10 Of Our Favorite Clearwater Beach Restaurants

Whether you’re lucky enough to live in Clearwater, Florida, or you’re one of the thousands of people who visit Clearwater Beach each year, one thing’s for sure:

You gotta eat. And Clearwater Beach has good food.

Looking at a list of dozens of different food options can be overwhelming. How do you know which restaurants are actually worth your time and money? And which ones have the most photo-worthy plates and views?

Lucky for you, our local team at Trust Roofing put together a list of the 10 best Clearwater Beach restaurants for locals and visitors alike.

1) Marina Cantina: Mexican Fusion 🌮

At Marina Cantina, every day is taco Tuesday! Boasting the largest outdoor bar in Clearwater Beach, this Mexican fusion restaurant is at the top of our list thanks to its stunning views, delicious food, and friendly hospitality.

Be sure to try their inventive empanadas, vibrant tacos, and fresh shrimp ceviche. Pair your meal with a tasting of tequila from their extensive list or a tasty margarita— served by the glass or pitcher!

Check out their unique brunch menu on Saturday and Sunday from 11 am-3 pm. They also offer daily specials Monday-Thursday!

2) The Palm Pavilion: Casual American 🍔

Looking for a beachfront restaurant with views of the Gulf of Mexico that the entire family can enjoy? Check out The Palm Pavilion! This casual, laid-back restaurant has been serving good vibes and great bites since 1926.

Most days of the week, you’ll enjoy live music with your meal. Tables are first come, first served. Once you’re seated for dinner, you’ll have your choice between a wide range of American classics, including fresh seafood, burgers, and BBQ ribs.

Each dinner comes with a free sunset view. 😜

3) The Salty Crab Bar & Grill: Seafood 🦀

Whether you’re craving food from the land or the sea, The Salty Crab has got you covered. As one of the most-visited restaurants on Clearwater Beach, The Salty Crab boasts a large menu, all-day happy hour specials, and fantastic late-night specials.

Their personalized drink menu is just as impressive as their main menu. There’s no doubt you’ll find something delicious for breakfast, lunch, or dinner at this local joint. We can’t get enough of their seafood pasta or their crab boils.

4) Columbia Restaurant Sand Key: Spanish-Cuban🌯

Only one restaurant gets to claim that they’re “Florida’s Oldest Restaurant,” and that title goes to Columbia Restaurant. This restaurant has been in business since 1905, and one of its seven locations, Sand Key, is located right here in Clearwater Beach.

Both the outdoor deck and indoor dining room offer great views of the coast. This Spanish menu offers a range of mouthwatering bites that you can’t easily find elsewhere. We recommend ordering multiple tapas and enjoying them “family style” with some friends or relatives so that everyone gets a bite of everything.

But if sharing isn’t your style, they have numerous entrees that are sure to make your tastebuds happy.

5) Shephard’s Open Flame: Breakfast & Brunch 🍳

If you’re more of a simple person when it comes to food, be sure to check out Shephard’s Open Flame. They’re currently serving breakfast each day of the week, and their menu features simple, classic options that anyone can enjoy.

What sets Shephard’s Open Flame apart is the beautiful outdoor dining with stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico. This restaurant is situated right on the beach, so you can put your feet in the sand as soon as you’re done with your meal.

6) Salt Cracker Fish Camp: Seafood 🐟

For mega-fresh seafood straight from the source with a Southern flair, look no further than Salt Cracker Fish Camp. You can even catch your own fish and bring it to them, and they’ll cook it for you! They’ll even pair your personal catch with french fries and coleslaw. Talk about a neat deal!

Live entertainment happens Fridays-Sundays, and happy hour is all day every day. Enjoy two for $10 drinks and mouthwatering fresh catches.

7) Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill: Retro Coastal Flavors 🍗

It wouldn’t be a trip to Clearwater Beach without visiting a Frenchy’s restaurant. “Frenchy” himself, Michael Preston, moved to Clearwater Beach after he fell in love with the area on a vacation. Decades later, he has multiple Frenchy’s locations across the Tampa Bay area.

Our personal favorite location is Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill. With a colorful, retro ambiance, this open-air dining space offers amazing views, daily live music, and Floribbean cuisine.

8) Ocean Hai: Asian Fusion 🍜

For a more upscale dining experience, pay a visit to the Asian-fusion restaurant Ocean Hai. Each dish is fresh and is inspired by locally-sourced ingredients depending on the season.

Ocean Hai is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The vibrant menu is curated by the talented Executive Sous Chef Nana Darkwah. If your entire table is up for it, order the Chef’s Tasting Menu— a delicious, personally-curated five-course tasting menu.

9) Jimmy’s Crow’s Nest: Great Views & Casual Eats 🍹

While many of the restaurants on this list have oceanfront views, Jimmy’s Crow’s Nest allows guests to bask in the views from a bustling rooftop. Boasting a 270-degree view of the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico, you’ll love the energy of this local spot.

Each night, guests get to toast to the sunset with a free shot at their nightly sunset celebration. Enjoy the familiar food and tropical drinks with friends or on a date. Or, come solo and make new friends!

10) Gondolier Pizza: Pizza & Italian 🍕

Gondolier Pizza may seem unassuming, but many customers have left online reviews stating it has the best pizza they’ve ever eaten! If you’re in the area and craving a good slice, look no further.

Beyond pizza, they offer an impressive menu complete with:

• Pita wraps
• Italian pasta
• Baked subs
• Calzones
• Salads
• Strombolis

You’ll feel the love in every bite at this family-owned restaurant.

We Love Our Clearwater Community

After putting together this guide, our stomachs are rumbling! Our dedicated team of roofing professionals loves serving residents in Clearwater and the greater Tampa Bay area. And we love grabbing a bite to eat from these restaurants after a day of hard work. If you’re a home or business owner in the area and need a 5-star rated roofing partner, the Trust Roofing team would be happy to be of service. Simply reach out to schedule a free estimate!

Now, let us know which one of these restaurants is your favorite! We may just see you there.