DINING
out
Aqua Prime, 213 Gulf Blvd., Indian Rocks
Beach, (727) 330-7724. Voted “Best New
Restaurant” in 2014, this stylish restaurant
with its tree-shaded outdoor patio, serves
fresh seafood and steaks with a flair. Under
the direction of Chef Jason Vargo, its two
bars serve excellent drinks, and there is a
good wine selection. Their excellent service
and relaxed, but upscale, dining have
made this one of the most popular beach
restaurants. Open daily at noon. Full menu
throughout the day featuring lunch, bar
menu, happy hour and dinner. Enjoy live
entertainment Thurs-Sun. Event spaces
available for up to 70 guests. $$-$$$, RS,
CM, X, C, W.
Cafe Gala, One Dali Blvd. (in the Salvador
Dalí Museum), St. Petersburg, (727) 623-
4725. This Spanish-styled cafe within the
museum is open to the public, as admission
to the Dalí is not required. Start with their
Gazpacho Soup; then enjoy one of their
salads, sandwiches or tapas dishes; and
finish with Crèma Catalana or Tiramisu de
Chocolate. You’ll enjoy this charming spot
that features the daily creations of Chef
Chuck Bandel. Open Mon-Wed 10 AM-
5 PM, Thurs 10 AM-8 PM, Fri-Sat 10 AM-
5:30 PM, Sun 12 PM-5:30 PM. $, X, C, W.
The Crafted Plate, 12600 Roosevelt Blvd.,
(in the St. Petersburg Marriott Clearwater)
St. Petersburg, (727) 572-7800. This restaurant
in Feather Sound offers chef-crafted cuisine,
using locally grown suppliers. It features
seafood, homemade pasta, flatbreads,
appetizers and fire-grilled steaks and chops.
Banquet space is available. Open Mon-Fri
6 AM-11 PM, Sat-Sun 7 AM-11 PM.
Full liquor lounge remains open late.
$$$, RS, CM, X, W.
Da Sesto Italiano Ristorante e Vino,
7199 66th Street N., Pinellas Park, (727)
209-2695. Voted “Best Fresh Pasta” by
Tampa Bay Magazine and the Readers’
Choice award for “Best Authentic Italian
Restaurant” from the Tampa Bay Newspapers.
Owner/Chef Sesto Ramadori combines
fresh pasta from his Florida Pasta Company
with authentic Italian recipes to make
this one of the area’s most popular Italian
trattorias. Original dishes, such as Pollo a la
Sesto, Lobster Lorenzo, and their clams and
mussels with white or red sauce are terrific
at this authentic Italian venue. There is live
music on weekends, and they cater for all
occasions. Open Tues-Thurs 11 AM-9 PM,
Fri 11 AM-10 PM, and Sat 4 PM-10 PM.
Sundays are available for private parties.
$$-$$$, E, X, C, W.
Gigi’s Italian Restaurants, 5901 4th St.
N., St. Petersburg, (727) 526-2400;105 107th
Ave., Treasure Island, (727) 360-6905; and
4399 Gulf Blvd, St. Pete Beach, (727) 363-
3344. Since 1967, these family-owned Italian
trattorias have become legendary for their
award-winning pizza, traditional pasta
entrées and flame-grilled steaks. A selective
wine list enhances your dining experience.
A gluten-free menu, special event rooms,
off-site catering and delivery are available
at all locations. The 4th St. N. location in St.
Petersburg, which is now open for lunch at
11:30 am Mon-Fri, has outdoor dining plus
a new fire pit, as well as half-price wine on
Wednesday and entertainment Wed-Sat.
All locations open daily from 4 PM.
$$-$$$, CM, X, C, W.
Open 7 Days A Week 7:00AM - 8:00PM
Breakfast • Lunch • Dinner • Catering
5749 Main Street, New Port Richey
857 East Klosterman Road, Tarpon Springs (at U.S. 19)
727-942-GRIT (4748) www.johnnygrits.com
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188 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015