One Delicious Day in St. Pete

Begin with coffee, of course. Tucked away amidst lush foliage alongside boat docks on Tampa Bay, Patrona Coastal Cafe offers freshly-roasted coffee, coffee drinks and espresso. Breakfast nibbles range from super-healthy (acai cups) to over-the-top indulgent (coconut French toast casserole.) If you're on a "bleisure" getaway, we can't think of a better place to get a couple of hours of work in, with a view.

Or, for vintage St. Pete vibes, head to Black Crow Coffee in the city's Old Northeast neighborhood. The coffee is delish, the pastries are beautifully flaky, and you can sink into an old arm chair or cozy up to the piano to play a tune. This spot won the #1 coffee shop in St. Pete-Clearwater in the annual "Besties" awards.
 

A morning of sightseeing under sunny skies can help you work up an appetite. Head to the St. Pete Pier for happy vibes, great eats and splendid waterfront views at Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille. They call the cuisine “Floribbean” but you’ll call it fantastic.

The St. Pete Pier has several other good options for waterfront dining, too, such as the new Perry's Porch, where it's fun to relax (on the porch, of course) and stay awhile; Teak in the "pier head" building; and Driftwood Cafe, offering casual bites.
 

Weekends = Brunch Moments. The Library is one of those insider spots that you’ll be delighted to discover. Inspired by the George Peabody Library in Baltimore, this elegant space with towering bookshelves is known for its weekend brunch. The shareable brunch board includes a beef-cheek Benedict, maple-Snickerdoodle pancakes, and Nutella French toast, or go a la carte with smoked Gouda grits, the last word in creamy deliciousness.

Other great spots for brunch in St. Pete include Cassis (featuring brunch every day!); Noble Crust (elevated Southern & Italian specialties); The Left Bank Bistro (a charming little French spot in an old house); and Datz (come hungry to this comfort food spot).

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OK, here’s where it gets tricky. There are so many great choices, thanks to St. Petersburg's vibrant dining scene. But you can't go wrong with Juno & The Peacock where creative cookery meets chic surroundings, and New American Coastal Cuisine is served. (Think ahi tuna tartare with avocado crema and grilled Bulgogi-marinated bavette.)  
 
Are you a Food Network fan? Chef Rob Reinsmith of St. Pete's Wild Child bested celebrity chef Bobby Flay on “Beat Bobby Flay” with his corn empanadas. Sample Reinsmith’s fabulous fare, a medley of well-curated small and large plates, and the best ceviche in the city, at his lively, eclectic bistro.  
 
For simple fare that's delicious but not fancy, head to Ted Peters Famous Smoked Fish, a rustic spot where they smoke salmon, mullet and mahi-mahi over red oak. After more than 70 years in business, Ted Peters is a celebrated institution.  

Planning a romantic date night? We’ve got the spot: Calida Kitchen & Wine. This tiny European-style bistro offers a cozy setting and exquisite, seasonally-based dishes with an ever-changing menu.

Or, if you're a planner, make a reservation at one of St. Pete's three MICHELIN-recommended spots: Il Ritorno (a modern take on traditional Italian cuisine); Fortu (elevated Pan-Asian dishes); and Sushi Sho Rexley (the area's only Omikase experience). Don't miss the videos on this page.
 

Did someone say “rooftop bar”? Views of sparkly city-meets-bay are the perfect garnish to your cocktail/mocktail. At Sparrow,  on the 7th floor rooftop of the Moxy St. Pete hotel, enjoy a cocktail or Asian-inspired bite under the stars or in the sleek interior. (Bonus: DJs and a happy hour.)

Fancy an Old-Fashioned and fabulous views of Tampa Bay? Snag a couch or cabana at the Birchwood Canopy at the Birchwood Inn. 
 
Unique libations steal the show at Pluma Lounge where drinks (and cocktail bites) reflect the tastes of Mexico, Brazil and Peru.

Get your dance on, and enjoy a craft cocktail, at Bar Mezzo in the city's happening EDGE District.

For that retro cocktail lounge vibe, you won’t do better than The Mandarin Hide. (Don’t leave without paying your respects to Manny the mascot, a mounted buffalo head.)
 

Can you squeeze one more thing into your stuffed-like-a-burrito itinerary? If so, here are some tasty ideas:

• St. Pete’s food markets offer a fun immersion into the local culinary culture. Hit the Asian Mega Night Street Food Market for an open-air celebration of Asian street food. The St. Pete Saturday Morning Market is a farmers market and then some, featuring food from 15+ countries. 
• Mazzaro’s Italian Market is a great stop for gourmet goodies (who doesn’t love an edible souvenir?) and one of Mazzaro’s famous cannoli, best enjoyed on the patio. Fair warning: Saturdays are super-busy, so come during the week if you can. (Closed Sundays.)
• If you’re keen to learn how your favorite adult beverages are made, book a grain-to-glass tour at St. Petersburg Distillery.
• For an inside look at the local food scene, book an Eat St. Pete Food Tour. Their three-hour Sunshine City walking tour includes tastings at five eateries.

There are so many fun things to do in St. Pete while you're waiting for your next meal:

• Fill up your Instagram feed at Sunken Gardens,  a four-acre subtropical wonderland with waterfalls, lush greenery and rare plants and trees (look for the rainbow eucalyptus).
• Love to go museum-hopping? St. Pete offers so many unique museums and interactive art experiences, you'll be spoiled for choice.
• Also plan to check out the funky shops along Central Avenue, where you’ll also spy some amazing murals, among the 600 or so in the city.