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.
Blue Sake/Sushi + Asian Fusion,
1425 Main St., Ste. I, Dunedin, (727)
216-3699. Another Dunedin gem, this
unique restaurant has a full sushi menu and
a host of other options that allow you to
select from chicken, pork, beef, tofu, veggies,
shrimp, squid, fish, duck or scallops prepared
in 15 different styles. Their seafood dishes,
such as Grilled Salmon, Seafood Paradise or
Seafood Flambe, are sensational. Everything
is made fresh to order at your level of spiciness.
Beer, wine and a full-liquor bar are
available. Open for lunch Mon-Fri
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.
The Black Pearl,
315 Main St., downtown Dunedin, (727)
734-DINE (3463). Enjoy four-star dining on
unique New-American cuisine in charming,
intimate deco ambience. Specialties include
Goat Cheese Strudel with Lavender and Fennel
Pollen, served with Mushroom Marmalade and
Micro Greens; Twice Cooked, Long Island
Duckling; and Falling Hot Chocolate Cake.
Available for business and special functions.
Open nightly from 5 PM. $$-$$$, RS, X, C.
11 AM-3 PM; dinner
Mon-Thurs 4:30 PM-10 PM;
Fri-Sat 4:30 PM-11 PM,
and Sun 12:30 PM-9:30 PM.
$$, X, C, W.
Bob Heilman’s Beachcomber
Restaurant, 447 Mandalay
Ave., Clearwater Beach,
(727) 442-4144. Serving classic
American cuisine since 1948,
their signature dishes
include the finest cuts of
USDA Prime Beef, as well as
daily seafood specials that
are the catch of the day, thus
ensuring their freshness. Try
their Back-to-the-Farm
Chicken, homemade soups,
sauces, breads and desserts.
You’ll enjoy the awardwinning
wine list, generous
cocktails and their pianist.
Open daily for lunch 11:30
AM-4 PM; dinner from 4 PM.
$$-$$$, RS, E, X, D, C, W.
Bobby’s Bistro & Wine Bar,
447 Mandalay Ave., Clearwater Beach,
(727) 446-WINE (9463). This true American
Bistro, from the owners of Bob Heilman’s
Beachcomber Restaurant, serves USDA
Prime Beef, fresh seafood and pasta, all
creatively prepared with flair and style in
this lively and fun atmosphere. This is
intimate dining that has covered al fresco
seating. Try their daily pizzas or mealsatisfying
salads. In addition to an awardwinning
wine list, they serve generous
cocktails. Open nightly from 5 PM.
$$-$$$, RS, E, X, D, C, W.
Bon Appétit Restaurant,
148 Marina Plaza (at the Dunedin Marina),
Dunedin, (727) 733-2151. Restaurant critics
have praised their cuisine since the 1970s.
We named them “Best Waterfront Restaurant.”
Enjoy Intracoastal and Gulf views while
dining in a relaxed atmosphere inside or
al fresco at their Terrace Café. Their upstairs
Sunset Rooms accommodate up to 200 for
weddings, corporate and special events.
Open daily for breakfast 6:30 AM-9:30 AM;
lunch 11:30 AM-4 PM; dinner Sun-Thurs
4 PM-9 PM., Fri-Sat 4 PM-10 PM.
$-$$$, RS, X, W.
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
MAY/JUNE 2015 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE 177
Baystar Restaurant Group’s Rumbas in Clearwater and Oldsmar are
popular for many reasons, from their food and service to their casual
and comfortable atmosphere.