Last updated: 2025-05-06
Best Upscale Restaurants in Clearwater
Clearwater’s culinary landscape boasts an impressive array of dining experiences that capture the vibrant coastal essence of Florida’s Gulf Coast. From waterfront views to innovative cuisine, these restaurants transform dining into a memorable gastronomic journey along the Pinellas shoreline.
Local chefs blend fresh seafood, Mediterranean influences, and Gulf Coast traditions, creating unique flavor profiles that reflect Clearwater’s diverse culinary heritage. These carefully curated restaurants offer sophisticated dining experiences that showcase the region’s exceptional ingredients and creative culinary talent.
Discover Clearwater’s finest dining destinations now!
Featured Fine Dining Spots in Clearwater
- Columbia Restaurant - SandKey (Clearwater Beach)
- Caretta on the Gulf (Clearwater Beach)
- Clear Sky on Cleveland
- Island Way Grill (Clearwater Beach)
- Watercolour Grillhouse
- Soul Sicilian Fusion
- Cesare's
- Latitude 28 (Clearwater Beach)
- The Deep End (Clearwater Beach)
- Olive and Thyme
Caretta on the Gulf (Clearwater Beach)
What to Expect
AAA Four-Diamond oceanfront dining with seasonal Gulf Coast cuisine
Description
Nestled within the Sandpearl Resort, Caretta on the Gulf offers an AAA Four-Diamond dining experience with breathtaking Gulf views. The restaurant features seasonally inspired cuisine and an inviting atmosphere where guests can choose between elegant indoor and outdoor seating. Highlights include organic wine pairings, private dining options in the Wine Room and Private Dining Room, and a menu celebrating local coastal flavors.
Restaurant Details
More Info: Caretta on the Gulf ↗
Cesare's
What to Expect
Waterfront Italian dining with authentic family recipes
Description
Cesare's offers an authentic Italian dining experience in a waterfront Clearwater Beach setting. Founders Cesare and Carlo, both native Italians, craft traditional dishes like ossobuco alla Milanese, homemade pastas, and fresh seafood. Guests can dine al fresco overlooking Sand Key Bridge, enjoying classic Italian cuisine prepared with family recipes and professional service.
Restaurant Details
More Info: Cesare's ↗
Clear Sky on Cleveland
What to Expect
Global cuisine in historic downtown Clearwater setting
Description
A global bistro nestled in Clearwater's historic Cleveland Street District, Clear Sky offers an eclectic dining experience with internationally-inspired cuisine. The restaurant features a sophisticated atmosphere with a diverse menu showcasing global flavors, complemented by an extensive wine and cocktail selection. Guests can enjoy weekend live music and a welcoming downtown dining environment.
Restaurant Details
More Info: Clear Sky on Cleveland ↗
Columbia Restaurant - SandKey (Clearwater Beach)
What to Expect
Generational Spanish-Cuban culinary heritage since 1905
Description
Columbia Restaurant in Clearwater Beach offers an elegant Spanish-Cuban dining experience featuring authentic family recipes spanning five generations. Their candlelit dining rooms showcase traditional Spanish cuisine with tableside service, complemented by one of the world's largest Spanish wine collections. Signature touches include live flamenco performances and meticulously preserved culinary traditions from their historic 1905 origins.
Restaurant Details
More Info: Columbia Restaurant - SandKey ↗
Island Way Grill (Clearwater Beach)
What to Expect
Waterfront dining with dock slips and panoramic marina views
Description
Waterfront fancy restaurant in Clearwater Beach offering an expansive dining experience with panoramic marina views. Specializes in fresh seafood, sushi, and Caribbean-inspired dishes prepared with local ingredients. Features live music, handcrafted cocktails, and an extensive menu including Caribbean Grouper and Pistachio Hogfish with elegant coastal-inspired plating.
Restaurant Details
More Info: Island Way Grill ↗
Latitude 28 (Clearwater Beach)
What to Expect
Gulf Coast-inspired cuisine with panoramic beachfront views
Description
Latitude 28° offers an elegant beachfront dining experience featuring sophisticated coastal cuisine with Gulf Coast flavors. The restaurant showcases freshly caught seafood like Florida Black Grouper with saffron risotto, complemented by creative cocktails such as the signature 'Clear' Water Pina Colada. Guests can enjoy stunning ocean views from both indoor and outdoor seating areas, with a chic, warm atmosphere that highlights local ingredients and culinary artistry.
Restaurant Details
More Info: Latitude 28 ↗
Olive and Thyme
What to Expect
Mediterranean fusion cuisine in downtown Clearwater
Description
Mediterranean fusion restaurant nestled in downtown Clearwater, offering a warm, cozy atmosphere with a diverse menu that invites guests to enjoy casual dining experiences. The restaurant blends Mediterranean culinary traditions with a relaxed, welcoming environment perfect for friends and family gatherings.
Restaurant Details
More Info: Olive and Thyme ↗
Soul Sicilian Fusion
What to Expect
Innovative Sicilian cuisine with contemporary culinary techniques
Description
Soul Sicilian Fusion offers an innovative dining experience blending traditional Sicilian cuisine with contemporary culinary techniques. Their intimate dining room features artfully plated dishes that showcase bold Mediterranean flavors and creative ingredient combinations, transforming classic Sicilian recipes into modern gastronomic expressions.
Restaurant Details
More Info: Soul Sicilian Fusion ↗
The Deep End (Clearwater Beach)
What to Expect
Rooftop dining with 360-degree Gulf Coast panoramic views
Description
Perched on the 11th-floor rooftop of the JW Marriott, this Gulf Coast restaurant offers panoramic ocean views with a chef-curated menu blending coastal Florida, Latin, and Japanese flavors. The vibrant space features indoor and outdoor seating, craft cocktails, and an energetic atmosphere that captures Clearwater Beach's culinary spirit.
Restaurant Details
More Info: The Deep End ↗
Watercolour Grillhouse
What to Expect
Oceanfront dining with panoramic Sand Key views
Description
Watercolour Grillhouse offers an elegant seaside dining experience within the Clearwater Beach Marriott Resort. The restaurant features coastal-inspired cuisine served in a sophisticated dining room with panoramic views of Sand Key. Guests can enjoy fresh seafood and carefully prepared grilled specialties in a refined atmosphere with attentive resort dining service.
Restaurant Details
More Info: Watercolour Grillhouse ↗
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