Top Chefs and Favorite Local Restaurants

Culinary masters
When you visit the St. Pete/Clearwater area be sure to bring your appetite. Here is just a taste of the many great culinary experiences in our area. John Harris, Executive Chef, Rusty's Bistro
Sheraton Sand Key Resort

A master of Floribbean cuisine (a combination of Florida and Caribbean flavors), award-winning Chef John Harris blends local citrus flavors and bold spices to create unforgettable dishes. With over 20 years as executive chef at the Sheraton Sand Key Resort, he is also known for creating uniquely flavorful soups that utilize fresh, seasonal ingredients from local markets, also complementing the Floribbean flair found at Rusty's. And, don't forget to check out the fish dishes, another culinary specialty Chef John is known for. Nestled in a beautiful Gulf front resort which features an expansive and pristine white sand beach, Rusty's features a "Cuisine of the Sun" philosophy which matches the magnificent shore side setting of the resort.

Tom Pritchard, Executive Chef, Salt Rock Grill
Indian Rocks Beach

Frequented by locals and visitors alike, the Salt Rock Grill is ideally situated across from the Gulf of Mexico on the intercoastal waterway, making it easy to get to by car, boat or trolley. With a background that started in New York and then moved throughout Europe, Executive Chef Tom Pritchard helped create Salt Rock Grill and brings his extensive kitchen career at fine restaurants to all the dishes served at Salt Rock. From Medibbean shrimp to Aztec chicken, Chef Tom's creations will have you coming back for more. With an open kitchen where you can see your favorite dish being flame grilled to an outdoor patio bar overlooking the water, the setting is perfect for spending a few hours with friends over fine food. Be sure to check out the fine artwork displayed throughout the restaurant, where local artists' work is regularly featured.

Other Culinary Landmarks

Columbia Restaurant - St. Pete
Columbia Restaurant - Clearwater
Family-owned and operated for over 100 years, the Columbia has earned acclaim for its old-world charm and award-winning Spanish/Cuban cuisine. Located at the Pier in St. Petersburg and on the intercoastal waterway in Sand Key, Clearwater Beach. The original location is Ybor City, Tampa.

Mykonos Restaurant
Treat your taste buds to authentic Greek delicacies such as Soutzoukakia (ground beef and Greek herbs, charbroiled on a skewer), Taramosalata (fresh caviar spread), and patatokeftedes (pan-fried Greek potato patties). Located in Tarpon Springs.

Ted Peter's Famous Smoked Fish
Featuring smoked mullet and other Florida fish cooked in a red oak smoker, this restaurant is practically an institution. They go through approximately 3 million pounds of fish each year.

Hurricane Seafood Restaurant
One of the area's most popular restaurants to watch the sunset. Located in Pass-a-Grille in South St. Pete Beach, check out "Stormy's" open-air bar on the top deck of the restaurant for a great view of the beach any time of day.