We'll be staying in the Clearwater Beach area in mid-September for one week and would appreciate recommendations regarding places to eat--we're not big on steak houses, but seafood, Italian, etc is good. Thanks for your help

Try Frenchy's. It is a local favorite and is touted as having the best grouper sandwiches ever. There are two locations on Clearwater Beach, one right off of Mandalay Blvd. Also in the same vacinity is a newer restaurant right off of the Clearwater Beach Causeway ~ unfortunately I don't remember the name, but you can't miss it. Coming from the beach, make a left turn into Island Estates and it is immediatly on your left hand side. I would recommend it for a nicer meal/dining experience. There is also Leverocks on Sand Key and quite a fewer nicer restaurants heading north away from Clearwater Beach along the shore. Chateau Madrid is excellent Spanish Columbian Food. And there is always the Wine Cellar which leans more toward Italian. If you head towards Madeira Beach, you'll find Jessie's landing which has tons of shops and little restaurants. And lastly, Shells is great for seafood, if you are looking for more of a "chain" restaurant. They can be found throughout the bay area. Enjoy your stay!

Frenchy's has 3 locations and is overrated.

If you have a car, I recommend a drive down to Tarpon Springs and a meal at Hella's.

The restaurant off the causeway Shar was thinking of is Island Way Grill, sister restaurant to Salt Rock Grill. Both quite good (allegedly, I haven't tried Island Way personally yet) and probably tops for dining at the beaches. Agree that Frenchy's is overrated. THEY advertise their grouper sandwich as the best in the bay area. It's what they are known for, but as for the best--I dunno about that.

For a really elegant meal also, there is 7 Tables (6 Tables?) in Dunedin. Fixed menu. Expensive but good.

Guppy's in Indian Rocks is good, across from the beach but a few miles down from Clearwater Beach. (too far from CB if you are on foot)

Island Way Grill and Salt Rock Grill are excellent. Island Way's menu has a Japanese flare to it.

Columbia has several sites in Florida and one is located on Sand Key - right south of Clearwater Beach. Columbia serves Spanish food and the best cuban sandwiches. Although the Cubans are for lunch, if you eat outside they will make you one.

The Wine Cellar is to die for. You cannot go wrong here although your wallet could go empty.

OO mentioned 7 or 6 Tables - it is 6 Tables. I haven't been but it has gotten great reviews.


Frenchy's is a good place to go. I hate grouper (and I live in Florida) but they serve other things.... I had a great citrus grilled shrimp there. It is a good place if you want to see the sunset and get touristy for a night.

If you want really great Italian and don't mind a drive to Tampa - try Armanis. It's dressy and $$ but fabulous. Excellent views = on the top of the Hyatt Westshore.

Enjoy! I have lived in Tampa/Clearwater for 25 yrs and love it!