Nestled just outside the busier Tampa corridors, The White Oak Cottage in Lithia delivers more than brunch—it offers an experience. Part bistro, part boutique, this stylish destination blends elevated comfort food with vintage-meets-modern ambiance and thoughtfully curated retail.
You walk in and immediately feel like you’ve stepped into a lifestyle catalog: whitewashed wood accents, antique-inspired furnishings, soft lighting, and tables tucked between handpicked home décor pieces. It's beautiful without trying too hard—equal parts Southern charm and upscale escape.
What to Expect
The menu is creative and diverse, with standouts like Shrimp & Grits (praised by multiple guests for their creamy texture and flavorful kick), Brie Fondue, and the Chicken Piccata Pasta. One guest noted, “The shrimp were big and cooked perfectly… the little kick was awesome.”
Cocktail lovers, take note: the Blood Diamond Margarita is a crowd favorite, and the fruit wine flights are perfect for a warm afternoon. And if you’re a brunch traditionalist? The Chicken & Waffles and French Toast are rich, satisfying choices.
Not everything is flawless—some guests have noted inconsistencies, especially during busy hours. But others say the atmosphere and hospitality more than make up for it:
“Jackson was our server and bartender. He provided amazing service and was so kind.”
“We had the Chef’s Table dinner and every course was better than the last.”
Beyond the Table
What makes White Oak truly unique is the shopping experience. Attached to the dining room is a boutique filled with elevated home finds, furniture, wine, and vintage-style accents. “You get what you pay for here,” one regular commented. “The food is amazing—and the shop always has new pieces on the floor.”
From curated textiles to artisan ceramics, everything is staged to feel like it belongs in your next design project or weekend home refresh. And yes, people are dining among the décor—which is part of the charm.
Worth the Drive?
Most definitely. While prices lean toward the higher side, many guests feel it’s justified by the ambiance, creativity, and service. As one reviewer put it:
“Not very often you walk into a place and are wowed at every corner—even the freaking bathroom!”
Others have driven from Sarasota, Riverview, and Tampa just for a birthday brunch, girls' lunch, or quiet dinner overlooking the lake. A few tips: make a reservation if you’re going at peak hours, and if you're into tea—get the hot tea. (Everyone talks about the tea.)
Final Take
White Oak Cottage is where elegance and comfort meet. Whether you're celebrating something special, planning a Sunday brunch with friends, or just craving an afternoon glass of wine and something warm from the bakery, it’s the kind of place that invites you to stay a little longer.
A little more polished than your average brunch spot, with just enough personality to keep it from feeling too staged.
We’d come back—for the tea, the grit bowls, and the view.
—Annie & Kevin Rocks
