Gulf To Bay St. Pete Clearwater FL

In our most comprehensive dining guide yet, Tampa Bay Times senior food and dining critic Helen Freund shares her go-to spots in St. Pete-Clearwater, from award-winning kitchens to casual seafood joints and scenic waterfront favorites.

$ MOST DISHES UNDER $15
$$ MOST ENTRÉES UNDER $25
$$$ MOST ENTRÉES MORE THAN $35

This mostly alfresco restaurant at the base of the St. Pete Pier is great for a stop-in any time of day. Pop in for a coffee and a pastry, sidle up to the lively outdoor bar for an afternoon cocktail, or linger over a decadent dinner at one of the shaded outdoor tables.

The largest and liveliest restaurants of the Frenchy’s empire, the casual beachside spot overlooks the Gulf and is just steps away from the sugar-white sands of Clearwater Beach. Favorites include grouper sandwiches and — if in season — stone crabs, which come with a sweet mustard dipping sauce.

This popular seafood restaurant sits right off busy Dodecanese Boulevard and sports a large outdoor patio with views of the Anclote River. A Tiki bar features rumheavy spins on Tiki classics while the spot’s proximity to the docks is a nod to the owners’ focus on fresh, Florida seafood.

At this iconic Indian Shores spot, the dock-to-restaurant line is literal: At the dock below you’ll probably catch one of the owners’ fishing boats hauling in the day’s fresh catch. The kitchen also boasts an impressive selection of aged, hand-cut steaks, which are grilled over a natural oak and citrus wood pit fire.

Nothing beats the scene from the St. Pete Pier’s Pier Teaki, which offers a 360-degree vista of the St. Pete skyline and Tampa Bay. The upstairs lounge features bar snacks like tuna bowls and pretzel bites, while more elevated options can be found at the downstairs restaurant, Teak.

Their frozen banana daiquiris are legendary and the peel-and-eat shrimp are a must-get. But the real allure of this Pass-a-Grille seafood shack is the setting: Grab a seat along the back railing and take in the views — pelicans, tourists and the bright blue waters of the Pass-a-Grille Channel.

There isn’t a bad seat in the house at this casual seafood restaurant overlooking Dunedin Marina. The spot has a solid local following and boasts a menu with bestsellers like the blackened scallop wrap, crab-crusted grouper, Walt’s crabcake sandwich and the blue crab-stuffed avocados.

This upscale Dunedin restaurant has been wowing diners with its stunning waterfront location since 1976 and is still one of the best spots for a celebration. The grouper Bon Appétit is always a solid bet, served with heirloom tomatoes, capers, feta and a lemon butter sauce.

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Inspired by a love for the open water, this Tierra Verde restaurant leans on local seafood and boasts cozy nautical vibes and killer sunset views. Don’t skip the ahi tuna tartare with kimchi and candied ginger or the seared scallops and coconut curry with charred pineapples and coconut rice.

The fish and seafood changes daily, depending on what’s freshest from the boat at this charming alfresco bar and restaurant. The fantastic list of “boat drinks” includes the must-order pistachio mai tai. But you won’t want to skip the food, especially the smoked fish dip and buttermilk jalapeño hush puppies.

Boasting a seafood-focused menu in a casual downtown Dunedin space, this locals’ favorite imbues a welcoming atmosphere with plenty of fishing camp charm. The menu includes dishes like the Captain’s Plate, a hearty combo of fried grouper nuggets, shrimp and oysters with sides like grit cakes and collard greens.

What started out as a small market in downtown Safety Harbor has evolved into one of the best seafood restaurants around. Pop by for a dozen oysters or take your time over a leisurely seafood meal. The crawfish arancini and New Orleans-style fried oyster po’boys are both great bets.

You’ll find all the typical fish camp staples here: smoked fish spread, grouper sandwiches, mahi tacos brimming with crunchy slaw, and plump peel-and-eat shrimp. But the spot’s real secret lies in the smoked chicken wings with Merman sauce, which are among the very best in all of Tampa Bay.

One of the best spots for an alfresco meal, the outside deck overlooking Clearwater Bay is the place to be for sunsets, sushi and fresh seafood. The menu runs the gamut from jumbo coconut shrimp with orang-eginger sauce to cedar plank-cooked salmon and wood-fire-grilled steaks.

Come for the lively brunch scene, stay for the boutique oyster program and quirky cocktail list at this lovely St. Pete Beach seafood restaurant. The she-crab soup, lobster rolls and pickled “dirty shrimp” are not to be missed.

One of the best bets for Mexican cuisine near the beach, this casual spot offers a wide variety of dishes and the margaritas pack a potent punch. Don’t skip the carnitas or barbacoa tacos. The chiles en nogada are also very good, accompanied by lettuce, tomatoes, onion and rice.

What was once a tiny walk-up spot is now a full sit-down restaurant, but the grab-andgo window is still bustling come lunchtime, when a line stretches down the street. Fans flock here for the refreshing soda frescas, hearty lechon platters and one of the best Cuban sandwiches around.

This Latin fusion restaurant does double duty as a live music venue and late-night cocktail lounge. Tapas-style dishes include everything from crispy sweet plantains with chimichurri to pork belly with sherry vinegar agrodolce while larger showstoppers include several paellas, including one studded with duck confit, mushrooms and chorizo.

Dining at this downtown Dunedin Mexican restaurant is like stepping into a multisensory Oaxacan wonderland, outfitted with colorful artwork and dangling star lanterns. Popular dishes include the pescado a la Veracruzana and the chiles en nogada, featuring a creamy brandy walnut sauce and a shower of pomegranate seeds.

Take a trip to Spain without ever leaving the country at this popular tapas restaurant on St. Pete’s Beach Drive. The creative menu includes everything from pork ribs in a sherry glaze to crispy patatas bravas drizzled in spicy aioli and creamy manchego croquetas with quince jam.

There’s a lot to love at this St. Pete French Moroccan restaurant. The peu de tout features crispy falafel, creamy labneh, Moroccan ratatouille and tabbouleh all served with herby za’atar bread. Don’t skip the showstopper lamb shank tagine, brimming with warm spice, apricots and almonds.

Hellas offers the quintessential Sponge Docks dining experience, whether it’s a sit-down lunch or a pop in for one of the delectable Greek pastries. Start with a flaming plate of saganaki cheese and move on to the Greek salad, a Tarpon Springs classic topped with a scoop of potato salad.

Greek and Turkish specialties are the highlight at this casual spot with locations in downtown St. Pete and Clearwater. Start with dips like tzatziki and hummus and the crispy-fried falafel. Entrées include the savory yogurt kebabs, served with rice pilaf, yogurt and a sauce made with tomatoes, garlic and mushrooms.

Take a trip across the pond without leaving town at this charming family-run Albanian restaurant in Largo. The country’s proximity to the Mediterranean is evidenced by dishes heavily rooted in olive oil, vegetables and seafood. Don’t skip the excellent branzino, which features golden-seared fillets topped with shrimp in a light and peppery citrus-tinged sauce.

At Dimitri’s, those gyro and souvlaki platters taste all the sweeter when you’re sitting outside overlooking the Anclote River. The food here is excellent — don’t skip the grilled octopus, which arrives charred and tender, swimming in garlicky olive oil.

This Central Avenue restaurant offers casual Italian fare in a lively setting. The speciality of the house are pinsas, Roman-style pizzas topped with everything from mortadella with pistachio pesto to spicy Calabrese salami and mozzarella. It’s also fun to cobble together a meal with the tasty piccoli piatti — small, shared plates.

This fine dining Italian restaurant in downtown St. Pete features a constantly evolving menu that hinges on the freshest ingredients and impressive kitchen techniques. A daily five-course chef’s tasting menu offers the best of what the chef has in store that day, from torched hamachi collars to snow crab tagliatelle.

Several different types of pizza are served at this family-friendly Safety Harbor restaurant, but the highlight is the Detroit-style pie — thick, square pizza baked with Wisconsin brick cheese. Don’t skip The Honey Cup, which features cup-and-char pepperoni, ricotta, fresh basil and local hot honey.

Pia’s features the hallmarks of a rustic and cozy neighborhood trattoria in downtown Gulfport. An evolving menu features creative spins on Italian classics like buttery shrimp scampi over homemade linguine and eggplant Parmesan. The restaurant also has plenty of vegan dishes and gluten-free pastas.

This is modern Italian dining at its very best. Start with the creamy goat cheese sformato and move on to the mini rigatoni, wrapped in a luxurious 24-hour Bolognese with herbed ricotta. For drinks, you can’t beat the light and zingy Negroni bianco, made with lemon gin and Lillet Blanc.

This St. Pete restaurant makes a compelling argument for quality fast-casual Italian. Order up front and then grab a seat in the narrow dining room before digging into pasta and pizza. There are gluten-free pizza and pasta options, too.

Outfitted with low-slung booths, black-and-white photographs of St. Pete’s past, and 100-year-old frescoes, The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club’s Italian steakhouse is absolutely stunning. The food is also excellent. The house-made pastas are incredible, in particular the beef cheek tortelli filled with red wine-braised beef cheeks, Parmesan and aged balsamic vinegar.

Wax and wine are the highlight at this gem of a wine bar where there’s always something fun playing on vinyl. The food — and wine — menus are great too, if petite: A list of roughly six to eight small and shared dishes rotate frequently, so come ready to explore.

International flavors and eclectic wines are the highlight at this globally focused restaurant and wine bar in St. Pete’s Crescent Heights neighborhood. This tiny space is cozy and gets packed — fast — so reservations are a must. Be sure to get the chow noodles, packed with veggies, garlic, tamari and ginger.

At this charming bistro, fine wines, cheese and charcuterie spreads are the highlight, but don’t overlook the rest of the menu, including the excellent patatas bravas and the beef short ribs, served with Gorgonzola and cracked pepper gnocchi fondue.

One of the best places to grab a coffee and casual breakfast in the ‘Burg, this place is always busy, and for good reason. Grab-and-go breakfast items include the can’t-miss “everything” scones filled with cream cheese and a truly killer breakfast sandwich, featuring smoky sauteed collard greens.

Are these the best sandwiches in St. Pete Beach? If not, they make a pretty convincing argument for it. The menu here is constantly changing, but the sandwiches are always a great bet, from the brie, apple and hot honey combo to the smoky jerk chicken sandwich, paired with pineapple pico.

In the mood for a martini? This swanky cocktail lounge is the place for it. The menu rotates often, and includes both classics and more off-the-wall creations. A short but envelope-pushing food menu includes must-have dishes like razor clams with chimichurri or chips layered with salty speck and raclette espuma.

A creative thread runs throughout the menu at this globally inspired downtown Tarpon Springs restaurant. Lunchtime staples include the beef bulgogi lettuce wraps and Aloha bowl, topped with ahi tuna and a medley of vegetables over rice. At dinner, you’ll find more upscale options, like pistachio basil salmon with carrots and herbed-butter broccoli.

With its outdoor dining setup, a creative menu of bright Caribbean flavors and one of the best cocktail menus in town, this popular Grand Central District restaurant is always a sure bet. Don’t skip the tuna tostadas with salsa macha — they’ve been on heavy rotation since day one for good reason.

This downtown St. Pete restaurant is known for its charming, cozy ambiance and creative New American menu. Don’t skip the braised short ribs with homemade noodles or the B&M burger, served on a pretzel bun and topped with bacon jam, sharp white cheddar and aioli.

Shared plates with a Mediterranean-leaning edge are the highlight at this upscale Beach Drive restaurant, where dishes like a tableside beef tartare or branzino with preserved lemon and salsa verde are a must-order. The restaurant boasts an excellent cocktail program and an ambitious wine list, too.

The envelope-pushing dinner menu is constantly changing at this tiny gem of a wine bar and restaurant. With just a few bar seats and one six-top, you’ll want to make sure to get reservations. Otherwise, pull up one of the Adirondack chairs outside and linger over a glass (or two) of wine.

One of the best spots to celebrate a special occasion, this elegant restaurant sits tucked away on downtown Dunedin’s Main Street. The elevated New American and French menu is an exercise in decadence, from a white truffle-laced lobster risotto to a crispy-seared duck breast served with duck confit ravioli.

Upscale Americana is the name of the game at this Beach Drive stunner. Oysters Rockefeller, lobster tail escargot and crab Louie lend an unmistakable whiff of old-school American opulence that’s coupled with an incredible wine list. After dinner, pop into the next-door cocktail bar, Pluma Lounge, for a nightcap.

With wood paneling, tall bookshelves and royal blue banquettes, it’s easy to see where the place gets its name. Daytime or night, it’s a great space to linger over plates of salmon with charred scallion gnocchi and Duroc pork schnitzel with mushroom demi-glace.

This unassuming Clearwater gastropub delivers big flavors with an ambitious, globe-trotting menu and an elevated cocktail program that offers creative spins on the classics. Dinner includes dishes like shrimp toast with spicy tomato broth, fried cauliflower with coconut caramel and a decadent smoked lamb belly carbonara.

The menu at this petite New American restaurant in Dunedin is always changing and has wooed locals and critics alike. The kitchen’s creativity never ceases to impress, with dishes like carrot soup with harissa and hazelnuts, Parmesan creme brulee and black truffle panna cotta.

Tucked off a busy strip of Central Avenue, this elegant restaurant offers a fresh breath of air from the bustle. There’s a focus on charcuterie and wine, but the rest of the menu is equally exciting, from sea scallops with sweet potato puree to handmade pasta with wild boar ragu.

The Warehouse Arts District is home to this sprawling cocktail bar, restaurant and bourbon lounge. Designed with distilleries in Scotland and Kentucky in mind, the 16,000-square-foot space features industrial touches and sleek modern decor. An ambitious menu includes dishes like bucatini with lobster, Calabrian chiles and burrata.

One of the best spots for a classic steakhouse meal, this downtown St. Pete restaurant excels with a creative menu of upscale New American fare and an award-winning wine selection. There’s also a great happy hour, with dishes like beef tartare with sesame garlic aioli and sweet and savory meatballs.

THE BLACK PEARL, DUNEDIN
➋ 1200 Chophouse, St. Pete Beach
➌ The Restorative, Dunedin
➍ Fortu, St. Pete
➎ Il Ritorno, St. Pete

Pop in for a cafe au lait and a croissant at this charming French bakery just steps from the beach. Buckwheat crepes offer a taste of Paris, filled with everything from duck pâté to prosciutto and goat cheese drizzled with honey.

Tourists and locals line up early to grab a seat for weekend brunch at this French cafe in the heart of St. Pete Beach. Omelets and Benedicts have a devout following, and arrive with crispy home fries. And it’s never too early for a bloody mary or mimosa here.

The French restaurant sports Parisian decor, including cozy bistro chairs, replicas of the Eiffel Tower and a large mirror overlooking the always-buzzy bar. Come for happy hour, where selected dishes are $6. The spot’s signature burger is one of the best in town, served on a brioche bun with Emmental cheese, bacon and aioli.

Set in a restored 1936 bungalow in downtown Safety Harbor, this cozy French cocktail lounge 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 cocktails, including a killer espresso martini.

Tucked away in a Dunedin strip mall, this French-inspired restaurant punches way above its weight in an unassuming yet charming space. If you’re feeling a French onion soup or delectable duck confit, this is the place. But there’s also a great burger, topped with red onion jam and cheddar cheese.

Linger over sake cocktails and good tunes at this St. Pete restaurant, bar and “listening room,” inspired by Tokyo record bars and jazz cafes. The sake list is among the most comprehensive in the Tampa Bay area, and the food menu is always evolving.

This foodie destination in Pinellas Park delivers big rewards for anyone in search of some seriously spicy noodle soups and Thai staples. The tiny restaurant specializes in Bangkok-style street noodles, including the deeply flavorful boat noodles, the spot’s signature dish.

This longtime downtown St. Pete staple features a creative and eclectic Vietnamese menu that doesn’t stray too far from the traditional but still manages to have a lot of fun. The spring rolls, pho and banh mi sandwiches are all excellent.

A whimsical menu delights at this colorful and charming St. Pete fusion restaurant. Thai and Mexican flavors mingle in dishes like chipotle fried rice, chorizo pad thai and a Thai-Mex curry. Diners can choose to stay in one lane, but it’s so much more fun to play in both.

A creative menu of French, Vietnamese and Chinese fare coupled with an excellent wine program make this quaint cafe and restaurant a true St. Pete gem. Pop in to share a bottle of wine over a cheese and charcuterie board or warm up with a piping hot bowl of steaming pho.

Take a step back in time at this Clearwater Beach mainstay, which offers a taste of a bygone era. Start with a Beachcomber classic martini and move on to shrimp cocktail, New Bedford sea scallops and French onion soup. Don’t skip the Back to the Farm fried chicken.

The smell of smoked fish has become synonymous with this beloved Pasadena Avenue restaurant. Everyone comes for the fish — mullet, salmon and amberjack — but they’re also here for the German-style potato salad, studded with bacon; frosty mugs filled with light beer; and one of the area’s best cheeseburgers.

Since the 1960s, El Cap has remained one of the ‘Burg’s most reliable spots for a burger and beer. The juicy patties get a solid sear on the flattop before getting sandwiched between two buns smeared with mayonnaise and topped with melted cheese, thick tomato slices, onions, lettuce and pickle spears.

Vegan sushi? You betcha. This under-the-radar spot in St. Pete’s Grand Central District has a devout local following, and it’s not just vegans. Sushi rolls, made with all vegan ingredients, taste surprisingly like the real thing. There are also dishes like tom kha ramen, spicy tahini dumplings and wonton soup.

Gluten-free and allergen-conscious dining is the name of the game at this Warehouse Arts District restaurant, but you’d be surprised how tasty things can get at this farm-to-table spot. The steaks are fantastic, as are the pastas, especially the luscious lasagna made with a hearty turkey Bolognese.

Everything at this St. Pete spot is gluten free and includes a good selection of pastries, including muffins, turnovers and cookies, along with a great espresso program. A solid breakfast and lunch menu includes a daily vegan soup, several sandwiches and a build-your-own omelet deal.

A mother-and-daughter duo run this charming spot with a Hawaiian flair nestled in a cute Palm Harbor bungalow. Vegan, gluten-free and vegetarian options abound, from smoothies and salads to sandwiches, breakfast staples and sweet treats. A vegetarian spin on a Hawaiian-inspired Loco Moco features a veggie burger topped with an over-easy egg, sweet onions, spinach, rice and a gluten-free gravy.

People clutching iced lattes chat with friends while those in the know line up early for this Central Avenue cafe’s popular breakfast fare. Their single-origin coffees are sourced from all over the world and roasted locally. Don’t skip out on the breakfast sandwich with soft scrambled eggs — it’s one of the ‘Burg’s best.

A coffee shop by day and cocktail lounge by night, this Central Avenue spot sports minimalist decor with plenty of natural light. During the day, people cozy up over lattes and laptops, but as soon as the sun sets, the coffee drinks get swapped out for something stronger.

A shaded outdoor patio gives this quaint cafe in downtown Safety Harbor tons of tropical appeal. Coffee is sourced from a farm in Costa Rica and finds its way into whimsical espresso creations, from a bananas Foster latte to a chocolate cookie dough cold foam treat.

Exposed brick and hardwood floors lend this downtown Tarpon Springs cafe peak cozy vibes. Grab a coffee and pastry to go or stay and linger (the spot offers free Wi-Fi) over a breakfast sandwich or quinoa bowl. There’s also a full menu of sandwiches and wraps come lunchtime.

Sip on the signature toasted coconut latte while breathing in the sea breeze from the Gulf, just steps away from this cozy coffee shop in Indian Rocks Beach. Popular dishes include a pesto grilled cheese with hot honey and the avocado toast, topped with pickled red onions and feta.

It’s always a lively scene at this downtown St. Petersburg restaurant where brunch is king. Must-order dishes include the decadent eggs benedict, served on a buttery biscuit topped with crispy pork belly, poached eggs, collard greens and hollandaise sauce. The Goddess cocktail, made with cucumber jalapeno tequila, St. Germain, agave, cilantro, cucumber and basil is as refreshing as it sounds.

Breakfast and brunch are the highlight at this petite and charming St. Petersburg spot that doubles as a local art gallery. The restaurant’s signature dish — the E.A.L. Classic — has been on the menu since day one, and includes scrambled eggs, kielbasa sausage, crispy-fried hashbrowns and caramelized onions, served with a homemade hot sauce.

With locations in Dunedin, Clearwater and Palm Harbor, this ice cream parlor has become a must-go for locals looking for a sweet fix. With flavors like birthday cake batter and red velvet cake, there is no shortage of creativity. People rave about the carrot cake flavor, and for good reason.

A large selection of ice cream and sweet treats includes over-the-top banana splits, milkshakes, Italian ices and brownie sundaes. The ice cream nachos are a bestseller, and feature thick waffle cone pieces paired with three scoops of ice cream, three toppings, nuts or sprinkles, whipped cream and cherries.

It’s hard to believe everything in this gem of a bakery is vegan (but trust us, it is). It’s impossible to go wrong with the Nanaimo bars, made with a chocolate coconut crust. But the doughnuts are really what put this spot on the map, and for good reason.

This Belleair Bluffs chocolatier has racked up international acclaim, garnering accolades and multiple awards. The proof isn’t in the pudding — it’s in the intricately hand-painted and airbrushed chocolate bonbons, from the white chocolate Key lime ganache-filled treats to the rum-tinged bananas Foster versions.

You can’t go wrong with a scoop from this charming ice cream shop with locations in St. Pete and Pinellas Park. The creative list of flavors runs the gamut from caramelized bananas with peanut butter and honey to the fan-favorite roasted strawberries with balsamic vinegar and brown sugar. It’s all delicious

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