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The Mexican-style cuisine at Marina Cantina on
Clearwater Beach is enhanced by the restaurant’s
extraordinary views.
172 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019
DINING
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DINING
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T A M P A B A Y M A G A Z I N E ’ S R E S T A U R A N T G U I D E
Planning on dining out? We recommend that you try one of these fabulous restaurants.
We have tried them all and find them to be the best places to dine in the Tampa Bay area.
Our restaurant reviews are grouped according to location.
Pinellas County’s North/South dividing line is Ulmerton Road.
Bayou Bistro,
607 Island Drive, Tarpon Springs,
(727) 612-0073. Chef Brian uses all the special
techniques that have made Louisiana and
New England seafood dishes so distinctive.
His diverse menu has something for everyone
from lite bites to luxurious entrées. This is a
place where you will feel at home and never
lack for service. Boat slips and a tiki bar are
available. Open Mon-Thurs 11 AM-10 PM;
Fri 11 AM-12 AM; Sat 9 AM-12 AM; and
Sun 9 AM-9 PM. $$, CM, E, X, W.
Bob Heilman’s Beachcomber Restaurant,
447 Mandalay Ave., Clearwater Beach,
(727) 442-4144. Serving classic American
cuisine since 1948, their signature dishes
include the finest cuts of USDA Prime
Beef, as well as daily seafood specials that
are the catch of the day, thus ensuring
their freshness. Try their Back-to-the-Farm
Chicken, homemade soups, sauces, breads
North Pinellas
Alfano’s Restaurant
& Splendido Lounge,
1702 Clearwater Largo Rd.,
Clearwater, (727) 584-2125.
Chefs Frank and Linda Alfano
established one of the area’s finest
dining establishments in 1984. Their
classic Italian cuisine is complemented
by the atmosphere of an old-world
palazzo, an award-winning wine
list, and a full bar. There is jazz on
Wednesday nights and a piano on the
weekends in their Splendido Lounge.
Open for lunch Mon-Fri 11:30 AM-2:30
PM; dinner Mon-Sat from 5 PM. $-$$,
RS, E, X, C, W.
Aloha Ansley,
1931 West Bay Drive, Suite B, Largo,
(727) 953-3757. Chef Ansley Spencer,
a member of the prestigious food and
wine society Chaîne Des Rôtisseurs, brings
Hawaiian cuisine such as pineapple salsa,
marinated tuna and salmon, coconut jasmine
rice and pina colada sorbet to capture the
flavors of the islands, while still offering
gluten-free and vegetarian options.
Open Tues-Thurs 11 AM-9 PM; Fri-Sun
11 AM-10 PM. Closed Mondays. $$, X.
Bascom’s Chop House,
3665 Ulmerton Rd., Clearwater,
(727) 573-3363. Voted “Best Steakhouse,”
Bascom’s serves Certified Angus beef,
aged “in house” a minimum of 28 days,
slow-roasted prime rib and a variety of
fresh seafood in large portions. They
have seven dining rooms for all your
parties, large or small, up to 200 guests.
The lounge offers a full selection of liquors
and fine wines, as well as the full menu.
Off-site catering is available. Open for
lunch Mon-Fri 11:30 AM-2:30 PM; dinner
Mon-Sat 5 PM-10 PM, Sun 4 PM-9 PM.
In addition to regular dining hours,
lounge open Mon-Fri 2:30 PM-5 PM.
$$$, RS, X, C, W.
and desserts. You’ll enjoy the awardwinning
wine list, generous cocktails
and their pianist. Open daily for lunch
11:30 AM-4 PM; dinner from 4 PM.
$$-$$$, RS, E, X, D, C, W.
Bobby’s Bistro & Wine Bar,
447 Mandalay Ave., Clearwater Beach,
(727) 446-WINE (9463). This true
American Bistro, from the owners
of Bob Heilman’s Beachcomber
Restaurant, serves USDA Prime Beef,
fresh seafood and pasta, all creatively
prepared with flair and style in this
lively and fun atmosphere. This is
intimate dining that has covered
alfresco seating. Try their daily pizzas
or meal-satisfying salads. In addition
to an award-winning wine list,
they serve generous cocktails.
Open nightly from 5 PM.
$$-$$$, RS, E, X, D, C, W.
Bon Appétit Restaurant,
148 Marina Plaza (at the Dunedin Marina),
Dunedin, (727) 733-2151. Restaurant critics
have praised their cuisine since the 1970s.
This is a great waterfront restaurant, where
you can enjoy Intracoastal and Gulf views
while dining in a relaxed atmosphere inside
or alfresco at their Terrace Café. Their upstairs
Sunset Rooms accommodate up to 200 for
weddings, corporate and special events.
Open Sun-Thurs 11:30 AM-9 PM
and Fri-Sat 11:30 AM-10 PM.
$-$$$, RS, X, W.
BurgerMonger,
2454 McMullen Booth Rd., Safety Harbor,
(727) 726-4001. Proudly founded in Tampa
Bay, at BurgerMonger they say, "We Build
a Better Burger." Featuring 100 percent
pure Japanese-bred Akaushi Beef,
BurgerMonger sources the finest and
healthiest ingredients in the world. Their
naturally satisfying menu includes burgers,
hot dogs, chicken, salads, beer and wine.
Incomparable food; warm, friendly service;
and comfortable ambience is found in their
five Tampa Bay area locations.
Open Sun-Thurs 11 AM-10 PM,
Fri-Sat 11 AM-11 PM. $-$$, CM, X, W.
KEY TO SYMBOLS
$ Inexpensive
$$ Moderate
$$$ Expensive
RS Reservations Suggested
CM Children’s Menu
E Entertainment
D Dancing
V Visa
MC MasterCard
X All Major Credit Cards
C Catering
W Wheelchair Accessible
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