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dining . north pinellas - Bellarte - Italian. 12600 Roosevelt Blvd., Clearwater (727) 456-1346. Located inside the Radisson Hotel & Conference Center, this innovative world-class restaurant features an impeccable wine list and a variety of specialty dishes. $$ Hours: Daily: lunch 11am-3pm, dinner 6:30pm-10pm. Bellini Restaurant & Lounge – Southern Italian. 487 Main St., Dunedin (727) 733-5449. Executive chefs blend exquisite ingredients creating unique & sophisticated flavors for your palette’s delight. Live entertainment Thursday, Friday & Sat. nights. $$ Hours: Mon-Fri till 10pm, Sat till 11pm. The Black Pearl - New American. 315 Main St., Dunedin (727) 734-3463. Award-winning chefs prepare especially delicious entrees with personal attention to detail for a charming evening of outstanding cuisine. $$ Dinner served nightly at Sun-Mon: 5-9pm, Tues-Thurs: 5:30-9pm, Fri-Sat: 5:30-11pm. Bon Appetit – Contemporary. 148 Marina Plaza, Dunedin (727) 733-2151. The landmark restaurant offers waterfront dining and an eclectic menu from succulent duck to filet mignon and variety of seafood. $$$ Hours: Mon-Sat: 11:30am-4pm lunch, Mon-Thurs: 4pm-9pm, Fri & Sat: 4pm-10pm dinner, Sun: 11am-4pm brunch. Cafe Ponte - American. 13505 Icot Blvd., Clearwater (727) 538-5768. Contemporary American food, spiced up with flavors from around the world. Reasonably priced with a full bar and wine list. Catering and take out are available. $$$ Lunch hours: Tues-Fri: 11:30am-2pm. Dinner hours: Tues-Thurs: 5:30-9pm, Fri-Sat: 5:30-10pm. Closed Sun-Mon. The Cafe at Safety Harbor Resort and Spa - American. 105 N. Bayshore Dr., Safety Harbor (727) 726-1161. Located in the Safety Harbor Resort, the cafe is open to the public offering fun fusion cuisine that’s nutritious and low in fat. $$ Hours: Breakfast served daily: 7am-11am, Mon-Sat: 11:30am - 3pm, lunch; Light fare: Daily 3-5pm, Dinner Sun-Thurs: 5pm-9pm, Fri-Sat: 5-10pm, Sun: 10am-2pm brunch. Casa Tina Mexican Grill - Mexican. 369 Main St., Dunedin (727) 734-9226. Authentic and freshly prepared dishes include delicious vegetarian fare and traditional Mexican breakfasts. Cozy, inviting atmosphere. $ Hours: Sun-Thurs: 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat: 11am-11pm. Columbia Restaurant - Spanish/Cuban. 1241 Gulf Blvd., Clearwater (727) 596-8400. Enjoy an authentic Cuban or Spanish meal overlooking the Intercoastal, while listening to live music on Sunday afternoons. A charming historic restaurant serving traditional Cuban dishes for 100 years. $$ Hours: Mon-Sun: 11:30am-10pm. Frenchy's Cafe, Original - Seafood, American. 41 Baymont St., Clearwater (727) 446-3607. A local favorite since 1981, offering the Original Fried Grouper Sandwich. Casual, informal dining $ Hours: Mon-Thurs: 11am-12am, Fri-Sat: 11am-1am. French’s Rockaway Grill On The Beach - Seafood, American. 7 Rockaway St., Clearwater Beach (727) 446-4844. Kick back and watch the sunset over the Gulf while enjoying live entertainment and fresh seafood. The menu also includes burgers and Mexican and Jamaican dishes. Indoor/outdoor casual dining. $$ Hours: Sun-Thurs: 11am-12am, Fri-Sat: 11am-1am. Frenchy’s Saltwater Cafe - Seafood, American. 419 Poinsettia Ave., Clearwater Beach (727) 461-6295. www.frenchysonline.com. Large murals of sharks and fish set the mood for a great beach casual atmosphere. Known for its mouth-watering grouper dishes, the menu also includes favorites such as buffalo shrimp, conch fritters, stone crab claws and more. Patio dining available $ Hours: Mon-Sun: 11am-11pm. Guppy’s On The Beach - Seafood. 1701 Gulf Blvd., Indian Rocks Beach (727) 593-2032. Beach casual indoor and outdoor dining. Featuring upscale creations of fresh fish, pastas, and desserts. Delicious cuisine in a colorful, tropical environment. $$ Hours: Sun-Thurs: 11:30am-10:30pm, Fri-Sat: 11:30am-11pm. Hillman’s Beachcomber - American. 447 Mandalay Ave., Clearwater (727) 442-4144. Classic Southern favorites for the whole family. Indoor and outdoor seating available. Fill up on chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy. $$ Hours: Mon-Sat: lunch 11:30am-5pm; dinner 4pm-10:30pm, Sun: 11:30pm-10pm. Island Way Grill – Pacific Rim, Steakhouse, Seafood. 20 Island Way, Clearwater Beach (727) 461-6617. The Pan-Asian flair lends to dishes such as macadamia nut-crusted Mahi Mahi and Hawaiian Kona rack of lamb. Waterfront dining available and excellent wine list. $$$ Hours: 4pm-until late Mon-Sat, 11am-3pm Sun brunch. Jack Willies Tiki Bar and Grill - American. 1011 St. Petersburg Dr., Oldsmar (813) 854-1972. One of the largest tiki bars in the area, serving great burgers, seafood and steaks. A tropical, waterside hideaway perfect for happy hour from 4pm-6pm $$ Hours: Daily: 11am-12am. Lobster Pot - Seafood. 17814 Gulf Blvd., Redington Shores (727) 391-8592. The informal decor of hanging lobster traps, ropes, and fishing nets masks the true ambiance of this formal dining experience. The friendly staff provides impeccable service and a long list of freshly prepared seafood. Mouthwatering desserts to follow, so save room. $$$ Hours: Mon-Thurs: 4:30pm-10pm, Fri-Sat: 4:30pm-11pm, Sun: 4pm-10pm. The Pepper Mill Restaurant - New American. 1575 S. Ft. Harrison Ave., Clearwater (727) 449-2988. New ownership. Enjoy award-winning desserts, their signature chocolate-covered strawberries and a full bar. $$ Hours: Sun-Fri: 11:30am - 9:00pm, Sat: 3:30-10pm. Salt Rock Grill - Seafood, American. 19325 Gulf Blvd., Indian Shores (727) 593-7625. Classic waterfront beach setting. The menu includes dishes such as steamed mussels, grilled salmon, steaks and pastas. $$$ Hours: 4pm-10pm Daily. Tucson’s Grill and Cantina - Southwestern. 13563 Icot Blvd., Clearwater (727) 530-0637. Mouth-watering traditional favorites animated with fresh ingredients and a contemporary flair. $$ Hours: Mon-Sat: 11:30-11pm, Sun: 11:30am-10pm. Watercolours - Steakhouse and Grill. 1201 Gulf Blvd., Clearwater Beach (727) 953-1661. With the natural ambience and sizzling steaks topped with the owner’s secret sauce this restaurant earns its place on the Florida Trend top 20 list. $$$ Hours: Mon-Fri: 6:30am-10pm, Sat-Sun: 7am-10pm. Wine Cellar Restaurant - American/Continental Cuisine. 17307 Gulf Blvd., Redington Beach (727)393-3491. www.thewinecellar.com. A sophisticated dining experience serving a wide selection of fine dishes such as Angus beef, lamb, chicken, fish and pastas. Banquet and catering available. $$$ Hours: Daily 4:30pm-10pm . (back to top) Metro Life Media, Inc., 4856 West Gandy Boulevard, Tampa, Florida 33611 (c) Copyright 2008 Tampa Bay Metro Magazine