Looking for the Best Restaurants in Dunedin Florida? You have come to the right place!
The charming town of Dunedin, on the Gulf coast of Florida, is a great place to visit. Dunedin is known for its walkability and lively downtown area.
Tourists flock to Dunedin to enjoy the beaches, beautiful parks, unique shops, and good food. Dunedin is a foodie’s paradise and features both five-star restaurants and cozy waterfront eateries. Come and explore downtown Dunedin and enjoy the many restaurants and cafes that this fun coastal town has to offer.
The dining scene in Dunedin is very eclectic, catering to a wide range of tastes including BBQ, Italian, Hawaiian, pub fare, and of course a wide variety of options for seafood lovers.
As people who have spent a bit of time in Dunedin, we have the low down on the best food in town so keep reading for the best Restaurants in Dunedin Florida!
14 Best Places to Eat in Dunedin (Including Downtown Restaurants Near Main Street)
The Black Pearl
Since 1996, The Black Pearl has been serving locals and tourists some of the best french and new american cuisine on Florida’s gulf coast. It is one of the best downtown restaurants near Main Street in Dunedin FL.
The Black Pearl prides itself on providing its guests a true fine-dining experience with top-notch service and unique food that tastes amazing. The motto at The Black Pearl is “life is too short to eat bad food.” This swanky restaurant offers its guests an intimate dining experience in their high-end dining room.
The Black Pearl uses only the finest ingredients and hires highly innovative chefs that have many decades of experience. Inside the restaurant, you’ll find small tables with candles and flowers.
On the extensive menu is a variety of fine-dining choices including lamb chop, white truffle lobster risotto, black pearl salad, maple leaf farms duckling, and new zealand rack of lamb. Their dessert menu is impressive with options like black pearl ice cream, falling white chocolate cake, tarte tatin, bananas foster, and sorbet.
The Black Pearl’s low-light and intimate dining area is perfect for special occasions and experiencing an amazing meal with a treasured person.
Pros:
Exquisite Fine Dining: Delight in an exquisite fine dining experience, immersed in a romantic ambiance, offering a diverse array of yummy dishes ranging from straight-from-the-ocean seafood and succulent steaks to delightful pasta and mouthwatering desserts.
Cozy Elegance: Enjoy the warm and elegant atmosphere of the restaurant, accompanied by live piano music that enhances the dining experience. The attentive service provided by the staff ensures a memorable and comfortable evening.
Cons:
Higher Price: The restaurant boasts a fine dining reputation, making it relatively pricier compared to other dining options in the area.
Limited Availability: Due to its popularity and high demand, securing a seat at this sought-after restaurant requires booking a reservation in advance, especially during weekends and holidays.
Address: 315 Main St, Dunedin, FL 34698, United States
Website: https://www.theblackpearldunedin.com/
The Honu Restaurant and Tiki Bar
If you’re in the mood for Hawaiian-inspired food in a relaxed setting, The Honu is a great choice. The Honu Restaurant and Tiki Bar has gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options on their menu. They have indoor seating, an outdoor patio, and a tiki bar. The Honu is a veteran and family-owned business.
They are committed to using only fresh ingredients directly sourced from local farmers and trustworthy suppliers. On their delicious menu, you’ll find some options that are clearly labeled as vegan and gluten-free.
They also encourage their guests to inquire if a particular dish can be made to accommodate dietary needs. For appetizers, they have a delicious assortment including veggie spring rolls, pork sliders, nachos, menehune meatballs, and chips & guacamole.
On their full menu, they offer tacos & sandwiches, salads with housemade dressings, entrees, and a drink menu. You’ll want to come back for more so you can try all their menu has to offer. The Honu Restaurant and Tiki Bar is perfect for foodies with and without dietary restrictions.
Pros:
- Tropical Ambiance: The Honu Restaurant and Tiki Bar offer a delightful tropical ambiance with its Hawaiian-inspired decor, creating a relaxing and immersive dining experience.
- Creative Tiki Cocktails: The bar serves a variety of creative and flavorful tiki cocktails, perfect for those looking to enjoy refreshing and exotic drinks in a fun and vibrant setting.
Cons:
- Crowded at Peak Times: Due to its popularity, the restaurant and bar can get crowded, especially during peak dining hours, leading to longer wait times for a table or bar space.
- Higher Prices: The unique atmosphere and specialty cocktails may come with slightly higher prices compared to regular dining establishments, making it less budget-friendly.
Address: 516 Grant St, Dunedin, FL 34698, United States
Website: https://thehonurestaurant.com/
Happy Cactus Mexican Cocina
If mouthwatering authentic Mexican food is your vibe, try out Happy Cactus Mexican Cocina. They have mostly indoor seating with a couple of small tables out front.
Happy Cactus is a casual dining spot and a favorite amongst the locals. Some of their must-try menu options are the fajitas, enchiladas, burritos, and tacos. Appetizers include guacamole, habanero wings, nachos, stuffed peppers, and sopa azteca (traditional Mexican soup).
One of their most popular appetizers is the elote. Elote is roasted corn on the cob and is covered in a mayonnaise spread along with cotija cheese and chile piquin powder. For drinks, try their agua fresca, traditional Mexican sodas, Mexican beer, and their specialty margaritas.
Happy Cactus is closed on Mondays. They are open the rest of the week starting at 12pm, including weekends. With rave reviews from locals and tourists, Happy Cactus Mexican Cocina should be on your must-try list the next time you visit the fun coastal town of Dunedin.
Pros:
- Authentic Mexican Cuisine: Happy Cactus Mexican Cocina offers a diverse menu of authentic Mexican dishes, prepared with traditional recipes and fresh ingredients, providing a genuine and flavorful dining experience.
- Vibrant Atmosphere: The restaurant boasts a lively and vibrant atmosphere, with colorful decor and friendly staff, creating a welcoming and enjoyable setting for customers to dine and socialize.
Cons:
- Waiting Times: Due to its popularity, Happy Cactus Mexican Cocina may experience longer waiting times, especially during peak hours and weekends, leading to potential delays in getting a table.
- Limited Parking: The restaurant’s popularity and central location may result in limited parking spaces, making it challenging for patrons to find convenient parking during busy hours.
Address: 2676 Bayshore Blvd Ste h, Dunedin, FL
Website: https://www.happycactuscocina.com/
Pisces Sushi and Global Bistro
Pisces Sushi and Global Bistro is known for its globally-inspired cuisine and outdoor octopus mural. This dining spot is perfect if you’re looking for a casual but modern dining experience.
Inside the restaurant, you’ll be met with a laid-back contemporary dining setting and fun neon accent lights. You can sit at a table with your group or enjoy stool seating at the sushi bar. Pisces Sushi and Global Bistro has an outdoor patio adorned with string lights for a fun atmosphere and fans to help keep everyone cool on a hot day.
On the menu, there’s a wide selection of options including appetizers, salads, soups, and hearty entrees. Chef James Keene uses inspiration from international cuisine to create his own unique twist on traditional sushi rolls.
He takes traditional sushi roll ingredients plus ingredients found in international dishes and creates his own unique and absolutely delicious sushi rolls. Some of the signature rolls include exotic names like the fire dragon, dunedin’s dream, firecracker, and mexicali blues.
This dining spot is great for families as well and they offer a kids menu. Some of the menu options on the kid’s menu are chicken & sushi rice, kid’s shrimp roll, chicken & fries, and a kid’s crab roll. Pisces Sushi and Global Bistro has such a fun and expansive menu that you’ll want to keep coming back to try more.
Pros:
- Diverse Menu: Pisces Sushi and Global Bistro offer a diverse menu featuring a wide range of sushi rolls and global dishes, catering to various culinary preferences and ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
- Fresh and High-Quality Ingredients: The restaurant prioritizes using fresh and high-quality ingredients in their dishes, resulting in delicious and flavorful meals that leave a lasting impression on diners.
Cons:
- Waiting Times: Due to its popularity and reputation for excellent food, Pisces Sushi and Global Bistro may experience longer waiting times during peak dining hours, requiring customers to be patient to secure a table.
- Higher Prices: The use of fresh and quality ingredients may contribute to slightly higher prices compared to some other sushi and bistro establishments, making it less budget-friendly.
Address: 799 Highland Ave, Dunedin, FL
Website: https://piscessushibistro.com/
The Sandpiper Cafe
Still looking for the best restaurants in Dunedin FL? The Sandpiper Cafe is in a cute blue house with white trim. This cute little cafe is known for its friendly staff and warm welcoming atmosphere. Guests will enjoy the cozy seating area outside on the front porch. There is also indoor seating inside the cute cafe or outside on their patio area.
The Sandpiper Cafe is open Monday – Friday from 8am to 1pm as well as Saturday & Sunday from 8am – 2pm. If you’re a coffee lover, you’ll want to try the Sandpiper’s custom-blended coffee that is roasted on-site. Their breakfast menu has some mouth-watering options including eggs benedict, belgian waffles, cuban breakfast sandwich, and a bacon mushroom omelet.
For lunch, try their luau pork sandwich, cheese quesadilla, or chef’s salad. The kids menu has grilled cheese, pb&j, and a turkey sandwich. This cozy cafe is great for the whole family, even your furry family members. Dogs are welcome at The Sandpiper Cafe, but only outside on their patio.
This dog-friendly restaurant has a “furry friends menu,” which includes scrambled eggs and a sausage patty. The reviews are in and The Sandpiper Cafe is highly rated for its delicious food and its chill atmosphere. Make sure to try it next time you’re looking for a delicious place to grab a bite to eat in Dunedin, Florida.
Pros
- Charming Coastal Atmosphere: The Sandpiper Cafe offers a charming coastal ambiance, making it a delightful spot to enjoy a relaxing and pleasant dining experience by the beach.
- Fresh and Local Ingredients: The cafe takes pride in using fresh and locally sourced ingredients, resulting in flavorful and wholesome dishes that showcase the best of the region’s culinary offerings.
Cons
- Waiting Times: As a popular coastal destination, The Sandpiper Cafe may experience longer waiting times during peak hours, especially on weekends and holidays.
- Limited Seating: Due to its location and popularity, the cafe’s seating capacity may be limited, leading to potential challenges in securing a table during busy times.
Address: 833 Douglas Ave Dunedin, FL 34698
Website: https://www.thesandpipercafe.com/
Happy’s Bayou Bites
If you’re in the mood for delicious cajun food and a rustic ambiance, Happy’s Bayou Bites is a must-try in Dunedin, Florida. This is a place to grab a bite of delicious food and enjoy a chat with a neighbor or a friend. Happy’s Bayou Bites offers a truly traditional bayou experience.
Their motto is “ where happy people meet.” The only seating is outdoors on colorful tables under a large oak tree. Guests walk up to a rustic wooden shack and place their food order at the window. Locals and tourists alike love the food and chill dining experience at Happy’s Bayou Bites. Some favorites from their cajun menu are the Po’boys, gator bites, and gumbo.
If you’re gluten-free, you can enjoy a cajun foodie experience at Happy’s because they have several menu options that are labeled gluten-free including their shrimp po’boys, potato salad, and cucumber tomato salad. Happy Bayou’s Bites serves beer and wine. Happy hour is every Friday and Saturday from 3pm-6pm.
For appetizers, or “snacky snacks” as they call them, choose from boiled peanuts, gator tail, crawfish pies, smoked fish spread, and more. Happy’s Bayou Bites is a family-owned restaurant. Be sure to drop by and try its delicious cajun food and enjoy the outdoor ambiance.
Address: 431 Skinner Blvd, Dunedin, FL
Website: https://happysbayoubites.com/
High and Dry Grill
High and Dry Grill is right on the water and offers the perfect florida-style dining experience with a beautiful waterfront view. The outdoor tiki hut has an amazing view of the bay and islands.
High and Dry Grill welcomes its guests to hang out and enjoy the chill family-friendly atmosphere while dining on delicious food. Since this dining spot is literally right on the water, they welcome you to come dine in your swimsuits and in flip-flops or sandy feet.
Happy and Dry Grill has their own custom bratwurst and speciality drinks. On their appetizer menu are some fun options like pretzel balls, onion rings, french fries, and chips & salsa.
One of the best restaurants in Dunedin on the water!
Other tasty menu options include:
- BLT & chips
- Shrimp cocktail
- Fish filet sandwich & chips
- Clam strips & fries
One of their most popular dishes is their Montreal chicken wrap which features charbroiled chicken, lettuce, tomato, shredded cheese, and bacon bites with ranch wrapped in a warm tortilla. High and Dry Grill is a great spot to grab a bite to eat and enjoy the gorgeous Florida sunset.
Address: 61 Causeway Blvd, Dunedin, FL 34698
Website: https://highanddrygrill.com/
The Restorative
The Restorative is a fine-dining experience in Dunedin, Florida. Since 2017, The Restorative has been offering its guests delicious food in a small and intimate dining area. Because of the small dining area and unique nature of the dining experience that is offered here, they do not allow children under the age of 12.
They also have a cancelation policy, requesting a 12-hour notice or a $25 per person cancellation fee. The Restorative is a favorite among locals, tourists, and food critics. It’s known as one of the top fine-dining restaurants in Dunedin, Florida. The menu changes often given what is available and what is sold out. The updated menu is posted on the restaurant’s instagram page.
The Restorative is the perfect choice to have a celebratory meal or an intimate meal. They also offer seating at the bar where guests can enjoy watching the chefs do their work and plate the food. Although the menu can and does change, some of their staples include homemade na’an bread and herb butter, duck breast, scallops, and halibut.
The dessert menu has delicious options like plum upside-down cake, key lime tres leches cake, and nutella panna cotta. The Restorative wows its guests with its unique and delicious flavor combinations. Remember to try it the next time you’re looking for a fine-dining experience in Dunedin, Florida.
Address: 420 Patricia Ave, Dunedin, FL
Website: https://www.restorativerestaurant.com/
Bon Appetit Restaurant
Bon Appetit Restaurant is known as Dunedin’s premier waterfront restaurant and is rated as one of the best seafood restaurants in the Tampa Bay area. Open since 1976, Bone Appetite has been serving food critics, tourists, and locals for over 40 years.
This dining spot is perfect for those looking for exquisite cuisine, top-notch service, and amazing waterfront views. While sitting on the outdoor patio of the restaurant, guests will enjoy views of St. Joseph’s Sound, Honeymoon Island, Caladesi Island, and Clearwater Beach.
Chef Klaus and his team at Bon Appetit use fresh and local ingredients for their seafood and international cuisine. Guests can either dine in their indoor dining room or enjoy the waterfront views and the gulf breeze at the outdoor bar and marina cafe. Bon Appetit Restaurant also accommodates guests arriving by boat, offering free parking at the adjacent marina.
Their menu is extensive and includes:
- Lunch & dinner
- Kids menu
- Drink menu
- 3-course lunch menu
- 3-course dinner menu
- Waterside table for two
The waterside table for two is a private dining experience with a beautiful view of St. Joseph’s sound. It’s a perfect way to celebrate special occasions. Bon Appetit offers a wide variety of dining experiences and is the perfect restaurant to try on your next trip to Dunedin, Florida.
Address: 148 Marina Plaza, Dunedin, FL 34698
Website: https://bonappetitrestaurant.com/
Benedict’s Restaurant
Open since November 1995, Benedict’s Restaurant has been serving locals and tourists delicious meals in their relaxed bistro-style dining area. Guests can enjoy their meal inside at tables, on barstools at the bar, or outside on the covered porch.
Dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating area. Benedict’s Restaurant is open every day of the week from 7am to 3pm except on Sunday’s when they close at 2pm. Locals have been enjoying breakfast at Benedict’s Restaurant for almost 30 years. Customers have raved about Benedict’s homemade quiche, claiming that it’s the best quiche they’ve ever tasted.
Benedict’s Restaurant is family-friendly and offers a wide variety of menu options that will please just about everyone. Their extensive menu includes traditional breakfast items like waffles, pancakes, french toast, eggs benedict, omelets, and breakfast sandwiches. They have options for meat eaters and for vegetarians. For lunch, enjoy their homemade soups, salads, sandwiches, and veggie burgers.
On their beverage menu are drink options like soft drinks, lemonade, hot chocolate, freshly brewed iced tea, coffee, and a variety of fruit juices. Benedict’s Restaurant is family-owned and operated. They take pride in serving their guests fresh high-quality food that tastes amazing. Be sure to try Benedict’s Restaurant on your next trip to Dunedin, Florida.
Website: https://www.mybenedicts.com/
Address: Address: 2632 Bayshore Blvd, Dunedin
Eli’s Bar-B-Que
This is a great spot for enjoying delicious traditional BBQ and a relaxed atmosphere. Eli’s Bar-B-Que is a small BBQ joint with a walk-up window for ordering. Eli’s provides a truly classic BBQ dining experience with their brick-lined building and outdoor seating at picnic tables.
You’ll know when you’ve arrived at Eli’s Bar-B-Que when you see the life-sze red adirondack chair and large hand-painted sign with red flames. Once you place your order at their window, you can relax on one of their benches or picnic tables while you wait for your name to be called. Once your order is ready, grab it at their pickup window and be sure to fill a cup with some extra BBQ sauce.
On their menu are classic BBQ options including a slab of pork, whole chicken, burnt ends, a pound of beef or pork, and sausage. For sandwiches, they have chopped beef, chopped pork, chopped sausage, dark meat chicken, and more.
Their bar-b-que baked beans and homemade coleslaw are available as a side. Eli’s Bar-B-Que is well-known by the locals and a fun spot for tourists to stop by and try some amazing BBQ. Eli’s is open Friday and Saturday from 11am to 6pm.
Website – https://www.elisbarbeque.com/
Julian’s Little Italy
Among the huge variety of eateries in Dunedin, Florida is Julian’s Little Italy. A favorite among locals and acknowledged as one of Dunedin’s best-kept secrets, Julian’s Little Italy is a cozy Italian bistro that serves classic Italian dishes and pizza.
Inside Julian’s Little Italy is a comfortable dining area with fun lighting and italian-inspired decor. They offer booth seating as well as tables and chairs. If you want to sit outside, they have some bistro tables on their covered patio area. Julian’s Little Italy has an extensive menu that will make you want to keep coming back to try more.
On their pizza menu is pizza for meat lovers called “lots meat, and I mean lotsa,” as well as a veggie lovers pizza, and even a gluten-free pizza. Their menu also includes calzones, stromboli, fettuccine alfredo, picatta, caesar salad, gnocchi, and many other delicious traditional italian dishes.
Julian’s Little Italy is a great choice for a family-friendly dining experience. Don’t forget to try one of their many dessert options including tiramisu, cannoli, and their best chocolate cake “eva.” Do your taste buds a favor and make sure Julian’s Little Italy is on your must-try list!
Address: 916-A Patricia Ave, Dunedin
Website – https://julianslittleitaly.com/
HopScotch Cafe
When you’re in the mood for pub fare, HopScotch Cafe is the place to be. It’s a family-owned dine-in or takeout eatery with specialty sandwiches, charcuterie, drafts on tap, and more. The two owners of HopScotch Cafe came all the way from Seattle.
They were dreaming of sunshine and salty air so they packed all their belongings into an 18ft trailer and moved to Dunedin, Florida. The HopScotch Cafe offers indoor seating at tables or on barstools right at the bar. The cafe is perfect for families looking for a fun night out.
Kids and adults alike will enjoy skee-ball, air hockey, bowling, and arcade games. If you want to grab a drink and some pub fare, HopScotch Cafe is also a great choice. They have TV screens all over the bar so you can enjoy your favorite sports team. Their charcuterie boards are popular and include seasonal selections.
Since HopScotch Cafe is a friendly-family dining spot, they offer a kids menu. Foodies of all kinds will enjoy the menu at HopScotch Cafe. They have a variety of offerings including pizza, dishes with a caribbean flare, traditional american food, and hearty salads.
Website: https://www.hopscotchcafedunedin.com/
Address: 1006 Broadway, Dunedin, FL 34698
Olde Bay Cafe
Seafood lovers will love the menu at Olde Bay Cafe and the gorgeous waterfront views. Olde Bay Cafe serves dishes with fresh local gulf seafood and serves local craft beer.
Whether you love peel n’ eat shrimp, crab cakes, fish tacos, wraps, soups, or sandwiches, Olde Bay Cafe has something for everyone. This waterfront cafe has mostly outdoor seating and is dog-friendly. Olde Bay Cafe’s extensive menu will delight both seafood lovers and meat lovers.
They have traditional American dishes like BBQ pulled pork sandwich, chicken salad, cheeseburger, and a jumbo hotdog. Seafood lovers will enjoy the shrimp salad, blackened scallop wrap, blue crab salad roll, and stone crab claws.
Their drink menu also has a wide variety of options including cocktails, wine, sangria, bourbons, and more. Olde Bay Cafe is a classic florida-style dining spot that will wow you with its delicious food and stunning waterfront views.
Website: https://www.oldebaycafe.com/
Address: 51 Main St, Dunedin, FL 34698
Pearly’s Beach Eats
Pearly’s Beach Eats is another classic florida-style eatery that is loved by locals and tourists. Its pub fare and breezy outdoor patio make it a great spot to relax and enjoy good food. Pearly’s Beach Eats gives off beachy vibes with its seafoam and white-paneled exterior.
Pearly’s has a beachy feel inside as well with wood paneling, surfboards hanging on the walls, colorful chairs, and bar seating. They have outdoor seating on their patio and additional picnic table seating in a sandy area.
Their menu has delicious appetizers like their gnarly nachos, bacon ranch fries, chicken tenders, and quesadilla. Reviews praise their tacos and burritos. Seafood lovers will enjoy the shrimp tacos, fish sandwich, shrimp po’boy, and fried shrimp basket. Pearly’s is open Tuesday-Sunday from 11am to 9pm.
Website: https://pearlysbeacheats.com/
Address: 903 Douglas Ave, Dunedin, FL 34698
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