Deciding where to eat in St. Petersburg can be tricky with all of the great options available. However, it can be even trickier when restaurants require a reservation. If you're planning a special date night or birthday dinner with friends, here are some of the best restaurants in St. Petersburg. Keep in mind, these places don't necessarily require a reservation during the week, but as it gets closer to the weekend, reservations are highly recommended!

Rococo Steak

Rococo Steak challenges the confines of the traditional American steakhouse with a "menu that has a larger selection of small steaks, including unique grass-fed options, more playful appetizers, and crave-able side dishes. The hip, contemporary design conveys intimacy and sensuality, yet provides a spirited atmosphere for socializing." From Brulee Pork Belly to the Georges Bank Sea Scallops, you'll leave full and perhaps your wallet, a little hungrier. Hot tip: Rococo Steak also offers valet parking!

The Don CeSar

Surrounded by 1,500 gallons of saltwater aquariums, the Don CeSar serves up seafood like no other with Florida fish being the reigning centerpiece of their menu. The Maritana Grille at the Don CeSar was voted one of the top 10 seafood restaurants in the United States and AAA's 4-Diamond Rating! From the Lobster Pasta served with an "heirloom cherry tomato, asparagus, confit leeks truffle brie cream" to the Marinated Octopus, The Maritana Grille at the Don CeSar is a trophy catch!

Marchand's Bar & Grill

For a restaurant that serves up outstanding dishes with a view of the marina, check out Marchand's Bar & Grill. From dark cherry wood and marble decor all adorned by low lighting, the ambiance at Marchand's can't be beaten. From Scallops to Coq Au Vin, their menu might not be the largest but what they do have to offer is carefully concocted and scintillating. Marchand's also offers a 3-course meal for $19.25 per person!

Il Ritorno

Don't let their small plates put you off -- they're packed with enormous flavor so every bite is an indelible Italian experience. Il Ritorno is also one of the cheaper options on the list and uses some of the freshest ingredients to serve up their twist on urban Italian. From the Short Rib Mezzaluna adorned with "Truffle Fonduta, Concentrate Tomatoes, and Pecorino" to the Creek Stone Natural Cowgirl with "Fresh Garbanzo, Smoked Cippolini Gremolata, and Oyster Mushrooms", I bet your mouth is watering reading this!

The Mill

Opened in 2015, The Mill received the highest awards a restaurant can receive in their first year of opening! With "Rustic Americana" style food, you're in for a delicious meal with a more casual dining experience. One thing's for sure, The Mill serves up colorful and artistically thought-out plating with all of their items. From the Pork Shank Pot Pie to the Espresso Seared Tuna, you're in for bites like no other.

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Cover photo courtesy of Unsplash