I recently returned to the Tampa Bay area and posted a request for suggestions on restaurants. I received a ton of replies. Thanks to all!!! Since I'm a native, I thought I'd add my two cents worth. If coming to the area you want to try Spanish (Cuban), seafood and Greek. Many Southeast Asians have settled here, and I have found the Thai food consistently good. !. Seafood. A number of posters suggested Crabby Bill's and Shells. Among locals these two places are considered tourist stops. They are cheap but the food is inconsistent. I suggest Guppie's on the Beach. The lobster pot is good too. Leverock's is inexpensive to moderate and has good food. Ted Peters is a must for smoked fish and fish spread. Frenchy's (4 locations on Clearwater Beach) is good for inexpensive seafood. 2. Spanish. The Columbia is ok, but I prefer La Tereseta (2 locations in Tampa, 1 in St Pete). The Silver Ring in Ybor City (the Tampa Latin Quarter) is excellent for Cuban sandwiches and black bean soup. Practically any Spanish/Cuban restaurant in Ybor, or the bay area is at least acceptable. Most are excellent. At La Tereseta you will have a hard time spending $10 per person! 3. Greek Not a personal favorite of mine but I dont generally recommend Pappas. More of a tourist place. Pauls in Tarpon Springs is a must for shrimp. BTW, if you order a Greek Salad here, it will come with a scoop of potato salas in the middle. A local Greek American custom. 4. Bern's Steakhouse If your a meat eater and your budget allows it, this is a MUST stop. It's recognized as the BEST steakhouse in America and also has the best wine cellar. The wine list is the size of a large phone book (no exageration). They are meticulous here. The meat is served aged or fresh (your choice) and you can specify the thickness. They grow many of their vegtables, roast their own coffee, and make their own ice cream. At one dinner there I ordered caviar and found that they make their own crackers for the caviar! Count on a bill of $50 to $75 person plus drinks. They have a seperate dessert room upstairs and are building a seperate facility which will have a wine bar, dessert room and a cigar room. 5. Jeff's Desserts (several locations) Just what the name implies plus light meals (sheppards pie is great). Excellent desserts 6. Brunch Both the Don Cesar on St Pete Beach and the Vinoy in downtown St Pete have superb Sunday Brunches. About $30 per person I'm still in the process of rediscovering the local restaurants, and as I find jewels, I'll update the post Good dining!!!
Tampa, FL