A Coastal Place With a Lot to Taste
St. Pete-Clearwater's dining menu is a rich blend of flavors, combining Greek kitchens, brewery-packed streets, Gulf-view seafood shacks, Michelin-recognized establishments and generationally-popular local institutions.
St. Pete-Clearwater's dining options are spread across several distinct areas, each with its own character.
Downtown St. Pete has the highest concentration of upscale and chef-driven restaurants, several of which have received Michelin Guide recognition, including Il Ritorno, Fortu, Sushi Sho Rexley, and Allelo.
Beachfront communities lean more toward casual seafood restaurants and waterfront dining, while Tarpon Springs offers a distinct Greek food scene tied to the city's sponge-diving history. Dunedin and other inland communities are known primarily for their craft breweries and walkable, small-town dining strips.
Seafood is a consistent throughline across the region, given its coastal location, with fresh Gulf catch featured on menus from casual seafood shacks to fine dining establishments. Local specialties also include Cuban sandwiches and bakery items, a legacy of the area's Cuban immigrant history, and Greek dishes and pastries specific to Tarpon Springs.
See Our MICHELIN-Recognized Restaurants!
Our chefs shine in St. Pete-Clearwater, and these six MICHELIN-recognized restaurants are proof. Check out in between days, Elliott Aster, Fortu, Sushi Sho Rexley and Il Ritorno (all in St. Pete) as well as The Tides Market in Safety Harbor! Make plans for a special meal at one of our award-winners soon, and explore our ever-changing culinary scene on your next getaway.
More About St. Pete-Clearwater and Tampa Bay Dining
The Tampa Bay food scene 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.
Throughout the area, chef-driven restaurants are earning accolades, with several local chefs appearing on Food Network – Ronicca Whaley of St. Pete's Shiso Crispy appeared on Guy's Grocery Games; Chef Mario Brugnoli of Eat Art Love appeared on Chopped; Chef Rob Reinsmith of Wild Child and David Benstock of Il Ritorno appeared on different episodes of Beat Bobby Flay (and each defeated Bobby). Suffice it to say there's a whole lot of culinary excitement happening in St. Petersburg and nearby communities.
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 in the Tampa Bay area.
Iconic Dining Spots
Alongside hot new dining spots are the time-tested restaurants that the Tampa Bay area 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.
The Best Waterfront Restaurants
There are plenty of St. Pete-Clearwater waterfront restaurants ready to offer you a beautiful view along with a delicious meal.
Sponsored Content
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 & Caffè.
Many restaurants on St. Pete’s Central Ave. offer sidewalk seating, including Bodega (Cuban) 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.
Unique Culinary Experiences
Sip, savor or create at these wonderful cooking classes and culinary events.
Cheap Eats: Budget Bites in St. Pete-Clearwater
Fresh tacos, made-to-order sushi, savory barbecue and Southern-style breakfast: Eat deliciously without breaking the bank on vacation! Check out these recommended spots.
