Dining
Is dining out one of your favorite things about vacation? You’re in luck in St. Pete/Clearwater: The food scene here is deliciously dynamic – with a mix of legendary restaurants and exciting newcomers. The highlight of nearly every menu? Locally sourced ingredients including fresh Gulf seafood.
In naming St. Pete one of the world’s 100 most-loved travel destinations, visitors called out its dynamic dining scene.
Hot New Restaurants
New dining spots come on the scene frequently in St. Pete/Clearwater. One of the newest kids on the block in St. Pete is the much-anticipated Lingr, the Nordic- and Asian-inspired brainchild of Jeffrey Jew, a “Top Chef” alumnus and former executive chef at BellaBrava. Other new St. Pete restaurants include Wild Child (a neighborhood bistro and cocktail bar) and The Nosh Pit (a New York-style “Jew-ish” deli).
In Dunedin, the new sports bar Jack Pallino’s Pizza serves up yummy Neapolitan-style pizzas and gelato. Sea Worthy Fish + Bar in Tierra Verde offers fresh approaches to seafood from the owners of St. Pete’s much-loved Brick & Mortar.
Watch Our Best Dining Videos
From the best seafood restaurants to the perfect spot for breakfast or brunch, we've got you covered. Watch our culinary videos now, then plan your next meal out.
Iconic Dining Spots
Alongside hot new dining spots are the time-tested restaurants that St. Pete/Clearwater is known for. Foodies flock to the rustic-chic Brick & Mortar on Central Ave. in St. Pete and crave the ever-changing menu at The Restorative in Dunedin. Romantics and others in search of a special-occasion dinner head to Maritana at the Don CeSar on St. Pete Beach. And locals and visitors alike know you can’t go wrong at our local institutions, including Ted Peters Famous Smoked Fish in St. Pete (a family-owned joint dating to 1951), Skyway Jack’s Restaurant in St. Pete (homey diner with all-day breakfasts) and Mykonos (traditional Greek specialties) in Tarpon Springs.
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Looking for a side of sunshine with your meal? Many local restaurants offer patio, deck or sidewalk seating.
Outdoor Dining
Stroll along Beach Drive in downtown St. Pete, navigating among the many sidewalk cafés to grab an outdoor table at BellaBrava (casual Italian) or Cassis St. Pete (French brasserie). Afterwards, wander with a gelato from Paciugo Gelato & Caffe. Many restaurants on St. Pete’s Central Ave. offer sidewalk seating, including Baba (Lebanese and Greek) and The German Knodle (schnitzel and sausages). For authentic Greek food served al fresco, head north to Tarpon Springs and start with the avgolemono soup at Hellas Restaurant & Bakery. Walk off the baklava by checking out activity along the sponge docks.
