If you were born and raised in Pinellas County then you know all about their fantastic food scene. In Downtown St. Pete alone there are over a thousand restaurants that have unique flavors and chefs that pay attention to the little details. However, the foodie scene in Pinellas County is much more than just DTSP. There’s Sea Sea Riders in Dunedin that was awarded one of the top 10 craft cocktails in the country and the Frenchy’s franchise in Clearwater that has taken over the beach.  

To consider yourself a local, you must know a good deal about the variety of restaurants in the 727area. We’ve curated this list of the 20 restaurants you need to try before considering yourself a local.

If you have friends come to town, they’re going to want to know where to eat so read up on what restaurants in St Pete and Clearwater are they might like to try so they can eat like a local! 

Red Mesa Cantina
4.9  5 Rating (10)
128 3rd St. S., St. Petersburg FL, 33701
With Mexican cuisine at its heart, Red Mesa Cantina blends Latin and Caribbean kitchen traditions to create a menu that delivers bold, fresh flavors.The...
The Lure
3.5  4 Rating (3)
661 Central Ave, Saint Petersburg FL, 33701
TIKIS - TAPAS - BILLIARDS COLD DEAD FISH The Lure is on. We've crafted an experience as irresistible as our 600-block location in vibrant downtown St....
The Mill Restaurant
4.8  5 Rating (5)
200 Central Ave Suite 100, Saint Petersburg FL, 33701
Brought to you by Chef Ted Dorsey and Restaurateur Jason Griffin, The Mill is designed to be an all-around sensory delight. From the unique decor and top-notch...
Bodega
5.0  5 Rating (1)
1120 Central Ave., Saint Petersburg FL, 33705
Rustic, Spanish food with fresh ingredients. Like their flavors, their roots are deep and complex. You can trace their influences from Key West to CUBA...
The Black Pearl Restaurant
5.0  5 Rating (1)
315 Main St, Dunedin FL, 34698
With a motto like "life is too short to eat bad food" you can expect nothing but the best from The Black Pearl. The restaurant specializes in upscale French...
Sea Sea Riders Restaurant
4.4  5 Rating (4)
221 Main St, Dunedin FL, 34698
Sea Sea Riders restaurant is pleased to offer the best steak and seafood in the Tampa Bay Area. Whether you need a quick lunch or dinner with friends and...
Frenchy’s Original Café
5.0  5 Rating (3)
41 Baymont St, Clearwater FL, 33767
Grouper sandwiches are the specialty at this longtime seafood shack with colorful, festive decor.
Spinners Revolving Bistro
4.8  5 Rating (4)
5250 Gulf Blvd, Saint Pete Beach FL, 33706
Spinners Rooftop Revolving Bistro is located on the 12th floor of the Grand Plaza Hotel. Every table has a view as the restaurant slowly revolves 360...
Paul's Landing at the Vinoy
4.9  5 Rating (8)
501 5th Avenue NE, Saint Petersburg FL, 33701
Back in 1854, U.S. Navy carpenter William Paul fell in love with the St. Petersburg Waterfront, where he bought land, enjoyed fishing, planting an orange...
Cafe Ponte
5.0  5 Rating (2)
13505 Icot Blvd. Ste 214, Clearwater FL, 33760
Sleek & swanky spot for New American fare with à la carte & tasting-menu options plus a large bar.
The Canopy Rooftop Lounge
4.6  5 Rating (5)
340 Beach Dr, NE St. Petersburg FL, 33701
The Canopy Rooftop Lounge is perched atop The Birchwood in the heart of St. Petersburg's waterfront, complete with private cabanas, fire pits, living room...
Caddy's St. Pete Beach
4.6  5 Rating (26)
5501 Gulf Blvd, St Pete Beach FL, 33706
Casual Waterfront Dining at it is best in the heart of Sunny St. Pete Beach! Come to Caddy's for our mouth-watering menu, refreshing drinks all while enjoying...
Better Byrd
4.9  5 Rating (5)
4447 4th St N, Saint Petersburg FL, 33703
Our focus is on 100% steroid and hormone free chicken, prepared in as many ways as you can imagine.
Oak & Stone
3.6  4 Rating (2)
199 Central Ave, Saint Petersburg FL, 33701
Every restaurant has a story. Oak & Stone's begins with a guy who just wanted to watch the game with a cold beer and delicious food.
Noble Crust
4.8  5 Rating (7)
8300 4th Street North, St. Petersburg FL, 33702
At Noble Crust, experience "Seasonal Italian with Southern Soul."
Blue Sake
5.0  5 Rating (8)
1425 Main St, Dunedin FL, 34698
Blue Sake is a beautiful relaxing atmosphere with the highest quality sushi and Asian fusion food. The perfect spot for business, romance, and friends....
Buya Ramen
4.7  5 Rating (3)
911 Central Ave., Saint Petersburg FL, 33705
BUYA is a place to experience true socializing in a relaxed and high-spirited environment with friends and strangers alike. An atmosphere that encourages...
Ferg's Sports Bar
4.5  5 Rating (9)
1320 Central Ave., St Petersburg FL, 33705
Sports Bar and Restarunt featuring American favorites. Ferg's Sports Bar is the center of the party for all Rays games and events at Tropicana Field. Enjoy...