Florida’s gift to you from the Grecian Isles...Tarpon Springs, part IV

February 22, 12:58 PMAtlanta Budget Travel ExaminerWalter Roark

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  Riverfront dining at Santorini Mediterranean Grill

In the early evening air along the Sponge Docks, you can smell the kitchens at work...Greek specialties coming together with spicy authenticity, a whiff of olive oil, wine, fresh garlic, thyme and lemon will shift your appetite into fifth gear. Ah, but where to satisfy your appetite and still be kind to your credit card? And what about a dollop of romance on the menu—is it possible? Read on.

If you like waterfront dining (think soft, pink-hued sunsets over the Gulf), and a great combination of authentic Greek atmosphere and taste, I enthusiastically recommend Santorini. It’s certainly not the fanciest, tidiest or most well-heeled spot on the Sponge Docks, but the food is superb, moderately priced and you can enjoy your dinner sitting dockside with the waves lapping and boat hulls creaking within arm’s reach. Appropriately, seafood is the star at this riverside restaurant. Start with conch fritters, crab cakes or mussels. Saganaki (flaming cheese) is good here, too.

Splurge with market-priced “Whole Fish of the Day” or get the perfectly cooked Santorini Grouper or economical grouper filet. The octopus and smelts are good, too, as are boiled shrimp and seafood penne. On the land side, rustic village-style sautees, the rotisserie chicken and specialty salads will satisfy. Wash it down with a pitcher of authentic, cold Sangria laced with fruit. And don’t forget to toast the glorious sunset. 698 Dodecanese Blvd.

Paul’s Shrimp House will not woo you with romance, and it sits in a parking lot away from the docks...but the food is pretty good and Paul’s prices are the best in the area. Have a glass of draft beer for less than $2, or a bottle of lightweight Chardonnay to quaff with your fish or shrimp, $12. Steamed shrimp is the deal here, and it’s tasty. But the oysters, Greek salad and fried seafood platters are also well worth your sampling. Sides and desserts are decidedly unexceptional. 30 years ago, Paul’s was a simple place around the corner, one catering to local fishermen. You ate what Paul gave you—and you always got a lot for the money. The place has supersized into a tourist mecca—but you still get a lot for your money. 80 West Live Oak St.

Zante CafeNeo, in the downtown historic district (near the Pinellas Trail bike-jog path), this one-of-a-kind dining venue takes the word ‘eclectic’ and turns it on its ear. Louisiana chef Brad Sullivan works magic here and prices are trés reasonable for lunch.  Then again, Zante is only open for dinner Friday and Saturday. So plan a luncheon with your eye on the seriously funky decor and your palate ready for surprises. The menu effortlessly blends French, Creole, Greek and Italian. Try the first-rate daily specials...or get the gumbo, grouper, crawfish, jambalaya, or lamb shank. The stuffed tomato salad wins awards, and the fantastic ice cream desserts are divine. (So is the bread pudding.) Bring your own wine for a $3 per person fee—an excellent deal. Enjoy! 13 N Safford Ave.

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