The Best Food in St. Pete (From a Local): 20 Must-Try Restaurants

Last updated on March 31, 2026

Wondering where the best food in St. Pete can be found? You’ve come to the right place!

In decades past, St. Petersburg, Florida wasn’t well-known for its food scene. It was a sleepy beach town filled with mostly retirees and chain restaurants catering to tourists. But things have changed. It’s now a young, vibrant place with a fast-growing food scene.

Today, there are loads of amazing restaurants in St. Petersburg, FL to visit, from hole-in-the-wall spots only locals know about to waterfront bistros and chic-new restaurants. As a self-proclaimed foodie and born and raised local of St. Petersburg, FL, I’m blown away by what the city has become and am constantly discovering new, delicious restaurants to dine at.

Today, we’re sharing what I feel is the best food in St. Pete, FL. From the “hottest” restaurants in St. Pete to local gems most other St. Pete food blogs don’t cover—this local food guide shares the best of the city!

Things to know about the best food in St. Pete, FL

Before we dive in, here are a few important things to know about restaurants in St. Pete, FL. Reservations are highly recommended whenever dining out in St. Pete. Despite having hundreds of restaurants across the city, most (particularly the good ones) will be fully booked no matter the day of the week.

Casual spots, like Casita, are first-come, first-served, but some spots on this list book weeks out. So, plan accordingly.

We’ll share pricing expectations for each St. Pete restaurant on this list with the following icons. A * indicates farm-to-table and the restaurant uses local or homegrown organic products.

$ – $5 – $10 USD per plate
$$ – $10 – $25 USD per plate
$$$ – $25 – $45 USD per plate
$$$$ – $45 USD + per plate/per fixed menu

Best restaurants in downtown St. Pete

Downtown St. Pete, FL is booming. From the beautiful waterfront area off Beach Drive, the awesome new Pier, and the hip Edge, Warehouse, and Grand Central Districts along Central Ave, this is where most food blogs focus on their dining recommendations.

Since this is where most people are staying nearby or will spend the majority of the time when visiting St. Pete, I’m sharing our top recommendations for the best food in St. Pete in the general downtown area. This includes the smaller neighborhoods that require a roughly five-minute drive to get to.

St. Petersburg Michelin Restaurants

The Michelin Guide finally arrived in St. Petersburg, announcing its recommendations in early 2025. While no restaurants received a star, three St. Petersburg Michelin restaurants are recommended in the Michelin Guide. All three are more upscale, expensive dining experiences. However, they are worth the splurge for a nice meal out in the Sunshine City.

Fortu

Google map the location | Website | Price range: $$$$

Located in the bottom floor of the historic Ponce de Leon hotel, Fortu is a Pan-Asian restaurant in a trendy-chic space. Their menu is influenced by several Asian countries, using local ingredients with an upscale modern-American twist.

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Their milk bread, pork-filled wontons, miso black cod and Potato Mille Feuille are not to be missed. Reservations are highly encouraged, although walk-ins are accepted if there is space!

Sushi Sho Rexley

Google map the location | Website | Price range: $$$$

Sushi Sho Rexley is an intimate omakase restaurant in downtown St. Pete. If you aren’t familiar with omakase, this Japanese dining style gets you a front-row center spot at the chef’s counter with skillfully prepared individual nigiri sushi servings. Each piece of sushi is hand-formed and served individually as part of a larger omakase menu, which can include soups, larger dishes, and other seafood.

If you enjoy seafood and sushi, your dining experience with Chef Rexley Kwok will not disappoint. Walk-ins are not allowed, reservations are required, and they should be booked weeks in advance.

Il Ritorno

Google map the location | Website | Price range: $$$$

Il Ritorno is one of St. Pete’s longest-standing high-end restaurants. Owner and Executive Chef, David Benstock, was somewhat of a celebrity chef after beating Bobby Flay with his Short Rib Mezzaluna. This dish, which can be found on the menu along with other beautifully crafted handmade pasta and incredible steaks, is an homage to upscale Italian cuisine.

We visited for a birthday dinner and enjoyed everything we ordered, although the Mezzaluna pasta with truffle Fonduta, concentrated tomatoes, and chives was the shining star. The chef updates the menu regularly, introducing new, creative dishes with global influence and is definitely serving up some of the best food in St. Pete.

If you’re up for it, order their pre fixe menu. We recently enjoyed the spring menu, which was outstanding!

Calida Kitchen & Wine

Google map the location | Website | Price range: $$$

Calida Kitchen & Wine is arguably the best restaurant in St. Pete right now. This tiny spot, which seats less than 30 people, has a seasonally crafted menu with flavors from across the globe. It’s quaint, it’s intimate, and has some of the best food in St. Pete!

Located in the Crescent Heights neighborhood, it’s not a spot you’d visit unless you know about it. But once you know, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better restaurant for a special dining experience. It’s on the pricier side, so you may want to save this for a date night or a splurge dinner, but it’s worth it. Calida Kitchen & Wine is open Thursday through Saturday and books out weeks in advance. So, make a reservation.

Brick & Mortar

Google map the location | Facebook (call to reserve) | Price range: $$-$$$

One of the best places to eat in St. Petersburg, FL is Brick & Mortar. Brick & Mortar has been our go-to spot for a nicer meal in downtown St. Pete for years because it’s consistently delicious and has a seasonally changing menu.

I’ve tried almost everything on their menu and am never disappointed. A go-to for me is their truffle parmesan fries, B&M burger, ahi tuna appetizer, and flat noodles. All pasta is made in-house, along with most other ingredients used in their meals. I promise this spot won’t disappoint.

Bin6South

Google map the location | Website | Price range: $$$

Bin6South is another fine-dining restaurant in downtown St. Pete. It’s tiny with just a single 6-top table and a small bar that can seat another six guests. The restaurant owner used this historic house as an apartment when she was on call as a Doctor for the hospital nearby. Now that she’s retired she has turned it into one of the best restaurants in St. Pete.

The menu is new-age American with European inspiration. You’ll find an ever-changing seasonal menu with only a few starters, main courses, and dessert options. But what it lacks in menu size, it makes up for in quality.

We tried everything on the menu on our last trip and were absolutely blown away! Due to the size of the restaurant, reservations are required. Don’t be surprised when you’re seated with strangers if your group is fewer than six people. Although we enjoyed this communal form of eating.

Allelo

Google map the location | Website | Price range: $$-$$$

Allelo is the only spot on this list of St. Petersburg’s top restaurants along the charming Beach Drive of downtown St. Pete. This area is known for its trendy restaurants oozing with ambiance and loads of outdoor seating. But honestly, most restaurants on this street have subpar food.

Allelo is one of the few restaurants on this strip to defy this rule, serving delicious food with a fantastic ambiance. The restaurant serves “Mediterranean-Agean” food, think pasta, salads with loads of fresh veggies, and grilled seafood and meats.

Their bar is what Florida dreams are made of with an amazing cocktail menu. This spot is very popular for brunch as well! Must-order items are the steak tartar and the orange olive oil cake. It’s a family recipe!

Casita

Google map the location | Website | Price range: $

Finding authentic tacos in St. Pete is sadly a losing venture. After spending a year and a half traveling across Mexico, we have high standards for what we feel is authentic Mexican cuisine. The good news? It’s not hard to find delicious Tex-Mex or American-inspired Mexican restaurants here.

And our favorite is none other than Casita Taqueria. Casita has three locations in St. Pete with the Central Ave location in the Grand Central District being its first and flagship restaurant.

Their tacos are always on point with fresh corn tortillas, homemade salsas, and unique fillings. Dennis also loves their burritos and queso is a non-negotiable if you’re coming here.

Lolita’s

Google map the location | Website | Price range: $$-$$$

Lolita’s is 100% a hidden gem. It was once a spot only locals visited, but it’s slowly becoming a top restaurant in St. Pete for tourists alike. The restaurant calls itself a tapas restaurant, but don’t expect to find traditional Spanish tapas on its menu.

Lolita’s serves delicious small plates, dips, and salads using flavors from the Middle East and Europe. They also have an amazing meat and cheese selection. It recently reopened in a new location in the Historic Train Station next to the Morean Center for Clay on the southside and definitely has some of the best food in St. Pete!

Olivia

Google map the location | Website | Price range: $$

If I’m craving a delicious meal in downtown St. Pete that won’t break the bank but will deliver on quality, I’m going to Olivia’s. This Italian restaurant is the second location, with the original Olivia’s being in Tampa. Their food is fantastic, with all pasta and pizza dough made in-house daily, but the star of the show is their lasagna. They make less than 40 of these dishes daily, and when they sell out they are gone.

Instead of the traditional layered lasagna, they roll it into a massive pinwheel. It’s stuffed with béchamel, Italian sausage, and a rich 24-hour ragu made with veal, sausage, and beef. Somehow, it manages to be both comforting and outrageously delicious.

Trophy Fish

Google map the location | Website | Price range: $$

Located on the sought-after Central Ave in the Grand Central District, Trophy Fish is our top pick for fresh seafood in St. Pete. Hidden behind grape leaves, this nautical-inspired restaurant gives all the vibes. They only serve the freshest seafood fresh off the boat that morning, which can be enjoyed in a sandwich, platter, or as a part of their changing specials.

I highly recommend coming for happy hour. Their cocktails are awesome (Pistachio Mai Thai anyone?) and they serve $1 oysters when in season!

Cappy’s Pizza

Google map the location | Website | Price range: $$

Cappy’s Pizza is everything you could want out of a pizza restaurant. Located in a historic home near the Kenwood neighborhood, it’s got charm with a laid-back family feel. Serving New York-style and Chicago deep-dish pizza, it’s a no-frills spot to get fantastic pie.

We come here at least once a week and while we’re normally thin-crust pizza people, their deep dish is what dreams are made of. We’ve tried several deep-dish pizzas in world-renowned spots in Chicago, and still prefer Cappy’s.

Sauvignon Wine Locker & American Trattoria

Google map the location | Website | Price range: $$$-$$$$

Sauvignon Wine Locker & American Trattoria is in the heart of downtown in a historic building above the bars of Central Ave. It’s the last place you’d expect to find a fine-dining restaurant like this, but don’t let its unique location deter you.

This European-inspired restaurant is known for its expansive wine menu and fantastic menu. While it’s on the higher end of the dining spectrum, it’s worth the splurge!

They have fantastic steak, grilled meats, house-made pasta, and a wide seafood selection. We tried their scallop appetizer which has a spicy brava sauce and was a work of art. Perfectly cooked with just enough heat, and the presentation was stunning. We also love their duck confit risotto and their charcuterie boards!

🍷 The in-house sommelier can help pair the right wine with your meal. He recommended three different wines for each course,e which paired beautifully. Not only do they have some of the best food in St. Pete, but I love getting to try new wines that are normally out of my comfort zone with the pairings.

This spot is perfect for date night or a special occasion. Just note, it’s a small restaurant, so reservations are recommended!

Honorable mentions for downtown St. Pete restaurants

Here are a few great restaurants that didn’t make the list of best restaurants in St. Petersburg, FL, but are still worthy of visiting.

• Barbouni (oysters and tinned fish from Europe and drinks)
• Pulpo (new concept by Brick and Mortar)
• The Urban Stillhouse (upscale dinner + drinks)
• Baba Restaurant (dinner + drinks)
• Wild Child (dinner + drinks)
• Bodega (lunch or dinner known for Cuban sandwiches)
• Slim Charmer (Martini bar + small bites from the owners of Wild Child)
• In Between Days (dinner + drinks)
• Uptown Eats (breakfast)
• Trip’s Diner (breakfast)
• Stella’s (breakfast)
• Bandit (breakfast and lunch)
• Pete’s Bagels (breakfast)

Best restaurants in the rest of St. Pete

Most people search for the best restaurants in downtown St. Pete because it’s close to major hotels and attractions, and is just an overall vibe. But there are many other fantastic dining options outside the Central Ave and downtown core.

Often, the best food in St. Pete requires a short drive from the foodie hub of downtown St. Pete. But, it’s more than worth it for these St. Petersburg top restaurants.

Pias Trattoria

Google map the location | Website | Price range: $$

Pia’s Trattoria is in the heart of downtown Gulfport and is consistently voted the best Italian restaurant in St. Petersburg, FL. Its ambiance is what lures people in, at both the Veranda restaurant (next door) and its flagship restaurant, the Trattoria. Think dimly lit outdoor patio with live music, dripping candles, and huge bowls of pasta.

They make several pastas in-house, along with their sauces, and choose responsibly raised, antibiotic-free meats to accompany their dishes. Despite being off the beaten path for tourists, locals love this spot. No matter what day of the week it is, expect Pia’s to be packed.

Mazzaros Italian Market

Google map the location | Website | Price range: $

Mazzaro’s Italian Market is an institution in St. Petersburg. It’s been on countless TV shows, has nearly 9,000 reviews on Google and still has a 4.8-star rating! It’s one of the few spots loved by visitors and locals alike thanks to having some of the best food in St. Pete. Their deli area, which is constantly packed with people, has amazing subs and our favorite Italian sandwich in the city for around $9 to $10.

On top of that, it has a huge selection of in-house meals like lasagna, pasta salad, chicken and fish, and many other goodies. It’s not just their deli though. They have a cheese room, a huge wine area, someone making fresh pasta constantly, a frozen section to stock up on your favorite items, and a fresh bakery with all the Italian goodies you can want. I love their cannolis and enjoy getting a coffee at the counter on a slow day.

It’s a perfect stop to grab some delicious food for a beach day! The entire place is an experience. All food is first come first serve, just grab a number at the deli and wait for your turn. You can also sit outside and enjoy a meal on the patio.

Lajawab Indian Cuisine

Google map the location | Website | Price range: $$

Lajawab is without a doubt the best Indian food in the St. Pete area. Run by Chefs Somi and Abhi, they are bringing authentic Indian food to the Lealman neighborhood. They cut no corners with their food, making all of their own spice blends from whole spices, making their curries, and breads in-house. Everything we had was amazing, but our favorite dishes are the Malai Kofta and Saag Paneer. The dumplings are hand-formed daily and the softest, most flavorful things I’ve ever eaten!

Alesia Restaurant

Google map the location | Website | Price range: $$

Alesia’s is a French, Chinese, and Vietnamese fusion restaurant located in the Pasadena area of St. Petersburg, FL. This spot blends the cultures beautifully, offering rich and flavorful bowls of Pho along with Báhn Mi, dumplings, and more French-inspired dishes like Lobster Bisque and Paté Chaud.

There aren’t many great restaurant options in this area of St. Pete, so a restaurant as good as Alesia’s is a treat. Walk-ins are welcome, although reservations are recommended on the weekends with indoor and outdoor seating.

Pipos Cuban Cafe

Google map the location | Website | Price range: $$

Bodega on Central Ave in the Warehouse District gets all the attention on most St. Pete food blogs. But if you want the best Cuban food, you need to go to Pipos Cuban Cafe.

Located on Bay Pines as you’re headed to the beaches or Seminole, Pipos is off the beaten path. But it’s well worth the drive. Dennis has tried every Cuban sandwich in St. Pete (and parts of Tampa) and without question believes Pipos is the best. It’s third-generation owned and operated, with the original Pipo’s Cuban Cafe being in operation since 1979.

Their mojo pork is slow-roasted each night and is so darn good. My favorite item, though, is the Frito Cubano. This sandwich is a mixture of chorizo and beef, topped with cheese, onions, and potato fries. It’s perfectly crunchy, packed with flavor, and so decadent.

Hookin’ Ain’t Easy

Google map the location | Price range: $$

Hookin’ Ain’t Easy is an assuming spot in the south side of St. Pete near Gulfport. Its rundown exterior and seafood market may deter some visitors, but once you step into the palm-lined backyard, you’re transported to a new place entirely.

Their menu is small, focused on locally fresh-caught seafood served with traditional sides. Everything comes from a food truck with outdoor seating only and an awesome tiki bar that provides all the vibes. This is the spot to visit if you want a good grouper sandwich.

The Crumb Factory

Google map the location | Website | Price range: $$

The Crumb Factory is on Central Ave but not in the highly coveted area near the Edge and Grand Central Districts. Instead, this small breakfast spot is off the beaten path sprinkled between small businesses, offices, and apartments near 58th St.

If you want a mean breakfast heavy on pastries, this is the spot for you. We just discovered The Crumb Factory and go at least once a week. Their croissants are out of this world, and everything from their cruffins, quiches, and sourdough will knock you off your feet.

There you have it, the best food in St. Pete. A list of 20 restaurants doesn’t truly showcase the flavor of St. Pete. There are several great restaurants in areas outside of St. Pete city limits, including Pinellas Park and St. Pete Beach, that aren’t mentioned here, but this is a great place to start. Let me know if you’ve tried any of these spots or if you feel I forgot the best food in St. Pete in the comments below!