One of the most overlooked aspects of a tropical getaway to Florida’s breathtaking Gulf Coast is this region’s culinary delights. Oftentimes, travelers are so preoccupied with flight details, hotel amenities, and daily activities that restaurant research falls by the wayside. Well, luckily for you, the folks here at Travel Resort Services have compiled four of our favorite Madeira Beach restaurants, all of which are a short walk, bicycle ride, or drive from our charming, affordable Tampa resorts.
A Culinary Voyage: The 4 Best Madeira Beach Restaurants
Sifting through the best Madeira Beach restaurants wasn’t easy (as you might imagine) because there are countless top-notch seafood shanties, gourmet steakhouses, and international cantinas in this quiet seaside haven. Whether you’re vacationing at Madeira Bay Resort, Kima Condominiums, or La Coquina Condominium Rentals, you’ll always be a brisk walk from a beautifully plated seafood entree!
1. Dockside Dave’s
Naturally, we’re starting this shortlist of revered Madeira Beach restaurants with Dockside Dave’s, a St Pete staple. What Dockside Dave’s lacks in sophistication, it more than makes up for in flavor, service, and kitsch. Madeira Beach is brimming with dives, shanties, and mom-and-pop joints, but none of them can match Dave’s deep-fried seafood. There’s always a buzz inside Dave’s while diners taste their way through a mess of country-fried sea scallops, grouper tacos, or jumbo shrimp.
2. Mad Beach Fish House
Not only is Mad Beach Fish House one of the top-rated Madiera Beach restaurants, but it’s ten steps from the pool area at Madeira Bay Resort. If you’re aching for a casual dining experience within walking distance of the Gulf of Mexico, Mad Beach’s rooftop patio should be the destination of choice. First and foremost, Mad Beach has a variety of fruity, delicious signature cocktails and a weekday Happy Hour that includes $13 buckets of beer. Locals and travelers alike go bonkers for their fried, garlic parmesan oysters, spicy buffalo shrimp po’ boy, and seared salmon.
3. The Boardwalk Grill
Dining at a seaside shanty that doesn’t have a website or a distinguishable menu is speculative, but a trip to The Boardwalk Grill is well worth the “risk.” This unpretentious boardwalk hot spot is known for its New England-style lobster roll, fried grouper sandwich, and Cajun fish tacos. You won’t find lower prices along John’s Pass Boardwalk, which is a massive selling point for families hoping to save a dollar or two on lunch or dinner.
4. Mario’s Ristorante Italiano
Several of the most popular Madeira Beach restaurants focus primarily on seafood, but it’s hard to top a plate of steamy pasta at Mario’s Ristorante Italiano. Don’t let Mario’s strip mall locale fool you—this award-winning, family-owned eatery slings some of the tastiest classic Italian dishes in the state. Mario’s specialty is its veal cutlet entrees, many of which are topped with an array of vegetables, white wine, and a housemade marinara.
Plan Your Next Stay
Whether you’re looking for a vacation condo in St Pete Beach, on Gulf Blvd, or near John’s Pass, our friendly, talented team will match you with a unit that perfectly suits your family’s size, style, and budget. Please give us a call today at 1-800-237-6586 to learn more about our tropical paradise!
Bayfront Resorts in Madeira Beach, Florida
We want to extend an honorable mention to Friendly Fisherman Seafood Restaurant, the first seafood establishment in John’s Pass Village. The Friendly Fisherman consistently ranks among the best seafood restaurants in Madeira Beach. All of these spectacular culinary delights are a short walk or bicycle ride from many of our Florida Gulf Coast resorts, which is just one perk of a stay booked through Travel Resort Services.