.
dining . south pinellas - Bella Brava - Italian. 515 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727) 895-5515. The kitchen infuses rich flavors of cheeses, meats and herbs to prepare savory authentic dishes. The two story restaurant boasts a balcony to enjoy scenic St. Pete. $$ Hours: Mon-Fri: 11am-11pm, Sat: 5pm-11pm, Sun: 5pm-10pm. Café Alma - Mediterranean. 260 First Ave. S. St. Petersburg (727) 502-5002. Café serving Mediterranean dishes. Outdoor dining and live music. Reservations recommended. $$ Hours: Mon-Wed: 11am-10pm, Thurs-Sat: 11am-2am. Closed Sun. Ceviche Tapas Bar – Spanish Cuisine. 10 Beach Dr., St. Petersburg (727) 209-2302. Meet and greet over pleasant nibbles in an intimate and cozy setting of dim candle light. Choose from authentic Spanish tapas and be sure to sample the tangy Sangria. $$ Hours: Tues-Thurs: 5pm-12am, Fri-Sat: 5pm-3am, Sun-Mon: 5pm-10pm. Chateau France - French. 136 Fourth Ave., N.E., St. Petersburg (727) 894-7163. Just like walking into an elegant French home, this renovated St. Pete mansion has a quaint appeal with the sophistication of a fine dining restaurant. The personalized service and classical French cuisine are the perfect setting for romance. $$ Hours: Mon-Sun: 5pm-11pm. Columbia Restaurant - Spanish/Cuban Cuisine. 800 Second Ave., N.E., St. Petersburg (727) 822-8000. Be sure to try the Sangria and 1905 salad, a unique specialty since the restaurants’ opening. Occupies an entire floor at the St. Pete Pier, giving each table an excellent view of the water. $$ Hours: Sun-Thurs: 11am - 10pm, Fri-Sat: 11am - 11pm. El Cap - American. 3500 Fourth St. N., St. Petersburg (727) 521-1314. Casual atmosphere serving the best burgers in town. $ Hours: Daily: 11am - 11pm. Fresco’s - Mediterranean. 300 Second Ave., N.E., St. Petersburg (727) 894-4429. Amazing view of the Bay, perfect for a casual, romantic evening of fresh seafood, grilled specialties and sandwiches. Located at the base of the St. Pete pier. $$$ Hours: Mon-Wed: 11:30am-10pm, Thurs.-Sat: 11:30-2am, Sun: 10am-10pm. The Garden Restaurant - Eclectic & International Cuisine. 217 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727) 896-3800. An eclectic mix of food, art, music and people. Meals are prepared with a Mediterranean flavor, while the decor has an artistic cafe appeal. The outdoor patio hosts live jazz on the weekends. Also features The Lobby, a bar with a sensual atmosphere of candles, martinis and cigars. $$ Hours: Sun-Thurs: 11:30am-10pm, Fri-Sat: 11:30am-12am. Gratzzi Ristorante - Italian. 199 2nd Ave. N., St. Petersburg (727) 822-7769. Located at Baywalk in downtown St. Pete, the menu features gourmet pasta dishes of all the classics. Delicious handmade pastas are prepared along with fine dishes from a wood-fired rotisserie. $$$ Hours: Mon-Thurs: 11:30am-10pm, Fri-Sat: 11:30am-11pm, Sun: 4pm-10pm. The Hurricane - Seafood, American. 807 Gulf Way, St. Pete Beach (727) 360-9558. This waterside landmark is known for its gorgeous Gulf view and great food. The tri-level restaurant offers casual, family-friendly, breakfast, lunch and dinner, adult-oriented fine dining and bar service on the rooftop deck after 5pm. $$ Open daily: 11am-11pm. Marchand's Bar and Grill at the Vinoy - Continental. 501 5th Ave. N.E., St. Petersburg (727) 824-8070. For a romantic night in Italy without leaving the Bay area, this restaurant is the place to go. Because Marchand’s is part of the original building of the Vinoy, there is an unparalleled character in the interior design. $$$$ Hours: Mon-Sat: 6am-11:30am, Sun: 6:30am-10am breakfast, Mon-Sat: 11:30am-2:30pm, Sun: 10am-2pm lunch; 5:30pm-10pm dinner. Moon Under Water - English, Indian. 332 Beach Dr. N.E., St. Petersburg (727) 896-6160. Specially prepared Middle Eastern dishes such as curry, Greek salads and on selected days, traditional English fish n' chips. Indoor/outdoor dining with an extensive beer list. $$ Hours: Daily: 11:30am-10pm. The Pearl Restaurant – Mediterranean, Continental. 163 107th Ave., Treasure Island (727) 360-9151. Give taste buds a ride on the Marrakech Express with Chef Chiadmi’s Moroccan duck or chicken tagine. $$ Hours: Mon-Thurs: 4pm-10pm, Fri & Sat: 4pm-12am, Sun: closed. Pacific Wave - Pacific Rim. 211 Second Street South, St. Petersburg (727) 822-5235. A comfortable fine-dining atmosphere is complemented by crisp linens and rich woods. All fish is flown in fresh from Hawaii to tingle your taste buds. $$$ Hours: Mon-Thurs: 5-10pm, Fri-Sat: 5-11pm. Parkshore Grill - American, 300 Beach Dr., St. Petersburg (727)896-9463. Nice urban setting overlooking Straub Park and the Vinoy basin with outdoor seating. Contemporary menu showcases steaks, chops, fresh seafood and daily finds. $$ Hours: Sun-Thurs: 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat: 11am-11pm. Red Mesa - Mexican. 4912 Fourth St. N., St. Petersburg (727) 527-8728. A comfortable atmosphere combined with a mixture of southwestern, Mexican and Latin flavors that will add a kick to your dining experience. Authentic sauces give each dish its own flavorful punch. $$ Hours: Mon-Thurs: 11am-9:30pm, Fri-Sat: 11am-10:30pm, Sun: 9am-9pm. Savannah’s Café – Gourmet Southern. 1113 Central Ave., St. Petersburg (727) 388-4371. The old south meets the Caribbean on a plate. From classic shrimp and grits to Carolina pulled pork, mouths are sure to water. $$ Hours: Mon-Fri: 11:30am, Sat: 11am lunch, Mon-Thurs: 5pm-10pm, Fri & Sat: 5pm-11pm dinner, Sun: closed. (back to top) Metro Life Media, Inc., 4856 West Gandy Boulevard, Tampa, Florida 33611 (c) Copyright 2008 Tampa Bay Metro Magazine