If there’s one thing we avoid in St. Pete, it’s crossing the bridge. But if there’s one thing we love above all else, it’s great culinary and dining experiences. After a recent visit to Tampa’s Mise en Place, we’re ready to put it at the top of our list for experiences that are more than worth taking a ride across the bay.

The modern French-inspired restaurant, located at 442 West Grand Central Avenue, has been a neighborhood favorite since opening in 1986, and its exquisite recent renovation has only made the experience that much more necessary for any local food and drink lover. Chef Marty Blitz has reached near cult status for his ability to use his knowledge of classic cooking and his amazing palate to orchestrate a broad variety of flavors into beautiful dishes. When paired with the restaurant’s stellar mixology, a truly eclectic wine program, and impeccable service, Mise en Place reaches an elite level among local stars.

The dinner menu can be as much fun to read as it is to eat with plenty of options in every category from Starters to Mains to Desserts including several French classics served with Chef Marty’s signature twists. Spatchcock Chicken is one of our favorite entrees on Earth when prepared properly, and his take on the classic is truly one of the best we’ve had.

The nduja ricotta stuffed zucchini blossoms and the cornmeal crusted oysters were our picks for starters, but that was just a tease of the tempting offerings at Mise en Place. The Korean Argentina Red Shrimp Pancake in particular was hard not to go for, along with other options such as the softshell crab and especially the butternut squash mushroom ragout – served with pulled duck, cheese curds, pepitas, and Amish cheddar grits. Yum.

In addition to the excellent Spatchcock chicken (grilled with a zaatar spice rub – incredible touch), options on the entree menu range from venison loin, duck breast, and a short rib burger, to specialties such as the furikake crusted salmon, a molasses pecan crusted rack of lamb, and specially prepared market fish dishes. There are also excellent vegetarian options, such as the Aegean-spiced seared tofu and a plant-based “beef” filet.

Meanwhile, what’s a splurge dinner without drinks? Mise en Place features a rotating wine list that is carefully curated to not only match the time of year but to also pair perfectly with the dinner menu and its seasonal specials. There are plenty of places that take wine seriously (as they should), and Mise en Place is among the best when it comes to both selection and recommendations.

The bar program also features a cocktail and mocktail list that will impress even the most experienced connoisseur. The culinary-inspired offerings again match perfectly with what’s on the plate, blurring the lines between culinary arts and mixology in the tastiest way possible. Mise en Place also has a particularly extensive spirits list. Whiskey and tequila lovers in particular will find more than enough to whet their palate.

We also recommend keeping an eye out for the restaurant’s rotating events, as they’re always hosting wine pairing dinners, mixology classes, and other culinary-inspired experiences. Learn more, see the full menu, and make a reservation at miseonline.com. And if you’re looking for more after enjoying Mise en Place, we highly recommend heading to Pass-a-Grille to check out their sister concept The Dewey Wine Bar inside Berkeley Beach Club.