Kevin Godbee and Lori Brown are the force behind StPetersburgFoodies.com. They’re the hosts of the St. Petersburg Foodies podcast; they’ve got lots of dedicated fans on social media; and their Facebook group, St. Petersburg Foodies Restaurant Reviews, boasts more than 14,000 followers.
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Brown says that in the last few years, St. Petersburg has developed enough of a food scene to merit the attention.
"It's grown so much over the last 10 years," Brown says. "I've lived there nine years, and I can't believe the growth. We had hardly any restaurants back then. And now we have amazing chefs -- James Beard nominated chefs, right here in town. St. Petersburg just deserves that recognition."
When asked about their picks for must-visit restaurants, Brown said her No. 1 choice is Il Ritorno, where the kitchen is helmed by Chef David Benstock.
"I love Chef David's take on everything he does there," she said. "I've never had a bad meal there. And it's just an exceptional restaurant."
Brown and Godbee gave several more recommendations for downtown or beachside restaurants on this episode of The Zest podcast.
The two also organized the St. Petersburg Foodies Restaurant awards this year, chosen by their readers and listeners.
St. Petersburg Foodies Restaurant Awards Winners:
Best Downtown
Brick & Mortar - Kitchen & Wine Bar
Best Gulfport
Pia's Trattoria
Best North St. Pete
Noble Crust
Best St. Pete Beach
Sola Bistro & Wine Bar
Best Italian
Gratzzi Italian Grille
Best Mexican
VIP Mexican Restaurant & Lounge
Best Seafood
Alto Mare Fish Bar
Best Steakhouse
Beau & Mo's Italian Steakhouse
Best Sushi
The Lure
Best Pizza
Pizza Box
Best New Restaurant
Sophia's Cucina + Enoteca
Best Fast Casual Restaurant
Bodega on Central
Best Casual Restaurant
Noble Crust
Best Upscale Restaurant
Il Ritorno
Best Overall Restaurant
Beau & Mo's Italian Steakhouse
