida food scene. Whether you need daily gourmet bread, a flawless catered menu, or just a delicious Nutella croissant and artisanal coffee from their full Espresso Bar, Chef & the Baker is the definitive, high-quality choice in South Tampa.
VISIT FEATURES
Services and accessibility
These attributes come from the directory record and should be confirmed when essential.
From the business
- Identifies as Latino-owned
- Identifies as women-owned
- Small business
Service options
- Curbside pickup
- Delivery
- In-store pickup
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Coffee
Dining options
- Breakfast
Amenities
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Planning
- Quick visit
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
PHOTOS
See the bakery
VISITOR FEEDBACK
Reviews and recurring themes
Read individual comments as personal experiences, not verified guarantees.
croissants 21price 11guava 8breakfast sandwich 8nutella 7empanadas 7atmosphere 7cronut 5latte 5bananas foster 3
Stumbled upon this gem for a quick breakfast and it was so good! I used their catering service for an event and they customized a menu for me with special details that were meaningful to me. The food was delicious and everyone loved it I will definitely use their catering again!
Sep 9 · Lacey HoodIntimate light filled French bakery in South Tampa. Mouth-Watering even before you take a bite. I enjoyed the guava croissant ( a nice Tampa twist) as well as the key lime tart and caramel macchiato.
Jul 11 · Chrisoula Kiriazis, MDI went to buy sourdough bread and also picked up a Nutella croissant. The bread is amazing, the service is fast, and the staff are friendly and cheerful.The desserts looked very beautiful; a true bakery.Definitely give it a try, you will really like it.I highly recommend this bakery.
Apr 28 · Osman “Ozzie” G.Decided to try Chef and the Baker after seeing it featured on Fox 13's Charley's World. It did not disappoint.Empanadas were DELICIOUS! The dough was flaky and perfect and stuffed with filling from the first to the last bite. They have a wide variety of different kinds of empanadas. They were out of the pizza one, so we will have to come back to try it.The donuts were melt-in-your-mouth delicious. All baked goods looked delicious. They have a variety to pick from, loved they had more than the basic cakes, pies, cookies. Variety of different kinds from different countries.The atmosphere is quiet, calm and perfect for studying or getting work done! The cherry on top was when Chef handed me a bag, with thank you for visiting and giving us a try!We will be returning and when I'm in South Tampa, I will make sure I swing thru for some delicious food.
Mar 20 · Lauren TeutonNEARBY ALTERNATIVES
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