St. Pete-Clearwater, Fl Should Be Your Next Beach and Dining Escape

Charlotteans looking for a getaway that blends sun-soaked relaxation with sophisticated cuisine need not look far. Just a quick direct flight away, St. Pete-Clearwater is home to America’s Favorite Beaches—35 miles of sugar-white sand and warm, emerald Gulf waters. But the real surprise? This stretch of Florida’s Gulf Coast also happens to be one of the most exciting culinary destinations in the South.

At the heart of the movement is Chef David Benstock, executive chef and owner of IL Ritorno in downtown St. Pete. A St. Pete native, Benstock left home to work in some of the country’s most renowned kitchens—from Michelin-starred restaurants in New York to Scott Conant’s Scarpetta in Miami—before returning to open his own.

“When I was growing up here, there wasn’t much downtown,” Benstock says. “Now, we’ve got a full-blown dining scene with award-winning chefs, nationally recognized restaurants, and a local flavor you won’t find anywhere else.”

IL Ritorno embodies that local spirit. What began as a rustic Italian eatery has evolved into a refined culinary experience, with dishes like pork campanelle—brightened by lime and topped with crispy pig ears—showcasing his creativity and technique.

That momentum caught the attention of The Michelin Guide, which added St. Pete-Clearwater to its Florida section. “To be a restaurateur at this time is a huge honor,” says Benstock, who competed on and won Food Network’s Beat Bobby Flay. “It validates the growth we’ve worked so hard for.”

That growth is visible up and down Central Avenue and Beach Drive, where visitors can dine outdoors at places like Cassis St. Pete or Juno & The Peacock—an elegant new spot with coastal fare and a 1,400-bottle wine list. Sushi lovers should book ahead at Sushi Sho Rexley for an omakase experience, while Wild Child offers vibrant small plates in a hip, tropical setting.

For Charlotteans craving more than just a great meal, the beaches alone are worth the trip. Benstock recommends quieter stretches just north of St. Pete Beach or near Indian Rocks and John’s Pass, where locals gather for family-friendly fun away from the crowds.

CHEF BENSTOCK’S FIVE MUST-DO EXPERIENCES:

1 – Dinner at IL Ritorno – For modern Italian dishes that add elegance to a traditionally rustic cuisine.

2 – A Day at Fort De Soto Park – “One of the coolest spots in Florida,” Benstock says. Great for fishing, camping, or simply soaking up nature.

3 – Art & Culture Downtown – From The Dalí Museum to countless murals, St. Pete is bursting with creativity.

4 – Beach-Hopping from St. Pete to Clearwater – Thirty-five miles of emerald coastline means there’s a perfect spot for every vibe.

5 – Great Explorations Children’s Museum – A family favorite near Sunken Gardens, perfect for little ones and close to the St. Pete Pier.