Water\u00a0<\/a>– connected to Ciccio\u2019s is a sushi restaurant called water. \u00a0It\u2019s great because you can order off the menu for either \u00a0California or Water and do take-out! \u00a0You\u2019ll find Water has a great atmosphere and even better sushi.<\/p>\n Bern\u2019s Steak House<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 \u00a0Bern\u2019s Steakhouse opened in 1956 and has been a Tampa staple ever since. \u00a0Bern\u2019s has its own farm where it grows many of the items it serves. \u00a0Bern\u2019s has a 6,500 label wine collection and has won many awards from Wine Spectator. \u00a0They also have more than 1,000 after-dinner spirits, wines and cordials. \u00a0While Bern\u2019s is one of Tampa\u2019s most well known steak houses\u2026what you really need to check out is Bern\u2019s dessert room. It\u2019s amazing. \u00a0You will love the food at the Steak house, but you should make sure to save room for dessert.<\/p>\n Don’t feel like a such a formal steakhouse experience? Then check out Sideberns\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n Boca Hyde Park<\/a> – Recommended by my friend Kevin, a serious foodie, Boca is a great spot for farm-to-table communal dining experiences.<\/p>\n Jackson\u2019s Bistro\u00a0<\/a>– Located on Harbour Island, just across from the site of the convention, Jackson\u2019s is a great place to sit outside, enjoy the view of the water, and have a great drink, or two. The food is good – but the reason to go is the view and drinks.<\/p>\n Bella\u2019s Italian Cafe<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 Bella\u2019s, in South Tampa, is a great spot for Italian food. \u00a0The restaurant has great outdoor seating \u2013 assuming it\u2019s not pouring rain. \u00a0Bella\u2019s has been in the same spot on Howard since 1987 when it opened its doors. \u00a0They have great wood-fired pizzas and traditional fare. \u00a0I was a huge fan of their chicken picatta and caesar salad.<\/p>\n 717 South<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 another SoHo favorite, 717 serves an\u00a0eclectic\u00a0menu \u00a0of authentic Italian dishes \u00a0to exotic seafood from the Pacific Rim. \u00a0I\u2019ve only been to 717 South one time, but it was very good. However, it was another recommendation from my best friend and I\u2019m telling you, she knows her stuff! \u00a0My mom says they have the best crab cakes in town too!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Tarpon Springs is a Greek Community located around 30 minutes outside of Tampa and across Tampa Bay. \u00a0Tarpon Springs sits on the Gulf of Mexico and offers a very unique experience for visitors. \u00a0Tarpon has one of the few \u2013 if only- working sponge docks in the country. \u00a0You can have dinner and buy a\u00a0loofah\u00a0sponge! How great is that.<\/p>\n I went to high school at Tarpon Springs High School and our mascot was the Sponger \u2013 yep, the Sponger, big old diving mask and all. Most of the restaurants that were on the docks 20 years ago when I was in high school are still on there today.<\/p>\n Hella\u2019s Restaurant<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 Hella\u2019s is my favorite Greek restaurant and I always visit when I\u2019m in town. \u00a0It\u2019s cheesy and traditional and the perfect place to enjoy traditional food that\u2019s been prepared the same way since they opened in 1970. \u00a0The Gyro (pronounced \u2018year-oh\u2019 not ji-roh or hero, or any other way) is always what I order. \u00a0It\u2019s what a Gyro should be and will be the standard to which I judge against forever. \u00a0 Stop by the bakery on your way out and take home some great goodies.<\/p>\n ABC Seafood\u00a0<\/a>– There\u2019s no website for ABC Seafood, so I\u2019ve put a link to a map and contact info. ABC Seafood is the only place my family goes for Chinese & Asian food in Pinellas County. \u00a0You won\u2019t go wrong at ABC! \u00a0We recommend the spicy eggplant and honey walnut shrimp.<\/p>\n Cafe Ponte<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 \u00a0is a trendy spot for contemporary American cuisine with French, Asian, and Italian influences. \u00a0The\u00a0mushroom bisque is amazing! \u00a0In addition to how great the food is, the owner\u00a0Chef Christopher Ponte is incredibly philanthropic and it makes me happy to support his restaurant.<\/p>\n The Columbia<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 The Columbia is a historic Tampa restaurant and now a landmark. \u00a0The Columbia is supposedly Florida\u2019s oldest restaurant and was opened in Ybor City in 1905 by Cuban\u00a0immigrants. \u00a0Today they\u2019re located all across Florida and have locations in St Petersburg, Tampa\u2019s Riverwalk and the original location in Ybor City. \u00a0For some traditional Cuban sandwiches and a bit of history, make sure you check out The Columbia.<\/p>\nIn Tarpon Springs<\/h2>\n
![\"hellas-tarpon-springs\"](\"http:\/\/first2board.com\/verygoodpoints\/files\/2013\/09\/hellas-tarpon-springs-300x224.jpg\")
<\/p>\nIn St Petersburg<\/h2>\n
In Multiple Locations<\/h2>\n
![\"columbia-ybor-city\"](\"http:\/\/first2board.com\/verygoodpoints\/files\/2013\/09\/columbia-ybor-city-300x225.jpg\")
<\/p>\nIn Rocky Point<\/h2>\n
![\"oystercatchers-jens-wedding\"](\"http:\/\/first2board.com\/verygoodpoints\/files\/2013\/09\/oystercatchers-jens-wedding-300x300.jpg\")
<\/p>\n