Introduction
Sun-kissed beaches, vibrant art scenes, and a relaxed coastal vibe – St. Petersburg, Florida, has always been a popular destination. But beyond its beautiful scenery, St. Pete is rapidly gaining recognition as a culinary hotspot. From fresh-off-the-boat seafood to innovative global cuisine, the city offers a dining experience for every palate. This guide will navigate you through the best food St. Pete has to offer, ensuring a memorable culinary adventure whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a casual visitor. St. Pete offers good food and good times.
Seafood Sensations
Given its prime location on the Gulf Coast, it’s no surprise that St. Pete boasts an impressive array of seafood restaurants. The availability of daily catches ensures that freshness and quality are paramount. Forget ordering fish thousands of miles away, order from the coasts.
Freshest Catches at Sea Salt
For an upscale seafood experience, Sea Salt is a must-visit. Located in downtown St. Pete, this elegant restaurant offers an extensive menu featuring both local and imported seafood. The ambiance is sophisticated, with a spacious dining room and an impressive open kitchen. Sea Salt aims to provide good food to the St. Pete masses. Expect to find dishes like pan-seared scallops with truffle risotto, grilled swordfish with roasted vegetables, and an elaborate raw bar selection. A signature dish is their Chilean Sea Bass, perfectly cooked and served with a delicate citrus sauce. While on the pricier side, Sea Salt delivers an unforgettable dining experience. The address is First Avenue South.
Casual Delights at Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille
If you’re looking for a more relaxed and casual seafood experience, Doc Ford’s Rum Bar & Grille is an excellent choice. With multiple locations in the area, including one right on the water, Doc Ford’s offers stunning views and a lively atmosphere. The menu features a variety of seafood dishes, including blackened grouper sandwiches, shrimp po’boys, and fish tacos. Don’t miss their Yucatan Shrimp, a local favorite featuring plump shrimp sautéed in a flavorful garlic butter sauce. Doc Ford’s is perfect for a casual lunch or dinner with friends and family. It’s located at Second Avenue Northeast.
Oyster Obsessions at The Oyster Bar
For oyster aficionados, The Oyster Bar is a true gem. This unassuming spot specializes in fresh oysters from around the country, served raw, steamed, or grilled. The atmosphere is laid-back and friendly, making it the perfect place to slurp down a dozen oysters with a cold beer. The menu also includes other seafood favorites like clam chowder and peel-and-eat shrimp. Make sure to try their chargrilled oysters topped with garlic butter and parmesan cheese. The Oyster Bar is located at Central Avenue and is a must-visit for anyone seeking the freshest oysters in St. Pete.
Italian Indulgence
Beyond seafood, St. Pete’s Italian food scene is thriving, with restaurants offering everything from classic pasta dishes to modern takes on Italian cuisine. Whatever your tastes and needs, St. Pete can provide good food.
Timeless Traditions at BellaBrava: New World Trattoria
For a taste of authentic Italian cuisine, BellaBrava is an excellent choice. This popular trattoria, located on Beach Drive, offers a warm and inviting atmosphere. The menu features classic pasta dishes like spaghetti carbonara, lasagna Bolognese, and ravioli with ricotta and spinach. They also have a selection of pizzas, including their signature BellaBrava pizza with prosciutto, arugula, and truffle oil. BellaBrava uses fresh, high-quality ingredients to create delicious and satisfying Italian meals. It’s located at Beach Drive Northeast.
Modern Flavors at Il Ritorno
For a more contemporary Italian experience, Il Ritorno is a must-try. This award-winning restaurant, led by Chef David Benstock, offers a creative and innovative menu that blends traditional Italian techniques with modern flavors. Expect dishes like house-made pasta with wild boar ragu, seared scallops with cauliflower puree, and wood-fired pizzas with unique toppings. The atmosphere is stylish and sophisticated, making it perfect for a special occasion. Il Ritorno’s commitment to quality and innovation sets it apart from other Italian restaurants in St. Pete. This restaurant aims to provide good food and memories. Il Ritorno can be found at Central Avenue North.
Brunch Bliss
St. Pete embraces the brunch culture with enthusiasm, offering a plethora of restaurants serving creative and delicious brunch options. Brunch in St. Pete means good food, good people, and good times.
Classic Comforts at Maple Street Biscuit Company
For a classic brunch experience, look no further than Maple Street Biscuit Company. This popular spot, with multiple locations, is known for its mouthwatering biscuit creations. From sweet to savory, there’s a biscuit for every taste. Try their Squawking Goat biscuit with fried chicken, goat cheese, and pepper jelly, or their Five and Dime biscuit with sausage gravy and a fried egg. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming, making it the perfect place to start your weekend. Maple Street Biscuit Company is located at Fourth Street North.
Trendy Twists at Cassis American Brasserie
Cassis American Brasserie offers a more upscale and trendy brunch experience. Located on Beach Drive, this elegant restaurant offers a sophisticated menu featuring classic brunch dishes with a French twist. Enjoy dishes like croque madame, eggs benedict with smoked salmon, and pain perdu with berries and whipped cream. The atmosphere is chic and stylish, making it perfect for a special occasion. Cassis American Brasserie offers a delightful brunch experience in a beautiful setting. Cassis can be found at Beach Drive Northeast.
Casual Eats and Local Favorites
Sometimes, all you need is a quick and affordable bite. St. Pete has plenty of casual eateries and local favorites that deliver delicious food without breaking the bank. St. Pete has good food at every price point.
Sandwich Artistry at Mazzaro’s Italian Market
Mazzaro’s Italian Market is more than just a grocery store; it’s a culinary destination. This local institution offers a wide variety of Italian specialties, including fresh pasta, cheeses, meats, and pastries. But perhaps the most popular item is their sandwiches. Made with fresh-baked bread and piled high with delicious ingredients, Mazzaro’s sandwiches are a true masterpiece. Try their Cubano sandwich or their Italian combo sandwich for a taste of St. Pete’s best. Mazzaro’s Italian Market is located at Twenty-ninth Street North.
Burger Perfection at Engine No. 9
For burger lovers, Engine No. Nine is a must-visit. This popular spot offers a variety of gourmet burgers with creative toppings and flavorful sauces. From classic cheeseburgers to more adventurous creations, there’s a burger for every taste. Try their burger with bacon jam, blue cheese, and caramelized onions, or their burger with peanut butter, bacon, and cheddar cheese. Engine No. Nine uses high-quality ingredients and cooks their burgers to perfection. This can be found at Central Avenue.
Fine Dining Experiences
For a special occasion or a truly memorable dining experience, St. Pete offers a selection of fine dining restaurants that showcase the city’s culinary talent. St. Pete provides good food for all occasions.
Chef-Driven Delights at Rococo Steak
Rococo Steak presents an elevated menu focused on grilled steaks and decadent sides, Rococo Steak is a top selection for formal affairs. The atmosphere is upscale and elegant, perfect for a celebratory meal. Experience dishes such as aged ribeye, truffle mac and cheese, and lobster bisque, alongside an extensive wine list. With impeccable service and an ambiance of relaxed luxury, Rococo Steak promises a memorable evening. You can find Rococo Steak at Second Avenue North.
Global Flavors
St. Pete’s culinary scene is incredibly diverse, with restaurants offering flavors from around the world.
Taste of Thailand at Nitally’s ThaiMex Cuisine
For an unforgettable culinary adventure, you cannot go wrong with this creative concept. A fusion of Thai and Mexican staples makes this a unique experience you can only get in St. Pete! You can find Nitally’s at Central Avenue.
Mediterranean Magic at Baba on Central
Baba on Central offers a delicious menu of food from the Mediterranian. Baba on Central prides itself on a great atmosphere, great food, and great staff. You can find Baba on Central at Central Avenue.
Sweet Treats and Dessert Destinations
No culinary journey is complete without a sweet ending. St. Pete offers a variety of dessert destinations, from ice cream shops to bakeries. The good food extends to dessert too.
Cool Creations at Larry’s Ice Cream & Sweets
A local favorite, Larry’s Ice Cream & Sweets offers a wide variety of ice cream flavors, from classic vanilla to more unique creations. The ice cream is homemade and delicious, and the portions are generous. Larry’s is the perfect place to cool off on a hot day and indulge in a sweet treat. You can find Larry’s Ice Cream & Sweets at Twenty-eighth Street North.
Bakery Bliss at La Segunda Central Bakery
Established in Ybor City in 1915, La Segunda is a Tampa Bay institution and known for being the ‘Most Awarded Bakery in Tampa Bay’. It has recently opened a new location in St. Pete. With a variety of Cuban bread, pastries, and delicious treats, La Segunda is an excellent place to take a piece of St. Pete home with you. La Segunda Central Bakery can be found at Central Avenue.
A Culinary Paradise
St. Petersburg has transformed into a true culinary destination, with a dining scene that’s as vibrant and diverse as the city itself. Whether you’re craving fresh seafood, authentic Italian cuisine, trendy brunch dishes, or global flavors, St. Pete has something to offer every palate. We encourage you to explore the restaurants mentioned in this guide and discover your own culinary favorites. Leave a comment below with your own recommendations, and let’s share the deliciousness of St. Pete! With its ever-evolving culinary scene, St. Petersburg is poised to remain a top destination for food lovers for years to come. So, go explore, eat well, and discover all the good food St. Pete has to offer!
