NITALLY’S BUYA RAMEN Asian MOWGLI’S TIFFIN IN BETWEEN DAYS MOWGLI’S TIFFIN • St. Pete; $ • East 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; $$ • Linger over sake cocktails and good tunes at this St. Pete restaurant, bar and “listening room,” inspired by Tokyo record bars and jazz cafes. The sake list is among the most comprehensive in the Tampa Bay area and the food menu is always evolving. If oysters are on deck, they’re always a good bet. Indian street food specialties beckon from the confines of this tiny jewel box of a restaurant. Highlights include the Kol-KATI rolls, a play on the iconic Indian snack featuring a paratha or roti wrap stuffed with vegetables, a choice of meat or vegetarian filling and sauces. Wash everything down with a cooling mango lassi, laced with cardamom and mint. PATTI’S KITCHEN • Pinellas Park; $ • This off-the-beaten-path foodie destination in Pinellas Park delivers big rewards for anyone in search of some seriously spicy noodle soups and Thai specialties. The tiny nook of a restaurant serves as an homage to the street noodles of Bangkok. Starters like the buttery, flaky Thai curry puffs and the restaurant’s signature boat noodle dish are more than enough reason to visit. TWISTED INDIAN • St. Pete; $ • Bold and fiery flavors rule the day at this fast-casual Indian spot born out of a popular food truck with a heavy following. Folks still line up for the restaurant’s chicken tikka “naanwiches,” lamb keema Bollywood bowls and the crazy delicious Yogi fries, topped with tikka masala, mozzarella cheese, tangy slaw and cooling yogurt raita. NITALLY’S • St. Pete; $$ • 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. VISITSPC .COM 85
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