The best of downtown St. Petersburg
The downtown area of St. Petersburg boasts an eclectic mix of independently owned restaurants, providing a true reflection of the culture of St. Petersburg, Florida, and making it a fabulous destination for a “night on the town.” . Enjoy these four restaurants, which provide an exciting atmosphere and some of the most delicious food in town!
Grill on the edge of the park
Offering some of the best service in the area, it’s no wonder Parkshore Grill, located on Beach Drive, has become one of the most popular destinations for fine dining and family dining in the area. Start your meal with the Jumbo Lump Blue Crabcake, served with tangy tomato jam. Entrées include walnut crusted tilapa in vanilla butter sauce (my mom’s personal favorite) and the Heritage Roast Chicken with Spinach, Sundried Tomatoes, and Boursin in a Wine Sauce (my favorite). Side dishes are served family-style, which means you can have a little of everything (if you want), including buttermilk new mashed potatoes, sharp cheddar mac and cheese, fresh Dutch asparagus, and more. Then head to see a movie at Muvico Baywalk.
Red Table Canteen
If you’ve been in the area before, you may have heard of “Red Mesa,” on North 4th Street, formerly Seabar, which has operated in the area since 1981. Then two years ago, owners Peter and Shawn Veytia decided extend its cuisine from the Southwest to downtown by opening Red Mesa Cantina. With an extensive taco menu featuring items like Ahi Tuna, Pork Carnitas, and Baja Fish, and dishes like Shrimp Al Mojo and my personal favorite, the creamy Pollo Fernandez, Red Mesa Cantina offers something for everyone. Then head upstairs for a night of dancing at Push Ultra Lounge.
Ceviche Tapas Restaurant and Bar
If you’re looking for Spanish-style tapas, head to Ceviche, located in the historic Ponce de Leon Hotel on the corner of Beach Drive and Central Avenue. They offer a large tapas menu at reasonable prices to share, but you can also order a full meal. Favorites include the Churrasco Al Cabrales with tender New York-style steak and shiitake mushrooms or the Pollo Al Ajillo in Spanish sherry sauce. For dessert, try the Torta Valenciana, an ultra-rich chocolate cake served with vanilla cream, raspberry sauce, and fresh berries topped with powdered sugar. It’s out of this world delicious! But don’t get too full… there’s always live music here and lots of dancing!
St. Pete’s Brewery
A classic European brasserie formerly known as “Table” – this is the newest of the trendy dining destinations to open in downtown St. Petersburg. Executive Chef J. Ward has created a French-inspired menu that includes such classics as Confit of Duck, Cassoulet and Moules Frites Du Jour, which is French for “mussels.” Diners can choose from eleven side dishes, including couscous, grilled asparagus with béarnaise, cassoulette, or mac and cheese, to name a few.
So whether you’re a local living just a few blocks away, staying at a St. Petersburg Beach Condo for the month or Treasure Island Condo Rental for the weekend, put these four restaurants at the top of your list. your ‘to-do list. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did.
