23 Best St. Pete Downtown Restaurants [A Local’s Guide]
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St. Petersburg, Florida is a foodie paradise, with a wide range of options to suit every taste and budget.
I’ve lived here for almost three years and I’m only five minutes away from downtown, so I’ve been able to explore all the amazing restaurants that downtown St. Pete has to offer.
Trying new restaurants is one of my favorite pastimes. Any other foodies here!?
If you’re traveling to St. Pete soon, here is the inside scoop on the best downtown St. Pete restaurants, and I’d love to help with that.
From cozy cafes to upscale fine dining, there are so many amazing options to choose from.
I’m excited to share my top picks with you!
Best St. Pete Downtown Restaurants
The Best Breakfast in Downtown St. Pete
1 . THE LIBRARY
$$-$$$ | View Website
This is a great brunch location! A little bit more expensive but worth the visit for the unique interior space.
Located in the Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, FL, this restaurant pays tribute to the partnership between Johns Hopkins and George Peabody.
The interior, of course, is a Library!
Address: 600 5th Street South St. Petersburg, Florida 33701
Contact: 727-369-9969
Hours: Mon- Thurs: 10 am-3 pm, 5 pm-9 pm
Fri: 10 am-3 pm, 5 pm-10 pm
Sat: 9 am-4 pm, 5:30-10 pm
Sun: 9 am-4 pm
✨ Reserve Your Table! ✨
2. THE MAPLE STREET BISCUIT COMPANY
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Where are my breakfast girlies at!? This is a must-try.
All of their dishes are made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
On their menu, you’ll find breakfast biscuits loaded with bacon, egg, and cheese to sweet treats like their iced cinnamon biscuits.
The restaurant also has a cozy interior and very friendly staff, making it the perfect spot to relax, chat, and enjoy a delicious breakfast.
This is one of my favorite breakfast restaurants in downtown St. Pete. My go-to dish is the Five and Dime.
Address: 662 Central Ave St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Contact: (727) 290-6211
Hours: Mon-Fri: 7 am – 2 pm
Sat-Sun: 7am-3pm
✨ Plan Your Visit! ✨
3. UPTOWN EATS
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This fast-casual restaurant is perfect for a quick bite before exploring downtown.
Uptown Eats serves breakfast and lunch that’s all made fresh in-house
Check it out for the unique and delicious menu, friendly and inviting atmosphere, convenient location, and affordable menu prices.
Address: 689-D Dr. MLK Jr. St. N St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Contact: (727) 810-3287
Hours: Mon: 7am-noon (breakfast only)
Wed-Fri: 7am-2pm
Sat-Sun: 8am-2pm (breakfast only)
✨ Plan Your Visit! ✨
4. FLIP CREPES AND WAFFLES
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Dessert for breakfast anyone?
This restaurant is the perfect way to start your day for anyone with a sweet tooth.
The menu consists of sweet and savory crepes and pancakes, as well as other breakfast items such as omelets, waffles, and breakfast sandwiches.
So many options!
Address: 625 Central Ave Saint Petersburg, Florida 33701
Contact: (727) 954-0788
Hours: Wed-Mon: 9:30 am – 5 pm
✨ Plan Your Visit! ✨
5. SOCIAL ROOST
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Voted People’s Choice Best Restaurant in 2023, Social Roost is a must-try when you visit St. Pete.
They have a globally inspired menu and truly have something for everyone.
This restaurant is good for breakfast, lunch, or dinner but I especially love their brunch!
Address: 150 1st Avenue NorthSt. Petersburg, FL 33701
Contact: (727) 202-6113
Hours: Tues-Thurs: 11 am-9 pm
Fri: 11 am – 10 pm
Sat: 10 am-10 pm
Sun: 10 am-9 pm
✨ Reserve Your Table! ✨
The Best Lunch in Downtown St. Pete
6. ANNEX 400 BEACH
$-$$ | View Website
Some may think this is an interesting choice for this list.
You can go here and get food, a bottle of wine, a St Pete t-shirt, and a fruit smoothie.
Just a little bit of everything!
When I’m in downtown St. Pete and am looking for a quick, cheap bite, I stop here and grab a Cuban sandwich.
Address: 400 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Contact: (727) 896-4400
Hours: Everyday: 8am – 8pm
✨ Plan Your Visit ✨
7. OAK & STONE
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I can’t recommend Oak & Stone enough. It is one of the best downtown St. Pete downtown restaurants.
It’s a pizza restaurant with a serve-yourself beer wall – you read that right.
Even if there’s a wait, you won’t care because you can serve yourself a beer!
A great place for game day or Sunday brunch and bottomless mimosas in the heart of downtown St. Pete.
You have to get the fried pickles and my favorite pizza there is the Sweet Heat.
Address: 199 Central Avenue St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Contact: 727-565-4064
Hours: Sun: 10am – 11pm
Mon – Thurs: 11am – 11pm
Fri: 11am – 12am
Sat: 10am – 12am
✨ Plan Your Visit ✨
8. SPA BEACH BISTRO
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If I’m looking for a casual and affordable option when I’m on the St. Pete Pier, I head to Spa Beach Bistro.
I’ll stop to grab a pizza, and a cocktail and head to the tables by the beach to eat with a view with live music in the background.
It’s located right next to the splash pad, so a great place to relax and unwind with your family while enjoying some live music and drinks with a view.
Address: 501 2nd Ave NE St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Contact: (727) 623-9877
Hours: Sun: 10am – 10pm
Mon – Thurs: 11am – 9pm
Fri: 11am – 11am
Sat: 10am – 11am
✨ Plan Your Visit ✨
9. NAKED FARMER
$$ | View Website
This restaurant serves locally-sourced and seasonal food.
They collaborate with small and medium-sized farmers in the area so their food is always fresh.
Their harvest bowls are delicious!
Address: 200 Central Ave #150 St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Contact: (727) 826-0338
Hours: Mon –Thurs: 11am–9:30pm
Fri–Sat: 11am–10pm, Sun: 12pm-9pm
✨ Plan Your Visit ✨
10. STILLWATERS TAVERN
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Also collaborating with local farmers, this restaurant’s focus is on classic American dishes with a unique twist.
Check it out for a delicious dining experience with beautiful views of the bay.
Address: 224 Beach Drive Northeast St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Contact: (727)-350-1019
Hours: Mon –Thurs: 11:30am – 10pm
Fri: 11:30am – 11pm
Sat: 11am – 11pm
Sun: 11am – 9pm
✨ Reserve Your Table! ✨
11. HAWKERS
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Hawkers, located in the EDGE district of St. Petersburg, is the perfect spot for anyone looking for delicious Asian street food!
Used to be an underground ballet studio, Hawkers has repurposed the space to create a one-of-a-kind dining experience.
My boyfriend works as an Account Executive for a restaurant software company which is how we discovered this gem.
The atmosphere is warm and inviting, perfect for a cozy evening or a quick lunch.
Address: 1235 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33705
Contact: (727) 521-7253
Hours: Mon –Thurs: 11:30am – 10pm
Fri: 11:30am – 11pm
Sat: 11am – 11pm
Sun: 11am – 9pm
✨ Plan Your Visit! ✨
The Best Dinner in Downtown St. Pete
12. TROPEZ
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Tropez is a cute hole-in-the-wall cocktail bar that’s a great place for a dinner with a few girlfriends or a date night.
Their menu consists of dishes from around the world in a relaxed and sophisticated atmosphere.
Sounds weird but my favorite dish here is the Root Beer Braised Short Ribs.
This restaurant is located on Central Ave where there are shops, desserts, and cafes to explore before or after your meal.
Address: 437 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Contact: (727) 898-4300
Hours: Wed-Thurs: 4pm-10pm
Fri: 4pm-12am
Sat: 11am-12am
Sun: 11am-3:30pm
✨ Plan Your Visit! ✨
13. RED MESA CANTINA
$$ | View Website
I couldn’t decide whether to put this in the dinner or breakfast section because both are delicious.
This is one of my go to downtown St. Pete restaurants. This local favorite consists of a mix of Latin and Caribbean foods.
Its beautiful outdoor patio provides a great dining experience on a warm Florida day
Address: 128 3rd St S, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Contact: (727) 896-8226
Hours: Mon-Thurs: 11am-10pm
Fri- Sat: 11am-11pm
Sun: 11am-9pm
✨ Plan Your Visit! ✨
14. BRICK AND MORTAR
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If you’re looking for a cozy and inviting restaurant in downtown St. Pete, stop in at the local favorite, Brick and Mortar!
They offer rustic cuisine with refined flavors, like my favorite braised short ribs, all made with fresh, local ingredients.
It’s a cozy, cafe-style restaurant with outdoor seating that serves seasonal New American cuisine, wines, and craft beer.
Address: 539 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Contact: (727) 822-6540
Hours: Tues: 5pm-9pm
Wed-Thurs: 5pm-10pm
Fri-Sat: 4:30pm-11pm
Sun-Mon: Closed
✨ Plan Your Visit! ✨
15. Bella Brava
$$ | View Website
Bella Brava is a great option to get your Italian food fix. I love sitting on the patio with my chicken parmesan and a glass of wine.
It’s a unique upscale restaurant on Bay View Blvd with views of the water.
It’s located across from the St. Pete Pier so you can go for an after-dinner stroll once you fill up on all the carbs.
Address: 204 Beach Dr NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Contact: (727) 895-5515
Hours: Sun-Thurs: 11:30am-10pm
Fri-Sat: 11:30-11pm
✨ Reserve Your Table! ✨
16. TAVERNA COSTALE
$$-$$$ | View Website
Another great Italian option!
This eatery is a mix of Italian and local American cuisine.
Their space is perfect for a romantic dinner, a night out with friends, or a family gathering. (dogs are welcome!)
Address: 200 Central Ave Ste 165, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Contact: (727) 954-3863
Hours: Mon-Thurs: 11:30am-10pm
Fri: 11:30am-11pm
Sat: 10am-11pm
Sun: 10am-10pm
✨ Reserve Your Table! ✨
The Best Restaurants on the St. Pete Pier
17. FRESCOS WATERFRONT BISTRO
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Fresco’s is a waterfront bistro that was opened in 2004 and is now part of the new St. Pete pier.
One of my personal favorite hidden gems in St. Pete.
This is an elevated Florida seafood-style restaurant that is just delicious.
Check it out for amazing food with a fantastic view of the marina and an after-dinner stroll on the pier.
My go-to menu item is the Carbonara with blackened chicken. Ask for a side of balsamic glaze!
Address: 300 2nd Ave NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Contact: (727) 894-4429
Hours: Mon-Thurs: 11am-10pm
Fri: 11am-11pm
Sat: 9am-11pm
Sun: 9am-10pm
✨ Reserve Your Table! ✨
18. TEAK
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Teak is located at the end of the St. Pete pier. It’s on the second story of a 3 story building that has a cafe, restaurant, and rooftop bar.
I was pleasantly surprised by Teak.
Given the location, I was expecting it to be touristy and overpriced but was the opposite.
We started with the charcuterie board and I had the Cavatelli pasta – delicious!
Address: 800 2nd Ave NE 4th Floor, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Contact: (727) 513-8325
Hours: Mon-Fri: 11am-1opm
Sat-Sun: 10am-3pm, 5pm-10pm
✨ Plan Your Visit ✨
19. DOC FORD’S RUM BAR AND GRILLE
$$ | View Website
This restaurant is a unique blend of Caribbean and South American food.
It’s located on the pier with a beautiful view of the water.
There are adirondack chairs just outside the restaurant facing the water so I like to grab a drink from their walk-up bar and enjoy the view!
Address: 610 2nd Ave NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Contact: (727) 857-8118
Hours: Mon-Sun: 11am – 10pm
✨ Reserve Your Table! ✨
The Best Bars in Downtown St. Pete
20. BIRCHWOOD CANOPY
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This rooftop lounge on Bay View offers breathtaking views of Tampa Bay and the city skyline, making it a perfect spot for a romantic evening or a night out with girlfriends.
They do have food but it can be pricey! I like to stop in here for happy hour or after dinner drinks.
Address: 340 Beach Dr NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Contact: (727) 896-1080
Hours: Mon-Thurs: 4pm-12am
Fri: 1pm-2am
Sat: 11am-2am
Sun: 11am-12am
✨ Plan Your Visit! ✨
21. Pier Teaki
$$ | View Website
Pier Teaki is a rooftop bar located just above Teak at the end of the pier.
A perfect place to grab a drink and watch the sunset after dinner at Teak.
I love coming here for its beautiful 360 views of the St. Pete and Tampa Bay skyline.
Address: 800 2nd Ave NE 5th Floor, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Contact: (727) 513-8325
Hours: Mon-Sun: 11am-10pm
✨ Plan Your Visit! ✨
22. THE ALE & WITCH
$$ | View Website
The Ale & Witch offers an impressive selection of craft beer and cider on tap, featuring local and regional brews.
Proudly only serving beers brewed in the United States.
They often have live music playing, so check out their concert schedule, grab a brew, and enjoy the tunes!
Address: 111 2nd Ave NE Suite 104, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Hours: Sun-Tues: 3pm-9pm
Wed: 3pm-10pm
Thurs-Sat: 3pm-11pm
✨ Plan Your Visit! ✨
23. MANDARIN HIDE
$$ | View Website
This bar takes craft cocktails to the next level, offering a truly exceptional experience that goes beyond just the taste of the drinks.
The interior of the bar is equally impressive, with beautiful dark wood accents and the buffalo head mounted on the wall.
Address: 231 Central Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Hours: Tues-Thurs: 5pm-3am
Fri: 4pm-3am
Sat-Sun: 12pm-3am
Mon: Closed
✨ Plan Your Visit! ✨
Wrapping up
I have loved sharing my insider’s guide to restaurants in downtown St. Pete It has been a pleasure sharing the culinary scene that my town has to offer. I hope that through this blog post, I have been able to provide you with the best recommendations to make your visit to St. Petersburg, Florida delicious.
