The St. Petersburg food scene is overflowing with great restaurants and bars. The good news is, it’s hard to find a bad option for grabbing a bite to eat in the Burg. The bad news? It makes the age-old debate of where to go for dinner that much harder!
If you’ve wanted to find some new St. Pete eats that offer some extra flare over your regular spots, look no further. We’ve put together a list of some of the most unique dining experiences here in St. Petersburg.
MEZE 119 is a vegetarian bistro that serves up authentic Middle Eastern cuisine with a modern flair. Their menu features smaller dishes that are designed to be shared tapas-style, so be sure to bring some friends when you check them out so you can taste a little bit of everything- we highly recommend their signature falafel and mujadera. Even if you’re an omnivore, this unique spot in St. Petersburg is certainly worth a trip; you won’t even miss the meat!
When you walk into Pacific Counter on the 600 Block of St. Petersburg, there’s no doubt that this restaurant is unique. The décor in the restaurant is vibrant and tropical, which goes perfectly with the sushi bowls and burritos that they serve.
You can build your own sushi burrito or bowl- bowl it or roll it, as they say at PC- or follow their lead and go with one of their menu’s Counter Creations. The service here is undeniably friendly, and they use only the freshest ingredients.
Tucked next to State Theatre in the Central Arts District of St. Petersburg, this little food counter serves up the meanest grilled cheese in the entire Bay area- they’ve held the title for Best Grilled Cheese from Creative Loafing's Best of the Bay since they opened in 2016.
Central Melt’s menu features fresh, hand-cut fries (there’s not a freezer or a microwave to be found in the place!), and gourmet grilled cheeses like the Queen Brie that comes with brie, white cheddar, granny smith apples, walnuts, and strawberry chipotle preserves on freshly baked rye bread. The atmosphere here is unlike any other restaurant in St. Petersburg with a friendly staff, local regulars, and a unique Subway-themed vibe.
Located in Sundial St Pete, Locale Market certainly fits the bill of a unique dining experience. Locale is both a shopping and dining experience where guests can find both food stations and curated groceries scattered throughout the space.
They serve up everything from burgers and flatbreads to ramen and a decked-out salad bar. If you find yourself wanting a juicy burger while your pal is feeling more like a steamy plate of pasta, Locale is the perfect place to satisfy everyone’s craving, no matter what they may be.
This vegan deli, bakery, butchery, and sandwich shop is unlike any other spot we know of. They’re located in an adorable little house in the City of Gulfport, and when you walk in, it feels like stepping into an old friend’s home.
Most of their menu items are made from scratch, including their vegan sausages, seitan, and baked goods. Whether you’re a vegan or an omnivore, GDVD is a unique dining experience that you don’t want to miss out on. Pro tip: go on the weekends to score some amazing donut specials!
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The Wooden Rooster is a casual, rustic café in the heart of Downtown St. Petersburg serving up homemade crepes. They’ve got a menu that offers breakfast crepes, dessert crepes, and everything in between. As an added bonus, they’ve got an amazing happy hour that features half off beer and wine from 7 p.m. until close seven days a week!
WEPA is St. Petersburg’s first authentic Puerto Rican restaurant, located in the Warehouse Arts District. Their concept celebrates authentic Puerto Rican food that’s made from handwritten recipes dating back three generations.
Guests at WEPA can enjoy traditional street foods and hearty meals alike such as paella and mofongo. Next time you find yourself craving some treats that taste like they came straight from the streets of Puerto Rico, check this place out.
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From gooey grilled cheeses to “meaty” vegan sandwiches, St. Petersburg has some truly unique dining experiences for locals and tourists alike.
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