DINING
out
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. $-$$, E, X.
Pensare Italian Bistro
& Wine Bar,
799 Highland Ave. (at its intersection
with Main St.), Dunedin, (727) 786-2222.
Robin and Mike Rey’s award-winning
restaurant has won a multitude of loyal
customers, who appreciate the high quality
classic Italian cuisine that they serve with a
twist. The sleek, modern décor and
attentive service has made them one of the
area’s premier dining spots.
Open for dinner Sun-Thurs 5 PM-10 PM,
Fri-Sat 5 PM-11 PM. $$$, 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 12PM-
8 PM. $-$$, X, C, W.
Riedo Restaurant and Bar,
601 Cleveland St., #150, Clearwater,
(727) 223-4917. Downtown Clearwater’s
premier restaurant serves authentic German
and Mediterranean cuisine, as well as fine
American dishes including Black Angus
Beef Steaks and fresh grouper with lemon
garlic sauce. Don’t miss the Mix-Grill Platter
that is served for two or more. Their awardwinning
homemade apple strudel is a must
on any visit. Open Mon-Fri 11 AM-11 PM,
Sat 5 PM-11 PM, Sun-closed.
$$-$$$, RS, E, X, C, W.
Rumba Island
Bar & Grill,
1800 Gulf to Bay Blvd., Clearwater,
(727) 446-7027 and 3687 Tampa Rd.,
Oldsmar, (813) 475-5974. Taste the flavors
of the islands, mixed with the freshest local
ingredients at Rumba Island Bar & Grill.
Local favorites include the Island-Style
Quesadillas and Jerk Chicken Wings for
starters; and the signature Rumba Salad
with Grouper, Runaway Bay Crab Cakes
and Caribbean Pulled Pork for an entrée.
Open Sun-Thurs 11:30 AM-10 PM,
Fri-Sat 11:30 AM-11 PM. $$, 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. $-$$, CM, X, C, W.
Salt Rock Tavern,
3689 Tampa Rd., Oldsmar, (813) 336-4977.
This new Baystar Restaurant combines a
unique menu of casual dining with 21 craft
beers on tap and other bar favorites.
Everything from their “Just Caught Fish”
with smoked gouda grits to their Double
Cut Bone-In Pork Chop are prepared with
flair, as are their flatbreads, burgers and
salads. Try their “Snap, Crackle, Pop” Beer
Cocktail for a real treat. Open Sun 10 AM-
9 PM (including Brunch from 10 AM-2 PM);
Mon-Thurs 4 PM-10 PM; Fri-Sat 4 PM-
11 PM. $$-$$$, RS, CM, X, C, W.
Sea Sea Riders,
221 Main St. (at Alt. 19 and State Rd. 580),
downtown Dunedin, (727) 734-1445. Enjoy
a taste of “New” Florida in an Old Florida
atmosphere in the dining room or on the
veranda. Start with the “#1 Chili in Tampa
Bay,” and be sure to try the Buffalo-style
Mahi Bites, the Seafood Extravaganza and
their signature cheesecakes. Open daily for
lunch and dinner Mon-Thurs 11:30 AM-
10 PM, Fri-Sat 11:30 AM-11 PM, and Sun
11:30 AM-9 PM; brunch Sun 11:30 AM-
2 PM. $-$$, CM, X, C, W.
Seafood
and
Wine Bar
r e s t a u r a n t
An intimate boutique restaurant
featuring local market-fresh
cuisine creatively prepared daily with
haute gluten-free options and a
well-edited wine list
New
American
Cuisine
Wine
Dinners
New Hours
Mon. - Thur. 11:30 - 9:00
Fri. - Sat. 11:30 - 10:00
200 E.Tarpon Avenue
727.940.5377
currents-tarpon.com
Daily
Chef
Features
JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE 177