BESTOf 2016
MAY/JUNE 2016
| TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE 49
Best Chef - Ciro Mancini at
Clearwater’s Villa Bellini
Best Casual Italian Dining -
Gigi’s Italian Restaurants
The Newberne Family has owned and operated these
casual trattorias for 47 years. Their homemade old-world
Italian favorites, from Baked Lasagna to Veal Saltimboca,
and low-carb specials, including whole wheat pizza, are
perennial favorites. They have three locations. 105 Treasure
Island Causeway, Treasure Island, (727) 360-6905; 4399 Gulf
Boulevard, St. Pete Beach, (727) 363-3344; and 5901 4th Street
North, St. Petersburg, (727) 562-2400
Best History Museum -
Dunedin Historical Museum
The Dunedin Historical Society’s ever-changing displays
and special events in the museum’s home, a former train
station, are always interesting and inspiring. 349 Main Street,
Dunedin, (727) 736-1176
Best Lunch to Go -
The Stuffed Mushroom
Although this gem is best known for its catering, they
garnered votes for their creative lunches “to go” that are
delicious and can be customized to fit your needs. We suggest
you call ahead. 825 Main Street, Safety Harbor, (727) 726-8686
Best Casual Creative Cuisine -
Marlin Darlin Grill
The innovative ideas here keep customers coming back to see
what is new. They also serve classic finger-licking entrées,
including lobster and steaks. The friendly atmosphere makes
this restaurant seem like a private club, where everyone
knows your name. 2819 West Bay Drive, Belleair Bluffs,
(727) 584-1700
Best Chocolatier -
William Dean Chocolates
Once again, readers described Bill Brown’s exquisite
handcrafted, hand-painted chocolates as delicious works
of art. The award-winning flavors are as unique as the
packaging. So, whether you fancy Mexican Mango or Apple
Pie, you will want to share these sweets with those you love.
2790 West Bay Drive, Belleair Bluffs, (727) 593-0656
Best Authentic Italian Dining -
Da Sesto Italiano Ristorante e Vino
Da Sesto’s delicious authentic recipes, including Linguine
al Pescatore and Ravioli, are served in a relaxed, home-style
atmosphere, along with a wide selection of Italian wines. 7199
66th Street North, Pinellas Park, (727) 209-2695
Best Dining Any Time of Day -
Clear Sky Beachside Cafe
This friendly restaurant opens at seven o’clock every morning
and doesn’t stop serving until one o’clock the next morning.
The food is great, from brick-oven pizza to grouper specials
and they have live entertainment at this popular hot spot. 490
Mandalay Avenue, Clearwater Beach, (727) 442-3684
Best Private Club -
The Club at Treasure Island
Our readers wrote about The Club’s exclusive star-studded
concerts, executive-level concierge services and “Florida
Fresh” fine dining. Located on the beautiful bayside, it also
offers amenities that cannot be matched. 400 Treasure Island
Causeway, (727) 367-4511
Best Business Lunch -
Bascom’s Chop House
With its ambience of an exclusive private club, this American
Chop House features top-of-the-line Midwestern grain-fed
steer that is aged a minimum of 28 days. Their he-man-sized
portions, excellent service and extensive wine selections help
to make your dining experience a pleasure. 3665 Ulmerton
Road, Clearwater, (727) 573-3363