DINING
out
served nightly. NORAA
The grilled 16-ounce boneless rib-eye steak at
The Bistro in Tarpon Springs is one of
the many unique and tasty offerings
148 TAMPA BAY MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021
DINING
out
DINING
out
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.
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
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. $$. X.
Beach Waves Grill,
2300 Gulf Blvd., Indian Rocks Beach,
(727) 593-3663. Come relax and enjoy
some fresh local seafood favorites. Fish
tacos, grilled shrimp and scallop skewers,
jambalaya, deep-fried Oreos and seasonal
stone crab are just a few of the delicious
courses to appreciate. There is something for
everyone, even land lover favorites. Open
Sun-Thurs 11 AM-10 PM and Fri-Sat 11 AM-
11 PM. $$, 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. $$, CM, X, C.
Bob Heilman’s Beachcomber Restaurant,
447 Mandalay Ave., Clearwater Beach,
(727) 442-4144. Serving classic American
cuisine since 1948, their signature dishes
include the finest cuts of USDA Prime
Beef, as well as daily seafood specials that
are the catch of the day, thus ensuring
their freshness. Try their Back-to-the-Farm
Chicken, homemade soups, sauces, breads
and desserts. You’ll enjoy the awardwinning
wine list, generous cocktails and
their pianist. Open daily for lunch 11:30
AM-4 PM; dinner from 4 PM.
$$-$$$, RS, E, X, D, C.
Bobby’s Bistro & Wine Bar,
454 Poinsettia Ave., Clearwater Beach,
(727) 446-WINE (9463). This true American
bistro, from the owners of Bob Heilman’s
Beachcomber Restaurant, serves USDA
Prime Beef, fresh seafood and pasta, all
creatively prepared with air and style in this
lively and fun atmosphere. This is intimate
dining that has covered alfresco seating. Try
their daily pizzas or meal-satisfying salads.
In addition to an award-winning wine list,
they serve generous cocktails. Open nightly
from 5 PM. $$-$$$, RS, E, X, D, C.
Bon Appétit Restaurant,
148 Marina Plaza (at the Dunedin Marina),
Dunedin, (727) 733-2151. Restaurant critics
have praised their cuisine since the 1970s.
This is a great waterfront restaurant, where
you can enjoy Intracoastal and Gulf views
while dining in a relaxed atmosphere inside
or alfresco at their Terrace Café. Their
upstairs Sunset Rooms accommodate up
to 200 for weddings, corporate and special
events. Open Sun-Thurs 11:30 AM-9 PM and
Fri-Sat 11:30 AM-10 PM. $-$$$, RS, X.
Cafe Alfresco,
344 Main St., downtown Dunedin,
(727) 736-4299. This breezy, casual cafe next
to the Pinellas Trail offers indoor or outdoor
dining with spiffy maple and brass whimsy.
Their menu is mostly West Coast bistro, Lite
Bites, beautiful salads, pastas, soups, Creole
items, sandwiches and burgers. Enjoy a
cappuccino with delicious European tortes,
pastries, cakes and ice cream. Open for
lunch and dinner Mon-Thurs 11 AM-9 PM;
Fri-Sat 9 AM-10 PM; Sun, 9 AM-9 PM;
brunch Fri, Sat, Sun 9 AM-2 PM.
$-$$, CM, X.
Cafe Sahara,
1901 W. Bay Drive, Largo, (727) 216-6221.
This is a real find for those who love
homemade Mediterranean cuisine. This is
authentic Lebanese cooking at its finest.
There are wonderful vegetarian dishes. You
can order online and pick up and go. The
adjoining wine bar, The Cork, serves fine
European wines and has a wine club that
features tasting events. Open
Mon-Fri 11 AM-7 PM; Sat 11 AM-5 PM;
Closed Sunday. $, X, C.