• What is St. Petersburg known for?
    • St. Petersburg is known for its art galleries, sun and sand, high-end stores, balmy weather, swaying palm trees, and fine dining establishments.
  • What makes dining in St. Petersburg special?
    • Nestled between the ocean and white sandy beaches, this Florida panhandle is home to some of the finest restaurants in the country.
  • Why is St. Petersburg a great dining destination for couples?
    • Having the scenic Atlantic Ocean as your backdrop and dining on fresh fish from nearby waters is idyllic for couples looking to celebrate a special evening alone.

Unique Restaurants

BellaBrava


Savor delicious Italian dishes and enjoy a lively, modern atmosphere perfect for a night out.

BellaBrava

© BellaBrava

BellaBrava has been St. Petersburg’s beloved Italian dining destination for nearly two decades, offering authentic flavors, warm hospitality, and stunning views of the St. Petersburg Pier, Tampa Bay, and bustling Beach Drive. With a grand horseshoe-shaped bar under a glowing chandelier and stone walls dividing the lively spaces, BellaBrava invites guests to experience Italy’s culinary heart right on the Florida coast.

Recommended For: Italian food lovers, date nights, special occasions, and anyone craving a waterfront meal with authentic flair.

  • Indulge in expertly crafted dishes like slow-roasted pork ossobuco and marinated skirt steak.
  • Savor Italian cheeses, herbs, pastas, seafood, and meats researched directly in Italy.
  • Relax on the patio with panoramic views of the St. Petersburg Pier and Tampa Bay.
  • Enjoy the elegant atmosphere of the horseshoe bar and stone-accented dining room.
  • Celebrate nearly twenty years of community-loved, authentic Italian dining.

BellaBrava, 204 Beach Drive Northeast, St Petersburg, FL
Phone: 727-895-5515

Cassis


Delight in creative Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and enjoy a sophisticated, elegant setting for a special evening.

Cassis

© Cassis

Cassis is a beloved staple on Beach Drive, blending the charm of a European brasserie with the bold flavors of American cuisine. Inside, the spacious dining room glows with natural light from bay windows, accented by crisp white tiled walls, while the expansive sidewalk seating offers a breezy, palm-dotted atmosphere under large canopies. Known for its commitment to fresh, top-quality ingredients, Cassis delights diners with inventive dishes and a stylish yet relaxed vibe.

Recommended For: Foodies, couples, groups, and anyone seeking upscale New American dining with European flair.

  • Enjoy expertly prepared entrées like braised pork shanks and Maple Leaf farm duck.
  • Savor fresh, seasonal ingredients crafted into bold, innovative dishes.
  • Relax under the canopies on the spacious sidewalk patio surrounded by palm trees.
  • Take in the bright, open interior with bay windows and sleek white tile accents.
  • Experience a long-standing, community-loved restaurant at the heart of Beach Drive.

Cassis, 170 Beach Drive Northeast, St Petersburg, FL
Phone: 727-827-2927

Il Ritorno


Indulge in upscale Italian cuisine and savor the contemporary ambiance of this intimate dining spot.

Il Ritorno

© Il Ritorno

Il Ritorno is St. Petersburg’s modern Italian gem on Central Avenue, where a rustic-chic atmosphere meets inventive, ever-changing cuisine. With exposed ceilings, wave-pattern glass block windows, solstice rail lighting, and an exposed brick wall, the space evokes the feel of 19th-century Italy. Known for its commitment to sourcing from local businesses, Il Ritorno crafts fresh, sophisticated Italian fare that surprises and delights with every visit.

Recommended For: Adventurous food lovers, date nights, special occasions, and fans of modern Italian cuisine made with seasonal ingredients.

  • Indulge in signature dishes like short rib mezzaluna, braised lamb spaghetti, and scallop risotto.
  • Savor ever-evolving menu items featuring the freshest locally sourced ingredients.
  • Immerse yourself in a stylish space with exposed brick, rail lighting, and glass-block details.
  • Experience authentic Italian-inspired dining with creative, seasonal twists.
  • Celebrate the artistry of a downtown St. Petersburg favorite known for bold, refined flavors.

Il Ritorno, 449 Central Avenue, St Petersburg, FL
Phone: 727-897-5900

Restaurants For a Date

Beau & Mo's Italian Eating House


Enjoy classic Italian comfort food in a cozy, inviting atmosphere ideal for family or casual dining.

Beau & Mo's Italian Eating House

© Beau & Mo's Italian Eating House

Beau & Mo's Italian Eating House is a hidden gem in historic Kenwood, delivering Chicago-style Italian cuisine with a cozy, romantic atmosphere. Inside, you’ll find crimson walls adorned with black-and-white photos, low ceiling fans, a charming banquette, and soft sconce lighting — all creating the perfect backdrop for a memorable date night or intimate dinner. The eclectic menu, crafted by the executive chef using fresh local ingredients, brings bold flavors and classic dishes to every plate.

Recommended For: Couples, Italian food lovers, and anyone craving a Chicago-style dining experience in an intimate, off-the-beaten-path setting.

  • Delight in standout dishes like duck l’orange, veal chops, and shrimp De Jonghe over linguine.
  • Savor a menu that blends local ingredients with timeless Italian favorites.
  • Enjoy the romantic ambiance of crimson walls, soft sconce lighting, and vintage décor.
  • Discover a beloved neighborhood spot with authentic Chicago flair.
  • Experience one of St. Petersburg’s best-kept secrets for date night or special dinners.

Beau & Mo's Italian Eating House, 2924 5th Avenue North, St Petersburg, FL
Phone: 727-771-3690

The Birch & Vine


Relish modern American cuisine and craft cocktails in a stylish, relaxed setting perfect for a night out.

The Birch & Vine

© The Birch & Vine

The Birch & Vine, housed within the elegant Birchwood Inn, offers one of St. Petersburg’s most refined dining experiences. Set in a Spanish Mission-style space adorned with chandeliers and French doors, the main dining room exudes regal charm. Upstairs, the rooftop features glass railings, fire pits, cabanas, and sweeping views of Tampa Bay, making it an idyllic spot for a romantic evening. The chefs craft an eclectic menu using the freshest seafood and premium ingredients, ensuring every dish is a memorable delight.

Recommended For: Couples, special occasions, upscale diners, and anyone seeking a romantic waterfront meal with gourmet flair.

  • Indulge in standout dishes like duck & caper pasta, Venetian-style ribs, and sweet potato gnocchi.
  • Savor expertly prepared fresh seafood and inventive seasonal fare.
  • Enjoy romantic rooftop dining with fire pits, cabanas, and views of Tampa Bay.
  • Experience the sophisticated charm of Spanish Mission architecture and chandelier-lit interiors.
  • Celebrate memorable moments at one of St. Petersburg’s most iconic fine-dining destinations.

The Birch & Vine, 340 Beach Drive Northeast, St Petersburg, FL
Phone: 727-896-1080

Ceviche St. Petersburg


Savor fresh seafood and vibrant ceviche dishes in a lively, tropical-inspired atmosphere.

Ceviche St. Petersburg

© Ceviche St. Petersburg

Ceviche St. Petersburg is the region’s original tapas dining destination, bringing authentic Spanish flavors and atmosphere to Beach Drive. Inside, the space dazzles with Spanish-style décor — high ceilings, large pane and arched windows, iron chandeliers, Spanish-tiled tables and counters, and warm wood flooring — creating the essence of dining in Spain. With a menu boasting over 50 tapas, plus paella and ceviche selections, every dish showcases the freshest seafood and locally sourced ingredients.

Recommended For: Tapas lovers, groups, couples, and anyone seeking an authentic Spanish dining experience with bold flavors and ambiance.

  • Savor an array of small plates like albondigas, lomo de puerco, and chuletas de cordero.
  • Enjoy specialty ceviche selections and traditional paella crafted from fresh seafood.
  • Immerse yourself in a Spanish-inspired setting with arched windows and iron chandeliers.
  • Experience the rich, authentic flavors that made Ceviche a local favorite on Beach Drive.
  • Share a memorable meal with friends or loved ones in an inviting, vibrant space.

Ceviche St. Petersburg, 332 Beach Dr NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727-209-2299

Plan Your Trip