From fusion food to authentic Mexican to vegan treats, here are my 7 top most reliable, best restaurants St. Petersburg, Florida! These are our spots that we can take someone from out of town and it will be a hit every time!
Nitally’s
There is no list of best restaurants in St. Petersburg, Florida without Nitally’s – it’s absolutely legendary. Both my and Ronak’s favorite restaurant since day 1 in St. Pete! You’ll get all the intense flavor and spice your palate can handles at this Thai-Mexican fusion joint. In the last 5 years they have had 3 different locations and I’m so excited to say I’ve been to all 3, they’re finally settled on 4th St. now. My go-to is pineapple red curry medium spice and Ronak’s is yellow curry friend rice, Bhai’s is panang mole curry. I recently tried the basil stir fry with tofu hot and it did not disappoint. Haven’t gotten the Mexican sushi in a while but that’s a classic too. Would NOT recommend the shishito peppers because they might actually be made out of fire and WILL give you esophagitis no matter how high your tolerance is.
Chile Verde
Not just because it’s so close to our house or because it’s a converted gas station and that’s totally my vibe, but this place has to be one of the closest to authentic but very vegetarian-friendly Mexican food you can get in St. Pete. The owner is Indian which explains the one Indian option on the menu – curried cauliflower can be added to any dish. My go-to is the cheese enchilada with rice and beans, tacos are fantastic as well. The variety of drinks from watermelon juice to horchata to beers from the fridge is a refreshing addition for the most filling meal with crazy large proportions. I feel like the food just keeps getting better here. They also have a new location with a full-service bar, and they’re opening a third location soon!!!
Cappy’s
Pizza has to be one of the most difficult foods for which to find a good, “authentic” spot. I say “authentic” as someone who barely knows anything about what constitutes authentic New York- or Chicago-style pizza, both of which are options available at Cappy’s. I invariably go for the delicious Chicago, and it’s fantastic every time. The restaurant is in an old house for that cozy-feel, AND they have a freezer just for frosty mugs to pour your beer and cider. Great spot to take any guests or group of people on a whim (often there’s a wait).
Caribbean Cafe
Caribbean Cafe is in a modest setting but don’t let that fool you. It is one of the OG St. Pete cuban joints with a focus on straightforward, quality eats. We always get the tempeh cuban sandwich with a side of their famously delicious black beans and yellow rice. The best part is their iconic calypso hot sauce which is even sold in bottles at the store.
Bodega
Bodega is a go-to staple in DTSP. It started as just a walk-up counter but has indoor seating space now and even a secret speakeasy bar in the back! This spot is very vegetarian and vegan friendly, one of the best picks being the tempeh plate. The plantains are definitely the best part. Their menu is complete with freshly squeezed juices and rich Latin American coffee drinks.
Valhalla Bakery
I can’t even write a post long enough to describe how far back Valhalla Bakery and I go. I don’t even remember how I discovered Market on South (Valhalla Bakery + Dixie Dharma) in Orlando, but it was honestly my happy place amidst the rigors of medical school. Imagine my excitement when I found out just a few short months after matching for residency in St. Pete that Valhalla was also coming to St. Pete!!! They were previously located in the no-longer existent Baum Avenue Market, now with a location connected to the also vegan Freya’s Diner. I’m always blown away with how creative they get with every season and holiday. Their cakes are not the softest but they sure have great flavors and the best decorations! Order custom cakes 48 hours in advance (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays).
Valkyrie Doughnuts
Really don’t need to say much here except…VEGAN DOUGHNUTS! Oddly enough I have never been to the original Orlando location! Best thing about the doughnuts is the variety of flavors. They are quite flaky, not as soft as Voodoo Doughnuts. Overall I’m so thankful they exist here, AND they just added a full service coffee bar 🙂
This post was all about my top best restaurants in St. Petersburg Florida. We always taken visiting family and friends to these reliable spots! Which one’s are your ride or die?
