Restaurant Reviews | Creative Loafing Tampa Bay

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Restaurant Reviews

Casa Santo Stefano is a page from Ybor City kitchens of yore

The menu implicitly urges us all to acknowledge the privilege in our lives.

By Jon Palmer Claridge

Jul 13, 2022

I’m not sure if it’s because my grandfather was a sea captain who brought folks to Ellis Island or, perhaps, the horrific sight of Ukrainians rushing to escape their homeland in the face of war, but the tales of immigrants by Richard Gonzmart on the Casa Santo Stefano menu brought tears to my eyes. Most of us can’t even imagine the various struggles of immigrants over time and around the globe...

The stuffed, rolled, slow-roasted pork porchetta is crispy on the outside with a soft, juicy interior sprinkled with fresh herbs.

At St. Pete's Two Graces the magical atmosphere matches the cuisine

Chef Marlin Kaplan and Lisa Masterson offer safe harbor.

By Jon Palmer Claridge
Mar 3, 2022
At St. Pete's Lingr, balance and surprise are hallmarks of a revelatory meal from chef Jeffrey Jew

Evocative new restaurant from the Bravo and Food Network celebrity chef is a must-visit.

By Jon Palmer Claridge
Dec 17, 2021
Service, menu and ambience make sweet harmony at Tampa’s Rome & Fig

Meet me at the crossroads.

By Jon Palmer Claridge
Dec 3, 2021
Tampa Bay bars and restaurants serving Thanksgiving dinner for dine-in and takeout

We can gather ‘round the turkey this year...but still wear a mask.

By Alexandria Jones
Nov 12, 2021
Seminole Heights Korean fried chicken spot Gangchu finds Chef Noel Cruz hitting the bullseye

But Cruz is much more than a one-trick pony.

By Jon Palmer Claridge
Nov 11, 2021
Willa’s makes for the happiest of meals in Tampa’s North Hyde Park

Eating really good in the neighborhood.

By Jon Palmer Claridge
Oct 7, 2021
Dessert outshined the dinner at Ybor City’s Flor Fina restaurant

Hotel Haya’s upscale Latin restaurant and cocktail bar had us full with joyful anticipation.

By Jon Palmer Claridge
Sep 15, 2021
St. Petersburg’s Urban Stillhouse is a triumph on every level

It's a fun way to emerge from pandemic malaise.

By Jon Palmer Claridge
Jul 30, 2021
Gulfport’s Golden Dinosaurs gracefully mimics the the world of deli meats and hot dogs without the animal cruelty

The allure of deli flavors has sparked tremendous creativity in this kitchen.

By Jon Palmer Claridge
May 6, 2021
St. Pete’s Wild Child is intoxicatingly good and makes you want to travel the world

We’re back in the dining room and surrendering to chef Rob Reinsmith & co.

By Jon Palmer Claridge
Apr 29, 2021
Anju’s Korean fried chicken, bibimbap and tots deliver out of this world comfort food to St. Pete

The only kind of ‘K.F.C.’ you want in your life.

By Jon Palmer Claridge
Apr 2, 2021
At Q, Dunedin chef Cameron Capri cooks up a perfect storm of the best American barbecue

Each of the meats is produced with care and stands alone.

By Jon Palmer Claridge
Mar 24, 2021
Tampa Bay restaurants offering Valentine's Day takeout, meal kits and dine-in specials

You know, if you and your boo have been quarantining together.

By Jenna Rimensnyder
Feb 4, 2021
Saltimbocca isn’t the only takeout star at Tampa Bay takeout favorite Doormét

The 'fit ‘n healthy' perfectly grilled salmon is also one of many bright spots on the menu.

By Jon Palmer Claridge
Jan 22, 2021
Jack’s London Grill in St. Pete is a takeout oasis delivering the food that Brits crave

'We’re still in a world where takeout rules and a safe trip to London is many months away.'

By Jon Palmer Claridge
Jan 4, 2021
St. Pete's Avo’s Kitchen lets you experience a 9,000-mile journey without leaving your living room

Well, you do have to drive there if you're picking up.

By Jon Palmer Claridge
Nov 13, 2020
Tampa’s Taqueria Margarita serves sublime handfuls of old Mexico

They proudly share abuela’s authentic recipes that are homemade with the freshest ingredients.

By Jon Palmer Claridge
Oct 27, 2020
Bodega's new St. Pete locations is still is an efficient, casual solution to your comfort food hunger

Debbie and George Sayegh offer a menu of pressed sandwiches with an online order system for takeout that is easy to navigate.

By Jon Palmer Claridge
Oct 6, 2020
Dunedin’s Bon Appétit pairs decadent to-go food with a scenic drive

You know, since we're not dining in yet.

By Jon Palmer Claridge
Aug 20, 2020
Takeout at St. Petersburg’s Parkshore Grill is thumbs-up pandemic-ready comfort eating

Park, then ride.

By Jon Palmer Claridge
Jul 23, 2020

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Food & Drink Slideshows

Over 20 Tampa Bay restaurants ranked among Yelp's 'Top 100 Places to Eat in Florida 2023' list

Florida has plenty of great places to eat, and according to Yelpers, some of the best spots are here in Tampa Bay.…

By CL Staff

Mar 28, 2023

49. Lenny's Restaurant
21220 US Hwy 19 N, Clearwater, (727) 799-0402
"Doesn't look like much from the road but the line around the entrance should be a clue that there is GREAT FOOD inside." Amy M.

20 Tampa Bay bars and restaurants competing at Margarita Wars 2023 (4/7)

The area's best bars and restaurants are battling it out for the title of Tampa Bay's Ultimate Margarita on Friday, April 7th,…

By CL Staff

Mar 23, 2023

American Social
americansocialbar.com

Tampa Bay's essential women-owned restaurants of 2023

It's easy to see why Tampa Bay's women-owned restaurants are making a huge mark on an otherwise male-dominated history. Since March is…

By CL Staff

Mar 10, 2023

Independent Bar
Veronica Danko
5016 N Florida Ave., Tampa, 813-341-4883
With a fun indoor-outdoor environment and wide selection of drinks and bites, this neighborhood staple European-inspired bar and cafe offers wine, beer, coffee and pastries with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options fit for everyone.

20 Tampa Bay restaurants every new resident needs to try to call themselves a local

If you're gonna live in Tampa, you have to eat like a Tampeño. Last summer, the Florida Legislature estimated that 850 people…

By Tyana Rodgers

Mar 2, 2023

Antojitos Latin Cravings
2302 W Columbus Dr., Tampa, 813-251-9688
For over 25 years Antojitos has been serving up classic Colombian dishes. The menu spans Cuban sandwiches and various baked goods like chicharrón De Guayaba and pan de yuca.

Photo via Antojitos Latin Cravings/Facebook

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