DINING
out
Italian-born Chef serving Lunch & Dinner
in Historic Downtown Tarpon Springs.
17 North Safford Ave., Tarpon Springs
(727) 935-5770
TuscanSunItalianBistro.com
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2019 | TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE 177
Julian’s Little Italy,
Dunedin Plaza Shopping Center,
916 Patricia Ave., Dunedin, (727) 734-8989.
Julian Adams’ casual Italian café with a
warm vibe is one of Dunedin’s best kept
secrets. The well-appointed décor is
comfortable and inviting; and the secret
family recipes are made in house from the
heart with love, care and attention. Enjoy
appetizers and salads, baked pastas and
sauté, plus oven-baked pizzas. Julian’s
is gluten-free friendly. Reservations are
suggested for parties of five or more. Open
for lunch and dinner Mon-Thurs 11 AM-9 PM,
Fri-Sat 11 AM-10 PM and for dinner
Sun 4-9 PM. $$, CM, X, C, W.
Kao Thai Kitchen,
7199 66th St., North Pinellas Park,
(727) 350-3722. This Thai restaurant in
Pinellas Park serves lunch and dinner
and features all the standard Thai items
along with some tasty dishes such as Beef
Massaman Curry and Salmon Ga Prow. You
can choose chicken, pork, beef, shrimp, squid,
tofu or vegetable for any of their classic
preparations. The lunch special comes with
an egg roll and fresh salad. Try tapioca balls
for dessert. Open Mon-Thurs 11:30 AM-3 PM
and 4:30 PM-9 PM, Fri 11:30 AM-3 PM and
4:30 PM-10 PM; Sat 4 PM-10 PM and
Sun 4 PM-9 PM. $$-$$$, X,C,W.
Marguerite’s Cafe & Catering,
405 Plaza Drive, Dunedin, (727) 734-7040.
This charming eatery next to the Dunedin
Library offers indoor and outdoor
dining with sidewalk seating. Breakfasts,
sandwiches, fresh innovative salads,
soups and entrées make for a delightful
experience. Open Mon-Fri 7:30 AM-5 PM;
Sat-Sun 8 AM-3 PM. $.
Marina Cantina Tequila Bar
and Grille,
25 Causeway Blvd., Clearwater Beach,
(727) 443-1750. Right in the heart of
Clearwater Beach, this Baystar restaurant
has fabulous views and phenomenal
Mexican fare at bargain prices. Try the
iron pan cornbread and the Beef Barbacoa
Quesadillas with a house margarita or
some sangria. This is a gathering spot for
the young and hip set. Open Mon-Thurs
4 PM-10 PM; Fri 4 PM-11 PM;
Sat 11 AM-11 PM; and Sun 11 AM-10 PM.
$$, RS, X, W.
Mystic Fish Seafood Grill & Bar,
3253 Tampa Rd. (Corner of Tampa Rd.
& Lake St. George), Palm Harbor,
(727) 771-1800. The hip décor, top-notch
service and creative specials of fresh and
exotic seafood, meats, game, pasta and
vegetarian dishes make this a local favorite.
The list of small plates is endless. Their
signature dishes include Bouillabaisse,
NY Strip, Rib Eye, Filet Mignon, Mystic
Paella, Bison Tenderloin and Bronzed Chilean
Sea Bass with hijiki sauce. They have a great
list of hand-crafted beers, a full bar and a
stellar wine list that is reasonably priced.
Takeout is available. Open Sun-Thurs from
4:30 PM, Fri-Sat 4:30 PM-10 PM.
$$, RS, CM, X, W.
Ocean Blue Asian Fusion,
2475 McMullen Booth Road (at
Enterprise Road), Clearwater, (727) 791-6640.
Sushi lovers rejoice. Nhan Nguyen carries
on a tradition of delicious freshness for
the wide selection of appetizers, Japanese
dinners and noodle dishes, fresh from the
sea sushi rolls, makimono and sashimi,
deliciously seasoned hibachi, bento boxes
and more that she serves at her elegantly
decorated restaurant. Open for dinner
Sun-Thurs 4:30 PM-12 AM and
Fri-Sat 4:30 PM-1 AM and special occasions.
$-$$, X, C, W.
Olde Bay Café &
Dunedin Fish Market,
51 Main St., Dunedin (at the Marina),
(727) 733-2542. Chef Walt Wickman offers
mostly outdoor seating overlooking the
harbor for lunch and dinner. Enjoy an
intimate raw bar, a market with fresh fish,
seafood and accompaniments and takeout at
his casual waterfront eatery. Enjoy wine, beer
or sangria with his chowder, salads, ceviche,
fish tacos, Cubans and desserts. Open daily
10 AM-10 PM. $-$$, E, X, C, W.