Author: 
Your vacation in Clearwater Beach, Florida, is about more than the sparkling, sugar-sand beaches. You can eat at a chain anytime, but along the gulf, Clearwater Beach offers one-of-a-kind restaurants you can’t find anywhere else.
Make the most of your Florida vacation by immersing yourself in the complete beachside experience. Indulge in the delicious food that completes the experience.
The Best Clearwater Beach Restaurants
Looking for the best eats the locals rave about? Check out this list of local go-to Clearwater Beach restaurants you won’t find on your own. Your appetite will thank you!
Rusty Bellies Waterfront Grill
Family-owned and operated Rusty Bellies is more than just on the waterfront; it’s on a dock in the boatyard. You’ll enjoy fresh Florida-caught seafood literally steps from the water.
This hot spot is always bustling, but the staff is cheerful and welcoming. There’s an online waitlist you can join, too, so you don’t have to stand in line.
Sea-to-Table Dining
Owners Julie and Jack Russell supply their restaurant with fresh gulf shrimp, grouper, and stone crab from boats caught by their own boats. It doesn’t get much fresher than that!
Lenny’s
Featuring Florida at its finest, Lenny’s is a local experience. We almost don’t want to add any explanation because you won’t quite understand until you go.
At Lenny’s, you can order breakfast or lunch starting at 7 AM until they close at 3 PM. They won’t call it brunch, but it is. The diner feel will put you immediately at ease, and it’s the perfect spot to nurse a hangover.
Go on, order a pastrami sandwich for breakfast with your French toast. After all, you’re on vacation. Better yet, order the Danish Basket with fresh-squeezed orange juice. Just do it.
A Landmark
Open since 1958, Lenny’s is happy to claim the title of Clearwater Florida tradition. You’ll find plenty of locals camped out in the booths any day of the week.
Hog Island Fish Camp
For those in the know, Hog Island Fish Camp in Dunedin is minutes from the island itself. In addition to their craft beers, you can dig into “quintessentially Dunedin” dishes like the hogfish sammich and key lime slaw.
A hit since its doors first opened, this Clearwater Beach restaurant continues to hold its prime location on Main Street.
What to Order
We recommend the bottom of the bay chowder and a grouper sandwich. We also recommend making a reservation; you’ll need it.
The Bait House Tackle & Tavern
The captain of a local charter fishing vessel opened The Bait House in the 1940s (no one quite remembers exactly when, since the opening literally predates the records).
Kick back and enjoy some local brews on the open-air dock. Then come back the next day; the daily menu changes depending on the freshest locally caught seafood that came in that day.
Go Fishing
Yes, it’s also a tackle shop. The Bait House sells fishing tackle and gear, so you can pick up some equipment after enjoying some Drunken Shrimp and head out for some fishing in the gulf.
Kara Lynn’s Kitchen
While deep-fried batter has its appeal, you’ll find the health-conscious locals at Kara Lynn’s Kitchen. Kara Lynn’s is committed to producing tasty, clean food. You won’t find grain, gluten, GMOs, or refined sugar here. Every dish is organic and wild-caught.
If you want another testament to just how popular this local Clearwater Beach restaurant truly is, Kara Lynn’s has a catering waitlist and won an Outstanding New Business Award in 2015. Come for brunch, anyday.
Bring Your Dietary Restrictions
This spot is a must for anyone with dietary restrictions. The kitchen will bend over backward to ensure you get a delicious meal that matches whatever specifications you need.
Pearly’s Beach Eats
Pearly’s keeps it simple and delicious and Florida. Owned and operated by five local friends, who grew up together in Tampa Bay, this little restaurant is perfect for Mexican and Cuban-inspired beach eats.
Order your food at the window and eat at the open-air bar or one of the many colorful tables and umbrellas in the sand nearby so that you can eat while enjoying the clear sky. On a long, hot afternoon, this place hits the spot.
Perfect Beach Food
Get your burrito wrapped to go and walk along the beach while you eat.
Clear Sky Beachside Café
Sitting in this Clearwater Beach restaurant feels like sitting in a boat; they nail the ambiance. It’s no surprise this local spot is of the most highly reviewed local restaurants across the board by tourists and locals.
The Clear Sky Café has it all: delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner dishes, a beachside patio, a complete wine list, custom beach cocktails, and even a bike rack.
The Café is a great place to bring your kids or meet up with some friends to watch the game at the indoor bar.
BYO Canine
Come whenever, bring your dog, and sit on the patio; he’ll probably get a sample on the house.
Colombia Restaurant
If you’re in the mood for something a little more upscale for date night, fine dining at Colombia Restaurant is a must. Their appetizers might make you swoon.
This Spanish restaurant boasts classy indoor and deck dining with views of the water and gorgeous sand keys and more restaurant awards than you can count. You might even see the caretta swimming from the second floor. You’ll definitely need to make a reservation in advance.
Class for Days
As Colombia’s website so eloquently puts it, “Casual attire is fine, but we don’t allow sleeveless shirts.” This spot is about as upscale as you can get in a Clearwater Beach restaurant without sacrificing comfort.
Palm Pavilion Beachside Grill & Bar
Since opening in 1926, there’s been no better spot to grab an on-the-beach beer than the Palm Pavilion. If you want to meet some locals, munch some shrimp, and look out across the gorgeous Gulf of Mexico, this is the place.
Unlike most Clearwater Beach restaurants, the Palm Pavilion doesn’t make reservations. They serve on a first-come, first-serve basis. This will make a lot more sense when you see the Pavilion. Did we mention it’s more than beachside because it’s literally on the sand key?
Live Music
In the mood for some late-night live entertainment? Enjoy your drink with some chill background music while you watch the sunset. If this sounds idyllic, it’s because it is. Looking for the “island way” grill and bar? This is it.
Guppy’s on the Beach Restaurant
This beach restaurant with a bistro feel is the place for a seafood lover or anyone who enjoys Italian cuisine to indulge. Guppy’s serves up succulent octopus and lobster dishes that will have you drooling.
While not formal, it’s at least sit-down casual. It’s also worth making a reservation or ordering takeout because those seats fill up.
Guppy’s has a little bit of something for everyone, including a kid’s menu, gluten-free options, daily specials, and the best Caribbean Conch Chowder you’ll ever eat.
This modern steak and fresh seafood spot is a popular spot for local events, too. Check their calendar to see what might be happening during your visit.
Early Bird Specials
Are you going out for brunch or some tasty appetizers before hitting the beach? Get the oysters with your Bloody Mary. Date night? One of you should get the branzino, so long as the other person gets the swordfish.
Plan Your Visit Now
While each of these Clearwater Beach restaurants brings something a little different to the table, you can’t go wrong with any. We didn’t even mention Frenchy’s Rockaway Grill (because it’s more of a local chain favorite) and their grouper sandwich.
Whether for breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks, or just a quick bite between the beach and boat, the locals know exactly where to find the best restaurants for the tastiest treats at the best island prices.
Passing up these local spots is passing up the true Clearwater Beach experience. Don’t miss out; book a visit and put these delicious locations on your must-visit list today!
