Bare Naked Kitchen

Bare Naked Kitchen exterior.

The fast casual food concept Bare Naked Kitchen is now open at 3915 Henderson Blvd. The concept is a collaboration between Bob Basham, co-founder of Outback, and Chris Ponte, restaurateur and chef extraordinaire, and brings healthy internationally inspired recipes to chef-driven dishes. It opened in the former Lauro Ristorante, an A frame building that closed in 2014, but was a Tampa favorite.

Bare Naked Kitchen front area with swings hanging from ceiling

In the front sitting area a couple of inviting swings hang from the ceiling, evidence of the uniqueness of the bright and modern interior. A considerable crowd waits to order when we walk in as is often the case with a new place, but the line goes relatively quickly. There’s plenty of seating to wait for the table-delivered food. Up front there is a grab and go refrigerated area containing spreads, dips, and nibbles, for those who are in a hurry.

Bare Naked Kitchen Porkfection bowl- Korean BBQ pork, jasmine rice blend, crispy shitake, broccoli, Asian vinaigrette

The trendy menu has variations on a theme from other restaurants including chef-created bowls, different toppings for lavash (flatbread), and pizzas including those with a cauliflower crust.

Roll in a Bowl- Tuna Poke, jasmine rice blend, bok choy, golden beets, wasabi cream, Asian vinaigrette

One trend that they thankfully avoided is the requirement that patrons pick the several layers of what goes in their dish such as a base, protein, gravy, toppings, bowl size, etc. Prices are south Tampa moderate, most trending between $13 and $15 per entrée, with large portion sizes. Service is fast and friendly.