There are many things to do in Pinellas County, from museums in downtown St. Petersburg to an afternoon spent on the beach. When it comes to dining, you might be overwhelmed with choices. St. Petersburg restaurants, and Pinellas County restaurants in general, are often considered ‘overrated.’ Some restaurants skate by with their beautiful location, and others work as effective tourist traps.
If you’re looking at Pinellas County restaurants, skip the tourist spots and eat where the locals do. These are the five best restaurants in the area. Whether you’re looking for an incredible Wagyu steak, searching for the perfect Spanish tapa, or you want the freshest seafood available, there’s something here for you!
Sea Worthy Fish Bar
1110 Pinellas Bayway S, Tierra Verde
Photo courtesy of Sea Worthy Fish Bar’s Website
Looking for the best restaurants in Tierra Verde? Sea Worthy Fish Bar is a must-stop. This is one of the top-reviewed restaurants in Tierra Verde; their standard menu is a good mix of locally caught seafood favorites and excellent land options. The B&M Burger is especially delicious, with burger meat ground in-house and a bacon jam on top.
Sea Worthy Fish Bar also has a small selection of rotating specials depending on what is local and fresh. There is also an excellent happy hour menu, available Tuesday through Saturday. If you are looking for restaurants in Tierra Verde for dinner or a light bite to eat with a drink, make sure you stop here.
Bacchus Wine Bistro
124 2nd Ave NE, St. Petersburg
Photo courtesy of Bacchus Wine Bistro’s Facebook
Bacchus Wine Bistro isn’t just one of the best restaurants in downtown St. Petersburg but arguably one of the best Pinellas County restaurants overall. It’s also ideally located near some of the best things to do in Pinellas County, so it’s a great way to end a long day of sightseeing or museum-going.
The menu is compact, but everything they do is excellent. Reviews say the Steak au Poivre is exceptional, but where Bacchus Wine Bistro really excels is their smaller plates and charcuteries. You can build your own cheese and meat plate from a wide variety of local and international choices to perfectly pair with their extensive wine list. None of the other restaurants in downtown St. Petersburg is quite so customizable while still maintaining high quality.
Ceviche Tapas Bar and Restaurant
332 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg
Photo courtesy of Ceviche Tapas Bar and Restaurant’s Facebook
If you’re spending the afternoon downtown and looking for a quick bite to eat while exploring some of the many things to do in Pinellas County, consider stopping in one of the best St. Petersburg restaurants around - Ceviche Tapas Bar and Restaurant. Known for its Spanish influence, use of fresh seafood, and ideal location, this is one of the restaurants in downtown St. Petersburg that is not overrated.
Tapas is all about small plates and sharing, but no one will judge you if you ‘hog’ the Iberico ham or the Snapper Crudo, two of the most highly reviewed menu items. There are also larger, more traditional dinners if you’re interested in sharing, like the Mariscos Paella with lobster, shrimp, scallops, squid, mussels, chorizo, and brandy. This is one of the restaurants in downtown St. Petersburg that immediately transports you to another place. You’ll leave Ceviche feeling like you just took a trip to Spain!
1200 Chophouse
5007 Gulf Blvd, St Pete Beach
There are a lot of questionable restaurants at St. Pete Beach. Most don’t compare to restaurants in downtown St. Petersburg and often attract tourists. If you’re looking at restaurants at St. Pete Beach for an intimate date night or a grand celebration, 1200 Chophouse might be perfect for you. This steakhouse near the water is one of the best restaurants at St. Pete Beach!
1200 Chophouse is also perfect if you’re looking at Pinellas County restaurants that don’t focus on seafood. For many residents, there are only so many times you can have the catch of the day before you’re ready for something a little more hearty. The menu was called a “Carnivore’s Paradise” by the Tampa Bay Times and has a cut for every occasion or taste. There are almost no other Pinellas County restaurants with this kind of variety.
It doesn’t matter if you want a fantastic steak or a memorable night by the water; 1200 Chophouse can help.
Shrimpys Blues Bistro
9524 Blinde Pass Road, St Pete Beach
Photo courtesy of Shrimpys Blues Bistro’s Twitter
This may be the one exception to a “tourist” location rule. St Petersburg restaurants often have great seafood, but Shrimpys Blues Bistro is known for its delicious Cajun/Creole dishes that highlight local catches. As far as restaurants at St. Pete Beach go, it’s popular with tourists and locals because it’s just that good.
There is a large patio, but big windows make it feel like you’re outside and on the water even when the wind brings cool air. The menu is full of Cajun favorites, and be sure not to miss the brunch. A relative rarity when it comes to restaurants at St. Pete Beach, the Louisiana eggs benedict choices with cheese grits and an order of fresh beignets are absolutely essential.
Begin your search for St. Petersburg real estate
Are you looking at Pinellas County restaurants because you’re considering becoming a resident? Welcome to the area! When you’re ready to start seriously looking into real estate in the St. Petersburg area, call Herzwurm Homes. Leah Herzwurm and her team are experts when it comes to Pinellas County and can help you find the perfect home for you. Spend more time enjoying restaurants in downtown St. Petersburg and less time stressing about the real estate market!
*Header photo courtesy of Ceviche Tapas Bar and Restaurant’s Facebook
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