Old Heights Bistro, a Seminole Heights staple for more than a decade, will serve its last meals on Nebraska Avenue tomorrow, before the team packs up for a bigger setup in South Tampa with more parking and elbow room. The move closes a long-running chapter on the neighborhood's dining strip and sets the stage for a new run in Palma Ceia.
Creative Loafing Tampa first reported the closure, noting that the bistro will welcome its final round of guests on Saturday and that the owners shared a brief farewell on social media. "First and foremost, thank you!," the restaurant wrote in a public note, according to the outlet.
What Old Heights Served In The Heights
Over the years, Old Heights Bistro built a loyal following with a broad New American menu and a surprisingly deep sushi lineup for a neighborhood spot. The menu on the restaurant's own site runs from sushi rolls and steaks to burgers, curries and house-made desserts, backed up by sake, beer and wine, per the Old Heights Bistro site.
Where It Is Headed And Why
The bistro opened in 2015, and a representative told Creative Loafing Tampa that the team has simply outgrown the Seminole Heights space and needs more parking and prep area. The new South Tampa address is 3225 S MacDill Ave in Palma Ceia, in the former Brunchery footprint, with a target opening in late August or early September. Owners Philip Hutchison and Shima, who have run Old Heights for nearly 11 years, told the outlet the new location will focus on breakfast and lunch for the first two years.
Palma Ceia's Brunchery Footprint
The 3225 S MacDill Ave building was long home to The Brunchery and sits in a compact Palma Ceia retail row that already pulls in a steady brunch and dinner crowd. That history suggests Old Heights could see a higher-volume lunchtime rush if the owners stick with the breakfast and lunch plan; The Brunchery's own site lists the same 3225 S MacDill Ave address.
Neighborhood Context
The move is the latest sign of turnover in Seminole Heights' dining scene as independent restaurants adjust, relocate or shut their doors altogether. One high-profile example was the 2024 closure of Ella's Americana Folk Art Cafe, reported by the Tampa Bay Times.
Old Heights Bistro will host its final service for Seminole Heights regulars this Saturday, and the owners are steering questions and reopening updates to the restaurant's online channels. Fans who want to track the move to Palma Ceia can head to the Old Heights Bistro site for the latest.
