If you are on a trip to St Petersburg and Clearwater, you will soon realize that it has much more to offer than just stunning beaches and picturesque sunsets. The area is also becoming a hot spot for foodies, with new restaurants and fancy bars popping up.
From beachside shacks to high-end family-run spots with an ethnic flair, there is something for everyone. This list will find you the top 10 recommended restaurants for 2023 in St. Petersburg and Clearwater. Get ready to have your taste buds tantalized!
Must Read: Best Bloody Marys from St. Petersburg to Clearwater
4.4 
(4)
7 Rockaway Street, Clearwater Beach FL, 33767 (4)Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill is a great place to check out in Clearwater. With a beachfront location, this grill offers a wide selection of seafood dishes. Enjoy garlic crab fries, conch fritters, baked oysters, peel & eat shrimp, or the most popular grouper sandwich. Their menu also offers salads, soups, and other items, plus a gluten-free selection. A must-try drink is the blended rum runner cocktail, a refreshing yet strong beverage.
Restaurant $
500 Mandalay Ave, Clearwater Beach FL, 33767Experience one of the best waterfront dinings at Caretta on the Gulf, located at Sandpearl Resort in Clearwater, Florida.
Offering an array of ceviche, sushi, and cooked entrees, this upscale restaurant is perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner. Sample the seasonal seafood delights, or try the fish tacos, ribeye, or lobster. Enjoy a meal with a view right on the beautiful Clearwater beach.
Offering an array of ceviche, sushi, and cooked entrees, this upscale restaurant is perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner. Sample the seasonal seafood delights, or try the fish tacos, ribeye, or lobster. Enjoy a meal with a view right on the beautiful Clearwater beach.
4.4 (2)
13090 Gandy Blvd. N., St Petersburg Fl, 33702 (2)The Getaway, a relatively new establishment in the area, opened its Tiki huts in 2014 near the Weeden Island Preserve. With its casual, outdoor dining atmosphere, including beachside seating, you can enjoy various lunch and dinner options. Trust us, it is a hidden Paradise with beautiful views and delicious food.
3.7 
(1)
20 Island Way, Clearwater Beach FL, 33767 (1)If this 2023 you're looking for a nice restaurant to try in Clearwater, the Island Way Grill is worth considering.
This beautiful eatery offers a unique fusion of flavors with both Asian and American influences. Seafood is the specialty here - from creative sushi rolls to the daily catch, you're sure to be satisfied. There are also other options like steaks, chicken dishes, and salads.
This beautiful eatery offers a unique fusion of flavors with both Asian and American influences. Seafood is the specialty here - from creative sushi rolls to the daily catch, you're sure to be satisfied. There are also other options like steaks, chicken dishes, and salads.
Restaurant $$$
539 Central Ave., Saint Petersburg FL, 33701Hope Montgomery and Jason Ruhe, ex-caterers, created Brick & Mortar in 2015, a St Petersburg restaurant that serves modern American cuisine in a cozy and stylish atmosphere. Their menu includes seasonal items, different types of craft beer, and wine. The place is so romantic, with wooden pallets and terracotta flower pots, while sidewalk seating is worth enjoying when the weather is nice.
4.3 (3)
1241 Gulf Blvd, Clearwater FL, 33767 (3)Florida has many unique Cuban restaurants, of which Columbia is one of the finest. This Cuban-American eatery has several locations in the state, with its popular one in Clearwater. For over a century, Columbia has been delighting customers with its delicious dishes. No wonder it made it to our 2023 top restaurant list.
5.0 (1)
183 2nd Ave N, St. Petersburg FL, 33701 (1)Since 2015, Sea Salt St. Pete has been a popular destination in the Sundial Shopping Center of downtown St. Petersburg, offering a sophisticated atmosphere and delicious cuisine. So this year, start your dining experience with the extensive raw bar and then enjoy the fresh seafood, prepared with only the finest ingredients and presented artfully.
4.7 (2)
7308 Sunset Way, St Pete Beach FL, 33706 (2)Woody's Waterfront offers a wide variety of culinary delights, from pizza to wraps and from fresh seafood to sandwiches and burgers. Relax in their 50s-style atmosphere with a stunning view of the Gulf of Mexico from Blind Pass. This family-friendly restaurant is a local favorite and a must-visit for 2023 savvy travelers.
4.6 (2)
3054 Beach Blvd., Gulfport FL, 33707 (2)Pia's is located in the quaint town of Gulfport, bordering St. Petersburg. It brings Old World charm and the sweet memories of Italy to life. Enjoy a variety of salads, paninis, pasta, chicken, veal, and mussel dishes that will satisfy your appetite for sure. With limited indoor seating, the brick patio is the perfect spot to take in the Italian-village-like atmosphere.
4.5 (1)
449 Central Ave, Ste 101, Saint Petersburg FL, 33701 (1)Situated in the heart of St Petersburg, Il Ritorno has been delighting diners with its innovative twist on Italian cuisine since 2014. Recognized on our list of Top 10 Restaurants for 2023, this bistro takes presentation and flavor seriously, with daily menus featuring a range of fresh dishes. Being only steps away from some of the city's top attractions, a visit to Il Ritorno is the perfect place to experience a delicious meal.
