Psomi: The Greek Restaurant Taking Tampa, Florida by Storm

A Greek restaurant in Tampa, Florida called “Psomi” has become a favorite spot for diners thanks to the freshest ingredients, traditional values, and friendly service.

Psomi, which is “bread” in Greek, is run by rising star chef Christina Theofilos, a second-generation Greek American, born and raised in Tampa with an intense passion for great service and special food.

Having grown up with a working mom who always found time to feed her entire family, together, and around the dinner table, with fresh, homemade meals, Theofilos was quick to realize the spiritual practice of eating is less about “food” and more about cooking with love and quality ingredients in a curated environment.

“I grew up on the notion that food is love. Psomi is my love story and very much the result of a true family effort,” the chef says.

“Psomi literally translates to “bread” but its essence is so much more. It refers to the best bite, the “choice” piece, the crumb that everyone at the table fights over,” she adds.

Psomi restaurant in Tampa offers Greek island ambiance

Located at 701 North Howard Avenue in Tampa, Psomi is focused on fresh food made with premium, local ingredients, and has a quintessential Greek island ambiance.

With an emphasis on all that is Greek, the restaurant offers an eclectic Greek spirit cocktail menu, exclusive natural and organic Greek wine list, and top-notch, homestyle Greek food. Several types of bread and pies are among the favorite dishes on the menu, including spanakopita, tyropita and “mama’s baklava”, described as a family recipe that never disappoints.

“While I am the chef, so much of these recipes are the ones I grew up on, and Psomi’s menu holds these traditions at its core with each dish being thoughtfully curated, tweaked, and elevated in order to showcase my appreciation and passion for my family and the greek heritage,” Theofilos says.

She admits she never dreamt of opening a restaurant, but her passion for hospitality and great food sparked a conversation with her siblings regarding the “crazy idea.”

Psomi recently celebrated three years in operation. “I couldn’t have dreamed of a harder yet more rewarding journey thus far,” the Greek-American chef notes.

In late March the restaurant opened its doors for a gathering of Greek-American organizations. Over 40 attendees came to Psomi for a joint National Hellenic Society & Leadership 100 reception.

Theofilos spoke of her family’s Greek traditions, especially her mom’s culinary influence.

NHS Chair Drake Behrakis welcomed guests and discussed the transformational Heritage Greece program. L100 chair and NHS board member, Jim Logothetis, spoke about collaborative efforts between organizations to better serve the next generation.

Special guest, Diane Kochilas, spoke of her program, MyGreekTable, and an upcoming season focused on the Greek American story.

Driven by the concept of philoxenia, the art of making a stranger a friend, Psomi treats everyone like family, giving them a warm welcome.

Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Psomi is more than just an incredibly delicious, beautiful bakery and eatery – it’s a place to call home.