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Marisa23 Apr 3, 2011 11:15 AM

Need special occasion restaurant in St. Pete/Tampa/Clearwater/Sarasota

It's our 5th anniversary this month, so we're looking for a wonderful dining experience. I'm originally from St. Pete and live in Boston now. I feel like I know most of the "finer dining" establishments in the area, and they don't excite me. Can anyone tell me a place that is new and/or a must experience place? I am not a big steak eater, but my husband is. I enjoy restaurants where the chef is innovative.

I'm willing to travel to Tampa, Clearwater or south if it's worth it. Is there anything exciting in St. Armand's?

  1. l
    laboheme Apr 4, 2011 10:24 AM

    3rd for Beach Bistro on Anna Maria Island. The food is outstanding and the atmosphere/location very romantic. In Tampa, I'm a big fan of Mise En Place...definuetly a special occasion place not to be missed. In Sarasota, I like Derek's in the Rosemary district--they are relatively new and absolutely outstanding. Happy Anniversary!

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    Beach Bistro
    6600 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217

    1. m
      Manderley Apr 3, 2011 01:30 PM

      Chateau France in St. Pete. They have a nice website, take a look. Romantic and excellent food. My groom and I dined there the night we were married. I still dream about the foie gras.

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      Chateau France
      136 4th Ave NE, Saint Petersburg, FL 33701

      2 Replies
      1. re: Manderley
        i
        irwin Apr 3, 2011 03:28 PM

        BEACH BISTRO -- Anna Marie Island
        One of the top restaurants in Florida. Many many awards, great menu, quite expensive, overlooking gulf, and something you will remember for a long time.
        We go for special occasions and love it there, but a reservation is a must.

        1. re: irwin
          askdrtodd Apr 4, 2011 06:16 AM

          x2 for Beach Bistro

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          Beach Bistro
          6600 Gulf Dr, Holmes Beach, FL 34217

      2. askdrtodd Apr 3, 2011 12:28 PM

        Cafe L'Europe was pretty good when I went, it's in St Armands... If you come over to Tampa, I'm a huge fan of Sideberns, and they have a table in/by the kitchen that might be fun to reserve for a special occasion. Very innovative menu too.

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        Sidebern's
        2208 W Morrison Ave, Tampa, FL 33606

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