By Kelly Rouse
The Gulf Coast may be known in culinary circles for its amazing seafood, but we are also fortunate to have many incredible steakhouses in our area. A steakhouse is a restaurant that primarily specializes in serving various cuts of beef, cooked to order. They often offer a range of steak options, such as ribeye, filet mignon, sirloin, and porterhouse, cooked to customers’ preferred level of doneness. Steakhouse menus typically include side dishes like mashed potatoes, vegetables, and salads, along with a selection of sauces and toppings to complement the steaks. The ambiance of a steakhouse is usually cozy and upscale, making it a popular choice for special occasions. But why wait for a celebration? Any visit to one of these top-rated establishments will provide an evening to remember.
FORTU
Fortu is a Pan-Asian steakhouse, and it was an extraordinary dining experience. From the moment we stepped inside, we were enveloped in an atmosphere of elegance and sophistication, with sleek décor and ambient lighting setting the stage for an unforgettable evening. The menu was a fusion of flavors, offering a tantalizing array of Izakaya and Pan-Asian inspired dishes alongside premium cuts of beef from both Japan and Australia. We opted for the tasty, charred Wagyu wonton tacos to start. For my entrée, I chose the 8oz prime filet, and it was a revelation of tenderness and flavor, perfectly complemented by the accompanying peppercorn cream sauce. The service was exceptional, with attentive staff providing personalized recommendations and ensuring that every aspect of our dining experience was flawless. The curated sake selection was impressive, and the cocktail menu was inventive, offering unique concoctions that perfectly complemented the bold flavors of the cuisine. To top off our evening, our server treated us to a delectable Ube cheesecake, as he’d heard we were celebrating a birthday. Overall, Fortu surpassed my expectations and left me eager to return.
www.forturestaurants.com
Tues.-Thurs. 5-10pm, Fri.-Sat. 5-11pm,
Sun. 10am-10pm, Closed Mondays.
SAUVIGNON WINE LOCKER & AMERICAN TRATTORIA
Chris Ciarcia is a resident of St. Petersburg and level two Certified Sommelier in the American Court of Sommeliers. Sauvignon Wine Locker & American Trattoria was his longtime dream. As described on their website: “Sauvignon means savage in French. Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc are savage grapes and are the inspiration behind our restaurant name.” At Sauvignon, you will find a knowledgeable staff and indulge in a culinary journey where prime cuts of beef are meticulously selected and expertly prepared to perfection. Or choose from their delicious menu of house made pastas. Immerse yourself in an elegant ambiance and enjoy a glass or bottle of wine from their extensive and eclectic selection, enjoying the view of Central Avenue from their lovely balcony seating. At Sauvignon, you will experience the epitome of fine dining.
www.sauvignonstpete.com
Tues.-Thurs. 4-10pm, Friday 4-11pm,
Sat. 11am-11pm, Sun. 10:30am-9pm, Closed Mondays.
ROCOCO STEAK
Rococo expertly provides a “modern take on steak.” They have a reimagined interpretation of the American steakhouse, offering a wide variety of inspired menu items and flavors in an historic 1920s YWCA building. Dining at Rococo is an unforgettable experience from start to finish. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with warm hospitality and ushered into a sophisticated ambiance that set the tone for the evening. The menu offered an impressive selection of premium cuts of beef, each expertly cooked to perfection. Not in the mood for steak? They offer several fish options as well as duck, pork chops and New Zealand Elk. There are many side options, from the creamed spinach to roasted mushrooms and parmesan truffle fries. The service is impeccable, with our server providing excellent recommendations and ensuring that every need was met. The wine list is vast and varied, offering the perfect pairing for our meal. They are a Wine Spectator “Best of Award of Excellence” winner nine years running. Enjoy a meal at Rococo Steak and you will find there is a reason that they have had a loyal following since their opening in 2013.
www.rococosteak.com
Mon.-Thurs. 4-10pm, Fri.-Sat. 4-11pm,
Sun. 4-9pm.
1200 CHOPHOUSE
Answering the call for a top-notch steakhouse on the beach side, chef/owner, Dan Casey, Chicago native, opened 1200 Chophouse in St. Pete Beach in 2013. And they’ve been getting rave reviews ever since! Their upscale comfortable ambiance along with taste bud delighting dinners that are reasonably priced keep diners coming back. Steaks are seared sealing in succulent flavor at 1200 degrees–which inspired the restaurant’s name. Specialties range from the Twin Filet Mignon Oscar and juicy New York strip to the Bone-In “Tomahawk” Ribeye and Porterhouse for two. The service is friendly and will happily help you pair a wine with your meal to enhance your dining experience. They also have a VIP Rewards Club, and you will want to be a member!
www.1200chophouse.com
Mon.-Sun. 5-10pm.
82 DEGREES BAR & GRILL
Taking their name from the average daily temperature in St. Pete Beach, 82 Degrees Bar & Grill serves up paradise. Gaze out over the Gulf of Mexico and watch the sunset while you savor their light bites menu at happy hour or enjoy a leisurely dinner. If you’re seeking a great steak, there are terrific options “From the Butcher.” For those craving seafood, chicken, pork or pasta, there are “Chef Specials” which include a fantastic Creole Grouper, along with seasonal specials. With alfresco dining available along with live music, you can sip your craft cocktail, fine wine, or local craft beer while enjoying the Gulf breeze. They also offer brunch, featuring a “Beach Benedict” with crab cakes and “Filet & Eggs” with truffle mushroom sauce. Is your mouth-watering yet?
www.Eatat82.com
Brunch 10am-3pm daily. Happy hour 3-5pm daily. Dinner 5-9:30pm daily.