DINING
out
Palm Pavilion,
10 Bay Esplanade, N. Clearwater Beach,
(727) 446-2642. Voted “#1 Best Place for Live
Music” and also “Best of Tampa Bay.”
Overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, the Palm
Pavilion has been a famous Clearwater Beach
landmark since 1926. Amid its nostalgic
architecture, guests enjoy casual dining
indoors or outside on their deck, where
they can experience spectacular sunsets.
Happy hour on weekdays is from 4-7 PM.
Visit their website to view the music
calendar. Open Sun-Thurs 10:30 AM-10 PM,
Fri-Sat 10:30 AM-11 PM. $$, CM, E, X, W.
Pan y Vino
Brick Oven Pizza & Wine Bar,
369 Main St., Dunedin, (727) 734-7700.
This new intimate downtown wine bar and
bistro is a relaxing place to break bread and
lift a glass. Owners Tina and Javier Avila,
of Casa Tina (next door), serve their artisan
pizza that is cooked in a brick oven, soups,
salads, skillet specials and delicious desserts,
along with a wide selection of wines, beers
and coffees. Available for private parties.
Open Tues-Thurs 5 PM-10 PM,
Fri-Sat 5 PM-11 PM, Sun 3 PM-10 PM.
$-$$, E, X.
Pensare Italian Bistro & Wine Bar,
799 Highland Ave. (at its intersection
with Main St.), Dunedin, (727) 786-2222.
This award-winning restaurant has won a
multitude of loyal customers, who appreciate
the high quality classic Italian cuisine that
they serve with a twist. The sleek, modern
décor and attentive service has made them
one of the area’s premier dining spots.
Open for dinner Sun-Thurs 5 PM-10 PM,
Fri-Sat 5 PM-11 PM.
$$$, RS, CM, X, C, W.
Pico Rojo Charcoal Rotisserie,
2475 McMullen Booth Rd., #E
(accessible via Enterprise Rd.) Clearwater,
(727) 474-3826. Known for its healthy,
natural, delicious food with Latin American
flair, this restaurant is also child-friendly,
vegetarian-friendly and offers carry-out.
All-natural chicken is marinated in spices and
roasted in an ecological charcoal rotisserie
oven. Complementary sides include fried
yuca, tostones, sweet plantains, hearty rice
and beans, and scrumptious asparagus. Their
well-priced, flavorful salads, sandwiches,
sauces, dressings, sangria, and desserts are
homemade from fine, fresh ingredients
and can be ordered family style. Catering
available. Open Mon-Thurs 11:30 AM-9 PM,
Fri 11:30 AM-9:30 PM, Sat 12 PM-9:30 PM,
Sun 12 PM-8 PM.
$-$$, X, C, W.
Pisces Sushi & Global Bistro,
2340 State Rd. 580, Clearwater,
(727) 216-6764. This innovative,
contemporary, family-owned restaurant
features Chef James Keene’s globally inspired
new style, made-to-order sushi. He offers a
variety of signature sushi rolls, including
the Aztec (Shrimp Tempura, Poppy
Seared Tuna, Black Bean and Corn Salsa,
Chimichurri and Plantain Chips), the Ragin
Cajun (Crawfish, Avocado and Tuna) and
the Main Event (Spicy Maine Lobster, Panko
Asparagus, Roasted Garlic Aioli and Mango
Vinaigrette). They also feature soups, salads
and tapas, such as Maine Lobster Rangoon
and Tuna Guacamole. Don’t miss the Crème
Brûlée Flight dessert. Open for lunch
Mon-Fri 11 AM-2 PM and dinner
5 PM-10 PM; Sat 2 PM-10 PM.
$$, CM, X, C, W.
Rumba Island Bar & Grill,
1800 Gulf to Bay Blvd., Clearwater,
(727) 446-7027 and 3687 Tampa Rd.,
Oldsmar, (813) 475-5974. Taste the flavors
of the islands, mixed with the freshest local
ingredients at Rumba Island Bar & Grill.
Local favorites include the Island-Style
Quesadillas and Jerk Chicken Wings for
starters; and the signature Rumba Salad
with Grouper, Runaway Bay Crab Cakes
and Caribbean Pulled Pork for an entrée.
Open Sun-Thurs 11:30 AM-10 PM,
Fri-Sat 11:30 AM-11 PM.
$$, CM, X, C, W.
Sages West Bay Bistro,
883 West Bay Dr., Largo, (727) 585-6600.
Patty and Mike have created the ideal
family-style bistro that features traditional
Italian food in an attractive atmosphere
that makes you feel at home. The Tortellini
in Pink Sauce is fabulous, and the pizza
can be ordered with either thick or regular
crust. You’ll love eating here any time of day.
Open Mon-Sat 11 A.M.-9 P.M.
$-$$, CM, X, C, W.
200 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2015