“Eat” listings
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Hellas
Go Greek at this authentic restaurant, the menu of which features traditional dishes like gyros, souvlaki, stuffed grape leaves, mousaka and meatballs. Have a bite of saganaki (flaming cheese) and enjoy an “Opá!” moment. On your way out, pick up some treats from the bakery; a box of honey-covered baklava should do. $ (04/2011)
785 Dodecanese Blvd, Tarpon Springs
727-943-2400
hellas-restaurant.com -
DISHTOPIA & THE ANYTIME TEA BAR
Tea houses don’t have to be girly, and this one proves just that. Choose from nearly 200 tea varieties—hot or iced—grab a sandwich and hang out for a while in the overstuffed chairs or at a table. And don’t pass on the homemade pickles. $ (01/2011)
3401 Henderson Blvd
813-874-3474
dishtopia.biz -
MOM’S PLACE
The parking lot at this popular mom-and-pop diner is always packed. The menu is heavily fl avored with Greek specialties. Try the gyro omelet, or get your strength from the Greek Popeye, made with spinach and feta. Opa! $ (01/2011)
4816 N Dale Mabry Hwy
813-875-2670 -
BOB HEILMAN’S BEACHCOMBER
For more than 60 years, this beachside restaurant has been serving exquisite meals. Choose a succulent seafood entrée or something from the assortment of aged beef. Pair your dinner selection with a bottle of wine and pleasant company, and you’ve got the perfect evening. $$$ (01/2011)
447 Mandalay Ave, North Clearwater Beach
727-442-4144
heilmansbeachcomber.com -
PJ’S OYSTER BAR
After a day at the beach, head around the corner to PJ’s and dig into fresh seafood in a setting that’s so casual there are paper towel rolls hanging from the ceiling. Order up a dozen raw oysters and wash ’em down with a pint of your favorite brew. $$ (11/2010)
500 First St
727-596-5898
pjsoysterbar.com -
WHISTLE STOP GRILL & BAR
Canopied by towering live oaks and housed in an old ice cream parlor, the Whistle Stop has a fun, upbeat ambience. For a meal, take a bite out of the delicious fried green tomato sandwich, served with provolone cheese on ciabatta bread. The ice cream is out of this world and “udderly cool,” as indicated by the brightly painted cow that stands guard over the premises. $$ (11/2010)
915 Main St, Safety Harbor
727-726-1956
whistlestopgrill.com -
MARKET SALAMANDER GRILLÉ
Take a seat overlooking the rolling greens of Innisbrook and you’ll feel like you’re in the Carolinas rather than Florida. The grill offers healthy dining choices that incorporate fresh, seasonal and local ingredients. Sample the crisp spring rolls, made with braised short ribs or veggies. $$$ (11/2010)
36750 US Hwy 19 N
727-942-5222
innisbrookgolfresort.com -
THE REFINERY
The menu here changes weekly, and features entrées created by the freshest food available from local farmers, such as Gulf amberjack served with sweet potatoes, sweet corn and apples, and risotto with asparagus, chevre, leek and thyme. $$ (09/2010)
5137 N Florida Ave
813-237-2000
thetamparefinery.com -
DONATELLO
For 25 years, Donatello has served some of the best Italian food in Tampa. For a decadent entrée, try the fish topped with champagne sauce and lobster. The setting is casual and familiar, and the servers are efficient and inconspicuous. $$$$ (09/2010)
232 N Dale Mabry Hwy
813-875-6660
donatellotampa.com -
SHULA’S STEAK HOUSE
Former NFL coach Don Shula brings his winning tradition to this sophisticated downtown restaurant, which exudes a powerlunch aura. All of the cuts, from the 8-ounce filet to the 48-ounce Porterhouse, come from Premium Black Angus Beef. (Those who finish all 48 ounces get their names on the restaurant chain’s website; so far, 35,000-plus people have done it.) $$$$ (06/2010)
4860 W Kennedy Blvd
813-286-4366
intercontampa.com -
THE CUPCAKE SPOT
The top flavors at this cupcake shop include Berry Squared (strawberry cake with raspberrycream- cheese icing) and Butterscotch Babies (toffee cake with vanilla butterscotch icing). $ (05/2010)
405 Central Ave, St. Petersburg
727-825-0572
thecupcakespotinc.com -
GELATERIA DEL DUOMO
Beat Florida’s heat with one of 20 creamy or fruit-based gelatos made fresh every day. Bacio (chocolate hazelnut) and fruit of the forest (berry) are two of the most popular flavors. $ (05/2010)
2223 N Westshore Blvd
813-877-7771
gelateriadelduomo.com
