The 7 Best Palm Harbor, FL Restaurants

Trying to plan an amazing meal in Palm Harbor, Florida? While the restaurant scene here is a bit smaller compared to neighboring cities, you can find amazing restaurants locally without having to make the drive to Tampa or Clearwater. Get a little inspiration from our list of the 7 best Palm Harbor, FL restaurants.

1. The Thirsty Marlin

1023 Florida Avenue, Palm Harbor
(727) 784-3469

This bar and grill brings things back to the old days with casual food, cold beer, great food, live music, and bartenders who know how to strike up a conversation. From the Thirsty Marlin’s large and varied menu, the Caribbean jambalaya with Key West pink shrimp, jerk chicken, sausage, yellow rice, and savory sauce rolls over your taste buds like a warm breeze. Other must-try menu items include plump bacon-wrapped sea scallops, Key Largo calamari, and the grouper sandwich on an onion roll. You’ll want to leave room for dessert once you get a peak at the Key West lime pie, chocolate marlin explosion, and fried cheesecake.

2. Mystic Fish Seafood Grill and Bar

3253 Tampa Road, Palm Harbor
(727) 771-1800

This popular date-night spot in Palm Harbor serves up mythically delicious fish! The lobster ravioli delivers a half lobster tail in a rich, unforgettable cream sauce. The pan-seared black grouper comes to life with Indian chicken butter sauce and scallions. The bronzed Chilean sea bass tickles the tongue with its flavorful ginger sauce. While this upscale fish house is the best spot in town for treasures from the sea, those who pass up fish plates won’t be disappointed once they see the braised short rib, prime pork loin chop, New Zealand rack of lamb, and maple leaf duck breast served with apricot-curry sauce. Have a sweet finish with Mystic Fish’s flourless chocolate cake, Key lime panna cotta, white chocolate bread pudding, and gourmet ice cream. There’s even a dessert wine menu to end the evening.

3. Massimo’s

31876 US Highway 19 North, Palm Harbor
(727) 784-1881

If you’re planning a dinner out to celebrate a special occasion, Massimo’s is a spot that knows how to take care of larger parties. The artful menu here combines Italian, French, Mediterranean, and Asian cuisines in a wonderfully elegant setting. Start with the French burrata drizzled in cranberry white balsamic and 15-olive virgin olive oil. The Maine lobster and lump crab meat ricotta cake and fried Argentinian shrimp and artichokes from the appetizer menu set the pace for an unforgettable meal experience. Top picks for dinner include the lamb rack, veal scallopini, filet mignon, grilled jumbo shrimp, and tuna loin.

4. La Dolce Vita Trattoria

600 Palm Harbor Boulevard, Palm Harbor
(727) 916-5275

Experience the flavors of authentic Italian cuisine in Palm Harbor at this local favorite with a warm atmosphere and old-world menu. From the appetizer menu, try the roasted octopus tentacles served with potatoes and sundried tomatoes, burrata with prosciutto, or fried calamari and shrimp breaded with smoked paprika. The homemade lasagna at La Dolce Vita is the standout dish. However, the ravioli stuffed with burrata, and pasta bolognese are also worth mentioning! Don’t forget to slurp up every bit of seasoning when you order the linguine shrimp with calamari, mussels, cherry tomatoes, basil oil, and lemon zest.

5. Sip 85

4940 Ridgemoor Boulevard, Palm Harbor
(727) 270-7570

This steakhouse and winery offers a refined dining experience with a great selection of wines by the glass, terrific menu, and undeniable desserts. All of the ingredients featured on the menu are sourced from local farmers and purveyors. To start, the burrata crostini with grilled seasonal fruit, prosciutto, arugula, and balsamic glaze sets the tone for an incredible meal. The lamb sliders from the appetizer menu also get five stars. The superstars of the menu are the hand-cut steaks and chops served with the vegetable of the day, house mash, or rice. The Mediterranean grilled tuna with sautéed kale, charred tomatoes, and lemon-garlic caper dressing is also phenomenal.

6. Salty Lime Cantina

1019 Florida Avenue, Palm Harbor
(727) 266-4433

Prioritizing seasonal ingredients, Salty Lime Cantina is a place where flavors come alive! This is an amazing place to sip sangria with fresh muddled fruit, Grand Marnier, cinnamon, simple syrup, and a house red or white wine on the deck. If you’re coming with a group, you’ll appreciate the salsa flights that let you choose from four to 10 different house-made salsas served with fresh tortilla chips. Menu standouts at Salty Lime include the fried avocado stuffed with shrimp salad, the duck quesadilla made with crispy duck confit and crumbled goat cheese, and the carnitas tacos stuffed with roasted pork, cabbage slaw, grilled pineapple, pickled red onions, chipotle mayo, and cilantro. Don’t even think about leaving without requesting a peek at the dessert menu. Sweet favorites here include Mexican fried ice cream, apple empanadas, tres leches cake, and caramel flan.

7. Packards

36750 US Highway 19 North, Palm Harbor
(727) 942-5240

Packards is the steakhouse at the famous Copperhead Golf Course. Look out over the green as you feast on a fine-dining menu consisting of filet mignon, bone-in ribeye, pork chops, and more. The lamb chop lollipops are especially tasty while nursing a classic martini in your favorite golf outfit. Burgers, lobster rolls, tacos, and chicken clubs are also on the menu. For a light lunch, the lobster Cobb salad and French onion soup hit the spot. The white truffle mac and cheese is another Packards standout!

 

For more recommendations on where to eat and drink in the city, check out our Tampa page, here!