There’s more to the Pinellas dining scene than just the fancy eateries on Beach Drive and the chain joints up Fourth Street and in Pinellas Park. From lunch to dinner to dessert, there are plenty of tasty options in Dunedin, Clearwater and beyond.
BD MONGOLIAN GRILL 3140B Tampa Road, Oldsmar, 727-785-0300, gomongo.com. The perfect destination for those who love creating their own items — in this case, stir-fry bowls. Nutritional statistics and calculator are available for health nuts, via the website’s Nutritional Center. You can catch a movie after your stir-fry bowl at the nearby AMC 20 movie theater, and it's all a lot more convenient than a trek to Ulan Bator.
BON APPETIT RESTAURANT AND MARINA CAFE 150 Marina Plaza, Dunedin, 727-733-2151, bonappetitrestaurant.com. Bon Appetit Restaurant is the perfect destination for those seeking a sophisticated refuge with a waterfront view. A bi-weekly seasonal menu is offered, in addition to the regular menu. A pianist plays in the lounge every Wednesday through Sunday. The more casual Marina Café is an excellent spot to hit after a day at Honeymoon Island, as the outdoor sidewalk café offers the same extraordinary view and menu as Bon Appetit.
CAFÉ DEPAZ 680 Main St., Dunedin, 727-216-6222, cafedepaz.com. As welcoming as Café DePaz is, the food is really the draw. Chef/co-owner David DePaz has created a menu in the small plate/tapas mode, accented by brick-oven pizzas and a few hearty entrees. The ingredients and creations are drawn almost entirely from the Mediterranean basin, from Morocco to Spain, Italy to Greece. And once you taste it, you realize he knows his stuff.
DUNEDIN SMOKEHOUSE 471 Main St., Dunedin, 34698, 727-736-2BBQ, thedunedinsmokehouse.com. For a smokin’ time, head to Dunedin Smokehouse for barbecue and a beer. For a “wet barbecue” experience, try the Weed Eater Combo, and wash it down with a selection from the extensive beer and wine menu. Support a local brewery by ordering Dunedin Brewery Seasonal, made in … you guessed it … Dunedin.
LAGERHEADZ 606 N. Pinellas Ave., Tarpon Springs, 727-937-6665, lagerheadz.com. Enjoy one, or a few, of the 50 available craft beers, lagers and ales, and catch the game on the 40-foot Boat Bar. You can play video games in the Game Room, or relax at the Tiki Bar. In between drinks and games, try the Fish or Pork Tacoz, and don’t forget to feed the gators on your way out.
LIVING ROOM 487 Main St., Dunedin, 727-736-5202, thelivingroomonmain.com. The food here is better than most people eat in their own living room. Living Room’s menu features cuisines from around the globe, with small and large portions to accommodate every appetite. Experience a culture clash by pairing chicken tagine, a Moroccan dish, with grilled grape leaves wrapped with goat cheese, a Greek appetizer. Brunch is also available.
PINNOCHIO’S PIZZA RESTAURANT 35236 U.S. 19 N, Palm Harbor, 727-785-1400, pinocchiospizzarestaurant.com. This whimsical spot is ideal for when a pizza craving hits. New York and Chicago-style pizzas are available, as well as pasta and seafood items. Try Pinocchio’s Special or the Pinocchio Roll if you’re in a pizza mood. Finish up with a classic Italian dessert of cannoli or zeppoli. Kids’ menu and weekly specials are offered.
RITTER’S FROZEN CUSTARD 2655 E. Lake Road, Palm Harbor, 727-784-0220, ritters.com. In addition to custard and ice cream, Ritter’s offers an impressive selection of custard cakes, including Oreos, Reese’s, Snickers or Heath selections. Try a Glacier, their trademark blended treat, which is served upside-down.
RUMBA’S ISLAND BAR AND GRILL 3687 Tampa Road, Oldsmar, 813-475-5974, rumbaislandgrill.com. For a “beach bar” in the heart of Oldsmar, look no further than this “tropical” destination. Invite a friend and enjoy a two-for-one margarita at the outdoor tiki bar and deck. Then try the Island Shrimp and Rice Bowl or grouper, mahi, catfish or tuna, which are filleted hourly.
SNAPPER’S GRILLE AND COMEDY CLUB 36657 U.S. 19 N, Palm Harbor, 727-938-2027, snappersgrille.com. Combine laughter and dinner at this restaurant/comedy club combination. If karaoke is more your thing, visit on a Tuesday and down plenty of liquid courage via the $2.50 Barcardi special. You can also enjoy Texas Hold ‘Em tournaments on Mondays and Tuesdays, and patio dance parties on Fridays and Saturdays. Drink specials are featured most nights of the week.
STRACHAN’S HOMEMADE ICE CREAM 105 Alt U.S. 19 N, Palm Harbor, 727-781-0997; 310 Main St., Dunedin, 727-733-3603, strachansdesserts.com. This old-fashioned ice cream parlor exudes an element of charm. Your dog will love it too, and may even receive a puppy cone. However, it’s cash only (though an ATM is available on-site). The Strachans also offer an ice cream school course for aspiring ice cream shop owners.
THIRSTY MARLIN 1023 Florida Ave., Palm Harbor, 727-784-3469, thirstymarlin.com. Enjoy live music on the patio (five nights a week), while devouring a grouper sandwich. The vibe is casual-cool by day, fun and lively by night. Take advantage of Thirsty Marlin’s catering for your next function.
UNDERGROUNDS COFFEE HOUSE 212 Tarpon Ave. E, Tarpon Springs, 727-937-5800, downtownundergrounds.com. If you’re looking for a dose of java and entertainment, Undergrounds Coffee House is your one-stop (coffee) shop. This full-service house of coffee sells espresso, specialty coffee and loose tea (hot and iced). Gaze at the art-adorned walls while listening to poetry or music. Weekly events include open poetry on Tuesdays, open mic on Thursdays, various live music on (most) Fridays and Saturdays and live classical music on (most) Sundays.
YIANNI’S CAFÉ AND GRILL 514 Dodecanese Blvd., Tarpon Springs, 727-939-1382, yianniscafeandgrill.com. This hot spot among the Sponge Docks, serving authentic Greek cuisine, is definitely worth a visit. Enjoy free draft beer, soda or baklava, courtesy of the daily specials. The seafood selections are caught by Tarpon Springs fishermen, so you’re supporting local fishermen and a local business simultaneously. Free parking is available.
This article appears in Jan 26 – Feb 1, 2012.