46 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE | MAY/JUNE 2019
Best Crab Legs -
Cooters
Best Boat Ride –– Caladesi Island Ferry
Caladesi Island is a magical place with three miles of pristine
beach and a great café for refreshments that is only accessible
by boat. The 20-minute ride to Caladesi Island leaves from
Honeymoon Island and runs between the islands throughout
the day. The ferry leaves from the west end of Dunedin
Causeway, State Road 586, (727) 734-5263.
Best Bookstore –– Back in the Day Books
This unique shop on Dunedin’s Main Street (next to Casa
Tina) carries books by local authors and books you may not
find other places. 355 Main St., Dunedin, (727) 221-0025.
Best Breakfast –– Jessi’s Restaurant
Jessi’s Restaurant features breakfast all day long, serving
everything from omelets to pancakes. You won’t believe the
size of the servings. 8331 66th St. N., Pinellas Park,
(727) 541-1200.
Best Brewer –– Cotee River Brewing Company
Cotee River Brewing Company is New Port Richey’s first
brewery. Its signature Market Fresh Wheat Beer combines a
wheat beer with an herbal tea from the local White Heron tea
shop. The brewery serves beer brewed on site, other Florida
beers and locally handcrafted wine from Land O’Lakes
Winery. It offers entertainment on weekends.
5760 Main St., New Port Richey, (727) 807-6806.
Best Cajun Food –– Happy’s Bayou Bites
Owners Happy and Mark serve New Orleans-style food on
picnic tables out of their food trailer with a Cracker-style
facade. Po’ Boys, gumbo and muffaletta are a few of their
delicious dishes. 431 Skinner Blvd., Dunedin, (727) 240-1102.
Best Caribbean Cuisine
–– Rumba Island Bar & Grill
Everything served at Rumba’s from their Island Shrimp and
Rice Bowls to their Jerk Chicken Wings boasts island flavors.
Be sure to try one of their Caribbean-style drinks or bottled
beers and imported rums. Eat on the patio or enjoy indoor
seating at two locations: 1800 Gulf to Bay Blvd. at the corner of
Keene Road, Clearwater, (727) 446-7027; and
3687 Tampa Road, Oldsmar, (813) 475-5974.
Best Casual Cafe Dining
–– Bobby’s Bistro & Wine Bar
An off-shoot of Bob Heilman’s Beachcomber restaurant next
door, this is a great place to kick back and relax. Their areas for
indoor seating and covered alfresco seating are comfortable
and casual. 447 Mandalay Ave., Clearwater Beach,
(727) 446-WINE (9463).
Best Catch of the Day –– Salt Rock Grill
Diners at this legendary Baystar dining landmark can eat
grilled fish or steaks overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway.
It offers an extensive wine list, along with friendly hospitality.
This restaurant helped set this area’s culinary standards.
19325 Gulf Blvd., Indian Shores, (727) 593-7625.
Best Casual Italian Dining
–– Gigi’s Italian Restaurants
The Newberne Family has owned and operated these casual
trattorias for more than 50 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 Blvd.,
St. Pete Beach, (727) 363-3344; and 5901 Fourth St. N.,
St. Petersburg, (727) 526-2400.
Best Casual Seafood
–– Old Bay Cafe & Dunedin Fish Market
Chef Walt Wickman has combined both a restaurant and
a market into one establishment at the Dunedin Marina
overlooking St. Joseph’s Sound. Sit outside and dine, or
purchase fish to cook at home, it is your choice. The seafood is
fresh and locally caught. 51 Main St., Dunedin, (727) 733-2542.
Best Caterer
–– Palm Cafe in the
Dunedin Fine Art Center
During the day, this cafe creates culinary experiences for those
at the center, but its caterers really shine when they go into the
community with gourmet offerings that are sure to please you
and your guests. 1143 Michigan Blvd., Dunedin,
(727) 298-3322.
Best Chocolatier –– William Dean Chocolates
Whether you fancy Banana’s Foster or Lemongrass & Coconut
fillings, you will want to share these chocolate sweets with
those you love. Bill Brown’s hand-painted chocolates are
delicious works of art. His award-winning flavors are as
unique as the packaging. 2790 W. Bay Drive, Belleair Bluffs,
(727) 593-0656.