BEST 2019
OF
MAY/JUNE 2019 | TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE 53
Best Professional Theater Company
–– American Stage
For outstanding live theater with creative staging, talented
professional actors and innovative directors, American Stage
in St. Petersburg produces plays that are both thoughtprovoking
and entertaining. They also have comedy improv
and some edgy late-night offerings. Their annual outdoor
performances in Demens Landing Park, such as this year’s
Mamma Mia!, are not to be missed. 163 Third St. N.,
St. Petersburg, (727) 823-PLAY (7529).
Best Raw Bar –– Sea Salt Restaurant
This stylish emporium is a testament to fine dining with its
artistic surroundings, first-class service, wonderful wines and
exceptional food. Dining here is always a treat. Located on the
second floor of St. Petersburg’s Sundial complex,
183 Second Ave. N., St. Petersburg, (727) 873-7964.
Best Restaurant –– Cafe Ponte
Chef Chris Ponte prepares American Fusion Cuisine in a
modern and sophisticated setting. Two signature favorites
are Sea Bass Miso Marinated and Filet Mignon. Catering is
available and there is also a private dining room to celebrate
your special event. 13505 Icot Blvd., Clearwater,
(727) 538-5768.
Best Restaurant Conversion
–– The Kitchen & Bar at Safety Harbor
This small converted 1930s home has taken on a new look
and menu that makes it an ideal place to relax and dine. From
small plates to gigantic steaks, this restaurant is sure to please.
156 Fourth Ave., N., Safety Harbor, (727) 669-6762.
Best Restaurant on the Pinellas Trail
–– Cafe Alfresco
For a refreshing light bite or a hearty entrée, this is a relaxing
place to pause for bicyclists, rollerbladers, joggers, shoppers
and visitors strolling the streets of downtown Dunedin.
You’ll feel like you’re dining in the open air on the beautiful,
climate-controlled patio. Brunch on Saturday and Sunday
offers specialties such as French Toast á la Ritz and Crab Cakes
Benedict. 344 Main St., Dunedin, (727) 736-4299.
Best Romantic Restaurant
–– Donatello
Serving classic Italian cuisine, this upscale,
elegant restaurant is renowned for its
attentive service and gracious décor and
lighting. You will feel as though you are in
Italy. 232 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa,
(813) 875-6660.
Best Rotisserie Chicken
–– Pico Rojo
Pico Rojo prepares succulent chicken that
is slow cooked and seasoned with more than 10 spices in a
rotisserie oven for a tasty and crispy chicken that can’t be beat.
This restaurant uses all-natural, non-frozen chickens that are
hormone and preservative-free. Their vegetarian options are
also first rate. 2475 N. McMullen Booth Road, Clearwater,
(727) 474-3826.
Best Sandwiches
–– Marguerite’s Cafe and Catering
Marguerite has created an array of sandwiches to suit all
tastes, and she has a flair for creative pairings. She serves
breakfast and lunch and also offers catering. You can eat
indoors or outside on the patio. 405 Plaza Drive, Dunedin,
(727) 734-7040.
Best Seafood and Beer
–– 400 Beach Seafood & Tap House
Relaxed coastal cuisine is the theme at this indoor/outdoor
dining location on Beach Drive in downtown St. Petersburg.
It has numerous flat-screen televisions for sports fans and
three separate rooms for private dining or large parties. The
broad-based menu features novel renditions of fresh seafood
and shellfish. 400 Beach is known for its great Sunday brunch
and alfresco dinners. 400 Beach Drive N.E., St. Petersburg,
(727) 896-2400.
Best Single Artist Glass Museum
–– The Chihuly Collection
Located across from the Morean Arts Center in St. Petersburg,
the Chihuly Collection features glass artwork by Dale Chihuly,
who led the avant-garde movement in the development of
glass as a fine art. 720 Central Ave., St. Petersburg,
(727) 896-4527.
Best Small Concert Space –– The Capitol Theatre
This beautiful and acoustically perfect repurposed 1920s era
theater holds 750 patrons in an intimate setting and attracts
diverse and popular entertainment. 405 Cleveland St.,
Clearwater, (727) 791-7400.
Best Sophisticated Dining –– 717 South
This ever-changing restaurant started Tampa’s reputation as
a hip, sophisticated destination. The décor, menu and service
set standards for others to meet. 717 S. Howard Ave., Tampa,
(813) 250-1661.
Best Fusion -
Pisces Sushi
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