One of the best parts of visiting a new city is discovering all the delicious food options. In fact, AAA surveyed Americans and found that 22 million travelers planned a culinary-focused vacation in 2019.
Many cities’ identities are centered around food. Eating your way around a city is a delicious way to learn more about its history and culture, and Florida is no exception. With its global influences, you’ll find a wealth of culinary delights to explore.
In this article, we’ll reveal some of the best restaurants in and around Tierra Verde, Florida. Keep reading to find some of the best eats this region has to offer.
Where Is Tierra Verde, Florida?
If sugary sand beaches and crystal turquoise waters are your ideas of paradise, then Tierra Verde is a dream come true. Located on the barrier islands off St. Petersburg, Florida, Tierra Verde boasts quaint beach town vibes while still being close to the action of the big city.
Tierra Verde is connected to the mainland via bridges that take you to St. Petersburg or St. Pete Beach. Tierra Verde is also a short drive to both Tampa and Clearwater, as well as other beach communities to the north and south.
In short, Tierra Verde is the perfect Gulf Coast location to dive into all the fantastic things, food included, that Florida has to offer.
The Best Restaurants in and Around Tierra Verde
The best places to eat are the ones that focus on sustainability, locally sourced ingredients, and creative recipes. You’ll find all of these and more in the Tierra Verde area.
To help you better plan your food journey, we’ve grouped the best restaurants by type of cuisine. Let’s dig in!
Seafood
A visit to Florida is not complete without trying some of the fresh and delicious local seafood. Whether that’s plump and succulent Gulf shrimp or locally caught grouper, you’ll be delighted with the array of choices.
The Island Grille and Raw Bar
If you like your seafood with a side of tiki ambiance, you’ll love this laid-back gem. Famous for its fresh oysters, The Island Grille Tierra Verde is a local favorite. They even offer a “you catch it, we cook it” special, so if you had a good day on the water, hand over your catch to their chefs and let them take care of dinner.
Billy’s Stone Crab
The clue is in the name of this Tierra Verde eatery. Billy’s award-winning stone crab keeps locals and visitors coming back to this restaurant with divine ocean views. Be sure to try one of their signature cocktails and marvel at their creative takes on local fish like grouper, Mahi Mahi and hogfish.
Sea Worthy Fish Bar
For something a bit more upscale, try the Sea Worthy Fish Bar. This place has it all: outdoor seating, sunset views and a fabulous menu. Their catch of the day is always a good choice, but you can also try their squid ink pasta with lobster.
Italian Cuisine
Italian food is always a crowd pleaser. However, when talented Italian chefs have access to fresh seafood, the results are always drool-worthy.
Tony and Nello’s Southern Italian Cuisine
If you love authentic Italian cuisine, you can’t miss a visit to Tony and Nello’s. This family-owned eatery has been a Tierra Verde staple for 35 years. Featuring closely guarded family recipes from Naples, Italy, you can enjoy brick oven pizzas, fresh pasta dishes and expertly prepared seafood.
DeRusso’s Pizzeria
Florida is well-known for many types of cuisine, and you can add New York-style pizza to the list. DeRusso’s Pizzeria in Tierra Verde serves hand-tossed pies with all your favorite toppings chopped fresh each day.
You’ll also find other Italian favorites at DeRusso’s. Calzones, lasagne and chicken Parmigiano also grace the menu here, and DeRusso’a also serves beer and wine.
Circo Italian Kitchen
Located right next to the Tierra Verde Marina is another Italian favorite. Circo Italian Kitchen is a local favorite for pizza and other Italian dishes, but one of their main draws is gluten-free pizza. If someone in your group has gluten sensitivity, everyone can enjoy pizza at Circo’s.
Casual Dining
If you’re in the mood for something you can take along for a day at the beach or want to sit down for a quick bite, there are plenty of tasty options in Tierra Verde. Take your pick from deli delights, Chinese creations and more!
Phila Deli
If you’re in the mood for a Philly cheesesteak while visiting the beaches of Florida, you’re in luck! Phila Deli uses sliced ribeye steak, gooey cheese and your favorite toppings to create the best sandwich on Earth.
Phila Deli also sells deli meats and cheeses to go, and they serve a wide array of breakfast options.
Jolly Rogers Grub and Pub
The recently opened Jolly Rogers Pub and Grub is a good-time joint with casual yet delicious fare. But it’s the pirate theme that has locals and visitors flocking to this pub. Expect the staff to speak Pirate and enjoy the whimsically named dishes and cocktails.
Jolly Rogers is a family-friendly eatery, but after 9 pm, only those who are 21 and older are admitted.
Wong Lee’s Chinese Cuisine
Sometimes the only thing that hits the spot is savory and delicious Chinese food. Wong Lee’s Chinese Cuisine has all your favorites like orange chicken, beef and broccoli and fried rice. They even have a menu section strictly for spicy dishes.
Currently, Wong Lee’s is open for take-out only, making it the perfect grab-and-go restaurant for a picnic on the beach.
Upscale Eateries
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or you enjoy the luxury of fine dining, you’ll find some of Florida’s best restaurants in and around Tierra Verde. Dress to impress and enjoy one of these upscale experiences.
Maritana at the Don CeSar
If the oceanfront location of the Don CeSar Hotel doesn’t sweep you off your feet, the menu at Maritana certainly will. Start with seared scallops or grilled octopus, then move on to swordfish, snapper or a perfectly cooked filet mignon. Ask your server for wine and cocktail suggestions, and be sure to save room for dessert.
Rococo Steak
If you’re in the mood for some old St. Petersburg charm and delectable steaks, a visit to Rococo Steak is a must. Rococo sources all their beef from Allen Brothers in Chicago, and each cut is aged to perfection.
Be sure to try your favorite steak with truffle butter, and don’t skip the sides like grilled asparagus and creamed spinach. Also, be sure to browse their extensive wine list, carefully curated to complement each dish.
Visit Tierra Verde and Discover Your New Favorite Restaurant
Discovering the best places to eat is part of the fun when you’re on vacation in sunny Tierra Verde, Florida. Now that you know more about the best restaurants in and around Tierra Verde, it’s time to start adding these eateries to your itinerary.
Need more help with your travel planning? Browse some of our other articles to create the vacation of a lifetime.
