Sapphire waters, white sand, and a laid-back Gulf Coast sensibility—that’s Clearwater.
But this sun-drenched city is more than a beachgoer’s paradise.
Its restaurants channel Florida’s abundant seafood, Cuban roots, and hospitality, creating a uniquely breezy, delicious town where every meal is a celebration of sunshine.
Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill
No Clearwater food journey is complete without Frenchy’s.
An institution for both tourists and locals, Frenchy’s stands on the edge of sparkling sand, its breezy patio filled with sounds of live Jimmy Buffett covers and laughter from tables loaded with beer buckets and seafood platters.
Grouper is king—served in sandwiches, fish tacos, or just grilled and brushed with lemon-butter.
Shrimp, clam strips, and crab cakes round out the menu, along with famous she-crab soup and the thickest, most decadent Key lime pie around.
Service is always cheerful, and every visit feels like a mini beach holiday.
Clear Sky Cafe
At the north end of Clearwater Beach, Clear Sky Café delivers elevated breakfast, brunch, and supper in a vibrant, open-air space.
Locals rave about the lobster benedict, cinnamon Challah French toast, and Southwest egg scrambles.
For lunch and dinner, the menu goes global—think: pesto mahi, Cuban pressed sandwiches, house-made pasta, and flatbreads blanketed in Gulf shrimp.
Mimosas and craft cocktails are generous pours. Holiday mornings and sunset evenings often mean a line, but the sidewalk tables and people-watching make the wait a pleasure.
Columbia Restaurant Sand Key
A branch of Ybor City’s legendary Columbia, this Spanish-Cuban classic brings 100+ years of hospitality to Clearwater.
The view from the palm-shaded patio stretches across Clearwater Pass, and inside, tile mosaics and flamenco music set a festive mood.
Order the famous “1905” salad, garlic-rich paella, ropa vieja, or the pressed Cuban sandwich—each a taste of Florida’s deep Cuban history.
Sangria comes housemade, poured at the table, and the flan is, quite simply, perfection.
Palm Pavilion Beachside Grill & Bar
A true locals’ hangout, this open-air beach bar has survived hurricanes and development booms to remain a beloved sunset spot.
It’s best known for icy margaritas, smoked fish spread, and fresh grouper sandwiches served feet from the sand.
The laid-back vibe is all Florida—barefoot kids, retirees, and sunburned tourists share the same wooden picnic tables.
The teriyaki salmon salad and grilled mahi tacos have their own loyal following, and weekend evenings mean free music and epic sunset watching.
Cristino’s Coal Oven Pizza
For scratch Italian and artisan pizza far from city crowds, Cristino’s is a revelation.
The coal-fired pies emerge crisp, blistered, and deeply flavorful; fans drive in from Tampa just for the margherita or prosciutto-rocket pizzas.
The antipasto boards, homemade meatballs, and fresh cannoli make this a destination for wintering snowbirds and locals alike.
The courtyard, strung with lights, is one of Clearwater’s best-hidden date spots.
Get the All-American Travel Secrets!
Don't miss out on America's hidden gems!
