Is your usual takeout go-to not hitting the spot anymore? We’ve got you covered when it comes to hidden gems that serve up unforgettable meals. Pinellas Park is bursting with under-the-radar dining spots that might not catch your eye at first glance, but will definitely steal your heart with their flavors. From family-owned eateries to popular vegan spots, these unassuming places are where the locals go for authentic, mouthwatering dishes.
This is a collection of spots the I Love the Burg team has visited and loved. Did we miss your favorite Pinellas Park gem? Let us know, send an email to info@ilovetheburg.com and let us know what restaurant we should try next.
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Zom Hee Chinese
9015 Park Blvd.
Family-owned and operated since 1985, Zom Hee Chinese specializes in Szechuan, Hunan, and Cantonese styles of cooking. Complete with a cocktail lounge and some of the freshest flavors around, come here for fine Chinese cuisine. Their expansive menu includes everything from fan favorite appetizers like Krab Rangoon and Pan Fried Dumplings to Chef’s Specials like Singapore Rice Noodles and Salt and Pepper Shrimp plus traditional favorites like Chop Suey, Egg Foo Young, and Lo Mein.
Alma Llanera Venezuelan
6571 102nd Ave N
For a true introduction to Venezuelan food, there’s no place like Alma Llanera. Take your pick of countless arepas, including the classic Pabellon of shredded beef, plantain, cheese, and black bean, and Perico with scrambled eggs, onion, and tomatoes. They also serve up sweet corn pancakes, known as Cachapas, plus sandwiches, empanadas, tequeños, pastries, soups, and more. For a sweet ending to the meal, order their Chicha de Arroz, a hearty drink that’ll remind you of creamy rice pudding.
Mercel’s Bakeshop
8500 49th St
At Mercel’s, freshly baked goods and bistro items are all under one roof and have a Filipino twist. Stop by this Pinellas Park gem for its extensive list of entrees, rice, and noodles, but be sure to stay for their specialty: dessert! Try the iconic Halo-Halo, an iced mixed fruit treat of shaved ice, evaporated milk, and fruits, or the Turon, a sweet snack made of thinly sliced bananas and jackfruit topped with brown sugar. They also offer Filipino Magnolia ice cream in unique flavors like Ube, Mango, Halo-Halo, Mais Queso, or corn and cheese. 
Señor Taco
6447 Park Blvd #2
Next Taco Tuesday, head to Señor Taco for homemade traditional tacos that are just $1.70. Or, of course, stop by any other time of the week to try more than just a taco or two. Fajitas, quesadillas, burritos, tortas, and dinner platters are all on the menu here, plus churros, fried ice cream, flan, and dessert empanadas. Mexican food with a Mayan touch, Señor Taco promises high-quality eats made from the freshest of ingredients.
Cajun Cafe on the Bayou
8260 66th St N
Who says you can’t have a bit of Louisiana in St. Pete? That’s exactly what Cajun Cafe on the Bayou is for. As St. Pete’s first Cajun restaurant, locals flock to this establishment to capture a taste of the Deep South. Sure, you’ll find the classics here, like Crawfish Étouffée, Po’Boy Sandwiches, and Shrimp Creole, but you’ll also see the menu chock full of uniquely Cajun dishes, including Alligator Sauce Piquant, Frog Legs, and Gator Burger.
Pho Quyen
4505 Park Blvd N
It’s flavorful, it’s cozy, and it’s fresh. It’s Pho, the Vietnamese soup that’s loaded with basil, cilantro, bean sprouts, jalapeño, broth, rice noodles, and more. And at Pho Quyen, they’re masters in Pho. Come here to customize your own soup or choose from their options, from chicken and beef to tripe and tendon. Start the meal with an order of their fresh Shrimp Rolls, or try one of their regional dishes, including Coconut Curry Soup and different varieties of Congee, a thick porridge of rice in chicken broth with protein and veggies.
Patti’s Kitchen Thai Street Noodles
6527 Park Blvd
No one does authentic Thai street food quite like Patti’s. Tucked away on Park Blvd., this noodle shop cooks up tasty Thai appetizers, oodles of noodles, and customizable soups. Take your pick of hot, fresh noodle dishes, from Ba Mee Moo Dang with Thai BBQ pork to Tew Neau Toon, complete with stewed beef shank. For soups, choose your type of noodle, spice level, and add-ons, though you can never go wrong with their Tew-Tom-Yum soup with pork, shrimp and bean sprouts, or Tew-Ped-Toon with steamed duck in an aromatic duck broth.
Dooriban
5600 66th St N
From Bulgogi to Japchae, Dooriban covers the essentials and more of Korean cooking. This small but mighty restaurant is almost always guaranteed to be packed, so plan your visit accordingly and come hungry. Kick off your meal with the highly recommended Seafood Pancake, and then move on to the Galbi, a must-try dish of beef short ribs in a Korean BBQ sauce, or Budae Jjigae, their kimchi soup. For an option that packs more heat, try the Spicy Pork Bulgogi.
Terra Mar Brazilian Steakhouse
6715 49th St N
Every night is steak night at Terra Mar. Next time you want to experience the Brazilian style of open-fire grilling, come by this authentic steakhouse, or churrascaria. Terra Mar prides itself on the high quality of its meats, which are all seasoned and slow-roasted. Go all out and enjoy their All You Can Eat option with unlimited premium cuts, including top sirloin, lamb, pork ribs, chicken drumsticks, sausage, and more, plus access to their hot side dishes buffet and salad bar. You can also choose from their a la carte offerings of different meats and seafood. No matter what you choose, save room for dessert and try their homemade Brazilian Flan or Passion Fruit Mousse.
Luna Euro Grill & Cafe
8421 49th St N
Originally starting in South Dakota in 2000, Luna Euro Grill & Cafe is now established in St. Pete as the prime place to find homemade Bosnian food. When you dine here, expect to be treated as family. Don’t miss out on trying cevapi, Bosnia’s national dish of grilled sausages served within warm somun, a type of pita bread, along with chopped onions and sour cream. Already a cevapi expert? Then try their Burek, or ground beef pita, or Zeljanica, a savory spinach and feta pie. 
Mi Carreta
2705 54th Ave N #14
Where else can you find natural juices, Colombian arepas, tamales, and nightlife under one roof? Family-owned, Mi Carreta has one mission: to serve you the best Colombian food you’ll find in Tampa Bay. They do this by using fresh ingredients to craft authentic dishes, from breakfast and bakery items all the way to dinner. Go for their Colombian fast food offerings, including their famous Salchipapa sandwich, or pick from their endless options of entrees, including various steak cuts, seafood, and traditional platters. And be sure to check out their recently opened bar and lounge space.
Lotus Vegan
6575 Park Blvd
You certainly don’t need to be vegan to enjoy Lotus Vegan’s endless (and delicious) menu. This Vietnamese-inspired restaurant covers all the classic favorites you’d find elsewhere, but using fresh, natural 100% vegan ingredients. Spring rolls? Check. Wings? Check. Pho? From rice and noodle dishes to burgers and even lasagna, Lotus Vegan covers it all, even branching into vegan desserts like carrot cake and caramel flan.
La Teresita
7101 66th St N
Opening its doors in 1999, La Teresita brings some of the best Cuban food to the Bay area. This family-owned restaurant doesn’t just cover the basics of Cuban cooking, like Cuban Sandwiches and Roasted Park, but they also deliver specialties such as Pargo Entero Frito, deep-fried whole Snapper, and Rabos Encendido, or oxtails. Check their online menu for a list of their extensive daily specials, or stick to their regular offerings. Either way, you can’t go home without trying their Sopapillas, delectable fried dough triangles with ice cream.
Bahn Mi Saigon Baguette
7261 US Hwy 19 N
What makes a bahn mi sandwich taste so good? Is it the thin, crisp baguette? The fresh cilantro, carrots, and cucumber? Or the flavorful sliced pork? At Bahn Mi Saigon Baguette, it’s a mix of all that and more, including their mastery of Vietnamese cuisine and attention to ingredients. Not only does this restaurant serve Vietnamese sandwiches, but they also offer Pho, a soup filled with rice noodles, broth, onion, pepper, and your choice of protein, along with Fried Rice, Pad Thai, and an assortment of appetizers. With their endless list of boba tea options, they’ve also proven their experts at fun and flavorful drinks, too.
Lajawab Indian Cuisine
2705 54th Ave N
The chef-owned establishment, helmed by Somi and Abhi, is dedicated to preserving traditional Indian cooking methods. “We adhere to traditional cooking methods and recipes passed down through generations, ensuring that each bite is a true representation of Indian cuisine,” the chefs emphasize.
Patrons rave about the vegetarian Daal, coconut mushroom curry, tandoori wings, and mango whip dessert as must-try dishes. The Chicken Karahi and Eggplant Curry (Bharwa Baingan) have also received high praise from diners.
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