Coconut Green Curry Chicken can be enjoyed
with fried grits and mixed vegetables at Water
Oak Seafood & Steak Bar in Safety Harbor. GRAM
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2021 | TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE 147
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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.
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, deepfried
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.
Bob Heilman’s Beachcomber Restaurant,
447 Mandalay Ave., Clearwater Beach,
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.
$-$$, RS, E, X, C.
Bascom’s Chop House,
3665 Ulmerton Rd., Clearwater, (727) 573-3363.
Voted “Best Steakhouse,” Bascom’s serves
Certified Angus beef, aged “in house” a
minimum of 28 days, slow-roasted prime
rib and a variety of fresh seafood in large
portions. They have seven dining rooms
for all your parties, large or small, up to 200
guests. The lounge offers a full selection of
liquors and fine wines, as well as the full
menu. Off-site catering is available. Open
for lunch Mon-Fri 11:30 AM-2:30 PM; dinner
Mon-Sat 5 PM-10 PM, Sun 4 PM-9 PM.
$$$, 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. $$. X.
Bayou Bistro,
607 Island Drive, Tarpon Springs,
(727) 940-6120. Chef Brian uses all the special
techniques that have made Louisiana and
New England seafood dishes so distinctive.
His diverse menu has something for everyone
from lite bites to luxurious entrées. This is a
place where you will feel at home and never
lack for service. Boat slips and a tiki bar are
available. Open Mon-Sat 11 AM-9 PM,
Sun 9 AM-8 PM. $$, CM, E, X.
(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 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.
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