Hotel restaurants rarely get our vote for best restaurant in any town – Caretta’s on Clearwater Beach is an exception. Even the most elegant resorts in the world tend to have some little flaws in service, attitude or execution that leaves you unsatisfied. Florida is blessed with resorts. From the panhandle to Amelia Island to Key West – there are hundreds of

choices for an exceptional resort experience. On Clearwater Beach there is no less than than a dozen places calling them selves a “resort”. In reality, only a handful can be considered a true resort. For any restaurant in a resort to be called the best restaurant on Clearwater Beach is a feather in their cap!

True Resort – Not Just a Name

On the north end Clearwater Beach is a true resort with all the amenities – gulf beaches, pool, spa’s, planned activities and very superb accommodations from suites to single bed rooms. The resort is known as The Sandpearl Resort. What makes this resort exceptional is their restaurant, Caretta’s. The other beach resorts, the Hyatt, the Wyndham Grand and The Opal Sands (sister property to the Sandpearl) have acceptable dining options, but nothing to compare to Caretta’s on Clearwater Beach at the Sandpearl.

Caretta’s offers the standard gulf view dining option with a comfortable lounge for before or after dinner beverages. What makes Caretta’s different is the creativity of the chef and the willingness to be inventive, even with a nightly offering of his own design. Many resorts have fine menus, but few offer creativity and adaptability to an individual guests taste. The basic menu is beef and seafood. Yet each entrée’ can be customized according to a diner’s preference. The Chilean Seabass can be made with components of the tuna dinner or the chicken can be offered with sides that normally complements the filet.

Once the diner has selected their preferences, you can expect perfection in every presentation. This is execution! And this is the difference!

Other Dining Options on Clearwater Beach

Clearwater Beach has a number of fine dining options from independent restaurateurs. The Beachcomber has been a staple for over 50 years, Blinkers is a relative new comer and Cesare’s does a decent job with Italian. They are all good choices, but they have not lived up to the standards Caretta’s has set for perfection time after time. Our vote for best fine dining restaurant on Clearwater Beach is clearly Caretta’s.

The Wine Room

Caretta’s on Clearwater Beach can elevate your group dining experience to another level. In a room that doubles as a wine cellar, you can plan for group to be surrounded with wine selections and unequaled service. The room can hold up to a dozen people easily. The experience is private and remote from the main dining room. This is a true intimate dining experience offered at Caretta’s by reservation only.

So clearly, the Best Fine Dining Restaurant on Clearwater Beach is Caretta’s at The Sandpearl. Remember, this IS fine dining. Be prepared to pay for the exceptional service, location and execution.