Best New Restaurants in St. Pete-Clearwater

A James Beard Award nominee, Chef Chris Ponte is known for adding pizazz to pappardelle, creativity to cavatelli (you get the idea) at Olivia, across the bay in Tampa. Now, Olivia has a baby sister in St. Pete, a traditional trattoria with a twist, if you will. Savor an enticing array of fresh pastas, pizzas and craft cocktails, set in a sleek dining room punctuated by elegant columns. A fun feature here: Diners can watch Olivia’s bakers in action, thanks to windows in the dining room that reveal the dough room. Even more reason to go: Olivia's was named the #1 new restaurant in St. Pete-Clearwater in the 2025 Best of St. Pete-Clearwater awards.

Is one of Dunedin’s best restaurants hiding inside a golf club? (Shhh, let’s keep this to ourselves). Highland House at the Dunedin Golf Club is the club’s signature restaurant and bar, featuring a menu designed by – wait for it – Chef Rob Reinsmith, chef/co-owner of dining hotspot Wild Child in St. Pete.  The concept is New American, representing a fun mash-up of classic eats presented with a dash of Chef Rob’s whimsy – arancini tater tots, a Chicago "dog" with all the fixings, Nashville hot chicken sliders, and S’mores bread pudding. Special shout-out to the steak frites with chimichurri – the hand-cut fries with garlic aioli are worth a visit all on their own. Not a member of the golf club? No worries – the restaurant is open to the public. 

Named for an Aesop fable, this Beach Drive newcomer to St. Pete offers an upscale dining experience featuring New American coastal cuisine. Here, it’s crispy pork belly with pickled red onion and carrot, drizzled with chipotle honey; ahi tuna tartare with avocado crema, short grain rice and shiso and other seafood-forward preparations, plus dry-aged beef and grilled Bulgogi-marinated bavette. Pasta and pastries are made in-house; guests rave about the shellfish bucatini; and Monica’s cornbread, enhanced with fontina, jalapenos and hot honey butter is every bit as good as it sounds. Open for lunch, dinner and brunch, the best seats in the house are outdoors under the red-and-white umbrellas.

Yearning for a cocktail inspired by Mexico’s mole verde, served with toasted pepitas? A drink that recalls a childhood favorite, the Tootsie Roll, and served with a house-made version of same? Saunter over to Pluma Lounge before or after your meal to enjoy the Green Ember and Dip Baby Dip, respectively. Those are among the clever and surprising tastes you’ll encounter at Pluma, the lounge next door to Juno & the Peacock. The tastes of Mexico, Brazil, and Peru are reflected in the libations and cocktail bites at this luxe boîte. Swathed in deep tones of velvet and leather, it’s a chic backdrop for a date night or friends' evening out. 

A sparkly waterfront park + an intriguing museum + a lovely meal-with-a-view—sounds like a perfect day in St. Petersburg. Located at the entrance of super-popular St. Pete Pier District, adjacent to the St. Petersburg Museum of History, Perry’s Porch offers a menu of fresh coastal cuisine with a touch of “Old Florida.” The airy, inviting eatery was named for Commodore Perry Snell, a local developer known for embracing timeless design and community gathering spaces. He’d be right at home here.

Perry’s Porch offers indoor and outdoor seating with views of skyline and waterfront, and a pleasing array of eats all day long. The restaurant serves coffee and pastries in the morning, and then lunch, dinner, and cocktails. Cheers for the gelato cart! Already, the charred octopus starter is winning rave reviews (it's the aji amarillo romesco!) and guests say the baked oysters with smoked pancetta and grana padano cheese are the best they’ve ever had. A shout out to the burrata salad with melon and beets, too.

Tucked away in St. Pete’s Warehouse Arts District, this little eatery is getting major love from, well, everyone who shows up. Open for brunch (on weekends only), Eat Art Love is helmed by Chef Mario Brugnoli (of Michelin-starred Rocca) and he’s gone brunch-tastic here, taking, say, a humble poached egg and giving it star appeal. Guests love the fluffy, cake-like pancakes, duck confit on feta grits and the EAL Classic, a happy mishmash of scrambled eggs, kielbasa, hashbrowns, sauteed onions and hot sauce that is anything but basic. The menu is short and sweet and elicits comments like “I could eat this every day.” If only.

The gorgeous (and newly renovated) Vinoy Resort & Golf Club on the bayfront in St. Petersburg has opened a new dining hotspot – Elliott Aster. At the helm is Chef Lee Wolen, with a resume that includes Michelin-starred Boka, the Four Seasons Palm Beach, El Bulli (once considered the world’s best restaurant) and Eleven Madison Park in New York City. The low-key elegance of the dining room (there’s also a waterfront patio) is the perfect foil for a menu that includes 45-day, dry-aged prime bone-in ribeye and King crab tagliatelle. A cool element: an antipasti bar will feature Italian meats, marinated peppers, and worthy accompaniments like whipped ricotta. 

The crane is considered a symbol of good luck and longevity in many cultures. Those who fancy a rewarding upscale dining experience have lucked out with this one—a new steak and seafood place by restaurant impresario Sean Thongsiri, of Mangosteen, The Glass Noodle, and Green Pagoda. Located on Central Avenue, this eatery + cocktail bar is quickly attracting flocks (hehe) of fans with for lunch and dinner with an Asian spin. Committed carnivores will head directly to the list of Wagyu beef options (tip: order those delectable hand-made Wagyu dumplings as an appetizer for the table). On the "surf" side, there’s a raw bar plus unique choices like She-crab soup and a crispy lobster spring roll. Dishes like seared peppercorn tuna reveal the chef’s flair with saucing. The drink menu includes inspired choices like a lychee milk punch and Ube coladas.

Set within the historic Ponce de Leon Hotel, Fortu is a dinner-only Pan-Asian fusion restaurant with chic vibes and a menu that leans toward elegant: Think hamachi crudo, seared scallops with shiso crab salad and more Wagyu preparations than you'll see this side of Japan. (Try the Wagyu goyza with black garlic ponzu.) The fresh, made-to-order dishes are meant for sharing, so take time together to enjoy the tastes and flavors of Asia.

Reward yourself with a visit to this delightful Latin-Peruvian-inspired restaurant, conceived by the owners of local favorite Brick & Mortar. Of course, there’s pulpo (octopus, in Spanish) on the menu, for example, Pulpo a la Gallega, a triumph of seared cephalopod with fried potatoes and pickled Fresno chiles.

In the kitchen, Chef Jason Ruhe ably executes an array of appetizers and small plates, plus a couple of heartier entrees – such as branzino with pistachio butter or paella with duck confit and roasted mushrooms. (There’s always a paella on the menu.)

Snag a coveted table at the circular bar, or settle in on the patio, home to an outdoor stage with live music. This is a great fit for St. Pete’s hipper-by-the-minute Grand Central District. Open for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch.

Forks up, people! The food at Azura Coastal Kitchen & Bar is so beautifully plated, you’ll want to take a photo of every dish, before everyone digs in and smears those lovely squiggles of sauce.

Located inside The Hotel Zamora, the former Castile restaurant has been newly imagined: The menu is Mediterranean-inspired with an emphasis on fresh seafood, with an upscale-but-casual feel. As befits a hotel restaurant, Azura is open for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner.

Some dishes are quickly rising as fan favorites, including the Shrimp Al Ajillo, Chilean sea bass, and lamb kabob. The extensive cocktail menu features seasonal favorites like the Watermelon Mojito (mocktail) and the Ruby Red Fizz (cocktail). Tip: You can even grab a to-go item from Azura Coastal Kitchen and head upstairs to the rooftop to enjoy your meal. Because everything is tastier with views of the Gulf and the Intracoastal Waterway.

Enjoy sparkly views of downtown St. Pete from Sparrow, on the 7th floor rooftop of the Moxy St. Pete hotel. Unwind under the stars or settle into Sparrow’s sleek interior in a comfy teal banquette or colorful barrel chair with a cocktail – say, Dali’s Surrealist Dreams, a swirl of green tea vodka with passionfruit, Lillet Blanc, and a twist of lime. Sparrow’s Asian-inspired menu showcases seasonal ingredients. Highlights might include bao buns with mushroom, pork, and duck; Korean fried chicken tenders; Thai seared snapper; and a yellowtail ceviche tostada, along with a selection of sushi rolls (named for local spots like Edge District Dragon and Central Ave.) Upping the Cool Quotient: DJs and a happy hour. 

Settle in for dinner at the upscale Malio’s Beach House on Gulf Boulevard, and Derek or Jen Iavarone might stop by your table to say hello – they’re the husband-and-wife owners of this sleek new spot, an outpost of Malio’s Prime Steakhouse in Tampa. Manager Dina Kuchkuda may also do the honors.

It’s all about gracious service and attention to detail here – and, of course, memorable meals. Count on perfectly-cooked steaks with Malio’s signature bearnaise sauce, along with prime rib and filet tips. Selections on the seafood side get plenty of love, too, including tuna tartare, escargot, jumbo shrimp, crab pasta and wild-caught Scottish salmon. Few guests can resist the allure of the charcuterie and cheese board as a starter.

When you put your dad’s name on a place (Malio is the name of Derek’s father), the stakes are high, and they nail it at Malio’s Beach House.

It takes some chutzpah to write “It’s Good” in giant letters on your restaurant window but hey, Steven Peterman knows what he’s doing. The creative mind behind Pete’s Bagels has opened this Jewish-inspired eatery and coffee shop in the historic Snell Arcade on St. Pete's Central Avenue.

Nearly everything is made from scratch, including baked goods, bagels, jams, dressings, cream cheeses, and a matzo ball soup that rivals bubbe’s. Bagel sandwiches are a big draw here; few can resist the Lox Toast, an open-faced bagel with silky lox, fresh avocado and locally-sourced microgreens. Seymour's also make savory scones, biscuits, quiches, breakfast bowls and sweet baked goods, available to grab-and-go or enjoy onsite in classic diner digs. As for beverages, how about an espresso from partner Look Alive Coffee, a local roaster? 

In some parts of India, a "tiffin" is a light meal or snack eaten between lunch and dinner. Foodies will want to make a bee line to sample the tiffin-esque bites at Mowgli’s, a new go-to in the EDGE District for Indian street food. (Mowgli, of course, is the adventurous lad in Rudyard Kipling’s The Jungle Book.) Founder Amita Mukherjee’s goal at this new eatery is to bring the vibrant cuisine of Kolkata, India, to the sunny streets of St. Pete. Here, warm Indian spices meet fresh ingredients to create an inspired medley of tasty tiffins, including an aloo masala kati roll (flaky rolled flatbread stuffed with aloo masala and veggies), and succulent butter chicken served atop mixed greens and Basmati rice. And if there’s a better drink on a hot day than mango lassi, a creamy blend of sweet mango and tangy yogurt with mint and cardamom, we’ve not tasted it. 

Confession: They had us at "dog-friendly tiki bar" (it's cheekily named "BARk"). That’s just one of the three zones at this rollicking Gulfport hangout. The main attraction is a wildly-painted indoor tavern/dining room, featuring a menu of all-American pub favorites like crab cakes, lobster rolls, grouper BLTs, and smoked chicken and pork. Their delightfully crispy chicken wings are quickly reaching legendary status. The burgers are perfection. Or go big with a grouper plate or half-rack of ribs. For a beverage-with-a-view, head directly to their rooftop Crow’s Nest Bar overlooking Boca Ciega Bay. Of course, if you’re hanging with your furry sidekick, it’s Doggy Tiki Bar time (think “Cheers” for pet parents). Keep up with happy hours, live music schedule, and events galore on their social media feeds.

In the mood for authentic Italian? Cafe Masse in Clearwater delivers the real deal. Here, aromatics like garlic, rosemary, and olive oil let you know you're in good hands. Chef Masse brings a personal touch to every meal and often to the dining room, greeting guests with warmth.

The dinner menu features traditional dishes done right, with a few standout specialties like the salmon champagne – a rich pasta topped with salmon in a champagne cream sauce, finished with dill. Pair your meal with a glass from the thoughtful selection of European wines, and save room for a slice of tiramisu that’s earned plenty of table-side buzz.
 

Save Melt N Dip for dessert time – or make it the whole reason you go out. This sweet spot leans hard into indulgence, with Belgian chocolate showing up in just about every corner of the menu. Go for warm lava cake paired with cool, creamy gelato or order one of the crepes filled with flavors like brownie or banana, then topped (and sometimes downright drenched) in rich chocolate. 

If you’re in the mood for something lighter, try one of their fresh fruit bowls like the royal fruit salad topped with raspberry and mango gelato. 

Once evenings hit at 86 Wine Bar, vinyl fills the room and the lights stay low. It’s a solid place to wind down after a long day, with a drink in hand and something small to snack on. Start with a glass of red or white, add a couple of small bites and see where the night goes. Marinated olives and roasted eggplant are easy picks and baklava ice cream is impossible to skip.

The wine list keeps things simple with bottles made with native yeast fermentation and no additives, so everything in your glass tastes clean and straightforward. Not in a wine mood? Go for a crisp lager or a hoppy IPA instead.

Slurp fresh oysters to your heart’s content at Cheeky’s, a lively raw bar in St. Pete’s Grand Central District. This is a place where oysters come first and they show up just about every way you’d want them –  raw, grilled or fried. They’re sourced from Florida oyster farms like Indian River Oyster Company in New Smyrna Beach and Lost Coast Oysters in Tampa Bay, along with oysters from the waters around Blue Point in New York and Katama Bay in Massachusetts. Add cocktail sauce,hot sauce and a squeeze of lemon, or start strong with an oyster shooter, a raw oyster served in a shot glass with vodka, tequila or beer. 

After you’ve whet your appetite with fresh oysters, peruse the menu: The seafood tower is built for sharing and the fried fish basket is a solid choice when you want something filling.

What was once Love Food Central is now Fire Water, serving a plant-forward menu with plenty of options for vegans, vegetarians and pescatarians that doesn't feel narrow. Try salads like one with maple-Dijon chickpeas or a kale-packed bowl topped with crunchy croutons, plus sandwiches like a mozzarella caprese and a Thai wrap with peanut sauce and avocado.

If you’re craving something sweet, cinnamon rolls come out soft and gooey and tend to get scooped up fast! For drinks, there’s kombucha or the Purple Haze mocktail made with house lavender syrup. This restaurant is a solid midday stop when you want something fresh and healthy.

Walk in hungry and start with oysters: That’s the move at The Oyster Bar, a neighborhood favorite that originally opened in 1999, but closed for two years in 2023 before reopening in a new location in late 2025. Oysters come raw or baked, by the half or full dozen, pulled from both East and West coast waters. They show up with the basics – mignonette and cocktail sauce – and sometimes with extras like bacon or shaved ribeye, if you want to go that route.

Forget happy hour! The Oyster Bar’s Aphrodisiac Hour runs from 4 to 5 p.m. daily, with “two-buck shucks,” aka $2 oysters shucked to order. If you’re still hungry, the menu stretches well past the raw bar. Buffalo shrimp are also on offer, along with hearty plates like a bone-in pork chop or slow-roasted prime rib.

This bistro serves modern Greek dishes with a lot of Mediterranean flavor on the table. Most meals start with a few things to share. Falafel comes out lightly crisp and warm, while feta-filled spanakopita bites stay flaky on the outside. You’ll also find heartier plates like chicken in a creamy artichoke sauce or marinated lamb chops, tender and well seasoned.

And then there’s dessert. The Dubai chocolate cake is rich without being over the top and the baklava sticks to the classics with flaky layers and sweetness in every bite.

Set inside SkyBeach Resort, LUMA pairs a light-filled dining room with a menu built around Mediterranean and coastal flavors, with stylish indoor seating and outdoor tables overlooking the water. The menu balances seafood dishes like pink shrimp and grilled octopus with meat-based plates such as braised short ribs and lamb skewers. The drink menu offers plenty of choices. Cocktails include refreshing options like the Sundrift, mixed with lavender syrup, alongside a selection of wine and beer. 

The dress code runs a bit more polished than beach casual, so plan accordingly.