Margaret Royce

My husband, 2 daughters ages 18 & 20 will be staying in Isla del Sol in St. Petersburg FL from Dec. 24-Jan.1. We are looking for a neat place to have Christmas Eve dinner and
Christmas Day dinner. Any ideas? We've heard there are Christmas brunches in St. Armand Circle area. Any recommendations? Thanks!

Merilee

The Columbia Resaurant in historic area of Ybor City in Tampa is wonderful...it's been around since 1905...traditional Spanish food although the menu does have Cuban selections...Paella, arroz con pollo, ropa vieja, filet mignon, it's really good and so are the desserts and the Sangria...there's a branch of it in St. Petersburg at the top of The Pier...wonderful views from there...the location in Ybor City has a flamenco show...in Ybor City it's (813)248-4961...in St. Petersburg it's (727)822-8000.

Leone

I suppose you might think about the restaurant in the Don Cesar Hotel on St. Pete Beach. Another option: the Salt Rock Grill on Gulf Blvd. at Indian Shores, about 10 minutes north of Treasure Island. I've made countless trips to that area ... and I'm constantly disappointed by the very, very few class restaurants available for special events. I would also think that Armani's in the Westshore Hyatt (near Tampa International Airport) should be considered. If people suggest either Lobster Pot or Wine Cellar, beware ... these places are aimed at tourists. They do not expect to see you again, and treat you that way. A waiter at one of those places explained red wine to me one evening, rather than allowing me to simply order a bottle. My god, what will I ever do without him in Paris this December. And Zagats doesn't have a clue. And Frommers listed Hooters under "Dining" ... yikes. Yes, I'll definitely have those house specialties, but could I substitute rice for the garlic mashed? Have fun. Ciao

ron

Margaret - there are dozens of great restaurants in the tampa bay area. Christmas dinner or brunch at the Don is a favorite but, as with 4 star hotels, its expensive. what are you looking for?

Florida Marlin

I can recommend the Outback in St. Petersburg for at least one if not both of your holiday meals. Great steaks and don't forget the bloomin' onions. It's on Park Street not far from town.

steve

Cafe L'Europe on St. Armands is a lovely, small restaurant with excellent food and service.

Melinda

I go with the poster on Salt Rock and the Don. The Don has a lovely brunch. We eat at Wine Cellar too and I have not had a bad experience. Bern's Steak House in Tampa is a classic consistently high rated restaurant. This will cost you but is an experience and a drive. The area really doesn't boast great places to eat. Stop by the Hurricance for a grouper sandwich some afternoon in Pass a Grill close to wear you are staying. Very casual. The Pier downtown is a good spot to walk around in a pretty area. The Vinoy is a lovely hotel in that area that has a pretty place for lunch but I have not been there in ages so I am not sure of the food. The girls would like the Bay Walk near the pier area, well sort of as they have shops and cafes and a movie theater. I love stopping at Ted Peter's in Pasedena on the main drag and picking up a pint of smoke fish spread and taking it back to put on cracker. Yum. Place looks like a dive but has this great spread and good burgers too. I think it is the Hilton or Hyatt on Redington Beach that has a nice view of the beach in their restaurant. The Frog Pond along that route has good home style breakfasts and is not touristy at all. If you have any questions feel free to e me.

OliveOyl

That's a Hilton on Reddington, not Hyatt.

If you are looking for traditional Christmas dinner food, Leone is right, both Armani's and Oystercatchers at the Hyatt Westshore in Tampa do a fantastic brunch which sells out well in advance of the date.

The Don CeSar is a better choice considering where you are staying (we sail around Isla del Sol on Boca Ciega Bay every weekend). The Don undoubtedly does a Christmas brunch and their kitchen is better than the Vinoy's (which is an excellent hotel...but their chef hasn't got quite the stature of the Don's). Wherever you decide, make reservations in advance!

fla

Hey Melinda, etc. - The few times we stayed in Indian Rocks Beach we would eat at Guppies. I haven't seen anyone recommend them in past posts. Have they gone downhill?

L

My favorite poster is home from the canyons ... and full of great advice as usual. Ciao, OO, and ciao.