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Party food recipes

Get the party started with these fun, flavour-filled recipes.

Chocolate and hazelnut cake with espresso ganache

View Recipe

PHOTOGRAPH WILLIAM MEPPEM

Homemade potato chips with onion, ricotta and feta dip

Flat-iron steak with watermelon and red cabbage

PHOTOGRAPH BEN DEARNLEY & WILLIAM MEPPEM

Blini with smoked trout, herbed crème fraîche and fennel salad

PHOTOGRAPH DEAN WILMOT

Bangalow pork sausage rolls with caramelised apple and thyme

Chicken and bamboo-shoot yellow curry with roti and rice

PHOTOGRAPH BEN DEARNLEY

Crisp school prawns sautéed with chilli and garlic

PHOTOGRAPH EARL CARTER

Portuguese chicken skewers with tomato salad and flatbread

Scotch eggs

Whatever upside-down cake

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56 Gourmet Dinner Party Recipes To Impress Your Guests

In a fast-moving world of convenience food, and TV dishes, it's wonderful to slow down sometimes and host a refined dinner party. How long ago was it that you invited friends over or celebrated a special occasion with family by cooking them a three-course dinner of gourmet dishes? 

Sitting down to a fine-dining experience, with time to share good conversations over incredible food, is a splendid way to spend an evening as the chaotic world spins outside. If you want to be the host with the most — or hostess with the most-ess — it's necessary to work out a menu of sophisticated dishes that fit together before you start. Choose mouthwatering appetizers, high-end entrées, and decadent desserts, along with a sumptuous side or two. 

Feel inspired with these gourmet dinner party recipes that are sure to impress your guests and accentuate how amazing the simplicity of sharing great food is.

1. Easy Lobster Bisque

Silky, luxurious, and sumptuous, lobster bisque is the ultimate bowl of seafood splendor. Use butterflied lobsters, or make your dinner party prep easier by using frozen lobster meat. (Just make sure it's thawed before cooking with it.) Nothing tases as velvety and elevates a soup appetizer than some succulent lobster. Add a swirl of thickened cream and lobster meat with chopped parsley and serve to guests with fresh French bread, croutons, or crackers. Serve in individual bowls for a more delicate dinner or in a pot in the middle for rustic charm.

Recipe:  Easy Lobster Bisque

2. Smoked Salmon Sushi

Gourmet food isn't just about the way a dish tastes; it's also all about the presentation. Swirls of Japanese-inspired smoked salmon and avocado wrapped in sushi rice and nori seaweed look like stunning works of culinary art. Chill the rolls in the fridge before cutting just before you serve. Keep it traditional with salty, spicy, and sour condiments: soy sauce, fiery wasabi, and pickled ginger. Keep the avocado looking freshly green by adding a squirt of lemon juice before you roll it. 

Recipe:  Smoked Salmon Sushi

3. Crab Cakes

Crab meat is so delicately delectable. Looks and taste can be deceiving, though, as these special fish cakes are deceptively easy to make. Serve one or two as an appetizer, and make a batch and freeze them so that you can celebrate a weekday family dinner gourmet-style. Old Bay seasoning enhances the flavor, and you can add some extra taste with crumbs of buttery cracker in place of breadcrumbs. Take time to make sure the meat is shell-free so your crab cakes are a success.

Recipe:  Crab Cakes

4. Cioppino

While serving this tomatoey, seafood broth, entertain your guests by telling them that while this soup tastes Italian, it's actually born in the U.S., created by Italian fishermen working in San Francisco. (Food tastes so much better with a narrative culinary arc, doesn't it?) The clams, shell-on mussels, shrimp, and cod bobbing about in the bowl will impress any guests. Feel free to switch up the ingredients, with crab, scallops, haddock, or skin-off salmon in place of the cod. Fresh seafood is far more flavorful, so make sure you debeard the mussels and use raw shrimp that've been peeled and deveined.

Recipe: Cioppino

5. Gordon Ramsay's Scallops

Some dishes need no introduction, as extraordinary ingredients are enough to elevate them into the gourmet cuisine category. And scallops are definitely up there. As long as you don't overcook them (or undercook them, for that matter), scallops are simply divine. And they only take 1-2 minutes per side to cook. A desirable, elegant appetizer, these scallops' light yet distinctive flavor works beautifully with the lemon zest, olive oil, and black pepper from the side salad. Serve with Boston lettuce, snow peas or sugar snap peas, and sliced radish.

Recipe:  Gordon Ramsay's Scallops

6. Instant Pot Crab Legs

What'll excite your guests will no doubt be the fact that you've cooked this dish at all, rather than it being served in a high-end restaurant. The skill is in creating the clarified butter, which adds that luxe flavor to the succulent sweetness of the snow crab or king crab legs. And lemon to squeeze over the plate is a must. This is already a great start to any dinner, but if you want to make it more sophisticated, serve your crab with special seafood crackers.

Recipe:  Instant Pot Crab Legs

7. Easy Cucumber Rolls

There's a misconception that gourmet cuisine dishes are complicated or expensive to make. These cucumber rolls are quite the opposite, and yet the color, design, and taste of these meat-free morsels stand out if you're planning to serve a heavier, more indulgent entrée, or perhaps an Asian-themed main dish. Either way, make sure you season the rice, and serve your rolls with a tasty dip, whether hoisin, sriracha, or classic soy sauce. Less is often more, and there's nothing worse than an overstuffed roll with competing flavors.

Recipe:  Easy Cucumber Rolls

8. Baked Brie

There are no words that do this melt-in-the-mouth, gooey French cheese justice. If you serve a wheel of thyme-infused brie that's been baked in the oven with a drizzle of honey on the top, you're announcing your culinary feast is a gourmet one. Brush olive oil on before baking to ensure the cheese is nice and soft on top. And to add to the presentation, cut the parchment paper this shared appetizer sits on into a wider circle than the cheese rather than covering the whole baking tray. 

Recipe:  Baked Brie

9. Best Goat Cheese Crostini

Gourmet dining doesn't have to be a traditional affair. If you choose an al fresco, upscale cookout with grilled meats, this is the appetizer you want to serve. Creamy goat cheese and crisp,y grilled baguette slices are a perfect contrast. The rosemary grilled cherry tomatoes cooked in sugar and balsamic vinegar add a burst of flavor and color that brings this dish to a whole new level. If you don't have a pan you can put directly on your grill, cook the tomatoes in foil instead.

Recipe:  Best Goat Cheese Crostini

10. Savory Fried Pork And Cabbage Gyoza

Bite-size appetizers immediately impress with these pot sticker-style gyozas. These Asian-style wonders are dumplings that are fried on the bottom and then steamed to create a crunchy and soft texture. Your guests will love the juicy filling with soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger. You can easily use shiitake mushrooms in place of pork for any guests who don't eat meat. To make them, fold the wrappers in half and pinch together from one end to the other. Serve with Chinese black vinegar or ponzu sauce.

Recipe:  Savory Fried Pork And Cabbage Gyoza

11. Asparagus Tart

If there's a king of vegetables, it's got to be asparagus, while this dish rules as the queen of appetizers too. Not only do you not have to cook the spears, but can also you use ready-make puff pastry. If you can't find Boursin, a soft and creamy cheese brand with herbs, crème fraîche with basil and oregano works just fine. You can also use dried thyme to sprinkle on the cooked tart if you don't have fresh leaves. Feel free to add heat with red pepper or red chili flakes.

Recipe:  Asparagus Tart

12. Easy Caprese Skewers

Everyone likes a skewer. A wooden stick turns an appetizer into the ultimate finger food, and they look great, too. Deconstruct the classic Caprese salad and reimagine it. The traditional flavors of mozzarella, tomato, and basil are still there, with a tangy balsamic glaze drizzled over the top. Use grape or cherry tomatoes and small balls of cheese. That way, you won't even need a chopping board for this simple recipe. If you can't find marinated mozzarella balls, try making a homemade version with olive oil, garlic, basil, and oregano. 

Recipe:  Easy Caprese Skewers

13. Cheesy Ciabatta Garlic Bread

Sometimes, the best appetizers in life aren't the fancy, schmancy ones, but the old favorites. Cheesy garlic ciabatta, anyone? There are few dinner party guests who don't love a bite that's meltingly buttery, doughy, garlicky, and cheesy all at the same time. This is a great start to an Italian gourmet menu and inspires the appetite. The parmesan adds a salty tang, and the mozzarella creates a soft, velvety texture. A good tip is to use a garlic press so you get fine pieces all over the bread and it's fully tasty.

Recipe:  Cheesy Ciabatta Garlic Bread

14. French Onion Soup Gets A Modern Update

Recreate this well-known, retro appetizer using a more modern cooking technique: an Instant Pot. If the thought of slicing so many onions so thinly makes your eyes water, know that you don't need them to be that thin, as they reduce in size. It's not essential, but it adds an extra flavor profile if you put a splash or two of cognac, sherry, or red wine into the soup while it's cooking. Divide the soup between individual oven-proof dishes before topping with bread and gruyere.

Recipe:  French Onion Soup Gets A Modern Update

15. Chatueaubriand

If your approach to gourmet food is to embrace decadent luxury, this is the entrée to announce that to the whole table. Chatueaubriand is, without a doubt, a dish that's served for a special meal. (Given that the recipe asks for filet mignon, it's certainly high-end.) Once you've roasted and pan-seared your meat, surround it with a tent-style aluminum foil covering and let it rest for 10 minutes. Serve with black pepper garlic butter, plus classic sides such as oval-shaped, butter and herb roasted potatoes, Burgundy mushrooms, and seared asparagus.

Recipe:  Chatueaubriand

16. Gordon Ramsay's Beef Wellington With A Twist

Turn a grand entrée extraordinaire into individual parcels of sophisticated fare with puff pastry encased filet mignon steaks for each of your guests. Creamy duxelle mushrooms and prosciutto surround the beef, while a red wine sauce creates a rich twist to original recipes. For such a five-star main course, cook with wine that's good enough to drink, although it doesn't have to be a rare vintage. You're going to cook the sauce using stewing steak, but you'll strain it afterward.

Recipe:  Gordon Ramsay's Beef Wellington With A Twist

17. Homemade Lobster Ravioli

If there's ever proof needed that gourmet food is all about the ingredients and now how complicated a recipe is, this is it. Take lobster meat and goat cheese and make homemade ravioli, which will charm your guests. Serve in a creamy, citrusy, and garlicky sauce with Parmesan cheese. What you have before you is a culinary Italian-inspired masterpiece. Make sure each pasta squares are sealed properly before you boil them. It only takes a matter of minutes, before they turn opaque and rise to the surface, ready to dish out. 

Recipe:  Homemade Lobster Ravioli

18. Colossal Shrimp Mofongo

There's shrimp, and then there's the luxuriously meaty and flavorsome colossal shrimp. Served in a tomatoey sauce, called sofrito, amaze your dinner party with a description of how you made Puerto Rican mofongo. The seafood is served next to this mixture of fried, mashed-up plantains cooked with garlic, salt, and pork rinds. If exquisite dining is about culinary adventure and experience, this entrée goes places. Adding fun and creativity into recipes is what sharing great food is about.

Recipe:  Colossal Shrimp Mofongo

19. Standing Rib Roast

While you may have pretty good culinary skills, it's the roasting of this prime rib in the oven that does all the magic. Here's a dish that can only be described as a dinner party centerpiece. If your idea of a fabulous feast is serving a mouthwatering, meaty meal, this entrée is one for your book of recipe favorites. Coat the roast in olive oil using a pastry brush so that the fresh rosemary and thyme rub sticks to the meat and the herby flavors penetrate it. 

Recipe:  Standing Rib Roast

20. Homemade Prime Rib

Have you ever dined out at a fancy steak restaurant and tucked into prime rib? Imagine the delight on your meat-loving guests' faces if you bring this special treat home and make it for them. A dinner party doesn't get much more gourmet than a succulent roast served with a horseradish and blue cheese sauce. There are a few knife skills required for this recipe, so ask a butcher to help if need be. And don't forget to take the beef out of the refrigerator a couple of hours before cooking it.

Recipe:  Homemade Prime Rib

21. Slow Cooker Duck Confit

This dish makes you feel as if you're a culinary wizard, although the secret is in using a slow cooker. Even though this dish isn't overly difficult to make, your guests don't have to know that, so let them gush over the delectable softness. What's also great is that you can confit the duck legs way ahead of time and just cook them in half an hour once you're ready, as long as they're submerged in fat. This makes them ideal dinner party fare. Serve with greens and cauphinoise potatoes.

Recipe:  Slow Cooker Duck Confit

22. Duck Breast With Pomegranate Sauce

Fine dining is an experience. And that experience begins with the ingredients and how they're put together. Then, you've got presentation and taste to follow. Duck with pomegranate sauce scores a hat trick with a wonderful pairing of the fruit and the tender meat, while thyme and star anise boost those flavors. Sprinkle over pomegranate seeds, and serve with green beans and a starchy side. 

Recipe:  Duck Breast With Pomegranate Sauce

23. Ina Garten's Beef Tenderloin With A Twist

This recipe's depth of flavor comes from heating and then cooling your marinade for this melt-in-the-mouth tenderloin. Those flavors are interesting, too, with sweet vermouth and brown heated with freshly squeezed orange juice, fresh rosemary and thyme, and a bay leaf. Marinate for at least two hours (longer if you can). The citrusy, herbal profile of this recipe elevates an already-special cut of meat. Serve on orange slices with sprigs of rosemary. 

Recipe:  Ina Garten's Beef Tenderloin With A Twist

24. Julia Child's Coq Au Vin With A Twist

Here's a French classic, and a variation based on a recipe from one of America's much cherished culinary icons. Make this lip-smackingly delicious dish lighter by using white wine, rather than red, and cook the potatoes in with the chicken. Drama is added, and you get to feel like a high-end chef when you flambé the chicken by pouring cognac into the pan. (If you don't feel overly confident about setting the chicken alight, you can leave this part out.)

Recipe:  Julia Child's Coq Au Vin Recipe With A Twist

25. Best Wonton Ravioli

If you need a reason to gather a few gourmands around a dinner table, ricotta, goat cheese, and thyme homemade ravioli is it. Comforting yet luxurious, this recipe is easy to make, too. Instead of making pasta, use wonton wrappers. Make sure you cook in batches so that each ravioli can rise to the surface of the water when it's ready. You also need to ensure that your garlic butter sauce is warming in a pan so that your cooked ravioli can be put straight there and won't cool before serving. 

Recipe:  Best Wonton Ravioli

26. Authentic Chicken Scarpariello

Hearty, rustic, and cooked in one pan doesn't stop this succulent Italian-American classic from wooing dinner party darlings. Chicken thighs and breast cooked with pickled pepper and Italian sausage create a flavor sensation. While the original recipe calls for Peppadew peppers, you can use whatever you find in a jar. The fragrant aroma of garlic combines with the pickles and their juices, as well as wine, sugar and herbs. Don't worry about making this dish look neat before you pop it in the oven — just make sure the chicken is skin-side-up. 

Recipe:  Authentic Chicken Scarpariello

27. Cajun Crab Boil

Fine dining doesn't have to mean using the finest cutlery. If your idea of living the high life is an al fresco gathering, roll with some Cajun flavors and freshly cooked crab. A hot seafood platter is terrifically tempting, yet this entrée is so Instagram-friendly you'll have to wait for the photos to finish before digging in. Dungeness and snow crabs, along with crawfish, are delicious as are red potatoes and corn. Serve on parchment paper with slaw, pasta with butter sauce, or a green salad.

Recipe:  Cajun Crab Boil

28. Easy Grilled Whole Tilapia

If you're hosting a gourmet summer cookout, why not celebrate the weather with a grilled whole fish? You can fancy it up with some great sides, too. Potato salad and roasted zucchini go beautifully. Check your tilapia has been descaled and is ready to cook before you start stuffing lemon and dill inside. The seasoning is an essential step, so make sure you shake some salt and pepper not only on the outside but in the inside part of the fish, too. 

Recipe:  Easy Grilled Whole Tilapia

29. Air Fryer Truffle Fries

One of the most expensive ingredients in the world, truffles are irresistible for many, with their distinctive umami characteristic. However, because truffle is a love-it-or-hate-it taste, maybe offer some non-truffled fries as well. Cooking in the air fryer means they're less greasy than if they'd been deep-fired, and be sure to soak the potatoes for half an hour before cooking to get rid of some of the starchiness and enhance the crunchiness. To boost that terrific truffle taste, add flavor intensity with a sprinkle of truffle salt on top to finish. 

Recipe:  Air Fryer Truffle Fries

30. Creamy Dauphinoise Potatoes

While traditional dauphinois potatoes aren't made with cream, this recipe adds cream and cheddar cheese, too. This undoubtedly adds to the taste of indulgence with this magnificent side. It's perfect served with roasted meats. The garlic and thyme adds a strong flavor to the cream and soft slices of potato, while the cheesy, melted top is deliciously divine. To add to the fine-dining feel of your dinner party, make this side in individual ramekins so each guest has a personal serving. It looks more sophisticated than a family-size dish in the middle. 

Recipe:  Creamy Dauphinoise Potatoes

31. Squash Pomegranate Salad

You eat with your eyes first, and a dish's color and presentation are key to a gourmet dinner. A salad served on the side of an entrée offers the perfect opportunity to pair interesting ingredients and to create a colorful bowl of great flavors. The red of the pomegranate seeds pops against the orange of the roasted butternut squash and the vibrant green of the kale and spinach. Feta cheese creates a tangy taste that works beautifully with the sweet and citrusy flavors of the fruit and dressing. 

Recipe:  Squash Pomegranate Salad

32. Parmesan Roasted Carrots

This dish is what it appears to be: tender and crisp carrots roasted in the oven with a crust of melted Parmesan on top. There's something about the sweetness of the vegetables and the saltiness of the cheese that is so exquisitely balanced. What this means is that this simple side can hold its own at any fancy dinner party. They go with most main dishes too, and there's nothing stopping you customizing them to fit with your dinner theme. Try adding pistachios, seasoned breadcrumbs, or gremolata. 

Recipe:  Parmesan Roasted Carrots

33. Cheese Souffle

Name one of the most desirable sides for a gourmet dinner, and cheese souffle would be up there. The ingredients aren't rarified or expensive, it's more that this luxurious tasting dish can be a challenge to get right. This recipe shows you how to easily create a light and airy side dish, which would also make a fantastic appetizer. When you fold in the egg white, don't overdo it; otherwise, you'll knock the air out and your souffle won't rise. Create the characteristic top hat effect by running a knife around the mix before cooking. 

Recipe:  Cheese Souffle

34. 30-Minute Twice Baked Potatoes

The words "twice baked" conjure up gourmet cuisine, and these baked potatoes are luxuriously light and fluffy. What you're doing is cooking your potatoes and then scooping out the soft centers and mixing the potato with other fillings before loading this back into the skins and baking again. Save time by cooking the potatoes in the microwave the first time. Wait until they're cooled a bit to scoop out and be careful to not tear the skins. Blend the filling to make it creamier and serve with a juicy steak. 

Recipe:  30-Minute Twice Baked Potatoes

35. Hasselback Potatoes

These potatoes are worth the effort and will attract more attention than a potato that's simply bunged in the oven. They look like architectural works of culinary art, and that's because they are. This side is not just about looks either, the hasselback, fanned effect contributes to the taste too. The thin slices become crispy and caramelized; inside, they're seductively soft and fluffy. A trick to cutting this 3D potato side is to lay two chopsticks on either side of a potato, lengthways, so that as you slice, you don't go all the way through. 

Recipe:  Hasselback Potatoes

36. Creamed Spinach

When was the last time you ate creamed spinach? There's a nostalgic feel to this classic side, and when you make it you'll remember why it's been so loved for so long. Fresh spinach works best for this recipe, and its success is in the slow reduction of the creamy sauce to thicken it. You can substitute heavy cream for 15% cooking cream if you like. Either way, let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes with grated nutmeg. Season and add chili flakes or cayenne pepper for some heat.

Recipe:  Creamed Spinach

37. Best Sous Vide Mashed Potatoes

Imagine how special your guests will feel when you present them with not just any ordinary mashed potatoes, but sophisticated sous vide ones. The flavors are locked in so you can taste the potatoes, butter, cream, and rosemary, plus garlic, in every soft, velvety forkful. A handy tip to keeping the bag of potatoes submerged while they cook is to weigh it down with another bag that's filled with something heavier, such as coins. Submerge most of the bag, keeping a corner open so the water can push the air out. 

Recipe:  Sous Vide Mashed Potatoes

38. Traditional Yorkshire Pudding

Crunchy, soft, and traditionally served with roast beef, Yorkshire puddings originate in England hundreds of years ago. The batter rises and crisps up, while the doughy center mops up a rich gravy brilliantly. There's an art to making these simple flour, milk, and egg puddings. To avoid the dreaded soggy bottom, and makes these outrageously good sides rise, heat some oil in a muffin tin and make sure it's sizzling when you add the batter. Don't fill right to the top, either; give the mix room to grow as it cooks. 

Recipe:  Traditional Yorkshire Pudding

39. Ina Garten's Lobster Cobb Salad With A Twist

Casually adding lobster into a side salad is a sign that you're serving a culinary chic approach to your dinner party. The seafood is mixed with cooked bacon bits, avocado, and stilton, plus tomatoes. A twist on The Barefoot Contessa's recipe, this dressing which combines classic Asian flavors, which comprise white miso paste, rice wine vinegar, and soy sauce, plus sesame oil. This creates a boldness that complements the other ingredients and the sweetness of the lobster.

Recipe:  Ina Garten's Lobster Cobb Salad With A Twist

40. Traditional German Brötchen

Hard on the outside, soft and chewy on the inside, these German bread basket rolls are perfect as a side. The texture of the bread means they're robust enough to accompany an entrée or to mop up sauces from a delicious main dish. You need to let the dough rise twice for this recipe. If time is of the essence, freeze these after you've shaped the rolls and let them defrost for an hour and a half before baking on the night of your dinner party.

Recipe:  Traditional German Brötchen

41. Instant Pot Steamed Artichokes

Simple to cook in an Instant Pot, steamed artichokes are sublime. Cut both ends so that they're flat and won't fall over as you cook them. Trim the leaves with scissors to make the vegetables look tidy. (If you're pressed for time, because this isn't essential for the taste, you can leave it out.) The classic way to eat this side dish is by pulling out individual leaves and dipping them in butter. You can also serve with a garlic aioli or blue cheese dressing for added flavor. 

Recipe:  Instant Pot Steamed Artichokes

42. Grilled Romaine Caesar Salad

It delights dinner party guests when well-known dishes have a surprise element added to them. This recipe does just that. The crunch of romaine lettuce, with a creamy dressing, croutons, and Parmesan cheese are the elements of a Caesar salad. With this recipe, you grill the lettuce, which adds a wonderful depth to the flavor. Brush on olive oil before you cook it to add to the flavor and get that lovely charred effect. Don't cut the heart of the vegetable, or the leaves will fall away from each other. 

Recipe:  Grilled Romaine Caesar Salad

43. Dark Chocolate Ganache Truffle

Dark, decadent delights, chocolate ganache truffles have to be just about the most perfectly luxurious ending to a gourmet dinner. What you might be surprised to learn is that they're actually pretty easy to make, although you do need some time to put your ganache in the fridge. Dark chocolate chips, heavy cream, and cocoa powder are transformed into indulgent, after-dinner treats. If your chilled ganache is too firm to roll into balls, pop it in the microwave for a quick blast to soften it.

Recipe:  Dark Chocolate Ganache Truffle

44. Pavlova

While chocolate is a favorite indulgence for many, this pavlova looks the bomb and is perfect following a fine-dining dinner in the summer. The crispy meringue shell adds crunch to the velvety whipped cream, with the fruit creating bursts of juicy flavor. Of course, just as importantly, you'll impress any guest, no matter how used to gourmet desserts they are. A great way to get the egg whites into stiff peaks is to wipe your hand blender or whisk with lemon juice. That way, any oily residue that will ultimately stop the mix from stiffening is removed. 

Recipe:  Pavlova

45. Easy Mint Baked Alaska

If you want to show off with a dessert masterpiece, this is the recipe to follow. As if any baked Alaska isn't impressive enough, this dreamy dessert is also made with mint ice cream and an Oreo cookie base. The secret ingredient to getting the egg whites to peak is cream or tartar, but you can also use white vinegar or lemon juice to ensure the mix is nice and firm. Cover the whole of the ice cream with meringue so it doesn't melt through, and serve straight from the oven. 

Recipe:  Easy Mint Baked Alaska

46. Classic Profiteroles

You know how kids love profiteroles? Well, so do big kids who attend sophisticated dinner parties. The recipe for this light, airy choux pastry dessert is delectable and a little different than the traditional dish. Instead of piping cream inside, cut the pastry balls in half and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Choose high-quality chocolate to add a richer flavor profile to the sauce, which is made with heavy whipping cream, too. For a fun twist, put out different toppings so guests can make individual dessert designs. 

Recipe:  Classic Profiteroles

47. Black Forest Cheesecake

Can't decide whether to make a nostalgic Black Forest gateau or a refreshing cheesecake? Indulge yourself, and your guests with an impressive fusion of the two in one spectacular dessert. You're highlighting all the flavors here, with chocolate, whipped cream, and kirch-soaked cherry pie filling, along with cream cheese, an Oreo cookie base, and a chocolate ganache topping. A swirl of whipped cream, a fresh cherry, and grated chocolate add the finishing touches. Listen to the silence as each meltingly delicious mouthful is silently savored because it's just too good for words.

Recipe:  Black Forest Cheesecake

48. Easy Petit Fours

If you think creating these classic French cakes requires the culinary skills of a master baker, prepare to be pleasantly surprised. This petits fours recipe is actually easy, although you can keep this sweet secret to yourself as your guests bite into this fine-dining dessert. While you can make a homemade cake, there's nothing wrong in making these little cakes using a store-bought pound cake in the shape of a loaf. A good tip to neatly cut the cake is to pop it into the freezer for a few minutes beforehand. 

Recipe: Easy Petit Fours

49. 5-Ingredient Chocolate Orange Tart

The bold flavors of chocolate and orange are showcased in this glorious chocolate tart. What makes the difference is making the base from British-style cookies, or biscuits as they're called in this part of the world. Digestive biscuits are preferable, but you can use graham crackers, too. You can make this dish well ahead of time, making it ideal for dinner parties. The orange slices are more for decoration, as orange extract gives the tart flavor. As you pour in the mix, tap the side to expel air bubbles. 

Recipe:  5-Ingredient Chocolate Orange Tart

50. French Apple Tart

The classic good looks, and sumptuously elegant taste of this French apple tarte inspires a joie de vivre that perfectly polishes off a fine-dining experience. If you like spice, sprinkle on some cinnamon on the apples before cooking. You can use whatever apples you like, as long as they're a sweet variety. When the tart mix of egg, sugar, and flour, with cold melted butter, has set, surrounding a fan of apple slices, sprinkle with powdered sugar. Serve this tart warm with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream.

Recipe:  French Apple Tart

51. Chocolate Orange Risotto

As you announce the arrival of this dish, your guests may do a double take. After all, risotto is rarely a word used when talking about a dessert. Based on the British classic, rice pudding, this version adds a chocolatey taste too. Make sure you use arborio rice for this dish, which is wonderfully creamy and chewy when cooked. Use a peeler to get strips of orange peel to add to the sauce when cooking, and rub a whole orange against a grater to get the zest. Serve with cinnamon sticks and cream.

Recipe:  Chocolate Orange Risotto

52. Green Ombre Cake

Four layers of vibrantly graduating green hues look artistic and stunning when you serve a slice of this amazing ombre cake. The soft, moist sponge is separated by a rich, homemade butter cream too. For distinctive shades, divide the cake batter into four bowls and take time to build up the colors using food coloring, so that you can maximize the differences. A useful tip to check whether a cake's baked or not is to touch the top of the sponge. If it bounces back after you've poked it, it's done. 

Recipe:  Green Ombre Cake

53. Red Velvet Truffles

You can still be creative with store-bought mixes, and nobody will know (unless you tell them that is). Using a box of red velvet cake mix, create sponge balls. And while you can make a homemade cream cheese frosting, you can also use store-bought vanilla or chocolate frosting. Test your cake is cooked by pricking it with a clean toothpick. If it comes out clean, the sponge is cooked. White chocolate contrasts divinely with the soft center, and in terms of color. Decorate with sprinkles for an attractive design.

Recipe:  Red Velvet Truffles

54. Apple Tarte Tatin

The interesting story behind this dessert is that it was a result of a kitchen mishap when a 19th-century Parisian chef accidentally cooked an apple tart upside-down. As you entertain your dinner party guests, let them savor the sweetness. Focus when you create the caramel for this dessert, so that it doesn't burn. Turn off the heat as soon as the melted sugar starts to brown before adding in the butter. While you cook individual tarts with puff pastry on top, flip these first, and serve with cream or ice cream.

Recipe:  Apple Tarte Tatin

55. Poached Pears

Poached pears look effortlessly elegant, as they sit so perfectly on dessert plates at the end of an evening of wining and dining. They exude dessert tradition, and classic flavors, and can be served with the poaching syrup with its zesty, cinnamon taste added. It's important to peel the pears before cooking, but keep the stalks on, and cut off a small slice underneath so the fruit doesn't fall over when served. Sprinkle cookie crumbs or toasted nuts over if you want to add crunch; serve with a scoop of cool ice cream. 

Recipe:  Poached Pears

56. Modern Floating Island Dessert

Meringue islands floating in a custard sea with a sea spray of caramel describe this artistic dessert. This recipe adds a splash of Grand Marnier in the milk used to poach the meringues. Meanwhile, the trick to making custard is to stir the yolks continuously so they don't scramble. The sauce is ready when the custard coats the back of a spoon. Meanwhile, your sugar-spun caramel adds drama and ensures these creations are crunchy use within four hours so they don't become sticky.

Recipe:  Modern Floating Island Dessert

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37 Easy Appetizers for Less Stressing, More Snacking

By Antara Sinha and The Bon Appétit Staff & Contributors

You don’t want hangry dinner party guests milling about while you’re putting the finishing touches on a meal. These easy appetizer recipes—most can be prepared in 15 minutes or less—are the ticket to stress-free hosting. (“Alexa, play ‘Smooth Operator’ by Sade.”) You want to feed your people something , just not finicky party food that takes away from the main event. These snacks have gotta be delicious. They've gotta be pretty. They've gotta be easy. So from crowd-pleasing dip recipes to finger foods that rely on store-bought shortcuts, let these easy appetizers make your next party, game day , or holiday a breeze.

Roasted Cherry Tomato Caprese

This easy appetizer is as simple as one, two, three: Roast cherry tomatoes with thyme and garlic, arrange them on a platter with torn pieces of mozzarella, and serve the dish with bread on the side.

Classic Pigs in a Blanket

Now these are the kinds of roll-ups we can get behind: smoked cocktail sausages wrapped in the dough from a can of refrigerated crescent buns and baked until golden brown.

Figs With Bacon and Chile

Who knew that bacon and figs, with a bit of help from maple syrup and red wine vinegar, could make such an impressive but simple appetizer? Well, now you do.

French Onion Dip

This one’s a slow cooker. We’re not including it not because of anything having to do with quickness; while there’s no shortcut when it comes to caramelizing the onions , there are only two steps total to this easy appetizer recipe.

Boquerones With Green Olives and Orange

Fancy anchovies with olive oil, garlic, sherry vinegar, and orange zest is a well-trod last-minute entertaining move—and for good reason. Simply serve the mixture with a crusty baguette.

BA’s Best Shrimp Cocktail

Skip making your own cocktail sauce; do yourself a favor and buy it . Then, all you have to worry about is perfectly poaching the shrimp.

Spinach Artichoke Dip

Be honest: If you had to choose between a cheese board and spinach artichoke dip, you’d pick the dip, right? We sure would if it meant this shallot-infused marriage of Parmesan cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, and mayonnaise.

The Only Salsa You Need

Any recipe that relies on a food processor for its main cooking method—just fill and pulse—is an easy one, in our minds. Serve this Platonic-ideal salsa as an appetizer today; if there are leftovers, thats the only sign you need to make tacos or quesadillas for yourself tomorrow.

Simple Does It Deviled Eggs

A coarsely mashed filling, crunchy with celery, scallions, and pickle relish, is the key to the best deviled eggs. And there’s no need for a piping bag; just use a couple of forks or spoons.

Marinated Mozzarella and Peppadew Peppers

If you told us that just looking at this bowl of miniature mozzarella balls and cheery Peppadew peppers didn’t make you smile, we wouldn’t believe you.

Za’atar Fire Crackers

This appetizer recipe is a twist on fire crackers, a classic in the South. Traditionally made with garlic and onion powders, red pepper flakes, and ranch dressing mix, za’atar gets the spotlight in this version.

Spinach-Yogurt Dip With Sizzled Mint

This dip recipe, a version of Persian borani esfanaaj, uses spinach, but it can also be made with cooked beets or roasted eggplant. Serve it with pita chips for a quick appetizer, but bookmark it as a sauce to serve the next time you make lamb meatballs.

Tomato Salad With Jalapeño Ranch

Make this punchy homemade ranch dressing (fresh herbs, chile, MSG) in bulk and keep a batch on hand to layer under tomatoes for a summer-friendly side dish, drizzle over grilled meat skewers, or slather onto roasted veggies.

Herbed Baked Brie

No time for queso ? Well, the nineties are back, and a show-stopping wheel of baked brie is here to do the easy appetizer job for you. Skip the cranberry mostarda and add a dollop of whatever store-bought jam looks good to you.

Old Bay Chips With Lemon Mayo

Powdered sugar may seem like an odd ingredient for a savory appetizer recipe, but adding a little helps balance the saltiness of the Old Bay seasoning .

Rosemary-Sizzled Salami, Dates, and Pecans

This warm mix throws everyone’s favorite parts of a charcuterie plate into a hot pan, where they mingle and become the very best versions of themselves.

Creamy Shrimp on Crackers

Tangy cream cheese and sour cream play up shrimp’s natural sweetness in this simple appetizer. Hot tip: Poach your shrimp and make your dressing in advance so you can enjoy the party too.

Marinated Olives and Feta

“I’ve never left a review for a recipe before but this was so good I had to come here to implore everyone reading to make this. Bonus: It’s a quick, easy, inexpensive dish to bring to a potluck.” Well, jeez, thanks, Rachael, in the comments [blushing].

Buffalo Wing Popcorn

Frank’s Red Hot sauce , let us count the ways... This sweet-and-spicy caramel corn packs the flavor of hot chicken wings into popcorn by leaning on one of our favorite hot sauces of all time.

Crispy Cheese Twists

Forget crescent rolls. Pinwheels are too much work. Store-bought puff pastry is the true MVP of party appetizers, and it has no higher calling than these crispy, buttery cheese straws.

Everything Spice–Coated Cheddar Cheese Ball

You’ll soon learn that we’re geeks for a cheese ball. Here, pancetta (or prosciutto), cream cheese, cheddar, and plenty of garlic come together for a real stunner.

BA's Best Guacamole

You’ll never hear us turn down freshly made guacamole with crispy, crunchy tortilla chips . This easy guacamole recipe is a classic best made in a Mexican mortar and pestle called a molcajete , but a bowl and a potato masher or fork also work fine.

Lemon-Pepper Salami Bites

You could make meatball sliders . You could also do a semi-homemade last-minute thing, warming up leftover BBQ pulled pork and cobbling together some kind of Texas-influenced crostini. But you should go the easier route: Put salami, Marcona almonds, olive oil, and lemon zest in a bowl—that’s it! (But don’t get us wrong, we’d never say no to a slider.)

Classic Hummus

This is a no-fail hummus recipe, one of our favorite quick appetizers. Whiz canned chickpeas in a food processor with the good stuff: tahini, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and spices. Serve with pita chips, sweet potato chips, or sliced veggies to keep it gluten-free. Boom.

Endive Cups With Blue Cheese, Celery, and Croutons

Eating salad is much easier when the greens act as boats for cheese and fried bread. If you’re not a blue cheese person, any firm, flavorful cheese—think Parmesan or aged cheddar—would be yummy here, too.

Pistachio-Sesame Cheese Ball

Boursin cheese is a great time-saving move—it’s already well-seasoned and packed with flavor. All you need to worry about is zhuzhing the exterior; pistachio and sesame seeds add plenty of nuttiness and texture.

Spicy Cheddar Cheese Spread

This cheesy dip is made for our Pretzel Bites , but you can also serve it as a cheese dip with store-bought pretzels, baked lil’ smokies sausages, your favorite kind of crackers, or a platter of crudités.

Pork Nachos With Red Cabbage and Wonton Chips

This is the most complicated appetizer recipe on this list, and its assembly still just involves layering components and baking them on a sheet tray. Fresh cabbage, scallions, and cilantro brighten the dish.

Air Fryer Chile-Honey-Glazed Fries

One of our readers who shall not be named (look at the comments) thinks that tater tots aren’t suitable for adults. We’re all entitled to our opinions, but for what it’s worth, this recipe also works with frozen fries .

Marinated Manchego

The only thing more crowd-pleasing than cheese is marinated cheese. P.S. If Manchego isn’t your thing, go for any semi-firm cheese like white cheddar, Gouda, or Monterey Jack.

Tangy Tomato-Chile Popcorn

Once you have tangy tomato powder —made from dehydrated and pulverized tomatoes—in your arsenal, you’ll never run out of ways to use it. One of them should definitely be this umami-forward popcorn seasoning.

Marinated Goat Cheese With Herbs and Spices

If it’s never occurred to you that you can take your goat cheese and pour warm, spice-infused olive oil and garlic on top of it, well then let us introduce you to game-changing marination method.

We won’t hold you back from cooking, shelling, and chopping a boatload of clams, but we do think you came here because you hoped for a delicious clam dip that comes together in 15 minutes. Well, you found it.

Cacio e Pepe Chips

Store-bought potato chips, grated Pecorino cheese, and coarsely ground black pepper are the only ingredients you need to bring this simple appetizer idea—really, the simplest—to life.

Mortadella Moments

We apologize to the antipasto classicists, but this bite-size, fatty, pickle-y delight might have just taken bruschetta’s place in our list of go-to crostini -esque appetizers.

Dairy-Free Trout Dip

It certainly doesn’t look dairy-free, nor does its creamy texture feel dairy-free, but this dip is, in fact, completely devoid of dairy products. The secret? Almonds, water, and a high-powered blender.

Anchovy and Sardine Toasts With Chile Butter

This easy appetizer recipe was developed for all the oily fish lovers—and hey, that love will serve you. Both umami-rich anchovies and sardines are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health.

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30 Party Appetizer Recipes Your Guests Will Love

Ita Mac Airt is a longtime member of the Allrecipes Editorial team, starting in the original Seattle headquarters as one of the site's first content producers. She went on to manage several of Allrecipes' international websites before rejoining the Allrecipes.com editorial team in 2023.

Are you looking for party appetizer ideas such as bruschetta, deviled eggs, and cocktail meatballs to gather with family and friends? Or maybe you need ideas for festive finger foods or holiday platters that you can make ahead of time. Regardless of your need, we've got all the inspiration you'll need in this special collection of our best party appetizer recipes. Each recipe is guaranteed to make for a memorable party that will have guests excited for your next event!

Make-Ahead Smoked Salmon Spread

Go easy on yourself by making this smoked salmon and cream cheese spread with green onions ahead of time. Simply serve this tasty seafood appetizer with crusty bread or crackers. "Best ever! Use good smoked salmon and you will be thrilled, and so will your guests!" says recipe reviewer scottolsenfam.

Cheddar-Beer Fondue

Melted Cheddar cheese is blended with beer and spices in this appetizer that is ready in no time with just a few ingredients. Serve with an array of dippers, from chunks of baguette and ciabatta to pretzels, crackers, fresh veggies, and apple slices.

Balsamic Bruschetta

Balsamic vinegar enhances the sweetness of the tomatoes in this easy bruschetta recipe. "I prepared the tomato mix the night before and toasted the bread about 15 minutes before the party started," says home cook libs. "I also appreciated that this could be prepared the day before!"

Sriracha Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs get a subtle kick of heat from sriracha chile-garlic sauce, but don't worry — they'll go just as quickly as the classic version! "Love love love these eggs!" says home cook SSANTANA. "They're such a big hit with all my friends that I'm constantly asked to bring these to parties."

Spinach and Ricotta Puff Pastry Christmas Tree

This gorgeous display is comprised of spinach and ricotta puff pastry pinwheels arranged to resemble a Christmas tree. Once your guests have seen it, they will be delighted to help themselves. Don't reserve this recipe just for Christmas — no tree motif is required. You can arrange these tasty pinwheels however you'd like!

Sausage Applesauce Appetizer

Chunks of savory Italian sausage are combined with brown sugar, applesauce, and onion, then baked until sweet and caramelized in this easy appetizer made with just four ingredients. "WOWOWOWOWOW!!!" says home cook KATIES MOMMY. "I made these for a little after-Christmas party — half the guests didn't get to try them they vanished so fast!"

Jalapeño Cheese Puffs

Elevate traditional jalapeño poppers to a sensational crispy treat with these fried wonton-style cheesy parcels. "These were delicious! So crispy and fun to eat!" says home cook Deb. "Keeping them warm in the oven is great, but put them on a rack to keep them crisp."

Festive Olive and Cheese Appetizer

An edible mozzarella cheese, cherry tomato, and olive wreath that's easy to make ahead. All the festive colors of Christmastime are on display, making this a gorgeous centerpiece for your party appetizer table. "What a beautiful, simple, and tasty appetizer," says recipe reviewer bswholey. "Everyone was impressed by it!"

Italian Party Bread

Pesto, provolone cheese, prosciutto, and peppers are braided into pre-made pizza dough to make this popular party bread that's perfect for tearing and sharing. "Feel free to turn this Italian party into a Spanish one using serrano ham and manchego cheese — or even a French one with Gruyère and Dijon!" suggests Chef John.

Antipasto on a Stick

These colorful appetizer skewers can be made ahead of time and then arranged on a platter for easy but impressive finger food. It's easy to vary the ingredients — try feta, cucumber, and tomatoes for a Greek-inspired skewer, or melon and prosciutto for a summer party.

Mouth-Watering Stuffed Mushrooms

These five-star cheesy mushrooms, with just a subtle hint of garlic and cayenne pepper, will prove to be as popular as ever when served warm as an appetizer at your next party. "I'd say these are just perfect!" says recipe reviewer Jul Fraher. "I like the small amount of effort to reap big rewards!"

Best Ever Party Appetizer

Goat cheese is marinated in olive oil, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, fresh rosemary, and basil. Serve with sliced baguettes or crackers for an impressive appetizer to share. "Took this to a Christmas Party and it was a big hit," says recipe reviewer jules mcdaniel. "As simple as this is — the flavor is wonderful. Will definitely make this again as is."

Filled with a savory mixture of ground pork, cabbage, ginger, and sake, serve these perfectly portioned Japanese dumplings with a rice vinegar and soy sauce dipping sauce. They might take a bit of effort on your part, but your party guests will love this appetizer.

Fig and Prosciutto Appetizer Bites

Thin slices of prosciutto, honeyed goat cheese, fresh figs, and fragrant basil served on top of crackers create an absolute winning flavor combination of sweet, salty, and smoky in this easy party appetizer. Fig preserves work well if fresh figs are not available.

Tortellini Skewers

Cooked tortellini pasta and cherry tomatoes are tossed in pesto and secured onto sticks for a colorful party appetizer. There are lots of possible additions to these tasty skewers if you want to serve a variety on a platter — try roasted red pepper strips, salami, or cubes of cheese.

Spicy Turkey and Cranberry Pinwheels

Thin slices of turkey, cheese, and a spicy homemade cranberry sauce are rolled up in soft spinach tortillas in this simple holiday appetizer. "I made this for a Christmas Eve party and everyone liked it," says recipe reviewer kloreenween. "I wanted people to have a more healthy option besides all the goodies. A pretty presentation and easy to put together!"

Baked Brie with Caramelized Onions

A wedge of Brie is topped with sweet onions and apples, wrapped in puff pastry, and baked until golden. You can use a whole wheel of Brie if you are feeding a crowd. "Fantastic! I made this for a party and it was devoured," says recipe reviewer kkraig. "The caramelized onions and apples are amazing. I served with praline pecans and fig spread."

King Crab Appetizers

Mini tarts are made with refrigerated biscuit dough and topped with a creamy crab and green onion filling. Then, top with a pinch of paprika and warm through for an impressive and delicious party appetizer! It's easy to vary the type of pastry you use for these tartlets — phyllo and puff pastry shells will work just as well.

• 10 Fancy Appetizers That Start with Phyllo Cups

Korean Hot Wings

Fried chicken wings are coated in a sweet soy and ginger sauce for a finger-licking good party appetizer that will delight your guests. You can make the sauce for these spicy chicken wings up to two weeks ahead of time, which makes this recipe even more appealing! "I added some red pepper flakes to turn up the heat," says recipe reviewer msgwen. "FANTASTIC...they were a hit!"

Bacon and Date Appetizer

Almonds are placed inside dates, which are then wrapped in strips of bacon and broiled until crispy and super tasty in this easy-to-prepare party appetizer. "I made it according to the recipe and they came out perfect!" says home cook Linda. "Guests said they were sinful and tasted just like candy! They all disappeared quickly!"

Spiced Sweet Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

Sweet roasted red peppers, garbanzo beans, and tahini are blended with cumin and cayenne to make this flavor-packed vegan party appetizer. Serve the hummus in a bowl surrounded with crunchy vegetables and wedges of toasted pita bread. "The roasted red peppers made the hummus such a pretty color and added another dimension of flavor," says recipe reviewer WhirledPeas. "We loved it!"

Easy Endive, Cranberry, Walnut Appetizers

Crumbled blue cheese, dried cranberries, and glazed walnuts are spooned into endive leaves and then drizzled with sweet balsamic vinegar. "Nothing could be easier and more impressive for a contribution for a family potluck, office party, or other event where you are asked to bring an appetizer," says recipe reviewer riley. "Easy-peasy and I got tons of compliments."

Vietnamese Fresh Spring Rolls

These fresh Vietnamese spring rolls offer a burst of flavor in every bite, and are the perfect recipe for making ahead if you are serving a crowd. Serve on a large platter with bowls of sauce for dipping. "Excellent taste and they make a pleasing presentation with the colorful filling," says recipe reviewer florida gail.

• Related recipe: Nước chấm (Vietnamese Dipping Sauce)

Dip for the Stars

This popular feta, cream cheese, pesto, pine nut, and sun-dried tomato layered dip is a great sharing appetizer for any kind of special occasion. "This recipe is divine!" says recipe reviewer LTKCooks. "I've made it many times and it's always been a beautiful addition to my table and a favorite of my guests and family."

Sausage Flowers

Wonton wrappers are arranged in a miniature muffin pan, filled with a savory sausage and cheese combination, and baked until crispy. Top with a dollop of sour cream and sliced green onions to make them completely irresistible. "Excellent!" says naples34102. "Delicious, different, and a real statement piece on your appetizer table!"

Baked Ham and Cheese Party Sandwiches

These baked ham and Swiss cheese mini-rolls have a hidden mustard and poppy seed sauce that guests will love when they bite into them. "Wish I could give this 10 stars!" says recipe reviewer Macy. "These are off-the-charts good. Wonderful eaten hot or cold!"

Spinach Rolls with Puff Pastry

Vegetarians and carnivores alike will enjoy these tasty spinach and feta puff pastries. They're great as a finger food option for parties since you can prepare them ahead of time and keep them refrigerated. Then, simply bake them when your guests arrive. Top with sesame seeds or poppy seeds for a nice presentation.

Savory Puff Pastry Christmas Tree

Whether you shape this into a Christmas tree or not, this is one appetizer that is sure to disappear before it even has the chance to cool down! It's much easier to make than it looks: Puff pastry is filled with pesto and goat cheese, then twisted and baked. The Christmas tree shape is easy to achieve, but you could just as easily cut the pastry rectangle into strips, twist, and then bake individually.

• 12 Quick & Easy Puff Pastry Appetizers

Crock Pot Party Meatballs

These cocktail meatballs have a spicy cranberry and tomato-chili sauce. They are a super simple appetizer to prepare and let your slow cooker do all the work, so you can get ready for your party. "This is my most requested party recipe," says creator fabeveryday. "People go crazy for these meatballs, and there is never a single one leftover!"

Traditional Filipino Lumpia

Everyone will be helping themselves to seconds (thirds?) of these crispy lumpia, filled with a savory mixture of ground pork, onion, carrot, and cabbage. Why not try making them ahead of time and then frying just before the party? "This is very close to the recipe my mom used as I was growing up. She would make 50-100 at a time and freeze whatever wasn't used. You don't need to defrost them when you're ready to cook," says reviewer ALELI.

• Your Party Needs Our Best Filipino Lumpia Recipes

More Inspiration

Our entire collection of Appetizers and Snacks has everything you need for a party to remember. Also check out:

• 10 Classic Cocktail Party Appetizers
• Our Entertaining and Dinner Party Recipe Collection
• Pictured: Mini Mushroom and Goat Cheese Tarts

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15 of the Most Popular Gourmet Finger Food Ideas

Consider a combination of easy  appetizers to put together party platters. Our collection of recipes includes dips, cold fand warm platters and desserts.

For entertaining, it’s an opportune time to prepare some gourmet party food ideas ahead of time. The Spanish are rightly famous for their concept of tapas, simply small plates of food. It is not uncommon to consume a number of tapas in the evening rather than one large, formal meal.

So, why not follow their lead for your next summer entertaining event and serve small plates or platters of food for a more informal and fun event.

Recipes on Compass & Fork

We feature popular recipes from all the countries we visit on Compass & Fork. You can find them by going to the top of a page and hovering over the Recipe drop down, where you can then click on a cuisine which piques your interest. We also feature a dinner party from each country.

If you want some other ideas for home entertaining, you might also enjoy these collections of:

• lunch menu ideas ,
• popular paleo recipes ,
• best barbecue recipes ,
• gluten-free recipes .
• popular seafood recipes from around the world
• recipes to make ahead of time for easy entertaining.

But, now it’s onto our collection of summer finger food ideas for casual entertaining. We hope you enjoy this collection of small plates. Remember to click on the recipe name or the picture for the recipe. You can also click on the country to view other recipes and travel articles from that country.

Dips & Nibbles: Popular Gourmet Finger Food Ideas

Zacusca | romania.

Zacusca is a smoky, Romanian eggplant spread. Some people call it Romanian eggplant salad. It is delicious spread on good crusty bread, see our ciabatta recipe, below. In addition to the eggplants, red bell peppers, tomatoes and onion form the basis of this healthy and incredibly tasty dish. Make it ahead of time. (Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Paleo)

Tzatziki | Greece

A classic of Greek cuisine, it is perfect as an easy-to-make summer appetizer. Great to enjoy on a sunny day prior to a BBQ or just for accompanying a chilled beverage with family and friends. (Vegetarian, Gluten-Free)

Guacamole | Guatemala

Guacamole can be made on a moment’s notice with everyday ingredients. So just perfect when those unexpected guests drop in or you are looking for a starter for a dinner party. And such a popular dish with people of all ages. This simple, healthy guacamole will be popular no matter what the occasion. (Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Paleo)

Ciabatta | Italy

This easy ciabatta will goes perfectly with the zacusca, tzatziki and guacamole. Ciabatta is just one of those simple ways to enhance a crusty loaf of bread to give it a touch of class. And it requires very little effort or cost to do so. (Vegetarian)

Roasted Chickpeas | Turkey

Looking for a healthy alternative to peanuts or other nuts at your next party? Why not consider roasted chickpeas (garbanzo beans)? Roasted chickpeas with a dash of spice are crunchy, healthy and cater for both gluten-free and vegetarian folks. Another summer snack you can prepare well in advance. (Vegetarian, Gluten-Free)

 Popular Cold Finger Food Ideas

Meze platter | turkey.

Turkish mezes are perfect for social gatherings and are designed to promote talking! Turkish mezes are small quantities of food served at the start of a meal. They are usually cold, vegetarian and the emphasis is on fresh, healthy ingredients. Just perfect with ciabatta . (Vegetarian, Gluten-Free)

Cheese Platter | Australia

Wine and cheese are a fantastic combination. Good for an appetizer, an alternative to dessert, as part of a summer grazing platter or an excellent addition to a dinner party. How do you make a gourmet cheese platter? Are there any guidelines? What about wines? What goes with what? A good combination of cheese and wine can delight all of the senses. (Gluten-Free)

Italian Antipasto Platter | Italy

Showcasing all that is good about the Emilia Romagna region, the delicatessen, food bowl of Italy, is this simple Italian Antipasto platter. Perfect for summer entertaining. And, can easily be prepared ahead of time. (Gluten-Free)

Popular Make Ahead Finger Food Ideas

Grilled calamari | spain.

Fresh calamari is healthy, tasty and easy to buy. This simple grilled calamari recipe is another simple appetizer (the Spanish would call it a tapa) with just a few minutes cooking on the grill. It’s everyone’s favorite! (Gluten-Free, Paleo)

Devils on Horseback | Australia

Together smoky bacon wrapped around prunes is a sensational combination. The sweetness of prunes and the saltiness of the bacon combining to provide a mouth-watering package of divine taste. They are perfect for any finger food situation and they are simple to prepare and cook, just perfect for summer entertaining. It really doesn’t get much easier than this dish if you are under pressure from a time perspective. (Gluten-Free, Paleo)

Garlic Mushrooms | Spain

Portobello mushroom recipes are some of the most popular recipes around and baby portobello mushrooms are my recommendation for these garlic mushrooms. Having trouble finding baby portobello mushrooms? No problem. You can substitute with medium-size Swiss Browns or button mushrooms. Another, Spanish tapa that will be a hit! (Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Paleo)

Thai Spring Rolls | Thailand

Looking for something a little different to serve at your next summer event? Thai spring rolls are deceptively easy to make. Once you have tried and succeeded you will wonder why you have taken so long to make them! Once shallow-fried, these spring rolls take on a golden hue and deliver a delightfully, crunchy outside not to mention the tasty morsels inside. They can be prepared in advance with just the final cooking immediately prior to serving.

Garlic Shrimp | Spain

Garlic shrimp are simple to prepare and quick to cook. They make perfect summer finger food. You will love this Spanish version, enhanced with the addition of smoky paprika. (Gluten-Free, Paleo)

Dessert Platters: Popular Finger Food Ideas

Spiced oranges | morocco.

There are only three ingredients in our spiced oranges, and takes only 5 minutes to prepare and you can make it beforehand, making it perfect if you are hosting a summer event. The great tastes of Morocco! (Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Paleo)

Kentucky Bourbon Balls | USA

There is a reason bourbon balls are so popular in Kentucky. They’re good and simple to make, even for people that don’t usually make chocolates or desserts. (Like me!) (Vegetarian, Gluten-Free)

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59 Finger Foods, Because Being Festive Doesn’t Require a Fork

By Julia Price Baron and The Editors of Epicurious

As much as we love our once-a-year tablecloth-and-Grandma’s-silver celebrations, we can’t help but notice that finger foods are the best part of any get-together. A fabulous gathering doesn’t actually require that you bother setting the table, and great handheld bites can make any lazy Sunday even better. Sit back and scroll through our ultimate guide to finger foods for a party (of twenty or two). We’ve included easy options for snacking, like crispy-gooey mozzarella sticks, spiced nuts, and simple dressed-up olives. Sweatpants and cushy couch optional, but highly recommended. For those occasions where you want to impress, skip the store-bought pinwheels and go with class acts like chicken liver pâté, clams casino, and smoked salmon tartare. See you ’round the baked Brie.

Grand Aioli

Let's commence our finger foods roundup with a dish that's designed around eating snacks for dinner. Give your vegetables, shrimp, or nubs of bread a delicious garlickly dip for dunking—all you need is a festive drink on the side.

Cheesy Samosa Puffs

This easy (hello, frozen puff pastry !) baked (no frying!) samosa recipe is a celebration of potato, cheese, and spices—simply serve with ketchup or green chutney made with mint and cilantro.

Mutabbal (Eggplant-Tahini Dip)

Meet your new favorite creamy dip, loaded with silky eggplant and tahini . Garnish with pomegranate seeds for a bright, textural final touch.

Fried Cashews With Lime Zest and Chile

Salty fried cashews get a spicy, tart kick in this simple Thai bar snack. Grab a handful… and another…

Cheesy Sesame Phyllo Bites

Crunchy crackers coated in sesame seeds and Gruyère? Yes, please. We can't get enough of this snack—as is or presented with some dip or a gorgeous cheese plate .

Chili Crab Dip With Shrimp Chips

This dynamic crab dip gets its depth of flavor from tomato paste , garlic, lemongrass, scallions, shallots, and serrano.

Goat Cheese and Salami Stuffed Dates

One part creamy (goat cheese), one part salty (salami), and one part sweet ( dates ), this easy appetizer is one hundred percent amazing—and always a major hit. Plus, a bite-size snack means you can always have a glass in your other hand.

Figs-in-a-Blanket With Goat Cheese

In this fun vegetarian twist on pigs-in-a-blanket, the puff pastry hugs a date stuffed with goat cheese and honey.

Smoked Trout Croquettes

If you’re love a good fried finger food, these balls of melty potato, cheese, and smoky trout will have your number. They're a part of our cocktail party spin on the Feast of the Seven Fishes , but this recipe will also be a hit at any party, holiday or no.

Stuffed Mushrooms

Mushrooms don't get better than this. These mushroom caps become the textural vehicle for the highlight: buttery, cheesy, homemade breadcrumbs.

Tonnato Eggs

Deviled eggs soar to the next level with salty pops of salmon roe and the crispy, tangy texture of fried capers .

Baked Brie Bites With Jezebel Sauce

Love baked Brie but don’t like to share? Then you’ll adore this finger food version, with citrus flavors that add brightness to this gooey favorite.

Old Bay Chips With Lemon Mayo

Perhaps the easiest finger food ever, this simple dish is like the nachos of potato chips. Top the chips with mayo, Old Bay, and lemon; then watch 'em disappear.

Rosemary-Sizzled Salami, Dates, and Pecans

This herbaceous, buttery, salty, nutty appetizer hits all the notes you’d find from a charcuterie plate—and the warm Medjool dates send it over the edge for optimal, caramel deliciousness.

Soft Pretzels

We're fond of the doughy tang of this classic soft pretzel recipe for movie nights, big games, and everything involving mustard.

Bourbon Chicken Liver Pâté

We’ve brought tasty bourbon to the pâté party. Key tip: this spread tastes even better when made a day or two in advance.

Crispy Coconutty Zucchini Fritters

Craving fritters but want something nutty and packed with zucchini (yet free of common veggie sogginess)? This bhajia-inspired dish contains step-by-step secrets for a seriously crispy texture with coconutty depth.

Soft Boiled Tea Eggs

The coziest tea eggs ever, this recipe combines oolong tea, soy sauce, and spices for a flavorful infusion—not to be outdone by the unctuous yolk inside.

Crispy Tumeric-and-Pepper-Spiced Chicken Wings

These wings win at the taste game—and also manage to strike gold in the crispy texture department.

Warmed Spiced Olives

Who knew the scrumptious payoff a simple investment in warming and seasoning olives could offer? Warning: you may never want your olives cold again. 

Polenta Bites With Wild Mushrooms and Fontina

Made with store-bought polenta, this no-forks-required bite couldn’t get much easier. An assortment of wild mushrooms, sprinkling of melted Fontina, and Sherry vinegar tang make this a vegetarian fan favorite.

Classic Spinach-Artichoke Dip With Mozzarella and Parmesan

Two words: party staple. We couldn’t exclude spinach-artichoke dip in our finger foods roundup—and we happen to prefer this absolutely creamy recipe, ideal for awards parties and game days.

Yeasted Scallion and Sesame Bing

There’s nothing like the perfect juxtaposition of a crispy, crackly exterior and fluffy, chewy inside—and this Shanghai classic achieves just that. Get tips on how to make scallion and sesame bing and then click through to the recipe.

Eggs Rémoulade

Like your eggs all dolled up? These hard-boiled wonders hit the creamy jackpot when introduced to a rémoulade with a tart caper kick and herbs galore.

Creamy Pinto Bean Dip

The creamy texture and bright red flavors (red peppers, red onions, and red wine vinegar!) make this dip one we could eat any day of the week.

Pickled Shrimp

We love an easy finger food that can—or should—be made ahead, like these pickled shrimp, which need to marinate at least 12 hours before serving with toothpicks for spearing.

Creamy Avocado Dip With Scallions

Avocado, yogurt, and a mix of caramelized and fresh scallions give this dip recipe a creamy texture that sits somewhere between sour cream onion dip and guacamole . Pair it with pita chips, tortilla chips, or carrot sticks—or dollop on a taco or a roasted sweet potato.

Jammy Eggs With Smoked Paprika Aioli

These fancy eggs could be the star of your New Year's Eve gathering or your Christmas appetizer spread.

Lumpia Ayam Sayur (Chicken and Garlic Spring Rolls)

Pro party food move: Make and freeze a batch of lumpia , so it's easy to fry them up at a moment's notice.

Phyllo-Wrapped Brie With Hot Honey and Anchovies

This extra-savory baked Brie is a guaranteed crowd pleaser from Melissa Clark's cookbook, Dinner in French . Inside the melty cheese, you'll find anchovies , garlic, and roasted red peppers.

Creamy Hummus with Cumin

Here's how to make the creamiest, dreamiest hummus you've ever had.

Homemade Cheese Spread With Garlic and Herbs

Making your own creamy cheese spread with cream cheese, butter, herbs, and garlic means you can customize the flavoring to your personal taste. Serve with crackers or crostini.

Bolinho de Arroz With Molho Verde

If your ideal party snack is crunchy and cheesy, these quick and easy fried rice balls are for you.

Kue Keju (Cheese Cookies)

These savory Indonesian cookies from cookbook author Lara Lee are perfectly buttery, crumbly, and cheesy. Make a big batch so there are extras to enjoy with coffee or tea all week long.

3-Ingredient Smoked Mozzarella Sticks

If the combo of easy and crispy sounds good to you, roll up logs of smoked mozzarella in egg roll wrappers, then shallow-fry in a nonstick skillet.

Roasted Garlic Pull-Apart Cheese Bread

You might want to make two of these, since they have a way of disappearing.

Brie and Prosciutto Shortbread

This cheesy snack is a simple assembly job, and in winter, it's much more seasonally appropriate than caprese skewers or jalapeño poppers.

Baked Three-Cheese Onion Dip With Chive and Pepperoncini

When creamy onion dip meets queso, magic happens. You'll cook the onion around 10 minutes for this—no need to wait for true caramelized onions .

Classic Cheese Ball

This recipe sneaks in a small amount of Brie to add an extra layer of creamy intensity to the mix.

Pecan Brie Brûlée

Spicy, nutty flavors balance the richness of these broiled toasts. This easy finger food recipe just might be the path to our very favorite snack.

Mini Shrimp Rolls

A simple shrimp salad is served in small dinner rolls in this fun (and easy) twist on the traditional New England lobster roll.

Bacon Crackers

These are more than the sum of their parts—each cracker slowly sops up the fat from smoky, crisping bacon; it transforms into something more akin to piecrust.

Clams Casino With Bacon and Bell Pepper

A vinegary red bell pepper mixture cuts through the richness of this classic Italian-American appetizer for a bite that's salty, smoky, and sweet.

Caramelized Fennel and Brie Dip

There's more to Brie recipes than just the classic baked Brie. This dip, for example, is not to be missed.

Bombay Rolls

These pastry roll-ups pack in extra sharp cheddar, flavorful green chutney, and sliced onion for the perfect spicy, cheesy, buttery flavor.

Labne Deviled Eggs with Paprika and Ginger

Deviled eggs get way more exciting when you cover the egg whites in a deeply flavorful spice mix and swap out the filling’s usual mayo for yogurt-y labne instead.

Vegetarian Buffalo “Meatballs” With Blue Cheese Dip

Forget about hot wings—these spicy "meatballs" combine white beans and mushrooms for a meatless take on your favorite party snack.

Gina’s Arancini

Made with leftover risotto, these Italian rice balls are stuffed with prosciutto, Parmesan, and parsley. Feel free to offer marinara on the side for dipping.

Smoked Salmon Tartare

An elegant, tangy and smoky topper for potato chips.

Classic Deviled Eggs

When you're looking for classic finger foods for a party, the archives of Gourmet are a good place to start. If you want to have fun with garnishes, feel free to add pickled shallots and fresh herbs, crumbled bacon, or trout roe.

Crab Louie Salad Lettuce Cups

These retro salad cups are especially fun to serve during Dungeness crab season.

Hot Pimento Cheese Dip

While pimento cheese is perfect as is as a spread, it also makes a pretty darn good queso-like dip. This particular version is smooth and velvety and has a kick of smoke and heat thanks to chipotle in adobo sauce—even pimento purists will find it delicious.

Parsnip-Wrapped Devils on Horseback

This vegetarian version of the classic appetizer uses soy sauce, smoked paprika, and smoked almonds to pack so much savory flavor that no one will miss the traditional bacon. Use Gorgonzola dolce if you prefer a more mild blue cheese flavor.

Shrimp Toasts With Sesame Seeds and Scallions

These crunchy toasts are topped with a mix of shrimp, chili paste, lemongrass, fish sauce, ginger, scallion, and sesame seeds.

Spicy Pork Belly Sliders

Gochujang gives pork belly a nice kick and a deep, complex flavor in this sweet-and-spicy sandwich inspired by Korean jeyuk bokkeum.

Roasted Oysters With Warm Butter Mignonette

Quickly roasting oysters in a hot oven pops the shells apart so they can be opened the rest of the way by hand, no shucking skills required.

Cha Gio (Vietnamese Fried Spring Rolls)

These crispy Vietnamese spring rolls are filled with thin bean thread noodles, dried wood ear mushrooms, ground pork, and shrimp.

Onion-Dip Potato Chips

These chips get their robust flavor from pantry staples, but they're much more fun to serve than a plain ol' bag from the store.

Old Bay–Spiced Fish Sticks With Creamy Celery Root and Carrot Slaw

Finger foods aren't just for parties—it's more fun to eat dinner with your hands, too. These fish sticks have a crunchy cornmeal coating that also makes them gluten-free.

Christine Clark

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The 42 best finger food ideas for your next party

We’ve rounded up our best finger food ideas, including dolmades, blini, mini tarts, bruschetta, quiches and croquettes – everything you need for your next party food menu.

Looking for more share plate and tapas ideas ?

Salmon quichettes

If you’re looking for a simple and tasty finger food to that will please a crowd, look no further than these salmon quichettes. They are delicious hot or cold and a also make a perfect after school snack.

Greek dolmades are rich in flavour with pine nuts, sultanas, onions and rice wrapped in vine leaves and drizzled with lemon juice and olive oil.

Ham and cheese croquettes

The classic combination of oozy ham and cheese centre with a crunchy breadcrumb coating and served with a home-made tomato sauce.

Pork and noodle spring rolls

These crispy spring rolls full of tender shredded pork, noodles and vegetables make an ideal snack or starter. A great way to use up leftover pork.

fried green olives

Fried harissa-stuffed green olives

They’ll be a hit at your next party! Especially the lemon and fennel seed aioli.

Frickles with sriracha mayonnaise

Watch out! This is a seriously addictive snack.

Artichoke asparagus fritters with olive relish

These golden artichoke and asparagus fritters are perfect served hot with a fresh tangy olive relish. A brilliant finger food or starter.

Buffalo chicken wings with blue cheese sauce

These finger lickin’ good hot and spicy chicken wings go perfectly with a creamy blue cheese sauce.

Chile con queso

Translating literally to ‘chilli and cheese’ this dip combines cream cheese, jalepenos and capsicum for a super tasty starter to serve with corn chips

Blini with hot smoked salmon and crème fraîche

B lini with hot smoked salmon and crème fraîche

Entertaining is simple with these quick spelt blini topped with hot-smoked salmon and crème fraîche. Or try one of our other blini toppings .

Little chicken and leek pies

Creamy chicken and crunchy celery make for a moreish filling in these bite-sized pies that are ideal for a big party. They disappear pretty fast, though, so make sure you set aside a few for later.

Zucchini koftas recipe with harissa yoghurt

These flavourful vegetarian kofta are made with potatoes, grated zucchini, green onions, garlic, chilli, lemon and salt for a delicious starter.

Classic tomato bruschetta

The beauty lies in the simple ingredients. Crusty toasted bread with fresh tomatoes. A popular addition to any antipasto plate, or perfect on its own.

Crispy fried pork dumplings

For something so small, dumplings sure pack in a lot of flavour!

Spiced paneer and eggplant pakora

Spicy yoghurt chicken drumettes with raita

Finger bowls at the ready for these fragrant chicken drumettes served with a fresh raita for a tasty snack or weeknight meal.

Five-ingredient tomato fritters

Five ingredients, forty minutes and a couple of pantry staples is all you need to create a tasty tomato snack.

Salt and pepper squid

A slightly elevated version of the fish and chip staple, with za’atar for spice, and combined brown rice flour and breadcrumbs for satisfying crunch.

Corn blini with avocado cream and crab

Marinated baby bocconcini with prosciutto

If you’re looking for a simple, tasty and appealing platter for a party then marinated baby bocconcini with prosciutto is your friend. Salty meat wrapped around mild, sweet cheese and spiked with basil. Perfect.

Haloumi and asparagus bites

Roasted garlicky pumpkin and sage pies

These garlicky pumpkin and sage pies with a delicious spiced pastry crust make a fab starter or light lunch. If you fancy bite-sized pies to serve as finger food, you could make these in a couple of mini-muffin trays.

Arancini with tomato and balsamic sauce

Pork balls with soy and lime dipping sauce

Exciting Asian-style nibbles, these pork balls with a soy and lime dipping sauce are perfect for cocktail parties.

Prosciutto wrapped haloumi

Prosciutto and haloumi are a match made in nibble-platter heaven – or use this recipe to take this pumpkin, spinach and haloumi salad to the next level.

Spinach and feta pinwheels

Four simple ingredients and 15 minutes in the oven – that’s all it takes to create this bite-sized cheesy nibbles. For when you need something savoury at teatime.

Sweet pastry knots

These sweet pastries make great nibbles for morning or afternoon tea. They are best made and served on the day.

Pear, blue cheese and walnut bites

What a perfect nibble for dinner guests and cocktail parties. These pear and blue cheese canapes look as good as they taste.

Mini cream cheese tarts

A golden, flaky crust surrounds the divine cream cheese filling in these sweet mini tarts. Topped with fresh strawberries and passionfruit, they are perfect for a quick dessert or light finger food when entertaining guests.

Calamari with lemon mayonnaise

A classic finger food loved by adults and children alike – serve these light and crispy calamari pieces with a creamy lemon mayonnaise at your next dinner party.

Bread crisps with confit tomatoes

Looking for a new snack or canape? These slow-roasted tomatoes on bread crisps with ricotta and olive paste will impress your guests at your next party.

Field mushroom bruschetta

These big, meaty mushrooms topped with fetta make a delicious and protein-packed meal. Serve as a starter for a dinner party, finger food … or treat yourself to a quick nutritious lunch.

Chilli con carne cups

These flavoursome Mexican bean and mince cups are brilliant served as finger food or starter. Topped with creamy avocado and sour cream, they are packed full of flavour to wow your guests.

Salmon blini with egg

Traditionally, blinis are small Russian pancakes. Salmon and cream cheese make up the filling for this contemporary version. Served as finger food at your next party it is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

Chicken and mango rice paper rolls

Enjoy these light, refreshing chicken and mango rice paper rolls on a warm summer’s afternoon. A Vietnamese classic, the rolls are wonderful served as finger food with a zesty chilli lime dipping sauce.

Tomato and rocket tarts

These pretty little tomato and rocket tarts are a great vegetarian option for a platter of finger food. Rocket can be replaced with baby spinach. Add some baby basil leaves just before serving, if you like.

Lamb boreks

A traditional Turkish pastry dish, these gorgeous scrolls are served stuffed with tender lamb, juicy sultanas and creamy goat’s cheese to create a delicious starter, finger food or lunch.

Eggplant and haloumi skewers with roasted tomato sauce

These eggplant and haloumi skewers with roasted tomato sauce are the perfect easy finger food to serve at your next gathering. This kind of cheese is just begs to be fried and served warm.

Beef and stilton pies

Any beef cut suitable for stewing can be used for the pie filling: gravy beef, skirt, blade or chuck steak. These cute little beef and stilton pies make excellent finger food.

Feta and spinach stuffed potato balls

These tasty Greek style feta and spinach stuffed potato balls make a delicious starter, finger food or light snack.

Individual spanakopita

Both the adults and kids will love these crispy Greek pies.

Fish scrolls with capsicum salsa

These delicious fish scrolls are beautiful topped with a zesty capsicum salsa – healthy, fresh and super tasty! They make the perfect finger food for dinner parties.

Trusted by home cooks for 90 years, The Australian Women’s Weekly’s Test Kitchen and cookbooks hold a singular place in shaping home cooking within the Australian culinary landscape. Today, the AWW Test Kitchen in Sydney is a thriving hub for food content, connected to two bustling photographic studios where a talented team of Australia’s best recipe developers, art directors, editors and photographers create our world class food content. Our recipes are thoroughly tested and tasted and given the Test Kitchen tick of approval, guaranteeing you’ll get great results in your home kitchen.

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15 U.S. Food Halls Every Gourmet Traveller Needs to Visit

Posted: March 29, 2024 | Last updated: March 29, 2024

For the culinary adventurer seeking to explore the vibrant tapestry of American cuisine, food halls offer an unparalleled opportunity to sample an array of flavors and specialties all under one roof. Across the United States, these culinary meccas serve as epicenters of gastronomic innovation and cultural diversity, showcasing the best of local and international fare. In this guide, we unveil fifteen must-visit food halls scattered throughout the U.S., each a culinary destination in its own right. Whether you’re a seasoned gourmet traveler or an enthusiastic foodie looking to expand your palate, these food halls promise unforgettable dining experiences that capture the essence of their respective regions while celebrating the rich tapestry of American culinary heritage.

Ponce City Market, Atlanta, Georgia

Housed in a historic Sears, Roebuck & Co. building, Ponce City Market blends Southern heritage with modern culinary trends. Its Central Food Hall showcases a wide range of dining options, from gourmet burgers to artisanal bakeries, making it a must-visit for foodies.

Reading Terminal Market, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

One of America’s oldest and largest public markets, Reading Terminal Market offers an array of local, national, and international specialties. With over 100 vendors selling everything from Pennsylvania Dutch sausages to Philly cheesesteaks, it’s a vibrant hub of culinary diversity.

Ferry Building Marketplace, San Francisco, California

Situated along the Embarcadero waterfront, the Ferry Building Marketplace is a haven for food lovers, featuring some of the Bay Area’s best artisan producers and farmers. Its marketplace offers a variety of local foods, from fresh seafood to gourmet chocolates.

Los Angeles’ Grand Central Market, Los Angeles, California

Grand Central Market has been a downtown landmark since 1917, bringing together the many cuisines and cultures of Los Angeles. It hosts a dynamic mix of vendors, ranging from traditional Latin fare to contemporary gourmet dishes.

Union Market, Washington, D.C.

Union Market is a revitalized food hall that has become a center of culinary innovation in D.C. With over 40 local vendors, it offers a range of experiences from craft cocktails to artisanal cheeses, reflecting the city’s growing food scene.

Chelsea Market, New York City, New York

Located in the heart of Manhattan’s Meatpacking District, Chelsea Market is an enclosed urban food court with a global reputation. It features an impressive selection of gourmet foods, bakeries, and restaurants, housed in a historic factory building.

Time Out Market, Miami, Florida

Time Out Market brings together a curated selection of Miami’s best chefs and cultural experiences under one roof. It’s a place where visitors can enjoy top-quality meals and vibrant entertainment, showcasing the best of the city’s culinary talent.

Krog Street Market, Atlanta, Georgia

Set in a 1920s warehouse, Krog Street Market is a destination for Atlanta’s food enthusiasts, featuring market stalls selling produce, goods, and prepared foods, alongside some of the city’s most acclaimed restaurants.

R. House, Baltimore, Maryland

Located in the heart of Baltimore’s Remington neighborhood, R. House is a launchpad for chefs. This food hall offers ten different kitchen concepts, serving everything from arepas to Korean BBQ, in a communal dining space.

Pine Street Market, Portland, Oregon

Pine Street Market is Portland’s first food hall, located in the historic Carriage & Baggage Building. It brings together nine of Portland’s best chefs and purveyors, offering a taste of the city’s innovative and diverse food scene.

Revival Food Hall, Chicago, Illinois

Situated in the heart of Chicago’s Loop, Revival Food Hall is an all-local dining concept spotlighting the best of Chicago’s acclaimed culinary scene. The 24,000-square-foot marketplace features 15 fast-casual stalls offering everything from tacos to sushi.

North Market, Columbus, Ohio

North Market is a vibrant public market in Columbus, Ohio, with a wide array of fresh and prepared foods. It’s home to over 30 merchants and farmers, offering a taste of the region’s best meats, produce, and artisanal foods.

Denver Central Market, Denver, Colorado

Denver Central Market is a gourmet marketplace and food hall in Denver’s RiNo District. It houses a variety of local vendors offering baked goods, meats, produce, and more, making it a key player in Denver’s culinary scene.

Legacy Food Hall, Plano, Texas

Legacy Food Hall in Plano is one of the largest food halls in North America, featuring an eclectic mix of 24 artisanal food stalls and bars. It’s a one-stop culinary destination that caters to a wide range of tastes and preferences.

Milwaukee Public Market, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Milwaukee Public Market is a bustling space where local food and culture meet. Vendors sell a wide variety of goods, from fresh seafood to artisan cheeses, making it a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike to explore the flavors of Wisconsin.

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THE 10 BEST Restaurants in St. Petersburg

Restaurants in st. petersburg, establishment type, online options, traveler rating, dietary restrictions, restaurant features.

• Bavaro's Pizza Napoletana & Pastaria
• The Hangar Restaurant & Flight Lounge
• Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille - Jungle Terrace
• Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille - St. Pete Pier
• Paciugo Gelato & Caffe
• Bodega Comida Cantina Cafe
• Trip's Diner (St. Pete)
• Casita Taqueria

The 10 Best St. Petersburg Restaurants | Where to Eat in St. Petersburg, FL

By: Author Christine Cutler

Posted on Last updated: November 22, 2023

Categories United States , Florida , North America , Southeast

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When the pundits talk about the best cities in Florida for foodies, they mention Miami, Tampa, and Orlando, all large cities where tourists storm a variety of attractions. Just across the bridge from Tampa, though, St. Petersburg is home to a thriving food and beverage scene that can rival any of the “big boys.” 

As part-time residents of St. Pete, my husband and I have had the opportunity to check out the best St. Petersburg restaurants.

Here is a list of the best St. Pete Restaurants for you to try out the next time you visit our Sunshine City. 

Not in the mood to go out to eat tonight? Click here to have Grubhub deliver directly from the best restaurants in town to your doorstep.

Recommended food tours: Taste of Downtown St Petersburg Embark on an extraordinary gastronomic adventure with our 3.5-hour walking tour in the heart of downtown St. Petersburg! Perfect for food enthusiasts, couples seeking a romantic evening, or simply a lively gathering with friends and family, this unforgettable experience offers a delightful fusion of culinary education and entertainment. Don’t miss the chance to indulge in a one-of-a-kind food journey that promises to captivate your senses and create lasting memories!

My Top 3 Picks of St. Petersburg, FL Restaurants

The library, maple street biscuit company, mazzaro’s italian market, oak & stone, the habana cafe, what food is st petersburg, florida, known for, what are some of the best seafood restaurants in st. pete, fl, what cuisines are prominently featured in st. petersburg restaurants, are there any notable fine dining establishments in st. petersburg, which waterfront restaurants would you recommend in st. petersburg, are there any family-owned restaurants in st. pete, fl, which of these st. petersburg restaurants do you most want to try let us know in the comments section below , the 10 best restaurants in st. pete, fl.

600 5th Street South | 727-369-9969

With something for everyone at any time of day, The Library brings breakfast, lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch to the campus of Johns Hopkins Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg. Classy and upscale while comfortable and cozy, the library-inspired restaurant touts itself as a “reprieve from daily chaos.”

In addition to kale, arugula, noodle, and spinach salads, The Library offers custom salads for which you can choose a base, mix-ins, a protein, and dressing. Topping field greens, bacon, apple, and goat cheese with a light balsamic glaze will give you a salad big enough to share.

The Shaved Sirloin sandwich on a fresh, chewy ciabatta roll is full of steak and topped with roasted peppers, cheese, and The Library’s secret Peabody Sauce. The crispy onion straws add a nice crunch.

It seems as though cauliflower is on menus everywhere these days, and the Benne Cauliflower (roasted cauliflower with crispy garlic, spices, and chili sauce) appetizer at The Library will make you wonder how the vegetable can taste so good.

The Crispy Avocado Wedges, something I’ve never tried, is crunchy on the outside and creamy on the inside. They’re so tasty that they don’t even need the sambal ginger aioli that accompanies them.

Our next visit will be for their famous weekend brunch to try the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes topped with fresh berries, warm maple syrup, and sweet cream or the Avocado Toast. There’s something about creamy whipped avocado that sounds so inviting.

The Library is open daily with seating inside or out, and their walk-up counter offers coffee, pastries, and tea.  Make sure that you “book” on over to one of the best St. Petersburg restaurants.  Give The Library a visit- you can’t go wrong!

If you want to explore more morning delights in the area, check out our ‘ Best Brunch in St Pete ‘ article!

10 Beach Dr. NE | (727) 209-2299

I love a good tapas restaurant, and St. Petersburg restaurants do have a winner. 

Located near the water, Ceviche offers so many dishes; over fifty hot and cold plates, so you might have a hard time choosing. Do yourself a favor and order a sangria—voted St. Pete’s best—while you study the menu.

Since I don’t eat fish, I can’t suggest trying their ceviche or paella, but the tapas are another story. 

Start with the Caesar salad; it’s mixed greens, cucumbers, olives, peppers, red onions, tomatoes, and feta tossed in a lemon-honey vinaigrette and is a light way to begin your visit.

If you like spicy, try the Queso de Cabra, a baked goat cheese covered with tomato sauce. Keep your sangria handy as you’ll need it to balance the heat in this dish.

The Patatas Bravas, delicious and perfectly crisp potato chunks covered with spicy aioli, while not as hot as the queso, are just this side of being very spicy.

The Spanish Pork Ribs, dusted with smoked paprika, are simply delicious, and the Chuletas de Cordero (lamb chops) are not gamey at all. As tapas , these small plates are perfect for sharing.

Ceviche is open daily. If the weather is nice, sit on the patio so you can enjoy the water views and the food in one of the best St. Petersburg restaurants.

437 Central Ave. | (727) 898-4300

Located on Central Avenue in the Downtown area, Tropez calls itself “…an entertaining neighborhood spot with an extensive menu made for sharing.” A relative newcomer to the St. Petersburg food scene, the restaurant is a nominee for the Best New Restaurant in the St. Petersburg Foodies Restaurant Awards.

Their menu, much of which is geared toward sharing, is full of plates from all around the world but with their own Tropez twist.

If you head in with a group, be sure to try the Mediterranean Sampler, a mix of hummus, tabbouleh, baba ganoush, and cucumber raita, and my two favorites—Jamon con Dates and Patatas Bravas. Where most places stuff the dates with almonds and wrap them in bacon, Tropez stuffs with smoked almonds and bleu cheese and wraps them with Serrano ham before cooking. In addition to being less greasy than the bacon-wrapped variety, these dates offer a perfect mix of sweet and salty with a slight crunch from the almond.

The Patatas Bravas seemed to be roasted, not fried, and the spicy tomato aioli sauce is not overly spicy.

When we went for brunch, we shared both the Eggs Benedict and the Organic Field Greens salad. Candied walnuts, goat cheese, and dried cranberries accompany the field greens, all tossed with a delicious pumpkin seed walnut vinaigrette.

The guests at the neighboring table enjoyed Nutella and Bacon Stuffed French Toast (with caramelized bananas) and Baklava Pancakes—buttermilk-walnut pancakes topped with pistachio streusel, whipped honey ricotta, and mint-infused maple syrup. I’d order either in a heartbeat.

Tropez has outdoor seating, and they offer numerous specials throughout the week. If you are looking for a global twist in your food, Tropez is one of the top restaurants to try in St. Petersburg.  They are closed on Mondays.

After experiencing Tropez’s global flavors, delve into more culinary treasures with our ‘ Best Restaurants in Downtown St Pete ‘ article, showcasing a variety of must-visit dining spots in the city center!

662 Central Avenue | 727-290-6211

Also located on Central Avenue in Downtown St. Pete, Maple Street Biscuit Company offers breakfast and lunch comfort foods in an unpretentious setting. Their namesake biscuits, made daily from all-natural ingredients, are light, flaky, and delicious.

Try their signature Squawking Goat, a biscuit sandwich topped with fried chicken, a fried goat cheese medallion, and homemade pepper jelly. I suggest having the jelly on the side, so your sandwich isn’t swimming in it.

The Chicken Club—fried chicken, bacon, lettuce, and tomato—and the Five-and-Dime—the club but with cheese and a fried egg topping it—both come with your choice of dressing.

The biscuits and gravy come with a choice of either their homemade sausage gravy or shiitake mushroom gravy, both of which have a bit of a kick. With any of their biscuits or bowls, you can add them aside. Try the Three Layer Cake, a hash-brown cake with Gouda cheese and topped with gravy and a fried egg.

None of this is diet food, but if you are trying to be calorie conscious, order one of their salads. My favorite is the Grazer, a combination of spinach, goat cheese, and strawberries with your choice of dressing. You can add protein to any salad for an extra charge.

You’ll order at the counter, and instead of giving you a number, they’ll ask a question of the day (Who is your favorite fictional character?). They’ll call out your answer (Minnie Mouse) when your food is ready.

Maple Street Biscuit Company is open only for breakfast and lunch, and hours vary by location.  If you are looking for a downtown St. Petersburg eatery, head to the Maple Street Biscuit for some amazing comfort food. Your taste buds will thank you!

2909 22nd Avenue N | 727-321-2400

Drive up to Mazzaro’s Italian Market, and you might think you’re in Sicily. 

As a go-to spot for everything Italian, Mazzaro’s offers fresh-baked bread and pastries, fresh meat and produce, cheese, handmade pasta, beer, wine, gourmet coffee, and more. But, stuck in the middle of the large market are their deli and coffee bar.

In addition to daily entrees, the deli offers twenty-seven different sandwiches, both hot and cold. Try the Hot (both in temperature and taste) Italian that features ham, pepperoni, salami, provolone, banana peppers, and lettuce on their own bread.

The other sandwiches that caught my attention were the Meatballs With Sauce and Provolone, the Eggplant Parmesan, and the Italian Roasted Pork.

On their ever-changing menu, Mazzaro’s also has a hot sandwich of the week, a panini of the day, and plenty of cold salads all at a reasonable price. Once you choose something to eat, head to their outdoor tables to enjoy your food.

But save room for dessert!  Stop at the bakery to pick up a cannoli, eclair, biscotti. or mini-pie as a sweet ending for your meal.

Mazzaro’s is open Monday through Saturday. Locals and tourists alike flock here, and it does get crowded. As it is one of the most popular restaurants, I recommend planning your visit accordingly.  For a taste of Italy, this is one of the best restaurants in St. Petersburg. 

199 Central Avenue | 727-565-4064

When it comes to pizza, I’m a bit of a snob. I like the crust to be thin but not see-through, chewy but not gummy, and flavorful, not bland. The sauce should taste more of tomato than garlic, and there should be enough of it and the toppings to enhance the crust. Oak & Stone ticks all the boxes.

Oak & Stone offers fifteen custom-craft pizzas that include everything from the Classic topped with sauce, cheese, and basil to the All The Way topped with sauce, sausage, pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, black olives, mozzarella, and Parmesan. They take a classic pepperoni pizza up a notch by topping it with both crispy and diced pepperoni.

If you want something a little different, try the Popeye, a classic pizza topped with spinach, roasted red peppers, ricotta, and prosciutto.

For something very different, order the Mac ’n Cheese, beer-cheese-covered crust topped with cavatappi pasta, bacon, caramelized onions, and a cheddar cheese blend.

Oak & Stone encourages guests to build their own pies, too. Start with the basic crust and mozzarella; you can choose your sauce (red, garlic, herbed oil) and add any number of toppings that include everything from a variety of cheeses, vegetables, and proteins.

For beer lovers, Oak & Stone features a self-serve brew wall where you can choose from more than twenty-five brews you pour by ounce, including craft beer. Get your RFID bracelet from your server (restrictions apply), cruise the 40+ selections on the brew wall, and pour.

Open daily, Oak & Stone has a $9 pizza, salad, and soft drink special. The restaurant also features daily happy hour from 2-6 pm ($2 off pizzas and 25% off the beer wall), and Ladies’ Night. Both indoor and outdoor dining is available! 

If your tastes run to pizza and beer, then Oak & Stone is the perfect spot to visit in St. Pete!

For a slice of the city’s best, take a look at our ‘ Best Pizza in St Pete ‘ article!

101 1st St SE  | 727-321-8855

When weekends arrive, we head down to the Saturday Morning Market at the Al Lang Stadium parking lot downtown.

In addition to the produce, food, craft, and artisan booths,  area restaurants, including Habana Cafe, and food trucks serve a variety of fresh, ready-to-eat meals.

While the market location can’t offer everything on the restaurant’s menu, what they do offer is some of the best Cuban food I’ve ever had.

The Pork Sandwich, full of slow-roasted pork covered with grilled onions and mojo sauce on Cuban bread melts in your mouth.

Try the Cuban Sandwich—sweet ham, roast pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard pressed on Cuban bread—or a side of black beans, spiced just right. The mojo sauce adds a lot of heat, so if you use it, use it sparingly.

I can’t wait to go to their brick-and-mortar location (5402 Gulfport Blvd. S) to try the Arroz con Pollo a la Chorrera (chicken cooked with Valencia rice in beer and wine) and their award-winning cheesecake flan.  For a Latin flair, this is one of the best restaurants in St. Pete!

190 37th Ave N | 727.898.8226

My son and daughter-in-law eat fresh and love to go out for brunch, so it follows that they took me to Ciccio for my birthday.  Almost hidden on the corner of a large, shopping plaza, the restaurant offers bowls, tacos, wraps, munchies, and pizzas that will appeal to almost all tastes at any hour of the day.

The Power Avocado—scrambled eggs, sautéed spinach, smashed avocado, and melted cheddar cheese on grilled sourdough—was light yet filling. I do think, however, that it needed a touch of protein to add a bit more flavor; perhaps crumbled bacon or grilled ham would infuse enough flavor.

If you want a kick of heat, try the Tex-Mex Bowl. Black beans, tomato, cheese, guacamole, chipotle sour cream, and crispy jalapeño slices top scrambled eggs.  If you aren’t in the mood for the bowl, try the Border Wrap, which has the same basic ingredients and chorizo in a wrap.

The Cali Bowl is a cooler option; with scrambled eggs, grilled chicken, crumbled bacon, and Swiss cheese, the Cali has a crown of homemade guacamole.  The California Club, accompanied by honey mustard dressing, is the wrap version of the Cali Bowl.

The next time I visit Ciccio Cali, I’m not going to eat for two days so I can try the San Fran Pretzel French Toast. As light as it may be, sweet cream cheese stuffed pretzel that is battered with egg, fried, and topped with whipped cream and strawberries has to have more calories than I need.

Ciccio Cali is open daily and has both indoor and outdoor seating. There are other locations in the Tampa Bay area, but make sure to visit this St. Petersburg restaurant.

183 2nd Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701, United States // +17278737964

Dive deep into the heart of St. Petersburg, and you’ll discover a gem – Sea Salt. The establishment’s impressive 22-foot wine tower is a testament to its expansive collection, promising a pairing for every discerning palate. 

Not to be overshadowed, the grandeur of its 80-foot raw bar is an unmistakable hint of the seafood spectacle that lies in wait.

Our culinary journey began with a tender octopus starter, graced with a punchy, tangy dressing that danced on our tongues. However, the true essence of the ocean was encapsulated in the Oysters. 

Their drinks menu? Think of it as an art exhibit where every cocktail is a masterpiece. Beyond mere mixing, the beverages tell tales, with every pour and stir reflecting the bartender’s finesse. They’re narratives you’ll want to savor. But besides their signature cocktails, we can’t forget to mention their extensive wine list.

The décor mirrors a maritime fantasy realm. Think of interiors with a refined touch, offset by the casual charm of open-air seating. Together, they create an atmosphere where sophistication meets relaxation.

The brilliance of Sea Salt lies not only in its mouthwatering menu but also in its commitment to excellence. Each dish is a tribute to fresh produce and culinary creativity. And when the final fork is set down, there’s a collective sense of gastronomic delight.

In the grand tapestry of St. Petersburg’s dining scene, Sea Salt is the perfect place for seafood lovers, with amazing seafood options that stand out from the rest!

Enjoy seafood? Find more marine delights in our ‘ Best Seafood in St Pete ‘ article!

Frequently Asked Questions

St. Petersburg, Florida, being part of the Tampa Bay area, shares some culinary fame with its neighbors. Here are a few dishes and foods associated with St. Petersburg and the broader Tampa Bay region: Cuban Sandwich, Grouper Sandwich, Stone Crab, Florida Orange Juice, Key Lime Pie, and Craft Beer .

St. Petersburg, Florida, is blessed with its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico, which means plenty of fresh seafood. Over the years, numerous seafood restaurants have gained popularity in the area. Some of the best local seafood restaurants in St. Pete are:

• Ceviche Tapas Bar and Restaurant
• Rocking Crab Seafood And Bar
• Fourth Street Shrimp Store

St. Petersburg offers a diverse culinary scene, from fresh seafood to Cuban, Spanish, Mediterranean, Southern, Asian, and modern new American cuisines, among others.

Yes, restaurants like BellaBrava, The Birchwood, Social Roost and Parkshore Grill offer more upscale dining experiences that set apart from the rest, with exquisite dishes and ambiance for a memorable fine-dining experience.

St. Petersburg boasts a beautiful waterfront that offers one of the best dining experiences, and many restaurants take advantage of the views. The Canopy Rooftop Lounge, 400 Beach Seafood & Tap House, and The Wharf are among the popular choices for those seeking a meal with a view.

Absolutely! St. Petersburg, Florida, is home to a plethora of family-owned and operated restaurants, reflecting the diverse and rich culinary landscape of the city.

Check out some of my other guides for this foodie haven:

• Things To Do In St Petersburg
• Sushi in St Pete
• Pier Restaurants in St Pete
• Oyster Bars In St Pete

While in St. Petersburg don’t miss out on activities that will help immerse yourself with the city (hurry while they’re hot!):

• Clearwater: Eco-Certified Marine Aquarium General Admission
• Tampa: Busch Gardens Tampa Bay Ticket & Multi-Park Options
• Tampa Bay CityPASS®: Save 54% at 5 Top Attractions
• St. Petersburg: 3-Hour Amazing Scavenger Hunt Adventure

Chris finds being a travel writer the perfect job since it allows her to see the world and work from wherever she is.  She’s visited three continents, 44 states, 35 countries, and more than 850 cities. Chris specializes in writing about the food, culture, and history of the destinations she visits. As a new Italian citizen, Chris writes about her extensive travels there. Chris is a member of the International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA), North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA), Travel Massive, TravMedia, Phi Kappa Phi, and Nonfiction Authors Association.

Christine Cutler is a writer, photographer, editor, guide, teacher, traveler, Ohio native, Nevada resident, and world citizen. She lives in Las Vegas with her husband and crazy Welsh Terrier, but she can’t sit still very long. In addition to maintaining her own websites  Cold Pasta and Red Wine  and  Christine Cutler , she is executive editor of Food, Wine, Travel Magazine and teaches special grammar and writing classes for UNLV.

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Saturday 6th of November 2021

Thank you for writing this article, now I have a few more restaurants I look forward to trying for the first time! I’m so surprised your article did not mention Noble Crust. If you haven’t had the pleasure of eating there, you are totally missing out on a delicious treat!

Johnny yates

Wednesday 3rd of November 2021

Should have put Red Mesa Restaurant on the list for sure! Have been eating there since I was in highschool! Great place wins awards for best restraunt every other year it seems like plus great food and drinks...those also win some kinda award around the bay like best Sangria or best margarita others include best burrito and best tex-mex...there chef inspired menus are the most authentic Southwest fusion around the bay!! Not to be confused with Red Mesa Cantina which is downtown, there sister location bar/grill/venue....also same chef and beautiful aosphere....but you gotta try Red Mesa the original Red Mesa on 4th street north. Quite exquisite!!!

Lori McDermott

Sunday 17th of October 2021

I'm shocked that Brick & Mortar wasn't listed here! Their culinary delights are what dreams are made of! If you are a serious Foodie, this should be your haunt! Call for reservations because you won't get in without them. Pure joy here!

george pumkkin

Wednesday 6th of October 2021

eh, ALL of them.

Monday 4th of October 2021

Once I got to the Oak and Stone I knew you had to have gotten paid by these places to make these recommendations. If you truly believe these are some of the best restaurants in St Pete I don’t believe I’d like to go to dinner with you. You must also be getting a cut from some of the area’s cardiac surgeons and hospitals. Very few of your recommendations served healthy food. Thanks, but no thanks.

I've never been paid by a restaurant to have them placed on a list and to falsely say so is both slanderous and libel. If you don't find the choices to be health focused you might notice the title isn't "8 Best Healthy Restaurants in St. Petersburg"...

Did you know we do catering?

Whatever your occasion, however big or small, we have the perfect options to choose from..

Cater your birthday party, holiday party, corporate events, wedding festivities and more!

Order your favorite dishes in seconds!

Great Sandwiches - We're known for our amazing sandwiches. Which is your favorite?

Craft Beer - We have an awesome craft beer selection! Come by and see what's on tap today!

Private Parties - Host your next party or get together

map marker pin 27 4th Street North, St. Petersburg, FL 33701

The Galley offers a family environment with a welcoming sense of community. As a Florida themed Pub, we pride ourselves on providing an authentic local experience with quality and consistency while keeping the ingredients and entertainment fun and fresh!

Our Menu food

Pete Boland and Ian Taylor have taken over 27 4th St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 with their new restaurant and bar, "The Galley".

Pete and Ian are both native locals to St. Pete, and they are a small minority of bar owners that can say that. This is part of their inspiration for their new “neighborhood bar” owned by the local boys that grew up here and that everyone knows.

Read More about us

Great food & entertainment

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Review by - Yelp

This place is absolutely incredible. It was 2:30am and they were serving gourmet food! I was absolutely shocked by the customer service and the incredible food...

Great atmosphere. I was happy to grab the Buffalo tofu sandwich with vegan ranch. Enjoyed the live music by Taylor. Will definitely come back.

Stephanie C:

Excellent Cuban sandwich, grilled cheese, and Buffalo cauliflower were all great. Very friendly staff and reasonable prices.

Great food and service 2nd time around! Great drinks and sweet bartenders. Will definitely take pics next time. Still learning about downtown St Pete restaurants after moving from S Tampa and so close to Jannus Landing concert venue!

Love love love! Stopped in with our local friends and picked up a lunch special and a HUGE pretzel. Lunch special was a perfectly toasted Cuban sandwich and a side of potato salad...

Find us on...

(727)-575-7071

[email protected]

Hello! I'm Tori.

Tori Pines Travels

creating action-packed and culture rich vacations

Florida , Food , USA · October 31, 2023

Local’s Guide: 23 Best Restaurants in Downtown St. Pete, FL

Last Updated on March 26, 2024 by Tori Pines

St. Petersburg, FL is a foodie’s paradise. The restaurant scene here is unmatched; you find a new incredible restaurant at every turn. You’ll never even think of eating at a boring chain restaurant with all of the options for the best restaurants in downtown St. Pete!

We lived right in downtown for many years and were spoiled with the number of locally owned, gourmet restaurants within walking or biking distance. We loved trying new places and enjoyed everything from Mexican to Asian, fancy to hole-in-the-walls. And after all of that stuffing my face…I mean research…I’ve come up with a list of the best restaurants in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida.

There are so many great options that it’s honestly hard to narrow it down. And, there’s tons outside of downtown that I couldn’t include! But ultimately I made the list of the 21 best spots that you should check out. And while you’re exploring the foodie scene, check out the best bars in St. Pete too!

This post may contain affiliate links for activities, destinations and products that I love, and think you will too!

Map of the Best Restaurants in Downtown St. Pete

Table of Contents

2. trophy fish.

• 3. Mazzaro’s Italian Market

4. Pacific Counter

5. bellabrava, 6. il ritorno, 7. old northeast pizza, 8. hawkers street food, 9. buya ramen, 10. red mesa restaurant, 11. red mesa cantina, 12. red mesa mercado, 13. grand hacienda, 15. the avenue dtsp.

• 16. Oak & Stone
• 17. Doc Ford’s
• 19. Trip’s Diner

20. The Wooden Rooster

21. maple street biscuit company, 22. the yard milkshake bar, 23. paciugo gelato.

My All Time Favorite Restaurants in Downtown St. Pete

Here are my all time favorite restaurants in downtown St. Pete. These are the ones we’ve visited over and over, and the ones we crave while we are gone!

This is hands-down my favorite restaurant in downtown St. Pete. Ceviche is a tapas restaurant located right on Beach Drive in the heart of downtown. They moved to this larger location in 2021 and were able to expand seating and the menu.

The menu is what you would expect from a tapas restaurant. For those who aren’t familiar, tapas are small plates in Spanish cuisine. This is the perfect style of food for those who like to try a bunch of different dishes. So order several for the table and share!

The tapas here at Ceviche are always delicious and perfectly made. The drinks are delicious; you can find a typical glass of sangria or a unique cocktail like the “Spanglish”. And they have a full wine menu as well. But on top of the great food and drinks, the ambiance is perfect and the service is always great.

Address: 332 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Hours: Mon – Thurs: 11:00am – 10:00pm Fri & Sat: 11am – 11:00pm Sun: 11:00am – 9:00pm Website: ceviche.com Price: $$ Best Dishes: Casa Ceviche, Patatas Bravas, Pollo al Jerez

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Fish House & Boat Drinks (@eattrophyfish)

Another must-visit in downtown St. Pete is Trophy Fish. We adore this restaurant and have been so many times because the food is just that good! The whole reason to come here is for the seafood. It’s all incredibly fresh and the majority of the menu is based around their fresh catches of the day. It changes depending on what they can get fresh!

They’ve got a long list of appetizers including hush puppies, fish spread, peel and eat shrimp and ceviche. But for dinner you’ll want to pick one of the fresh catches, and then you pick the seasoning, sides and sauce.

Have someone in your group who doesn’t like seafood? They do have chicken as an option for the entree, salad or sandwich instead. So while this is only one of the best restaurants in downtown St. Pete, if you don’t like seafood, you can get by here without it.

The style here is super unique because you order at the window and they bring the food out to your table. So it seems like it would be super casual, but the vibes here are everything. You enter in between massive bushes; it has secret garden vibes.

It’s so classy that it feels like a finer dining style place. The bar is huge and always hoppin’ and they often have live music on the weekends. Do note: this place is 100% outside, so be sure to visit when the weather’s nice!

Address: 2060 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33712 Hours: Mon & Tues: Closed Wed & Thurs: 5pm -10pm Fri: 4pm -10pm Sat & Sun: 12pm -10pm Website: trophyfish.com Price: $$ Best Dish: Hush Puppies, Blackened Fresh Catch, Fish Tacos

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3. Mazzaro’s Italian Market

Rated #1 on TripAdvisor for many many years (they’ve since been beat out by Doc Ford’s which is a travesty) Mazzaro’s Italian Market is one of the best restaurants in downtown St. Pete for its incredible casual food and massive Italian Market!

We just so happened to live just a few blocks from the market for many years which was so dangerous because this place is seriously the best!! This place has everything; produce, meat and seafood, dry goods, fancy cheeses, tons of wine and more. And the fresh made pasta…it’s the best. There’s also lots of prepared meals to make dinner easy.

And then there’s the restaurant portion. The main deli counter serves primarily fresh made sandwiches along with some hot food too. And there’s tons of cold salad options as your side. There’s a coffee bar that serves fresh pastries, homemade gelato, and espresso, and a large covered patio to sit and enjoy your Italian lunch. This place has it all!

Address: 2909 22nd Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33713 Hours: Mon-Fri: 9am – 5pm Sat: 9am – 2:30pm Sun: Closed Website: mazzarosmarket.com Price: $ Best Dish: Hot Italian, Grilled Caprese, Gelato and any of the fresh pastas

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pacific Counter | POKE, HOT DOGS, BOBA + MORE (@pacific_counter)

When you’re on the hunt for the next best restaurant in downtown St. Pete, you’ve gotta check out Pacific Counter. This place is like a slice of Hawaii right here in the Sunshine State, and I could eat there every single day. I actually fell in love with them at the Tampa Bay Rays games; they’ve got a stand there but the main storefront is right on Central Ave.

Pacific Counter serves up poke bowls that are just out-of-this-world good. I’m hoping you’ve had a poke bowl before, but if they’re basically sushi rice topped with a protein – usually raw fish – but they also have cooked shrimp or chicken, or you can do veggie! And then you can pick any of the toppings you want including edamame, corn, carrots, slaw and more. Then pick your favorite sauce like spicy mayo or teriyaki to drizzle across the top!  They’ve also got sushi burritos if you prefer that style instead!

What’s great is that you can totally customize your own bowl, which is perfect for those action-packed vacays when you need something quick, healthy, and yummy. Plus, the vibe there is super chill, and the staff is all smiles. After a day of exploring St. Pete, it’s the perfect place to kick back and refuel without having to dress up.

Address: 660 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Hours: Mon – Sun: 11am – 9pm Website: pacificcounter.com Price: $ Best Dish: BYO Bowl, or the O.G.

Best Italian Restaurants in Downtown St. Pete

Clearly Mazzaro’s Italian Market would be on this list if it weren’t for being in my top 4. But here’s some other amazing Italian spots in Downtown St. Pete!

I might be a tad bit biased because I used to work here, but BellaBrava is the all around best Italian restaurant in downtown St. Pete. The menu is definitely more American-Italian style, with things like Caesar Salad and Chicken Parm, but there are some more authentic options including Beef Carpaccio and Black Truffle Pasta. But I will say, the wood-fired pizza is incredible!

While the menu has changed slightly since I’ve worked there, most of the dishes remain the same. And I have eaten them all a zillion times, and still crave them often. The food is all delicious, and super consistent and reliable, you never have to worry about having a one-off bad experience.

The cherry on top is the awesome location! Sitting directly on Beach Drive at the corner one block from the new(ish) St. Pete Pier, you honestly can’t find a better spot! The ambiance is nice without being stuffy. Dress up if you’d like but jeans and a nice top are completely acceptable here too.

Address: 204 Beach Dr NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Hours: Sun-Thurs: 11:30am-10pm Fri & Sat: 11:30am-11pm Website: bellabravastpete.com Price: $$ Best Dish: Beef Carpaccio, Crostata, Prosciutto & Burrata Pizza

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A super popular spot for fine dining at its best is Il Ritorno tucked into the row of restaurants on Central Avenue. They consider themselves “Modern Italian” and they definitely are. The dishes are expensive, but the quality and creativity match the price.

Their menu is seasonal and changes often to match the produce available. I love how unique the dishes are; you won’t find the typical spaghetti and meatballs here, which is a huge plus in my opinion. It’s no secret that I love Italy, so the more authentic the Italian food, the better. And you’ll definitely find that here!

So if you’re celebrating a special occasion, or just looking to splurge, then Il Ritorno is your place!

Address: 449 Central Ave N #101st, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Hours: Sun: Closed Mon-Thurs: 5pm-9:30pm Fri & Sat: 5pm-10:30pm Website: ilritornodowntown.com Price: $$$ Best Dish: The seasonal tasting menu!

When you’re looking for the best pizza restaurants in downtown St. Petersburg, look no further than Old Northeast Pizza. You know it’s good when they only accept cash and are tucked away on a corner of the fanciest and most charming neighborhood in the city. Just a few minutes north of the main strip, Old Northeast is close to everything while still being a hidden gem.

They make New York style pizza just the way you like it. Cheesy and greasy and extra delicious. Finding good pizza can be hard but this is your place! They’ve also got a variety of other items on the menu including salads, hot and cold subs and wings!

Address: 718 2nd St N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Hours: Sun-Thurs: 11am – 10pm Fri & Sat: 11am-12am Website: oldnortheastpizza.com Price: $ Best Dish: Pepperoni & Banana Pepper Pizza, Hot Italian Sub and the Antipasto Salad

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Best Asian Restaurants in Downtown St. Pete

St. Pete is not necessarily known for their Asian cuisine, however there are a few gems! Here’s my favorite Asian restaurants in downtown St. Pete (in addition to Pacific Counter listed above).

Now this one is a small chain, but I can’t not include Hawkers on this list of the best restaurants in downtown St. Pete. It’s one of my favorites and I eat here a lot.

There’s a total of 15 locations throughout the southeast, so it’s not a massive chain and still feels like a small authentic spot. It’s located on Central Ave just one block from Tropicana Field; a great spot to stop in before or after the game!

The menu is all about small plates that are super authentic to cuisines all around Asia. There’s everything from Bao Buns to Pad Thai, fried rice to dumplings. While the menu offers a huge variety of Asian cuisine, you can honestly just close your eyes and point to the menu and love whatever you get. I’ve never had a bad meal there.

Oh and the bar? It’s just as good. They’ve got tons of creative and delicious cocktails and a variety of interesting beer and wine choices. Enough said, head to Hawkers as fast as you can.

Address: 1235 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33705 Hours: Sun-Thurs: 11am-10pm Fri & Sat: 11am-11pm Website: eathawkers.com/locations/st-petersburg/   Price: $$ Best Dish: Chow Faan, Yaki Udon, Chinese BBQ Pork Baos

A super solid Asian spot in town is Buya Ramen, located right on Central Ave. The vibes are perfect, casual but with cute Japanese decor. The ramen here is top notch, and we love us some good noodle bowls!

We used to visit this spot a lot for lunch, but they’re open for dinner too. The menu is super small, but a great ramen spot doesn’t need a huge menu. There’s a few bowls that they do really well and some Japanese appetizer options to share.

If you’re not a fan of ramen, then you’ve probably never had good ramen. So give Buya Ramen a try today and learn what delicious Asian noodle bowls are all about!

Address: 911 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33705 Hours: Mon: Closed Tue-Thurs: 12pm-9pm Fri-Sun: 12pm-10pm Website: www.buyarestaurants.com/buya-ramen-st-petersburg.html Price: $$ Best Dish: Braised Short Rib Ramen, Seaweed Salad, Bao Buns

Best Mexican Restaurants in Downtown St. Pete

My husband Austin and I are a little bit addicted to Mexican food. We could probably eat it seven days a week, and some weeks we probably do. But because of this we can be pretty picky about our Mexican food! So here’s our favorite Mexican (and Latin) spots in town.

Red Mesa is a fabulous trio (actually there’s a food truck too) of Mexican restaurants in downtown St. Pete. Their flagship, Red Mesa Restaurant, is actually located a little north of downtown and is the most traditional of the three. You’ll find tacos, enchiladas and burritos on the menu along with a longer list of more unique entrees.

The atmosphere is pretty basic, but the food is delicious.

Address: 4912 4th St. N. St. Pete, FL 33703 Hours: Mon-Thurs: 11am-9pm Fri: 11am-10pm Sat: 10:30-10pm Sun: 10:30am-9pm Website: redmesarestaurant.com Price: $$ Best Dish: Pork Carnitas, Dip Trio

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The second restaurant they opened was Red Mesa Cantina. A Mexican restaurant with Latin and Caribbean influence, it makes for a really fun menu full of ceviches, tacos and small plates.

Red Mesa Cantina is THE place to meet up with friends for dinner. The food is always delicious, and the ambiance is awesome. Either inside or outside, it’s a fun time no matter where you sit.

The lunch and dinner food is great, but they’ve got an awesome weekend brunch menu too including Huevos Rancheros, Breakfast Quesadilla and Ricotta Pancakes…Yum!!!

Oh and don’t forget the bar. Like I said this is a great place to hang with friends and that usually means a margarita or two as well. They’ve got over 10 different flavors to try including some seasonal options! Did I mention pumpkin spice…?!

Address: 128 3rd St. S., St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Hours: Mon-Thurs: 11am-10pm Fri & Sat: 11am-11pm Sun: 11am-9pm Website: redmesacantina.com   Price: $$ Best Dish: Baja Fish Tacos, Barbacoa Burrito, Tuna Ceviche and Esquites

I must admit, Mercado is my favorite of the three and it is by far the most casual. You walk up to a window to place your order then sit at a table on their patio as you wait for your name to be called. They mainly focus on handhelds here, like burritos and quesadillas, but they do them well.

The food is always outstanding, no matter what you order. And they always have a special burrito so it’s fun to try the new creations! I love the burritos but you really can’t go wrong.

It’s located right on Central Ave just a few steps from Tropicana Field and some of the other great spots on this list!

Address: 1100 1st Ave N. St. Petersburg, FL 33705 Hours: Mon–Thu: 9:00 am – 9:00 pm Fri–Sat: 9:00 am – 10:00 pm Sun: 9:00 am – 9:00 pm Website: redmesamercado.com   Price: $ Best Dish: Carnitas Burrito, Cali Burrito, Quesabirria

Located on 4th Street is another popular Mexican restaurant in downtown St. Pete called Grand Hacienda. What caught my eye at first is the gorgeous decor on the outside of the building. It makes the place look super fancy and enticing.

The food is great and the menu is a pretty typical Mexican menu. There’s a few fun additions like ceviche and birria tacos that you don’t see at any average Mexican restaurant.

Address: 399 11th Ave N, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Hours: Mon – Thur: 11:00am – 9:00pm Fri: 11:00am – 10:00pm Sat: 9:00am – 10:00pm Sun: 9:00am – 9:00pm Website: grandhaciendarestaurant.com/st-petersburg-restaurant   Price: $$ Best Dish: Queso Fundido, Pollo Campero, Birria Tacos

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Easily one of the most well-known spots in downtown St. Pete, Bodega is famous for their Cuban sandwich. The menu is “Inspired by the islands of Latin America”, and includes other sandwiches, salads and plates. So while definitely not Mexican, I am including it here just so it has a place on this list!

What used to be a small, order-at-the-window type of place has now expanded to a full-fledged restaurant purely due to popular demand. This place is always busy, and for good reason. The food is delicious!

Address: 1180 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, Florida 33705 Hours: Sun – Wed: 11am to 9pm Thur – Sat: 11am to 11pm Website: eatatbodega.com   Price: $ Best Dish: Cuban Sandwich, Lechon Plate

Best Restaurants in Downtown St. Pete For the Experience

Now the food is always important when you are selecting where to eat, but sometimes the experience is why you go. Here’s some of my favorite restaurants in downtown St. Pete that I love mostly for the experience and they also have good food.

One of the restaurants in downtown St. Pete that we frequented the most was The Avenue. It’s located on 1st Ave close to many other popular spots in the city and is a super popular spot in town. It’s a pretty typical American sports bar type of place with good food! You can’t go wrong at a place like this.

But we went for trivia night! Tuesdays at 7pm you’ll find trivia happening in the back section of the restaurant and it’s always a good time. Gather up a group of friends and do your best to win a giftcard to the restaurant. It’s an inside/outside space so you can even bring your pups to hang with you.

Address: 330 1st Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Hours: Mon – Thurs: 5pm – 11pm Fri – Sat: 11am – 3am Sun:  11am – 11pm Website: www.theavenuedtsp.com   Price: $$ Best Dish: Fried Pickles, Basic Chick (buffalo wrap), Smoke Stack

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16. Oak & Stone

This is the place for the beer-lover. Okay in all honesty I’m actually not a big beer fan, but I do like cider and they’ve got that too!

Oak & Stone is an American restaurant with a self-serve beer wall! If you’ve never been to a place with a self-serve beer wall then you must check out Oak & Stone. It’s easily the best of the restaurants in downtown St. Pete for the experience!

With over 50 beers to choose from, you tap your wristband and pour however much beer you want! Want a full glass? Go for it. Want to just sample a whole bunch? That’s cool too! It’s so much fun and also gives you the opportunity to try tons of local beers.

The food? It’s actually surprisingly delicious. For a fun place like this I sometimes expect the food to be less than exciting, but Oak & Stone has it all. They’re known for their pizzas, but have great apps, wings and sandwiches too!

Address: 199 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Hours: Sun: 10am – 11pm Mon – Thurs: 11am – 11pm Fri: 11am – 12am Sat: 10am – 12am Website: oakandstone.com/location/downtown-st-petersburg   Price: $$ Best Dish: The Farmer & Pig Pizza, Crispy Grouper BLT, Bourbon Sticky Wings

17. Doc Ford’s

As I mentioned earlier, Doc Ford’s entered St. Pete just a few years ago and immediately took over the #1 spot on TripAdvisor, and they haven’t given up the spot since. The new St. Pete Pier opened back in 2020 and with it came several new restaurants, Doc Ford’s being one of them. It’s located about half-way down the pier with beautiful waterfront views and in the heart of all the action.

The menu is typical Florida, seafood-heavy menu. Sure, there’s a few non-seafood dishes, but that’s not why you come here. You either want the shrimp tacos, or the mojitos…or both if you’re smart!

The place is always packed. So make a reservation and enjoy the views of Tampa Bay and the beautiful St. Pete skyline.

Address: 610 2nd Ave NE, St. Pete, FL 33701 Hours: Everyday: 11am – 10pm Website: www.docfords.com   Price: $$ Best Dish: Conch Chowder, Yucatan Shrimp Tacos, Macadamia Nut Crusted Grouper

The Best Breakfast/Brunch Restaurants in Downtown St. Pete

The most important meal of the day requires some amazing restaurants too! I am a bigggg fan of a delicious breakfast so I take this very seriously. Here’s my favorites.

Another well-known spot on the ever beautiful Beach Drive, Cassis sits on the corner across from BellaBrava. It’s a busy spot and is well-loved by locals. It’s a French Restaurant that’s fairly upscale, but nothing too boujee. And while they do serve dinner here, quite frankly it’s not my favorite. But the brunch is perfection.

Any time you need a spot to meet your girlfriends for brunch, head to Cassis. Grabbing breakfast with mom? Go to Cassis. Even a work lunch, Cassis is the place!

The ambiance is perfect. Sit inside where it’s decorated super cute, or better yet sit outside (so long as it’s not brutally hot) and enjoy the salt air and people watching.

The brunch menu is awesome, exactly what you want in a brunch menu. There are omelets, breakfast sandwiches, french toast, avocado toast, granola bowl…I could honestly go on and on. And the best part? It’s all absolutely delicious!!! This is the spot for brunch so run to Cassis tomorrow morning!

Address: 170 Beach Dr NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Hours: Mon – Wed: 11am – 12am Thurs: 11am – 1am Fri & Sat: 8am – 1am Sun: 8am – 12am Website: cassisstpete.com   Price: $$ Best Dish: Croissant Sandwich, Brioche French Toast, Bananas Foster Pancakes, Ham & Cheese Quiche

19. Trip’s Diner

Trip’s Diner is a classic spot in downtown St. Pete. It’s the typical diner style spot in all the best ways. We used to go here all the time. It was delicious, but it also just so happened to be two blocks from our house…doesn’t get better than that!

But be warned if you come for breakfast there will likely be a wait, especially on the weekends. And that’s always a great sign that the food is delicious, but the place is kind of small for the popularity. So get here early to get a seat and enjoy a classic diner breakfast!

Address: 2339 Martin Luther King Jr St N., St. Petersburg, FL 33704 Hours: Mon – Fri: 7 am – 9 pm Sat: 7 am – 9 pm Sun: 7 am – 3 pm Website: tripsdiner.com   Price: $ Best Dish: Burrito Buster, Hubcakes, Loaded Home Fries

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If you’re looking for a delicious breakfast with a prime location, then look no further than The Wooden Rooster. It’s one of the best restaurants in downtown St. Pete and sits right off Beach Drive. The menu is unique in that it consists of three things, crepes, sandwiches and salads. Clearly the salad part is more of a lunch item, but the crepes and breakfast sandwiches make for some incredible breakfast options. Oh yeah, and they’ve got dessert crepes too…yum.

They have a great variety of filling options including tons of pre-made ones and a build-your-own option. I love a good breakfast sandwich but any menu that has a crepe on it is hard for me to pass up.

The restaurant focuses on sourcing fresh seasonal ingredients from local farmers. And they do have an awesome variety of fresh options! We have always loved our breakfast here and highly recommend it for a quick and delicious breakfast spot in downtown St. Pete!

Address: 104 2nd Ave NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Hours: Everyday 7am-7pm Website: thewoodenrooster.com   Price: $ Best Dish: Berrylicious, Skinny Goat, Bananella

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Yet another solid option for breakfast restaurants in downtown St. Pete is Maple Street Biscuit Company. Sure, they’re a chain, but for good reason, they make a darn good breakfast!

Head here for any and all types of biscuit sandwiches. Sweet, savory, simple and wild, they’ve got it all. The biscuits are yummy but the unique combos of fillings are even yummier! They’re fork and knife kind of sandwiches, it doesn’t get better than that!

They’re also located on Central, along with many of the other best restaurants in downtown St. Pete, so spend the day here and eat your heart out!

Address: 662 Central Ave, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Hours: Every Day 7am-2pm Website: www.maplestreetbiscuits.com   Price: $$ Best Dish: The Squaking Goat, The Sticky Maple, The Five & Dime

Best Dessert Restaurants in Downtown St. Pete

Okay I was kidding earlier when I said breakfast was the most important meal of the day. We all know dessert actually is the most important meal of the day. These are my two favorite spots that would should check out!

Located in the heart of downtown St. Pete, The Yard is a fairly new spot, and oh-so-delicious. Just look at those milkshakes piled high!!

The menu? It’s a mile long!! There’s endless milkshakes, cups, cones, pops and more to choose from, there’s something for everyone. But you might want to share, because these things are huge. And be prepared for a hefty price tag, these shakes are $17 a piece!

Address: 111 2nd Ave NE, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Hours: Sun-Thurs: 12:00pm-10:00pm Fri & Sat: 12:00pm-11:00pm Website: www.theyardmilkshakebar.com Price: $$ Best Dish: Milk & Cookies, Peanut Butter Brownie Bliss, Old School Banana Split

An absolute staple, and the perfect end to every day includes a visit to Paciugo Gelato. It’s located right in the thick of things on Beach Drive and is the perfect stop after dinner at any of these water-front destinations.

The gelato is delicious and they always have a plethora of great flavors to choose from. There’s something about getting a cup of ice cream at the end of date night and strolling along Beach Drive in the warm St. Pete evenings. It has such special memories for us, and should for you too.

Address: 300 Beach Dr NE #120, St. Petersburg, FL 33701 Hours: Mon – Thurs: 12:00pm – 10:00pm Fri: 12:00pm – 11:00pm Sat: 11:00am – 11:00pm Sun: 11:00am – 10:00pm Website: paciugostpete.com   Price: $ Best Dish: Bacio, Cannoli, Pistachio, Affogato

With so many wonderful restaurants in Downtown St. Pete, you’ll need to stay a while. Or just come back as often as you can. Try as many of these amazing spots and you’ll understand just why we loved our sweet little city of St. Pete. The food is out of this world.

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I'm Tori, a dreamer with a cup that is always half full. I believe in having the best vacations possible, and I'm here to help. Check back each week for travel tips and inspiration.

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