CL regularly presents focused listings of the best dining options in Tampa Bay's neighborhoods. This week we're giving you a guide to the restaurants near the famous (and touristy) Sponge Docks area of Tarpon Springs.
COSTAS 521 Athens St., Tarpon Springs; 727-938-6890. costascuisine.com
Just a few blocks from the Sponge Docks (and the crowds), Costa's offers a rather large menu of traditional Greek dishes and even bigger portions. Great lunch deals, plus two-for-one drafts and sangria all day, and free all-day parking for patrons.
CURRENTS 200 Tarpon Avenue, Tarpon Springs; 727-940-5377
A somewhat upscale New American seafood restaurant that opened its doors about a year ago in the downtown area of Tarpon Springs. The owners' young son is the chef de cuisine and is proving to be quite talented.
HELLAS 785 Dodecanese Blvd., Tarpon Springs; 727-943-2400.
One of the bigger Greek dining spots on the main street across from the Sponge Docks, ushering in many of the passerby. They have their very own bakery attached to the restaurant with cases of mouthwatering Greek sweets to enjoy there or to-go.
LIME & COCONUTS 118 W Cedar St., Tarpon Springs; 727-945-0602. lime-n-coconut.com
A fusion restaurant of sorts, offering Floribbean, Greek and Cuban fare, with a seafood-laden menu. Specialties include Jerk chicken, conch fritters and pickled octopus. Karaoke on Thursdays and live music on the weekends. Just a block away from the Sponge Docks.
THE ORIGINAL MAMA MARIA'S 503 N Pinellas Ave., Tarpon Springs; 727-934-5678. theoriginalmamamarias.com
Not to be confused with the other Mama's restaurant in Tarpon, this one still has its namesake Greek mama back in the kitchen cooking up authentic homestyle Greco fare.
This article appears in Jul 22-28, 2010.