Best Boat Ride- Caladesi Island Ferry,
Dunedin
Best Boat Ride –– Caladesi Island Ferry
Caladesi Island is a magical place with three miles of pristine
beach that is only accessible by boat. The 20-minute ride to
Caladesi Island leaves from Honeymoon Island and runs
between the islands all day long. There is a great café on
Caladesi Island for refreshments. West end of Dunedin
Causeway, State Road 586, (727) 734-5263.
Best Florida-Style Cuisine ––
Hog Island Fish Camp
Owner chef Walt Wickman serves freshly caught seafood
from local waters in a relaxed atmosphere in this downtown
Dunedin hot spot. Stone crabs, mussels, Southern fried
chicken and of course, their namesake hogfish, are a few of the
dishes that keep their customers coming back time and time
again. 900 Broadway (Alternate U.S. Highway 19),
Dunedin, (727) 736-1179.
Best New Resort –– Opal Sands Resort
All the rooms at this beautiful curved high-rise hotel on
Clearwater Beach have private balconies with views of the
Gulf of Mexico. There is a zero entry pool and hot tub, a fullservice
luxury spa and fitness center and restaurants and bars
that showcase fresh, locally sourced cuisine.
430 S. Gulfview Blvd., Clearwater Beach, (727) 450-0380.
Best Hideaway ––
Cappuccino’s Fine Wine & Espresso Bar
This intimate European-style cafe serves great homemade
food and coffees. It’s a dog-friendly place where you can
count on finding interesting, great wines.
733 Broadway, Dunedin, (727) 738-8009.
Best Art Classes –– Dunedin Fine Art Center
Drawing, painting, pottery, calligraphy, jewelry, pastels and
other arts are taught by experienced artists and educators at
this well-established family-friendly institution that offers a
variety of programming. 1143 Michigan Blvd., Dunedin,
(727) 298-3322.
MAY/JUNE 2017 | TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE 47
Bay
Best Gourmet Seafood ––
Mystic Fish Seafood Grill & Bar
This sophisticated Palm Harbor restaurant consistently serves
exceptional seafood. Chef/Owner Doug Bebell’s Kona Seared
Atlantic Salmon, Blackened Chilean Sea Bass and South
African Lobster Tails are some of the most popular dishes
there. For light dining, they also serve a variety of small
plates. 3253 Tampa Road, Palm Harbor, (727) 771-1800.
Best Hair Salon –– LaPosh Salon
This is the place to go when you want to look your best. The
talented professionals at LaPosh focus on hair, skin, nails,
makeup and massage. The salon’s well-earned reputation
comes from serving clients’ beauty needs at its Northwood
Plaza location for nearly 30 years.
2566-D N. McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater, (727) 726-1600.
Best Hamburgers –– BurgerMonger
Thanks to a choice of more than 40 fresh, gourmet and unique
toppings, having a burger your way couldn’t be easier. But
the real secret to the popularity of this local chain with six
locations is that they use only top-quality Japanese Akaushi
beef to set this burger experience apart from the rest.
2454 N. McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater, (727) 726-4001;
10412 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa; (813) 968-6860;
1656 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Wesley Chapel, (813) 991-4242;
903 E. Bloomingdale Ave., Brandon, (813) 684-7982;
3838 W. Neptune St., Tampa, (813) 254-0290;
1325 Fourth St. N., St. Petersburg, (727) 592-4206.
Best Seafood and Beer ––
400 Beach Seafood & Tap House
Relaxed coastal cuisine is the theme of the day at this
indoor/outdoor dining location on Beach Drive. The
broad-based menu features novel renditions of fresh seafood
and shellfish. Known for its great Sunday brunch and
alfresco dinners, this is one of downtown St. Petersburg’s
most popular restaurants anytime of day. It has 24 beers
on tap and 48 wines by the glass.
400 Beach Drive N.E., St. Petersburg, (727) 896-2400.
Best Waterfront Restaurant ––
Bon Appétit Restaurant
Charming and delicious waterfront dining with fabulous
views overlooking St. Joseph’s Sound makes Bon Appétit a
memorable place to dine. This landmark Dunedin restaurant
is one of the culinary legends of the area and is consistently
ranked as one of the best Tampa Bay restaurants by those
who appreciate classic preparations of fine food and excellent
service. For alfresco dining, the outside Terrace Café and their
bar, In the Loop, offer the same great menu as the restaurant.
148 Marina Plaza, Dunedin, (727) 733-2151.
Best Hawaiian Restaurant –– The Honu
This Dunedin restaurant, named for the endangered Green
Sea Turtle, is family- and veteran-owned. Chef Kimberly Platt
delights in producing the flavors of the Hawaiian Islands. Try
her Loco Moco entrée and her homemade Macadamia Nut Ice
Cream. Most dishes can be made vegetarian or vegan upon
request. They even have a doggie dining menu.
516 Grant St., Dunedin, (727) 333-7777.
DREW BAROWICZ