Just west of Tampa sits the quaint little beach town of Dunedin. The historic, walkable downtown area is chock full of shops, breweries, and restaurants. There are tons of options for the perfect date night (or day!) from romantic, to casual, to waterfront. We’ve rounded up our favorite must-try restaurants in Dunedin for the ultimate foodie experience.
Updated June 2023, by Zoë Joiner.
The Best Dunedin Restaurants:
The Black Pearl
315 Main St. Dunedin, FL 34698
French and New American
Since 1996, The Black Pearl has been a Dunedin staple for fine dining. It sits in a space built in 1905 that was originally a barbershop and then a mayor’s office until it was renovated in 1946. The cozy space is filled with only 12 tables, so reservations are heavily recommended.
The menu features weekly specials as well as French-inspired items such as White Truffle Lobster Risotto, Escargot, Pappardelle Bolognese, and New Zealand Rack of Lamb.
The Honu
516 Grant St. Dunedin, FL 34698
Hawaiian-inspired
This contemporary restaurant features a relaxed vibe and serves creative, island-style dishes. The menu is Polynesian cuisine with a spin on Hawaiian classics such as PuPu Platter, Ahi Poke, Coconut Green Curry, and Chimichurri Chicken.
Adults 21 and over can also enjoy Honu’s Polynesian tiki bar serving up craft and classic tiki cocktails. It’s also the perfect place to bring your furry friend who can enjoy Honu’s Dog Menu which includes Dog Chicken Sweet Potato, Dog Tacos, and Dog Muffins. Looking to host an event? Their 20-seat private dining room and outdoor spaces are the perfect party spots.
Crown & Bull
319 Main St. Dunedin, FL 34698
Modern American
Crown & Bull features scratch-made dishes using seasonal, responsibly sourced, and local ingredients, including Florida grass-fed steaks and fresh seafood dishes. Located in the heart of downtown Dunedin, it’s known for having an amazing brunch and a fantastic, chef-driven menu and bar.
Breakfast and Brunch items include their Famous Bennies, a variety of eggs benedicts, omelets, bowls, and handhelds such as Smoked Salmon Bagels and Breakfast Burritos. For lunch and dinner, you can nosh on Coconut Curry Mussels, Walnut Stuffed Peppers, Osso Bucco, Kimchi Fried Chicken, and Kale and Berry Salad. On days when the weather is picture-perfect, you can dine on the large outdoor patio and enjoy the fire pits after dark.
Crown & Bull also prides itself on making “green” decisions like using biodegradable to-go boxes and eco-friendly wine bags.
Lucky Lobster Co.
941 Huntley Ave. Dunedin, FL 34698
American
Just down the street from Dunedin House of Beer, Lucky Lobster gives guests a New England style dining experience. The casual, laid-back spot features indoor and outdoor dining and serves up brunch, lunch, and dinner.
Though their Maine Lobster is the star of the show, their menu features an array of freshly made items. Some must-try items are their Scallops wrapped in Prosciutto, Grilled Octopus Salad, Blue Point Oysters, and classics such as burgers, tacos, pizzas, and grilled fish. Be sure to check out their calendar for their live music schedule.
Cafe Alfresco
344 Main St., Dunedin, FL 34698
American & International Fare
Voted “Best Restaurant on the Pinellas Trail” by Tampa Bay Magazine, you’ll feel like you’re dining in the open air on the beautiful, climate-controlled patio at Cafe Alfresco. Since 1995, guests have found it to be the perfect place to relax and enjoy a leisurely meal in this European-style trailside bistro.
The menu boasts upscale comfort food items such as Maryland Crab Cakes, Eggplant Parmesan, Chicken and Smoked Sausage Gumbo, and Sesame Crusted Salmon. It’s the perfect spot to dine when the weather is just right. Their patio is also pet-friendly, so you can bring Fido along for the experience too.
Bon Appetit Restaurant and Bar
148 Marina Plaza, Dunedin, FL 34698
Fine Dining/Seafood
As a former “Best Waterfront Restaurant in Tampa Bay” Bon Appetit offers fine dining and breathtaking views from every table, both indoors and outdoors.
Go enjoy a sunset and drink martinis at the waterfront bar, which is on the very tip of the Dunedin Pier. Get there early if you want to sit outside for sunset, since patio seating is first-come, first-served.
The perfect place to celebrate special occasions, the Seafood Tower and other Raw Bar offerings will have everyone feeling decadent. Classic Dishes include the Dover Sole and Maple Sage Roasted Half Duckling, and sides include the rich and delicious Truffled Mac and Cheese, and perfect Roasted Brussel Sprouts.
The Living Room on Main
487 Main Street, Dunedin, FL 34698
American
Pull up a chair at The Living Room on Main, which invites guests to feel Welcomed Home with a completely comfortable and welcoming dining experience. Family-owned and operated with a commitment to community, the menu has something delicious for everyone, including vegetarian and vegan options.
Offering daily specials as well as Brunch, Lunch and Dinner, go for Brunch and get The Ultimate Breakfast Sandwich, with cream cheese, a sage sausage patty, bacon, American cheese, scrambled eggs and hash browns served on a flaky croissant – yum.
The Truffled Ricotta Gnocchi or 8-Hour Bolognese for dinner are sure to please as well, and if you go to celebrate a birthday (or not!), be sure to get the Birthday Cocktail made with vanilla vodka, whipped cream and sprinkles. Plus, they offer $25 unlimited Mimosas for brunch (score).
Olde Bay Cafe
51 Main St. Dunedin, FL 34698
Louisiana Style
This casual, dog-friendly spot is perfect for waterfront dining. Settled along a marina, Olde Bay Cafe serves up great food including local gulf seafood favorites.
Take a seat along the water and enjoy their Olde Bay Peel & Eat Shrimp, Smoked Fish Spread, Mushroom Brie Bisque, Blackened Scallop Wrap, or Seafood Sampler. They also feature a daily fresh catch of the day and an extensive menu of local Florida craft beers. It’s a great spot for taking in unique views of the Dunedin harbor and watching the Florida sun set on the water.
HopScotch Cafe
1006 Broadway, Dunedin, FL 34698
American
Quaint and cozy with indoor, outdoor and bar seating is HopScotch Cafe, your next Go-To spot for charcuterie and stellar sandwiches inspired from around the world. Add-on a cold beer from their curated local/craft beer list and you’ll be sitting pretty.
Locals love the The Old Blue Chair, which layers Mojo pork, greens, jalapeños, caramelized onions & spicy scotch bonnet aioli on a toasted La Segunda baguette, and, their New Orleans-style Muffaletta sandwich is so good it rivals the native NOLA-made ones.
Clear Sky Draught Haus
680 Main St. Dunedin, FL 34698
American Pub
Clear Sky offers an array of craft beers and serves up fresh “pub grub.” Awesome Avocado Fries, Lobster Hush Puppies, Haus Smoked Brisket, Grouper Florentine, Cajun Shrimp Pasta, and Sesame Chicken are some of their stand-out dishes.
There’s also a wide selection of burgers, noodle bowls, and salads. On Wednesday nights, you can check out Wine Wednesdays for half-off select bottles of wine. On select nights, you can play trivia or hear live music.
Casa Tina
365 Main St. Dunedin, FL 34698
Mexican
This family-owned restaurant serves fresh, healthy, and authentic Mexican cuisine. All of their sauces, rice, and beans are vegetarian with no additives. Start off your meal with an order of fresh Ceviche and follow it with one of their special dishes such as the Mole Poblano, Pescado a la Veracruzana, Duck Sopes, and Rajas Tamales.
You can also check out their Facebook page for events such as Cinco de Mayo, Anniversary Fiesta, and Dia de los Muertos. Be sure not to leave without trying one of their house-made margaritas.
Pisces Sushi and Global Bistro
799 Highland Ave. Dunedin, FL 34698
Sushi/Japanese
Pisces Sushi is a modern-casual fine dining restaurant featuring global inspired items and fresh-rolled sushi. Guests can enjoy daily specials and meals in their main dining room or beautifully lit sushi bar.
Popular rolls include their Aloha Broha, Dunedin’s Dream, and the Jaloscream. Other stand-out items you must try are the Lobster Rangoon, Pisces Chicken Fried Rice, Chili Dumpling Soup, and Pork Gyoza. Don’t forget to finish off your meal with a Creme Brule Flight or Mochi Ice Cream.
