DINING
out
T A M P A B A Y M A G A Z I N E ’ S R E S T A U R A N T G U I D E
Planning on dining out? We recommend that you try one of these fabulous restaurants.
We have tried them all and find them to be the best places to dine in the Tampa Bay area.
Our restaurant reviews are grouped according to location.
Pinellas County’s North/South dividing line is Ulmerton Road.
Hillsborough County’s North/South dividing line is Kennedy Boulevard. s
These mussels are one of the many outstanding seafood dishes
served at Mystic Fish in Palm Harbor.
Open daily for lunch 11:30 AM-4 PM;
dinner from 4 PM. $$-$$$, RS, E, X, D, C, W.
Bobby’s Bistro & Wine Bar,
447 Mandalay Ave., Clearwater Beach,
(727) 446-WINE (9463). This true American
Bistro, from the owners of Bob Heilman’s
Beachcomber Restaurant, serves USDA
Prime Beef, fresh seafood and pasta, all
creatively prepared with flair and style in a
lively and fun atmosphere. This is
intimate dining that has covered al fresco
seating. Try their daily pizzas or mealsatisfying
salads. In addition to an award-
KEY TO SYMBOLS
$ Inexpensive
$$ Moderate
$$$ Expensive
RS Reservations Suggested
CM Children’s Menu Available
E Entertainment
D Dancing
V Visa
MC MasterCard
X All Major Credit Cards
C Catering Available
W Wheelchair Accessible
North
Pinellas
Alfano’s Restaurant &
Splendido Lounge,
1702 Clearwater Largo Rd.,
Clearwater, (727) 584-2125.
Chefs Frank and Linda Alfano
are celebrating 28 years as
one of the area’s finest dining
establishments. Their classic
Italian cuisine is complemented
by the atmosphere of an oldworld
palazzo, an awardwinning
wine list, and a full
bar. There is jazz on Wednesday
nights and a piano on the
weekends in their Splendido
Lounge. Open for lunch Mon-
Fri 11:30 AM-2:30 PM; dinner
Mon-Sat from 5 PM. $-$$, RS, E,
X, C, W.
Bascom’s Chop House,
3665 Ulmerton Rd., Clearwater,
(727) 573-3363. Voted “Best Steakhouse,”
Bascom’s serves Certified Angus beef,
aged “in house” a minimum of 28 days;
slow-roasted prime rib and a variety of
fresh seafood in large portions. They have
seven dining rooms for all your parties,
large or small, up to 200 guests. The lounge
offers a full selection of liquors and fine
wines, as well as the full menu. Off-site
catering is available. Open for lunch Mon-
Fri 11:30 AM-2:30 PM; dinner Mon-Sat 5
PM-10 PM, Sun 4 PM-9 PM. In addition to
regular dining hours, lounge open Mon-Fri
2:30 PM-5 PM. $$$, RS, X, C, W.
Bob Heilman’s Beachcomber
Restaurant, 447 Mandalay Ave.,
Clearwater Beach, (727) 442-4144. Serving
classic American cuisine since 1948, their
signature dishes include the finest cuts of
USDA Prime Beef, as well as daily seafood
specials that are the catch of the day, thus
ensuring their freshness. Try their Backto
the-Farm Chicken, homemade soups,
sauces, breads and desserts. You’ll enjoy the
award-winning wine list, generous cocktails
and their pianist.
winning wine list, they serve
generous cocktails. Open
nightly from 5 PM.
$$-$$$, RS, E, X, D, C, W.
Bon Appétit Restaurant,
148 Marina Plaza (at the
Dunedin Marina), Dunedin,
(727) 733-2151. Restaurant
critics have praised their
cuisine since the 1970s. We
named them “Best Waterfront
Restaurant.” Enjoy Intracoastal
and Gulf views while dining
in a relaxed atmosphere inside
or al fresco at their Terrace
Café. Their upstairs Sunset
Rooms accommodate up to 200
for weddings, corporate and
special events. Open daily for
breakfast 6:30 AM-9:30 AM;
lunch 11:30 AM-4 PM; dinner
Sun-Thurs 4 PM-9 PM., Fri-Sat 4
PM-10 PM.
$-$$$, RS, X, W.
BurgerMonger,
2454 McMullen Booth Rd., Safety Harbor,
(727) 726-4001. Proudly founded in Tampa
Bay, at BurgerMonger they say, “We Build
a Better Burger.” Featuring 100% pure
Japanese-bred Akaushi Beef, BurgerMonger
sources the finest and healthiest ingredients
in the world. Their naturally satisfying
menu includes burgers, hot dogs, chicken,
salads, beer and wine. Incomparable food;
warm, friendly service; and comfortable
ambiance is found in their five Tampa Bay
area locations. Open Sun-Thurs 11 AM-10
PM, Fri-Sat 11 AM-11 PM. $-$$, CM, X, W.
Café Alfresco,
344 Main St., downtown Dunedin,
(727) 736-4299. This breezy, casual café next
to the Pinellas Trail offers indoor or outdoor
dining with spiffy maple and brass whimsy.
Their menu is mostly West Coast bistro, Lite
Bites, beautiful salads, pastas, soups, Creole
items, sandwiches and burgers. Enjoy a
cappuccino with delicious European tortes,
pastries, cakes and ice cream. Open for
lunch and dinner Mon-Thurs 11 AM-9 PM,
Fri 11 AM-10 PM, Sat 10 AM-10 PM, Sun
10 AM-9 PM; brunch Sat & Sun 10 AM-2 PM.
$-$$, CM, X, W.
MARCH /APRIL 2016 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE 171