TAVERNA COSTALE MAZZARO’S ITALIAN MARKET PIA’S TRATTORIA • Gulfport; $$ • Pia’s features all the characteristics of a rustic and cozy neighborhood trattoria with a space that oozes romance. An evolving menu features creative spins on Italian classics like capellini pomodoro and buttery shrimp scampi over homemade linguine, eggplant Parmesan, and blue crab ravioli with a brown butter sauce. The restaurant also has plenty of vegan dishes and gluten-free pastas. SOUL SICILIAN FUSION • Clearwater; $$ • This charming Sicilian restaurant hews closely to southern Italian classics in a downtown Clearwa-ter 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. TAVERNA COSTALE • St. Pete; $$ • Chef Fabio Viviani, of “Top Chef” fame, is behind this downtown St. Pete hot spot, billed loosely as a “coastal Italian tavern.” The restaurant’s proximity to the water is reflected in the overall concept, which is heavily focused on fish and seafood. Thick-cut, Roman-style pizzas are a sure bet as is the burrata with smoked pancetta, pistachios and tomato jam. VISITSPC .COM 81
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