HILLSBOROUGHBRANDON
BEN'S FAMILY RESTAURANT, 704 E. Brandon Blvd. (813-685-5501). Family-style home-cooked meals are the restaurant's specialty; it does all three meals well, five days a week, with light, fluffy pancakes and plenty of hot coffee for breakfast, excellent fresh sandwiches and salads for lunch, and a dynamite dinner of hot white meat turkey with stuffing and gravy. $
LIQUOR LLOYD'S BEACH HOUSE, 779 W. Lumsden Road, Brandon (813-655-0511). A neighborhood pub with an island twist, this inexpensive restaurant has Caribbean-style bar food by day and rump shakin' nightclub action into the wee hours. Try Tahitian teriyaki wings with cool wasabi dip and jerk barbequed baby back ribs. But for the best of the Beach House, go for the fabulous specialty cocktails like the frozen bushwacker, the painkiller and the outstanding piña colada (served, naturally, in a coconut shell). A bit cheesy, we admit, but It's too much fun for us to care.
TAMPACARROLLWOOD/NORTHWEST TAMPA
3 PALMS GRILLE & GALLERY, 8203 N. Armenia Ave. (813-933-2401). A neighborhood favorite featuring an unusually creative mix of ethnic and culinary styles, from crab cakes with banana chutney all the way to mushroom-smothered steak and Southern style meatloaf. The chef's specialty, different varieties of creamy cheesecake, is the best dessert. $$$.
KAISEN SUSHI, Mission Bell Square, 12785 N. Dale Mabry (813-969-3848). This friendly, casual and tiny cafe offers exceptionally fresh, artfully prepared, delicious and value-priced sushi. A must-try is the calamari. Bargain "no-sushi" dinners offer enormous portions of tempura and teriyaki. $$
SPLASH! AN OCEAN GRILL, 3973 Van Dyke Road (813-269-8611). Country-style gone chic, the Lutz restaurant's oak-grilled seafood is seawater fresh and its service exemplary. Go early and hang at the convivial bar, nursing a fancy cocktail, like sparkling white sangria. For dinner, order chunky, sherry-flavored lobster chowder followed by pan-seared, sesame-crusted tuna. $$$
CENTRAL/WEST TAMPA
DONATELLO, 232 N. Dale Mabry (813-875-6660). Some of the area's best Northern Italian cuisine also exhibits some of the finest service in town. Favorites include capellini d'Angelo, agnolotti with cream and Parmesan, and an excellent prosciutto di Parma. Be sure to have at least one of the desserts: Napolean cake, chocolate-drenched profiteroles, tiramisu or, depending on the day, the fresh fruit tarts. $$$
VALENCIA GARDEN SPANISH RESTAURANT & LOUNGE, 811 W. Kennedy Blvd. (813-253-3773 or www.valenciagarden.com). Founded in 1927, it has been operated continuously by members of the same family at the same location just west of downtown. Its menu still offers traditional Cuban Spanish fare, but more contemporary dishes have been added as well to appeal to modern diners. A sure winner: ropa vieja, shredded beef in tomato-y sauce, and flan, washed down with Cuban cafe con leche. $ Lunch; $$ Dinner
TAMPA – DAVIS ISLANDS
220 EAST, 220 E. Davis Blvd. (813-259-1220). A well-run neighborhood restaurant with experienced owners and outstanding fare. 220 East has consistently delightful dishes including excellent pastas, crisp salads and homemade desserts. Order grilled portabella mushrooms or satay chicken appetizers, followed by blackened chicken Alfredo or simple fettuccine Alfredo and finish with upside down apple pie. $$
PIPO'S LATIN CAFÉ, 238 E. Davis Blvd. (813-258-8100). Pipo's traditional Cuban boasts large servings, modest prices and the best mojo roast pork in the bay area, made with a family recipe. Or, try favorites like black bean soup or Cuban sandwiches. Finish with creamy flan. The restaurant also features dancing in its outdoor plaza on weekends. $
TATE BROTHERS PIZZA, 233 E. Davis Blvd. (813-251-2767). This casual eat-in/takeout pizza place is family-owned and operated. No Ragu and frozen bread dough here. Sauces, meatballs and crusts are homemade. Toppings are fresh and good quality, like first-rate cheeses, pepperoni and, God bless them, fresh garlic on the pizza! Yummy breadsticks, soft and dripping with butter. Calzones as big as the plate are a meal in themselves. $
DOWNTOWN TAMPA
ALGUSTO TORTILLA & SALSA, 912 W. Kennedy Blvd. (813-250-3500). Zingy, fresh and tasty Mexican fare based on tried-and-true recipes collected from the owners' families in central Mexico. Start at the salsa condiment counter, with its collection of mild to super-hot and spicy salsas, matched with crispy, handmade chips. Next, graduate to the Botanas Platter appetizer, which entails three different dishes – a flauta, a burrito, an enchilada and quesadillas. As an entrée, order the excellent chicken drenched in red mole sauce. Flan dessert provides a fulsome finish. $
CAFÉ EUROPEAN, 113 Hyde Park Ave. (813-254-9458). Small, humble café with a big following that likes its British-inspired dishes, such as bangers and mash (sausage and mashed potatoes), and other culinary favorites, like a primo quiche and excellent salmon salad. At dinner, try pork chops, and finish with hot fruit crumble. $ Lunch; $$ Dinner
LUCKY DILL DELI, Lykes Building, 400 N. Tampa St., Ste. 100 (813-222-3455). Big, noisy, frenetic New York delicatessen with big following and huge selection of skyscraper-sized sandwiches, bagels, hearty soups, mountainous salads and baked goods of every description. $
TINATAPAS, 615 Channelside Drive (813-514-8462). Beautiful tapas joint by the folks who brought you Stumps Supper Club and Splitsville. A variety of little Spanish and Nuevo-Latino dishes to please the palate, including a spicy mango shrimp, cooling gazpacho, and filling steak rioja. Sangria and margaritas by the pitcher make this Channelside restaurant a great crowd-pleaser.
EAST TAMPA
BIG JOHN'S ALABAMA BBQ, 5707 N. 40th St. (813-626-9800). The tender chopped pork sandwich will spoil you forever, but if you must, order the slab of pork ribs as well, accompanied by cinnamon-flavored baked beans and coleslaw or potato salad. It's just a hole-in-the-wall but a friendly one, so eat in or takeout. You'll not find any better barbecue anywhere in the Bay area. $
FLOYD'S, 5223 N. Orient Road (866-502-7529 or www.hardrockhotelcasinotampa.com). Good Italian-influenced food can be had at Floyd's, in a hip setting of monumental design. Try the Tuscan chicken and the calamari for two overused dishes done better than you would expect. The restaurant takes credit cards, so you can enjoy a nice meal after filling the Seminole nation's coffers with your cash.
TAMPA – HYDE PARK
BELLA'S, 1413 S. Howard Ave. (813-254-3355). After nearly 20 years, this South Howard favorite still packs 'em in with tasty pasta and casual ambiance. Start with lobster bisque, then test the fine fettuccine Bolognese, or pasta il mare, shrimp and scallops with leeks and mushrooms in a roasted tomato cream sauce. Save room for molten chocolate cake! $$
CEVICHE TAPAS BAR & RESTAURANT, 2109 Bayshore Blvd. (813-250 0203). A hip spot for family, lovers and late-nighters, this place is regularly open until the wee hours with a delightful menu of Spanish snacks, or tapas. Best dish: Berenhana parilla, grilled eggplant baked with portobello mushrooms, tomato, olive oil and Manchego cheese; or try a selection of cold snacks. Save room for dessert – the dense flan is a treat. $$
MANGROVES SEAFOOD GRILLE, 208 S. Howard Ave. Tampa (813-258-3302). A gorgeous restaurant with a funky urban style and extensive designer martini menu boasts innovative dishes with all manner of unusual and imported ingredients. For appetizers, go with the excellent New Zealand greenlipped mussels in a sweet and spicy red panang curry with a side of coconut shaving and fried plantains. For entrees, try the delicious Brazilian zarzuela (a sort of bouillabaisse) or red snapper with Tabasco-maple sauce and mashed sweet potatoes. $$$$
THE RACK, 1809 W. Platt St. (813-250-1595). Gourmet grub served in a fancy-schmancy poolroom with a lively bar scene and all 13 TVs tuned to sports, it's a good choice for delectables, gamesmanship and high-voltage socializing. The freshest sushi and sashimi, slow-roasted ribs and atypical bar food, like steamed black mussels sautéed with garlic tomato, basil, scallion and Chardonnay, sprinkled with Parmesan and served with crostini. $-$$
SIDEBERN'S, 2208 Morrison Ave. (813-258-2233). Chef Jeannie Pierola, one of the shining stars of Tampa Bay's dining scene, creates a cuisine that is both luscious and lustrous and serves it in a sophisticated setting that manages to be both worldly and witty. The chef grabs premier ingredients from around the globe and blends them into deeply flavorful and texturally exciting dishes. From soup to nuts, it's a tour de force of fine dining. $$$
TAMPA – SEMINOLE HEIGHTS
FRONT PORCH BAR & GRILLE, 5924 N. Florida Ave. (813-237-5511). A funky, friendly neighborhood restaurant with an eclectic menu offering everything from plain old hamburgers to chicken Marsala and trout topped with rum raisin sauce. Start with the excellent chicken quesadillas washed down with beer, order comfort food like pot roast or meat loaf and finish with a smoothly accomplished chocolate raspberry cake – yum. $ Lunch; $$ Dinner
VIVA LA FRIDA CAFÉ Y GALERIA, 5901 N. Florida Ave. (813-231-9199). Art in food and decor, La Frida specializes in fresh, flavorful Mexican fare. Its interior is graced with colorful reproductions of artworks of the late Frida Kahlo and originals produced by local artists as well. Order the bleu cheese salad, chicken enchiladas, and for dessert, the delightful mini chocolate almond chimichangas. $$
SOUTH TAMPA/PALMA CEIA/INTERBAY
BAMBOO FLUTE, 2307 S. Dale Mabry (813-258-2858). Fresh, flavorful Vietnamese dishes at lowdough prices, like big, plump spring rolls filled with fresh shrimp, mint, cilantro, thin rice noodles and crispy wonton sticks for extra crunch. Enjoy hefty servings of pho, the all-purpose breakfast/lunch/dinner dish of spicy beef broth, noodles, fresh herbs and meat, or big noodle bowls with pork, shrimp or oxtail. Must-tries include the refreshing coconut drink and the tri-color bean pudding. $
CESARE'S OF NEW YORK, 2117 S. Dale Mabry (813-254-2141). Cesare made his way from Italy to New York, then to Tampa. Their loss is our gain, as evidenced in his crusty New York-style pizza dough, tomato sauces, and his deft hand at putting it all together. Fresh spinach with double cheese and tomato sauce is the house specialty. $
LAURO RISTORANTE ITALIANO, 3915 Henderson Blvd. (813-281-2100). The venerable old Lauro's has reinvented itself with a more relaxed, affordable, family-dining atmosphere. Enjoy Northern Italian cuisine with homemade pastas, breads and fabulous desserts, and a wine list to complement any dish. $$
THAILAND RESTAURANT, 5252 S. Dale Mabry (813-837-1793). Some of the best spicy Thai cuisine in Tampa. Start with the hot and sour soup or the shrimp lemongrass, and then graze on a few appetizers like the satay with a slightly hot peanut sauce and cucumber salad dip, fried shrimp with sweet and sour sauce or the all-encompassing combo appetizer platter. $$
TAMPA INT'L AIRPORT/COURTNEY CAMPBELL CAUSEWAY
ARMANI'S, Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay, 6200 Courtney Campbell Causeway (813-207-6800). One of the Bay area's most accomplished, sophisticated and expensive restaurants, Armani's has it all – a lovely setting and panorama, and fabulous food, wine and service. Perfect for a special occasion. Order a creamy pasta dish, followed by the complex rack of lamb or veal scaloppine. $$$$
PELAGIA TRATTORIA, International Plaza, 2223 N. West Shore Blvd. (813-313-3235, www.pelagiatrattoria.com). Decorated in generic modern restaurant chic, Pelagia Trattoria is home to the Mediterranean cuisine of Chef Fabrizio Schendardi. He shines with his expertly constructed tapas (called "stuzzichini") and appetizers, a few simple ingredients brought into perfect balance, sometimes hearty, sometimes elegant. The entrees can be hit or miss, but with so many exceptional small plates to choose from, you shouldn't worry. $$$
ROY'S, 4342 Boy Scout Blvd. (813-873-7697). This chain restaurant bases its menu on the cuisine of famed Hawaiian chef Roy Yamaguchi, who describes his style as Hawaiian fusion. So, look for plenty of Pacific fish, such as butterfish, which is on the menu daily. For dessert, choose melting hot chocolate soufflé or fruit strudel. A large, well-executed wine list complements the menu. $$$
TOWN N COUNTRY
CATCH TWENTY-THREE, 10103 Montague St. (813-920-0045). Casually upscale eatery in Westchase's West Park Village. This seafood spot features standard Floribbean cuisine in a perfect first-date atmosphere. Try the delicious shredded pork and plantains, the unusual, Caribbean-style "shrimp scampi" or any of Catch's excellent fresh fish.
SATSUKI JAPANESE CUISINE, 5537 Sheldon Road (813-884-4128). This small, refined little restaurant is at once exotic and homey, clean as a whistle and affordable. The sushi bar seats eight, serving fresh, well-prepared sushi with daily specials. Menu offerings include soba and udon, delicious Oriental noodles in spicy broths. Try tempura-udon, well-prepared shrimp tempura served alongside a bowl of thick noodles in hot, fragrant broth. Asian beers, hot or cold sake and green tea ice cream round out the meal. $
NORTH TAMPA
BONSAI JAPANESE RESTAURANT & SUSHI BAR, 2826 E. Bearss Ave. (813-977-2755). Family-owned restaurant provides a serene way to dine. Start with excellent fresh steamed oysters, order as an entrée the tempura or teriyaki dinner. Skip the mushy tempura ice cream, finishing instead with a fragrant cup of hot green tea. $
FLETCHER'S BACKSTREET GRILLE, 508 W. Fletcher Ave. (813-265-4244). Sports fans will appreciate Fletcher's Backstreet Grille, with its big-screen TV visible from every table and on-site sports radio show; but it offers so much more, as the fare is unusually accomplished, especially for a sports-oriented restaurant. Try its crispy, overloaded quesadillas, or a filet mignon. $
SUSHI TSU, 15317 Amberly Drive (813-910-9404, www.sushitsu.com). Careful ordering at this casual North Tampa restaurant will produce terrific sushi and sashimi dishes. Its best dishes are an effervescent sunomono salad, and an appetizer called "TNT mussels," New Zealand mussels baked in wasabi. The special called "volcano" sushi – made with crab, avocado, cucumber and salmon, bathed in a creamy sauce and set mountainous, and still warm, on rice – will blow out your taste buds. $
TRANG VIET CUISINE, 1524 E. Fowler Ave. (813-979-1464). Lunch and dinner daily. Tasty, healthy Vietnamese cooking with a French flair, featuring fresh, home-grown herbs and daily market specials. Weekday lunch specials are a bargain. Lively dinner menu, like "cook your own" seafood fondue, or chicken in a clay pot. Homemade desserts are special. Try banana cake (banana and coconut cake topped with peanuts). $
TAMPA – YBOR CITY
BERNINI, 1702 E. Seventh Ave. (813-248-0099). Innovative Italian cuisine in a classy, sophisticated setting. The menu changes daily, so expect surprises, but favorite standards include gourmet wood-fired pizzas, especially the one with marinated chicken, smoked mozzarella, fresh tomatoes and oregano and a spicy three-chili oil. $$$
THE LAUGHING CAT RESTAURANT, 1820 N. 15th St. (813-241-2998). Chef Franco Lore's 35 years of experience in Europe, the Middle East and New York underlies the complex, showy fare at this modest Ybor City restaurant. Terrific lunch buffet with hot and cold entrées, intricate specialties from a variety of cuisine available from the 130-item dinner menu. $ Lunch; $$$ Dinner
TAMPA BAY BREWING CO., 1812 N. 15th St. (813-247-1422). One of the best microbreweries in the Tampa Bay area is also one of the best restaurants. Choose from good-quality grub, such as pasta, shepherd's pie, huge sandwiches or crusty pizzas (there's ale in the dough). Open seven days a week. $$
OUTER LIMITS
BEACH BISTRO, 6600 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach (941-778-6444 or www.beachbistro.com). Lauded by critics, the Beach Bistro is blessed with impeccable service, intimate atmosphere and one of the most gorgeous views on the Gulf Coast. The menu can be disappointingly stodgy and old-fashioned, but high-quality ingredients and skillful preparation go a long way toward compensating for the lack of innovation. A long drive and outrageous prices make this a special-occasion place at best. $$$$
SAINT SEBASTIAAN BELGIAN MICROBREWERY RESTAURANT, 1320 Commercial Way (U.S. 19), Spring Hill (352-666-2141). Serge Van Limbergen and brewmaster Leen Sterkens bring a 250-year-old Belgian brewing legacy to Spring Hill, where the Saint Sebastiaan Belgian Microbrewery Restaurant serves up tradition, freshly yeasted libations and intense geography lessons with every meal. Sample any of the restaurant's Belgian-style beers as well as Belgian specialties like the portobello toast, salad Ardennes, or savory stew. Don't forget to complete your meal with blond beer ice cream! $$
PINELLAS/CLEARWATER
BASCOM'S CHOP HOUSE, 3665 Ulmerton Road, Clearwater (727-573-3363). An old-school style steakhouse with a twist – it specializes in seafood, too. Though the à la carte menu gets a little pricey (especially on the chop side of things), you can't argue with the delicious steaks and chops. The prime rib is especially tasty, though the crab cakes just might surprise you. $$$$$
LENNY'S, 21220 U.S. 19 N. (727-799-0402). A Clearwater favorite for decades, Lenny's packs 'em in. Try the homemade potato pancakes, still sizzling from the skillet, dunked in cold applesauce or sour cream. Or, nosh on muscular omelets with dozens of accompaniments, and a good selection of fragrant, fresh bagels. $
LOS MARIACHIS, 1200 Cleveland St. (727-446-6418). Excellent tacos, enchiladas, margaritas, plus live mariachi bands on the weekend make this a fun place to take a crowd. Order the rich chicken in mole sauce, and finish with fried ice cream for dessert, which is pretty fabulous. $
YANNY'S, 1258 Highland Ave. S. (727-446-5797). Recommended for breakfast/brunch. Yanny's has fresh-squeezed fruit or vegetable juices, scrumptious three-egg omelets, old-fashioned pancakes, or the famous French toast, dipped in a crepe batter and dusted with powdered sugar. A must-try is the homemade yogurt. $
NORTH CLEARWATER/COUNTRYSIDE
GRILLSMITH, 2539 Countryside Blvd., Suite 6 (727-726-6061). Amazing appetizers, lunches, and low-priced cocktails give way to indifferent dinner entrées at this high-end franchise. Stylish and friendly, GrillSmith is a great place for light fare, but it's still working out its main-course kinks. While you're waiting, try the delicious firecracker shrimp appetizer or the yummy chicken and black bean fritters. $$$
JO-TO JAPANESE RESTAURANT, 2549 Countryside Blvd. (727-796-2022). Belly up to the sushi bar or grab a seat on the floor while a kimono-clad waitress serves traditional Japanese dishes. Try the special sushi and sashimi platters. $$
DOWNTOWN CLEARWATER
O'KEEFE'S, 1219 S. Fort Harrison Ave. (727-442-9034). This restaurant draws a bigger crowd on St. Pat's Day than the Boston parade. As you might guess, corned beef and cabbage is big on the menu, and it's fork tender, but throughout the year the average diner is more apt to be munching on one of the justly famous burgers (or trying the sandwiches, hot dogs, steaks or seafood). $$
THE PEPPER MILL RESTAURANT, 1575 S. Ft. Harrison Ave. (727-449-2988). A long-time favorite with the white-haired crowd, this local eatery isn't setting any trends, but then again, it isn't trying. Good, classic dishes are its forte; try the Pepper Mill steak or the surf & turf. If you are looking for a bit of spice, the menu balances the old-fashioned feel with a host of Asian-style specialties; try the Empire shrimp appetizer or the Grand Marnier grouper. $$$
TRI-CITY/ST. PETE-CLEARWATER AIRPORT/FEATHER SOUND
AIRPORT VARIETY STORE, 4600 Roosevelt Blvd. (727-531-7000). Locals know this nondescript redbrick convenience store is just a disguise for a great Cuban cafe. Victor Lopez Sr. took it over 25 years ago and began serving the food he'd developed at his restaurant in Cuba. Since then, his family has expanded and remodeled the building, but the recipes remain classic: terrific pressed Cuban sandwiches, roast pork, crab cakes, flan and daily specials. $
THAI BASIL, 4445 East Bay Drive (727-532-6108). Unassuming cafe offers heaps of tasty Thai food with a young attitude. Try its fresh, zingy cheese rolls, a tasty combination of cream cheese, shrimp, carrots and green onions wrapped in a spring roll and fried golden, dipped in sweet raspberry sauce; or toasted tortillas stuffed with a spicy filling, fried and dipped in sweet chili sauce. Best menu bets are grilled lamb chops with basil sauce, anything with chili jam, and vegetarian fried rice with tofu. $
DUNEDIN
BENEDICT'S, Causeway Plaza, 2676 Bayshore Blvd. (727-736-1600). Recommended for breakfast/brunch. What else would you expect but a tasty and nearly unlimited variety of fluffy poached eggs set atop a toasted English muffin, slathered with a creamy lemon sauce and your choice of ham, crab meat or bacon? But there's more: sweet selections like Belgian chocolate pancakes or zesty flavors like huevos ranchero, all served in enormous portions. $
CAFÉ ALFRESCO, 344 Main St. (727-736-4299). You'll enjoy leisurely meals on the patio overlooking the Pinellas Trail. Menu specialties include crisp fresh salads and creative pastas. Don't miss the delicious ice cream creations. $$
CASA TINA, 369 Main St. (727-734-9226). Got some extra hot sauce on hand? Bring a bottle to this cozy gourmet Mexican and vegetarian restaurant and they'll buy you a drink. (Forget about Tabasco, though; that doesn't count.) The menu has heart-healthy items, including a good ceviche (fresh marinated seafood). Also featured are "heavenly" wild mushroom quesadillas, fresh roasted poblanos stuffed with cheese, a dish of mole verde and mole poblano and corn tamales juicier than ever before. $$
GULF BEACHES/NORTH
DOMENIC'S CAPRI ITALIAN RESTAURANT, 411 Mandalay Ave., Clearwater Beach (727-441-1111). Domenico Forlini's long tenure as one of Clearwater Beach's best chefs pays off in delectable fashion. Great wine list, honored annually by Wine Spectator magazine, a variety of different homemade pastas, all terrific, along with homemade bread and salad dressings, fine mussel dishes and soups, and several well-done desserts, such as chocolate-chocolate cake or tiramisu. $$$
FRENCHY'S ORIGINAL CAFÉ, 41 Baymont St., Clearwater Beach (727-446-3607 and 727-461-6295). You'll love the crunchy crust on the restaurant's award-winning grouper sandwich, or try the unusual grouper reuben. Serious partiers will like the big servings of boiled shrimp. Finish with chocolate crunchy peanut butter pie. $$
SALT ROCK GRILL, 19325 Gulf Blvd., Indian Shores (727-593-7625). Usually beautiful waterfront setting and polished, classy interior distinguishes this restaurant. The food is fresh and hearty but not ravishingly creative. Enjoy the crusty handmade bread, and order the tuna sashimi as an appetizer, and for the main course, flame-grilled lobster or steak. $$$
GULF BEACHES/SOUTH
ALFREDINO'S ON THE BEACH, 7141 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach (727-367-9999). This is the place to discover what real Italian cuisine is all about. Heavenly pastas bathed in sauces prepared fresh when you order; beef dishes, such as filet in red wine demi-glace; and perhaps the best-prepared fish on the beach, like grouper topped with crab in a Dijon wine sauce. For dessert, try caramel-glazed bananas Foster prepared at your table. $$
THE DON CESAR BEACH RESORT & SPA, King Charles Ballroom, 3400 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach (727-360-1881). Make a date with the gorgeous pink lady on the beach, one of our area's best-known and most historic structures. Take a lovely Sunday brunch in the King Charles Ballroom, a huge buffet with dozens of dishes, every kind of roll and waffle and an amazingly spectacular view of the Gulf of Mexico from the adjacent open balcony that crowns the fifth floor. $$$
THE LOBSTER POT, 17814 Gulf Blvd., Redington Shores (727-391-8592). Has been serving fresh finfish and shellfish for nearly 20 years now. The focus, of course, is lobster but other treasures of the Gulf are nicely done. Black grouper, snapper and a variety of crustaceans are ever-present on a menu that has some interesting daily attractions. Don't leave without checking out the chowder. $$$
YOJI JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE & SUSHI BAR, 4615 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach (727-367-6762). Open for dinner only. Teppan yaki chefs perform tableside as they cook softshell crab, shrimp, filet, lobster and chicken in spicy sauces on an iron grill. Be sure and try gyoza (traditional sautéed dumplings) and fresh selections from the sushi bar. $$
GULFPORT
BACKFIN BLUE CAFÉ, 2913 Beach Blvd. S. (727-343-2583). Quaint little Cafe with classy food, in the heart of an arty district. Great prime rib and meat loaf, excellent fish. Don't miss the corn purée with lump crabmeat or the crab cakes. Great desserts, too. Laid-back, casual and definitely tasty. $$
THE HABANA, 5402 Gulfport Blvd. S. (727-321-8855). Authentic Cuban foods, with the menu topping out at $10.95. Owner Jo Hastings was born in Cuba but grew up here. She serves traditional Cuban food with a today-twist, like roast pork with cumin, laurel and grilled onions, as well as mojo; chicken breast done palomilla style; and catfish with a plantain crust. $
LARGO/SEMINOLE
BOULEVARD BISTRO, 8595 Seminole Blvd., Seminole (727-399-1800). Some of the classiest dining in Seminole is found at Boulevard Bistro, yet the atmosphere remains friendly and casual and prices are easily affordable. Try the grouper sandwich, ahi tuna spring roll or fire-charred steaks with deeply flavored garlic potatoes. Good selection of wines by the glass are well chosen to complement the food. $$
CHICAGO DOG HOUSE & GRILL, 2745 East Bay Drive, Largo (727-535-1133). Simple restaurant done in bright yellow, red and blue featuring primo Chicago-style hotdogs, plus burgers and sandwiches. Order a chili cheese dog steamed or a big Italian beef sandwich. Try the char-grilled bratwurst sandwich with sauerkraut and spicy mustard. $
SUSHI FUNE, Bardmoor Village, 10801 Starkey Road, Largo (727-319-6627). Fune means "boat," and here you'll sit at the bar as a small fleet of sushi-bearing boats sail past you. Prices are signified by the colors of the plates. The menu also offers dinner entrees like tempura, teriyaki and sukiyaki. Look for green mussels baked in a special wasabi sauce and cooked baby octopus marinated in special seasonings. $$
PALM HARBOR
BLUE HERON, 3285 Tampa Road (727-789-5176). Upscale eatery with an inventive menu rooted in Asian fusion. Try the tortilla-crusted crab cakes, the rack of lamb with a honey-Guinness stout sauce, or the sweet and spicy duck. Live music (Big Band standards), a martini bar with a separate tapas menu and an intimate setting make this a Palm Harbor institution. $$$$
SAINT LARRY'S, 34980 U.S. 19 N. (727-786-0077). St. Larry's feels like a chummy private club, with small, intimate dining spaces, a great bar and plenty of hobnobbing among the patrons, but don't worry; they'll be only too glad to include you in the fun. The restaurant has some new appetizers, including chicken quesadillas with poblano peppers and chorizo, Prince Edward Island mussels and fancy tuna salad with Maytag bleu cheese, toasted almonds and sliced apples. The extensive bar offers a great wine list and a huge collection of single malt scotch. $$
PINELLAS PARK
HICKORY SMOKE HOUSE BARBECUE, 6769 34th St. N. (727-526-8072). A mainstay for decades, this popular barbecue restaurant serves up succulent pork, chicken and beef entrees with all the fixings. Baked beans are a local favorite, and the chunky pork sandwiches should not be overlooked. Sampler platters are the best meal deals. Breakfast, lunch and dinner. $$
ROGER'S REAL PIT BAR-B-QUE, 6851 66th St. N. (727-544-6671). Smoky oak grill produces tender pork sandwiches, terrific baby back ribs and even low-cal items, like delightful shrimp kebobs with sweet-and-sour sauce and a simple butterflied chicken breast. Huge salad bar with more than 50 items will appeal to light eaters and vegetarians. Regardless of your meat preference, leave room for apple pie. $
SAFETY HARBOR
SAFETY HARBOR RESORT CAFÉ, 105 N. Bayshore Drive (727-726-1161). If you think eating healthy means giving up delicious flavor, then you need to try the spa meals at this renowned resort. The casual cafe offers imaginative fare with especially good salads and homemade muffins. $$
THE WHISTLE STOP GRILL & UDDERLY COOL ICE CREAM, 915 Main St. (727-726-1956 or www.whistlestopgrill.com). Longtime local favorite has new owners and an accomplished selection of dishes, from a primo barbecued pork sandwich all the way to tortilla wraps and grouper dinners. Save room for gooey ice cream treats, soft-serve sundaes and rich malts and shakes, along with hard ice cream available in dozens of flavors. $
ST. PETERSBURG/CENTRAL ST. PETE/TYRONE
AJANTA INDIAN CUISINE, Ramada Inn, 5005 34th St. N. (727-525-1181). Ajanta serves up a fine feast of dishes that celebrate the Indian tradition of using a large variety of very fresh spices to turn foods as simple as lentils or potatoes into surprisingly sophisticated dishes. Be sure and try tandoori chicken, or jinga masala, shrimps bathed in a subtly spicy sauce. Check out daily lunch specials and the Sunday buffet. $$
CAFÉ CROISSANT, Lighthouse Crossings Shopping Center, 3993 Tyrone Blvd., Ste. 304 (727-347-7389). French bakery and café that serves light breakfast, lunch and dinner, and specialty coffees as well. The best dish is the elegant bouchee a la reine, flaky pastry topped with a creamy white sauce and studded with chicken pieces and mushrooms. Or try a fresh sandwich like ham and Swiss cheese, which comes with a buttery, crunchy pastry called a palmier. $
LITTLE ITALY PIZZA, The Disston Shopping Plaza, 3523 49th St. N. (727-522-2717 or 727-525-1029). You'll have to elbow your way through the crowd of neighbors to get a table at this family-operated pizzeria. This casual, strip-mall storefront packs 'em in with full-flavored pizza, but don't leave without one of the tastiest hoagies and subs we've had, made on crisp, crusted bread with top-notch meats and cheeses. $
DOWNTOWN ST. PETE
ALFRESCO AT THE VINOY, 501 Fifth Ave. N.E. (727-894-1000). This Floribbean-style restaurant is one of the best-kept secrets in town with its authentic conch fritters, grilled grouper and good pasta dishes including a superb seafood linguine. Spicy, cold peel-and-eat shrimp along with one (or two) of the imported beers makes for a nice poolside lunch. $$$
O BISTRO, 6661 Central Ave. (727-381-1212). One of the better-kept secrets in town, this off-the-beaten-track establishment serves fine cuisine without all the hype. Try any of the excellent menu entrees and don't miss the fabulous crab quesadilla appetizer. Breakfasts at O Bistro are just as good as dinners, with crepes, French toast and specialty pancakes that will knock your socks off. Dinners: $$$$
E – A TAPAS LOUNGE, Colonial Inn & Spa, 126 Second Ave. N.E. (727-823-0101). The tapas trend is still going strong in this eclectic little basement restaurant. Enjoy a few of these precious little dishes for a meal or snack while shopping at nearby BayWalk. The seared, sesame-encrusted tuna and spicy chipotle tenderloin tips are especially good choices. Wash it down with any of E's selection of global wines-by-the-glass.
THE GARDEN, 217 Central Ave. (727-896-3800). This art-full little cafe is noted for its support of the local scene. Home-grown works grace the walls, and local jazz bands play on the quaint brick patio. Menu favors fresh Mediterranean flavors, with splendid pastas. Tagine, long-simmered Moroccan stew with complex flavors, is a real find. $$
INDIA GRILL, 320 First Ave. N. (727-894-7455). New Indian joint in the most happening section of downtown St. Petersburg has little to recommend it in the way of décor, but plenty in the way of dining. The $6.95 lunch buffet (11 a.m.-3 p.m. Mon.-Sat.) has excellent selection. Good vegetarian options. Try anything in the delicious, creamy-tomato makhani sauce, naan, biryani rice and of course, tandoori chicken.
MIDTOWN SUNDRIES, 200 First Ave. S. (727-502-0222) This eatery offers an inviting, club-like atmosphere with plenty of entertainment, including billiards, video games, TV and live music. Affordable food, like hamburgers, chicken fingers, fish and steak, made fresh in-house make this a good choice for casual dining. $-$$
REDWOODS, 247 Central Ave. (727-896-5118). Since it first took root in downtown St. Pete, Redwoods has offered a seasonally changing and always innovative menu of classic American cuisine. Redwoods mixes up Pacific Rim, French and New American ingredients and cooking techniques to build a marvelous melange of tastes and textures. The atmosphere is cool and classy, the food is delicious, the wine is well chosen and desserts are delicious. $$-$$$
NORTHEAST ST. PETE/GATEWAY
BABALU, 9246 Fourth St. N. (727-576-7414). It's not swank, just swell. Yes, The Babalu is the veritable definition of a "joint." No-account decor, low-class atmosphere, cold beer and gut-busting quantities of low-dough food, with almost everything from salad dressings to side dishes homemade from scratch, have made this place a neighborhood favorite for years. Our favorites are the nightly specials, like crispy battered grouper or barbecued ribs. $
EL CAP, 3500 Fourth St. N. (727-521-1314). God bless El Cap. The finest cheap hamburgers in town, über-friendly waitresses and cheap PBR mean that El Cap is the weekday home of our laziest staff writer. We won't tell which. Fabulous, cheap daily specials ensure you won't get bored. $
MARBO CHINESE RESTAURANT, 8123 Fourth St. N. (727-578-3080). Respectable take-out and fresh, tasty ingredients characterize this St. Pete restaurant. The tender moo shu pork and barbecue ribs are delicious, but beware of greasy egg rolls and sub-standard soups. Also try the sautéed string beans with bean curd and the chicken with snow peas. $
SIAM GARDEN THAI RESTAURANT, 3125 Ninth St. N. (727-822-0613). Wake up your tired taste buds with the spicy flavors of Siam Garden's dinner entrees. Choose from favorite noodle dishes like pad Thai, or try something special like crispy, deep-fried frog legs in garlic black pepper sauce or whole fried snapper served in a chili-garlic sauce. Plenty of good, inexpensive lunch entrees too. $$
SOUTH ST. PETE
THE CHATTAWAY, 358 22nd Ave. S. (727-823-1594). This little wooden building at different times served as a grocery store, a gas station and a trolley stop. It's since become a local historical landmark and a great place to stop for a good "Chattaburger" (burger with all the fixings) and some of the coldest draft beer in town. The ambiance of the eatery perfectly fits the image of early St. Pete. $
TASTE OF THE ISLAND, 2231 34th St. S. (727-321-4157). Neighborhood favorite tucked in a little shopping center that serves inexpensive Jamaican dishes like conch fritters, brown stew chicken and the Jamaican national dish called ackee and saltfish. Another specialty is various tasty vegetable dishes, perfect for those who avoid meat. $
TIERRA VERDE
CRAZY CONCH CAFÉ, 1110 Pinellas Bayway S. (727-865-0633). A neighborhood café that boasts an accomplished kitchen and a dedicated cadre of regulars who know good food when they taste it. Start with pan-roasted oysters as an appetizer, try Sally's endive salad and as an entrée, the delightful Steven's shrimp and grits with brown gravy, which is a circle of fat, fresh shrimp seated around a mound of showy grits, slathered with a moat of expertly made gravy. Dang, it's good! Dessert changes by the day, but you can bet whatever it is, it'll be delectable. $$$
TOKYO BAY RESTAURANT, Isla Del Sol's Shopper's Village, 5901 Sun Blvd., Bayway (727-867-0770). Chef Eiji "Jose" Sonogi slices up a sushi jamboree at this casual sushi haunt a stone's throw from Pinellas' south beaches. Try California rolls, tuna and salmon. You'll catch an eyeful (and a mouthful) of exotic cargo, including nigiri tuna, uni sushi and three superb rolls. $$
TARPON SPRINGS
COSTA'S RESTAURANT, 521 Athens St. (727-938-6890). This intimate, 120-seat inexpensive gem serves broiled snapper or octopus with garlic and oregano and traditional Greek entrees like dolmades, and lamb baked with orzo pasta and you-peel-'em shrimp. $
HELLAS, 785 Dodecanese Blvd. (727-943-2400). Talk to the locals; they'll tell you this is the best food in town. Sample the Saganaki (flaming cheese) and pickled octopus. Try a Greek salad with fresh feta, a bowl of avgolemono (lemon and egg soup), one of the fresh fish dishes, then finish with a plate of just-baked Greek pastry like baklava, bougatsa and chocolate flogeres. $$
This article appears in Jul 6-12, 2005.