16 minute read
SPL DINING GUIDE
Seafood
Trophy Fish - Drink Like a Fish is the moniker here, so be prepared for a casual nautical atmosphere, lively crowd and fresh local fish and seafood that changes daily. Dinner only; opens at noon on Saturdays and Sundays. 2060 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727) 258-7883; trophyfishstpete.com $$
Teak - With a spectacular view of the downtown skyline, Teak, at the tip of the St. Pete Pier, offers elevated casual dining for lunch and dinner. Florida-inspired cuisine runs the gamut from Cubans and paella to pan roasted grouper with citrus risotto and ginger guava BBQ short ribs. 800 2nd Ave. NE, St. Petersburg (727) 513-8325; teakstpete.com $$$
Island Grille & Raw Bar – Expansive waterfront dining focusing on fresh seafood, steaks, pasta, chicken, sandwiches and raw bar. Island Grille attracts a fun crowd of families, boaters and local sun-seekers who gravitate here for the food, tropical drinks and massive outdoor patio. 210 Madonna Blvd, Tierra Verde; (727) 767-0020; islandrawbar.com $$$
RumFish Grill – The ultimate under-the-sea dining experience awaits at RumFish Grill on St. Pete Beach. Indulge in a Gulf coast inspired menu with selections such as Blackened Mahi Mahi with Gulf shrimp, mm, mm. Afterwards, enjoy warm coastal breezes on the deck with live music and an extensive selection of rum cocktails. 6000 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach (727) 329-1428; rumfishgrill.com $$$
The Hurricane Seafood Restaurant –The landmark Hurricane on Passe-a-Grille Beach has weathered a few storms, but still stands as a seafood mecca for tourists, groups and families. The fresh grouper sandwich and view from the rooftop bar are legendary. 809 Gulf Way, St. Pete Beach (727) 360-9558; thehurricane.com $$
Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille - Shorts and flip-flops are welcome at this popular waterfront eatery on the St. Pete Pier and a new location in the Jungle Terrace district on Boca Ciega Bay. Seafood with a Caribbean flair includes crab cakes and fish tacos to entrees like Cedar Plank Salmon and Banana Leaf Snapper. 610 2nd Ave NE, (727) 857-8118; 8790 Bay Pines Blvd; St. Petersburg; docfords.com $$$
Sea Salt - Upscale, urban and known for its raw bar and impeccably fresh seafood, this is the place to impress while enjoying a sunset over the downtown skyline. Located at Sundial, the airy and sophisticated eatery specializes in seasonal and organic ingredients, an extensive wine collection and craft cocktails. 183 2nd Ave. N., St. Petersburg (727) 873-7964; seasaltstpete. com $$$$
American/Fine
Parkshore Grill - Top-notch Beach Drive dining from fresh seafood to steaks, pasta and salads. Lunch, dinner and brunch served Saturdays and Sunday until 3 pm. Chef Tyson Grant is committed to serving local and sustainable meats and seafood and locally grown organic produce. 300 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg (727) 896-9463; parkshoregrill.com $$$
Rococo Steak - Fine dining in a sophisticated steakhouse with Executive Chef Jordan Buendia offering a chic twist on classic fare. Outstanding wine selection and service 655 2nd Ave. S., St. Petersburg (727) 822-0999; rococosteak.com $$$$
Sonata at The Mahaffey - The dramatic new restaurant at The Mahaffey Theater is a place to impress, with diners treated to a beautiful waterfront view, stunning artwork, and a curated menu of coastal cuisine rooted in Southern tradition with creative flair. House specialties include Pork Osso Bucco Bourguignon, Baked Oysters Bienville and Crab Stuffed Lobster Tail. Chop house favorites include Wagyu Tenderloin and a Tomahawk Ribeye for Two. Dinner hours only, with lunch and brunch expected to be added later this year. 400 First St. N, St. Petersburg (727) 892-5857 $$$$
Brick & Mortar - Rustic-chic dining in an intimate atmosphere, local foodies gravitate here for healthy American fare that changes seasonally. Dinner only. 539 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727) 822-6540 $$$
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse - Upscale steakhouse overlooking the Sundial courtyard in the heart of downtown, Ruth’s Chris is a respected chain with a dedicated following who come for dependable steaks, chops and seafood specialties. 131 2nd Ave. N., St. Petersburg (727) 821-4139; ruthschris.com $$$
Urban Stillhouse - Bourbon lovers will be in heaven and everyone else will be in awe at this rustic yet sophisticated distillery in the Warehouse Arts District featuring Chef Kenny Tufo’s renowned American modern cuisine. Dinner only Thursday through Saturday, brunch Sunday 11 to 4; reservations a must. . 2232 5th Ave. S., St. Petersburg (727) 440-8040; theurbanstillhouse.com $$$$
The Library - Tucked away in Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital with a distinguished English library setting, The Library is just the ticket for a quiet lunch or dinner or even a romantic night out. The creative menu is overflowing with healthy options such as Osso Bucco Risotto and Squid Ink Pasta with Blackened Shrimp. 600 5th St. S., St. Petersburg (727) 369-9969; thelibrarystpete.com $$$
Birch & Vine - Located in Beach Drive’s Birchwood Hotel, this fine dining spot is helmed by Executive Chef Lee Aquino, known for his unique and globally inspired dishes featuring seasonal, organic and locally sourced foods. 340 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg (727) 896-1080; thebirchwood.com/birchandvine $$$
Sauvignon Wine Locker & American Trattoria - Charming winecentric dining with a top-notch curated menu of seafood, pasta and meats in a lively block of Central Avenue downtown. 241 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727) 827-7896; sauvignonstpete.com $$$
The Dewey at Berkeley Beach Club - Sophisticated yet casual dining in Pass-AGrille with a curated menu of reimagined beach cuisine, outstanding wine and craft cocktails. Downstairs is the main dining area; but for the ultimate sunset views head to the rooftop bar for an expansive oyster menu and selection of appetizers. 109 8th Avenue, St. Pete Beach (727) 228-1000; berkeleybeachclub.com $$$$
Castile Restaurant - Hotel Zamora’s elegant restaurant stylishly prepares a curated menu of New American cuisine including tapas, Spanish and Mediterranean specialties, steak and seafood. Select from indoor or outdoor seating with a view of the intracoastal; lunch and dinner. 3701 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach (727) 456-8660 $$$
Grace - Upscale yet laid-back, this intimate dining spot offers modern American and Mediterranean cuisine, wine, and cocktails in the heart of Passe-A-Grille. Stop in for happy hour from 4 to 6 pm or treat yourself to a curated dining menu that runs the gamut from seafood and salads to pasta and steak. 120 8th Ave., St. Pete Beach (727) 317-4770; gracestpete.com $$$
The Maritana - The Don Cesar’s longstanding Maritana was renovated a few years ago, offering a sophisticated and intimate fine-dining experience featuring modern Coastal cuisine sustainably sourced, and an extensive wine list. The perfect spot for late-night dessert and aperitif. 3400 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, dinner only (844) 338-1501, doncesar.com/ dining/maritana $$$$
Beau & Mo’s Chicago Style Steakhouse - Although considered a Chicago-style steakhouse, this family run dining spot has consistently won accolades for traditional Italian specialties like Linguini and Clams and Chicken Marsala. Classy yet casual, a lively atmosphere perfect for groups and families. Dinner only. 2924 5th Ave.N., St. Petersburg (727) 771-3690 $$$
American/Casual
Ford’s Garage - Pull into this garage to find a fun 1920’s service station (don’t miss a stop in the restrooms) with a great selection of prime burgers, chicken sandwiches, salads, mac n cheese dishes, and craft beers. Indoor or outdoor dining. 200 1st Ave. S., St. Petersburg (727) 295-3673; fordsgarageusa.com $$
Stillwaters - Casual tavern and late-night hotspot on Beach Drive offers a variety of classic American fare from steak and shrimp to burgers and chicken; known for a selection of sausages made in-house. 224 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg (727) 350-1019; stillwaterstavern.com $$
The Hangar - Watch the runway action at Albert Whitted Airport in the heart of downtown at The Hangar, located on the second floor of the airport terminal. An extensive breakfast menu features traditional egg, waffle and pancake dishes and an omelette station. Main menu offers a diverse array of sandwiches, burgers, soups and salads, and sharable items including cheese fondue, wings, mussels, shrimp and nachos. Dinner entrees include a seared ribeye, grilled salmon, meatloaf, and wild mushroom ravioli. The comfortable bar is one of the best in town for happy hour drink specials from 3 to 6 pm. 540 1st Street S., St. Petersburg (727) 823-7767; thehangarstpete.com $$
Social Roost - Aptly named for its inviting casual ambiance, the Roost specializes in globally inspired chicken dishes and craft cocktails. Everything is fresh and made from scratch, from chicken samosas to the Peruvian Chicken and Chicken Tangine. 150 1st Ave. N., St. Petersburg (727) 202-6113; eatatsocialroost.com $$$
Datz - Hearty and even sinful comfort foods from loaded burgers and fried chicken to pancakes and nachos. Leave your diet at home for the Nashville Chicken Doughnut. Lively and casual indoor and outdoor dining and drinking. 180 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727) 202-1182; datztampa.com/stpete $$
Asian/Fusion
Hawkers - Asian street food kicked up a notch with craft cocktails and a young vibe at a popular Grand Central hotspot. Small plates and bowls are perfect for sharing. 1235 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727) 521-7235; eathawkers.com $$
Good Fortune - Trendy dining and highoctane night spot with top-notch AsianFusion cuisine and cocktails, Good Fortune replaces the former Ichicoro Ane below the Station House. Small sharable plates and bowls, an extensive sushi bar and a late night menu that brings out the bao combine for an adventurous evening out. 260 1st Avenue S. St. Petersburg (727) 287-3881; goodfortunestpete.com $$
Buya Ramen - Locals favorite for authentic Japanese tapas. Ramen bowls come with meat or soy-based broths, with crispy duck, braised short rib, pork belly or grilled chicken. Seaweed salad, bao buns and vegetable gyoza are starters. 911 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727) 202-7010; buyarestaurants.com $$
Alesia - Fresh French and Vietnamese cuisine in a contemporary setting near the beaches. Salads, spring rolls and banh mi, pho bowls, curry and noodle dishes all lovingly made with fresh ingredients. 7204 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727) 345-9701; alesiarestaurant.com $$
La V - Healthy Vietnamese fusion café featuring a variety of entrees, salads, noodle bowls and stir frys. Some of the best pho in town, and a broad menu of boba tea. Wines and dessert make this a great place for lunch or dinner. 441 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727) 820-3500; lavfusion.com $$
The Lemon Grass - Immense Asian tapas menu with sushi, rolls, Thai dishes, fried rice, noodles and much more. Popular for carryout via online ordering. 310 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727) 894-1111; lemongrasstapas.com $-$$
Ethnic/Global
Cassis - Combining traditional French and American influences for brunch, lunch and dinner, this European-style café is a favorite people-watching spot at sidewalk tables along Beach Drive. Carry-out French pastries and gourmet coffee and tea from the bakery. 170 Beach Dr., St. Petersburg (727) 827-2927, cassisstpete.com $$$
Lingr - Highly imaginative Nordic and Asian-inspired menu is reflective of Chef Jeffrey Jew’s heritage. The new eatery is making waves for fresh sustainable seafood with a contemporary flair. Dinner only.
400 6th Street S., St. Petersburg (727) 471-6120; lingrrestaurant.com $$$
Left Bank Bistro - Charming setting in the Crescent Lake community, Left Bank offers accessible French-style fare indoors or outdoors. A great late-night stop for dessert and coffee; the intimate bar presents jazz on Thursday evenings; brunch on weekends. 1225 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. N., St. Petersburg; (727) 256-1691$$$
Baba - It’s hard to find more authentic Mediterranean cuisine than at this indooroutdoor casual dining spot in the heart of Kenwood. Be sure to visit the bakery for some goodies to take home. 2701 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727) 954-3406; eatatbaba.com $$
Bin 6 South - This tiny wine cellar/ restaurant brings intimate dining to a new level with only one 6-top table and bar seating for a total of 12. Fine dining with a chef-driven global menu and sommelier service. Reservations a must; not for the shy. 330 6th Street S., St. Petersburg (727) 498-6735; bin6south.com $$$
Grand Hacienda - Festive atmosphere and a massive menu of authentic Mexican fare that includes vegetarian and glutenfree. Family friendly, there’s something for everyone including breakfast dishes and a Margarita happy hour Monday through Thursday. 399 11th Ave. N., St. Petersburg (727) 256-9770; grandhaciendarestaurant.com $$
Ceviche - Since moving to modern new digs on Beach Drive, the Spanish tapasinspired menu maintains its authentic dishes and creative touches heavily leaning toward seafood and a Spanish-driven wine selection. 10 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg (727) 209-2299; ceviche.com $$$
Red Mesa Cantina - Longtime fave for fans of fresh Mexican cuisine in a hip urban setting, come here to sit in the courtyard with a margarita or sangria and indulge in tacos, salads, enchiladas, quesadillas and burritos and bowls. 128 3rd St. S., St. Petersburg (855) 265-0812; redmesacantina.com $$
Renzo’s - Argentinian steakhouse with extensive menu of Latin American charcuterie and tapas, grilled meats, prime seafood and traditional pasta dishes, wines and desserts. Casual and group friendly, indoor and outdoor dining. 104 2nd St. S., St. Petersburg (727) 851-9983 $$$
Red Mesa - Not to be confused with the Cantina, the original Red Mesa offers fresh Mexican fare with influences of South and Central America, the Caribbean and beyond. Entrees include Filet Mignon Chimichurri and Ginger Crusted Salmon. 4912 4th St. N., St. Petersburg (727) 527-8728 $$$
Fado - Authentic Portuguese cuisine and wines heavily leaning toward seafood, meats and sausages in a modern setting. Love octopus? This is the place for you. 435 5th Ave. N., St. Petersburg (727) 346-5389; fadofl.com $$$
The Pearl - Moving recently to Gulfport from its longtime location on Treasure Island, the Mediterranean/Moroccan fine dining restaurant with chef/owner Karim Chiadmi at the helm offers a wide variety from steaks and seafood, pastas, veal and lamb. Dinner only from Tuesday through Saturday. 5802 28th Avenue S., Gulfport (727) 360-9151; thepearlfinedining.com $$$
Allelo - Sophisticated MediterraneanAegean theme restaurant specializes in seafood, pastas, and sharable appetizer plates and charcuterie boards. An extensive wine list and curated cocktails offer a perfect sip at the elegant marble bar inside or on the patio facing the downtown waterfront. 300 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg; (727) 851-9582; allelostpete.com $$$$
Fortu - A Pan-Asian steakhouse in the historic Ponce de Leon Hotel offers elevated dining influenced by Japan, China, Korea and Vietnam, curated cocktail and saki menus, and an elegant atmosphere. Dinner only. 95 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg; forturestaurants.com $$$$
Concrete Jungle - Mexican food goes trendy in this tropical oasis that’s bright, airy and boisterous. Have a seat in the lush tropical dining room to order shared plates, flatbreads, burgers and salads and a shot from the specialty tequila and mezcal menu. 475 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727) 475-5440 $$
Italian
BellaBrava - Authentic Italian cuisine with urban flair, the New World trattoria is lively and fun with beloved pasta dishes, woodstone oven pizza and great people watching from the sidewalk patio. 204 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg (727) 895-5515; bellabrava.com $$$
Gratzzi Ristorante - Classic Italian cuisine in a warm, friendly environment. Choose from steak and seafood to traditional Italian favorites like Pork Ossobuco and Veal Saltimbocca. Known for their Cavatelli Bada Bing, pasta prepared tableside in a wheel of parmesan cheese. Dinner only. 211 2nd St. S., St. Petersburg (727) 623-9037; gratzzigrille.com $$$
Il Ritorno - When owner/executive chef David Benstock beat TV chef Bobby Flay in a May 2021 episode, seats at this intimate downtown eatery were hard to come by. It’s still a good idea to make a reservation to discover Benstock’s fresh, modern Italian cuisine that simply brims with love and creativity. Dinner only. 449 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727) 897-5900; ilritornodowntown.com $$$$
Taverna Costale - Coastal Italian dining from celebrity chef Fabio Viviani recently opened in the heart of downtown offers the perfect blend of a rustic Italian eatery, an energetic local tavern, and an upscale modern restaurant. Extensive wine list, craft cocktails and an indoor/ outdoor bar. Dinner only. 200 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727) 954-3863; tavernacoastale.com $$$
Pia’s Trattoria and Pia’s Veranda – The Trattoria’s romantic indoor/outdoor dining rooms, excellent service and classic menu, make it one of the top Italian restaurants in the region. Favorites include a classic Beef Carpaccio from grass-fed cattle, Linguini Alla Vongole and Penne Quatro Formaggio al Forno. Across the street, a more casual sister location offers shady outdoor seating and live music daily. Both locations open at 4 pm. 3054/3038 Beach Blvd. S., Gulfport (727) 327-2190; piastrattoria.com $$$
Bonu Taverna Italiana - Since opening in 2022, Bonu has developed a devout following who come to enjoy the fresh Italian cuisine and friendly service found in this trendy Central Avenue café. Grab a seat at the bar, outside patio or a table in the airy dining room. Specialties range from pizza “pinsas” and charcuterie to pasta, salads and soups. A weekend brunch brings out even more specialties. 601 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727) 623-4505; bonutaverna.online $$$
Healthy/Fusion
Craft Kafe - Popular downtown coffeeshop and café specializes in glutenfree artisan pastries, quiches, pizza, salads and soups. Sit on the patio and watch the world go by. 200 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727) 256-8587; craftkafe.com $$
Cider Press Vegan Gastropub - A longtime locals favorite, Cider Press presents a pub menu of vegan “imposters” from monstrous Beyond Beef burgers to Bang Bang “Shrimp,” Buffalo “Chicken” Mac & Cheese, and “Fish” and Chips. A sleek, modern interior, and a chic bar make this a place even meat eaters will love. 3118 3rd Ave. N., St. Petersburg (727) 914-7222; ciderpresspub.com $$
Good Intentions - Creative vegan/ vegetarian eatery combines healthful entrees and appetizers with a solid wine list and craft cocktails. Come in for coffee and dessert to knock your socks off; brunch on Saturday and Sunday. 1900 1st Avenue S. St. Petersburg; (727) 280-6068; goodintentionsfl.com $$
Wild Child - Named the Best New Restaurant of 2022 by the Tampa Bay Times, this coral pink neighborhood bistro meets all the requirements with creative cuisine, fresh and seasonal ingredients, and tiki craft cocktails all meticulously prepared and served. Tuna tostadas, jerk octopus, Peruvian seafood chowder are menu highlights. Indoor/outdoor seating; dinner only but open 11 am Sunday for brunch. 2710 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727) 954-7425; wildchildstpete.com $$$
