BEST 2017
MAY/JUNE 2017 | TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE 57
OF
Best History Museum ––
Dunedin Historical Museum
The Dunedin Historical Society’s displays of local and Florida
history, including access to the Dunedin Times newspaper
from 1924-1965, are housed in a former train station that is the
museum’s home. 349 Main St., Dunedin, (727) 736-1176.
Best Casual Italian Dining ––
Gigi’s Italian Restaurants
The Newberne Family has owned and operated these casual
trattorias for 48 years. Their homemade Old World Italian
favorites, from Baked Lasagna to Veal Saltimboca, and lowcarb
specials, including whole wheat pizza, are perennial
favorites. They have three locations. 105 Treasure Island
Causeway, Treasure Island, (727) 360-6905; 4399 Gulf Blvd.,
St. Pete Beach, (727) 363-3344; and 5901 Fourth St. N.,
St. Petersburg, (727) 526-2400.
Best New American Food ––
E&E Stakeout Grill and Kokopelli’s Bar
Chef/Owner Erwin Scheuringer’s creativity is the secret
ingredient of this popular dining venue. The menu includes a
whopping 28-ounce bone-in rib-eye Cowboy Steak, together
with choice seafood and chicken prepared in new and
intriguing ways. It is the center of Belleair’s social hub.
100 Indian Rocks Road N., Belleair Bluffs, (727) 585-6399.
Best Community Patron –– John Gilliss
John, the president of Friendly Kia in New Port Richey who
is known as “Mr. Friendly,” sponsors numerous charitable
functions and uses his “Friendly Trolley” to provide
transportation, ambience and fun to a plethora of nonprofit
organizations. Friendly Kia is at 5819 U.S. Highway 19 N. in
New Port Richey, (727) 815-9611.
Best Casual Cafe Dining ––
Bobby’s Bistro & Wine Bar
An off-shoot of Bob Heilman’s Beachcomber restaurant next
door, this is a great spot to just kick back and relax. Their indoor
or covered alfresco seating make this an ideal place to dine when
you want to enjoy good food and wine in a casual setting.
447 Mandalay Ave., Clearwater Beach, (727) 446-WINE (9463).
Best Classic American Cuisine ––
Bob Heilman’s Beachcomber
Celebrations seem to be happening at every other table in this
local institution that has been serving award-winning food
since 1948. Many diners have longstanding favorite dishes,
and their wine list is impressive. 447 Mandalay Ave. on
North Clearwater Beach, (727) 442-4144.
Best Opera House –– Sarasota Opera
The renovation of this magnificent performance hall keeps it
at the top of the list for opera with world-class performances,
concerts, lectures and events. 61 N. Pineapple Ave., Sarasota,
(941) 328-1300.
Best Breakfast ––
Kelly’s For Just About ... Everything
This spot is legendary for serving breakfast until 3 p.m.
everyday. Breakfast at Kelly’s isn’t just your ordinary fair,
as daily specials include their homemade special muffin of
the day, quiche, Eggs Benedict and French toast as you have
probably never had it before. In addition, the breakfast menu
offers several types of omelets such as the Santa Fe, as well as
smoothies, flapjacks, waffles and a variety of egg combinations.
The outdoor covered patio and great service both help to make
Kelly’s a perennial favorite. Kelly’s also serves lunch and
dinner daily. 319 Main St., Dunedin, (727) 736-5284.
Best Community Theater ––
Francis Wilson Playhouse
This theater is totally operated by volunteers, and therefore
can offer very affordable ticket prices. It has been attracting
patrons for more than 80 years. Their productions are classic
and the quality of their performances is top notch.
302 Seminole St., Clearwater, (727) 446-1360.
Best Authentic Italian Dining ––
Da Sesto Italiano Ristorante e Vino
Da Sesto’s is now in its new larger location where its delicious
recipes, including Linguine al Pescatore and Ravioli, are served
in a relaxed, home-style atmosphere, along with a wide selection
of Italian wines. 7201 66th St. N., Pinellas Park, (727) 209-2695.
Best Casual Italian Dining ––
Julian’s Little Italy
From pasta dishes to baked Italian entrées, Dunedin’s bestkept
secret offers reasonable prices for its delicious Italian
cooking. Chef Julian has been serving his traditional menu
items for more than nine years at this location.
916-A Patricia Ave., Dunedin, (727) 734-8989.
Best New Orleans Style Cuisine ––
Ricky P’s Creole Kitchen
Rick Parsons was born and raised in New Orleans, where he
learned to cook authentic Creole dishes from his mother. He
flies in Louisiana crawfish every Friday afternoon to serve
at his new location. His File’ Seafood Gumbo with crab and
shrimp is not to be missed. 11002 Fourth St. N., St. Petersburg,
(727) 821-4061.