Gulf To Bay St. Pete Clearwater FL

Over the following pages, Tampa Bay Times food critic Helen Freund reveals her favorite local spots. From date night favorites to splashy seafood joints and waterside restaurants, it’s all right here in St. Pete-Clearwater.

Waterfront

DOC FORD’S RUM BAR & GRILLE • St. Pete and Jungle Terrace; $$ • With locations at the St. Pete Pier and in Jungle Terrace, this casual Caribbean-themed bar and restaurant from author Randy Wayne White is always a good time. Potent mojitos are paired with signature dishes like the Yucatán shrimp, which arrive swimming in a buttery sauce heavy with garlic and a touch of heat from Colombian chiles.

FRENCHY’S ROCKAWAY GRILL • Clearwater Beach; $$ • The largest and liveliest restaurant of the Frenchy’s empire, this casual beachside spot overlooks the Gulf and is just steps away from the sugar-white sands of Clearwater Beach. Favorites include grouper sandwiches, served on onion rolls with tartar sauce and – if in season – stone crabs, which come with a sweet mustard dipping sauce.

PALM PAVILION • Clearwater Beach; $$ • A great option for sunset watching, this Clearwater Beach institution sits directly on the beach overlooking the Gulf. Live music performances, cocktails with heavy-handed pours and a wooden wraparound deck lend the space a casual vibe that’s just as nice to pop in for a few drinks as it is to while away a lunch or dinner for hours.

RUSTY BELLIES WATERFRONT GRILL • Tarpon Springs; $$ • This waterfront spot sits right off busy Dodecanese Boulevard and sports a large outdoor patio with views of the Anclote River. A Tiki bar features rum-heavy spins on tiki classics while the restaurant’s proximity to the docks is a nod to the owners’ focus on fresh Florida seafood, including steamed Cedar Key clams, peel-and-eat shrimp and grouper sandwiches.

SALT ROCK GRILL • Indian Shores; $$ • At this iconic 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, which are aged for several weeks before getting grilled over natural oak and citrus wood.

TEAK/PIER TEAKI • St. Pete; $$ • Nothing beats the scene from the St. Pete Pier’s Pier Teaki, which offers an unparalleled 360-degree vista of the downtown St. Pete skyline and Tampa Bay. While the upstairs lounge features bar snacks like lobster empanadas and cheese-stuffed yucca bites, more elevated options can be found at the nautical-themed restaurant Teak, where dishes include paella, sesame-crusted salmon and a hazelnut-crusted mahi mahi with parsnip purée.

Seafood

HOG ISLAND FISH CAMP • Dunedin; $$ • Boasting reclaimed wood and turquoise accents, a seafood-focused menu and a breezy indoor-outdoor setup, this Dunedin restaurant imbues a worn-in and welcoming atmosphere with plenty of fish 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.

ISLAND WAY GRILL • Clearwater; $$$ • One of the best spots for an alfresco lunch – or dinner – the outside deck overlooking Clearwater Bay is the place to be for sunsets, sushi and fresh seafood. Conveniently located right next to Clearwater Marine Aquarium, the lengthy menu runs the gamut from jumbo coconut shrimp with orange-ginger sauce to cedar plank-cooked salmon and wood fire-grilled steaks.

MULLET’S FISH CAMP • St. Pete; $ • Enjoy 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, which are among the best in all of Tampa Bay. Get them with the Merman sauce, a sweet and vinegary elixir, and a side of the house blue cheese dressing.

SEA WORTHY FISH + BAR • Tierra Verde; $$ • Inspired by a love for the open water, this Tierra Verde restaurant leans heavily on local seafood and boasts cozy nautical vibes inside and killer views of the sunset on the outside deck. Don’t skip out on the ahi tuna tartare, served with kimchi and candied ginger or the house-made bucatini, paired with Gulf shrimp, sherry cream and a tomato confit.

THE TIDES SEAFOOD MARKET & PROVISIONS • Safety Harbor; $$ • What started out as a small, locally driven market in downtown Safety Harbor has evolved into one of the best seafood restaurants around. Pop by to pick up a bouquet of local flowers or honey or take your time over a leisurely meal of plump salmon croquettes, a beautiful sesame tuna salad or a New Orleans-style po’boy topped with fried oysters.

WATER OAK GRILL • Safety Harbor; $$ • This contemporary steak and seafood restaurant sits in the heart of downtown Safety Harbor with ample sidewalk seating right on Main Street. A raw bar and seafood section highlights local catch like grouper and hogfish, while a selection of steak dinners and shareable snacks like Wagyu truffle cheese sliders round out the menu.

Latin & Caribbean

AGAVE RESTAURANT • St. Pete Beach; $$ • One of the best bets for quality Mexican cuisine near the beach, this casual spot offers a wide variety of dishes, ranging from the popular carnitas or barbacoa tacos to larger portions of carne asada or chiles en nogada, accompanied by lettuce, tomatoes, onions and rice. Don’t skip the classic margaritas, which pack a potent punch.

BODEGA • St. Pete; $ • What was once a tiny 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 agua frescas, hearty lechon platters and one of the best Cuban sandwiches around.

CASA TINA • Dunedin; $$ • Dining at this downtown Dunedin Mexican restaurant is like stepping into a multi-sensory Oaxacan wonderland, outfitted with colorful artwork, dangling star lanterns and the occasional aerial artist. Popular dishes include the pescado a la Veracruzana, topped with a sauce of tomatoes, onions, capers and olives, and the chiles en nogada, featuring a creamy brandy walnut sauce and a shower of pomegranate seeds.

CEVICHE • St. Pete; $$ • 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.

PULPO • St. Pete; $$ • One of the buzziest additions to St. Pete’s Grand Central District, 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 crispy pork belly with sherry vinegar agrodulce while larger meant-to-share showstoppers include several versions of paella, including one studded with duck confit, mushrooms and chorizo.

Mediterranean

BABA • St. Pete; $$ • Mediterranean flavors anchor the menu at this breezy and buzzy restaurant in St. Pete’s trendy Grand Central District. An excellent beverage program features a selection of Greek wines and ouzo-laced cocktails while the food dinner menu excels with bright flavors in dishes ranging from a charred cauliflower and romanesco medley to a Greek fish stew plump with octopus, clams, shrimp and Gulf fish.

DIMITRI’S ON THE WATER • Tarpon Springs; $$ • What sets one Greek spot apart from the next along the Tarpon Springs Sponge Docks? The name says it all here: 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.

CYBEL • St. Pete; $$ • The restaurant that brought the French taco to St. Pete features a mashup menu of French-Moroccan fare in a casual setting. Order the Peu de Tout for the best starters: crispy falafel, creamy labneh, Moroccan ratatouille and tabbouleh all served with soft, herby zaatar bread. Whatever you do, don’t skip the spot’s showstopper lamb shank tagine, brimming with warm spice, apricots and almonds.

HELLAS RESTAURANT & BAKERY • Tarpon Springs; $$ • Hellas offers the quintessential Sponge Docks dining experience, whether it’s a sit-down lunch or a pop in for one of the spot’s delectable Greek pastries you’re after. Start with a flaming plate of saganaki cheese (you’ll hear a chorus of “Opa” approximately 10 times during your visit) and move on to the Greek salad, a Tarpon Springs classic topped with a scoop of potato salad.

MIO’S GRILL & CAFÉ • St. Pete and Clearwater; $ • Greek and Turkish specialties are the highlight at this casual spot with locations in downtown St. Pete and Clearwater. Meals should start with a selection of dips like tzatziki and hummus and the crispy-fried falafel. Entrees include the savory yogurt kebabs, which feature thin slices of beef and lamb gyro meat served with rice pilaf, yogurt and a flavorful sauce made with tomatoes, peppers, garlic and mushrooms.

Italian

BONU’ TAVERNA • St. Pete; $$ • This Central Avenue restaurant offers casual Italian fare in a lively setting (which gets livelier as the evening wears on). The speciality of the house is pinsas, Roman-style pizzas topped with everything from mortadella with pistachios to spicy Calabrese salami and mozzarella. Folks can also cobble together a meal with cured meats and cheeses and tasty “piccoli piatti” – small, shared plates of snacks.

IL RITORNO • St. Pete; $$$ • 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 Spanish octopus with pickled turnips to duck tortellini with foie gras and red snapper with crab-stuffed potatoes.

JAY LUIGI • St. Pete; $$ • Whether you’re looking to grab a few pies to go or fancy a quick bite in, 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 crispy artichokes with Calabrian chile aioli, pasta and pizza. Both are available in gluten-free versions, too.

THE NONA SLICE HOUSE • Safety Harbor; $$ • You’re not just getting pizza at this Safety Harbor restaurant, you’re getting a show. Most evenings, the owner will come out for a performance, spinning and swirling the pizza dough high in the air, often to a live musical act. Several different types of pizza are served, including Detroit-style pies – thick, square pizzas baked with Wisconsin brick cheese.

OLIVIA • St. Pete; $$$ • An offshoot of James Beard-nominated Chef Chris Ponte’s Tampa restaurant of the same name, this is modern Italian dining at its very best. Start with the yellowtail crudo, tangy with tangerine vinaigrette, and move on to the simple-yet-decadent cacio e pepe with pecorino foam and a side of Brussels sprouts, dotted with crispy prosciutto bits and a Parmesan aioli.

PIA’S TRATTORIA • Gulfport; $$ • Pia’s features all the hallmark characteristics of a rustic and cozy neighborhood trattoria with a space that just oozes romance. An evolving menu features creative spins on Italian classics, like capellini pomodoro and buttery shrimp scampi over homemade linguine and eggplant Parmesan. The restaurant also has plenty of vegan dishes and gluten-free pastas.

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 a bright and lively octopus ceviche. Don’t skip out on the excellent pasta dishes, which rely on simple, fresh ingredients and nothing more.

New American Casual

BRICK & MORTAR • St. Pete; $$ • This restaurant has wooed locals with its charming, cozy ambiance and ambitious menu since 2015. Don’t skip the braised short ribs with homemade noodles, the tuna tartare served with crispy shrimp chips or the 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.

CALIDA • St. Pete; $$ • 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 practically a must. Be sure to get the chow noodles, packed with veggies, garlic, tamari and ginger.

H’OURS CREOLE SMOKEHOUSE • Tarpon Springs; $$ • Creole flavors inspired by New Orleans highlight the menu at this lively restaurant and bar in downtown Tarpon Springs. Don’t skip the char-grilled oysters or the cobia jambalaya. The restaurant is inside a Craftsman-style house with a large back patio. Come for the live music on the porch, right as the sun is setting, and it’s almost like you’re right there in the Crescent City.

LOLITA’S WINE MARKET • St. Pete; $$ • At this charming bistro inside the Morean Center for Clay, diners can choose between an airy outdoor garden space or the cozy inside dining room. Fine wines, cheese and charcuterie spreads are what put this restaurant on the map, but don’t overlook the rest of the menu, including the excellent beef short rib, served with gorgonzola and cracked pepper gnocchi fondue.

UNCLE FUNZ • St. Pete Beach; $$ • Chef Zack Gross and his wife, Jennifer, run this mostly to-go concept in St. Pete Beach that doubles as a gift shop and general store. The menu is constantly changing, but pretty much anything on the sandwich board is a great bet, from a Brie, apple and hot honey combo to the smoky jerk chicken sandwich, paired with pineapple pico and pepper jack.

UPTOWN EATS • St. Pete; $ • 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. For lunch, the grilled veggie and goat cheese sandwich and daily frittata option are always a solid bet.

WILD CHILD • St. Pete; $$ • 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. Brunch offers a nice excuse to linger over dishes like tres leches French toast and eye-openers like the Lost Weekend, a mix of watermelon, agave, mint and your spirit of choice.

American upscale

ALLELO • St. Pete; $$$ • Shared plates with a Mediterranean-leaning edge are the highlight at this upscale Beach Drive restaurant, where dishes like a table-side steak tartare with khobz bread or branzino with preserved lemon and salsa verde are complemented by a sizable raw bar selection. The restaurant boasts an excellent cocktail program and an ambitious wine list with roughly 25 different selections by the glass.

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 features plenty of decadent dishes, from a white truffle-laced lobster risotto to a crispy-seared duck breast served with duck confit ravioli.

GRACE • Pass-a-Grille; $$$ • Indulge in upscale New American cuisines just steps from the beach bars and surf of Pass-a-Grille Beach. Dishes include appetizers like butter chicken meatballs with pita and crispy artichokes with creme fraiche. Larger dishes include a seared chicken Marsala with broccolini and pasta patina and seared sea scallops with roasted cauliflower and fingerling potatoes.

JUNO & THE PEACOCK • St. Pete; $$$ • Upscale Americana is the name of the game at this Beach Drive stunner. Oysters Rockefeller, lobster tail escargot, crab Louie and chicken Marsala lend an unmistakable whiff of old-school American opulence that’s coupled with an incredible wine list focusing on New World wines. After dinner, pop into the spot’s next-door cocktail bar, Pluma, for a nightcap.

THE LIBRARY • St. Pete; $$ • With wood paneling, bookshelves and royal blue banquettes, it’s easy to see where this place gets its name. 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 pomegranate molasses and smoked gouda grits with bacon and maple drizzle.

THE LITTLE LAMB • Clearwater; $$ • 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. The dinner menu includes dishes like shrimp toast with spicy tomato broth and fried cauliflower with coconut caramel. Larger plates include a roasted chicken with potato gnocchi and a lamb carbonara with zucchini and preserved lemon.

THE RESTORATIVE • Dunedin; $$ • An always-changing menu keeps it fresh at this New American restaurant in Dunedin. A husband-and-wife team runs the show out of a microscopic kitchen, wooing locals and critics alike for their ambitious menu and welcoming atmosphere. The kitchen’s creativity never ceases to impress with dishes like crab imperial with green apple and kohlrabi and beef tartare topped with golden raisins and savory granola.

ROCOCO STEAK • St. Pete; $$$ • 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. Guests can sidestep some of the sticker shock by popping in for the bar’s killer happy hour, where dishes include a beef tartare with sesame garlic aioli and kimchi and sweet and savory meatballs.

SAUVIGNON WINE LOCKER & AMERICAN TRATTORIA • St. Pete; $$$ • Tucked between two bars off a busy strip of Central Avenue, this elegant restaurant offers a fresh breath of air from the bustle down below. There’s a heavy focus on charcuterie boards and fine wines, but the rest of the menu is equally exciting, from a Creekstone Farms carpaccio with honey truffle aioli to duck leg bucatini with coconut curry.

THE URBAN STILLHOUSE • St. Pete; $$$ • St. Pete’s 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 a sleek modern decor. Guests can sip cocktails at the lounge while diners nosh on plates of octopus carpaccio with olive tapenade and braised Wagyu short ribs with creamy Brussels sprouts.

French

ALESIA • St. Pete; $$ • A creative menu of French and Vietnamese fare coupled with an excellent – and affordable – wine program make this quaint cafe and restaurant a true west St. Pete gem. Pop in to share a bottle of wine over a cheese and charcuterie board or warm up with a bowl of steaming pho and gingery pork and scallion dumplings.

CAFÉ DE PARIS • Indian Rocks Beach; $ • 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 pate to prosciutto and goat cheese drizzled with honey. During the traditional Carnival season, you’ll find traditional galette des rois – king cakes filled with a sweet frangipane filling.

LA CROISETTE • St. Pete Beach; $ • Folks line up early to grab a seat for weekend brunch at this breezy French cafe in the heart of St. Pete Beach. Omelets and the eggs Benedict have a devout following and arrive with seasoned, crispy home fries. A full bar means it’s never too early to indulge in a zingy bloody mary, mimosa or Bellini before hitting the beach.

PARTS OF PARIS • Safety Harbor; $$ • Set in a restored 1936 bungalow in 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 cocktails. Don’t skip the daily specials, which include half-off appetizers on Mondays and a tasty bouillabaisse on Fridays.

Asian

BUYA RAMEN • St. Pete; $ • This Japanese gastropub offers a short but standout selection of izakaya-style small plates, from bao stuffed with crispy pork belly to char-grilled edamame. The ramen is excellent, especially the tonkotsu versions, where a flavorful chicken and pork bone broth is paired with anything from crispy duck to braised short rib, pork belly and shiitake mushrooms.

IN BETWEEN DAYS • St. Pete; $$ • 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. If oysters are on deck, they’re always a good bet.

MOWGLI’S TIFFIN • St. Pete; $ • East Indian street food specialties beckon from the confines of this tiny jewel box of a restaurant. Highlights include the Kol-KATI rolls, a play on the iconic Indian snack featuring a paratha or roti wrap stuffed with vegetables, a choice of meat or vegetarian filling and sauces. Wash everything down with a cooling mango lassi, laced with cardamom and mint.

NITALLY’S • St. Pete; $$ • A creative and whimsical menu surprises and delights at this colorful and charming St. Pete fusion restaurant. Thai and Mexican flavors mash up to create dishes like a chipotle fried rice, chorizo pad thai and a Tex-Mex curry. Diners can always choose to stick in one lane, with traditional tacos or stir-fries, but it’s so much more fun to play in both.

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. Starters like the buttery, flaky Thai curry puffs and the restaurant’s signature boat noodle dish are more than enough reason to visit.

TWISTED INDIAN • St. Pete; $ • Bold and fiery flavors rule the day at this fast-casual Indian spot born out of a popular food truck with a heavy following. Folks still line up for the restaurant’s chicken tikka “naanwiches,” lamb keema Bollywood bowls and the crazy delicious Yogi fries, topped with tikka masala, mozzarella cheese, tangy slaw and cooling yogurt raita.

Local Classics

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 and move on to shrimp cocktail, New Bedford sea scallops and French onion soup. The place is beloved for their fresh seafood, quality steaks and the Back to the Farm fried chicken.

THE CHATTAWAY • St. Pete; $ • 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, where pink bathtubs double as flower beds. Regulars come for the hefty 7-ounce cheeseburgers and the crispy-battered fish and chips.

EL CAP • St. Pete; $ • A pillar in the St. Pete community since 1964, El Cap has remained one of the ‘Burg’s most reliable spots to catch the game over a burger and beer. People rave about the burger for good reason: A thick and juicy patty with a solid sear from the flattop gets sandwiched between two buns smeared with mayonnaise and topped with melted cheese, beefy tomato slices, onions, lettuce and pickle spears.

TED PETERS FAMOUS SMOKED FISH • St. Pete; $ • The smell of smoked fish, suntan oil and saltwater has become synonymous with this beloved Pasadena Avenue restaurant. 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.

Vegetarian/Vegan/Gluten-Free

CRAFT KAFÉ • St. Pete; $ • A favorite with the gluten-free crowd, the menu at this St. Pete spot sports a large selection of pastries, including muffins, turnovers and cookies (they also have a great espresso program). For those looking to linger a little longer, a solid breakfast and lunch program includes a daily vegan soup, several sandwiches and a build-your-own omelet deal.

GOOD INTENTIONS • St. Pete; $$ • This cozy, mid-century modern restaurant presents something upscale for the vegan set, but the creative menu will appeal to all types of diners. The fantastic lemon whipped ricotta (made with tofu) gives the real thing a run for its money, while creative spins on classic crowd-pleasers include fried “crab” balls nestled in kimchi fried rice and a rotating seasonal gnocchi.

LOVE FOOD CENTRAL • St. Pete; $ • You’ll find quality vegan cooking that extends beyond your basic veggie joint at this breezy Central Avenue cafe. Start with the kale Caesar salad and move on to something heartier, like the Buffalo tempeh sandwich. Better yet, hang out a while and linger over the impressive “cheese” board, made with a selection of macadamia- and almond-based cheeses.

Coffee Bars & Cafes

BANDIT COFFEE CO. • St. Pete; $ • 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, one of the ‘Burg’s best contenders in the genre.

BOOK + BOTTLE • St. Pete; $ • Part bookstore, part wine bar and coffee shop, this popular St. Pete hybrid is a must for any oenophile or bibliophile. Hit up one of their popular community events or linger in one of the outdoor chairs over a bottle of rosé and a platter of salty and sweet snacks, including hummus, herbed goat cheese, olive tapenade and honeyed mascarpone cheese with jam.

CAFÉ VINO TINTO • Safety Harbor; $ • 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. Sweet dishes like the popular key lime pie waffles are balanced by a savory selection of breakfast burritos, frittatas and biscuits.

GROVE SURF CAFÉ • Indian Rocks Beach; $ • Sip on Grove’s signature toasted coconut latte while breathing in the sea breeze from the Gulf, just steps away from this cozy coffee shop and lunch spot in Indian Rocks Beach. Popular dishes include a pesto grilled cheese with hot honey, a grilled chicken Caesar wrap and the generously portioned avocado toast, topped with pickled red onions, corn nuts, feta and Tajin.

INTERMEZZO • St. Pete; $ • A craft coffee shop by day and a swanky cocktail lounge by night, this Central Avenue spot was inspired by the European cafes of the 1950s and ‘60s, with minimalist decor and plenty of natural light. During the daytime, people cozy up over lattes and laptops but as soon as the sun sets, the coffee drinks are swapped out for something stronger.

Sweets

STRACHAN'S ICE CREAM AND DESSERTS • Dunedin; $ • With locations in Dunedin, Clearwater and Palm Harbor, this ice cream parlor has become a must-visit for locals looking for a sweet fix. With flavors like birthday cake, maple walnut and red velvet cake, there is no shortage of creativity. People rave about the carrot cake flavor, and for good reason.

VALHALLA BAKERY AND VALKYRIE DOUGHNUTS • St. Pete; $ • 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 base of dark chocolate coconut crust. The peach and strawberry lemon bars are like lemon squares crossed with a peach crisp, while cake slices all feature dreamy buttercream frosting.

WILLIAM DEAN CHOCOLATES • Belleair Bluffs; $ • This Belleair Bluffs chocolatier has racked up international acclaim, garnering widespread accolades and multiple awards. The proof isn’t in the pudding – it’s in the 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 fleur-de-lis, these aren’t your everyday chocolates – these are miniature works of art.

Gulf To Bay St. Pete Clearwater FL - Gulf to Bay 2025

Dining

Waterfront

Seafood

Latin & Caribbean

Mediterranean

Italian

New American Casual

American upscale

French

Asian

Local Classics

Vegetarian/Vegan/Gluten-Free

Coffee Bars & Cafes

Sweets

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