DINING
out
DINING
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.
The Shrimp and Grits at Salt Rock Tavern in Oldsmar is a
KEY TO SYMBOLS
out
$ 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
170 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016
s
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
Flambé, 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 11 AM-
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 Zach Feinstein’s charming, intimate
deco ambience. Chef Chris Artrip’s
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, W.
3PM; dinner
Mon-Thurs 4:30 PM-10 PM;
Fri-Sat 4:30 PM-11 PM,
and Sun 12:30 PM-9:30 PM.
$$, X, C, W.
Bob Heilman’s Beachcomber
Restaurant, 447 Mandalay
Ave., Clearwater Beach,
(727) 442-4144. Serving classic
American cuisine since 1948,
their signature dishes include
the finest cuts of USDA Prime
Beef, as well as daily seafood
specials that are the catch of
the day, thus ensuring their
freshness. Try their Back-tothe
Farm Chicken, homemade
soups, sauces, breads and
desserts. You’ll enjoy the
award-winning wine list,
generous cocktails and their
pianist. Open daily for lunch
11:30 AM-4 PM; dinner from
4 PM. $$-$$$, RS, E, X, D, C, W.
Bobby’s Bistro & Wine Bar,
447 Mandalay Ave., Clearwater Beach,
(727) 446-WINE (9463). This true American
Bistro, from the owners of Bob Heilman’s
Beachcomber Restaurant, serves USDA
Prime Beef, fresh seafood and pasta, all
creatively prepared with flair and style in a
lively and fun atmosphere. This is
intimate dining that has covered al fresco
seating. Try their daily pizzas or mealsatisfying
salads. In addition to an awardwinning
wine list, they serve generous
cocktails. Open nightly from 5 PM.
$$-$$$, RS, E, X, D, C, W.
Bon Appétit Restaurant,
148 Marina Plaza (at the Dunedin Marina),
Dunedin, (727) 733-2151. Restaurant
critics have praised their cuisine since the
1970s. We named them “Best Waterfront
Restaurant.” Enjoy Intracoastal and Gulf
views while dining in a relaxed atmosphere
inside or al fresco at their Terrace Café. Their
upstairs Sunset Rooms accommodate up
to 200 for weddings, corporate and special
events. Open daily for breakfast 6:30 AM-
9:30 AM; lunch 11:30 AM-4 PM; dinner
Sun-Thurs 4 PM-9 PM., Fri-Sat 4 PM-10 PM.
$-$$$, RS, X, W.
great rendition of a Southern favorite.