Best Mediterranean Cuisine –– Cafe Sahara
Everything at Cafe Sahara is homemade and can be eaten
there or taken to go. The Lebanese owner and chef makes
phenomenal pitas, kebabs and both meat and vegetarian pies.
The desserts are awesome. 1901 W. Bay Drive, Largo,
(727) 216-6221.
Best Merger –– Amplify Clearwater
For years, the Clearwater Regional Chamber of Commerce
and the Clearwater Beach Chamber of Commerce
believed that each could accomplish more as independent
organizations. However, this merger has shown how much the
two chambers have in common and how effectively everyone
can work together to achieve even more as one organization.
600 Cleveland St., Suite 204, Clearwater, (727) 461-0011.
Best Mexican Restaurant –– Casa Tina
Javier and Tina Avila, the dynamic duo who run this wellloved
Mexican restaurant, serve authentic Mexican recipes
from quesadillas and ceviche to fish tacos and fajitas with an
emphasis on healthy and vegetarian offerings. It’s a friendly
spot that has the look and feel of Old Mexico. 365 Main St.,
Dunedin, (727) 734-9226.
Best Modern Italian Cuisine –– Olivia
This new creation by Chef Chris Ponte is brilliantly designed
to create a casually sophisticated environment that is in
total sync with the wonderful food available at this stylish
restaurant, which has captured the flavors of a traditional
Italian trattoria. 3601 W. Swann Ave., Tampa, (813) 328-8866.
Best Modern Thai Cuisine –– Kao Thai Kitchen
A family-owned restaurant, Kao Thai Kitchen is passionate
about cooking with fresh, high-quality ingredients to create
new and different dishes such as Northern Style Noodle
Curry or Hai Yai Fried Chicken. 7199 66th St. N., Pinellas
Park, (727) 350-3722.
60 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE | MAY/JUNE 2020
Best Museum Exhibits
–– Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg
An architectural gem on the St. Petersburg waterfront, our
readers love this encyclopedic museum. It has assembled
some impressive traveling exhibits in addition to its top-notch
permanent collection. 255 Beach Drive N.E., St. Petersburg,
(727) 896-2667.
Best Museum Gift Shop
–– Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg
This well-run store features a variety of creative merchandise
within many price ranges. You will discover artistic offerings
here that you are not apt to see anywhere else. 255 Beach
Drive N.E., St. Petersburg, (727) 896-2667 ext. 225.
Best Music Festival –– Suncoast Jazz Festival
Recognized as one of the best jazz festivals in the country,
this annual event draws internationally known musicians,
as well as local stars, who perform for numerous people at a
multitude of venues in Clearwater, (727) 461-5200.
Best New American Food
–– E&E Stakeout Grill and Kokopelli’s Bar
Chef/Owner Erwin Scheuringer’s creativity is the secret
ingredient of this popular dining venue. The menu includes a
whopping 28-ounce bone-in rib-eye Cowboy Steak, together
with choice seafood and chicken prepared in new and
intriguing ways. It is a true social hub. 100 Indian Rocks Road
N., Belleair Bluffs, (727) 585-6399.
Best New Restaurant
–– Water Oak Seafood & Steak Bar
Chef Walt and Jane Wickman have expanded their restaurant
concepts with this gathering spot in downtown Safety Harbor.
The contemporary décor and menu has made Water Oak an
instant success day and night. 201 Main St., Safety Harbor,
(727) 286-6919.
Best New York Bagel –– Clearwater Bagels
For more than 30 years, this has been the place to go for
authentic New York style bagels, cream cheese and lox. Get
there early because they often sell out, and if you are planning
a party, call ahead and order at least a day before. 1871 Gulf to
Bay Blvd., Clearwater, (727) 446-7631.
Best Opera Company –– Opera Tampa
Based at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts in Tampa,
Opera Tampa produces first-quality performances with the
grandeur one would expect as well as special concerts that
have a broad appeal. 1010 N. W.C. MacInnes Place, Tampa,
(813) 229-STAR (7827).
Best Outdoor Art Show –– Art Harvest
The Junior League of Clearwater-Dunedin’s annual two-day
juried show and sale in early November draws artists from
across the country to Highlander Park in Dunedin, next to the
Dunedin Fine Art Center. For more than 50 years, thousands
have bought beautiful and creative pieces from the more than
200 artists that participate each year, (727) 738-5523.
Best Outdoor Dining
–– The Terrace Café at Bon Appétit
The menu is the same here as it is inside Bon Appétit
Restaurant. The only difference is that the seating at The
Terrace Café is outside undercover with open views of St.
Joseph Sound. There is also an adjacent outdoor bar that
serves signature drinks and more. 148 Marina Plaza, Dunedin,
(727) 733-2151.
Best Performing Arts Center
–– Straz Center
ROB-HARRIS