54 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE | MAY/JUNE 2020
Best Modern Italian Cuisine
–– Olivia restaurant
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 –– Our Place
Located conveniently on State Road 580 in Dunedin, this is the
place for great breakfasts all day long from opening to closing.
They serve omelets, specialty pancakes, lunch and dinner
items throughout the day and into the night. Don’t miss their
homemade desserts. 1617 Main St., Dunedin, (727) 239-0450.
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 muffalettas 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. Soon there will be two more,
one in St. Petersburg and one in Tampa.
Best Casino Dining
–– Council Oak Steaks & Seafood
This restaurant at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Tampa features an amazing wine list in addition to fabulous
food and service. 5223 N. Orient Road, Tampa, (813) 627-7600.
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. 454 Poinsettia Ave., Clearwater Beach,
(727) 446-WINE (9463).
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 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.
Since it opened, this restaurant has set this area’s culinary
standards. 19325 Gulf Blvd., Indian Shores, (727) 593-7625.
Best Celebrity Couple
–– Charlotte and Dean Young
Charlotte and “Dagwood” live in Belleair, where Dean carries
on the Blondie comic strip that was created by his father Chic
Young, who died in 1973.
Best Chef
–– Tyson Grant of Parkshore Grill
Chef Tyson Grant keeps Parkshore Grill ‘s food offerings
on the cutting edge, while never losing the satisfaction that
comfort food brings to the St. Petersburg restaurant’s menu.
He is both an innovator and a traditionalist, bringing the best
of both worlds together. 300 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg,
(727) 896-9463.
Best Casino Dining
–– Council Oak Steaks & Seafood
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