Seaside Cuisine: Top Restaurants in St. Pete Beach & Tampa Bay Area
The St. Pete Beach and Florida’s Tampa Bay Area are renowned for their pristine, white sandy shores, lots of parks and reserves, and amazing outdoor activities — but there’s something else that draws visitors from all over the United States: a diverse and vibrant culinary tradition.
From the fresh seafood that takes center stage to international fusion cuisine and Caribbean influence, there’s so much for your taste buds to explore while vacationing in St. Pete and Tampa Bay. That alone makes eating worth a trip!
With so many options for fantastic restaurants, it might be a little hard to decide where to head for a nice meal, but we’re here to make things easier for you. In this blog, we will cover the very best restaurants in St. Pete Beach and the Tampa Bay Area.
Get ready for a culinary journey!
Top Restaurants in St. Pete Beach
A staple in the local scene and a favorite with locals and visitors alike since it first opened in 1993, PJ’s Oyster Bar & Seafood Restaurant, or simply PJ’s, is a must-visit!
They serve fabulous and fresh local seafood and other delights. Some of the all-time favorites include Grouper Sandwiches, Baby Back Ribs, fresh Oysters on the half shell, Giant Lobster Tails, Clam Chowder, Gumbo, Chicken Alfredo, as well as burgers and wings.
The Children’s Menu will keep even the most demanding little ones happy, and they can also accommodate dietary requirements such as vegan and gluten-free. For the grown-ups, they also offer a full bar with several different beers to choose from.
The service is nothing short of fantastic. The relaxed atmosphere is a hybrid of a dive bar and a retro diner. You can choose to dine on the deck, feeling the fresh air coming from the gulf or eat in air-conditioned bliss.
Oh, don’t leave without saying hi to PJ, the house’s mascot parrot!
MadFish boasts a super cool retro-diner style and serves — you guessed it — classic American cuisine, but with some gourmet twists, all imbued with coastal-inspired charm.
Starting with their homestyle breakfast, and continuing through lunch and dinner, everything will be absolutely mouthwatering. Must-tries include the Crab Cake, Fresh Local Catch of the Day, Grouper & Shrimp, Herb-Crusted Salmon Fillet, Filet Mignon, and the Chateaubriand Experience for two.
All the dishes are cooked to perfection. As you can see, if you’re not a seafood fan, there are also options for you. The steak is simply delicious!
Whether it’s for an intimate dinner or friendly family fun, this place is great — a total experience-based dining. MadFisg is very popular with both locals and visitors, so reservations are usually recommended, especially on weekends and holidays.
Who doesn’t love some Asian cuisine? As the name suggests, Nori Thai Restaurant offers an amazing mix of homemade Thai dishes and authentic Japanese specialties, including the freshest sushi in town.
The menu features six pages full of options. From Thai soups and salads to classic fried rice choices and noodle dishes, (including, of course, the one and only Pad Thai), Japanese curries, rolls, and the already mentioned fresh sushi.
The place is kid-friendly and vegan-friendly; the staff is very accommodating in adapting just about anything on the menu to your requirements. A lot of the menu can be replaced with tofu options, which is great for vegans and vegetarians.
The space is ample, and the decor is basic but super cozy with red seating and lovely paper lanterns — a piece of the Far East right in Florida!
The name says it all for this one: a place with chilled and good vibes. This American fusion-style restaurant has a creative and very eclectic menu. Must-tries include Ahi Tuna Salad, Beef Carpaccio, Seafood Nachos, Meatloaf, and Lobster Ravioli.
They have live music on certain days and happy hours with half-price drinks. They offer signature cocktails and a great selection of wine, champagne, spirits, and beers. If you’re in doubt about what to order, the Bloody Marys are superb! The bar is a great place to meet locals and have a great chat. You’ll feel like part of the community.
The atmosphere is very warm and relaxed, with soft music. We also recommend grabbing a seat outside in the shaded outdoor area if possible to feel the gentle breeze. That’s al fresco dining at its best in Florida.
Top Restaurants in the Tampa Bay Area
Angry Pepper, Madeira Beach
Don’t be fooled by the name. The only thing angry about this place is the pepper — and that’s a good thing! This lovely eatery serves BBQ, sandwiches, and beer and wine in a laid-back and colorful atmosphere.
Some of their recipes are actually award-winning. They smoke meats on-site using hickory and oak logs in a slow process that lasts from 12 to 16 hours. To accompany them, they make all our sauces, sides, and entrees from scratch. Must-tries include Angry Nachos, Pulled Pork, Slow-Smoked St. Louis Style Ribs, Pepper’s Famous Beef Brisket, Smoked BBQ Combo, and Shrimp Po’Boy Sliders.
Angry Pepper boasts an open seat with an outdoorsy atmosphere and a tiki roof from where you can enjoy the great views of Madeira Beach.
Here’s a tip: Check the daily specials when you visit. The deals are good and include Bloody Marys as well as tacos, burgers, and pork sliders.
Pia’s Trattoria, Gulfport
How about trying some Italian cuisine? This option is Tuscany without the jet lag! Pia’s Trattoria is an uncomplicated and authentic Italian spot with a quaint storefront and an outdoor patio in Gulfport. They blend Tuscan-themed surroundings with fantastic Italian dishes.
Everything is expertly crafted using fresh, natural ingredients. The menu also features vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options, ensuring everyone can enjoy a delightful meal. The bar boasts the best espresso martinis around the Tampa Bay area and a fantastic sangria.
The service was outstanding, and dining on their beautiful patio will truly evoke the Tuscan experience, complete with some positively romantic vibes. Trust us: you’ll leave pinching your fingers to the chef!
Salt Rock Grill, Indian Shores
With beautiful waterfront seating and scenery, Salt Rock Grill is your go-to restaurant in Indian Shores for grilled fish and steaks. Showcasing a range of flavors and cooking techniques, the place is known above all for its hand-cut U.S.D.A. prime and choice-grade beef and fresh dayboat-caught seafood.
Everything is cooked and prepared perfectly, and the menu has a wide selection for all tastes. Some all-time favorites are the Oysters on the Half Shell, Lobster Bisque, Calamari, Baked Potato, Bone-in Ribeye Steak, Mashed Potatoes, Tuna Sashimi, Different Cuts of Steak, Stone Crab Claws, Coconut-Crusted Shrimp, Steak Tartare, Steak & Bay Shrimp with Mashed Potatoes.
They also have a kids’ menu with simplified versions of their main dishes and other options tailored for the little ones.
The service is top-notch. The ambiance features a nice interior with lots of big windows, and their outdoor seating area has great views of the Intracoastal Waterway. That’s fine dining in Indian Shores at its best!
Extra Culinary Tip for St. Pete Beach & Tampa Bay Area: Take a Food Tour
Want to dive deeper into the local culinary scene? Food tours are a great option. These guided excursions focus on exploring a destination’s culinary offerings, typically taking you to various local eateries, markets, food stalls, and restaurants — more often than not, uncovering hidden gems.
The goal is to provide visitors with a comprehensive understanding of local ingredients and food in the local context – and it’s also super fun and delicious.
Tampa Bay Food Tours is a great tour provider for you to explore the region with. They offer guided walking food tours in Tampa, Dunedin, and St. Petersburg, FL, creating a perfect blend of gastronomy and cultural exploration in a beautiful waterfront setting.
Top Restaurants in St. Pete Beach & Tampa Bay Area
Are you feeling hungry already? The diverse range of restaurants in St. Pete Beach and the Tampa Bay area is certain to enhance your Florida vacation experience. Before venturing to St. Pete Beach or the Tampa Bay area, explore restaurant guides like this one to stay informed about new openings and receive top recommendations.
For additional insights on what to explore in St. Pete Beach and the Tampa Bay area, visit our destination blog. We cover a multitude of topics, including fishing in the area, nightlife tips, and highlights of the best annual events and celebrations. Stay tuned for future blogs and tips awaiting your discovery!
Wondering Where to stay when visiting St. Pete Beach & Tampa Bay Area?
While visiting St. Pete Beach and the Tampa Bay Area, why not stay like a local? With over 250 vacation rental choices, mostly on the beach or on the bay, Resort Rentals is your best bet for booking a great stay.
With us, your family will enjoy top-notch vacation rentals with all the quality and comfort you can expect. All you have to do is pick a fantastic family getaway spot on the Gulf of Mexico: St. Pete Beach, Treasure Island, Madeira Beach, Redington Beach, Redington Shores, Indian Shores, and Indian Rocks Beach.
Let us take care of the rest. Browse through our waterfront properties and see what awaits you in this beautiful coastal paradise.
