St Pete to Eat
Sheila,
I live in the other side of Pinellas county, so I don't often eat in St. Pete, but I'll try to give you a little help. It also depends where you are staying and whether you have a car.
Downtown St. Pete:
There are many restaurants on Central Avenue. I've only eaten at a couple and not anything I would recommend, so I'd suggest just walking along and seeing who has what you want and who is busy or not.
The BayWalk is a shopping, eating, movie complex a block from Central Avenue. There are many resturants in it. My only warning is that sometimes on weekend evenings there are groups of kids there. I think they patrol it pretty much. Daytime and early evening should be fine and probably during the week.
The Pier: There is Columbias, local Spanish chain, and ChaCha Coconuts, plus maybe others. I have eaten at ChaChas. It is on top of the pier and has nice views.
Tyrone Square Mall Area:
There are many chain restaurants around the mall, both local and national. I think they have added a couple of restaurnts inside the mall. We like Sam Seltzers. It is a local chain specializing in steak and seafood. They always have a couple of specials which is a good bargain. Sometimes the entree is better than other times, but still a good deal for the price.
St. Pete Beach/Pass-a-Grill Area
Also many chain type restaurants at the beach. Pass-a-Grill is like a seperate little town. We like a seafood restaurnt that is called (I think) The Wharf. Very rustic, but good food.
Another place we like, although technically not in St. Pete, is Habana Cafe in Gulfport. It is not in downtown Gulfport, but on on Gulfport Blvd. Didn't know if I'd like Cuban food, but do and really like this restaurant.
Hope this helps some,
Nancy