DINING VisitSPC.com/Dining seafood THE BIG CATCH • St. Petersburg. $$ • This hidden gem sits tucked away next to Harborage Marina in St. Pete’s Old Southeast neighborhood and features a seafood-heavy menu coupled with a tropical selection of tiki-leaning cocktails and live music on some evenings. The Floridian fish camp theme includes several great choices, including the fried seafood plates, grilled mahi sandwiches and crispy-fried grouper bites. The best seats in the house are near the back bar, overlooking the water. HOG ISLAND FISH CAMP • Dunedin; $$ • With lots of reclaimed wood and turquoise accents, a seafood-focused menu and a breezy indoor-out-door 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. SEA SALT • St. Petersburg; $$$ • Perched on the second floor of downtown St. Pete’s Sundial shopping complex, the upscale restaurant features eye-catching displays like a 22-foot glass-encased wine cellar and an 80-foot-long raw bar, where oysters from all over the United States are served. A large, shaded patio includes plenty of outdoor seating and come happy hour, it’s one of the area’s best-kept secrets for high-end seafood steals and discounted snacks like ahi tuna nachos, fish dip and truffled Parmesan fries. SEA WORTHY FISH + BAR • Tierra Verde; $$ • The sophomore effort from the team behind St. Pete’s Brick & Mortar is just as delicious, with a seafaring twist. The new restaurant is inspired by a 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, which features spectacular views of the sunset. 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 sliders and steamed buns round out the menu. TIDES SEAFOOD MARKET & PROVISIONS • Safety Harbor; $ • Local and regional seafood, meat and produce are the highlight at this one-stop grocer where a daily rotating menu showcases fresh and tasty ingredients. Salads arrive topped with seared salmon or crab cakes; poke-inspired “fish bowls” feature salmon or tuna with an array of SEA WORTHY FISH + BAR TIDES SEAFOOD MARKET & PROVISIONS 82 AMERICA’S BEST BEACHES
Gulf To Bay St. Pete Clearwater FL Gulf To Bay St. Pete Clearwater FL 2022: Page 80
