Top 10 Restaurants in St. Petersburg and Clearwater

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Photo courtesy of Sandpearl Resort
Photo courtesy of Sandpearl Resort
Photo courtesy of Sandpearl Resort
Photo courtesy of Sandpearl Resort
Photo courtesy of Sandpearl Resort

Carreta on the Gulf

Item: Carreta on the Gulf
Author: Michelle da Silva Richmond

Cuisine: American, Local Specialty, Seafood

Price Range: $$$

10Best Says

Located on Clearwater Beach, Caretta on the Gulf is Sandpearl Resort's AAA four-diamond restaurant. Perched above the beach, this elegant eatery offers indoor/outdoor seating and a private dining room. The restaurant also features a ceviche bar, private wine room, lounge and bar. Named for the area's logger-head turtles, this classy eatery specializes in seasonal seafood and traditional American fare and is especially popular for Sunday Brunch. Leading the list of choices is brioche French toast with candied orange cream and maple syrup. Other favorites include freshly baked pastries, eggs, pancakes, omelets and more. The smoked salmon station is always a crowd-pleaser and the weekday breakfast buffet invites children 12 and younger to eat for free. Lunch and dinner menus offer a host of options - including sushi and raw bar - along with typical favorites ranging from salads, soups, sandwiches, seafood and more. Desserts are over-the-top!

Address:

500 Mandalay Avenue ste 100
Clearwater Beach, FL 33767

Phone:

727-674-4171

Website:

sandpearl.com

EXPERT TIPS BY: Michelle da Silva Richmond
St. Petersburg / Clearwater Local Expert

Best Restaurants: "In addition to their standard menu, they offer an all-natural, organic menu with perfectly paired organic wines."

Recommended as Best Restaurants Because: Stunning sunset views, delicious food and an impressive wine list make Caretta on the Gulf an elegant dining option on the beach.

Lunch Menu
- Sushi & Raw Bar
  Vegetable Roll
  
  Miso Eggplant, Carrot, Enoki, Asparagus, Cucumber, Kimchi ($12.00)
  
  California Roll
  
  Snow Crab, Avocado, Cucumber, Masago ($12.00)
  
  Spicy Tuna Roll
  
  Tuna, Sriracha, Cucumber, Scallion ($12.00)
  
  Rainbow Roll
  
  California Roll, Tuna, Salmon, Yellowtail, Avocado ($16.00)
  
  Sashimi Roll
  
  Tuna, Salmon, Yellowtail, Jalapeño, Cilantro, Kabayaki ($16.00)
  
  Fire & Ice Roll
  
  Snow Crab, Cucumber, Jalapeño, Tuna, Chili Aioli, Masago ($18.00)
  
  C-Roll
  
  Lobster, Snow Crab, Shrimp, Avocado, Asparagus, Ginger Dressing ($18.00)
  
  Surf & Turf Roll
  
  Lobster, Beef Tenderloin, Asparagus, Enoki, Truffle ($18.00)
  
  Nana Bowl
  
  Tuna, Salmon, Yellowtail, Sushi Rice, Wakame, Chili Aioli ($18.00)
  
  Sashimi Sampler
  
  Tuna, Salmon & Yellowtail ($20.00)
  
  Hawaiian Poke
  
  Ahi Tuna, Salmon, Wakame, Mango, Lotus Root ($16.00)
  
  Wild American Shrimp
  
  Bloody Mary Cocktail, Pickled Celery, Charred Lemon ($16.00)
  
  Blue Point Oysters
  Bloody Mary Cocktail, Fresh Horseradish, Yuzu Kosho Mignonette
  
  1/2 Dozen: $14.00
  
  Dozen: $28.00
  Seafood Sampler
  
  Blue Point Oysters, Wild American Shrimp, Hawaiian Poke ($26.00)
- Appetizers
  
  Edamame
  
  Thai Ginger Sea Salt ($6.00)
  
  Mushroom Barley Soup
  
  Black Barley, Roast Mushroom, Tuscan Kale ($8.00)
  
  Triple Cheese Quesadilla
  
  Cheddar, Pepperjack, Manchego, Roasted Salsa, Sour Cream ($10.00)
  
  Sweet & Smokey Drums
  
  Honey Habanero BBQ, Cool Cucumber Ranch, Celery Ribbons ($12.00)
  
  Bahn Mi
  
  Steamed Bao Buns, Smoked Pork, Soy Ginger, Pickled Vegetables, Cilantro ($12.00)
  
  Colossal Coconut Shrimp
  
  Sweet Chili Sauce, Toasted Peanut, Mandarin Orange, Hydro Watercress ($16.00)
- Flatbreads
  
  Margherita
  
  Fresh Mozzarella, Heirloom Tomato, Micro Basil, Aged Balsamic ($12.00)
  
  Buffalo
  
  All Natural Chicken, Buttermilk Blue, Red Onion, Shaved Celery, Cucumber Ranch ($14.00)
  
  Short Rib
  
  Havarti, Nueske Bacon, Heirloom Tomato, Onion Marmalade, Garlic Aioli, Hydro Cress ($14.00)
  
  Prawn
  
  Basil Pesto, Marinated Feta, Roast Tomato, Artichoke Heart, Country Olive, Red Onion ($16.00)
- Salads
  
  Blackened Chicken Cobb
  
  Buttermilk Blue, Applewood Bacon, Avocado, Boiled Egg, Tomato, Red Onion, Tarragon Vinaigrette ($14.00)
  
  Gorgonzola Steak Salad
  
  Romaine Hearts, Gorgonzola, Olive, Marinated Tomato, Portobello, Haricot Vert, Roasted Shallot Vinaigrette ($16.00)
  
  Ahi Tuna Nicoise
  
  Little Gem, Tomato, Olives, Fingerling Potato, Haricot Vert, Red Onion, Boiled Egg, Basil Vinaigrette ($18.00)
  
  Jumbo Prawn Salad
  
  Lolla Rossa, Marinated Feta, Country Olive, Red Onion, Heirloom Tomato, White Balsamic Vinaigrette ($18.00)
- Sandwiches
  
  C-Burger
  
  Vermont Alehouse Cheddar, Applewood Bacon, Crisp Onion, Butter Lettuce, Tomato ($14.00)
  
  Caretta Club
  
  Roast Turkey, Pepperjack, Avocado, Bacon, Fried Egg, Lettuce, Tomato, Herb Mayo ($14.00)
  
  Turkey Burger
  
  Roasted Tomato, Provolone, Onion Marmalade, Baby Arugula, Pesto Mayo ($16.00)
  
  Crab Cake BLT
  
  Crisp Pancetta, Avocado, Butter Lettuce, Tomato, Chipotle Remoulade ($18.00)
  
  Grilled Grouper Tacos
  
  Queso Blanco, Nappa Cabbage, Pico de Gallo, Cilantro Cream ($17.00)
  
  Lobster Roll
  
  Lobster Salad, Fennel Slaw, Florida Citrus, Split Top Bun ($20.00)
Dinner Menu
- Appetizers
  Blue Point Oysters
  Cocktail Sauce, Fresh Horseradish, Yuzo Kosho, Mignonette
  
  Half Dozen: $16.00
  
  Full Dozen: $32.00
  Hawaiian Poke
  
  Diced Salmon, Tuna, Yellowtail, Wakame, Mango, Ponzu, Lotus Chip ($18.00)
  
  Wild American Shrimp
  
  Cocktail Sauce, Bok Choy Kimchee, Charred Lemon ($16.00)
  
  Wonton Tuna Tacos
  
  Spicy Tuna, Avocado, Cucumber, Micro Cilantro ($16.00)
  
  Seafood Plateau
  
  Blue Point Oysters, Wild American Shrimp, Poached Maine lobster Tail, Dutch Harbor King Crab Legs, Green Lip Mussels ($38.00)
  
  Jumbo Lump Crab Cake
  
  Chipotle Aioli, Blood Orange, Pepitas, Micro Cilantro, Jicama Slaw ($14.00)
  
  Foie Gras
  
  Roasted Coco Nib, Sour Cherry Preserve, Brioche Toast ($18.00)
  
  Diver Scallops
  
  Provencal Butter, Heirloom Tomato, Nueske Bacon, Tarragon, Corn & Parmesan Zucchini Blossom ($14.00)
  
  Braised Short Rib
  
  Ginger Carrot Puree, Baby Bok Choy, Shiitake Spring Roll, General Tso's Glaze ($14.00)
  
  Artisanal Cheese
  
  Point Reyes Blue, Beemster Gouda, Bermuda Triangle Belletoile Triple Cream Brie, Fig Preserve, Marcona Almond, Honey Comb, Crisp Baguette ($19.00)
- Soup & Salad
  
  Roasted Tomato Soup
  
  Burnt Basil Ricotta, Toasted Pine Nut ($8.00)
  
  Lobster Bisque
  
  Lobster Mushroom, Sherry Reduction, Lobster Meat ($13.00)
  
  Organic Greens
  
  Cucumber, Organic Vegetables, Watermelon Radish, White Balsamic Vinaigrette ($9.00)
  
  Caesar Salad
  
  Baby Romaine, House Made Dressing, Blue Corn Croutons, Reggiano Tuile, Tellicherry Pepper, White Anchovy ($10.00)
  
  Beet Salad
  
  Spinach, Arugula, Bermuda Triangle, Granola Tuile, Tarragon Vinaigrette, Butterfly Sorrel ($12.00)
  
  Caprese
  
  Heirloom Tomato, Buffalo Mozzarella, Extra Virgin Oil, Balsamic Reduction ($12.00)
- Entrées
  
  Naked Chicken
  
  Sunchoke Puree, Spaghetti Squash, Salsify, Romanesco, Lemon & Thyme Jus, Herb Oil ($29.00)
  
  Dover Sole
  
  Crispy Fingerlings, Mustard Vinaigrette, Haricot Vert, Hydro Watercress, Caper Berry, Meyer Lemon Buerre Blanc ($35.00)
  
  Black Grouper
  
  Roasted Tomato & Reggiano Risotto, Baby Artichokes, Royal Trumpets, Herbed Mousseline ($36.00)
  
  Chilean Sea Bass
  
  Heirloom Beans, Linquica Sausage, Little Neck Clams, Thumbelina Carrots, Celery Root, Cipollini Onion, Saffron Fumet ($38.00)
  
  Alaskan Salmon
  
  Rye & Fennel Crust, Israeli Cous Cous, Dill Pistou, Cucumber Crème Fraiche, Quail Egg ($31.00)
  
  Spinach Gnocchi
  
  Heirloom Tomato, Thumbelina Carrots, Kale, Fried Basil, White Balsamic Buerre Blanc ($22.00)
- From The Grill
  Center Cut Filet
  
  ($42.00)
  
  Kansas City Strip
  
  ($38.00)
  
  Cowboy Ribeye
  
  ($54.00)
  
  New Zealand Venison
  
  Wheat Berries, Rainbow Chard, Maiitake, Brussel Sprouts, Charred Apple, Chestnut Confit, Juniper & Rosemary Jus ($38.00)
  
  Duroc Pork Chops
  
  Chipotle Bourbon Glaze ($32.00)
  
  Tenderloin Veal Medallions
  
  Sauce Au Poivre, Fried Sage ($42.00)
  
  Butter Poached Lobster Entree
  $44.00
  
  Add A Side Of Butter Poached Lobster: $18.00
Sushi Menu
- Sushi & Raw Bar
  Blue Point Oysters
  Bloody Mary Cocktail, Fresh Horseradish, Yuzo Kosho, Mignonette
  
  Half Dozen: $16.00
  
  Full Dozen: $32.00
  California Roll
  
  Snow Crab, Avocado, Cucumber, Tobiko ($12.00)
  
  Spicy Tuna Roll
  
  Tuna, Sriracha, Cucumber, Scallion ($12.00)
  
  Fire & Ice Roll
  
  Snow Crab, Cucumber, Jalapeno, Spicy Tuna, Tobiko, Kabiyaki ($16.00)
  
  Bagel Roll
  
  Salmon, Cucumber, Cream Cheese, Fried Onion ($14.00)
  
  Hawaiian Poke
  
  Diced Salmon, Tuna, Yellowtail, Wakame, Mango, Ponzu, Lotus Chip ($18.00)
  
  C-Roll
  
  Lobster, Snow Crab, Shrimp, Avocado, Asparagus, Enoki Mushroom, Ginger Dressing ($18.00)
  
  Surf and Turf Roll
  
  Lobster, Beef Tenderloin, Asparagus, Enoki Mushroom, Truffle Oil, Eel Sauce, Fried Onion ($18.00)
  
  Sashimi Sampler
  
  Tuna, Salmon, Yellowtail, Ika Sansai, Wakame ($20.00)
  
  Wild American Shrimp
  
  Cocktail Sauce, Bok Choy Kimchee, Charred Lemon ($16.00)
  
  Wonton Tuna Tacos
  
  Spicy Tuna, Avocado, Cucumber, Micro Cilantro ($16.00)
  
  Seafood Plateau
  
  Blue Point Oysters, Wild American Shrimp, Poached Maine lobster Tail, Dutch Harbor King Crab Legs, Green Lip Mussels ($38.00)
Desserts
- Desserts Selections
  
  Flourless Chocolate Cake
  
  Milk Chocolate Chantilly, Candied Orange Slice, Blood Orange Gel, Cranberry Compote ($10.00)
  
  Deconstructed Tiramisu
  
  Mascarpone Mousse, Mocha Anglaise, Espresso Meringue Kisses, Lady Fingers ($10.00)
  
  Sundae Morning
  
  Buttermilk Waffle, Malted Maple Cinnamon Ice Cream, Bacon Ganache, Bacon Chip ($10.00)
  
  Pumpkin & Brie Cheesecake
  
  Pumpkin Chiffon Mousse, House Made Graham Cracker, Spiced Apple Butter, Cinnamon Pearls ($10.00)
  
  Seasonal Sorbet
  
  Fresh Fruit Skewer, White Chocolate Croquant ($10.00)
  
  Crème Brûlée Trio
  
  Vanilla Bean, Dark Chocolate, Chai, Seasonal Fruit ($16.00)
  
  Signature Cake
  
  Cookies & Cream Mousse, Devil's Food Cake, Chocolate Dacquoise, Chocolate Glaze & Sauce ($18.00)
- Desserts Wine
  Banfi 'Rose Regale' Brachetto
  Gl: $11.00
  
  Btl: $42.00
  Duckhorn 'Late Harvest' SB.
  Gl: $16.00
  
  Btl: $80.00
  Chateau de Suduirant, Sauternes
  Gl: $12.00
  
  Btl: $60.00
  Dolce 'Late Harvest' Semillion
  Gl: $25.00
  
  Btl: $125.00
  Justin 'Obtuse' Cabernet Franc
  Gl: $18.00
  
  Btl: $90.00
- Ports & Sherry
  Cockburns 10 Year Tawny
  Gl: $10.00
  
  Btl: $50.00
  Cockburns 20 Year Tawny
  Gl: $16.00
  
  Btl: $80.00
  Graham's 30 Year Tawny
  Gl: $25.00
  
  Btl: $250.00
  Graham's 40 Year Tawny
  Gl: $35.00
  
  Btl: $350.00
  Taylor Fladgate Vintage 2011
  Gl: $25.00
  
  Btl: $250.00
  Graham's LBV 2011
  Gl: $12.00
  
  Btl: $60.00

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