Tampa Bay, Florida

One of the finest seafood restaurants in the entire area, Salt Rock Grill offers everything from raw oysters to lobster tail to Alaskan king crab, as well as other favorites such as steak and veal. Located on the Intercoastal Waterway in Indian Shores, diners can take in spectacular views while enjoying an entrée that was probably swimming in the Gulf of Mexico the day before. Reservations are recommended.

Originally opened in 1956, Bern’s is an internationally renowned steakhouse, and possibly the Tampa Bay area’s best-known restaurant. Bern’s specializes in prime steaks cut-to-order, but also boasts a wine list that numbers over 6,800 labels. Reservations are recommended at Bern’s, sometimes well in advance.

The Columbia traces its roots back to 1905, when the original location was opened in Tampa’s Ybor City, earning it the designation of Florida’s oldest Spanish-themed restaurant. The 1905 salad should kick off every diner’s experience, and can be followed by black bean crab cakes, scallops “casamiro”, or empanadas de picadillo, which are spiced ground beef-filled pastry turnovers with roasted corn and black bean salsa. Columbia has other locations in the area, including some cafes.

In Clearwater Beach, the Beachcomber has been a staple since 1948. Offering both steaks and seafood, the Beachcomber is also known for its fine service and unique touches, such as the relish tray with fresh baked banana bread. The Seafood Mélange is a hit, with its combination of Gulf shrimp, scallops, fresh fish, and Maryland deviled crab cake. Reservations are recommended.

Notorious as much for its stunning sunsets as its fresh grouper sandwich, The Hurricane is a must for any visitor to the Tampa Bay area. Located in the Pass-a-Grille section of St. Pete Beach, The Hurricane offers both indoor and outdoor seating, as well as a rooftop bar to capture picturesque views of both the Gulf of Mexico to the west and the intercoastal waterway to the east. Just across the street from the beach, feel free to come in your beach attire.

Any traveler who makes it to the Clearwater Beach area must stop at one of the four Frenchy’s locations. The Rockaway Grill, directly on Clearwater Beach, is Frenchy’s largest location, and it has basic fare for the entire family, highlighted by the “World Famous Grouper Sandwich.” Don’t worry about dressing up - in fact, you may want to bring your shorts for a game of beach volleyball at the outdoor court just steps from the restaurant.

Ted Peters is a local favorite between mainland St. Petersburg and the Gulf beaches. Famous for its unique smoked fish spread, many diners swing by just to pick some up to augment their own meals or have on hand for snacks. Don’t expect white tablecloths here, as you will probably be sitting on a bench outside. One of the best local secrets in the St. Petersburg area.