Tampa/St Pete restaurant questions
 

We are planning a holiday trip to Florida in the Tampa/St. Pete area (specifically the Indian Shores area). We love good food and don't mind paying for a great meal. We would like to have a very special meal around the 23 of December. Has anyone eaten at Bern's restaurant in Tampa? Any other fine dining suggestions. Thanks in advance!

We recently had a superb meal at Bern's Steakhouse in Tampa. Four of us had steaks, each of which was prepared perfectly. Our server was a true professional, as well. The upstairs dessert rooms are fun, too, after dinner. The wine list is also very good. We live in the area and this was our first visit to Bern's. We will return!

Thank you so much! We had heard that this was a great restaurant. Do you have any other recommendations?

We also have had several excellent meals at The Beachcomber Restaurant on Clearwater Beach. This isn't a typical beach "joint"; it is a "white tablecloth" place where many regulars dress for dinner. The restaurant has been a fixture on Clearwater Beach for many, many years. The menu is varied; the fresh seafood is great!

Also, The original Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City, Tampa is worth a visit for character and charm.

We're in Sarasota, so if you plan to get down this way, I have many additional recommendations for you!

If you like Greek food, consider driving up to Tarpon Springs. Visit the sponge docks and enjoy some homemade Greek food. It's been a few years since I've been there so I can't recommend a specific restaurant - but I've never been disappointed with a meal there -

http://www.spongedocks.net/

<b>Keegan's</b> is consistently delicious!

http://www.keegansseafood.com/

Pizza and Italian ... <b>Gigi's</b> http://www.gigisitalianrestaurant.com/

Breakfast ... <b>The Frog Pond</b> and <b>Seahorse</b> in Pass-a-Grille.

Enjoy!

I responded quickly the 1st time and I didn't notice the specific request for fine dining.

Absolutely, <b>Bern's</b> is the best in Tampa. Be sure to stary for an after-dinner drink while enjoying Bern's excellent pianist.

Another great spot: <b>Mise en Place</b> http://miseonline.com/

One more: http://www.717south.com/

YES to Bern's, it's quite an experience. If you have time, sign up to tour the kitchen (you have to do this in advance), it's well worth it; Bern Laxer, the founder, was a pioneer of organic gardening, local sourcing, and fine wine in the area. Also, reserve the dessert room for after dinner (in advance, or as you are seated), even if you think you won't be able to eat it. (If you're a caviar fan, their caviar menu and service are top notch.) And the wine list, ay ay ay!!

Agree, Mise en Place is another fine dining must in Tampa.

My favorite restaurant in Tampa is Pane Rustica. It's great for lunch, and fills up with families for early dinner, but it calms down later in the evening. The food is wonderful, seasonal and creative, service is excellent. Yummy baked goods from in-house bakery. (Not "fine dining", though, simpler, elegant, not a dive, either. The strip mall location may put you off, but don't let it.)
http://panerusticabakery.com/ (Look at the Specials menu.)

Fly Bar and Restaurant in downtown Tampa has fun artisanal cocktails and a good small plates menu, all fresh and creative. http://flybarandrestaurant.com/tampa/