The Best Restaurants in St Petersburg, FL: Top Picks for Every Taste

by Pablo Koch-Schick

Welcome to St. Pete, where fresh seafood, beach breezes, and unforgettable meals go hand-in-hand! Whether you're exploring downtown St or hanging by the Pete Pier, this colorful city will feed your soul (and your taste buds) in ways you'll never forget. So if you're planning your next epic meal, maybe after a morning on the water with Reel Coquina's fishing charters or dolphin cruises, you've landed in the right place.

Here's your ultimate guide to the best restaurants in St. Petersburg, FL, designed for families, lovebirds, adventure buddies, and food lovers who crave fresh seafood, creative cocktails, and fun twists on classic dishes.

 

Family-Friendly Favorites: Good Food, Great Time

The Frog Pond Downtown St. Petersburg

Exterior view of a popular restaurant in St. Pete, Florida, known for its delicious cuisine and welcoming atmosphere.

Looking for a Sunday brunch spot that keeps everyone smiling? The Frog Pond delivers "just the right amount" of cozy, quirky charm, think bottomless coffee, Bananas Foster waffles, and a menu that even picky eaters can't resist. The bright dining room and frog-themed decor are a hit with kids and adults alike.

What to order:

  1. Unique: Bananas Foster Waffles — sweet, rich, and downright legendary.

  2. Classic: Fluffy Pancakes with maple syrup.

  3. Refreshing: Bottomless Fresh Brewed Coffee.

Insider Tip: Fuel up here before setting sail on a Reel Coquina dolphin cruise, because trust us, spotting dolphins is even better after a hearty breakfast!

Fourth Street Shrimp Store

Interior of a popular restaurant in St. Pete, Florida, featuring a wood-fired oven and a chef preparing food, known for its cozy atmosphere and delicious cuisine.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Seafood lovers, rejoice! Fourth Street Shrimp Store is one of the seafood restaurants that a Florida classic serving up simple but crave-worthy fresh seafood dishes. Think shrimp scampi, fried cod, and oysters, plus gluten-free options. It's fast, casual, and packed with flavor.

What to order:

  1. Unique: Blackened Mahi-Mahi Tacos.

  2. Classic: Shrimp Scampi.

  3. Refreshing: Classic Ice-Cold Beer.

Perfect for Date Nights: Romantic, Cozy, and Just a Little Extra

Sea Critters Cafe

Imagine sipping signature margaritas on a breezy dock, waves lapping nearby... that's Sea Critters. With a menu packed with fresh seafood and a perfect outdoor patio setting, it’s ideal for a sunset dinner after a day of deep-sea fishing with Reel Coquina.

What to order:

  1. Unique: Grouper Cheeks — a rare local delicacy!

  2. Classic: Fresh Fish Tacos.

  3. Refreshing: Signature Margarita.

Lovebirds' Pick: Order the fish tacos and toast your adventure with a waterfront view!

Il Ritorno

When you want fine dining that feels like a Michelin guide experience without the stuffiness, Il Ritorno is your move. Try the chef’s tasting menu and watch your entire meal become a story of flavor, complete with an extensive wine list that’ll sweep you off your feet.

What to order:

  1. Unique: House-made Duck Confit Gnocchi.

  2. Classic: Fresh Tagliatelle with Bolognese.

  3. Refreshing: A crisp Vermentino from their wine list.

Lolita's Wine Market

If you're searching for a cozy, stylish spot to sip and snack, Lolita's Wine Market is pure magic. Their curated selection of small plates pairs perfectly with an impressive wine list, and the exposed brick walls and charming decor create the ultimate intimate vibe.

What to order:

  1. Unique: Truffle Honey Goat Cheese Crostini Sweet, savory, and unforgettable.

  2. Classic: Build-Your-Own Charcuterie Board.

  3. Refreshing: Seasonal Sangria their rotating seasonal sangria is the ultimate refreshing drink.

Insider Tip: Build your own charcuterie board right at your table and let the friendly staff guide you to the perfect wine pairing for a full evening of indulgence.

Maritana at The Don Cesar

Elegance meets New American style at Maritana, one of the best seafood restaurants in St Pete, tucked inside the iconic pink palace of the Don CeSar. A stunning setting with saltwater aquariums and dishes like lobster bisque, seriously, it’s pure date night magic.

What to order:

  1. Unique: Tuna Tartare with Caviar.

  2. Classic: Lobster Bisque.

  3. Refreshing: Blood Orange Martini.

For the Crew: Best Restaurants to Laugh, Snack & Sip

The Tavern at Bayboro

Craving a laid-back, "locals-only" experience? The Tavern dishes up chill vibes, live music, and a craft beer lineup that's perfect for a fun night out. Bring the whole gang, you might even end up chatting with a few salty sailors swapping fishing stories!

What to order:

  1. Unique: Gator Bites.

  2. Classic: Tavern Cheeseburger.

  3. Refreshing: Local Craft IPA.

Pro Move: Start with their wings, end with a burger. No extra cost for the fun crowd energy!

What to order:

  • Unique: Sunday Snack Tostadas, a citrusy salsa magic.

  • Classic: Grilled Carne Asada Tacos are a juicy nod to authentic street-style tacos.

  • Refreshing: Watermelon Margaritas are the perfect sip for a sunny St. Pete day.

Pro Tip: Grab a bar seat to watch the culinary magic happen up close, and don't miss their rotating list of refreshing craft margaritas.

Wild Child

One of St. Pete’s new restaurants that's made a huge splash, Wild Child brings "cool kid energy" to Central Ave with creative cocktails, colorful plates, and plenty of outdoor seating. Try the tuna tostadas or Korean fried chicken sandwich with a sake cocktail, your Instagram feed will thank you.

What to order:

  1. Unique: Tuna Tostadas with Wasabi Crema.

  2. Classic: Buttermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich.

  3. Refreshing: Lychee Sake Cocktail.

Inside Tip: Snag a bar seat for front-row views of the bartenders crafting their next wild creation. It's also a perfect launchpad if you're planning to explore the best bars in St. Petersburg afterward!

Red Mesa Cantina

Located just steps from lively Central Avenue, Red Mesa Cantina is a festive hotspot where Mexican food meets tropical St. Pete energy. When the night calls for Mexican food and a lively, festive scene, Red Mesa Cantina is a must. Huge portions, a vibrant drink menu (hello, margaritas!), and that spicy "we're on vacation" feeling, even if you're just doing a weekend in Tampa Bay.

What to order:

  1. Unique: Duck Carnitas Tacos.

  2. Classic: Pork Carnitas Burrito.

  3. Refreshing: House Margarita.

Fresh Catches & Water Views: Seafood with a Side of Sunshine

Island Grille & Raw Bar

Boat in, bike in, or stroll in for fresh oysters, juicy steaks, and "best sunset ever" vibes. Their happy hour is legendary, and the beach drive view alone makes it a perfect spot for your post-fishing feast.

What to order:

  1. Unique: Shrimp & Grits with a Tropical Twist.

  2. Classic: Fresh Oysters on the Half Shell.

  3. Refreshing: Mojito with Mint Grown In-House.

Broke N Bored Grill

A local gem that mixes a passion for sustainable ingredients with a fun twist on comfort food. Culinary students with a heart run it, so every great meal comes with a little extra magic and serious flavor. This is one restaurant you don't want to miss.

What to order:

  1. Unique: Wild-Caught Florida Shrimp Tacos.

  2. Classic: Smash Burger.

  3. Refreshing: Fresh Cucumber Lemonade.

P.S.: Reel Coquina will hook you up with the freshest fish around. Why not follow it up with a killer local meal?

Cravings for Classics: Italian, British, and More

Mazzaro's Italian Market

Imagine an entire wonderland of cured meats, pastas, cheeses, and dreamy charcuterie boards. Mazzaro's is the spot to grab lunch, stock up for a beach picnic, or treat yourself to fresh cannolis and creamy tiramisu.

What to order:

  1. Unique: Lobster Ravioli.

  2. Classic: Homemade Lasagna.

  3. Refreshing: Italian Espresso.

Must-Try: Their homemade ravioli is a love letter to Italian nonnas everywhere.

Jacks London Grill

Need some fish and chips with a side of cozy pub energy? Jack's delivers with fluffy haddock, crisp fries, and an unbeatable bar lineup, and unlike many restaurants, it still feels refreshingly local. Perfect for fans of craft beers and hearty laughs.

What to order:

  1. Unique: Scottish Eggs.

  2. Classic: Fish and Chips.

  3. Refreshing: Pimm's Cup Cocktail.

When You're Feeling Fancy: Fine Dining Dreams

Rococo Steak

Frequently highlighted by the Tampa Bay Times for its luxe atmosphere, Rococo Steak is the definition of elevated dining in St. Pete. When you need a little glam, hello wood-burning fireplaces and low lighting, Rococo Steak will serve up romance by the forkful. Their ribeye is divine, and every corner of the dining room oozes class.

What to order:

  1. Unique: Coffee and Cocoa Rubbed Ribeye.

  2. Classic: Filet Mignon.

  3. Refreshing: Signature Old Fashioned.

Sushi-Sho Rexley

For a Tokyo-style listening bar meets sushi wonderland, book a night at Sushi-Sho Rexley. Expect sustainable ingredients, masterful cuts, and a vibe that’s so intimate, it’ll ruin all future sushi dates.

What to order:

  1. Unique: Uni (Sea Urchin) Nigiri.

  2. Classic: Toro (Fatty Tuna) Roll.

  3. Refreshing: Yuzu Sake Spritzer.

Bonus Bites: New Favorites to Discover

  • Good Intentions: Good Intentions serves up vibrant vegan dishes so delicious even meat-lovers will be hooked, think creative, colorful, and feel-good plates that truly impress.

  • Urban Stillhouse: Southern comfort meets upscale steakhouse at Urban Stillhouse with barrel-aged magic.

  • Parkshore Grill: Parkshore Grill brings a chic, timeless vibe, perfect for savoring a full meal of shrimp scampi paired with fine wines right along beautiful Beach Drive.

  • In Between Days: A cozy craft sake house with a Tokyo-style listening bar vibe, serving up small plates, creative sake cocktails, and a chill, hidden-gem atmosphere that feels like stepping into another world.

  • Bacchus Wine Bistro: An elegant downtown gem perfect for a relaxed glass of wine and a bite—don't miss their rich and savory French onion soup, a local favorite that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

If you’re planning a foodie tour in the tampa bay area , check out more about the best places to fish in Florida, amazing hotels in St. Pete, and all the things to do in St. Pete Beach to make the most of your stay.

Ready to Eat, Explore, and Cast a Line?

There you have it, the ultimate feast of the best restaurants in St. Petersburg, FL! From casual seafood joints with sandy floors to upscale date-night dreams, St. Pete is bursting with flavors you'll never forget.

Why not spend the morning reeling in your own fresh catch with Reel Coquina’s fishing charters?

After a day on the water, nothing tastes better than a plate of fresh seafood with your name on it.

Let's make your next Florida adventure the tastiest one yet!

Book Your Fishing Charter Today!


 

 

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