Ruth's Chris Steakhouse
Upscale steakhouse overlooking the Sundial courtyard in the heart of downtown, Ruth’s Chris is a respected chain with a dedicated following who come for dependable steaks, chops and seafood specialties.
131 2nd Ave. N., St. Petersburg
(727) 821-4139;
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Restaurant Guide
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Doc Ford's
Rum & Bar Grille
Shorts and flip-flops are welcome at this popular waterfront eatery on the St. Pete Pier named after a character in Randy Wayne White novels. Seafood with a Caribbean flair includes crab cakes and fish tacos to entrees like Cedar Plank Salmon and Banana Leaf Snapper.
610 2nd Ave NE, St. Petersburg
(727) 857-8118
8790 Bay Pines Blvd; St. Petersburg
(727) 290-9578
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Island Grille & Raw Bar
Expansive waterfront dining focusing on fresh seafood, steaks, pasta, chicken, sandwiches and raw bar. Island Grille attracts a fun crowd of families, boaters and local sun-seekers who gravitate here for the food, tropical drinks and massive outdoor patio.
210 Madonna Blvd, Tierra Verde
(727) 767-0020
islandrawbar.com
$$$
MadFish
Look for the refurbished train dining car on Gulf Boulevard in St. Pete Beach and you’ve found MadFish, known for fresh seafood including oysters, mussels, Chilean Sea Bass, group, salmon and lobster tail. The casual diner is open for dinner only.
5200 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach
(727) 360-9200 madfishonline.com
$$$
Rum Fish Grill
Known for its 33,500-gallon living aquarium featured on Animal Planet’s show “Tanked,” RumFish Beach Resort’s popular restaurant embraces marine life with a menu focused mainly on sustainable seafood and Gulf Coast cuisine. Dinner only, but a bar menu is available daytimes.
6000 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach (727) 329-1428
rumfishgrill.com
$$$$
Sea Salt
Upscale, urban and known for its raw bar and impeccably fresh seafood, this is the place to impress while enjoying a sunset over the downtown skyline. Located at Sundial, the airy and sophisticated eatery specializes in seasonal and organic ingredients, an extensive wine collection and craft cocktails.
183 2nd Ave. N., St. Petersburg
(727) 873-7964;
$$$
Teak
With a spectacular view of the downtown skyline, Teak, at the tip of the St. Pete Pier, offers elevated casual dining for lunch and dinner. Florida-inspired cuisine runs the gamut from Cubans and paella to pan roasted grouper with citrus risotto and ginger guava BBQ short ribs.
800 2nd Ave. NE, St. Petersburg
(727) 513-8325;
$$
The Hurricane Seafood Restaurant
The landmark Hurricane on Passe-a-Grille Beach has weathered a few storms, but still stands as a seafood mecca for tourists, groups and families. The fresh grouper sandwich and view from the rooftop bar are legendary.
809 Gulf Way, St. Pete Beach (727) 360-9558
thehurricane.com
American Fine
St Petersburg's Best American Cuisine
Beau & Mo’s Chicago Style Steakhouse
This popular steakhouse offers casual Chicago-style ambiance and a selection of USDA Prime and Australian Wagyu steaks, a 42-ounce Tomahawk ribeye, New Zealand lamb chops, seafood and Italian specialties. A lively atmosphere perfect for groups and families. Dinner only.
2924 5th Ave.N., St. Petersburg
(727) 771-3690
$$$
Birch & Vine
Located in Beach Drive’s Birchwood Hotel, this fine dining spot is helmed by Executive Chef Lee Aquino, known for his unique and globally inspired dishes featuring seasonal, organic and locally sourced foods.
340 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg
(727) 896-1080
$$$
Brick & Mortar
Rustic-chic dining in an intimate atmosphere, local foodies gravitate here for healthy American fare that changes seasonally. Dinner only.
539 Central Ave., St. Petersburg
(727) 822-6540
$$$
Castile Restaurant
Hotel Zamora’s elegant restaurant stylishly prepares a curated menu of New American cuisine including tapas, Spanish and Mediterranean specialties, steak and seafood. Select from indoor or outdoor seating with a view of the intracoastal; lunch and dinner.
3701 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach
(727) 456-8660
castilerestaurant.com
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Grace
Upscale yet laid-back, this intimate dining spot offers modern American and Mediterranean cuisine, wine, and cocktails in the heart of Passe-A-Grille. Stop in for happy hour from 4 to 6 pm or treat yourself to a curated dining menu that runs the gamut from seafood and salads to pasta and steak.
120 8th Ave., St. Pete Beach
(727) 317-4770
gracestpete.com
$$$
Juno & the Peacock
Luxe and sophisticated, new hotspot on the Beach Drive dining scene offers New American Coastal Cuisine focusing on locally sourced ingredients. Look for a curated menu with inventive flair, alongside American staples like handhelds, flatbreads and tapas plates such as lobster tail escargot and Wagu carpaccio. The outdoor patio offers waterfront views and some of the best people watching in town.
400 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg
(727) 258-4222;
$$$$
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Seafood
St Petersburg's Finest Seafood Restaurants
Parkshore Grill
Top-notch Beach Drive dining from fresh seafood to steaks, pasta and salads. Lunch, dinner and brunch served Saturdays and Sunday until 3 pm. Chef Tyson Grant is committed to serving local and sustainable meats and seafood and locally grown organic produce.
300 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg
(727) 896-9463;
$$$
Sauvignon Wine Locker
& American
Trattoria
Charming wine-centric dining with a top-notch curated menu of seafood, pasta and meats in a lively block of Central Avenue downtown. Outstanding wine list; open for lunch, dinner and Saturday/Sunday brunch.
241 Central Ave., St. Petersburg
(727) 827-7896;
$$$
The Dewey at Berkeley Beach Club
Sophisticated yet casual dining in Pass-A-Grille with a curated menu of reimagined beach cuisine, outstanding wine and craft cocktails. Downstairs is the main dining area; but for the ultimate sunset views head to the rooftop bar for an expansive oyster menu and selection of appetizers. 1
09 8th Avenue, St. Pete Beach
(727) 228-1000;
berkeleybeachclub.com
$$$$
Sonata at
the Mahaffey
The new restaurant on the second level of The Mahaffey Theater offers diners a curated menu of coastal cuisine rooted in Southern tradition with creative flair. Stealing the show is a massive lighted moon installation and views of the downtown waterfront. Dinner hours only, with lunch and brunch expected to be added later this year.
400 First St. N, St. Petersburg
(727) 892-5857
$$$$
Urban Stillhouse
Bourbon lovers will be in heaven and everyone else will be in awe at this rustic yet sophisticated distillery in the Warehouse Arts District featuring Chef Kenny Tufo’s renowned American modern cuisine. Dinner only Thursday through Saturday, brunch Sunday 11 to 4; reservations a must.
2232 5th Ave. S., St. Petersburg
(727) 440-8040;
$$$$
The Library
Tucked away in Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital with a distinguished English library setting, The Library is just the ticket for a quiet lunch or dinner or even a romantic night out. The creative menu is overflowing with healthy options such as Osso Bucco Risotto and Squid Ink Pasta with Blackened Shrimp.
600 5th St. S., St. Petersburg
(727) 369-9969;
$$$
The Maritana
The Don Cesar’s long-standing Maritana was renovated a few years ago, offering a sophisticated and intimate fine-dining experience featuring modern Coastal cuisine sustainably sourced, and an extensive wine list. The perfect spot for late-night dessert and aperitif.
3400 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, dinner only
(844) 338-1501,
doncesar.com/dining/maritana
$$$$
Rococo
Fine dining in a sophisticated steakhouse helmed by renowned Executive Chef David Blackmon offering a chic twist on classic fare. Outstanding wine selection and service. Dinner only.
655 2nd Ave. S., St. Petersburg
(727) 822-0999;
$$$$
Datz
Hearty and even sinful comfort foods from loaded burgers and fried chicken to pancakes and nachos. Leave your diet at home for the Nashville Chicken Doughnut.
180 Central Ave., St. Petersburg
(727) 202-1182;
$$$
Italian
St Petersburg's Finest Italian Restaurants
Eat, Art, Love
Intimate café in the Warehouse Arts District focused on weekend brunch (no dinner hours), as well as helping emerging artists get noticed by providing exhibit space. Chef Mario Brugnoli brings soul-warming dishes to the 25-seat restaurant with a short menu that touches on Southern/Creole with dishes like a confit duck leg with grits, fried chicken sandwich and classic egg dishes. Wine available; limited days and hours.
589 22nd St S St. Petersburg
(727) 289-1713
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Ford's Garage
Pull into this garage to find a fun 1920’s service station (don’t miss a stop in the restrooms) with a great selection of prime burgers, chicken sandwiches, salads, mac n cheese dishes,
and craft beers. Indoor or outdoor dining.
200 1st Ave. S., St. Petersburg
(727) 295-3673;
$$
Named after the inn's friendly resident ghost, charming Isabelle's embodies classic Old Florida/Southern ambiance and cuisine. Specialties include Shrimp & Grits and Salmon Florentine. Ask for a seat on the covered verandah or in the lushly landscaped patio. Sunday Brunch is 10 am to 3 pm.
2937 Beach Blvd. S. Gulfport, FL
(727) 346-9800
isabellesgulfport.com
Isabelle's at the Historic Peninsula Inn
$$
Casual tavern and late-night hotspot on Beach Drive offers a variety of classic American fare from steak and shrimp to burgers and chicken; known for a selection of sausages made in-house.
224 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg
(727) 350-1019;
Stillwaters
$$$
The Hangar
Watch the runway action at Albert Whitted Airport in the heart of downtown at The Hangar, located on the second floor of the airport terminal. An extensive breakfast menu features traditional egg, waffle and pancake dishes and an omelet station. Main menu offers a diverse array of sandwiches, burgers, soups and salads, and sharable items.
540 1st Street S., St. Petersburg (727) 823-7767
$$
Social Roost
Aptly named for its inviting casual ambiance, the Roost specializes in globally inspired chicken dishes and craft cocktails. Everything is fresh and made from scratch, from chicken samosas to the Peruvian Chicken and Chicken Tangine.
150 1st Ave. N., St. Petersburg
(727) 202-6113;
$$$
American Casual
St Petersburg's Casual American Cuisine
Buya Ramen
Locals favorite for authentic Japanese tapas. Ramen bowls come with meat or soy-based broths, with crispy duck, braised short rib, pork belly or grilled chicken. Seaweed salad, bao buns and vegetable gyoza are starters.
911 Central Ave., St. Petersburg
(727) 202-7010;
$$
Alesia
Fresh French and Vietnamese cuisine in a contemporary setting near the beaches. Salads, spring rolls and banh mi, pho bowls, curry and noodle dishes all lovingly made with fresh ingredients.
7204 Central Ave., St. Petersburg
(727) 345-9701
$$
Hawkers
Asian street food kicked up a notch with craft cocktails and a young vibe at a popular Grand Central hotspot. Small plates and bowls are perfect for sharing.
1235 Central Ave., St. Petersburg
(727) 521-7235;
$$
La V
Healthy Vietnamese fusion café featuring a variety of entrees, salads, noodle bowls and stir frys. Some of the best pho in town, and a broad menu of boba tea. Wines and dessert make this a great place for lunch or dinner.
441 Central Ave., St. Petersburg
(727) 820-3500
$$
Good Fortune
Trendy dining and high-octane night spot with top-notch Asian-Fusion cuisine and cocktails, Good Fortune replaces the former Ichicoro Ane below the Station House. Small sharable plates and bowls, an extensive sushi bar and a late night menu that brings out the bao combine for an adventurous evening out.
260 1st Avenue S. St. Petersburg
(727) 287-3881;
$$
Asian Fusion
St Petersburg's Finest Fusion Restaurants
†he Lemon Grass
Immense Asian tapas menu with sushi, rolls, Thai dishes, fried rice, noodles and much more. Popular for carry-out via online ordering.
310 Central Ave., St. Petersburg
(727) 894-1111
$$
The Pearl
Moving recently to Gulfport from its longtime location on Treasure Island, the Mediterranean/Moroccan fine dining restaurant with chef/owner Karim Chiadmi at the helm offers a wide variety from steaks and seafood, pastas, veal and lamb. Dinner only from Tuesday through Saturday. 5802
28th Avenue S., Gulfport
(727) 360-9151;
$$$
Allelo
Sophisticated Mediterranean-Aegean theme restaurant specializes in seafood, pastas, and sharable appetizer plates and charcuterie boards. An extensive wine list and curated cocktails offer a perfect sip at the elegant marble bar inside or on the patio facing the downtown waterfront.
300 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg;
(727) 851-9582;
$$$$
Baba
It’s hard to find more authentic Mediterranean cuisine than at this indoor-outdoor casual dining spot in the heart of Kenwood. Be sure to visit the bakery for some goodies to take home.
2701 Central Ave., St. Petersburg
(727) 954-3406
$$
Café Gala
Delightful sun-filled café in the lobby of the Dali Musuem offers light fare with a Spanish theme. Authentic tapas and small plates of appetizers, traditional pastries, gazpacho, salads and sandwiches. Sit at the coffee bar for the people watching and order an expresso and Crema Catalana. Open during museum hours, parking $10.
One Dali Blvd., St. Petersburg
(727) 623-4725
$$
Bin 6 South
This tiny wine cellar/restaurant brings intimate dining to a new level with only one 6-top table and bar seating for a total of 12. Fine dining with a chef-driven global menu and sommelier service gets raves from those lucky enough to nab a seat. Reservations a must; not for the shy.
330 6th Street S., St. Petersburg (727) 498-6735;
$$$
Fortu
Fortu - A sophisticated Pan-Asian steakhouse in the historic Ponce de Leon Hotel offers elevated dining influenced by Japan, China, Korea and Vietnam, curated cocktail and saki menus, and an elegant atmosphere. Dinner only.
95 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg;
$$$$
Ceviche
Since moving to modern new digs on Beach Drive, the Spanish tapas-inspired menu maintains its authentic dishes and creative touches heavily leaning toward seafood and a Spanish-driven wine selection.
10 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg
(727) 209-2299
$$$
Concrete Jungle
Concrete Jungle - Mexican food goes trendy in this tropical oasis that’s bright, airy and boisterous. Have a seat in the lush tropical dining room to order shared plates, flatbreads, burgers and salads and a shot from the specialty tequila and mezcal menu.
475 Central Ave., St. Petersburg
(727) 475-5440;
$$
Grand
Hacienda
Festive atmosphere and a massive menu of authentic Mexican fare that includes vegetarian and gluten-free. Family friendly, there’s something for everyone including breakfast dishes and a Margarita happy hour Monday through Thursday.
399 11th Ave. N., St. Petersburg
(727) 256-9770
$$
Fado
Authentic Portuguese cuisine and wines heavily leaning toward seafood, meats and sausages in a modern setting. Love octopus? This is the place for you.
435 5th Ave. N., St. Petersburg
(727) 346-5389
$$$
Left Bank Bistro
Charming setting in the Crescent Lake community, Left Bank offers accessible French-style fare indoors or outdoors. A great late-night stop for dessert and coffee; the intimate bar presents jazz on Thursday evenings; brunch on weekends.
1225 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. N., St. Petersburg;
(727) 256-1691
$$$
Red Mesa
Cantina
Longtime fave for fans of fresh Mexican cuisine in a hip urban setting, come here to sit in the courtyard with a margarita or sangria and indulge in tacos, salads, enchiladas, quesadillas and burritos and bowls.
128 3rd St. S., St. Petersburg
(855) 265-0812
$$
Red Mesa
Not to be confused with the Cantina, the original Red Mesa offers fresh Mexican fare with influences of South and Central America, the Caribbean and beyond. Entrees include Filet Mignon Chimichurri and Ginger Crusted Salmon.
4912 4th St. N., St. Petersburg
(727) 527-8728
$$$
Bonu Taverna Italiana
A devout following comes to Bonu to enjoy the fresh Italian cuisine and friendly service found at this trendy café on Central Avenue. Grab a seat at the bar, outdoor patio, or one of two airy dining rooms. Specialties range from pizza “pinsas” and charcuterie to pasta, salad and soups. Popular Sunday brunch.
601 Central Ave. St. Petersburg
$$$
Studio Public House
Fun and funky dining in an old gas station-turned-recording studio-turned neighborhood English/American pub. Creative sandwiches, flatbreads, vegan and veggie, but you can’t beat the Madras Balti Curry and Dragonfire Vindaloo.
2950 Central Ave., St. Petersburg
(727) 873-6992
$$$
Renzo's
Argentinian steakhouse with extensive menu of Latin American charcuterie and tapas, grilled meats, prime seafood and traditional pasta dishes, wines and desserts. Casual and group friendly, indoor and outdoor dining.
104 2nd St. S., St. Petersburg
(727) 851-9983
$$$
Ethnic Global
St Petersburg's Most Worldly Restaurants
Gratzzi
Ristorante
Classic Italian cuisine in a warm, friendly environment. Choose from steak and seafood to traditional Italian favorites like Pork Ossobuco and Veal Saltimbocca. Known for their Cavatelli Bada Bing, pasta prepared tableside in a wheel of parmesan cheese. Dinner only.
211 2nd St. S., St. Petersburg
(727) 623-9037
$$$
Il Ritorno
When owner/executive chef David Benstock beat TV chef Bobby Flay in a May 2021 episode, seats at this intimate downtown eatery were hard to come by. It’s still a good idea to make a reservation to discover Benstock’s fresh, modern Italian cuisine that simply brims with love and creativity. Dinner only.
449 Central Ave., St. Petersburg
(727) 897-5900
$$$$
Taverna Costale
Coastal Italian dining from celebrity chef Fabio Viviani recently opened in the heart of downtown offers the perfect blend of a rustic Italian eatery, an energetic local tavern, and an upscale modern restaurant. Extensive wine list, craft cocktails and an indoor/ outdoor bar. Dinner only.
200 Central Ave., St. Petersburg
(727) 954-3863
$$$
Healthy Fusion
St Petersburg's Healthiest Restaurants
BellaBrava
Authentic Italian cuisine with urban flair, the New World trattoria is lively and fun with beloved pasta dishes, woodstone oven pizza and great people watching from the sidewalk patio.
204 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg
(727) 895-5515
$$$
Wild Child
Named the Best New Restaurant of 2022 by the Tampa Bay Times, this coral pink neighborhood bistro meets all the requirements with creative cuisine, fresh and seasonal ingredients, and tiki craft cocktails all meticulously prepared and served. Tuna tostadas, jerk octopus, Peruvian seafood chowder are menu highlights. Indoor/outdoor seating; dinner only but open 11 am Sunday for brunch.
2710 Central Ave., St. Petersburg
(727) 954-7425
$$$
Restaurant Guide
Pia’s Trattoria and Pia’s Veranda
The Trattoria’s romantic indoor/outdoor dining rooms, excellent service and classic menu, make it one of the top Italian restaurants in the region. Favorites include a classic Beef Carpaccio from grass-fed cattle, Linguini Alla Vongole and Penne Quatro Formaggio al Forno. Across the street, a more casual sister location offers shady outdoor seating and live music daily. Both locations open at 4 pm.
3054/3038 Beach Blvd. S., Gulfport
(727) 327-2190
piastrattoria.com
$$
Restaurant Guide
Palm Court Italian Grill
A longtime favorite for its balmy location at the TradeWinds Island Grand Resort, Palm Court never disappoints with its signature Italian pasta and Mediterranean seafood dishes. Reserve a seat on the outdoor patio at dusk for a romantic dinner.
5500 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach
(727) 363-2358
tradewindsresort.com/island-grand-beach-resort/eat-drink
$$$
Restaurant Guide
Restaurant Guide
Cider Press Vegan Gastropub
A longtime locals favorite, Cider Press presents a pub menu of vegan “imposters” from monstrous Beyond Beef burgers to Bang Bang “Shrimp,” Buffalo “Chicken” Mac & Cheese, and “Fish” and Chips. A sleek, modern interior, and a chic bar make this a place even meat eaters will love.
3118 3rd Ave. N., St. Petersburg (727) 914-7222;
$$
Craft Kafe
Popular downtown coffeeshop and café specializes in gluten-free artisan pastries, quiches, pizza, salads and soups. Sit on the patio and watch the world go by.
200 Central Ave., St. Petersburg
(727) 256-8587
$$$
Restaurant Guide
Golden Dinosaur
Voted Best Vegan Restaurant in Tampa Bay, The Dino serves an impressive menu of salads, sandwiches, tacos, Cubans and reubens, even chili, French dips and Beyond burgers, all made with meat substitutes. Betcha can’t tell the difference. Open 11 am to 7 pm daily; popular for carry-outs.
2930 Beach Blvd., Gulfport.
Online orders at goldendinosaurs.com
$$
Good Intentions
Creative vegan/vegetarian eatery combines healthful entrees and appetizers with a solid wine list and craft cocktails. Come in for coffee and dessert to knock your socks off; brunch on Saturday and Sunday.
1900 1st Avenue S. St. Petersburg;
(727) 280-6068;
$$
Restaurant Guide
Restaurant Guide
Love Food
Central
This small neighborhood café serves only vegan and gluten-free sandwiches, soups, salads and the amazing Awesome Burger (beet and black bean patty with an awesome sauce) that will inspire you to eat healthy more often.
2057 Central Ave., St. Petersburg
(727) 317-2034
$$
Parasol
The Vinoy’s poolside eatery offers casual Latin fare and exotic specialty rum and tequila cocktails. Look for healthy salads and sides and botanas such as Picadillo Empanadas, Tuna Tostadas and Lobster Quesadilla that all scream to be washed down with a Blueberry Lavendar Margarita, a Don Q Blanco Rum Cuba Libre or a signature sangria.Hours 11 am to 9 pm daily.
Vinoy Resort, 501 5 th Ave. NE, St. Petersburg
(727) 894-1000
$$$
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Three Birds Tavern
Casual dining with a blend of Old Florida charm and a America/British menu in a century old home. Sit on the wraparound porch for a nosh when the weather is chill, specialties include fish and chips, lamb burgers, pulled pork Cubans, and shepherd’s pie; 18 beers on draft, many from the UK.
1492 4th Street. N., St. Petersburg
(727) 895-2049
Cassis
Combining traditional French and American influences for brunch, lunch and dinner, this European-style café is a favorite people-watching spot at sidewalk tables along Beach Drive. Carry-out French pastries and gourmet coffee and tea from the bakery.
170 Beach Dr., St. Petersburg
(727) 827-2927,
$$$
