Feeder's Digest offers abbreviated versions of complete reviews by Tampa Tribune restaurant critics.
For longer versions of some of these reviews, please browse our Restaurant Review index or Dining on a Budget archive.
Alley Cat's Cafe: Yes, meow memorabilia is wall-to-wall at this strip mall restaurant, and some dishes have feline names such as Black Cat Pasta. But it's the good food that keeps people coming back. The ingredients at this meandering bar/restaurant are fresh, and the staff is very tuned in to a diner's needs. For an appetizer, try the portobello quesadilla, four large wedges filled with melted cheeses and red peppers in addition to the beef-like mushrooms. The arugula salad (mixed greens with walnuts, bleu cheese and sliced apples in a lemon-olive oil dressing) is wonderful. Those with bigger appetites will enjoy the Top Cat, a 10-ounce sirloin with a Parmesan-topped broiled tomato.
2475 McMullen-Booth Road, Clearwater; (727) 797-5555
Babalu: Chow down on sweet Snow Crab Legs in drawn butter ordained with a side order of Smoked Grouper Spread and crackers and an exceptionally cold draught. That's Babalu, not to mention about 25 variations on burgers. The kitchen cooks up a mouthful of hearty grub for next to nothing, with service to match. Dinner for two, with no room to spare, runs about $25 with tip.
9246 Fourth St. N., St. Petersburg; (727) 576-7414
The Ballyhoo Grill: The Ballyhoo serves its seafood with a Florida flair, but that's not the only reason folks keep returning to this Citrus Park eatery. Daily lunch specials and a comfortable atmosphere make the Ballyhoo Grill a popular escape for seafood and steak lovers. The restaurant is a raw bar, too, offering oysters and steamed clams. Sandwiches, salads and hearty pastas also are served.
7604 Ehrlich Road, Tampa (Citrus Park); (813) 926-2149
Bahama Breeze: This restaurant in the Darden Restaurants Inc. chain, which also operates Olive Garden and Red Lobster, is a Tampa magnet. The outdoor bar is packed during the weekends. The restaurant offers a hearty selection of all- American staples - seafood, chicken, beef and pork - with a Caribbean accent. Large portions and moderate prices keep customers returning. There's live music seven nights a week.
3045 N. Rocky Point Drive E., Tampa (north side of Courtney Campbell Parkway); (813) 289-7922
Basta's Ristorante: This classy dinner spot has long been a favorite quiet restaurant, but the food and service are by no means understated. The large menu, ranging from dressed-up pastas (most prepared Northern style) to filets and steaks sauteed in flavorful sauces, is impressive. As is the wait staff. Try the veal piccata, a lemon-flavored entree that is fork tender, or angel hair pasta served with a rich cream sauce loaded with chunks of lobster.
1625 Fourth St. S., St. Petersburg; (727)
894-7880
Bay Gables: This upscale, renovated restaurant in downtown St. Petersburg offers traditional American cuisine in a Victorian setting. Creative appetizers and a short list of entrees are elegant and worth the hefty price.
136 Fourth Ave. N.E., St. Petersburg; (727) 894-7163
Bill's Sundowner: Eye- catching memorabilia is just a minor joy of this upscale eatery with dark wood, cozy lighting and multiple televisions for the sports fan. Its upscale menu of $46 Australian lobster tail, $29 porterhouse steaks and $7 to $10 dinner appetizers makes it a special-occasion stop. Ahi tuna and a tall New York strip are top quality.
5401 W. Kennedy Blvd. (in the Lincoln Center), Tampa; (813) 636-8686
Bleachers: With four big screens and at least 26 television sets, this place draws sports fans like sugar attracts ants. But you don't need to be a fan-atic to enjoy the food and economical prices. Bleachers features a well- rounded basic menu of appetizers, sandwiches and salads. Wings come lightly breaded with a choice of spiciness. Chicken sandwiches come in seven varieties, including pepper jack cheese and bacon; spicy buffalo sauce with blue cheese; and barbecue sauce, cheese, bacon and a fried onion ring.
Ninth Street and Roosevelt Boulevard (in the Gateway Crossing shopping plaza), Clearwater; (727) 576-2216
Bob Heilman's Beachcomber: No romantic night out, but a dining room with an appeasing something for everyone. The Beachcomber is a hit with both tourists and locals. Seafood is usually a wise choice, but the house specialty here is a traditional fried chicken dinner.
447 Mandalay Ave., Clearwater Beach; (727) 442-4144.
Boba Louie's Grille & Sports Garden: This sports bar offers an all-star selection of food. Besides pub staples such as chicken wings, burgers and plump sandwiches, you'll find fajitas, pizza, pasta and salads. The soups are exceptional, including the seafood bisque, chicken broccoli and beef noodle.
1913 E. Bearss Ave., Tampa; (813) 971-1243
The Chart House: If you want a spectacular waterfront view, this is the place on Longboat Key. Spacious tables and cozy booths dot large dining rooms with high ceilings and plenty of natural light and wood. Few restaurants in the area offer such a kaleidoscopic salad bar, which includes exotic fruits, caviar, Caesar salad, crunchy vegetables and numerous other tantalizing goodies. The kitchen charbroils choice- grade, corn-fed beef from the Midwest. Expect crowds on weekends.
201 Gulf-of-Mexico Drive, Longboat Key; (941) 383-5593
CK's: The 360-degree spinning restaurant atop the Marriott at Tampa International Airport opened in 1974, and continues to offer delicious seafood and beef. Check out CK's Seafood Pasta, grilled fresh Florida grouper, Twin Filets of Beef and Chicken Breast Fettuccine. Specialities include a grilled rack of lamb with rosemary Dijon sauce; Veal Lemuel and Lobster Medallion with asparagus; and a Mediterranean chicken breast with artichokes and pine nuts. CK's Key lime pie is legendary, but don't dismiss the raspberry and chocolate bread pudding and carrot cake.
Tampa International Airport, atop the Marriott Hotel; (813) 878-6500
Clearwater Beach Hotel: A sharp kitchen focuses on fresh products in delicious combinations, all presented with a creative hand. The main dining room seats 160 people, affording most a nice view of the water. Among our favorites - Grilled Lobster Tail and Seafood Panache, with shrimp, scallops, grouper, snapper, drawn butter, creole remoulade and coriander salsa.
500 Mandalay Ave., Clearwater Beach; (727) 441-2425
Cobblestone Grille & Alehouse: This family restaurant offers a well-rounded menu of sandwiches, salads, appetizers, and lunch and dinner specials. The surprise here is for beer lovers, with close to 80 varieties of domestic and imported brews available, 13 of them on tap. Grouper is a favorite, always fresh and served any way you like - grilled, fried or blackened.
6902 Hanley Road, Tampa; (813) 249-5119
The Colonnade: This restaurant is a Tampa tradition. It is the place where generations of families have gone for Sunday lunch, and young diners might go to impress a first date. It has arguably the best view of Hillsborough Bay and downtown Tampa of any restaurant in the city. The family-owned establishment has been in business since 1935, and it shows with their successful formula of consistent food, fine bar and good service. The menu is large; try the oysters Rockefeller, the grouper Oscar and the fresh- baked Key lime pie.
3401 Bayshore Blvd., Tampa; (813) 839-7558
The Colony Restaurant: The huge dining room at the Colony Beach and Tennis Resort offers something for everyone - beef, lamb, pork, veal, chicken, duck, snapper, tuna, grouper, shrimp, salmon, lobster, pompano and swordfish. The view of the Gulf of Mexico is lovely, though you'll share it with a roomful of people. Intimacy is all that's missing here. Still, your stomach will keep loving you. Your wallet may have second thoughts.
1620 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key; (941) 383-5558
Cooker Bar and Grille: This restaurant, in the shadows of Busch Gardens, offers regional American delights such as steaks, seafood, salads and burgers. Recommended comfort foods are the pot roast and meatloaf - each was just like Mom makes. Management stands behind their ``100% satisfaction guaranteed'' policy.
4115 E. Busch Blvd., Tampa, (813) 984-1501; consult the telephone directory for other Bay area locations
Cool Moe's Place: If you can't get to the beach, Cool Moe's Place may be the next best thing. This landlocked beach bar serves chicken wings six different ways, plus hamburgers, Mexican floritos and abundant raw bar choices: oysters, clams, shrimp, crab and, when available, lobster. It's a convenient watering hole on the way to the Trop.
10056 Gandy Blvd., St. Petersburg; (727) 579-1145
Dockside Dave's Bar & Grill: The menu at this neighborhood restaurant offers an array of grilled sandwiches, fried appetizers, soups, salads, seafood and pasta dinners. Sandwiches include Philly steak, hot roast beef, Italian sausage, pork tenderloin and burgers. For dinner, try the Martinique plates: scallops, shrimp or a combination of both sauteed in lemon garlic butter and mushrooms and lightly topped with grated Parmesan.
13203 Gulf Blvd., Madeira Beach; (813) 392-9399
Extra Inning Ball Park Cafe: The Extra Inning Ball Park Cafe was designed with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in mind, serving an all-star lineup of seafood, steaks, ribs and burgers. It's just a line drive from Tropicana Field, where the home team plays. While fans watch their favorite teams on the Extra Inning's 19 TV screens, they can order from an extensive menu that includes soups, salads, sandwiches, dinners and desserts.
1850 Central Ave., St. Petersburg; (727) 896-9872
Gators Waterfront Cafe & Saloon: To some, Gators is a nightspot famous for loud rock music, drink specials and a gathering place for local University of Florida fans. For others, it's a place to bring their Northern friends when they visit. For boaters, it's a favorite stop for a burger and brew thanks to a handy dock. The extensive menu features 15 appetizers, including Buffalo shrimp, chicken wings and gator nuggets. Sandwiches and burgers are a sure bet. Got a big appetite? The smokehouse cooks baby back ribs and smoked chicken, served with salad and fries.
Kingfish Wharf on the south side of Johns Pass, Treasure Island; (727) 367-8951
Grady's: Expect pleasant surprises here, as a solid management team stresses customer appreciation and is consistent in its preparation and presentation. Check out the large dinner-cut of delicious North Atlantic Salmon; a dependable Seafood Pasta with its generous portions of succulent shrimp, white fish and crab; or the Slow-Roasted Prime Rib carved to order and served au jus with baked potato. Atmosphere is cozy and service friendly and efficient.
136 Brandon TownCenter Drive, Brandon; (813) 654-3117
Green Iguana: On weekend nights, this place is packed with youthful beer drinkers and loud rock 'n' roll. But weekdays, the Iguana is a good choice for lunch or a beer and burger at the bar. Appetizers make up about one- third of the menu. They include staples such as wings, nachos, and peel-and-eat shrimp. The more adventurous can choose from coconut shrimp, cheese- filled fried jalapenos, gator bites and crab cakes.
1708 E. Seventh Ave., Ybor City; (813) 248-9555
Gyland's Grill & Bar: This neighborhood pub aims to appeal to a variety of tastes. Regional items include spicy Southwestern dishes such as quesadillas with spicy chicken, black bean nachos served with tri-colored tortilla chips and an awesome burrito stuffed with spicy chicken, black beans and yellow rice and smothered in cheese and chili sauce. If you like finger lickin', the baby back ribs, a full rack braised in beer and grilled with barbecue sauce, won't disappoint. Burgers come blackened or with honey barbecue sauce. The chicken sandwich is made to order - blackened, jerk or barbecue. In the mood for something light? Try the Greek or Caesar salads.
Ybor Square (entrance on Eighth Avenue near 13th Street), Ybor City; (813) 242-6260
Harbour Island Clubhouse Grill: Located on the second floor of the Harbour Island Athletic Club, the Clubhouse Grill has a clubby, luxe feel. An outside dining option offers an athletic view. The covered balcony overlooks the club's clay tennis courts. Early risers can dig into a.m. offerings that include Breakfast Skins - potato skins stuffed with eggs and ham or sausage, topped by cheese and salsa. Sandwich names mirror club activities: The Bench Press, a Cuban-like sandwich; The Clean and Jerk, a 6- ounce ribeye; and The Ace, sliced roast turkey. A fat garlic stick accompanies Pasta Pavo, an entree of grilled chicken and broccoli in wine sauce over penne. Pizzas, from the cheeser to the Ultimate Meltdown, are made on tostitos, a thin, flour crust.
900 S. Harbour Island Blvd., Tampa; (813) 202-1950
Harris & Co.: This comfortable, cozy restaurant serves fresh dishes and doesn't ask for much in return. A 600-gallon fish tank greets diners in the foyer, separating the main dining from from lounge. House specialities include Peppered Beef Tips with julienne peppers and onions in a Madeira demi-glace over Aangel hair pasta; Veal Marsala with garlic-basil potato croquette; and Oysters and Portabella topped with spinach, sundried tomatoes and bow tie pasta. Consider a simple grilled salmon over sundried tomatoes and spinach, and a seafood pasta including lobster, shrimp, scallops and mussels swimming in cream sauce. The kitchen also cooks lamb chops, top sirloin, filet mignon and a porterhouse, along with three individual pizzas.
19601 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., Tampa; (813) 991-4321
Harvey's 4th Street Grill: Harvey's 4th Street Grill is the cool, comfortable alternative to Tampa Bay's fast-food wasteland. And its top-notch cuisine - at surprisingly affordable prices - will keep you coming back time and time again. Harvey's is always concerned about quality, and even the appetizers are prepared with care. Harvey's isn't just a restaurant. It's a casual and friendly neighborhood tavern that's perfect for watching the big game or gathering with friends for happy hour. There's even a late-night menu for those on the go and a Sunday brunch for late- risers.
3121 Fourth St. N., St. Petersburg; (727) 821-6516
Hattricks: Business folks are leaving their brown bags at home these days and heading to Hattricks for lunch. Shepherd's pie is Hattricks' pride and joy. Served piping hot, it's chock-full of ground sirloin, carrots, mashed potatoes and Guinness Stout gravy, topped with sizzling cheese. Daily fish and chicken specials also are popular. On weekends, Hattricks becomes a blues club, with live music Friday and Saturday nights starting at 9: 30 (no cover). And there's plenty of sports action on the overhead monitors.
107 S. Franklin St., Tampa; (813) 225-4288
Hemingway's: The restaurant in the Hilton at Metro Center could use a shot of personality and more variety, but it makes an effort to please more than tourists popping through town. 2225 N. Lois Ave., Tampa; (813) 877-6688, Ext. 1524
Hops Restaurant & Brewery: Hops is committed to making things from scratch, not just beer but soups and sauces. The food is pretty darn good, and management runs the place with military precision. Try the beer - Hops Golden lager, Cl
Bern's: The interior resembles a bordello, but your stomach won't have a clue. Owner Bern Laxer's huge array of aged beef - priced by cut, weight and thickness - draws more moans of ecstasy than groans of complaint. Split a chateaubriand and you'll probably agree. Few restaurants could live up to the mystique that has enveloped Bern's through the years, but face it: This guy's a perfectionist. Even his seafood is home-grown. Prices are containable if you tread carefully through the 7,000-label wine collection.
1208 S. Howard Ave., Tampa; (813) 251-2421
Charley's Steak House & Market Fresh Fish: A lavish, attractive addition to Tampa's big- steaks showdown. The prime and choice steaks are the draw, especially the New York Strip and blue cheese-stuffed filet mignon. One of its seven dining rooms is private and has its own entrance.
4444 W. Cypress St., Tampa; (813) 353-9706
Durango Steak House: On those nights when the upbeat spirits take hold, and there's a need for big margaritas, country music and good food, check out Durango Steak House. Its rustic woods and Southwestern motif add to the casual and comfortable atmosphere. And just in case you're bored with conversation, the bar offers 28 margaritas ranging in flavors from cranberry to Blue Curacao. There's also an electric train chugging overhead and televisions at every angle. Durango is not all steaks, but beef eaters will find the aged, oak-grilled cuts to their liking.
217 S. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, (813) 354-8913
E & E Stakeout Grill: Desert tones and textures make up the decor, with Kokopelli - a mythical hunchback flute player - lending his name to an adjoining lounge. The restaurant's commitment to top-quality beef is evident. Entrees include a 20-ounce Porterhouse, a Western Sirloin and a slow-roasted Prime Rib. A rack of Steakout Ribs puts memories of all others to rest.
100 N. Indian Rocks Road, Belleair Bluffs; (727) 585-6399
John's Beef Barn: The old Coyote's barbecue joint on Gandy Boulevard is now the new and improved John's Beef Barn, which offers a simple, good-grub menu appealing to no-frills tastes. People fill the spacious dining room for inexpensive baby back ribs, blackened grouper, jalapeno poppers and Whiskey Chicken washed down with cold beer. The food here is down-home simple and unadorned, the service pleasant and the bill pleasantly affordable.
4426 Gandy Blvd., Tampa; (813) 831-9759
Legends Steakhouse: A late-night menu (dinner served until 12: 30 a.m.), live jazz four nights a week, and a cigar-friendly first floor draw people to this beachfront steakhouse. The beef is worth every cholesterol-loving bite.
309 S. Gulfview Blvd., Clearwater Beach; (727) 445-1755
Lone Star Steakhouse & Saloon: Dinner here gets messy, beginning with peanut shells that blanket the floors, ending with gooey mounds of homemade cobbler and ice cream. Steaks, seemingly extracted from bovine sumo wrestlers, weigh up to 20 ounces. Our visits found them uneven. Baby
Jimbo's: People don't come to dine but to stuff their faces, slop sauce over the meat and wash it down with cold beer. Pork ribs are a staple, but those who plan ahead can bring their own meat - three days in advance - and ask the kitchen to smoke it for 50 cents a pound. Surprisingly good burgers. Killer beans.
4103 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa; (813) 289-9724
Hungry Harry's Famous Bar-B-Que: For lunch or dinner, Harry's stacks on helpings of delectable smoked meats and sides as though every meal was a church picnic. Chopped pork is the star, either on a bun or a platter, served with Texas toast and a choice of two side orders from among baked beans, cole slaw and potato salad. Other available sides are baked potato, green beans and corn on the cob.
3116 Land O' Lakes Blvd., Land O' Lakes; (813) 949-2025
Kojak's House of Ribs: A nice little getaway on the east end of Gandy Boulevard. The place for ribs, dirt cheap and casual. Not the place for starched white shirts. Sit on the porch if weather permits. Bayshore Boulevard is a quick jaunt.
2808 Gandy Blvd., Tampa; (813) 837-3774
Moses White & Sons Bar- B-Que: With a less than modest motto, ``We Are Bar-B-Que, Everything Else Is an Imitation,'' this Ybor City eatery serves up pork, sausage, beef and chicken, but it's the ribs that won our lick- the-fingers award.
1815 E. Seventh Ave., Ybor City; (813) 247-7544
Mrs. Campbell's Original Alabama Bar-B-Cue: One of Tampa's finest barbecue pits. The no-frills atmosphere makes this a two-star venue, but the pork dinner is top rate. It's chopped, then piled beneath slices of white bread and a tidal wave of tomato- based barbecue sauce, along with your choice of two side orders - beans, potato salad, cole slaw or corn on the cob.
3010 W. Gandy Blvd., Tampa; (813) 832-2700
Ragin' Ribs: This restaurant and delivery spot in south Tampa offers ribs every which way. There's St. Louis-style spareribs, baby back ribs, beef spareribs and a rib sampler, plus more unique choices such as Ragin' Rib Salad, Rib Wrap and Rib-its.
2307 Azeele St., Tampa; (813) 259-1501
Robert's Meats: The menu here is a meat lover's delight. Sandwiches include the quarter- pound Bobby Burger, Cubans, grilled filet mignon and New York strip. Barbecue dinners (ribs, chicken, beef and pork) come with two choices from a list of side dishes: potato salad, macaroni salad, cole slaw, pasta miguel, barbecue beans and spinach pasta. There is a small group of tables for dining in, or you can go for takeout and catering.
3316 S. Westshore Blvd., Tampa; (813) 837-4573
Alfresco: The culinary theme under this attractive gazebo is Floribbean, a mix of Florida and Caribbean styles that blend tropical fruits, piquant relishes, aromatic herbs, translucent sauces and quick, fat-free grilling. Starters worth biting into are the Conch Fritters with curried remoulade sauce, or the Coconut- Fried Shrimp with a tangy citrus mustard sauce. A good bet for light eating under $10 is the Caribbean Chicken Caesar with pineapple relish. The limited entree selection includes slow-roasted Island Spiced Ribs with guava barbecue sauce and grilled Florida Spiny Lobster with charred tomato sauce and toasted cumin seeds.
Renaissance Vinoy Resort, 501 Fifth Ave. N.E., St. Petersburg; (727) 894-1000
Cephas Hot Shop: For those with a little zest for adventure. Food here neither looks nor tastes like it does at most places. Spices will wake you up. The Jamaican menu, on any given day, is likely to include curried goat, curried chicken, jerk chicken or red snapper. Accompaniments might include well-cooked carrots, green beans, collard greens and spicy rice. Wash it all down with ginger beer, a spicy Caribbean soft drink.
1701 E. Fourth Ave., Ybor City; (813) 247-9022
Saffron's at Jungle Prado: The 1924 Jungle Prada complex, rich in foliage and heritage, is the perfect setting for fine Caribbean cuisine. Platters include a tangy, juicy Fish Negril; fork-tender Curried Breast of Chicken in a savory sauce thick with mushrooms, carrots, onion and bits of tomato; and Reggae Steak, a thin but delightfully flavorful ribeye. There's Jerked Chicken, Honey Mustard Chicken, Tangy Boneless Chicken, and an array of seafood, beef, pork and vegetarian dishes, plus the obligatory Curried Goat, tender and delicate as lamb.
1700 N. Park St., St. Petersburg; (727) 522-1234
China Garden: Arrive hungry and prepare to dine in a cafeterialike atmosphere with big crowds who come for the super lunch and dinner buffets. Daily features include a Mongolian ``u- pick it, they cook it'' BBQ. Choose from raw pork, chicken, beef and fresh vegetables, which you hand over to be sizzled on the griddle. Soups, sushi, dim sum, Korean kimchi, egg rolls, barbecue spare rib tips, fried rice and crisp green beans line up next to Egg Foo Young, Sweet and Sour Chicken, Beef and Broccoli, Hunan Shrimp, Peking Duck and Pork Lo Mein and much, much more.
3904 S. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa; (813) 805-2929
Hao Wah Chinese Restaurant: Chinese cuisine is abundant in the Tampa area, and Hao Wah sits somewhere on the better end of the scale. Decor isn't much, but the dinner menu offers almost unlimited variations. Favorite starters are the Sizzling Rice Soup and Fried Dumplings. Of entrees, we like the Snow White Shrimp and the Peking Duck, sliced boneless and served with Chinese pancakes and a delicious plum sauce.
1713 S. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa; (813) 253-2095
Beach Bistro: A continental restaurant barely big enough to be real, the Beach Bistro seats guests just yards from the Gulf of Mexico. Count on personal attention and artful presentation. The Bistro covers all the bases. Seafood is fresh; beef is prime; and poultry is impeccably prepared, especially the mouth-watering Duckling au Poivre. Don't skip dessert. Chocolate Truffle Terrine and Praline Alexandra are the ones to order.
6600 Gulf Drive, Holmes Beach; (941) 778-6444
Budapest Restaurant: Hungarian heartiness. The Budapest Platter for Two is an edible version of Noah's Ark - two breaded pork chops, two veal cutlets, sausage for two, two fried chicken livers, two breaded mushrooms, two orders of cole slaw and a flood of home-fried potatoes. Reasonable prices.
7411 U.S. 19 N., New Port Richey; (727) 848-4437
Cafe Heidelberg: A must if you like sauerkraut, spaetzle, schnitzel and sauerbraten from the old country. Good German wines and beer will quench your thirst while yodeling and live music add to the fun. During good weather, there is the option of outdoor dining.
13002 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa; (813) 908-5511
Chalet Suzanne: An evening at this Old World restaurant means a touch of fantasy and fantastic food, service and atmosphere. The chalet sits on 70 acres near Lake Wales. Fixed- price dinners might include a refreshing broiled grapefruit with brown sugar and deep-fried chicken liver, the Chalet's world famous cream of Romaine soup, an excellent salad, homemade potato rolls, and one of a half-dozen unique main courses, such as amber-glazed Chicken Suzanne or Shrimp Curry with chutney relish and orange marmalade. Memorable. So is the check. Two can spend $200 here with little effort.
U.S. Highway 27 and County Road 17A, 3800 Chalet Suzanne Drive, four miles north of Lake Wales; (941) 676-6011
Good Times Continental Restaurant: Since 1977, the Good Times Continental Restaurant has served a melting-pot array of Czech, Austrian, German and French dishes. Yet the image from this description shouldn't be all Old World heaviness. Fresh Florida foods accent the menu. Dinners are full course, which means rye bread, soup and salad in addition to an entree with heaps of vegetables and carbohydrates such as potatoes, noodles or dumplings. Dishes of note include scamp (a smaller, flakier fish than grouper), coquilles Saint Jacques (scallops in a mushroom- laden cream and butter sauce), beef stroganoff and wiener schnitzel.
1130 Pinellas Bayway, Tierra Verde; (727) 867-0774
Schnitzelhaus: This German restaurant, nestled among the shopping plazas of Waters Avenue, offers a cozy atmosphere and authentic cuisine. Menu highlights include more than a dozen schnitzel dinners, traditional German staples such as sauerbraten and goulash, and a good selection of bratwurst dishes. The Matterhorn also offers reasonably priced lunch portions of many of its dishes.
4333 W. Waters Ave., Tampa; (813) 884-5634
Ophelia's on the Bay: Vivaldi and Giuliani guitar concertos waft through the rooms, while candles and fresh flowers adorn the tables. Located at Marker 48 off the Intracoastal, Ophelia's dishes up some of the more delicious entrees in the Sarastoa area, such as eggplant basil crepes with spinach.
9105 Midnight Pass Road, Siesta Key; (941) 349-2212
Rumpelmayer's: One of the few German restaurants in the Bay area, Rumpelmayer's offers good paprika-smothered Schnitzel, Polish Cabbage Leaves stuffed with ground beef and rice in a tomato sauce, Wiener Hendl, Sauerbraten and Schweinebraten. The kitchen also offers a German Feast for Two. Service is friendly and prompt, and the sound of a live accordion adds a dash of humor. Reasonable prices.
4812 E. Busch Blvd., Tampa; (813) 989-9563
Stephen's Classic Fine Dining: Stephen's presents a menu one might have found in the elegant eateries of 25 years ago, and the food rivals those places our parents called the best spot in town. The menu selections at the 48-seat, attractively decorated restaurant are familiar. However, the preparation has a modern flair. Try the Pasta Fruita Di Mari. It is an excellent mixture of seafoods served with a red sauce that is a light blend of fresh tomato and basil. Moderately expensive.
811 S. Howard Ave., Tampa; (813) 254-0335
Timothe's: Tim Chavez is maintaining a restaurant tradition started by his grandfather in the 1920s and carried on by his mother, Helen. To cement the continuity, Tom Morey, the former chef at Chavez at the Royal, recently took over the helm of the kitchen at Timothe's, and the rack of lamb and the Grouper Royale reflect the old restaurant's recipes. The food presentation is good, and Chavez offers an innovative special menu in addition to old family favorites. The specials are generally a safe bet. Prices are moderately expensive.
529 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa; (813) 874-5544
Arco Iris: This eatery captures the spirit of the small restaurants found in Havana, and although meals aren't served in a living room as they are in Cuba, the warmth of the island's hospitality is there. It is one of the best places for authentic Cuban food in the area. Arco Iris serves very fine fried rice with traditional Spanish dishes such as roast pork and breaded grouper. Great meals can be had here for less than $15.
3328 Columbus Drive, Tampa; (813) 879-1357
Brocato's: This family eatery specializes in large sandwiches and Cuban food. Brocato's roast pork, a key ingredient in its Cuban, is so tender that it almost melts in your mouth. Other sandwich offerings include Palomilla steak, roast beef, Italian sub, chicken Parmesan and meat ball. The restaurant also offers a variety of soups and salads, black beans and rice, deviled crabs, chicken and yellow rice dinners, empanadas (meat pies) and guava and apple pastries. Open for breakfast.
5021 E. Columbus Drive, Tampa; (813) 248-9977
Cafe Don Jose: This is one of the more eclectic haunts in Temple Terrace, blending Spanish, continental, Mediterranean and home-grown Tampa cooking. Try the Duck Sausage served over a reduced red wine sauce. Don Quixote Puffs are made of chorizo sausage, manchego cheese and sauteed onions wrapped in puff pastry. Fresh medallions of Ostrich Meat are sauteed in olive oil with mushrooms, thyme and dry sherry. Highly recommended is Shrimp Scampi and a succulent Red Snapper Papillot.
11009 N. 56th St., Temple Terrace; (813) 985-2392
Cafe Pepe: One of the dinosaurs of Tampa, this restaurant seems to have been around for ages, resistant to change, its menu written in stone and the waiters steeped in brusque efficiency. Seafood entrees include Shrimp Supreme, Cafe Pepe Stuffed Shrimp with Spanish fries and baked Filet of Red Snapper. Check out the Paella, with Valencia rice, chicken and seafood. Also of note are the ubiquitous Boliche, Picadillo, and Tenderloin Tips. Not much on atmosphere, but dependable food.
2006 W. Kennedy Blvd., Tampa; (813) 253-6501
Capdevila's at La Teresita: Landmark La Teresita has flowered into a lovely restaurant complex, complete with lunch counter and dining room. Capdevila's doesn't pretend to be exclusive, but the waiters wear crisp white shirts and black bow ties. Weekdays, the office lunch crowd feasts on Roast Pork, Russian Trout or the classic Chicken and Yellow Rice. Portions are huge, service is swift and lunch specials are recommended.
3248 W. Columbus Drive, Tampa; (813) 875-2007
Carmine's: A quick spot for lunch. Low-priced, no-frills Spanish food piled high on plates. Daily specials lure folks from downtown to this lively, cafelike eatery. A good place to grab some Spanish bean soup or black beans, chicken soup and yellow rice before heading back to the office.
1802 E. Seventh Ave., Ybor City; (813) 248-3834
Ceviche Tapas Bar & RestaurantLe Bordeaux owner Gordon Davis and the French restaurant's chef, Richard Barrett, have teamed up again. This time, they've gone south of the Pyrenees, and they've brought back to south Tampa a fresh dining experience. The menu reflects traditional dishes characteristic of the small tapas bars found throughout Spain. It also has Barrett's own creations that make Ceviche different and one of the area's better restaurants. The house signature dish, Ceviche de la Casa, is not to be missed. Each tapas dish is distinctive and delicious. It is hard to resist not trying many. Appetite and wallet size seem to offer the only restrictions.
2109 Bayshore Blvd., Tampa; (813) 250-0203
Coco Loco Cafe: This homey cafeteria is geared toward takeout - there are only two tables. For such a tiny establishment, it offers an expansive menu. A chalkboard on the wall lists dishes that change daily, including bistec en cazuela (beefsteak stew), rabo encendido (ox tails), ropa vieja (shredded beef), pescado (fish filet) and chicken. The pork, among the specialties, is served four ways: masas de puerco (fried pork), lechon asado (roast pork), fricase de puerco (pork fricassee) and puerco con papa (pork stew). The cafe also serves breakfast, including cafe con leche, Cuban toast, eggs, ham and omelets.
3909 W. Broad St., Tampa; (813) 882-3999
Columbia Restaurant: This is the grand palace of Spanish cuisine. From its flamboyant flamenco dancers to its fiery ceramic exterior, the Columbia is all color. In doubt? Order the paella, a traditional and eye-pleasing Spanish feast of fish, shrimp, scallops, squid, mussels, clams, chicken, pork, sausage, green peppers, onions and tomatoes, all piled onto yellow rice. The Columbia's 1905 Salad alludes to the year this restaurant first opened its doors on Ybor City's Seventh Avenue.
2117 E. Seventh Ave., Ybor City; consult telephone directory for other locations throughout Florida; (813) 248-4961
El Nin~o Spanish Deli Cafeteria: This bustling eatery is tucked inside Gacio's Amoco station station at North Dale Mabry Highway and Spruce Street. It's small and bright with friendly service and seating for about 20. There's also a lunch counter where customers can grab a quick cup of cafe con leche and Cuban toast. The menu offers traditional Hispanic dishes such as roast pork, beef stew, Spanish steak, breaded grouper and shredded beef. You'll also find soups (garbanzo, black and red bean; caldo gallego; and chicken), vegetables (yuca, fried plantains, yellow and white rice, steamed veggies and french fries), deviled crabs, stuffed potatoes, plantain chips, and beef and crab empanadas (patties).
1930 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa; (813) 554-3206 or (813) 872-8709
Havana Village: Cuban food is the specialty, the portions are generous and the prices are right. Entrees range from picadillo and pork chops to tenderloin tips and a breaded flounder. Side orders are a strength, including the ``World Famous DevilCrab,'' stuffed potato, ham or chicken croquettes and beef or crab empanadas.
8114 N. Florida Ave., Tampa, (813) 932-1712; 120 N. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa, (813) 872-9049
Hugo's Spanish Restaurant: Hugo's lays no claim to gourmet fare, but prices are reasonable and the grub is hearty. This Hyde Park staple touts its ``world's worst Cuban sandwich,'' but in truth, competes with the best sandwich makers in Tampa. Italian dishes score more points for low price than for taste. In short, the appeal is price and location.
931 S. Howard Ave., Tampa; (813) 251-2842
La Bamba: This Spanish- American cafeteria-style restaurant serves breakfast and lunch. Morning specialties include the La Bamba Croissant (with egg, cheese and ham, bacon or sausage) and omelets. Lunch specials include baked grouper, beef stew, chicken Parmesan, chicken salteado, Spanish meat balls, ropa vieja, Russian trout, chicken cordon bleu and boliche. A variety of soups are offered daily, such as Spanish bean, split pea, cream of broccoli and black bean.
4815 W. Laurel St., Tampa; (813) 287-2575
La Fonda: Follow the crowd to this small Palma Ceia cafeteria for authentic Spanish food and seafood, plus some Peruvian specialities. Try the classic roast pork, chicken and yellow rice, the ever-popular paella or a variety of daily pasta dinners - scallop, shrimp, crab meat and lobster. Finish your meal with homemade flan or rice pudding, and a cup of steamy cappuccino, espresso, cafe con leche or American coffee. There's sangria, wines and imported beers, too. Open for breakfast.
4101 S. MacDill Ave., Tampa; (813) 831-1813
La Maison Basque Restaurante: This Spanish restaurant with a French name offers fine Continental cuisine. Some favorites include the black grouper, merluza and zarzuela (a seafood medley of lobster, shrimp and scallops). The Paella Marinera was a plentiful treat, filled with lobster, shrimp and grouper.
3621 W. Waters Ave. (in Fountain Oaks Plaza), Tampa; (813) 932-1922
Latam at the Centro: In the Roaring '20s, Tampa tangoed at the Centro Asturiano cantina, paddle fans turning the air. Now, there are steaming plates of Lechon, Filete Salteados and Boliche, produced by a family with old Ybor roots. The menu is a blend of Spanish, Cuban and Italian, with such favorites as Paella, Shrimp al Ajillo and Chicken Parmigiana.
1913 Nebraska Ave., Tampa; (813) 223-7338
Mambo's Cafe: This cafe, which serves Puerto Rican and Caribbean fare, is clean, spacious and fast. Booths line one wall, in addition to tables for about 70, with lots of elbow room.
4423 N. Armenia Ave., Tampa; (813) 873-1995
Midulla's Restaurant: This restaurant gives Sicilian and Cuban favorites a tropical flair with salsas, coulis and reduced sauces. The Coriander Crusted Calamari is lighter than the usual standard and served with a refreshing lime coconut cream dipping sauce. The Guava and Cream Cheese Quesadilla with smoked shrimp and serrano chili salsa is outstanding. The Voodoo Chicken, a wonderful twist on roasted chicken and yellow rice, uses coconut milk, lime, chilies and pineapple to enliven the familiar favorite. Midulla's also offers daily specials and changing tapas selections.
2511 W. Columbus Drive, Tampa; (813) 350-9036
Paula's Kitchen Cafe: This 15-table neighborhood cafe serves classic Cuban cuisine for lunch and dinner. The menu, in Spanish and English, offers Latin favorites such as picadillo, boliche (stuffed eye of the round), ropa vieja (shredded beef), baked chicken and breaded breaded grouper. Sides include white, yellow or moro rice; black, red or green beans; two kinds of soup; salad; plantains; and french fries. If it's seafood paella you're hungry for, call at least 45 minutes before you plan to arrive. It's loaded with grouper, shrimp, conch, crab legs and a lobster tail.
3681 S. West Shore Blvd., Tampa; (813) 805-9406
Pipo's Latin Cafe: One of the more elegant Cuban restaurants in Tampa, complete with a creative kitchen staff, cigar humidor, wine bar and late-night atmosphere. This is traditional fare with a visual flash, marrying hearty Spanish food with California nouvelle. Prices are moderate.
1155 S. Dale Mabry Highway, Tampa; (813) 289-6360
Super Q Restaurante: This tiny eatery offers fresh Spanish food in a simple but co