Black-owned restaurants, from BBQ to baked goods

Tampa Bay’s rich dining scene is replete with numerous Black-owned establishments. Consider these standout spots:

• For 25 years, Ladies of the Sea & Soul have cooked up classics from conch and snow crabs to jerk chicken and shila (a traditional rice dish from Georgia). Patrons praise the turkey wings, yams and good vibes.

• Al’s Finger Licking Good Bar-B-Que was named the top BBQ spot in Tampa. Look for the chickens in the alley …

• For dessert, head to Gabby Bakes, inspired by the owner’s midwestern Jamaican vegan mother. Her unique confections include orange cardamom pistachio and yuzu curd-topped olive oil sponge cake.

– Eve Lederman, The 100 Companies