Gulf To Bay St. Pete Clearwater FL

We've got you covered. On the following pages, the Tampa Bay Times' food critic Helen Freund recommends t o p restaurants in the area, everything from date-night spots with a water view to the best seafood in St. Pete/Clearwater.

• CADDY'S • Treasure Island; $ • Not many places carry the same toes-in-the-sand allure as this Caddy's location, which overlooks the Gulf of Mexico on Treasure Island's Sunset Beach. The local mini-chain has made casual, waterside, beachy eats its calling card, from smoked fish spread to fried grouper nuggets, crab cake dinners and shrimp baskets. It's also a popular party spot with frequent live music and the rooftop bar, which can get lively at all times of the day, has the best seats in the house come sunset.

• FRENCHY'S ROCKAWAY GRILL • Clearwater Beach; $$ • The largest and liveliest of the five Frenchy's restaurants in Clearwater and Dunedin, this is beachfront dining at its best, right on the Gulf of Mexico and the sugar white sands of Clearwater Beach. Favorites include the grouper sandwiches, which feature meaty grouper fillets, served on an onion roll dressed with cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and tartar sauce. It's a matter of personal choice whether you want your fish golden-fried in a thick and crunchy crust, lightly seasoned and grilled, or coated in Cajun seasoning for an extra kick. If stone crabs are in season, there's really no better way to wind down from a day on the beach than with a pound of cold claws and some sweet mustard dipping sauce.

• PALM PAVILION • Clearwater Beach; $$ • A great option for beachside eats and killer sunset watching, this Clearwater Beach institution (since 1926) sits directly on the beach overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. Frequent live music performances, a full bar where cocktails receive heavy-handed pours and a wooden wraparound deck lend the space a casual, seaside vibe that's just as nice to pop in for a few drinks as it is to while away a lunch or dinner for several hours. The kitchen delivers a consistent spread of both seafood dishes - fried grouper cheeks, wasabi scallops - as well as a large selection of entrees ranging from smoked barbecue ribs to skirt steaktacos and Angus beef burgers.

• RUSTY BELLIES WATERFRONT GRILL • Tarpon Springs; $$ • While checking out the historic Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks, take a stroll down the busy Dodecanese Boulevard until you hit this waterfront spot, which sports a large outdoor patio with views of Tarpon Bayou and Anclote River. A tiki bar features rum-heavy spins on Trader Vic tiki classics while the restaurant's proximity to the docks is a nod to the owners' focus on fresh, Florida seafood. Steamed Cedar Key clams, peel-and-eat shrimp including grouper, American snapper and fried and breaded mullet fillets highlight the local seafood menu.

• SALT ROCK GRILL • Indian Shores; $$$ • At this long-running Indian Shores spot, the dock-to-restaurant line is literal: Peek outside to the dock below and you'll probably catch one of the owners' fishing boats hauling in the day's fresh catch. The kitchen also boasts a large selection of hand-cut steaks, all USDA prime or choice grade beef, which are aged for weeks before grilling to order over natural oak and citrus wood. The wine list is impressive and the restaurant's cellar features an extensive collection. The space recently underwent a full renovation inside, but the outside patio deck overlooking the Intracoastal waterway is still the best spot to close out an evening.

• TEAK/PIER TEAKI • St. Petersburg; $$ • Encompassing an expansive 26-acre entertainment district, the new St. Pete Pier includes several waterside restaurants with fantastic views, but nothing beats the rooftop scene at Pier Teaki, which offers an unparalleled 360-degree vista of the downtown St. Pete skyline and Tampa Bay. While the upstairs tiki-themed lounge features bar snacks like tuna bowls and pretzel bites, more elevated options can be found one floor below, at the nautical-themed restaurant Teak, where composed plates include a lobster-topped surf and turf burger and short ribs with a ginger guava sauce.

• TIKI DOCKS SKYWAY BAR & GRILL • St. Petersburg; $ • The Polynesian-themed bar and grill in St. Pete's Skyway Marina District sits inside the Maximo Marina and sports a sprawling waterfront setting with plenty of outdoor seating. The food menu is focused on seaside-eats like raw oysters and smoked fish spread, peel-and-eat shrimp, sandwiches and seafood platters while a tropical-leaning drink menu includes potent margaritas, rum punch cocktails and tiki classics like mai tais and painkillers.

• WOODY'S WATERFRONT CAFE AND BEACH BAR • St. Pete Beach; $$ • With views of the Gulf of Mexico and Blind Pass, this St. Pete Beach mainstay has earned a well-deserved spot on the local's circuit. Fans come f o r t he laid-back scene, Florida beach bar food and potent happy hour cocktails. Fried clam strips, served with a lemon wedge, are a popular starter, as are the tangy, smoky Buffalo wings and the fried shrimp baskets with spicy fries. Most of the seating is outside, at covered picnic tables right on the seawall. If you're lucky, you'll catch a pod of dolphins frolicking right in front of you, while waiting on your dinner.

• ALTO MARE • St. Petersburg; $$ • One of the best bets on St. Pete's tony Beach Drive NE for fresh seafood and a raw bar bonanza, this restaurant sports a nice amount of sidewalk seating perfect for people watching and soaking up the sights and sounds of a lively evening. Lavish seafood towers toppling with oysters and shrimp are perfect for a special occasion splurge while a selection of creative salads, pastas and entrees - including a generously portioned lobster roll - mean there's plenty to be found for all appetites. In-the-know diners will ask for raw 'LoCos' as the restaurant is one of the only spots in the Tampa Bay area selling the locally farmed bivalves from Lost Coast Oyster Company.

• HOG ISLAND FISH CAMP • Dunedin; $$ • With lots of reclaimed wood and turquoise accents, a seafood-focused menu heavy on locally caught favorites like grouper and hogfish and a breezy indoor-outdoor setup, this downtown Dunedin restaurant imbues a worn-in and welcoming atmosphere with plenty of fishing camp charm. The menu includes dishes like the Captain's Plate, a hearty combo platter of fried grouper nuggets, shrimp and oysters with sides like grit cakes and collard greens, while the fresh catch of the day is available grilled, blackened or broiled under a cheesy panko Parmesan crust.

• THE LITTLE LAMB • Clearwater; $$ • Tucked into a strip mall off McMullen Booth Road, this unassuming Clearwater gastropub delivers big flavors with an ambitious, globe-trotting menu, a newly renovated spacious yet cozy dining room and an elevated cocktail program that offers creative spins on the classics. A dinner menu designed with snacking and sharing in mind starts with dishes like pork belly and mint salad lettuce wraps and crispy-fried cauliflower in coconut caramel before moving on to larger plates like seared scallops with crab fried rice, butternut squash pasta with walnuts and broccoli rabe, and a braised lamb shank served with celeriac and Brussels sprouts.

• PACIFIC COUNTER • St. Petersburg; $ • Guests are greeted with a friendly "Aloha!" upon entering this casual, counter service restaurant in downtown St. Pete. Fresh poke - the trendy Hawaiian raw fish specialty - in bowl or burrito form, is the highlight and diners order in an assembly-line format, mixing and matching ingredients like silky hunks of raw salmon or spicy tuna with bases including brown rice or noodles and toppings that run the gamut from radishes and cucumbers to blistered green peppers, sauteed mushrooms and chia seeds (basically, the sky's the limit). For a refreshing sweet treat, the spot's light and airy Dole Whip packs a zingy pineapple punch that's perfect for a midday pick-me-up.

• SEA SALT • St. Petersburg; $$$ • Perched on the second floor of downtown St. Pete's Sundial shopping complex, the upscale restaurant features eye-catching displays like a 22-foot glass-encased wine cellar and an 80-foot-long raw bar, where oysters from all over the United States are served. A large, shaded patio includes plenty of outdoor seating and come happy hour, it's one of the area's best-kept secrets for high-end seafood steals, $1 oysters, and discounted snacks like arancini, tuna nachos and truffled deviled eggs.

• SEA WORTHY FISH + BAR • Tierra Verde; $$ • In 2015, Hope Montgomery and Jason Ruhe opened Brick & Mortar in downtown St. Pete to great acclaim. It should come as no surprise that five years later, their sophomore effort is just as delicious, with a seafaring twist. The new restaurant is inspired by the couple's love for the open water with a menu that leans heavily on local seafood. Don't skip out on the scallops with bucatini carbonara or the whole fried catch, which arrives plated atop coconut rice and a bright papaya slaw. The restaurant inside imbues cozy nautical vibes but the best seat in the house is on the outdoor deck when, if you time it just right, you will net spectacular views of the sunset.

• WATER OAK GRILL • Safety Harbor; $$ • This upscale-casual steak and seafood restaurant sits in the heart of downtown Safety Harbor with ample sidewalk seating right on Main Street. Owner Walt Wickman has made fresh, locally caught seafood his calling card, and though the premise here is on high-quality steaks and seafood dinners, the price tag speaks to a more casual, neighborhood spot. A raw bar and seafood section highlights local catch like grouper and hogfish, whilea selection of steak dinners and shareable snacks like sliders and steamed buns round out the menu.

• IL RITORNO • St. Petersburg; $$$ • This fine dining Italian restaurant in downtown St. Pete has been around for several years but still feels modern and of-the-moment with a constantly evolving menu that hinges on the freshest ingredients and impressive kitchen techniques. Led by a small team of tenured culinary players and a polished and knowledgeable waitstaff, dinners here feel both intimate and well-suited for special occasions. A daily five-course chef's tasting menu can include the optional wine and white or black truffle pairings, offering the best of what the chef has in store that day, from a lardo-wrapped octopus with brown butter poached carrots to handmade tagliatelle with roasted bone marrow.

• JACK PALLINO'S • Dunedin; $ • This downtown Dunedin pizzeria and sports bar provides a little bit of everything for everyone. For the sports fans, a long indoor bar offers a great spot to spend a Sunday afternoon watching the game while the cozy indoor dining room and large outdoor patio are great for larger groups and pizza sharing. The highlight here are Neapolitan-style pies, which emerge from the restaurant's brick oven perfectly pockmarked with charred bubbles of dough and crispy, chewy crusts. The menu also includes creative touches to Italian antipasti like soppressata with braised fennel and olives and white anchovies served with goat cheese and truffle oil.

• MAZZARO'S ITALIAN MARKET • St. Petersburg; $ • The popular market in St. Pete has achieved something akin to cult status, and both the one-of-a-kind shopping experience and the gourmet food products are worth every bit of the hype. Come here and spend hours browsing the massive cheese selection, fine wine assortment, super fresh seafood and sprawling butcher case. Or pop in for a lunchtime treat and peruse the deli counter, stocked high with prepared treats like lasagna, roasted pork loin, chicken piccata and homemade pastas and sauces to-go. The huge sandwiches and weekly specials are always a safe bet.

• NONA SLICE HOUSE • Safety Harbor; $$ • You're not just getting pizza at this downtown Safety Harbor restaurant - you're getting a show. At some point on most evenings, the owner (a self-proclaimed "pizzaiolo'' who has won international awards for his pie-tossing acrobatics) will come out and do a little performance, spinning and swirling the pizza dough high in the air, often to the musical styles of a live performer. Several different types of pizza are served here, but the best bet are the Detroit-style pies - thick, square pizzas baked with Wisconsin brick cheese, which oozes and gets extra crispy at the edges.

• PIA'S TRATTORIA • Gulfport; $$ • With bright fuchsia bougainvillea creeping up the canary yellow walls and candelabras covered in dripping wax, Pia's in Gulfport knows how to turn up the romance factor big time. The spot features all the hallmark characteristics of a rustic and cozy neighborhood trattoria, with a menu featuring creative spins on Italian classics like capellini pomodoro and buttery shrimp scampi over homemade linguine, eggplant Parmesan, and plump blue crab ravioli with a brown butter sauce. The restaurant also has plenty of vegan dishes and gluten-free pastas on their evolving menu.

• SOUL SICILIAN FUSION • Clearwater; $$ • This charming Sicilian restaurant hews closely to southern Italian classics in a downtown Clearwater setting. A selection of antipasti includes silky slices of prosciutto paired with pillow-like orbs of burrata and pan-fried octopus coupled with crispy nuggets of fried potatoes and asparagus. Don't skip out on the excellent pasta dishes, which rely on simple, fresh ingredients that shine (in particular, the spaghetti all 'Amatriciana is a sleeper hit). An all-Italian wine list includes a few Sicilian dessert selections, which pair great with the restaurant's best-selling dessert, tiramisu.

EGA • St. Petersburg; $ • What was once just a tiny Cuban walk-up spot in St. Pete's EDGE District is now a fully expanded sit-down restaurant, but the popularity of the grab-and-go window hasn't waned one bit. Around lunchtime, a line still stretches down the street with fans who come from all over for the refreshing and spritzy aguas frescas, hearty lechon platters toppling with juicy, flavorful roasted pork, cafes con leche and fresh fruit smoothies, and one of the best Cuban sandwiches in town.

• CASA TINA • Dunedin; $$ • Dining at this festive downtown Dunedin Mexican restaurant is like stepping into a multi-sensory Oaxacan wonderland, outfitted with colorful artwork, dangling star lanterns and the occasional aerial performance artist. Here you'll find big plates of regional Mexican dishes, like the pescado a la Veracruzana, topped with a bright and juicy sauce of tomatoes, onions, capers and olives. Roasted chile rellenos are charred and stuffed with melting cheese, while the showstopper plate of chiles en nogada features a traditional dish from the Puebla region in Mexico and comes draped undera creamy brandy walnut sauce and a shower of pomegranate seeds.

HE FLORIBBEAI • St. Petersburg; $ • Billing itself as a Caribbean fusion restaurant, the casual counterspot in St. Pete's Grand Central District features a build-your-own-bowl concept combining Florida and Caribbean cooking techniques.The assembly-line ordering format means guests can mix and match proteins with starches, sides and sauces. The restaurant also lists a number of signature bowls, including the Yardbird, a savory combo of smoked paprika chicken, sweet plantains, coconut rice, ginger black beans and a jerk aioli. Tropical thirst quenchers include acai juice, fresh coconut, lime and gingerjuice, and mango mimosas.

D MESA • St. Petersburg; $$ • The flagship location on Fourth Street opened in 1995 and the local Mexican mini empire has since expanded with the more casual offshoots: Red Mesa Cantina, in downtown St. Pete, and Red Mesa Mercado, in St. Pete's EDGE District. At the original spot, you'll find a polished and warm atmosphere to accompany the creative takes on regional Mexican, Central American and Southwestern cuisines. The EDGE District's Mercado location is where you might head on a sunny weekend afternoon or for a quick lunch break and the buzzy downtown Red Mesa Cantina is a great place to turn it up over a round offish tacos and potent margaritas on the shady outdoor patio.

.D • St. Petersburg; $$ • This buzzy, tropical-themed restaurant has quickly become one of the most popular hot spots on St. Pete's dining scene. With a spacious - and covered - outdoor dining setup, a creative menu that touches on bright Caribbean flavors (snapper ceviche with watermelon and plantain chips; jerk octopus with Meyer lemon jam) and a cocktail menu heavy on the tequila and mezcal, the restaurant feels a lot like the 'Burg's very own tropical oasis. Weekend brunch offers a nice excuse to soak up some sunshine at the sidewalk tables over dishes like tres leches French toast, and eye-openers that include pineapple, watermelon and grapefruit mimosas.

• CAFE LARGC • Largo; $$$ • Take a culinary trip to France without leaving the country atthis long-running Largo restaurant where regional dishes offer a taste of the country that extends beyond the standard bistro classics. Romanticand intimate, this is the place to cozy up and lingerfor hours over plates of foie gras with cognac-tinged apples, roasted duck breast with tarragon sauce and dark and creamy Belgian chocolate mousse. Athreecourse prix-fixe menu includes a choice of pate or soup to start, several entrees and a fruit tart or house sorbet for dessert.

• CASSIS • St. Petersburg; $$ • This French-American hybrid feels in many ways like the anchor of Beach Drive; and with escargot, moules frites and a classic croque monsieur, there is plenty to satisfy any francophile. But the wide-reaching menu covers plenty of New American ground, too: burgers are topped with caramelized onions and gruyere, sea scallops are served with a braised short rib hash, and a blackened grouper sandwich is paired with remoulade and pineapple. The upscale casual bistro vibe inside the restaurant extends to the airy outdoor patio - the best spot to be on a sunny weekend afternoon.

• LEFT BANK BISTRO • St. Petersburg; $$ • This charming French restaurant, inside a renovated home, seeks to evoke the jazz and splendor of Paris' left bank in the 1920s and pays homage to both the literary and artistic accomplishments of the era. Outside, the spacious patio provides plenty of options for a breezy al fresco meal. Inside, the dining room is outfitted with cozy nooks where it's easy to feel as if you're dining inside someone's home. The French bistro menu includes all classics: silky chicken liver pate, served with pickled fennel and caper berries; caramelized onion tarts; steak frites; boeuf bourguignon and a beautiful bouillabaisse, chock full of local seafood bobbing in a saffron-tinged lobster broth.

• PARTS OF PARI • Safety Harbor; $$ • Set in a restored 1936 bungalow in the heart of downtown Safety Harbor, this modern French bistro imbues plenty of neighborhood charm. It's a popular spot for date nights and the bar scene can often get lively, fueled by a creative list of libations ranging from cucumber basil martinis to fizzy French 75s. Don't skip on the daily specials, which include a classic boeuf bourguignon on Tuesdays and tasty bouillabaisse on Fridays.

• BUYA RAMEN • St. Petersburg; $ • This modern, dimly-lit Japanese gastropub offers a short but standout selection of izakaya-style small plates, from fluffy bao, stuffed with crispy pork belly to char-grilled edamame and savory mushroom buns. The ramen is excellent, too, especially the tonkotsu versions, where a cloudy, flavorful chicken and pork bone broth is paired with anything from crispy duck to braised short rib, pork belly and shiitake mushrooms. An extensive Japanese whiskey selection provides the backbone for many cocktails and the shochu and sake collection offer plenty of variety for curious imbibers looking to explore something new.

• DOORIBAN • St. Petersburg; $ • St. Pete's best bet for traditional Korean fare sits inside a former drive-through fast food restaurant, but the casual, no-frills setting belies the fantastic, firecracker flavors exiting the kitchen here. To start the meal, a hodgepodge of banchan appears - a collection of side dishes that include spicy cucumbers, marinated radish spears and flavorful fish cakes. Then, platters of marinated beef bulgogi arrive, piled high with white rice and sauteed vegetables while hunks of tofu bob in a fiery kimchi soup and thick rice cakes come swimming in a hot and spicy red sauce topped with a hard-boiled egg.

• HAWKERS ASIAN STREET FOOD • St. Petersburg; $$ • An homage to Asian street food stalls, this lively restaurant in St. Pete's EDGE District provides a fun excuse to sample and share from a variety of appetizer-style plates that draw inspiration from Bangkokto Singapore. Malaysian rati canai - a flaky, warm flatbread - gets dipped and dragged through a thick and warming curry sauce. Sichuanstyle wontons are filled with chicken and nestled in an umami-rich peanut sauce. Korean fried chicken wings are coated in a garlicky gochujang elixir and topped with crushed peanuts, sesame seeds and cilantro. The restaurant's edgy, industrial chic design includes a large outdoor patio and airy bar space, perfect for taking in the sights and sounds of Central Avenue.

• PATTI'S KITCHEN • Pinellas Park; $ • This off-the-beaten-path foodie destination in Pinellas Park delivers big rewards for anyone in search of some seriously spicy noodle soups and Thai specialties. The tiny, nook-of-a-restaurant serves as an homage to the street noodles of Bangkok. What might seem like a uniform genre at first delivers a unique selection of dishes, each one carrying a powerhouse of flavors. Starters like the impossibly flaky Thai curry puffs and the restaurant's signature boat noodle dish are more than enough reason to visit.

• THE BLACK PEARL • Dunedin; $$$ • Always a strong contender when it comes to celebrating special occasions, this elegant and upscale restaurant sits tucked away on downtown Dunedin's Main Street. The elevated New American and French menu includes plenty of exercises in decadence from a white truffle-laced lobster risotto to foie gras-topped filet mignon. Food this good doesn't come cheap, but for anniversaries and special dates, this is the place to splurge.

• BRICK & MORTAR • St. Petersburg; $$ • Since 2015, this restaurant has wooed locals with its charming, cozy ambiance, ambitious and often envelope-pushing menu and creative wine list that frequently features smaller and lesser-known producers. A popular spot for date nights, the small restaurant can fill up quickly, so reservations are always a good idea. Don't skip out on the braised short ribs with house made "fat" noodles, the tuna tartare served with crispy shrimp chips o r t h e B&M burger, a strong contender in the genre, served on a pretzel bun and topped with bacon jam, sharp white cheddar, arugula and aioli.

• THE DEWEY AT BERKELEY BEACH CLUB • Pass-A-Grille; $$ • Part of the boutique Berkeley Beach Club, the restaurant is a joint effort from a pair of seasoned Tampa restaurateurs and the kitchen's upscale take on modern beach cuisine is spot-on - elevated and innovative yet still deeply evocative of the seaside culture it seeks to re-create. A few blocks from Pass-A-Grille Beach, this isn't a toes-in-the-sand kind of joint, though many of the dishes feel light enough for a swimsuit-wearing snack, from the creamy smoked mahi dip to the barbecue-grilled shrimp and a grilled stone fruit salad. Don't skip the sunsets on the rooftop deck, where a beautiful view of the Gulf of Mexico unfolds to the west while parts of the Pass-a-Grille Channel are visible to the east.

• THE LIBRARY • St. Petersburg; $$ • With dark and light wood paneling, bookshelves that stretch almost as high as the tall ceilings and plush royal blue banquettes to cozy up in, it's easy to see where the place gets its name. But The Library is also home to an excellent restaurant sporting a creative New American menu. The spot gets lively during brunch, when light fills the sprawling dining room space and guests linger over plates of crispy-fried Brussels sprouts with ricotta salata, cinnamon-spiced sourdough French toast and the not-to-be-missed fried green tomato BLTs.

• THE RESTORATIVE • Dunedin; $$ • A constantly changing menu keeps it fresh at this creative and charming New American restaurant in Dunedin. Reservations f o r t he petite dining room can be made through Tock, an online ticketing system, but there's usually some room for walk-ins at the bar. A husband-and-wife team run the show here and the duo has won over locals and critics alike for their ambitious menu and welcoming, cozy atmosphere. The kitchen's creativity never ceases to impress with dishes like seared scallops with fennel, burnt orange and lobster sauce; halibut with smoked potatoes, miso and seaweed butter; and for dessert, blue cheese ice cream with cranberry compote and cinnamon.

• THE URBAN STILLHOUSE • St. Petersburg; $$$ • St. Pete's Warehouse Arts District is home to this new sprawling cocktail bar, restaurant and bourbon lounge. Designed with distilleries in Scotland and Kentucky in mind, the 16,000-square-foot, bi-level building features industrial touches and a sleek modern decor. Guests can sip cocktails at the downstairs lounge or sample whiskey flights inside the private tasting room. Meanwhile, diners can nosh on shareable plates of crispy artichoke hearts with mint, parmesan and lemon aioli and larger dishes like a grilled Niman Ranch pork chop served with caramelized peaches, wild mushrooms and marcona almonds.

• WOODEN LADLE • Oldsmar; $ • Drawing on culinary influences from Japan and Vietnam, this ramen and pho spot in Oldsmar offers a selection of noodle soups and izakaya-style snacks and small plates in a contemporary setting. For a fast-casual spin, guests order from touch-screen iPads before seating themselves in the modern dining room, outfitted with tall wooden tables and walls papered with black-and-white anime prints. Ramen is the highlight, from the traditional tonkotsu-style bowls to spicy chicken and vegetarian versions. A long list of beers feel well-suited to some of the snackier items like the Japanese-style karaage chicken, which arrive deep-fried, seasoned with ginger and paired with a spicy aioli for dipping.

• DR. BBQ • St. Petersburg; $$ • Barbecue pitmaster and television personality Ray Lampe (aka Dr. BBQ) is a part-owner of this operation, a sprawling bi-level restaurant in St. Pete's EDGE District. The menu is billed as "new American barbecue," which includes a creative and wide-reaching menu of smoked meat and seafood, from brisket and pastrami to pork belly and salmon. But this is not carnivore exclusive territory: The kitchen churns out a large number of vegetarian and vegan dishes that have spent time over fire, from the harissa-grilled carrots to roasted pineapple in a brown sugar and rum glaze.

• THE OZONA PIG • Palm Harbor; $ • Right in the center of historic Ozona, this homage to Memphis-style southern barbecue is a casual and family-friendly spot with a robust local following. Folks come for the low-and-slow pulled pork and brisket plates toppling with stick-to-your-ribs sides like baked beans, slaw and deviled eggs (most plates are big enough for two to share, and then some). The house special banana pudding (or, as they call it here, the "southern creme brulee") is a favorite for dessert, as are the coconut creme and peanut butter pies.

» BOB HEILMAN'S BEACHCOMBER • Clearwater Beach; $$$ • Take a step back in time at this Clearwater Beach mainstay, which offers a taste of a glamorous and bygone era. Start with a Beachcomber Classic martini or a Harvey Wallbanger and move on to Clams Casino, escargot in a buttery Madeira sauce and jumbo shrimp cocktail. The restaurant features several different dining areas, including the intimate main room, which often features live piano performances. Diners come f o r t h e fresh seafood, quality steaks and the "Back to the Farm" fried chicken, which comes served with whipped potatoes, a vegetable side, pan gravy and old-fashioned cream slaw.

THE CHATTAWAY • St. Petersburg; $ • A high tea service features a proper English setup in the back dining room, decorated with intricate chinaware, replicas of London telephone booths and photographs of the Queen. Step out onto the shaded patio, and you're right back in Florida: A collection of picnic tables sits surrounded by a lush canopy of tropical plants and pink bathtubs double as flower beds. Regulars come for the hefty 7-oz. cheeseburgers and the crispy-battered fish and chips, made with cod. Grouper platters are another favorite and feature thick fillets of the local fish blackened, fried or grilled with coleslaw and mixed vegetables.

TED PETERS FAMOUS SMOKED FISH • St. Petersburg; $ • For nearly 70 years, the smell of smoked fish, suntan oil and saltwater has been synonymous with this beloved Pasadena Avenue restaurant. The mostly outdoor spot sports a sun-kissed crowd: weekend beach trippers, families with kids and longtime regulars, many of whom have been frequenting the restaurant for several decades. Everyone comes for the smoked fish - mahi, salmon, mackerel and mullet. But they're also here for the German-style potato salad, vinegary and studded with bacon;frosty mugs filled with light beer;and one of the area's best cheeseburgers.

• THE CIDER PRESS CAFI • St. Petersburg; $ • In many ways, this bustling cafe feels like the vegan and raw anchor of St. Pete's downtown dining scene. In the heart of the boutique and restaurant-packed 600 block of Central Avenue, the owners have taken full advantage of the prime real estate with lots of outdoor seating that stretches around both sides of the corner building. The wide-reaching menu is full of global and eclectic twists, from grilled seitan banh mi sandwiches to black bean burgers and hummus fries with sriracha. The restaurant also features a good selection of beer, wine, ciders and spiked seltzers.

RI • Safety Harbor; $ • This cozy vegan market and bistro in downtown Safety Harbor specializes in upscale and gourmet vegan dishes, several of which feature international influences. Rice cakes are served with a coconut chutney, seared chive and cabbage dumplings feature spicy Korean gochujang paste, and bacon tempeh sliders are paired with leafy greens and sundried tomato pesto on toasted buns. The space doubles as a small market so be sure to stock up on some vegan goodies to-go before you hit the road.

• CRAFT KAFE • St. Petersburg; $ • The trendy cafe has built a name for itself as one of the most beloved local spots catering to the gluten-free crowd. A large selection of tasty, gluten-free pastries includes muffins, turnovers and cookies, while the breakfast and lunch menus include a daily vegan soup, several sandwiches and a build-your-own omelet deal that comes with homefries and toast. A large awning provides plenty of shaded space at the downtown St. Pete location while the 66th Street N spot is a great place to grab an iced coffee and an avocado toast on your way to the beach.

• GOLDEN DINOSAUR • Gulfport; $ • This casual cafe's eclectic, funky and laid-back vibe on Beach Boulevard have made it a Gulfport neighborhood mainstay. The all-vegan menu hinges on quality meat alternatives all made in-house, from sausages to cutlets and seitan. And if it's not made from scratch, there's a good chance it's sourced locally, from the pastrami reubens, piled high with St. Pete Ferments sauerkraut to the local beer and kombucha on draught. A recent remodel allows guests to order online or through a contactless walk-up window and the outdoor area includes plenty of patio seating.

• LOVE FOOD CENTRAL • St. Petersburg; $ • You'll find quality vegan and gluten-free cooking that extends beyond your basic veggie burger joint at this breezy Central Avenue cafe. Start with the kale Caesar salad and move on to something heartier, like the buffalo tempeh sandwich. Or instead, why not linger over the impressive cheese board, which is made with a selection of macadamia and almond-based cheeses and paired with pickled veggies, jams and flaxseed crackers. Whatever you do, don't skip the Carmelita dessert bars, which are a salty and sweet caramel coconut treat.

• BEANS & BARLOUR • St. Petersburg; $ • Part cocktail lounge, part ice cream parlour and part craft coffee bar, this unique St. Pete hybrid features sweet treats and boozy concoctions like pina colada Dole whip floats and White Claw mangonadas. The outdoor sidewalk seating provides a nice place to sit and people watch but if you're looking to take your ice cream on the road, the spot also serves a number of their most popular flavors (Whiskey Bacon Pecan, anyone?) in pint size containers to-go.

• STRACHAN'S ICE CREAM AND DESSERTS • Dunedin; $ • With locations in Dunedin, Clearwater and Palm Harbor, this ice cream parlor and dessert hub has become a must-go for locals looking for a sweet fix. With flavors like Birthday Cake Batter, Almond Joy and Red Velvet Cake, there is no shortage of creativity. People rave about the carrot cake, and for good reason: Chock-full of pecans, shredded carrots and thick cream cheese frosting, it's the buttery "special sauce" that keeps the layers so incredibly moist and delicious. Guess what? There's a carrot cake ice cream flavor, too.

• (SWAH-REY) • St. Petersburg; $ • With two locations in St. Pete, this popular dessert bar(yep, there is beer and wine served for the grown-ups) is a local favorite for sweet tooths. From-scratch cakes come in mini and full-size versions, and the creative flavors run the gamut from blueberry cobbler to coconut lime, pancakes and bacon, and chocolate salted caramel. The menu, like the decor, is fun and full of whimsy. Order the "hookup" and get your choice of beverage with a miniature cake balancing on the rim of the cup.

• VALHALLA BAKERY • St. Petersburg; $ • It's hard to believe everything in this gem of a bakery is vegan (but trust us, it is). The Central Avenue shop shares a storefront with Lucy's, a vegan sandwich and lunch spot, so it's simple to get both your sweet and savory fix inone stop. For the sweet tooth, it's impossible to go wrong with the nanaimo bars, made with a dark chocolate coconut crust filled with custard. The peach and strawberry lemon bars are like lemon squares crossed with a peach crisp, and any number of cake selections are worth it if only to marvel at the dreamy vegan buttercream frosting. For more of a savory fix, the vegan sausage rolls and spinach and artichoke hand pies can't be beat.

• WILLIAM DEAN CHOCOLATES • Belleair; $ • Since 2007, this Belleair Bluffs chocolatier has racked up international acclaim, garnering wide-spread accolades and multiple awards along the way. The proof isn't in the pudding - it's in the tiny, intricately hand-painted and airbrushed chocolate truffles. From the white chocolate key lime ganache-filled treats to the rum-tinged bananas foster versions shaped like a little fleur-de-lis, these aren't your everyday chocolates - these are miniature works of art. A bonus: you can get a box of the chocolates shipped anywhere in the U.S.

• BANDIT COFFEE CO • St. Petersburg; $ • A bright black-and-white mural reading, "Hello, Saint Petersburg," beckons to passersby on Central Avenue. Outside, people clutching iced lattes chat with friends. Those in-the-know will show up extra early on certain weekend mornings to take advantage of pop-up specials, which often sell out in minutes. Their single-origin coffees are sourced from all over the world and roasted locally and the shop also stocks a decent selection of natural wines by the bottle. Don't skip out on the breakfast sandwich, one of the 'Burg's best contenders in the genre.

• THE COFFEE MILL • Largo; $ • This quaint and cozy Largo coffee shop and roaster features more than 60 different types of coffees and a dozen different teas, as well as daily assortments of blended shakes, pastries, toasts and waffles. While you're waiting for your coffee, browse the gift and kitchen gadget selection, which features an array of edible goodies as a collection of candles, tea towels and greeting cards.

• INDIAN SHORES COFFEE • Indian Shores; $ • The owners of this Indian Shores cafe also run St. Pete's Black Crow Coffee Co., and the two spots carry a similarly cozy and funky aesthetic, with artwork adorning the walls and a piano tucked away in one of the corners. The cafe inside is dark and intimate while the shady patio is surrounded by lush plants. Baked goodies include homemade chocolate and banana walnut muffins, coffee cake and donuts, and there are usually gluten-free and vegan options available. The cafe also boasts some of the best croissants in the area and the breakfast sandwiches make for an excellent start to any day.

• INTERMEZZO • St. Petersburg; $ • During the daytime, people cozy up over lattes and laptops. As soon as the sun sets, this spot gets amped up a few notches and the coffee drinks are swapped out for something stronger. That's because Intermezzo is really two different businesses: A craft coffee shop and cafe by day, and a swanky cocktail lounge by night. Inspired by the European cafes of the 1950s and '60s, the minimalist decor includes tall ceilings, plenty of natural light and several tables for smaller groups or solo visitors. A side patio features several picnic tables for outdoor seating and offers a prime spot to take in the lively downtown scene.

• SWEET BREWNETTE • Madeira Beach; $ • This laid-back cafe right off Madeira Beach oozes casual seaside charm. The focus is on organic and fair trade coffees and the menu breathes some excitement into the standard espresso drink setup. Some of the more whimsical creations clearly have the sugar aficionado in mind with drinks like the Funky Munky, a blend of espresso with peanut butter, banana and chocolate flavors or the Bunny Love, which combines espresso with raspberry and white chocolate. A lively breakfast scene draws locals and beachgoers in for the Belgian waffles, veggie-packed frittatas and - for the grownups - mimosas made with freshly squeezed orange juice.

Go on a journey with some of the best chefs and restaurant hot spots around St. Pete/Clearwater with our culinary video series.

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