When hunger takes over while journeying along the Pinellas Trail, here’s where to go, from Tarpon Springs to St. Petersburg. Though some of the joints aren’t right on the trail, they don’t take you too far off.
Alésia Restaurant No-frills fare crafted with a mix of Vietnamese, French and Chinese influences. You can snag dessert, as well as wine or beer. 7204 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-345-9701, alesiarestaurant.com.
Alfano's Restaurant You’ll find this family-owned Italian spot in the Cypress Point Shopping Center. Veal and ricotta meatballs, panini and did we mention there’s a wine cellar? 1702 Clearwater-Largo Road N., Clearwater, 727-584-2125, alfanosrestaurant.com.
The Amish Country Store Deli specials, with breakfast and lunch items like creamed chipped beef and made-to-order sandwiches. You dine at covered seating areas outside. 206 13th St. SW, Largo, 727-587-9657, theamishcountrystore.com.
Anthony’s Deli Warehouse A New York-style deli, pizzeria and bakery. Sweets like doughnuts and cheesecakes accompany pastas, Brooklyn sodas, house-made cheeses and more. Order the Big A sandwich. 1435 Clearwater-Largo Road N., Largo, 727-581-4400.
the Avenue eat/drink Burgers and other Southern-inflected grub right along the trail. If 14 draft beers aren’t enough, head to World of Beer, Red Mesa Cantina or Z Grille, all within walking distance. Central Avenue (and First Street North), with too many eateries to list, is also nearby. 330 First Ave. S., St. Petersburg, 727-851-9531, theavenuedtsp.com.
Bambino Pizza Stone-baked pies “the way NY intended,” so says this joint’s signage. Devour buffalo wings, specialty pizzas (or create your own) and classic mains in a casual setting. 2028 Bayshore Blvd., Dunedin, 727-734-5555, bambinopizza.com.
Bella Dora’s A medley of stuffed Chicago and hand-tossed New York pizzas by the slice or pie. Pastas and subs are also featured on the extensive menu. 131 Clearwater-Largo Road North, Largo, 727-581-5000, belladoraspizza.com.
The Black Pearl In an intimate setting, white-tablecloth cuisine, highlighting French and New American styles, invites you to catch your breath. 315 Main St., Dunedin, 727-734-3463, theblackpearldunedin.com.
Bogie’s Food & Flicks Catch a movie while you eat before heading back on the trail. There are breakfast offerings, salads, soups and 11 sandwiches to choose from. 33 N. Garden Ave., Clearwater, 727-724-4246, bogiesfoodandflicks.com.
Boyle’s Backyard This divey beach shack carries a straighforward lineup that showcases fried jalapeños with blackberry dip, fish sandos and more. 1101 Nebraska Ave., Palm Harbor, 727-772-6953, boylesbackyard.com.
Bread & Butter Gourmet Deli Regulars frequent this laid-back spot for the hearty portions and friendly atmosphere. It boasts an indoor terrace. 1880 S. Pinellas Ave., Tarpon Springs, 727-934-9003.
Brenda’s On The Causeway A down-home neighborhood diner slinging something-for-everyone eats since ‘93. You’ll come across it on the trail’s spur, on your way to Honeymoon Island State Park. 314 Causeway Blvd., Dunedin, 727-734-1405.
Butler’s Old Key West Bar & Grill Cold beer, casual eats and live music. The eatery’s neighbors with Casita Taqueria, The Queens Head, Nitally’s, Community Cafe and Taco Bus. 2451 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-623-0969.
Cafe Alfresco This cozy European bistro overlooks the trail. Chow on diverse grub during brunch, lunch or dinner. 344 Main St., Dunedin, 727-736-4299, cafealfresco.com.
Cappy’s Soul-warming NYC- and Chicago-style pies are served up in this pizzeria’s homey digs. The Cappy and The Veggie are its signature creations. 2900 First Ave. N., St. Petersburg, 727-321-3020, cappyspizzaonline.com.
Casa Tina Staple dishes, including fresh ceviche, chiles rellenos and Guadalajara tacos, are created at this healthful Mexican mainstay. Don’t miss The Dunedin Smokehouse and more nearby. 365 Main St., Dunedin, 727-734-9226, casatinas.com.
Chiang Mai Thai & Sushi Bar Pineapple fried rice, traditional Thai entrees with no-fuss names like “Amazing,” sushi rolls and nigiri made using authentic recipes. 415 Cleveland St., Clearwater, 727-461-0414, chiangmaithaiandsushi.com.
Cleveland Street Cafe Homestyle Italian chow such as pastas, sandwiches and casseroles. The restaurant boasts bread and pizza dough crafted in house daily. 615 Cleveland St., Clearwater, 727-462-5340, clevelandstreetcafe.com.
Covered Bridge A crowd-pleasing diner with breakfast, lunch and dinner on the cheap. The family recipe-driven El Huarache Azteca Mexican resto isn’t too far away, either. 2070 Bayshore Blvd., Dunedin, 727-734-0808, thecoveredbridgerestaurant.com.
Cricketers Pub This British eatery boasts Welsh rarebit, Reubens, bangers and mash, Irish stew and more, with 24 brews on tap. 2634 Bayshore Blvd., Dunedin, 727-736-1322, cricketerspub.com.
Cristino’s Coal Oven Pizza Italian fare like antipasto, risotto primavera, gelato and, of course, coal-fired pies from the restaurant’s brick oven. 1101 S. Fort Harrison Ave., Clearwater, 727-443-4900, cristinospizzeria.com.
Currents A welcoming sit-down restaurant with funky burgers (pastrami!) and flatbreads, pan-seared duck breast and other contemporary delectables. 200 E. Tarpon Ave., Tarpon Springs, 727-940-5377,currents-tarpon.com.
Dairy Rich Reward yourself with a scoop or two at this little ice cream parlor after working up a sweat. 3109 U.S. 19 Alt., Palm Harbor, 727-789-9285.
Dunedin Brewery Pair suds from the state’s oldest microbrewery with nosh like fried Wisconsin cheese curds, black bean tacos and pulled pork sliders. 937 Douglas Ave., Dunedin, 727-736-0606, dunedinbrewery.com.
Eddie's Bar & Grill The quintessential sports bar. Fried pickles, meatball pizzas, hoagies and way more. 1283 Bayshore Blvd., Dunedin, 727-734-2300, eddiesbarandgrill.com.
Eli’s Bar-B-Que Made how it’s done in Georgia, ribs, chicken and sausage are among the juicy ‘cue served at this charming hole-in-the-wall. 360 Skinner Blvd., Dunedin, 727-738-4856.
Fairway Pizza & Sports Page Pub The grinders, or sandwiches, anchor the menu at this comfy restaurant, as well as the pizzas (with nearly 30 topping options). 2901 U.S. 19 Alt., Palm Harbor, 727-772-7060, fairwaypizza.com.
Frenchy’s Outpost Bar & Grill Another place, with relaxed seafood eats, to linger near Honeymoon Island. On the same road, the Sandbar Grill is a good choice, too. 466 Causeway Blvd., Dunedin, 727-286-6139, frenchysonline.com.
Greek Village Saganaki, falafel, pita specialties and more included on this Greek eatery’s bill of fare. 11125 Park Blvd. #117, Seminole, 727-393-6669, gogreekvillage.com.
Gyro King Nosh on pita sandwiches, cheesesteaks, wings and the like. Check out the joint’s pizzeria next door. 2671 U.S. 19 Alt., Palm Harbor, 727-786-8664, gyroking.net.
Hops and Props Black bean hummus, Cajun boiled peanuts and other delicacies at this hidden neighborhood gem inside the St. Petersburg Museum of History. Head to Beach Drive for even more grub. 335 Second Ave. NE, St. Petersburg, 727-803-6806, hopsprops.com.
The Jerk Center This Jamaican eatery incorporates homemade sauces and spice blends into its cooking. Its specialty is jerk chicken, and oxtails and curry goat are among the other entrees. 305 S. Pinellas Ave., Tarpon Springs, 727-940-5343, thejamaicanjerkcenter.com.
Kelly's Kick off the fun or round out an evening at Kelly's, which has everything from omelets to sammies to duck breast. Cappucino’s Fine Wine and Espresso Bar, Rosie’s Tavern and Broadway Bistro are also around the corner on Broadway. 319 Main St., Dunedin, 727-736-5284, kellyschicaboom.com.
Lanna Thai & Sushi Classic Thai meals and desserts, along with a sushi bar serving items like raw and cooked specialty rolls. 4871 Park St. N., St. Petersburg, 727-545-3057.
Little Thai Cafe Sweet, salty, sour and spicy comfort food. This spot satisfies diners with steamed or stir-fried treats, including panang curry and egg noodle wonton soup. 1810 S. Pinellas Ave., Tarpon Springs, 727-945-1400, littlethaicafe.com.
Mamma Lane’s Coffee House A quintessential cafe that boasts quirky couches, funky art pieces and warm beverages for those chilly morning rides. 212 E. Tarpon Ave., Tarpon Springs, 727-934-5120, mammalanes.com.
Molly Goodheads Raw Bar Score fresh seafood, salads, sandwiches and a stocked raw bar of steamed clams and more. Gluten-free options are available. 400 Orange St. N., Ozona, 727-786-6255, mollygoodheads.com.
New England’s Ale House Grill This cozy red joint is super close to the trail. Try the smoked fish spread, margherita flatbread or turkey burger, which CL food critic Jon Palmer Claridge enjoyed. 3419 Alt. U.S. 19, Palm Harbor, 727-785-9700, ne-alehouse.com.
O'Keefe's Tavern A down-home Irish bar with traditional drinking fare like warm burgers and sandwiches, fried appetizers and flatbreads. 1219 S. Fort Harrison Ave., Clearwater, 727-442-9034, okeefestavernonline.com.
O’Bistro This restaurant’s got a mix of Mediterranean and New American inspiration. Come for breakfast, lunch or dinner. 6661 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-381-1212, obistroonline.com.
Ohana Cafe The dining experience at this Hawaiian cafe includes hula and live music if you stop in on the right day. We recommend the hummus and Loco Moco. Oh, and the pancakes. 306 Orange St. N., Palm Harbor, 727-787-1234, theohanacafe.com.
Orange Crate Cafe Stop by the old boxcar beside the Dunedin Historical Society and Museum for smoothies, coffees and light bites. You’ll be back on the trail in no time. 349 Main St., Dunedin, 727-733-1409.
The Ozona Pig Barbecue nachos, ‘slaw dogs, beef brisket and many more tasty ‘cue offerings. Wash it all down with sweet tea, or a pitcher of beer. 311 Orange St. N., Palm Harbor, 727-773-0744, ozonapig.com.
Peggy O'Neill's Irish Pub & Eatery In the heart of old Palm Harbor, stop by this cozy tavern for fare like shrimp ‘n’ chips, Irish stew and shepherd's pie. 1026 Florida Ave., Palm Harbor, 727-787-7734, peggyoneills.com.
Ricky P’s Orleans Bistro A charming little bistro with big New Orleans dishes like Cajun corn and crab bisque, shrimp etouffee and Creole jambalaya. Bodega, Red Mesa Mercado, Green Bench Brewing Co. and more await your taste buds while you’re in the neighborhood, too. 1113 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-821-4061, rickyps.com.
Rodie's Restaurant & Pancake House This joint is a fine place to stop for your all-time favorite breakfast foods. Omelets, pancakes, corned beef hash and more. 1097 S. Pinellas Ave., Tarpon Springs, 727-937-9279.
Salt n Pepper Bistro French cuisine in family-owned, cafe-style digs. Sweet and savory crepes, baguette sandwiches, pasta and other delectables. 1757 Clearwater-Largo Road N., Clearwater, 727-585-3500.
Skip's Bar & Grill A stellar local haunt. You’ll discover the famed “Dogedin” mural, as well as bar snacks and pints of no-frills beer. Flanagan’s Irish Pub & The Living Room on Main are about two minutes away. 371 Main St., Dunedin, 727-734-9151.
Smokin’ Rib Shack Lots of barbecue fare and sides, including full and half slabs of ribs, smoked chicken wings and collard greens. Gulf Coast Po’ Boys and Barley Mow Brewing Company are among the area’s other options. 600 West Bay Drive, Largo, 727-501-9090, smokinribshackbbq.com.
Tarpon Diner Standard morning and afternoon grub, ranging from eggs Benedict and Belgium waffles to open-faced turkey sandwiches and BLTs. 217 S. Pinellas Ave., Tarpon Springs, 727-934-9021, tarpondiner.com.
Tarpon Tavern Starters, burgers and sandos, salads and eats to please the kids. There’s also a hefty craft beer selection. 21 N. Safford Ave., Tarpon Springs, 727-945-1000, tarpontavern.com.
Ted's Luncheonette A simple noshery with cheap, traditional breakfast items served up with a bit of history. You’ll have to drop by to see for yourself. 1201 Clearwater-Largo Road N., Largo, 727-584-2565.
The Thirsty Marlin This American-style beach hut has a food lineup anchored by from-the-sea dishes. Happy hour happens daily from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. 1023 Florida Ave., Palm Harbor, 727-784-3469, thirstymarlin.com.
Tin Can Cafe Clubs and pitas, skillets and platters — just take your pick at this homey downtown diner. 307 S. Myrtle Ave., Clearwater, 727-446-3354, tincancafefl.com.
Tony's Pizzeria and Ristorante This joint’s been specializing in Italian delights since ‘98. Burgers and wings accommodate those who can’t get down with a pie, or pasta. 428 Cleveland St., Clearwater, 727-441-2226, tonyspizzaclearwater.com.
Wildflower Café A cozy casual hangout that takes it up a notch through an elegant atmosphere and healthy fare. Its loyal following keeps coming back for more. 1465 S. Fort Harrison Ave. #105, Clearwater, 727-447-4497, wildflowercafe.net. —Amanda Riehm
Williams Sub Shop Another great lunch spot, with tasty-sounding subs (literally) such as the Yum-Yum Club. The shop also offers stuffed tomatoes, potato salad and more. 3801 Tyrone Blvd. N., St. Petersburg, 727-222-3656. —Amanda Riehm
Zante Cafe Although this eatery has a menu full of Cajun favorites, it picked up welcomed Greek and Italian influences somewhere along the way. Go for the cafe's dining room that "just can't be explained," at the least. 13 N. Safford Ave., Tarpon Springs, 727-934-5558. —Amanda Riehm
