Category Archives: Restaurant Reviews

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Beer, Wine, Biggie and Vibes at Hawthorne Bottle Shoppe

The Coachella

One step over the threshold at Hawthorne Bottle Shoppe is all it takes for you to realize that you’re in a spot with plenty of cool factor. Walls adorned with shelves of fascinating beers and captivating wines, displays topped with witty merchandise and of course, the notable nods to Biggie Smalls throughout the entire space […]

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Sammy + Paco’s Brings a Vibrant Cafe with a Zingy Menu to Historic Kenwood

Sammy + Paco's Bagel + Lox

PERMANENTLY CLOSED This bright and quaint cafe, Sammy + Paco’s Community Cafe, has proven to be quite popular since its opening in May. The owners of Lolita’s are the masterminds behind this gem and if you know and love Lolita’s as much as I do, then you’ll quickly adore Sammy + Paco’s. Just as you’d expect, […]

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Matteo – The New “Must Go To” in the Grand Central District

Lasagne

If You Don’t Go To Matteo Trattoria & Pizzeria, It Will Be the Biggest Mistake of Your Life   Matteo Trattoria & Pizzeria just brought the level of Italian cuisine in St. Pete to a whole new level. So did Sauvignon Wine Locker & American Trattoria. If you love Italian food, and especially if you […]

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Poppin’ Corks and Slingin’ Bubbles – Sauvignon Wine Locker is Now Open!

Pappardelle - oyster mushrooms, caramelized Tropia onion, lamb sugo, mint.

Great Wine Program & Outstanding Cuisine from Chris Ciarcia UPDATED: July 21, 2021. (Originally published May 3, 2021.) Sauvignon Wine Locker & American Trattoria has taken over the upstairs space above Five Bucks Drinkery on the 200 block of Central Avenue in downtown St. Pete. Sauvignon’s new home for many years housed A Taste for […]

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St. Pete Beach Gets a New Cuban Spot: Kuba Cocina En La Playa

Kuba Cocina Lobster & Shrimp Salchipapa bite

(Permanently closed as of Dec 28, 2022.) Your visit to St. Pete Beach just got a whole lot better. Stop by the new and iconic Kuba Cocina En La Playa for tasty, made to order, Cuban food. We heard the buzz on their Cuban sandwich and had to try it for ourselves. The result? Astounding […]

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In 2021, St. Petersburg Florida’s Brooklyn South is Thriving

Chef's choice cheese and charcuterie board

Brooklyn South has been slinging cheese and charcuterie and their ever-popular sandwiches (which are a favorite of the lunch crowd) in the heart of the Edge District for nearly seven years now. While ownership did change hands last year, the vast majority of the way things are done at Brooklyn South have remained the same […]

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Enjoy Scrumptious Burgers and More American Favorites at Burger-Ish

Burger-Ish Geez Louise Sliders and Sweet Potato Fries

From specialty burgers to traditional appetizers, Burger-Ish in St. Pete Beach is here to wow you. Looking for a juicy burger with a 2 for 1 beer pairing? Burger-Ish has you covered. This casual spot is perfect for fueling up post-beach trip or to cheer on your favorite sports team with their 12 flatscreen TVs […]

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Cori’s Seafood Grill: More than just a Meal

The incredible Lobster Roll and fries on the side

JULY 2024 PERMANENTLY CLOSED There are definitely certain things that drive me to specifically make my way to Gulfport. Like the lasagna at Pia’s, for example. Now, with Cori’s Seafood Grill situated comfortably on 49th St. and 15th Ave S, I can add seafood to that list too. Cori’s Seafood Grill isn’t just any restaurant – […]

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Satisfy your Sweet Tooth at Sorrento Sweets

Sorrento Sweets Variety of Cookies

Satisfy your sweet tooth with sugary, Italian confections at Sorrento Sweets in downtown St. Pete. Whether you’re looking for a melt in your mouth butter cookie or a crunchy biscotti, the Salvatore family has recipes that are decades old and totally trustable. This humble storefront on Central avenue serves fresh cakes and pastries, cookies and […]

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Tutto Bene Offers Traditional and Comforting Italian Dishes in Gulfport

Tutto Bene Meatball Ricottara

Permanently Closed Tutto Bene serves nonna’s specialties and cheesy comfort fare in the heart of Gulfport. If you’re looking for a casual Italian restaurant, Tutto Bene is it. They have lovely outdoor seating and relaxing live music if you time it right. The popular pizzas and robust pasta dishes make it worth baking in the […]

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Shrimpys Blues Bistro – A Hidden Treasure on St Pete Beach

Shrimpys NOLA BBQ Shrimp - Langostino Shrimp sauteed in butter, roasted garlic, white and black pepper

We had heard rave reviews for years about Shrimpys Blues Bistro but just never made it out there. I wish we hadn’t waited so long because the raves are definitely warranted. Owner, Richard Briggs, invited us in to taste some food off their menu a few weeks back. We were so impressed with the food […]

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The Highly Anticipated 22 South Food Hall Opens This Friday. What a Treat!

Shokkan Surf and Turf and Rainbow Rolls

Much has already been written about the new highly anticipated 22 South Food Hall which opens this Friday, April 3oth at 7am in the Old Historic Mahattan Casino space. We got a sneak peek a few weeks back but waited to write this until we got to try some food and report back to you. […]

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IL Ritorno’s New Spring 2021 Menu: You Won’t Believe Your Mouth

Spring Spaghetti

The first time I ever went to IL Ritorno back in 2014, I said that it reminds me of dining in New York City. I meant that from the overall experience. Initially it was the ambience of an old, historic building with exposed brick, but then it followed through with the superior service, and the […]

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Buoy’s Waterfront Bar & Grille Offers Relaxed Beach Dining

Buoys Waterfront Bar and Grill Seafood Fra Diavalo

Everything about Buoy’s Waterfront Bar & Grill feels tropical down to the food, cocktails, interior and views. Offering brunch, lunch and dinner daily, it’s all about the fresh ingredients and made from scratch sauces and strong drinks here. It’s super casual, in a good way, meaning you can roll up after a long day at […]

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Shiso Crispy is Making Big Waves in St. Pete

Truffle and Firecracker Gyoza, Tuna and Vegan Crab Cake Dirty Rice

Ronicca Whaley – if you remember anything at all after reading this review, remember that name. Who is Ronicca Whaley? Well, she’s the owner of Shiso Crispy, which was recently named the number one food truck in Tampa Bay by the Tampa Bay Times. Oh, and did I mention that she earned that title prior […]

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