The Diners’ Choice list for 'Best Overall Restaurants' in St. Petersburg on OpenTable has been released and is based on over 400,000 new diner reviews. Each of the restaurants that made the cut came in with an average of four-and-a-half stars (based on a five-star rating) on OpenTable, which is an online reservation website where users also provide reviews.
This seafood joint has over 1,900 reviews, with diners harping on the lunch and dinner offerings, outstanding service and ambiance. Menu items include decadent dishes from the sea like bacon-wrapped swordfish and dusted deep-sea scallops. 1701 Gulf Blvd., Indian Rocks Beach. 3bestchefs.com.
With nearly 1,000 reviews in OpenTable, this Italian restaurant is all about mood lighting for date night. Diners can snag gourmet pizza, pasta dishes and even a slab of Chef Tony’s baby back ribs. 211 2nd St. S., St. Petersburg. gratzzigrille.com.
This intimate Italian joint is built around its open kitchen concept, which allows diners to pull the curtain back on the magic that goes into their dishes. Prime pickings for an upscale date night in downtown St. Pete. The only pain is finding a parking spot. 449 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. ilritornodowntown.com.
With nearly 1,400 reviews, Noble Crust comes in hot with dishes like southern fried chicken, fresh seafood and fat pasta dishes. Did we mention a serious selection of signature pizzas? 8300 4th St. N., St. Petersburg. noble-crust.com.
This concept offers indoor and outdoor dining along with prime people-watching thanks to its address on Beach Drive. Diners can indulge in lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch offerings. 300 Beach Dr. NE, St. Petersburg. parkshoregrill.com.
This steakhouse is a little off the beaten path, but has been holding it down as far as OpenTable diners are concerned. Whether you go for dessert and a glass of wine, or dive into a 45-day dry-aged 40-oz. porterhouse, fellow diners guarantee your experience will be exceptional. 655 2nd Ave. S., St. Petersburg. rococosteak.com.
Fairly new to the scene, The Library has quickly gained the loyalty of the St. Petersburg diners. Open Table users dubbed this concept the plug for lunch and brunch service. 600 5th St. S., St. Petersburg. thelibrarystpete.com.
Head over to the Sundial to check out this topped ranked OpenTable favorite known as a date night magnet with decadent steak and seafood dishes paired with international wines offered by the glass and bottle. 131 2nd Ave. N. St. Petersburg. ruthschris.com.
American dishes are served up at The Mill, which is usually packed to the gills with diners during weekend brunch. The Central Avenue staple has diners loading up on biscuits and gravy, shrimp and grits and other southern dishes designed to widen your thighs. 200 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. themillrestaurants.com.
With gorgeous views of the water, reviews have flooded to say that Salt Rock Grill is the place to be when it comes to ambiance. The beach landmark boasts a raw bar and serves day boat caught seafood (meaning the fishermen, fisherwomen and fisherfolk go out, catch the fish and return to port the same day, ensuring freshness). The wine cellar is loaded to make date night a win. 19325 Gulf Blvd., Indian Shores. saltrockgrill.com.
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This article appears in Oct 24-31, 2019.