This round-up of some of Tampa Bay's most appealing waterfront restaurants was a no-brainer for CL. Yeah, sometimes work and other life happenings stop us from enjoying the unparalleled waterfront views that our home has to offer. But the following guide to everything from casual dining spots to more upscale eateries is a friendly reminder to stop and smell the salt air — especially when what passes for fall comes to the Bay area.
A definitive guide to Tampa Bay's best beachside restaurants
By CL Staff on Sat, Oct 20, 2018 at 8:30 am
Scroll down to view images
Bon Appétit Restaurant
148 Marina Plaza, Dunedin
Downtown Dunedin boasts its share of gems, but this elegant European-American restaurant on the water offers the perfect place to watch sailboats and sunsets.
Photo via Bon Appétit Restaurant
The Canopy
The Birchwood, 340 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg
Driven by breathtaking sights, a sophisticated rooftop lounge overlooking the bay with a delightfully creative drink list and light bites.
Photo via The Birchwood
American Social Bar & Kitchen
The Pointe, 601 S. Harbour Island Blvd. #107, Tampa
AmSo is known for its all-American comfort food, specialty cocktails and big selection of craft beer. That bayfront vantage point ain't half bad, either.
Photo via American Social Bar & Kitchen
Caretta on the Gulf
Sandpearl Resort, 500 Mandalay Ave., Clearwater Beach
Chow down on seasonally inspired cuisine while taking in one-of-a-kind views of the Gulf of Mexico.
Photo via Sandpearl Resort
Marchand’s Bar & Grill
The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club, 501 Fifth Ave. NE, St. Petersburg
Marchand’s take on fine American cuisine accompanies sweeping views of the downtown waterfront.
Photo by Shanna Gillette
Rowe Bar
The Don CeSar, 3400 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach
The nautical-feeling hangout, named after Don CeSar developer Thomas Rowe, offers a coastal-inspired bar bites, local beer and vintage craft cocktails.
Photo via The Don CeSar
Harry’s Beach Bar
Sirata Beach Resort, 5300 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach
Opened in 1983, this renovated waterfront hangout features an updated menu, more open-air bar space and a new coastal-casual design.
Photo via Sirata Beach Resort
Oystercatchers
Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay, 2900 Bayport Drive, Tampa
Like, do you need anymore convincing?
Photo via Oystercatchers
Armani’s
Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay, 2900 Bayport Drive, 14th Floor, Tampa
The food is as wonderful as the views at this top-of-the-line gem.
Photo by Nick Cardello
Sea-Guini
Opal Sands Resort, 430 S. Gulfview Blvd., Clearwater Beach
Views of the gulf inside and out — no matter where you decide to nosh on freshly caught seafood and Italian-inspired dishes.
Photo via Opal Sands Resort
Whiskey Joe’s Bar & Grill
7835 Bayview St., Port Richey
Make the drive to this prime location on the Cotee River that’s just as dreamy as Whiskey Joe’s Tampa.
Photo via Whiskey Joe’s Bar & Grill
Spinners Rooftop Revolving Bistro
Grand Plaza Hotel, 5250 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach
This fine-dining destination provides stellar panoramic views — and, yes, the outer edge of the room spins.
Photo via Spinners Rooftop Revolving Bistro
Crabby's Dockside
37 Causeway Blvd., Clearwater Beach
A three-story restaurant with casual grub and affordable drinks fit for beachy hangs.
Photo via Crabby’s Dockside
The Sail Pavilion
Tampa Convention Center, 333 S. Franklin St., Tampa
See that 360-degree bar on the bustling Riverwalk? Don’t sleep on it.
Photo via The Sail Pavilion
Olde Bay Café
51 Main St., Dunedin.
A popular spot for ultra-fresh seafood, this neighborhood stalwart at the marina has a slammin’ view.
Photo by Kevin Tighe
Toasted Monkey Beach Bar & Sports Grill
6110 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach
You won’t get the clearest gulf vistas, but the casual beachside bar wields its own sort of charm.
Photo via Toasted Monkey Beach Bar & Sports Grill
WTR Pool & Grill
The Godfrey Hotel & Cabanas, 7700 W. Courtney Campbell Causeway, Tampa
The hotel’s new waterfront venue, highlighting a side of poolside luxury, specializes in an elevated take on beach eats.
Photo via The Godfrey Hotel & Cabanas
Paul’s Landing
The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club, 501 Fifth Ave. NE, St. Petersburg
This marina-front, Florida-inspired restaurant — where citrus, seafood and smoked are key elements of the dining experience — is not to be missed.
Photo via The Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club
Castile
The Hotel Zamora, 3701 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach
At least one of CL’s editors got engaged here, and this rooftop bar is tops with us. Ask for a Perfect Manhattan.
Photo via The Hotel Zamora
Bahama Breeze
3045 N. Rocky Point Drive E., Tampa
Yeah, we know. This is one of the only chains on our list, and but think of the view (!).
Photo via Darden Restaurants
Page 1 of 3
Chava Communications
Read our sister publications
© 2024 Creative Loafing Tampa Bay
