If you’ve stumbled across this guide, it likely means you are visiting or planning a trip to the happiest place on earth – no, not Disney, but St. Petersburg, Florida! Welcome to our Sunshine City, we’re glad you’re here. This guide has been highly requested so I’m THRILLED to share my ultimate St. Petersburg, Florida travel guide with you today!
Restaurants:
The Sunshine City is full of incredible restaurants! There are new spots popping up each week, but here are a few of my tried-and-true favorites. Eating is one of my favorite things to do, so this list is very comprehensive. You can’t go wrong with whatever you pick from this list of St. Petersburg, Florida restaurants.
Italian:
- Bellabrava – Arguably my favorite restaurant in St. Pete. My family always celebrates big events like birthdays, graduations, etc. here. It’s also where you can find us most Friday nights! Favorite dishes include Ravoli Genovese, Bella Bruschetta, Pasta Brava, Stuffed Gnocchi alla Vodka, and Cacio e Pepe. We also love their sangria and pistachio cannolis!
- Il Ritorno – The bucatini pomodoro is one of the best pasta dishes I’ve ever had (and I’ve been to Italy !!). Highly recommend stopping in on Tuesday between 5-7pm for their special – 50% of all pastas! P.S. this list is an amazing guide to happy hours in St. Pete – just call to confirm the specials are current!
American:
- Oak & Stone – Great atmosphere if you love beer and pizza! This restaurant has a beer wall where you can pour your own glass. The selection is fantastic!
- The Avenue – A great place to catch a game! The food is delicious too – I’m a big fan of the truffle tots. They have some great specials so be sure to check those out!
- Cassis – Cassis is one of my favorite spots to grab brunch. The French café seating next to beach drive makes this the perfect atmosphere. Ask them if they have the orange mini muffins – they’re life changing! I usually go for the croissant sandwich and a mimosa pitcher. Check out the bakery next door for some yummy macaroons and coffee.
- The Library – Another brunch favorite! The Library is also great with reservations so check out OpenTable before you go. I’m a big fan of the breakfast flatbread. The Library is one of the most stunning restaurants in St. Pete indoors. It actually looks like a library on the inside!
- 2nd & Second – The yummiest breakfast spot with EVERYTHING you could ever want! The bird in a hole fried chicken sandwich is one of my fave chicken sammies EVER.
- Datz – A great go-to dinner spot! I always order the April in Paris sandwich with the yummy chips on the side.
Mexican:
- Red Mesa Cantina – A 3 story restaurant full of great drinks & even better food! The Strawberry Mint and Hot Carlos margaritas are my favorites. I love coming here at night for dinner and heading up to the roof for drinks after.
- Red Mesa Mercado – Owned by the same company as Cantina, Mercado is a go-to spot for me! I love to bring my dog, Winston here and then hop next door to grab a drink at Green Bench. I always order the street tacos, chicken Fernandez bowl, or the taco salad.
- Casita Taqueria – An awesome casual taco spot!
- Grand Hacienda – One of our favorite spots for a yummy Mexican brunch. We recently ordered takeout for my whole family for my mom’s birthday from here and it was seamless! The food was delicious and everyone was happy with what they ordered.
French:
- Wooden Rooster: Wooden Rooster has delicious crepes, both sweet and savory!
- Left Bank Bistro: Incredible French food and brunch here. I love ordering a croque madame. They also have incredible cocktails!
Casual:
- Fresh Kitchen: My go-to spot for a healthy, quick dinner after a workout. Sweet potato noodles, green rice, and the broccoli are consistent faves of mine.
- Better Byrd: Yummy casual food – I love the truffle fries and the motherclucker sandwich!
- Trips Diner
- Taco Dirty
Asian:
- Hook’s Sushi – the best sushi in St. Pete! I love the shaggy dog, TST, and never say never rolls!
- Nitally’s – Thai-Mex fusion food! My favorite thing to get there is the chipotle pad thai. I also love the salsa there!
- The Lure – great spot for sushi and good atmosphere! The lava drops appetizer is so good I could order 3 plates 😉
Other:
- Wild Child – great brunch and great cocktails! Been wanting to try for dinner.
- Baba on Central – Great Greek food with the cutest decor and atmosphere!
- Bodega – my favorite Cuban food in town!
Bars:
Great cocktails:
Great views:
- Canopy at the Birchwood – frosé is the best and the views are even better!
- Pier Teaki Rooftop – awesome newer spot with great margaritas
- No Vacancy – fun tiki drinks and a great atmosphere
Fun going out spots:
- Pour Judgement – shots bar with a HUGE menu
- Park & Rec – lots of fun games!
- Copper Shaker – great cocktails and fun atmosphere
- One Night Stand – my personal favorite, a country bar
- Macdinton’s
- Yard of Ale
- Five Bucks Drinkery
- The Garden
- Ferg’s
Breweries:
Wine:
- Try Wine – pour your own glass wine bar
- Webb’s City Cellar
Coffee:
- Bandit – has the best breakfast sandwiches ever – go for the bacon egg and cheese!
- Blush Coffee & Tea
- The Bikery – coffee and bikes! Great cold brew
- Flatbread & Butter
- The Driftwood
- The Blend – a new favorite spot for coffee! I like working there too.
Bagels & Bakeries:
- Pete’s General – the best bagels!
- Valhalla Bakery. – yummiest desserts with lots of vegan options
- Cassis Bakery – delicious macaroons and pastries
Beach spots:
Green Spaces:
Things to Do:
- Indie Flea
- Saturday Morning Market
- Yoga Poolside at the Hollander
- Sunken Gardens
- Take a spin class with Rush Cycle or Central Cycling
- Get a blowout at Sip & Dry Blow Dry Bar
- Visit the St. Pete Pier
Accommodations:
- The Hollander – the pool is one of my favorites! I love going for poolside yoga on the weekends and renting a cabana poolside. Their brunch is amazing!
- Avalon St. Petersburg – cute local hotel with a retro aesthetic
- The Vinoy – a stunning pink historic hotel located next to Beach Drive in the middle of everything!
- Don Cesar – another one of St. Pete’s famous pink hotels! A stunning historic hotel located right on the beach. Also, a premium photoshoot location!
- Birchwood – a great hotel located on Beach Drive! The rooftop bar, Canopy, is one of my favorite places to grab a frosé and take in the views!
- Postcard Inn – A super fun beach spot that turns into quite the party on the weekends! I love the retro surf-style decor.
