Since much of my recent “travel” has involved going from the couch to the bed, I have had to get creative in how I explore my surroundings. My solution? Eating locally.
I generally make an effort to eat locally when I travel, like when I visited Savannah, Georgia, and Charleston, South Carolina, last year, and since quarantine started, I’ve actively tried to eat locally at home. Yes, it’s easier to just order Domino’s than actually evaluate restaurants, but not only does eating locally often yield better food – you also get to support a small business.
So where should you eat in St. Petersburg, Florida (within easy driving distance of Tampa)? These are the top 10 local restaurants that I enjoyed in the last year:
- Stella’s. This is a great spot for those of you looking for some Southern comfort food. I’d recommend going for breakfast and brunch, though you can expect to wait! They’re known for their bloody marys – you can get a flight to try several.
- Taco Dirty. They’re managed by the local Ciccio Restaurant Group, whose restaurants I love. When they opened up a St. Pete location, I knew we had to try them. I would highly recommend building your own bowl – especially with the pineapple pork!
- Noble Crust. Southern and Italian may not seem like a winning combination, but they make it work. This is one of my favorite places to bring people visiting the area. I highly recommend trying the ricotta gnocchi and the peanut butter pie.
Noble Crust 
Teak 
Teak
- Teak. Get your seafood fix on the St. Pete pier! They’re a little on the pricier end, but this is the perfect spot to celebrate a birthday or other occasion. Try to score a seat by the window to enjoy some amazing views of the bay.
- Sea Dog Cantina. While created by the folks behind Sea Dog Brewing, this is their only cantina. The Mexican-inspired food was tasty, and we really enjoyed sitting out on their patio. (Bonus: it’s right next door to Stella’s!)
- The Mill. Located in downtown St. Pete, The Mill is a great way to kick off your day or end your evening. Their menu is Southern-inspired, and I’ve yet to have something I didn’t like. Definitely order one of their cocktails and don’t skip dessert.
The Mill 
The Mill 
The Mill
- The Big Catch at Salt Creek. Definitely a hidden gem, this spot oozes an “old Florida” vibe. Their seafood tastes incredibly fresh, and the prices are reasonable for the portion sizes. Feel free to drive your boat up. 😉
- Casita Taqueria. They have three locations in St. Pete for you to enjoy their expansive menu of authentic Mexican favorites. It’s no wonder they’ve been voted Best of the Bay four years in a row.
- Patti’s Kitchen. This Thai restaurant is a little tucked away, but you’ll be glad you made the trip. We were convinced to visit this place by their amazing reviews, and we were not disappointed. I can’t wait to go back!
Patti’s Kitchen 
Patti’s Kitchen 
The Library
- The Library. I’ve already sung my praises for The Library, so it’s no surprise I made a visit this year. I always recommend their pancakes or french toast for brunch, though I still need to try their dinner.
I, of course, have some other local favorites, like Red Mesa Mercado and Bodega, but the restaurants listed here have proven to be shining stars over the past year – six of them I visited for the first time! St. Pete is brimming with great eats; you just have to get out and try them.