Finding a great meal in Saint Petersburg isn’t hard, but discovering a truly memorable one can be. And now, as the city’s dining scene evolves with chef-driven concepts and innovative menus, it’s the perfect time to explore beyond the usual spots. These aren’t just restaurants—they’re experiences crafted by passionate locals, for locals. So if you’re ready to taste the best of St. Pete this year, start with these twelve standouts.
Ted Peters Famous Smoked Fish
$ | (727) 381-7931 | WEBSITE
Ted Peters is their name and smoked fish is their fame. Grab your mahi spread sandwich and frosty root beer from this roadside stand and prepare to be delighted by both tradition and your own insatiable appetite. The sandwich comes with smoked mahi spread, tangy relish, crisp lettuce, toasted bread, and other satisfying fixings.
Bob Evans
$ | (727) 347-4545 | WEBSITE
The homestyle comfort spot in Saint Petersburg is serving up ‘Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner’ classics – three things that everybody needs a bit of right now. Choose from fluffy pancakes, juicy burgers or hearty dinner plates, sides like crispy hash browns, creamy mashed potatoes or fresh garden salad, plus generous portions that often leave some for tomorrow.
Ichiban Japanese Restaurant
$ | (727) 896-1101 | WEBSITE
The Japanese take-out spot has a few different sushi rolls on offer, like the Gator Roll (krab sticks with saucy flavor), or the Clearwater roll, a vegetarian-friendly option with tightly rolled sushi. The Red Dragon Specialty roll is spicy and does not contain mayo, while the Shrimp Volcano and Tuna Tornado round out the tremendous selection. The tuna and salmon nigiri are so fresh that no soy sauce is needed, and the lunch specials provide a lot of food for low prices, around $10–$15 per roll.
During busy periods, they request one hour to prepare orders, but the friendly service and careful packing make it worth the wait. Overall, it’s a go-to spot for good-quality sushi at reasonable prices.
Ha Long Bay Restaurant
$ | (727) 522-9988 | WEBSITE
The dim sum hustle from the team at Ha Long Bay is delivering fresh dumplings cooked perfectly on steaming carts – is anyone having a flashback to a bustling Hong Kong teahouse? – along with sticky rice wrapped in lotus leaves and shrimp dumplings fried to golden perfection.
Harvey’s 4th Street Grill
$ | (727) 821-6516 | WEBSITE
Skip the chicken nuggets and try the fried veggies instead. Harvey’s 4th Street Grill, the beloved 40-year-old St. Pete institution, is serving up hand-breaded classics with homemade dips. There’s crispy golden onion rings, a club sandwich, a bacon cheeseburger, and more. The old-style atmosphere feels comfortably informal, with an older crowd enjoying beers on tap and conversation you can actually hear.
At around $12-18 for mains, it’s reasonably priced comfort food that’s been consistently delicious since the 1980s. The bartender provides friendly service in the strip mall location where parking is plentiful after hours. It’s the kind of kid-friendly local legend where families keep returning for that homemade taste.
Lucky Star Lounge
$ | (727) 327-7359 | WEBSITE
Lucky Star Lounge is essential from this beloved dive bar in St. Pete, and now you can experience its campy, local vibe straight from the bartenders. The relaxed atmosphere is a blend of eclectic collections and themed art decorating the space, and the friendly staff comes with great drink prices, welcoming visitors, and an enjoyable experience. Whether you’re a longtime Madonna fan or just passing through, Lucky Star Lounge offers that signature dive bar charm.
Back Bar
$ | (727) 572-9414 | WEBSITE
The first time we visited Back Bar, our senses awakened to a world where every cocktail felt like a revelation, and the atmosphere buzzed with an electric coolness. Then it happened again on our second visit, and our third, confirming this spot as our go-to for craft cocktails. The Saint Petersburg cocktail haven offers masterfully crafted drinks with impeccable attention to detail, served by bartenders who are both skilled and genuinely attentive.
With its vibey atmosphere and top-notch service, it’s the perfect place for a night out where every sip feels like a celebration.
Chile Verde Restaurant
$ | (727) 800-2679 | WEBSITE
Chile Verde Restaurant is offering a combo with two chorizo burritos and two vegan tacos, house-made cucumber water, and a selection of their signature hot sauces. In case you really need guidance, there’s a helpful staff member ready to explain the spice levels (start mild, work your way up, etc) and you get to grab your own beer from the cooler too. Who said authentic Mexican couldn’t be this convenient?
Lanna Thai and Sushi Restaurant
$ | (727) 545-3057 | WEBSITE
Lanna Thai and Sushi Restaurant is one of the most charming and best dining spots in Saint Petersburg, and you can still enjoy its warmth in your own home. The meal for two comes with a complimentary soup and spring roll, delicious curry, crispy duck with noodles and veggies, and fresh sushi. The atmosphere is beautifully presented with a cozy ambiance, and the service is friendly and attentive.
The portions are perfect for sharing and reasonably priced, making it a delightful experience that keeps customers eager to return.
Steak ‘n Shake
$ | (727) 545-0948 | WEBSITE
Aside from a classic American diner experience, we can’t think of anything more welcome right now than a straightforward burger and shake. Steak ‘n Shake has two different varieties for you to enjoy at their Park Street location: a classic burger and a milkshake. Both come with fries, and the service is great when available, plus a friendly staff.
However, the diner atmosphere is gone, replaced by a self-service style where you must ring yourself out or walk up to a counter, which can be confusing, especially when getting beverages that require scanning a QR code. The fries are not cooked crispy, and the milkshakes have become overpriced. Some say the burger meat tastes like it has been sitting under a heat lamp for a while, and the bathroom cleanliness leaves something to be desired.
Despite these issues, the burgers remain great, and customers appreciate the possibility of improvement with more experience and practice. A touch of old-era music might help enhance the atmosphere, but overall, with some quality control, Steak ‘n Shake could return to being a good value fast food option.
Annex 400 Beach
$ | (727) 896-4400 | WEBSITE
It’s one of Saint Petersburg’s most convenient spots and now Annex 400 Beach is serving you right on Beach Drive. Their quick-bite menu includes the Cuban sandwich with pickles and mustard, acai bowls with fresh fruit and granola, and an affogato for a sweet finish.
Tony’s Pizza
$ | (727) 896-4444 | WEBSITE
Tony’s Pizza, a New York-style pizza joint, is serving up slices that you can grab for a quick bite or settle in to enjoy. Straightforward. The menu includes classics like veggie, Hawaiian, spinach tomato, and meat lovers pizzas, all with that crisp undercarriage. Gluten-free option thoughtfully included.