10 Restaurants You Must Try In Downtown St. Pete | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

10 Restaurants You Must Try In Downtown St. Pete

Thai-Mex or Ribs? We have both.

14366
10 Restaurants You Must Try In Downtown St. Pete
pexels.com

Right now I feel like a fraud. I am drinking a Starbucks latte when I should be drinking a delicous and healthy concoction from Karma Juice Bar. Yes, I'll keep drinking my occasional Starbucks favorites but I do know a thing or two about eating and drinking closer to home...

Growing up in the beautiful town of St. Petersburg, Florida, I am proud to say that I learned how to #EatLocal. There are so many quaint places developed by small business owners that have flourished in the ever expanding Downtown area. These are my "Top 10 Essential Places" to eat at if you find yourself driving down Beach Drive or Central Avenue anytime soon...

1. Cassis American Brasserie

A subtle twist of French cuisine and easy American dining is what Cassis represents. The atmosphere of Cassis resembles that of the French Riviera in the 1930s, with its comfortable outdoor seating. This is a place where you are welcome to leisurelyenjoy Sunday brunch. Located in walking distance of everything else there is in Downtown, you'll easily find yourself in the path of this local favorite as waiters weave in and out of onlookers. I recommend trying the Brioche French Toast, with its assortment of fresh fruit and homemade mascarpone whipped cream.

2. Karma Juice Bar & Eatery

There was a need for acai bowls in Downtown St. Pete, and Karma has successfully fulfilled it. A recent addition to the area, it opened in 2015 by a mother/daughter duo who have since added additional square footage by expanding next door. Most visitors opt for their trademark acai bowls (my favorite is the Indulge because, well, chocolate) but if you need a hearty lunch they serve deliciously fresh salads and grilled paninis.

3. Z Grille

Z Grille has options for everyone. Even the picky eaters, trust me! From pork belly sandwiches, burgers, wings and waffles, to sea scallops-Chef Zack has got you covered. My personal favorite appetizer that I chow down on with my Dad and sister are the Dr. Pepper Ribs.

4. Gratzzi Italian Grille

Voted best Italian restaurant in St. Petersburg, Gratzzi is a staple in the Downtown community. It's the best place to take pasta lovers and seafood lovers alike, too. The service and atmosphere make Gratzzi the perfect choice for a Saturday night dinner with the family, or famiglia, as they say in Italian. Order the Bada Bing! for a special cheesy surprise.

5. King's Street Food Counter

As someone on Yelp recently explained, eating at King's is a great way to "get out of a food rut." They serve spins on classic American eats-like 16 hot dogs MANY different ways. The Zimmer has chopped bacon, jalapenos, blue cheese crumbles; while the Sleepy Dog packs on a breakfast bacon and egg combo. On. A. Hot dog. Besides the vast menu, King's is named after owner Stephen Schrutt's adorable English bulldog, King. King's is both human and four-legged friend approved.

6. The Avenue Eat + Drink

It's not just a regular sports bar, it's a cool sports bar, with cozy booths, too. The Avenue is another genius creation of Stephen Schrutt'sin the Downtown area. Start out with some truffle cheese tots to split among your pals and then choose your pick of an entree. I suggest trying one of their famous burgers! Get here early in the evening because this place is bound to get busy fast.

7. Nitally's ThaiMex Cuisine

Nitally's is a hop and a skip away from Downtown and is near Tropicana Field, home to the Rays. It is so good that I recommend driving down Central Avenue to get there. Nitally's (Nit is from Thailand while Ally is from Mexico) offers a mix of the best Mexican and Thai food. My favorite dishes to order are the Lettuce Chicken Wraps (thai peanut sauce!) or the Chicken Pineapple Pizza.

8. The Wooden Rooster

You don't have to take a trip to France to have wonderfully hand-crafted crepes! The Wooden Rooster is nestled in the heart of Downtown St. Pete and is your destination for the best loaded, flaky crepes. They even have options for Gluten Free or Vegan customers. Sweet or savory, there is plenty to choose from here. I recommend trying the Apple Melt (chicken, spinach, caramelized apples, and brie cheese) or the Smores.

9. The Hangar Restaurant & Flight Lounge

Downtown St. Pete also has its own spot for take off. The Albert Whitted Airport is a public-use airport located in the southeastern part of town overlooking Tampa Bay. The place to watch the planes while grabbing some brunch is at The Hangar Restaurant. Pre-Flight, enjoy smoked gouda stuffed meatballs or caprese skewers. For a main dish, you can't go wrong with their pulled pork sandwich or bacon wrapped meatloaf.

10. The Moon Under Water

Indian curry dishes and British Colonial cuisine in the form of traditional fish and chips are two favorites at The Moon Under Water. When the weather is right, sit outside on their patios like the locals do. Not only do they serve curries and chips, but they have every type of sandwich imaginable. From roasted Cubans to veggie burgers, The Moon Under Water makes it hard to pick just one item. Personally, the roasted Cuban is mouthwatering with a side of the most well-seasoned black beans and rice I've ever had.


Yes, there are sooo many more delicious restaurants in St. Pete to try! I wish I could list them all, but start with these and just walk around Downtown and you will wind up finding even more options to try.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

193720
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

16964
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

459401
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

27489
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments