A guide to food and drink in St Petersburg

Exploring St Petersburg's delicacies

From American delights to delicious tastes from all over the globe, you’ll never be short of options when dining here and can particularly expect an array of seafood prepared in a variety of different ways.

Then of course there are the drinks. St Petersburg has a bit of a rep for cool, stylish cocktails, and sitting on a bar terrace overlooking the bay while sipping your Mai Tai has got to be the best laid-back holiday experience.

Seafood overlooking the sea at The Getaway

This tiki bar not only serves some stunning cocktails, but it also offers a delicious selection of food. Whether you rock up in your boat or walk to this beautiful beachside destination, from the moment you sip your first tropical cocktail you’ll know you’re in for a treat.

From the menu you can choose the exotically named Costa Conch fritters, beer battered clam strips or tuck into a burger and chips. Whatever your choose, the food is beautifully prepared and presented. As well as the cocktail list, the range of craft beers is fabulous, so treat yourself.

Giddy gourmet delights at Birch and Vine

Holidays to St Petersburg are the perfect time to pamper your gourmet palate, and a meal at Birch and Vine will give you a taste of the very best of contemporary American cooking in a swanky setting. You can start your meal with a sumptuous beef carpaccio accompanied with gorgonzola ice-cream, or stay in a traditional Florida vein when you select crispy battered gulf oysters.

This is an exciting menu that showcases the very best local and national treats. Whether you stick with an old favourite such as steak or opt for something more extraordinary, you’re in for a wonderful foodie experience.

Cool Cuban sandwiches at Bodega Comida Cantina

If you’re looking to source some vibrant Latin food, then the Bodega Comida Cantina Cafe on Central Avenue is the answer. After all, with some 93,000 Cubans living in St Petersburg it would almost be a crime not to sample some delicious Cuban cooking when on holiday here.

With organic, vegetarian and vegan options on the menu the whole family can tuck into a delicious snack. The Cuban sandwich is finger licking good and is made from pork, swiss cheese, pickles ham and mustard, or you could try grilled and spicy tofu.

Pizzas and more at Bavaros Napoletana and Pastaria

Produced in a wood burning oven, the pizzas at Bavaros are rather special. For a start they’re packed to the gills with some sensationally tasty toppings. Another reason for visiting Bavaros is that for two days a week you’ll be delighted to hear that the beer and wine is half price.

With homemade pasta and some delicious sauces also on the menu, a meal here is always a treat. The Diavola, made from spicy sausage meat, mozzarella and peppers will certainly get your tastebuds going, as will the full complement of wines, beers and spirits.

Sidewalk dining at its best at 400 Beach Seafood & Tapas

Showcasing the quality of Florida’s famous seafood alongside other American greats, at 400 Beach Seafood and Tapas you can start with crispy buffalo shrimp then enjoy a beachside mini burger. The possibilities are endless as their menu is extensive.

Those in the know will visit the restaurant on a Sunday as this is the time to savour the restaurant’s brunch buffet. If you’re looking for a varied feast, for around $25 you can really go to town with beef, crab and all manner of other feats of deliciousness on the menu.