Devito’s Rising
DeVito’s Italian Specialties, James DeVito’s downtown Tampa restaurant, is a wonderful success story. Opened just days before the COVID-19 shutdown, in 2020, it has survived the pandemic to thrive as one of Tampa’s finest Italian restaurants. The interior is sleek and modern, with a black and white color palette and a flourish of art deco.
The relaxed sophistication of Beachwood Seafood (PHOTOS)
The team at Beachwood Seafood in Oldsmar pays attention to details. From the thoughtfully curated interior space to the edible flowers used as a garnish, the details help set this restaurant apart from others. And those details transcend through the menu. Chef James Mitchell creates dishes that combine accessible ingredients and artful presentations with delicious
The big taste and big heart of Charley’s Steakhouse (PHOTOS)
Charley’s Steakhouse’s menu is filled with bold signature cocktails, classic steakhouse favorites and items you can’t find anyplace else. This is an experience defined by the word dedication. Charley’s team is dedicated to presenting the highest quality food, skillfully prepared to let flavor take center stage. It also is dedicated to the details of service,
Unbridled enthusiasm: The unforgettable experience of Urban Stillhouse (PHOTOS)
Urban Stillhouse, in St. Petersburg’s Warehouse District, is a rare find in the Tampa Bay area restaurant scene. It’s special, and unique, in many ways. First, it’s owned by American Freedom Distillery, makers of Horse Soldier Bourbon. So, it’s no surprise that this is a restaurant that knows its spirits, and how to skillfully use
Paradise found at 82 Degrees on St. Pete Beach (PHOTOS)
82 Degrees is a little restaurant and bar, stashed off Sunset Way, in St. Pete Beach. It’s awash with natural light streaming through floor-to-ceiling windows on three sides, giving a panoramic view of high-rise buildings and the Gulf of Mexico beyond. 82 Degrees is stylish, created to serve guests of the Saint, a boutique hotel
Mexican, with a nod to Asia (PHOTOS)
Jotoro, chef Joe Isidori’s Mexican restaurant, in Tampa’s Channel District, is a casual spot for drinks and dinner near the seaport. The space is filled with bright accents and a luchador image painted on a giant chain canvas. While Jotoro’s heart is in Mexico, the menu is instilled with an Asian influence. The unique culinary
Channel District sophistication
Cena, pronounced “chen-na,” is a bold, inventive and award-winning trattoria located in Tampa’s Channel District. Owner, and chef, Michael Buttacavoli honed his culinary skills at remarkable restaurants throughout Tampa, including SideBern’s and Council Oak. But in his own place, his Italian heritage shines in a restaurant that is special, and unique, in the Bay area’s
2021 Year In Review: My perfect dinner
When people find out I write restaurant articles, they always ask the same questions. The questions are, “What is your favorite restaurant” or “What is your favorite thing to order?” Recently, a friend asked me, “If you could create your perfect dinner, from your favorite dishes served by your favorite local restaurants, what would be
The St. Pete experience rises at Social Roost (PHOTOS)
Social Roost is a fun, and eclectic, restaurant in downtown St. Petersburg, serving inventive cocktails and delicious food. It’s the brainchild of St. Petersburg natives Rob Bowen and Jason Teabout, who wanted to create a restaurant inspired by their love for travel. The team with Susan Burdian, a chef from New York, to create a
Vintage cars and more highlight the Gasparilla Concours d’Elegance
The Gasparilla Concours d’Elegance returns for a three-day celebration of vintage, and historic, cars Dec. 3-5. This year’s theme is Celebrating 100 Years of Automotive Excellence and will take place at the TPC Golf Club in Lutz. A variety of activities are planned for this event and proceeds go to charity, making it an important
Beautifully delicious: The atmosphere and cuisine at Donatello are simply elegant (PHOTOS)
Diners feel special every time they go to Donatello. For decades, the Tampa restaurant has defined fine Italian dining and stepping into the dining room transports you to a world that delights the senses. Tables adorned with roses are draped with pink cloths and napkins. Pendant fixtures hang overhead and provide dramatic lighting. Black-jacketed waiters,
Il Ritorno brings back intelligent dining
Il Ritorno, David Benstock’s Italian-inspired restaurant in downtown St. Petersburg, holds a special place in Tampa Bay’s dining scene. At first glance, it seems like an Italian restaurant. After all, the menu titles major sections with Italian words like “antipasti” and “primi.” But upon closer inspection, most dishes stray a little from classic Italian. And
