Great Outdoor Dining in St. Petersburg

Good things are meant to be shared: That’s the concept at Allelo, a fine dining outpost with a Mediterranean tilt. Order some mix-and-match dishes to divvy up—say, seared scallops, crispy sprouts, and meatballs—and take in the trendy Beach Drive scene. Umbrellaed outdoor tables grace a European courtyard-style patio, open for dinner and weekend brunch when the weather cooperates of course. (And it usually does.)

Try this: Order the duck confit gemelli with winter squash, arugula, and Aleppo peppers.

This quirky, colorful eatery (open for lunch and dinner) offers traditional Thai cookery, Mexican favorites, and some Asian-Mex-fusion—red curry fish tacos, anyone? At Nitally’s, named after owners Nit and Ally, it’s really all about spice. Their "inferno soup" features 12 of the hottest peppers they can find, plus cardamom, nutmeg, fennel, and lime juice. (Don’t say you weren’t warned: A slogan painted on the building reads: "Love someone spicy tonight.") The outdoor space is festooned with colorful banners, strung above bistro tables with umbrellas.

Try this: Go all in on with Panang Mole (two words you didn’t expect to see together) or chorizo Pad Thai.

Overlooking the harbor and situated across from North Straub Park and the Vinoy Resort & Golf Club, Juno & the Peacock is an upscale hotspot serving refined American coastal cuisine. Open for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, Juno offers patio dining under ruffled umbrellas, so you can nibble briny bits from the raw bar as you soak up the sea air. Bonuses: People-watching on Beach Drive, and the best cornbread you’ve ever had, enhanced with hot honey and fontina.

Try this: Mushroom Truffle flatbread, a triumph of Gouda mornay, shiitake & king oyster mushrooms, truffle oil and Parmigiano-Reggiano. Earthy meets umami meets delicious.

Helmed by Chef Rob Reinsmith, who beat Bobby Flay with his corn empanadas, Wild Child is a perfect choice for foodies who dig al fresco dining—the majority of seating is outdoors. There’s a tropical-themed outdoor patio with a large bar, and a second-floor, street-facing patio—both ideal venues for noshing on jerk octopus and other inventive bites. They take reservations for all seating areas except the bars, but walk-ins are welcome (as are dogs.) Located in the buzzy Grand Central District, Wild Child has a laid-back vibe, but their food and beverage program has serious street cred.

Try this: Beet salad and crispy Brussels sprouts are great share-me dishes, and the Korean fried chicken sandwich is a must.

Two St. Pete locations (1st Ave. N. in downtown and 4th St. N.) offer plenty of open-air seating and some of the best Mexican food in town. Sample favorites such as Jibarito (fried green plantains with shredded roast pork) and Palomilla (a thin-cut steak topped with caramelized onions).

Try This: It’s possible (but extremely unwise) to leave without ordering the churros for dessert. 

A sidewalk cafe on Beach Drive that’s the perfect place to watch the world stroll by, Cassis is also known for its excellent service. Did we mention the wonderful fact that Cassis serves brunch every day from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m.? That alone would be enough to earn our vote, but you’ll find plenty to enjoy on the lunch and dinner menus, too.

Try This: The braised escargot in a red wine persillade sauce is a winner.

Ah, the glory of the Cuban sandwich, piled high with lechon (pork), swiss cheese and pickles, then pressed to toasted perfection! Find it (and a lot of other delicious Cuban offerings, including veggie options) at Bodega on Central Ave. or at their Seminole Heights restaurant.

Try This: Not in the mood for a sandwich? Ask for the Pollo Plato, with chicken, rice, beans and maduros.

Restaurateurs George and Debbie Sayegh (owners of Bodega) long dreamed of celebrating their families’ Lebanese and Greek heritage in a restaurant. You can find that dream-come-true in St. Pete’s historic Kenwood neighborhood. Dine on the covered patio, then check out Baba’s bakery after your meal.

Try This: Order several “mezze” (small plates) to share or go big with the grilled lamb chops or whole roasted fish.

A Beach Drive favorite with shaded sidewalk seating, BellaBrava has won a host of awards including “Best Downtown St. Pete Restaurant” and “Best Italian Restaurant.” In addition to tables, there’s some cozy couch seating where you can enjoy a drink outdoors. After your meal, walk across the street to take a photo under the giant banyan trees near the Museum of Fine Arts.

Try This: The Pasta Brava lives up to its name with wood-grilled chicken, fresh pappardelle pasta, cotto ham, roasted mushrooms and asiago cream.

Stop by for a cerveza, a friendly smile and some of the tastiest tacos you’ve ever had at one of three St. Pete locations. Even better: tacos are ordered individually, meaning you can mix-and-match to sample more things!

Try This: The Brussels Sprout Taco is 100 percent amazing. The Pescado (made with fried fish and a fresh pineapple salsa) and the Carnitas can hold their own in the taco world, too.

You can enjoy a relaxing, Old Florida atmosphere and a bit of history at this quaint, circa 1931 St. Pete restaurant with its expansive garden dining area. Look for the candy-pink building with the striped pink-and-green awnings at 22nd Avenue South and Third Street.

Try This: Along with American menu items such as their signature “Chattaburger” and Original Chicken Basket, The Chattaway has a surprising offering: British Afternoon Tea served by Lady Chattaway. (Editor's note: the restaurant is cash-only but there's an ATM on site; please call 48 hours in advance for afternoon tea.)

Florida dining just got more fun with the addition of this St. Pete newcomer, focusing on (you guessed it) fresh seafood. The menu changes daily, according to what’s biting, and you can have your fish prepared one of three ways (citrus rub, blackened or salt/pepper/garlic). They suggest you “come early and hungry,” as there are no reservations.

Try This: Sample the smoked fish spread made with fresh local mahi as an appetizer.

Named for the owners’ rescue pup, Lola, Lolita’s Wine Market has charm to spare, especially if you have dinner in El Jardin, their outdoor butterfly garden where the full menu is available. Settle into a cozy bistro table under a pergola and dig into sharable, creative hot and cold tapas and enticing charcuterie boards. Featured elements include beef short rib, paella and truffle focaccia.

Try this: Passionfruit-aji amarillo granita tops the Fire + Ice Ceviche, an inspired medley of ahi tuna, jalapeno, lychee, tomatillo, toasted corn and red onion.

Globally-inspired comfort food is the name of the game at award-winning Social Roost (the roost bit refers to some rooster-themed décor.) Open for lunch, dinner, and brunch (weekdays and weekends), this scratch kitchen has an inviting patio, a little oasis from bustling First Avenue North. Think casual dining with black-and-white bistro-style seating under palm trees.

Try this: Peruvian chicken is the most popular dish, a half-chicken covered with a Peruvian-spiced dry rub and baked, served with rice and black beans and fried plantains, and drizzled with Pio Pio sauce. Curried mussels make a tasty appetizer.