The Living Room Restaurant & Lounge,
487 Main St., downtown Dunedin,
(727) 736-5202. René and John Johnson’s
popular eatery and gathering spot is a great
place to unwind in simple style with classic
elegance, while enjoying culinary creativity
and unparalleled taste. Choose from Chef
Tony Bruno’s eclectic, award-winning menu
of internationally influenced tapas-style
dishes that are intended to be shared, along
with unique wines and beers. Serving lunch
and dinner Mon-Thurs 11 AM-10 PM,
Fri-Sat 11 AM-12 AM, Sun 10 AM-10 PM
with brunch until 3 PM. Happy Hour
daily until 7 PM. Live entertainment
nightly. Available for large parties,
catering and special events.
$$, E, X, C, W.
Marlin Darlin Grill,
2819 West Bay Dr., Belleair Bluffs,
(727) 584-1700. The most creative effort ever
from the tag-team of Frank Chivas and Tom
Pritchard. Eat small – ceviche, tuna tartare,
oysters, kettle chips, pear-bacon pizza or
crab cake corn dogs – or live large on lobsters
and steaks with tandoori onions and blistered
tomatoes. Either way, the drinks are smart
and the service is smarter. Open Mon-
Thurs 4 PM-10 PM, Fri-Sat 4 PM-10:30 PM,
Sun 4 PM-9:30 PM.
$$, CM, X, C, W.
Massimo’s Eclectic Fine Dining,
31876 U.S. Hwy. 19 N., Palm Harbor,
(727) 784-1881. Award-winning Chef
Massimo Patano works his culinary magic at
his Palm Harbor restaurant. Nestled behind
Outback on Hwy. 19 N., this sophisticated
restaurant offers contemporary Italian and
Mediterranean cuisine with Asian accents
that include homemade soups, poultry,
lamb, veal, seafood entrées and tantalizing
desserts. Extensive wine selections are
available, and they have a private room for
parties and special events. Open for lunch
Tues-Fri 11:30 AM-2 PM and for dinner
Tues-Fri 5:30 PM-10 PM, Sat 5:30 PM-11 PM.
$$$, RS, X, W.
Mystic Fish Seafood Grill & Bar,
3253 Tampa Rd. (Corner of Tampa Rd. & Lake
St. George), Palm Harbor, (727) 771-1800.
The hip décor, top-notch service and creative
specials of fresh and exotic seafood, meats,
game, pasta and vegetarian dishes make
this a local favorite. The list of small plates
is endless. Their signature dishes include
Bouillabaisse, NY Strip, Rib Eye, Filet
Mignon, Mystic Paella, Bison Tenderloin
and Bronzed Chilean Sea Bass with hijiki
sauce. They have a great list of hand-crafted
beers, a full bar and a stellar wine list that
is reasonably priced. Takeout is available.
Open Sun-Thurs from 4:30 PM, Fri-Sat
4:30 PM-10 PM. $$, RS, CM, X, W.
Nauti-Nancy’s
Food Shack and Crows Nest Pub,
700 Eldridge St. (one block west of Myrtle
Ave. on the Pinellas Trail), Clearwater,
(727) 446-3717. Dine indoors or at the
Crow’s Nest Patio Bar at this fun, funky
eatery. The food is cooked to order, and
includes daily specials, a Raw Bar and
favorites such as their Beef Martini,
Shrimp-n-Grits, 4-4-4, and Bread Pudding.
DINING out
198 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE MARCH/APRIL 2015