After adventurous days exploring America’s Best Beaches, enjoying world-class museums, and soaking in sun-kissed sunsets on rooftop bars, St. Pete-Clearwater has the perfect meal to cap your day as the hottest new foodie destination. Recently chosen to be part of the Florida MICHELIN Guide, the only beach destination on the Gulf Coast to earn this distinction, and mentioned as “The Best Food City in The United States” in Travel + Leisure, this Florida Gulf Coast hot spot is a must for anyone seeking to elevate their holiday experience with exceptional cuisine.
Brian Lowack, CEO and President of Visit St. Pete-Clearwater, says: “Over the past few years, we’ve seen our food scene grow and thrive at a rate like never before, resulting in our recent inclusion as a destination partner of the MICHELIN Guide Florida 2025. With amazing downtown spots, fine dining experiences, hidden gems in our surrounding small towns, and a thriving global cuisine scene along Central Avenue in St. Pete, whatever you desire, there is a spot to suit.”
Discover the best coastal locations for fine dining, rooftop and beach bars, family friendly restaurants, international fare, and casual cuisine below.
Best for Fine Dining
Originally a barbershop turned mayor’s office, The Black Pearl was transformed into a restaurant in 1946 and remains a culinary cornerstone in Pinellas County. Executive Chef Christoper Artrip was named “Best Chef, Critics Pick 2019” by Creative Loafing and masterfully entwines flavour and history to create art on every plate. Start with the ‘Pate of Fois Gras’ bursting with flavours of fig and nuts before diving into the ‘Chilean Sea Bass Lyonnaise’ served with sweet basil and creamy polenta.
If you don’t manage to secure one of the 12 tables at The Black Pearl, check out Maritana at the Don CeSar where the red snapper is a favourite amongst guests, or visit locally owned Calida Kitchen & Wine for the crispy skin duck breast served with a black rice pilaf and paired perfectly with a glass of Pinot Noir.
Best for Sunset Cocktails
The energetic EDGE District recently welcomed its first rooftop restaurant, Sparrow, on 20 December 2024. Offering a unique twist on Asian fusion and craft cocktails, this rooftop bar is perched atop the skyline of downtown St. Pete and provides panoramic views of the city. Enjoy the rotating DJ performances and a ‘Lone Ranger’ cocktail crafted with fresh lime juice and sparkling wine while the sun sets over the city.
Savour a ‘Pear & Cucumber Gimlet’ for the perfect blend of refreshing and crisp, alongside a ‘Paradise Burger’ at The Deep End, a rooftop bar located at the JW Marriott on Clearwater Beach, which provides a sophisticated atmosphere with endless Gulf views and the perfect spot to catch a sunset.
Best for Everyday Family-Friendly Eats
St. Pete-Clearwater is passionately kid friendly and that includes its culinary scene. Whether you have high energy little ones or extremely picky eaters, Doc Ford’s Rum Bar and Grille is perfect for the whole family. Voted the Number 1 Everyday Eats restaurant in the U.S. in 2022 and 2023 by Trip Advisors Travellers Choice Awards, locals flock in at lunchtime for the beloved destination dish, the ‘Grouper Sandwich’. This sandwich highlights the ample supply of fresh grouper in the region and captures the St. Pete-Clearwater lifestyle – relaxed, flavourful, and connected to the Gulf.
Casa Tina’s is another popular family restaurant tucked away in Dunedin thanks to its fun, child-friendly environment and extensive menu. Parents love Coconut Charlies for its ‘Coconut Shrimp’ while kids favour the delicious burgers.
Best for Global Flavours
It’s simply not a trip to the Gulf coast without a healthy consumption of fresh fish and international flavours. Nobody does it better than Badfins Food + Brew, a Mexican and seafood fusion hotspot. A delicious helping of the ‘Go Shorty’ shrimp tacos and ‘Street Guac’ after a morning spent on the beach feel like a day spent in paradise.
For those looking for international fare, Fortu serves up elevated Pan-Asian flavour with its ‘Hamachi Crudo’ and ‘Orange Chicken’. Allelo offers modern Mediterranean small plates perfect for group gatherings, while Il Ritorno in downtown brings a creative spin on the best of Italy to the table with the ‘Pork Campanelle’ bursting with flavour from the Shisito Bolognese.
Best for a Trendy Atmosphere
Known for its bright exterior and funky cocktails, Wild Child is a great place for a casual date night or happening ladies’ brunch, and was recently selected as the best restaurant in St. Pete-Clearwater by the Tampa Bay Times. The ‘Kale and Mushroom Paella’ is a veggie lover’s dream with rich flavours and smooth cashew crema. Plus, the ‘Kimchi Benny’ with yuzu hollandaise and a ‘House Bloody Mary’ made with vodka, gin, tequila, or mescal, are perfect on a Sunday morning after a night spent downtown.
For martini fans looking to continue the fun, Slim Charmer, a 26-seat cocktail lounge will open early 2025 next door to Wild Child and unique, bold, martini-focused cocktails.
Other casual but trendy spots include Paradise Grille where you can enjoy a BLT with your toes in the sand, or Juno & the Peacock for its outdoor seating and popular ‘Beekeeper Flatbread’ dish.
Whether you are a seasoned foodie or simply seeking a great meal to enjoy with friends or family, St. Pete-Clearwater has something for everyone’s tastes. Discover more about the flavours that make America’s Best Beaches a Florida Michelin Guide destination at visitspc.com/dining.
Visitors to St. Pete-Clearwater can also access incredible discounts on local restaurants via the newly launched FunShine Savings Passport, available for download here.
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For further press information please contact:
Charlotte Wright | Peter Gregory | Caitlin Lesko
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About Visit St. Pete-Clearwater:
Nestled on a sun-soaked peninsula on Florida’s west coast, separating the Gulf Coast from Tampa Bay, St. Pete-Clearwater is the gateway to world-class cultural experiences along with 35 miles of award-winning white-sand beaches annually ranked among the world’s best. Immerse yourself in our picturesque sunsets & go beyond the beaches to explore our unique cultural heritage, interactive art exhibits, sporting & recreational activities, a culinary scene serving an innovatively delicious dining experience, & great local shopping. St. Pete-Clearwater is your only destination with spectacular beaches complimented by world-renowned museums, family fun & endless sunshine.
Tampa International Airport is the gateway to St. Pete-Clearwater, conveniently located just 30 minutes away from America’s Best Beaches and offers daily flights from London through Virgin Atlantic and British Airways. To learn more about St. Pete-Clearwater, visit visitstpeteclearwater.com.
