St. Pete Restaurants Showcase Rich Flavors and Cultures

St. Petersburg, Florida, has a reputation for showcasing different cultures. One way locals celebrate diversity is through the city’s food scene, which features award-winning chefs and new creations. The city has even been named an underrated food city on the East Coast. But it won’t be for long. To get the scoop, read a sample of the best St. Pete restaurants.

St. Pete Restaurants to Sample Diverse Dining

Trip’s Diner

This American-style diner opens for all three meals, but Trip’s Diner is a fun place to start the day. As a locally owned restaurant, friendly service and fresh ingredients keep hungry visitors coming back.

For breakfast, select from omelets, pancakes, French toast and platters. Lunch and dinner bring hearty portions such as specialty sandwiches, pasta, meats, fish and salads. A few favorites include corned beef hash, shrimp and grits, and huge pancakes. Trip’s Diner is also affordable, making it a double-win.

Mazzaro’s Italian Market

Fresh coffee, handmade pastas and in-house baked goods – that’s what travelers find at Mazzaro’s Italian Market. This gourmet food market not only serves treats visitors can take home, but Mazzaro’s also specializes in cold and hot sandwiches. Just remember to go during breakfast or lunch because this spot closes early.

The bakery offers fresh breads, cookies, cakes, cannolis and tiramisu. Prepared entrees include chicken cacciatore and chicken parmesan, meatballs in marinara, and pork lion, to name a few. If trying sandwiches, select from turkey, ham, roast beef, meatballs and burgers. Or sample tuna, lobster, beef Reuben or grilled cheese.

Parkshore Grill

Open for lunch and dinner, Parkshore Grill features contemporary American favorites with a twist. Chef Tyson adds personality to each dish, ensuring guests enjoy rich flavors on traditional pairings. Parkshore Grill ranks among the top St. Pete restaurants for fine dining and atmosphere.

For lunch, try a burger, signature bowl, salad, or entree such as crab cake, sirloin or Gulf shrimp. Dinner brings land and sea options, including filet mignon, rack of lamb, lobster, salmon and combo options. There are plenty of vegetarian options, too.

BellaBrava

For a more upscale Italian experience, head to BellaBrava. The restaurant blends Italian flavors with urban flair. BellaBrava offers a casual-elegant dining option with affordable lunch and dinner menus.

Upon arrival, enjoy European-style outdoor seating. If visiting for lunch, order pasta dishes, flatbread pizzas and salads. Dinner welcomes guests to sample pastas, wood-fire pizzas, and entrees made with local seafood or fresh meats. Additionally, BellaBrava has gluten-free and vegetarian options.

Ceviche St. Petersburg

This tapas bar brings Spanish culture to St. Petersburg. With a focus on passion, Ceviche St. Petersburg brings the mystical charm of Spain to every table during dinner.

Start with a specialty sangria, wine or cocktail. Ceviche St. Petersburg also serves soups, hummus, guac and ganoush. Then choose from over 50 tapas made with meats, veggies, in-house sauces and authentic spices. Dishes feature crab, octopus, scallops, pork, veal, chicken, lamb, steak, mushrooms, potatoes, squash and Spanish rice.

Red Mesa Cantina

Red Mesa Cantina offers a Mexican taqueria and tequila bar that encourages dining and socializing. This favorite among the best St. Petersburg restaurants serves lunch and dinner, with a large menu selection.

Tacos feature duck, chicken, fish, steak and tofu. Or order a burrito, quesadilla, salad or specialty entree. Red Mesa Cantina serves seafood dishes, enchiladas, Cuban sandwiches and burgers. Additionally, the restaurant has one of the largest collections of tequilas and mezcals in the south.

400 Beach Seafood and Tap House

For fresh seafood, visit 400 Beach Seafood and Tap House. This must-try offers an elegant setting for lunch and dinner — without the cost and formality of super upscale restaurants. Guests are welcome to dine inside or outside overlooking a scenic park and bay.

Lunch options range from an oyster bar and taco bar to burgers, sandwiches, and seafood and steaks. Its dinner menu has entree options, such as 400 Beach stir fry, catch-of-the-day, grouper, lobster and steaks. In addition, 400 Beach Seafood and Tap House has a large wine and beer selection.

The Pearl Restaurant

Those vacationing in nearby Treasure Island should check out The Pearl Restaurant. This spot ranks among the area’s best fine-dining options and serves dinner only.

Known for simple elegance and friendly service, The Pearl Restaurant has appetizers and entrees. Start with fried artichokes, pate or escargot. Afterwards, select from Moroccan specialties, pastas, seafood and meats. A few include: lamb, salmon, seafood crepe, steaks, veal and chicken. While The Pearl Restaurant’s prices are affordable for fine dining, early birds receive even better pricing.

After visiting these top St. Pete restaurants, see the best St. Pete dessert spots.

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