Suggestions for anniversary dinner in Tampa Bay/Clearwater

[wcoll95]

What’s up U fam,

I need some suggestions on good spots in Clearwater/Tampa Bay to take the wife out for our anniversary. I’m up in Maryland, so I’m not in the know.

I asked this question a few year go for Miami and you guys hit it out of the park!

 

[central17]

What’s up U fam,

I need some suggestions on good spots in Clearwater/Tampa Bay to take the wife out for our anniversary. I’m up in Maryland, so I’m not in the know.

I asked this question a few year go for Miami and you guys hit it out of the park!

I'm familiar with the area. Maybe a little more detail on what you are looking for? Also are you looking for just the anniversary dinner or places to go for several days?

Bern's in Tampa is a unique choice. Great old time steakhouse with very attentive service. But to do it right, plan on 3 to 4 hours there. Take the kitchen tour, the wine cellar tour and enjoy the desert room. Their wine list is amazing. They have a great collection of old Brandy's and Cognac's. There is something special about drinking an 1800's vintage.

Donatello's in Tampa is probably the best Italian in the area, but with you being from Maryland, not sure if it will be any better than what you can find near home. I would compare it to DaMimmo's in Baltimore which I was sad to see closed.

The Columbia in Tampa is probably the best Spanish food I have had. Great history and classy. It can be a lot of fun, but I wouldn't consider it romantic as they serve so many that it has a hectic vibe. But go there if at all possible, maybe for a lunch

Clearwater Beach sadly does not have as many nice beachfront restaurants as you might expect. Ocean Hai at the Wyndham has a nice view of the beach and solid but overpriced food. Caretta at the San Pearl also has a nice view and very good, but not amazing food. Both are in Hotel's so that does temper the experience. Maybe stay at the hotel for a night? Have heard good reviews of the Don Cesar's new restaurant but have not been yet. Great hotel though. Salt Rock Grill in Indian Shores is on the Intracoastal. Just a longtime well run restaurant with great steaks and seafood.

Many other choices, I'm sure the board will provide you plenty to consider.

 

[wcoll95]

I'm familiar with the area. Maybe a little more detail on what you are looking for? Also are you looking for just the anniversary dinner or places to go for several days?

Bern's in Tampa is a unique choice. Great old time steakhouse with very attentive service. But to do it right, plan on 3 to 4 hours there. Take the kitchen tour, the wine cellar tour and enjoy the desert room. Their wine list is amazing. They have a great collection of old Brandy's and Cognac's. There is something special about drinking an 1800's vintage.

Donatello's in Tampa is probably the best Italian in the area, but with you being from Maryland, not sure if it will be any better than what you can find near home. I would compare it to DaMimmo's in Baltimore which I was sad to see closed.

The Columbia in Tampa is probably the best Spanish food I have had. Great history and classy. It can be a lot of fun, but I wouldn't consider it romantic as they serve so many that it has a hectic vibe. But go there if at all possible, maybe for a lunch

Clearwater Beach sadly does not have as many nice beachfront restaurants as you might expect. Ocean Hai at the Wyndham has a nice view of the beach and solid but overpriced food. Caretta at the San Pearl also has a nice view and very good, but not amazing food. Both are in Hotel's so that does temper the experience. Maybe stay at the hotel for a night? Have heard good reviews of the Don Cesar's new restaurant but have not been yet. Great hotel though. Salt Rock Grill in Indian Shores is on the Intracoastal. Just a longtime well run restaurant with great steaks and seafood.

Many other choices, I'm sure the board will provide you plenty to consider.

Thx for the recommendation. We’re staying at the Wyndham in Clearwater beach. I’m focused on top notch dinner spot with good atmosphere. I think you spot on the type insights I was looking for.

 

[HJCane]

I'm familiar with the area. Maybe a little more detail on what you are looking for? Also are you looking for just the anniversary dinner or places to go for several days?

Bern's in Tampa is a unique choice. Great old time steakhouse with very attentive service. But to do it right, plan on 3 to 4 hours there. Take the kitchen tour, the wine cellar tour and enjoy the desert room. Their wine list is amazing. They have a great collection of old Brandy's and Cognac's. There is something special about drinking an 1800's vintage.

Donatello's in Tampa is probably the best Italian in the area, but with you being from Maryland, not sure if it will be any better than what you can find near home. I would compare it to DaMimmo's in Baltimore which I was sad to see closed.

The Columbia in Tampa is probably the best Spanish food I have had. Great history and classy. It can be a lot of fun, but I wouldn't consider it romantic as they serve so many that it has a hectic vibe. But go there if at all possible, maybe for a lunch

Clearwater Beach sadly does not have as many nice beachfront restaurants as you might expect. Ocean Hai at the Wyndham has a nice view of the beach and solid but overpriced food. Caretta at the San Pearl also has a nice view and very good, but not amazing food. Both are in Hotel's so that does temper the experience. Maybe stay at the hotel for a night? Have heard good reviews of the Don Cesar's new restaurant but have not been yet. Great hotel though. Salt Rock Grill in Indian Shores is on the Intracoastal. Just a longtime well run restaurant with great steaks and seafood.

Many other choices, I'm sure the board will provide you plenty to consider.

Berns is solid but made even better when you take the post dinner tour and have dessert upstairs with a dessert wine. Little known fact they don't allow everyone to take that tour and dine upstairs on dessert.

 

[JCR Cane]

30+ year resident of NE St Petersburg....Downtown St Pete options: Rocco (high end steak house) Sea Salt (Seafood), Parkshore Grille (steaks/seafood and my fave, owned by a friend).

Bear in mind that Clearwater Beach is a long drive, with traffic, to either DNTN Tampa or DNTN St Pete. As expertly detailed by Central 17, most stuff local to your Hotel is "beachy". Bern's is the complete dining experience. My advice, don't get a big steak as the sides are equally delish and you must save space for the Desert Room. If you can get a tour, do so. Make your Bern's reservation NOW, if that's your choice.

Congrats on the anniversary and enjoy your time in Tampa Bay.