19 Best Restaurants in St. Petersburg for 2024
Looking for some of the fun and unique restaurants in St. Petersburg? Located along one of the most beautiful coasts in the U.S., Florida’s St. Petersburg is a rich cultural city with an incredible food scene. It encompasses a variety of influences, including the dominance of seafood, plus Latin, Caribbean and other global flavors.
Whether you are looking for a fun spot for a raucous group outing or a perfect romantic date night, we’ve rounded up some of the top restaurants in St. Petersburg, Florida. Many not only have amazing dishes but also have gorgeous views of the water to enjoy while eating.
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19 Best Restaurants in St. Petersburg
1. 1200 Chop House
Named for the degree mark of their broilers, this beachside restaurant in St. Petersburg is tucked amid the towering buildings along the beach. 1200 Chop House is best known for its perfectly seared and sizzling steaks.
The Vibe
This restaurant in St. Petersburg feels equally upscale and casual, offering top-quality dining with a laid-back beachy feel that is always hopping. They do not reserve tables, so there may be a wait in the picturesque outdoor waiting area.
What to Order
The rib eye and prime rib are perennial favorites, served with a variety of sauces like mushroom and gorgonzola cream. The eatery is also known for its affordably priced surf and turf and daily special seafood offerings.
1200 Chop House | 5007 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, FL 33706 | $$$
2. Bodega on Central Avenue
Bodega on Central Avenue is family-owned with Brooklyn roots. The popular Edge District restaurant in St. Petersburg is legendary for its Cuban sandwiches and other Latin street foods.
The Vibe
An indoor dining room and an outdoor walk-up window are available, both of which are popular for breakfast, brunch and lunch patrons. The interior is an open and lofted space with a lunch counter boasting fun neon signs.
What to Order
Try one of the many Cuban or lechon (suckling pork) sandwiches, coconut chicken or one of the eatery’s famous black bean dishes.
Bodega on Central Avenue | 1180 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL 33705 | $$
3. La Croisette
Once known as Beverly’s, this French-inspired breakfast and lunch restaurant in St. Petersburg is under new ownership. La Croisette features the same hallmark pink and turquoise exterior and large menu that Beverly’s was known for.
The Vibe
One of the most popular spots on the beach, this light and bright interior is filled with American pop culture sketches and memorabilia.
What to Order
Breakfast and brunch classics abound at this restaurant in St. Petersburg, like croissant French toast, corned beef hash and famous breakfast potatoes. French-inspired additions to the menu include omelettes, crêpes and croque madame.
La Croisette | 7401 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, FL 33706 | $$
4. Seahorse
A local institution, this restaurant in St. Petersburg has been in business for 80 years. Seahorse has a long legacy as a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.
The Vibe
Seaside casual meets small-town diner at Seahorse, which features an outdoor patio with a view of the water. There’s also an indoor dining room filled with weathered wood and local history memorabilia tucked beneath the glass table tops.
What to Order
A large number of breakfast options like blueberry pancakes and rancheros omelettes give way to lunchtime seafood dishes like the popular shrimp and grits.
Seahorse | 800 Pass A Grille Way, St. Pete Beach, FL 33706 | $$
5. The Library
Located in the John Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, this restaurant in St. Petersburg caters to visitors, tourists and the hospital community alike. The Library offers sleek and upscale food amid bookish décor.
The Vibe
The design for The Library is based on Baltimore’s George Peabody Library, whose namesake was a close friend of John Hopkins. The walls are lined with blue and navy books along the perimeter of the high-ceilinged space.
What to Order
Try one of the large variety of breakfast options like avocado toast or waffles in the morning. For lunch, opt for signature salads or handhelds.
The Library | 600 Fifth St. S., St. Petersburg, FL 33701 | $$
6. Ceviche Tapas Bar and Restaurant
Ceviche, a small plate restaurant in St. Petersburg, is the perfect spot for dinner with friends or a date night.
The Vibe
The bright and large space of Ceviche is flanked by a blue mermaid-inspired tiled bar, with warm Spanish accents throughout. They also have an outdoor patio and a downstairs lounge with occasional music and flamenco dancers.
What to Order
Try the famous ceviche varieties at this unique restaurant in St. Petersburg or order up small plates like oysters, sausages, empanadas and soups. They also have a daily happy hour with drink and food specials as well as Tapas Tuesday deals.
Ceviche Tapas Bar and Restaurant | 332 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 | $$
7. Society Table
Located in the posh and very pink Don CeSar, this classic restaurant in St. Petersburg has been in business in various forms since 1928. Society Table caters to non-guests as well as those staying at the hotel.
The Vibe
The 1920s and 1930s glamour of the Don CeSar creeps into this stylish restaurant, which offers affordable fine dining amid a bright dining room and patio filled with rattan, tropical patterns and a subtly luxurious feel.
What to Order
Three daily menus at Society Table offer popular breakfast dishes like waffles and eggs Benedict, plus lunch and dinner options ranging from sandwiches and salads to decadent seafood or steak dishes.
Society Table | 3400 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, FL 33706 | $$
8. Red Mesa Cantina
Red Mesa Cantina offers a mix of Latin and Caribbean food in its Downtown location.
The Vibe
This St. Petersburg restaurant is a popular casual spot that has a romantic feel, including a cozy dining room lined with Mexican artwork and accents. It boasts not only one bar with an extensive tequila and mezcal menu but also a second one in the outdoor area themed around lucha libre, a Mexican style of wrestling.
What to Order
Try the Mexican classics like enchiladas, or sample more unique offerings like duck or filet mignon tacos and seafood mofongo.
Red Mesa Cantina | 28 Third St. S., St. Petersburg, FL | 33701 | $$
9. Tropez St. Petes
Tropez St. Petes specializes in shared plates with a wealth of international influences.
The Vibe
With a black interior topped with a dark tin ceiling, the vibes at this restaurant in Downtown St. Petersburg are cozy and romantic, making it a perfect date spot with a casual neighborhood feel.
What to Order
Try global-inspired snack dishes like baba ganoush, hummus or bruschetta paired with a large cocktail or glass of wine from an extensive selection.
Tropez St. Petes | 437 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL 33701 | $$$
10. Frog Pond
With its playful frog-themed artwork and décor, the bright and cheery Frog Pond is one of the top restaurants in St. Petersburg for breakfast and lunch.
The Vibe
Casual and laid-back, this popular spot with a diner feeling often has a slight wait but very friendly service and large portions.
What to Order
Favorites at this restaurant in St. Petersburg include the bananas Foster waffles, cinnamon rolls or French toast, lingered over with their bottomless coffee.
Frog Pond | 7390 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, FL 33706 | $$
11. Maple Street Biscuit Company
Maple Street Biscuit Company, a Southern-inspired comfort food spot, is one of the hottest restaurants in St. Petersburg for breakfast and brunch.
The Vibe
The casual eatery is great for lingering or getting a quick bite ordered at the counter. This restaurant in St. Petersburg is very popular among tourists and locals, so be prepared for at least a line if not a decent wait for seating during rush times.
What to Order
Any of the biscuit dishes are sure to please at Maple Street Biscuit Company. To accompany your meal, choose from various kinds of coffee and iced tea or treat yourself to a mimosa.
Maple Street Biscuit Company | 662 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL 33701 | $$
12. Pacific Counter
This St. Petersburg restaurant's specialty is poke bowls. Pacific Counter sources fresh ingredients from local markets and has a farm-to-table philosophy.
The Vibe
Bright and colorful, the walk-up counter has a casual vibe and is the perfect quick stop for lunch.
What to Order
Try the famous poke bowls or the sushi burritos. This popular restaurant in St. Petersburg also has a wide selection of boba teas and kombucha drinks.
Pacific Counter | 660 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL 33701 | $$
13. BellaBrava
Classic Italian with a modern feel, BellaBrava is a Downtown restaurant in St. Petersburg serving up everything, from pizzas to delicious seafood combinations at competitive prices.
The Vibe
The interior of BellaBrava is sleek and modern in dark shades of brown wood and brick, making it a warm and cozy restaurant that is perfect for date night.
What to Order
Try the wood-fired pizza, the chicken parm or the squid ink pasta.
BellaBrava | 204 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 | $$
14. Wild Child
With its motto “slow down and coast,” Wild Child is the perfect spot for cocktails and bistro-style eats.
The Vibe
Light and bright with large artwork and colorful accents, this Downtown restaurant in St. Petersburg features a large patio and indoor seating.
What to Order
The trendy restaurant in St. Petersburg is known for its signature tropical cocktails, so be sure to order at least one. To eat, the Korean fried chicken sandwich, falafel burger or whole fish with papaya salad are popular options.
Wild Child | 2710 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL 33712 | $$
15. Three Birds Tavern
Housed in a centuries-old farmhouse, Three Birds is a perfect place for lunch, dinner or a night out for cocktails.
The Vibe
The bones of the farmhouse, including high ceilings and wood trim, are ever-present, offering a unique and cozy vibe.
What to Order
This casual St. Petersburg restaurant is famous for its burgers and sliders, as well as other pub-style offerings like fish and chips.
Three Birds Tavern | 1492 Fourth St. N., St. Petersburg, FL 33704 | $$
16. Cider Press Vegan GastroPub
Located just outside Downtown, Cider Press Vegan GastroPub is a plant-based restaurant in St. Petersburg that is great for locally sourced and creative dishes.
The Vibe
Fun and funky, Cider Press Vegan GastroPub is filled with art and unique décor, making it a visual delight to enjoy a plant-based meal.
What to Order
Try the jackfruit BBQ sandwich, raw vegan lasagna or imitation lobster sandwich. End your meal with delicious plant-based desserts like vegan Key lime pie or bread pudding.
Cider Press Vegan GastroPub | 3118 Third Ave. N, St. Petersburg, FL 33713 | $$
17. Teak
Located on the pier, this bright and beachy St. Petersburg restaurant is often named one of the top Downtown eateries. Notably, Teak offers upscale meals at competitive prices.
The Vibe
Teak has modern and sleek décor and a full wraparound view of the water, making it equally lovely for special occasions with large groups or more intimate romantic date nights.
What to Order
The menu is seafood and steak-heavy, with favorites like New England clam chowder, coconut shrimp and beef short ribs.
Teak | 800 Second Ave. NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 | $$
18. Ted Peters’ Famous Smoked Fish
Opened in 1951, family-run Ted Peters’ is one of the longest-operating restaurants near St. Petersburg, FL. They smoke their catch daily onsite in an adjacent smokehouse.
The Vibe
This spot has a classic fish shack vibe with picnic tables and iced cold beer on tap.
What to Order
Try the Famous Smoked Fish Dinner (or lunch) that comes with German potato salad, coleslaw and a pickle.
Ted Peters’ Famous Smoked Fish | 1350 Pasadena Ave. S., South Pasadena, FL 33707 | $$
19. Sea Salt
While excellent seafood is everywhere on the coast, Sea Salt offers a luxurious take on fine dining and is regularly named one of St. Petersburg’s best restaurants.
The Vibe
Sleek and modern, the high-end Sea Salt offers both table and counter seating, as well as a huge visible wine selection.
What to Order
Popular dishes include oysters, calamari and blackened fish tacos.
Sea Salt | 183 Second Ave. N., St. Petersburg, FL 33701 | $$$
Try Cooking St. Petersburg Foods
With its wealth of food influences, St. Petersburg offers a great chance to sample local eats and discover new dishes. To learn some of the Gulf Coast’s favorite recipes, try taking a few cooking classes in St. Petersburg. Cooking classes offer a great way to experiment with new recipes and methods for preparing seafood and other local ingredients.
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Whether you are looking for a casual bite, a lingering Sunday brunch or a luxurious dinner out, St. Petersburg has a number of restaurant options that revel in the amazing influences that converge in the Gulf Coast region. From heaping bowls of seafood to Latin-inspired small plates, the city offers the perfect place for every palate.
For even more ways to explore St. Petersburg and beyond, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal
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