Pan seared wild caught salmon with
mushrooms, spinach, corn and balsamic is a
delicious choice at Currents in Tarpon Springs.
JULY/AUGUST 2021 | TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE 155
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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.
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-Sat
11 AM-9 PM, Sun 9 AM-8 PM. $$, CM, E, X.
Beach Waves Grill, 2300 Gulf Blvd., Indian
Rocks Beach, (727) 593-3663. Come relax and
enjoy some fresh local seafood favorites. Fish
tacos, grilled shrimp and scallop skewers,
jambalaya, deep-fried Oreos and seasonal
stone crab are just a few of the delicious
courses to appreciate. There is something for
everyone, even land lover favorites. Open
Sun-Thurs 11 AM-10 PM and Fri-Sat
11 AM-11 PM. $$, CM, E-Sundays, V, MC, C.
The Bistro, 17 N. Safford Ave., Tarpon
Springs, (727) 935-5770. Dan Jenkin has
created an inviting and charming restaurant
next to his Tarpon Tavern, serving the flavors
of the Mediterranean from brick oven pizza
to dishes such as fresh snapper and osso
buco. You will cherish each bite, along with
the bargain-priced early bird specials. Open
Wed-Thurs 4 PM-9:30 PM; Fri-Sat 4-11 PM;
and Sun 4-9:30 PM. $$, CM, X, C.
North Pinellas
Alfano’s Restaurant & Splendido Lounge,
1702 Clearwater Largo Rd., Clearwater,
(727) 584-2125. Chefs Frank and Linda Alfano
established one of the area’s finest dining
establishments in 1984. Their classic Italian
cuisine is complemented by the atmosphere
of an old-world palazzo, an award-winning
wine list, and a full bar. There is jazz on
Wednesday nights and a piano on the
weekends in their Splendido Lounge. Open
for lunch Mon-Fri 11:30 AM-2:30 PM; dinner
Mon-Sat from 5 PM. $-$$, RS, E, X, C.
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-Sat 11 AM-8 PM, $$, X.
Bascom’s Chop House, 3665 Ulmerton
Rd., Clearwater, (727) 573-3363. Voted “Best
Steakhouse,” Bascom’s serves Certified Angus
beef, aged “in house” a minimum of 28 days,
slow-roasted prime rib and a variety of fresh
seafood in large portions. They have seven
dining rooms for all your parties, large or
small, up to 200 guests. The lounge offers a
full selection of liquors and fine wines, as well
as the full menu. Off-site catering is available.
Open for lunch Mon-Fri 11:30 AM-2:30 PM;
dinner Mon-Sat 5 PM-10 PM, Sun 4 PM-9 PM.
$$$, RS, X, C.
Bassano Cheesecake, 507 Main St., Safety
Harbor, (727) 400-6512. Get steel cut oats,
Italian New York-style hard rolls, or a yogurt
parfait for breakfast, or a bowl of homemade
soup for lunch at this cafe that serves its own
high-end homemade cheesecakes in more
than 20 different variations from light and
creamy New York Style to Mint Oreo. Free
nationwide shipping. You will want to bring
home a different cheesecake every week to
share with the family. $$.
Bayou Bistro, 607 Island Drive, Tarpon
Springs, (727) 940-6120. Chef Brian uses all the
special techniques that have made Louisiana
Bob Heilman’s Beachcomber Restaurant,
447 Mandalay Ave., Clearwater Beach,
(727) 442-4144. Serving classic American
cuisine since 1948, their signature dishes
include the finest cuts of USDA Prime
Beef, as well as daily seafood specials that
are the catch of the day, thus ensuring
their freshness. Try their Back-to-the-Farm
Chicken, homemade soups, sauces, breads
and desserts. You’ll enjoy the award-winning
wine list, generous cocktails and their pianist.
Open daily for lunch 11:30 AM-4 PM; dinner
from 4 PM. $$-$$$, RS, E, X, D, C.
Bobby’s Bistro & Wine Bar, 454 Poinsettia
Ave., Clearwater Beach, (727) 446-WINE
(9463). This true American bistro, from the
owners of Bob Heilman’s Beachcomber
Restaurant, serves USDA Prime Beef, fresh
seafood and pasta, all creatively prepared
with air and style in this lively and fun
atmosphere. This is intimate dining that
has covered alfresco seating. Try their daily
pizzas or meal-satisfying salads. In addition
to an award-winning wine list, they serve
generous cocktails. Open nightly from 5 PM.
$$-$$$, RS, E, X, D, C.
Bon Appétit Restaurant, 148 Marina
Plaza (at the Dunedin Marina), Dunedin,
(727) 733-2151. Restaurant critics have praised
their cuisine since the 1970s. This is a great
waterfront restaurant, where you can enjoy
Intracoastal and Gulf views while dining
in a relaxed atmosphere inside or alfresco
at their Terrace Café. Their upstairs Sunset
Rooms accommodate up to 200 for weddings,
corporate and special events. Open
Sun-Thurs 11:30 AM-9 PM and
Fri-Sat 11:30 AM-10 PM. $-$$$, RS, X.
Burger Monger, 2454 McMullen Booth
Rd., Safety Harbor, (727) 726-4001. Proudly
founded in Tampa Bay, at Burger Monger
they say, "We Build a Better Burger."
Featuring 100 percent pure Japanese-bred
Akaushi Beef, Burger Monger sources the
nest 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. $-$$, CM, X.
KEY TO SYMBOLS
$ Inexpensive
$$ Moderate
$$$ Expensive
RS Reservations Suggested
CM Children’s Menu
D Dancing
V Visa MC MasterCard
X All Major Credit Cards
C Catering
E Entertainment
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