You might want to consider the downtown St. Petersburg area. In the last few years it has grown somewhat organically into an area of various levels of restaurants and bars. Beautiful bay views, museums, etc. for other entertainment. Renaissance Vinoy Hotel is a great place to stay in the area.

Hi,
I have friends visiting next week who've said that they like to eat and sample local beer in a brewpub atmosphere. I'm more interested in whether the food is good. Anyone have any suggestions for places we might try? I'd prefer to stay in the St. Pete area but would go further afield for good food.
Thanks!

HI,
Thanks all for the suggestions. We've rethought the game plan and are doing brunch/lunch at Veranda on HIghland Sunday. Will report back if anything notable is served.
Thanks again!

It looks like everything is closed on Sunday. Are there any good hotel restaurants since they have to be open? Seems doubtful but thought I'd ask. I hadn't considered everyone being closed on Sunday.

Greetings, I'm going to be in Birmingham over Christmas and am looking for a place to have dinner on Sunday the 23rd. I've checked on the nice places I know (Highlands, Hot & Hot, Bottega, etc.) but am not having any luck.

Does anyone have any suggestions of places I can check?

Thanks in advance!

The best place I've found is Hickory Hollow BBQ in Ellenton, near the outlet mall. It's south of Tampa on I-75 at the 301 exit. Their web site is hickoryhollowbbq.com. They are from NC and the pork is pulled Eastern style. Good veggies and hushpuppies too.

Hi,
Sorry I wasn't clear. I meant St. Pete downtown Beach Drive area. Need something to impress associates. Was thinking Cassis, 400 Beach, Marchand's...something like that if anyone is doing something exceptional.

Hello,
I'm hosting a few people from out of town for a business lunch next week and am thinking Beach Drive would be a nice setting. I've had dinner in most of the restaurants but never been for lunch. Anyone have any suggestions for something nice?
Thanks

Haven't been in a while but Pie Factory on Walsingham Rd. in Largo has superb key lime pies.

http://www.thepiefactorytampabay.com/

Thanks all. Lots to consider this year!

I make my way to Birmingham each year during Christmas to visit family and friends. My sister and I usually have a special dinner one night as part of our celebration and usually go to Highlands Bar and Grill. I find the food to be really good and the experience with the staff to be pretty impeccable.
Does anyone have other recommendations that would be above average in both food and experience? I'm interested in trying something new this year.
Thanks in advance for any recommendations.

I've heard other people recommend Lanna Thai. It's next on my list to try.

Speaking of Vietnamese food, I don't know a lot but notice that we have tons of restaurants in St. Pete. What would you recommend as a good place or two for the best examples?
Thanks!

Thanks for the rec. on Sila Thai. Tried it this week and started with middle of the road stuff (steamed dumplings, chicken cashew) to gauge against other places. Both were definitely a cut above and I look forward to working through their menu.

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Sila Thai Restaurant
3828 49th St N, Saint Petersburg, FL 33709

Thanks, these all look interesting. I'll check them out.

Looking to expand beyond my usual Thai places near my house (Siam Garden, Thai Kitchen, Thai-Am) and wondering what you guys find that's notable?
Thanks!

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Thai-Am Restaurant
6040 4th St N, Saint Petersburg, FL 33703

+1 on Astra's. Nice owners as well.

I'm sorry to hear that. Her desserts were awesome.

Thanks but I tried both the phone number and email link there with no reply earlier. I may try them in person at the market Saturday but worry that they aren't in business.

Does anyone know if Desserts by Milly is still in business in St. Petersburg. I need to order a dessert for a BBQ this weekend and the number I have is disconnected.
Alternatively, any recommendations for soul food type desserts in St. Pete? Thinking fruit pies, cobblers or classic cakes.
Thanks!

Thanks. Glad they are slowly making progress.

Does anyone know if Verti Mart has reopened? Any other suggestions for shrimp po boy after the lunch only places have closed?

Thanks!

I recently read the good review in St. Pete times and loved when he was here before. Anyone been to this restaurant? I'm interested in giving it a try.

Hello,
I will be spending a week in Amsterdam in a couple of weeks. I have an apartment in the Nine Streets area so I have a kitchen and will be eating in for some meals. Can anyone recommend places to purchase nice prepared food for taking home to heat and eat later?

Also, I am looking at other posts for restaurants/food shops and welcome any suggestions. I like most all kinds of food as long as it is tasty.

Thanks in advance!

I usually get broiled grouper but everything is good and fresh there in an old Florida, no frills kind of way.

When I travel through Crystal River I make it a point to go to Charlie''s Fish House on US 19. They have an attached fish market so the seafood is always fresh and they do a great job of basic, no frills Florida seafood.

Thanks so much for this thorough overview. I've only tried two of these, Ajanta and Green Chili Bistro/Raga. I agree with you about them and, of the two, prefer Ajanta. I'll try some of the others listed but I think I have the same conclusion as you ultimately. I've mainly eaten very good Indian in major Northeastern cities on business trips and always end up being a bit disappointed when I get back home and try the local places.

I've noticed that there are few Indian restaurants that have opened fairly recently. Any suggestions as to whether any of them is outstanding?
Thanks.

I like Charlies Fish House on U.S. 19 in Crystal River. Good fresh seafood and not fancy.

Great news! Thanks! ....packing the car now.....