DINING
out
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. $$, RS, CM, X, W.
▲
Southern cuisine. The ambience is funky and
eclectic — you’ll think you’re in Greenwich
Village. Gourmet sauces, wonderful cakes,
pastries and mouthwatering cheesecakes
are available for takeout with an advance
order. Outside patio dining is also available.
Open Mon-Thurs 8 AM-9:30 PM, Fri-Sat
8 AM-10:30 PM, Sun 8 AM-9 PM.
$-$$, RS, CM, X, W.
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. $$, E, X, C, W.
Marlin Darlin Grill,
2819 West Bay Dr., Belleair Bluffs,
(727) 584-1700. The most creative effort ever
from the tag-team of Frank Chivas and Tom
Pritchard. Eat small – ceviche, tuna tartare,
oysters, kettle chips, pear-bacon pizza or
crab cake corn dogs – or live large on lobsters
and steaks with tandoori onions and blistered
tomatoes. Either way, the drinks are smart
Johnny Grits,
857 East Klosterman Rd. (at U.S. 19),
Tarpon Springs, (727) 942-4748. Johnny
Grits takes the traditional breakfast and
lunch concept to a new level with handmade
unique “Southern Fresh” dishes
made with all natural ingredients, organic
gluten-free yellow grits, real Vermont
maple syrup, fresh-squeezed orange juice,
and much more. Classically trained
Chef Christopher Muller elevates
breakfast into a culinary delight. Enjoy
new spins on classic Benedicts, Shrimp
and Grits, Fried Green Tomatoes, daily
made soups and The Grit Skillet. Open
7 days a week from 7 AM to 2 PM
$-$$, CM, X, C, W.
Kaiko Japanese Restaurant/Ocean Blue,
2475 McMullen Booth Rd. (corner of
McMullen Booth & Enterprise), Clearwater,
(727) 791-6640. For sushi lovers, this is the
place to go. In addition to all the standards,
they also have Makimono (rolled sushi)
and some wonderful new bento boxes,
appetizers and vegetable sushi. Check
out their late-night specials. Charlie has
only one standard, the best and freshest.
Open Mon-Thurs 11:30 AM-1:30 AM; Fri
11:30 AM-2:30 AM, Sat 4:00 PM-2:30 AM,
Sun 4 PM-1:30 AM. $-$$, X, W.
Kelly’s For Just About...Anything!,
319 Main St., downtown Dunedin,
(727) 736-5284. Award-winning Chef/Owner
Virgel Kelly and his partner Kathy Carlson
feature casual, fine dining and creative
184 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE JULY/AUGUST 2015