1. Green Mint Is a Fresh, Healthy, Asian-Fusion Food Lover’s Dream
Green Mint Asian Grill
25821 US Hwy 19 N
(727) 726-4608
Yelp: 4.5 Stars - 127 Reviews
When you have a craving for some serious Vietnamese flavor, but you want to keep it fresh and healthy, Green Mint is the obvious choice. The atmosphere is colorful and quaint and they serve a wide variety of delicious boba. You’ll always feel full, but never heavy after eating here.
You’ll find steaming bowls of mouthwatering Pho, fresh lettuce wraps and colorful salads. Their biggest hit is the Green Mint Bun—vermicelli rice noodles, shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, cucumbers, lettuce, pickled carrots and daikons, fresh mint leaves and crushed peanuts with a house sweet chili sauce. Mmmmmm.
2. The Best Brunch In Clearwater Is At The Wildflower Cafe
Wildflower Cafe
1465 S Fort Harrison Ave
(727) 447-4497
Yelp: 4.5 Stars - 123 Reviews
Wildflower Cafe a local beach crowd hangout that’s only open until 2:30pm on weekdays and 2pm on Sundays, so make sure to get there in time. The breakfasts and brunch are outstanding, but the quiches, sandwiches, soups and salads are awesome too. But trust me, you want brunch.
A definite star on the menu is the Wildflower Signature Crepe, an egg crepe filled with sun-dried tomatoes, portobello mushrooms, caramelized onions, wilted spinach, cream cheese and topped with hollandaise. It’s served with one of their hot-out-of-the-oven buttermilk biscuits with honey butter.
3. The Pizza At Cristino’s Is Beyond Compare
Cristino’s Coal Oven Pizza
1101 S Fort Harrison Ave
(727) 443-4900
Yelp: 4.5 Stars - 225 Reviews
When you’re looking for an authentic Italian experience from start to finish, come to Cristino’s. Forget everything you’ve ever experienced from cardboard box pizza and get one of their coal-fired oven pizzas served piping hot with zesty tomato sauce, stringy cheese and a perfect, crispy crust. It’s seriously the best in the Bay area.
They only have 5 regular pies, but feel free to add whatever you like and create your own. Try one with prosciutto, spinach, meatball, and goat cheese or opt for a sausage, onions and sun-dried tomato pie. And everything else on the menu tastes like it came directly from Italy, too: Delicious pastas and homemade ravioli, paninis, specialty dishes like piccata, marsala, and parmigiana.
4. Nosh On Free Danishes At Lenny’s Restaurant
Lenny’s Restaurant
21220 US Hwy 19 N
(727) 799-0402
Yelp: 4.5 Stars - 208 Reviews
This funky diner feels a bit like a New York-style greasy spoon and serves up the best breakfasts in Clearwater. I could go on and on about their hearty country-style breakfasts, their wide selection of Lenny’s bennies (stuffed crab Benedict?!), or the outrageous omelets, french toast, waffles and pancakes, but the real treat is that most dishes come with a basket of danishes that will rock your world.
The basket goodies depend upon the day, but for your own sake I hope you get to try the raspberry cheese stick danish. Be careful though, you must keep your eye on the prize and not fill up before you order arrives.
5. Treat Yourself To An Island Getaway At Rumba’s
Rumba Island Bar & Grill
1800 Gulf To Bay Blvd
(727) 446-7027
Yelp: 4 Stars - 116 Reviews
If you’d rather be on a Caribbean island, sipping rum drinks at a tropical tiki bar and eating delicious island food, look no further than Rumba’s. Whether you choose the pineapple rum chicken with pineapple chutney, Caribbean pulled pork, or the Jamaican jerk salmon, try a few of their sides, which are all fabulous.
They also have some pretty special jalapeño corn muffins and a couple non-traditional dishes like crab mac and cheese and seared tuna nachos, which are so good you’ll want to send a postcard over to the mainland to tell everyone about it.
6. The Food Is So Good You’ll Feel Naughty At Nauti Nancy’s
Nauti Nancy’s
700 Eldridge St
(727) 446-3717
Yelp: 4.5 Stars - 45 Reviews
Nauti Nancy’s is off the beaten path, but it makes up for that with fabulous outdoor seating and live music. You’ll definitely settle into the relaxed Florida vibe here. Most of their dishes are Rhode Island style and New Orleans style cajun food - think spicy and brothy sauces, instead of the creamy variety.
Start with their smoked fish spread served with banana peppers, jalapeños, red onions, tomatoes and saltines. The shrimp po boy is a star: Big juicy shrimp, beer battered and fried to perfection with all the fixings on a hearty roll. If you’re lucky, you’ll be among the diners that get a plate of free beignets after your meal.
7. Stuff Your Face With Authentic Tacos At La Cabana Del Tio
La Cabana Del Tio
1709 Drew St
(727) 466-0504
Yelp: 4 Stars - 52 Reviews
Don’t be put off by the fact that this hole-in-the-wall joint is located in a run-down strip mall, doesn’t have a website or a Facebook page, and only takes cash. None of that matters. They serve everything you’ve ever wanted when you’re craving Mexican.
The tortillas are homemade right in front of you, and will probably be the best of your life. The meat is juicy is tasty, the pico de gallo, avocado and cilantro are always super fresh and the cheese is quality.
8. Grab A Portable Feast At Mana Mana
Mana Mana Middle Eastern Restaurant
530 Park St
(727) 415-5554
Yelp: 4.5 Stars - 53 Reviews
What’s better than warm shawarma and hot schnitzel? How about a super tasty Israeli-style falafel that bursts with flavor? How about all of it for a great price and super friendly service? All of that and more awaits at Mana Mana.
The hummus here is creamy and perfect and the falafel pita (as you can see in the photo) is packed with crisp veggies and filled with steaming hot falafels. They also have a great condiment bar with spicy pickled veggies and a jalapeño sauce that makes everything better. Don’t forget a cup of hot Turkish coffee on your way out the door.
9. The Polish Donuts At Pierogi Grill Will Melt Your Mind
Pierogi Grill
1535 Gulf-to-Bay Blvd
(727) 216-3055
Yelp: 4 Stars - 87 Reviews
This old world Polish deli has a unique atmosphere and a menu bursting with European flavor. No matter what you get, you must end with a paczek - a polish donut with raspberry filling, dusted with powdered sugar. Best donuts, ever.
From rich borscht, crispy potato pancakes, cheese blintzes and kielbasa to the best stuffed cabbage rolls and sauerkraut you’ve had in your life, they deliver their specialty cuisine in style. The pierogi selection is huge, from savory meat, mushroom, spinach, potato and sauerkraut pierogies served with melted butter and sautéed onions, to dessert-style sweet cheese, blueberry, cherry and plum served with sweet cream.
10. Turn Up The Heat At The Crispy Cajun
Crispy Cajun
2097 Drew St
(727) 441-8886
Yelp: 4.5 Stars - 40 Reviews
When only spicy cajun and creole will do - there’s the Crispy Cajun. This place is spot on in so many ways. Tell them you’ve never been there before and you just might get a sampling of their ridiculously delicious gumbo. The servings here are huge. For instance, the fried catfish platter will get you four hand battered fillets, fries, rice and beans, coleslaw, and two pieces of garlic bread!
The real stars on the menu are the jambalaya and the gumbo, and they aren’t afraid to turn up the heat here, so be prepared to sweat a little. Almost everything has a kick. And never leave without trying the fresh-made beignets.
11. Have A Food Party In Your Mouth At Tasty Thai Cafe
Tasty Thai Cafe
1530 N McMullen Booth Rd, Ste D4
(727) 600-8037
Yelp: 4.5 Stars - 34 Reviews
The Tasty Thai Cafe is perfect for when you’re in the mood for the bold flavors of gourmet Thai food—but don’t want to pay gourmet prices. This family-owned cafe has a light and open atmosphere, and stands out because of the fresh ingredients and full-flavored dishes.
Their salads are bursting with flavor. Definitely try the mango salad with cashews, red onions and lime juice dressing. All the usual suspects are outstanding: Stir-fried noodle and rice dishes, delicious curries—and everything has the choice of being served with either tofu, chicken, beef, pork, shrimp, squid or mixed vegetables.
12. The Choices Are Endless Saki Endless Sushi and Hibachi Eatery
Saki Endless Sushi and Hibachi Eatery
2643 Gulf To Bay Blvd, Ste 1560
(727) 726-3937
Yelp: 4 Stars - 78 Reviews
Saki has the right idea: Instead of an all-you-can-eat buffet where the rice gets old and the dishes get stale, they offer an ‘endless’ experience. You can order as many appetizers, sushi, entrees or desserts as you want for one price. Everything is made fresh to order.
You can pretty much get everything here, from hibachi, bento boxes, and fried rice and noodle dishes, to sushi, maki, sashimi and a large variety of delicious specialty rolls. Be forewarned: you will be charged for anything you don’t finish….so order slowly, take your time, savor and enjoy.
13. Bread Is Bliss At Manos Bakery Cafe
Manos Bakery Cafe
1971 Drew St
(727) 614-9748
Yelp: 5 Stars - 22 Reviews
Some days there’s nothing that can satisfy like a delicious, homemade pastry or doughy greek donut. Other days you’d kill for a warm, flaky, fresh baked meat pie or spanakopita. For those days in Clearwater, there’s Manos Bakery Cafe. This cute European-style bakery has everything: Greek pastries, meat pies, spinach pies, cheese pies, European-style pastries and danishes, cookies, and various types of breads. All of it freshly baked and hot out of the oven.
They also have a full menu with breakfasts (anything on a fresh baked croissant will be heavenly), sandwiches, wraps, soups and salads. If you’re craving carbs and sweets, don’t miss the baklava. It is sticky, crunchy, flaky and goes perfect with a cup of Cuban coffee.
14. It’s Not An Illusion, It’s Mirage’s Buffet
Mirage Restaurant
2284 Gulf To Bay Blvd
(727) 724-3604
Yelp: 4.5 Stars - 56 Reviews
No, you’re not dreaming—that sea of color and food is the healthy, tasty Persian and Mediterranean buffet at Mirage. Dig in to the endless sea of dolmeh, baba ganouj, hummus, tzatziki and juicy and delicious chicken, lamb, and beef kabobs marinated in a special (but secret) sauce that give the meats exquisite flavors.
Tip: the pita bread goes fast, so grab it as soon as you can and get enough for your entire meal. And make sure to visit on a Friday and Saturday night to enjoy the belly dancers.
15. Get A Taste Of Chicago At Paul’s
Paul’s Chicago Pizza
1500 N McMullen Booth Rd
(727) 723-9777
Yelp: 4 Stars - 75 Reviews
When only Chicago-style pizza will do, thank goodness for Paul and his super casual, order at-the-counter, pizza joint. There’s two kinds of Chicago pizza we’re talking about here - the super deep dish style and the super thin, cracker crust style. Both are spot on.
Paul’s Stuffed Pizza has tons of sauce and gobs of cheese. It’s a little messy and runny, but that does not detract from the flavor one bit - quite the contrary. Start your meal with their amazing garlic parm poppers and then go ahead and carb load with an order of the cinnamon poppers as dessert.
Feature Image Source: Green Mint Asian Grill Facebook
What’s your go-to for great grub in Clearwater? Tell us in the comments below!
