Safety Harbor, also known as the Jewel of Tampa Bay, is a well kept secret among the locals and experienced travelers. Ellen are I discovered this vacation heaven years ago and fell in love with it ever since.
Here you will find old Florida charm and most welcoming local people. We would like to share some of our favorite places in Safety Harbor, starting with great local restaurants.
Pizzeria Gregario
400 2nd St N.
Safety Harbor, FL 34695-3614 (727) 386-4107
This is no question one of our favorite places. Not only because the food is authentically good, the ambience always welcoming, the secret ingredient is the proprietor – Greg Seymour, who we secretly address as “Greg the Philosopher” Greg is the man in front of the wood-fired pizza oven making the pies and engaging in lively conversation with the guests seated at the bar – this is where you’ll want to be!
When you arrive, take your seat anywhere you like (we recommend the bar – see above) then check out the chalkboard menu and place your order at the counter – Greg and his team will have it ready before you know it.
Greg is like a one-man symphony director and he makes pizza making a harmonious art. Our favorite is a spicy sausage and peppers pizza, but Greg has something for every taste.
Greg sources fresh, local ingredients, bakes his own bread, sources everything fresh and local – and it shows in every pie and dish he delivers.
Southern Fresh
122 3rd Ave N
Safety Harbor, FL 34695 (727) 216-6341
Real southern cooking, cooked fresh with fresh ingredients with great ambiance and great service. Dine inside, order to go, or enjoy the huge deck under a huge live oak tree draped with Spanish moss, and a warm and cheerful fire pit on cool evenings.
Fried chicken is the most popular menu item, so order early and be patient but it so worth the wait. The chicken is fresh, hot, the breading is crisp and crunchy yet not oily. That’s what we southerners call a good fried chicken.
A favorite of locals and travelers alike, great southern comfort food accompanied by a great wine and beer list.
Parts of Paris
146 Fourth Ave N.
Safety Harbor, FL 34695 (727) 797-7979
Parts of Paris delivers the ambiance and much more! Located inside a charming bungalow, right next to The Kitchen and Bar of Green Spring. This is one of the best restaurants in Safety Harbor, and even all of Tampa Bay.
Parts of Paris is an authentic French bistro and craft cocktail bar. The best bar scene in Safety Harbor, comfortable inside dining as well as wonderful outdoor dining in the front and also in the back courtyard.
Begin with a Smoked Old Fashioned, Steak Tartare or French Onion Soup for starters, then Mussels and Frites or Pork Medallions paired with a selection from their great wine list – can’t go wrong here.
Finish with an amazing Crème Brulee and you’ll have a dining experience to remember!
Happy Salmon
500 Main St, Safety Harbor, FL 34695
(727) 723-1116
One late summer night Ellen and I were strolling along Safety Harbor’s charming Main Street, when we walked pass this cute Japanese restaurant. We noticed a family sitting outside under the moon, surrounding a big table, all talking, laughing, with sake glasses on the table, they were having such a great time! Later we learned that was actually the owner Tom, his wife and restaurant staff. It is their tradition to chill out together after closing the restaurant for the day. We immediately decided to give it a try the second day.
And that’s how it all started. We fell in love with Tom, his wife and this family run restaurant and have been regulars ever since. The sushi rolls are always fresh, delicious, and artfully presented by beautiful Ms. Tom. Ellen is particular about her Sake and this place has one of the best sake selections. Everything we’ve ordered has always been excellent, we can’t wait to go back! This charming family-owned restaurant is truly a jewel in Safety Harbor .
Marker 39
155 5th Ave N, 155 5th Ave North, Safety Harbor, FL 34695-3636
727-791-1939
Just how many great and unique restaurants can a small town have? Marker 39 is another gem in Safety Harbor. We discovered this charming little bungalow tucked away on a quiet street just one block off Main Street. What attracted us at the first sight was this beautiful patio, hidden under a canopy of tropical plants and majestic oak trees. We knew immediately this is the perfect place for a romantic evening.
That’s exactly what Ellen and I did on a couple’s night out, the whole experience couldn’t have been better! We both loved the casual atmosphere, friendly staff, great food, and a great wine list. Marker 39 hit all the right notes.
The food was Floribbean style, fresh seafood with a Caribbean touch. We highly recommend a visit to this charming spot. Be sure to make a reservation as it fills up quickly.
And this is just a start, there are so many more fun places in this quaint little town. Stay tuned and more is coming.