10 Best Restaurants in Clearwater

Located in the middle of Clearwater Beach, overlooking the sea, Caretta on the Gulf offers a high-end dining experience from the moment you walk in. Exquisite seafood dishes steal the show, but meat lovers and vegetarians have mouth-watering choices as well.

You can count on exceptional service too. The attentive waiters are helpful with recommendations and great with kids. Ask for a spot on the patio for the views overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. It’s a great spot to watch the sunset while celebrating a birthday or anniversary, or simply take in the beautiful scenery while enjoying an excellent meal.

StarLite Majesty cruises are all about having a great time with festive music, good food, and colorful cocktails. You can opt for the StarLite Majesty Dining Yacht with a full á la carte menu prepared fresh onboard, or the more casual tropical buffet cruises with dishes continually replenished and bottomless punch served with or without rum. Both options are great fun. Even people who don’t typically go on cruises enjoy the experience. 

Get up and dance to disco tunes after your meal when the party gets going, or head to the top deck and take in the serene views of the Clearwater waterways. Get your camera ready and be on the lookout for dolphin pods swimming along with the boat.

The Black Pearl serves up sophisticated, farm-to-table, American and French dishes in an upscale setting. It’s more of a sensory experience than a restaurant, one you won’t easily forget. Expect outstanding creative dishes like the creamy, flavorful, and aromatic white truffle lobster risotto, or the Hereford filet mignon, seared to perfection and so tender it melts in the mouth. The Chilean sea bass is also outstanding, and don’t skimp on the incredible house desserts.

The waiters are knowledgeable and attentive, and the sommelier offers good, if pricey, choices for wine pairings. The Black Pearl is the perfect spot for a special occasion when price is not an issue. Book in advance for a memorable party.

If you're staying at the Club Wyndham Hotel, don't miss dining at its restaurant, Ocean Hai. Even if you're not a guest, it's worth seeking out. Ocean Hai is a special place for oceanfront dining with amazing views over Clearwater, especially at sundown. The food is an adventurous fusion of Asian and American techniques and dishes, with unique creations based on local and sustainable seafood, farm-raised meats, and fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables.

The service is flawless and attentive, so you never feel rushed, just comfortable and welcome to sit back and enjoy the creative fare and waterfront views.

Blinkers Beachside Steakhouse and Lounge has a friendly yet elegant vibe right off the beach and serves one of the best steaks in Clearwater. Perfectly seared and seasoned, the steaks at Blinkers dance on the tastebuds with so much flavor you don’t need the accompanying sauces.

The Wagyu is outstanding and the Tomahawk, which arrives flaming, to be cut at your table, is worth the extra expense. Blinkers also offers excellent, locally caught seafood and fish dishes with an Italian twist and an extensive list of creative cocktails and drinks to accompany your meal. Finish off with creme brulee cheesecake or chocolate lava cake, and you won’t regret it.

Sushi Tu serves up exquisitely fresh and flavorful sushi with its own unique twist. Sit at the sushi bar to watch the chef create handmade rolls and bowls. There are lots of options for spice lovers, like the Fire Dragon Rolls, Volcano Rolls, and Spider Rolls, with spicy tuna or salmon. And the tempura comes crispy, hot, and delish.

The small and simple room has a big, warm, buzzing vibe and friendly staff. You’ll want to go back to this memorable little sushi place for more. It is small, so book in advance or order takeout for large groups.

The Columbia Restaurant has been dubbed Florida’s oldest restaurant, serving delectable Spanish-Cuban cuisine and using tried-and-true family recipes. Savor mouthwatering paellas or the divine red snapper in rich gravy and with shrimp supreme, fried eggplant, and yellow rice. For dessert, indulge in white chocolate bread pudding or the famous flan that takes your breath away. Or why not try the Spanish Coffee with Torres brandy and Kahlua, topped with whipped cream? 

The Columbia boasts one of the largest Spanish wine collections in the world. You can join their Vino Club to explore the most exclusive wines in the collection. Book the convenient curbside pickup if you’d like to rest your feet for another busy day of sightseeing.

You’ll have a blast at The Nash Keys Dueling Piano Bar and Restaurant. If you’re looking for a fun night out with great live music and amazing, interactive musicians, don’t miss this place. Talented piano players improvise requests and arrangements on the fly with humor and flair and get the crowd singing along.

The main draw might be the entertainment and the awesome vibe, but they have great food and cocktails to boot: good quality, large portions, and good service. So, if you’re in for a great night out, stop by Nash Keys and you won’t want to leave.

Bob Heilman's Beachcomber has been around since 1948, plenty of time to refine its class and professionalism. A legend in Clearwater, it’s drawn a loyal crowd of regulars over the years. Inside the place is bright and airy with refined décor that takes you back in time. Outside is pleasantly heated in cold weather.

Its escargots are a hit with those inclined, and the market-fresh seafood dishes are delectable especially the grouper, but you can also opt for vegetarian and vegan options. Plan to arrive after 6 pm when the excellent pianist starts to play.

If you have a hankering for tasty Mexican with seasoning that hits the spot, Spotted Donkey Cantina is the place. Standout dishes include the sensational jalapeño cantina shooters, and the kicking nachos (a meal in themselves). Meanwhile, the fajitas, burritos, and great vegetarian options, are fresh, full of flavor, and served in large portions.

The bartender serves up excellent craft cocktails and makes a fabulous margarita. The staff are helpful and accommodating with the dishes and want to give you exactly what you want. Everything is efficient and fast, even when the place is full. To secure the best seats, book in advance.