When the pundits talk about the best cities in Florida for foodies, they mention Miami, Tampa, and Orlando, all large cities where tourists storm a variety of attractions. Just across the bridge from Tampa, though, St. Petersburg is home to a thriving food and beverage scene that can rival any of the “big boys.”
As part-time residents of St. Pete, my husband and I have had the opportunity to check out the best St. Petersburg restaurants.
Here is a list of the best St. Pete Restaurants for you to try out the next time you visit our Sunshine City.
Not in the mood to go out to eat tonight? Click here to have Grubhub deliver directly from the best restaurants in town to your doorstep.
Recommended food tours: Taste of Downtown St Petersburg
Embark on an extraordinary gastronomic adventure with our 3.5-hour walking tour in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg! Perfect for food enthusiasts, couples seeking a romantic evening, or simply a lively gathering with friends and family, this unforgettable experience offers a delightful fusion of culinary education and entertainment. Don’t miss the chance to indulge in a one-of-a-kind food journey that promises to captivate your senses and create lasting memories!
My Top 3 Picks of St. Petersburg, FL Restaurants
| Restaurant | Top Pick | Our Rating |
| Ceviche | Spanish Pork Ribs | 5/5 |
| Oak & Stone | The Popeye | 5/5 |
| The Habana Cafe | Cuban Sandwich | 5/5 |
The 10 Best Restaurants In St. Pete, FL
The Library
600 5th Street South | 727-369-9969
With something for everyone at any time of day, The Library brings breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch to the campus of Johns Hopkins Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg. Classy and upscale while comfortable and cozy, the library-inspired restaurant touts itself as a “reprieve from daily chaos.”
In addition to kale, arugula, noodle, and spinach salads, The Library offers custom salads for which you can choose a base, mix-ins, a protein, and dressing. Topping field greens, bacon, apple, and goat cheese with a light balsamic glaze will give you a salad big enough to share.
The Shaved Sirloin sandwich on a fresh, chewy ciabatta roll is full of steak and topped with roasted peppers, cheese, and The Library’s secret Peabody Sauce. The crispy onion straws add a nice crunch.
It seems as though cauliflower is on menus everywhere these days, and the Benne Cauliflower (roasted cauliflower with crispy garlic, spices, and chili sauce) appetizer at The Library will make you wonder how the vegetable can taste so good.
The Crispy Avocado Wedges, something I’ve never tried, is crunchy on the outside and creamy on the inside. They’re so tasty that they don’t even need the sambal ginger aioli that accompanies them.
Our next visit will be for their famous weekend brunch to try the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes topped with fresh berries, warm maple syrup, and sweet cream or the Avocado Toast. There’s something about creamy whipped avocado that sounds so inviting.
The Library is open daily with seating inside or out, and their walk-up counter offers coffee, pastries, and tea. Make sure that you “book” on over to one of the best St. Petersburg restaurants. Give The Library a visit- you can’t go wrong!
Ceviche
10 Beach Dr. NE | (727) 209-2299
I love a good tapas restaurant, and St. Petersburg restaurants do have a winner.
Located near the water, Ceviche offers so many dishes; over fifty hot and cold plates, so you might have a hard time choosing. Do yourself a favor and order a sangria—voted St. Pete’s best—while you study the menu.
Since I don’t eat fish, I can’t suggest trying their ceviche or paella, but the tapas are another story.
Start with the Caesar salad; it’s mixed greens, cucumbers, olives, peppers, red onions, tomatoes, and feta tossed in a lemon-honey vinaigrette and is a light way to begin your visit.
If you like spicy, try the Queso de Cabra, a baked goat cheese covered with tomato sauce. Keep your sangria handy as you’ll need it to balance the heat in this dish.
The Patatas Bravas, delicious and perfectly crisp potato chunks covered with spicy aioli, while not as hot as the queso, are just this side of being very spicy.
The Spanish Pork Ribs, dusted with smoked paprika, are simply delicious, and the Chuletas de Cordero (lamb chops) are not gamey at all. As tapas, these small plates are perfect for sharing.
Ceviche is open daily. If the weather is nice, sit on the patio so you can enjoy the water views and the food in one of the best St. Petersburg restaurants.
Tropez
437 Central Ave. | (727) 898-4300
Located on Central Avenue in the Downtown area, Tropez calls itself “…an entertaining neighborhood spot with an extensive menu made for sharing.” A relative newcomer to the St. Petersburg food scene, the restaurant is a nominee for the Best New Restaurant in the St. Petersburg Foodies Restaurant Awards.
Their menu, much of which is geared toward sharing, is full of plates from all around the world but with their own Tropez twist.
If you head in with a group, be sure to try the Mediterranean Sampler, a mix of hummus, tabbouleh, baba ganoush, and cucumber raita, and my two favorites—Jamon con Dates and Patatas Bravas. Where most places stuff the dates with almonds and wrap them in bacon, Tropez stuffs with smoked almonds and bleu cheese and wraps them with Serrano ham before cooking. In addition to being less greasy than the bacon-wrapped variety, these dates offer a perfect mix of sweet and salty with a slight crunch from the almond.
The Patatas Bravas seemed to be roasted, not fried, and the spicy tomato aioli sauce is not overly spicy.
When we went for brunch, we shared both the Eggs Benedict and the Organic Field Greens salad. Candied walnuts, goat cheese, and dried cranberries accompany the field greens, all tossed with a delicious pumpkin seed walnut vinaigrette.
The guests at the neighboring table enjoyed Nutella and Bacon Stuffed French Toast (with caramelized bananas) and Baklava Pancakes—buttermilk-walnut pancakes topped with pistachio streusel, whipped honey ricotta, and mint-infused maple syrup. I’d order either in a heartbeat.
Tropez has outdoor seating, and they offer numerous specials throughout the week. If you are looking for a global twist in your food, Tropez is one of the top restaurants to try in St. Petersburg. They are closed on Mondays.
Maple Street Biscuit Company
662 Central Avenue | 727-290-6211
Also located on Central Avenue in Downtown St. Pete, Maple Street Biscuit Company offers breakfast and lunch comfort foods in an unpretentious setting. Their namesake biscuits, made daily from all-natural ingredients, are light, flaky, and delicious.
Try their signature Squawking Goat, a biscuit sandwich topped with fried chicken, a fried goat cheese medallion, and homemade pepper jelly. I suggest having the jelly on the side, so your sandwich isn’t swimming in it.
The Chicken Club—fried chicken, bacon, lettuce, and tomato—and the Five-and-Dime—the club but with cheese and a fried egg topping it—both come with your choice of dressing.
The biscuits and gravy come with a choice of either their homemade sausage gravy or shiitake mushroom gravy, both of which have a bit of a kick. With any of their biscuits or bowls, you can add them aside. Try the Three Layer Cake, a hash-brown cake with Gouda cheese and topped with gravy and a fried egg.
None of this is diet food, but if you are trying to be calorie conscious, order one of their salads. My favorite is the Grazer, a combination of spinach, goat cheese, and strawberries with your choice of dressing. You can add protein to any salad for an extra charge.
You’ll order at the counter, and instead of giving you a number, they’ll ask a question of the day (Who is your favorite fictional character?). They’ll call out your answer (Minnie Mouse) when your food is ready.
Maple Street Biscuit Company is open only for breakfast and lunch, and hours vary by location. If you are looking for a downtown St. Petersburg eatery, head to the Maple Street Biscuit for some amazing comfort food. Your taste buds will thank you!
Mazzaro’s Italian Market
2909 22nd Avenue N | 727-321-2400
Drive up to Mazzaro’s Italian Market, and you might think you’re in Sicily.
As a go-to spot for everything Italian, Mazzaro’s offers fresh-baked bread and pastries, fresh meat and produce, cheese, handmade pasta, beer, wine, gourmet coffee, and more. But, stuck in the middle of the large market are their deli and coffee bar.
In addition to daily entrees, the deli offers twenty-seven different sandwiches, both hot and cold. Try the Hot (both in temperature and taste) Italian that features ham, pepperoni, salami, provolone, banana peppers, and lettuce on their own bread.
The other sandwiches that caught my attention were the Meatballs With Sauce and Provolone, the Eggplant Parmesan, and the Italian Roasted Pork.
On their ever-changing menu, Mazzaro’s also has a hot sandwich of the week, a panini of the day, and plenty of cold salads all at a reasonable price. Once you choose something to eat, head to their outdoor tables to enjoy your food.
But save room for dessert! Stop at the bakery to pick up a cannoli, eclair, biscotti. or mini-pie as a sweet ending for your meal.
Mazzaro’s is open Monday through Saturday. Locals and tourists alike flock here, and it does get crowded. As it is one of the most popular restaurants, I recommend planning your visit accordingly. For a taste of Italy, this is one of the best restaurants in St. Petersburg.
Oak & Stone
199 Central Avenue | 727-565-4064
When it comes to pizza, I’m a bit of a snob. I like the crust to be thin but not see-through, chewy but not gummy, and flavorful, not bland. The sauce should taste more of tomato than garlic, and there should be enough of it and the toppings to enhance the crust. Oak & Stone ticks all the boxes.
Oak & Stone offers fifteen custom-craft pizzas that include everything from the Classic topped with sauce, cheese, and basil to the All The Way topped with sauce, sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, black olives, mozzarella, and Parmesan. They take a classic pepperoni pizza up a notch by topping it with both crispy and diced pepperoni.
If you want something a little different, try the Popeye, a classic pizza topped with spinach, roasted red peppers, ricotta, and prosciutto.
For something very different, order the Mac ’n Cheese, beer-cheese-covered crust topped with cavatappi pasta, bacon, caramelized onions, and a cheddar cheese blend.
Oak & Stone encourages guests to build their own pies, too. Start with the basic crust and mozzarella; you can choose your sauce (red, garlic, herbed oil) and add any number of toppings that include everything from a variety of cheeses, vegetables, and proteins.
For beer lovers, Oak & Stone features a self-serve brew wall where you can choose from more than twenty-five brews you pour by ounce, including craft beer. Get your RFID bracelet from your server (restrictions apply), cruise the 40+ selections on the brew wall, and pour.
Open daily, Oak & Stone has a $9 pizza, salad, and soft drink special. The restaurant also features daily happy hour from 2-6 pm ($2 off pizzas and 25% off the beer wall), and Ladies’ Night. Both indoor and outdoor dining is available!
If your tastes run to pizza and beer, then Oak & Stone is the perfect spot to visit in St. Pete!
The Habana Cafe
101 1st St SE | 727-321-8855
When weekends arrive, we head down to the Saturday Morning Market at the Al Lang Stadium parking lot downtown.
In addition to the produce, food, craft, and artisan booths, area restaurants, including Habana Cafe, and food trucks serve a variety of fresh, ready-to-eat meals.
While the market location can’t offer everything on the restaurant’s menu, what they do offer is some of the best Cuban food I’ve ever had.
The Pork Sandwich, full of slow-roasted pork covered with grilled onions and mojo sauce on Cuban bread melts in your mouth.
Try the Cuban Sandwich—sweet ham, roast pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard pressed on Cuban bread—or a side of black beans, spiced just right. The mojo sauce adds a lot of heat, so if you use it, use it sparingly.
I can’t wait to go to their brick-and-mortar location (5402 Gulfport Blvd. S) to try the Arroz con Pollo a la Chorrera (chicken cooked with Valencia rice in beer and wine) and their award-winning cheesecake flan. For a Latin flair, this is one of the best restaurants in St. Pete!
CALI
190 37th Ave N | 727.898.8226
My son and daughter-in-law eat fresh and love to go out for brunch, so it follows that they took me to Ciccio for my birthday. Almost hidden on the corner of a large, shopping plaza, the restaurant offers bowls, tacos, wraps, munchies, and pizzas that will appeal to almost all tastes at any hour of the day.
The Power Avocado—scrambled eggs, sautéed spinach, smashed avocado, and melted cheddar cheese on grilled sourdough—was light yet filling. I do think, however, that it needed a touch of protein to add a bit more flavor; perhaps crumbled bacon or grilled ham would infuse enough flavor.
If you want a kick of heat, try the Tex-Mex Bowl. Black beans, tomato, cheese, guacamole, chipotle sour cream, and crispy jalapeño slices top scrambled eggs. If you aren’t in the mood for the bowl, try the Border Wrap, which has the same basic ingredients and chorizo in a wrap.
The Cali Bowl is a cooler option; with scrambled eggs, grilled chicken, crumbled bacon, and Swiss cheese, the Cali has a crown of homemade guacamole. The California Club, accompanied by honey mustard dressing, is the wrap version of the Cali Bowl.
The next time I visit Ciccio Cali, I’m not going to eat for two days so I can try the San Fran Pretzel French Toast. As light as it may be, sweet cream cheese stuffed pretzel that is battered with egg, fried, and topped with whipped cream and strawberries has to have more calories than I need.
Ciccio Cali is open daily and has both indoor and outdoor seating. There are other locations in the Tampa Bay area, but make sure to visit this St. Petersburg restaurant.
Sea Salt
183 2nd Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, United States // +17278737964
Dive deep into the heart of St. Petersburg, and you’ll discover a gem – Sea Salt. The establishment’s impressive 22-foot wine tower is a testament to its expansive collection, promising a pairing for every discerning palate.
Not to be overshadowed, the grandeur of its 80-foot raw bar is an unmistakable hint of the seafood spectacle that lies in wait.
Our culinary journey began with a tender octopus starter, graced with a punchy, tangy dressing that danced on our tongues. However, the true essence of the ocean was encapsulated in the Oysters.
Their drinks menu? Think of it as an art exhibit where every cocktail is a masterpiece. Beyond mere mixing, the beverages tell tales, with every pour and stir reflecting the bartender’s finesse. They’re narratives you’ll want to savor. But besides their signature cocktails, we can’t forget to mention their extensive wine list.
The décor mirrors a maritime fantasy realm. Think of interiors with a refined touch, offset by the casual charm of open-air seating. Together, they create an atmosphere where sophistication meets relaxation.
The brilliance of Sea Salt lies not only in its mouthwatering menu but also in its commitment to excellence. Each dish is a tribute to fresh produce and culinary creativity. And when the final fork is set down, there’s a collective sense of gastronomic delight.
In the grand tapestry of St. Petersburg’s dining scene, Sea Salt isn’t merely another venue. It’s a transcendent gastronomic journey, where each visit promises an encore of unparalleled flavors. It’s the perfect place for seafood lovers, with amazing seafood options that stands out from the rest!
Frequently Asked Questions
What food is St Petersburg, Florida, known for?
St. Petersburg, Florida, being part of the Tampa Bay area, shares some culinary fame with its neighbors. Here are a few dishes and foods associated with St. Petersburg and the broader Tampa Bay region: Cuban Sandwich, Grouper Sandwich, Stone Crab, Florida Orange Juice, Key Lime Pie, and Craft Beer.
What are some of the best Seafood Restaurants in St. Pete, FL?
St. Petersburg, Florida, is blessed with its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, which means plenty of fresh seafood. Over the years, numerous seafood restaurants have gained popularity in the area. Some of the best local seafood restaurants in St. Pete are:
- Sea Salt
- Ceviche Tapas Bar and Restaurant
- Rocking Crab Seafood And Bar
- Fourth Street Shrimp Store
What cuisines are prominently featured in St. Petersburg restaurants?
St. Petersburg offers a diverse culinary scene, from fresh seafood to Cuban, Spanish, Mediterranean, Southern, Asian, and modern new American cuisines, among others.
Are there any notable fine dining establishments in St. Petersburg?
Yes, restaurants like BellaBrava, The Birchwood, Social Roost and Parkshore Grill offer more upscale dining experiences that set apart from the rest, with exquisite dishes and ambiance for a memorable fine-dining experience.
Which waterfront restaurants would you recommend in St. Petersburg?
St. Petersburg boasts a beautiful waterfront that offers one of the best dining experiences, and many restaurants take advantage of the views. The Canopy Rooftop Lounge, 400 Beach Seafood & Tap House, and The Wharf are among the popular choices for those seeking a meal with a view.
Are there any family-owned restaurants in St. Pete, FL?
Absolutely! St. Petersburg, Florida, is home to a plethora of family-owned and operated restaurants, reflecting the diverse and rich culinary landscape of the city.
Check out some of my other guides for this foodie haven:
- Best Restaurants in St Petersburg
- Things To Do In St Petersburg
- Restaurants in Downtown St Pete
- Sushi in St Pete
- Best Brunch in St Pete
- Pier Restaurants in St Pete
- Best Seafood in St Pete
- Oyster Bars In St Pete
- Pizza In St Pete
While in St. Petersburg don’t miss out on activities that will help immerse yourself with the city (hurry while they’re hot!):
- Clearwater: Eco-Certified Marine Aquarium General Admission
- Tampa: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Ticket & Multi-Park Options
- Tampa Bay CityPASS®: Save 54% at 5 Top Attractions
- St. Petersburg: 3-Hour Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure
Which of these St. Petersburg restaurants do you most want to try? Let us know in the comments section below!
Author Bio:
Christine Cutler is a writer, photographer, editor, guide, teacher, traveler, Ohio native, Nevada resident, and world citizen. She lives in Las Vegas with her husband and crazy Welsh Terrier, but she can’t sit still very long. In addition to maintaining her own websites Cold Pasta and Red Wine and Christine Cutler, she is executive editor of Food, Wine, Travel Magazine and teaches special grammar and writing classes for UNLV.
Chris finds being a travel writer the perfect job since it allows her to see the world and work from wherever she is. She’s visited three continents, 44 states, 35 countries, and more than 850 cities. Chris specializes in writing about the food, culture, and history of the destinations she visits. As a new Italian citizen, Chris writes about her extensive travels there. Chris is a member of the International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA), Travel Massive, TravMedia, Phi Kappa Phi, and Nonfiction Authors Association.
Christine Cutler is a writer, photographer, editor, guide, teacher, traveler, Ohio native, Nevada resident, and world citizen. She lives in Las Vegas with her husband and crazy Welsh Terrier, but she can’t sit still very long. In addition to maintaining her own websites Cold Pasta and Red Wine and Christine Cutler, she is executive editor of Food, Wine, Travel Magazine and teaches special grammar and writing classes for UNLV.
Shelena
Saturday 6th of November 2021
Thank you for writing this article, now I have a few more restaurants I look forward to trying for the first time! I’m so surprised your article did not mention Noble Crust. If you haven’t had the pleasure of eating there, you are totally missing out on a delicious treat!
Johnny yates
Wednesday 3rd of November 2021
Should have put Red Mesa Restaurant on the list for sure! Have been eating there since I was in highschool! Great place wins awards for best restraunt every other year it seems like plus great food and drinks...those also win some kinda award around the bay like best Sangria or best margarita others include best burrito and best tex-mex...there chef inspired menus are the most authentic Southwest fusion around the bay!! Not to be confused with Red Mesa Cantina which is downtown, there sister location bar/grill/venue....also same chef and beautiful aosphere....but you gotta try Red Mesa the original Red Mesa on 4th street north. Quite exquisite!!!
Lori McDermott
Sunday 17th of October 2021
I'm shocked that Brick & Mortar wasn't listed here! Their culinary delights are what dreams are made of! If you are a serious Foodie, this should be your haunt! Call for reservations because you won't get in without them. Pure joy here!
george pumkkin
Wednesday 6th of October 2021
eh, ALL of them.
Mike
Monday 4th of October 2021
Once I got to the Oak and Stone I knew you had to have gotten paid by these places to make these recommendations. If you truly believe these are some of the best restaurants in St Pete I don’t believe I’d like to go to dinner with you. You must also be getting a cut from some of the area’s cardiac surgeons and hospitals. Very few of your recommendations served healthy food. Thanks, but no thanks.
Nathan
Monday 4th of October 2021
I've never been paid by a restaurant to have them placed on a list and to falsely say so is both slanderous and libel. If you don't find the choices to be health focused you might notice the title isn't "8 Best Healthy Restaurants in St. Petersburg"...