Top Rated Restaurants & Cafes in Tampa/St. Petersburg

Ella's Americana Folk Art Cafe offers its guests a cozy place to enjoy Southern dishes like Kansas-style barbecue, chicken and waffles and a range of burgers. The recipes are inventive and the dishes come out as flavorful, such that they are forever etched in the memory of diners. The decor consists of paintings and artwork from local talent that adds a pop of color. Evenings see crowds swaying to live artists and bands.

From the coastal highway that runs down St. Petersburg's Treasure Island, it's easy to miss the one story white facade of Caddy's on the Beach. Approach from the sand, however, and you'll wonder how anyone could miss the two story restaurant and bar complex. Right on the beach, this double decker bar and grill is a favorite of locals and party-goers. Revelers in tropically hued bikinis and board shorts festoon the balcony at Caddy's, most all of them with a similarly bright cocktail in hand. For hungrier patrons, Caddy's offers an overwhelmingly long menu that focuses on smoky barbecue fare rather than the area's typical seafood spread. With a minimum purchase, guests can also commandeer a private cabana right on the beach for private sunset views with full service.

Choose from a variety of fresh, healthy meals for lunch or dinner at Café BreSimo. A menu of tasty Mediterranean, American, and Greek dishes awaits you at the casual, friendly restaurant in the Westchase area. Serving lunch and dinner, guests can enjoy selections including plump pitas, lamb or beef gyros with tzatziki sauce, assorted wraps, sub sandwiches, and fresh Greek salads, all for reasonable prices. Order a side of spinach pie, grape leaves with sauce, or hummus dip with fresh pita to round out the meal. Flavorful fruit smoothies and traditional baklava add the final touch to a delicious meal. - Vickie Ferguson

Classy atmosphere, impeccable service and chic decor combined with a fine dining experience describe what patrons can expect at E & E Stakeout Grill. Located in Indian Rocks Beach and a short drive from the waterfront, guests enjoy exceptionally prepared cuisine from a menu featuring seafood and steak. The fresh seafood dishes include lobster, crab, shrimp, salmon and grouper. The meat menu includes filet mignon, prime rib, roast duck, lamb and chicken. E&E offers daily lunch and dinner specials along with an extensive wine list of specialty cocktails, champagne, draught beers and micro brews. Reservations are recommended. -Vickie Ferguson

At Woody’s, prime cuts of meat, organic vegetables and fresh fruits are the main ingredients to every salad, sandwich or soup created in the kitchen. Since 1972, the staff has created the best tasting homemade selections for lunches, dinners and specialty platters for parties and events. Scrumptious sandwiches such as the Buccaneer are loaded with lean roast beef, topped with a flavorful tomato, basil and bacon sauce served on your choice of fresh bread, roll or croissant. Choose a bowl of fresh-made soup from a selection of three such as Caribbean Chicken Chowder, Mushroom Sesame or Gasparilla Minestrone with Parmesan. Add an Asian chicken, fresh fruit, or spinach gorgonzola salad to your meal for a final change. Delivery available. -Vickie Ferguson

Cooking each pizza to perfection, Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza uses an 800-degree coal oven for its delicious pies. All the ingredients used here are fresh and of the utmost quality. Try the classic arugula or the local favorite, white pizza with ricotta, mozzarella and romano cheese. The crust is perfectly crispy, while maintaining the toppings fresh flavors. If you're not in the mood for pizza, they also offer salads, sandwiches and a few classic Italian dishes such as eggplant marino or pork ribs with vinegar peppers, served family style. This ultra-popular pizzeria has locations throughout Florida, Connecticut, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey.