Kristina's Cafe — Restaurant in Saint Petersburg

I’ve been coming to Kristina’s Diner for almost 10 years now, and I’ve always loved it. The food used to be fantastic, the prices fair, and it was the go-to spot for everybody around here. They recently remodeled, and I’ll admit—the place looks amazing. It’s brighter, cleaner, and has that “brand new” feel that really stands out.

That said, ever since the remodel, it feels like things have gone downhill. The food just isn’t the same, and the prices are way higher. A simple burger runs $15, and then little things—like adding an onion—are suddenly a $2 upcharge. I honestly laughed when I saw the bill, but then it hit me that a $2 onion really did make me cry. I don’t mind paying for good food, but charging that much for basic add-ons feels like taking advantage.

The staff is polite, but service doesn’t feel warm or welcoming anymore. My server didn’t smile once, and while I understand restaurants struggle to find help, I think a place with Kristina’s reputation should aim for people who make you feel as good about the service as you do about the food.

If you’re in the area and want a nice looking spot to sit down, Kristina’s still delivers on atmosphere. But if you’re really after great food for a fair price, I’d honestly say check out Red Tiki or one of the local food trucks nearby. Kristina’s Diner is still part of the neighborhood, but since the remodel it’s become more of a pretty face than a place you actually enjoy eating at. On the way out, our server was talking to the table next to us and making comments about men and women that came across as pretty sexist. It made me uncomfortable, and even the women at that table mentioned how it felt like she was mistaking kindness for weakness. After sitting there for 30–40 minutes finishing our food, it was embarrassing to end the visit...

We had a table of 4 dining in on a Wednesday at about 9 AM. We were seated quickly, in under a minute. It took more than 10 minutes to get our drinks (4 waters and 2 coffees) once ordered. Our food arrived in under 15 minutes once ordered. Our waters were never refilled. We had to prompt a few times to get our coffees refilled.

All service was exceedingly nice and pleasant, but delayed or confusing. For example, there was a language barrier a couple times about what sides were available for meatloaf. The waiter didn't seem to understand 'mashed' vs 'cut', so he went back and forth with the person ordering until the person ordering gave up and accepted whatever would arrive. The Monte Cristo isn't a normal Monte Cristo but 2 slices of French toast with turkey and ham and Swiss(?) cheese melted between them. No raspberry jam was served with it. The omelette was over cooked, cold on arrival, and had egg shell or some other small crunchy white pieces in it. The meatloaf had been sliced and reheated on the grill and then also overcooked so that the edges were like rubber.

The prices were *ok for the quantity of food, but not for the quality of the food. This was the first anything we'd eaten that day, and within 2-4 hours, we all had some severe gas and indigestion with a few trips each to the bathroom. Though there are some wonderful, well-meaning people here, I don't think we'll...

Never once had a bad meal, nor have I left hungry in the slightest. Breakfasts are so heartily filled on the plate it's basically impossible to leave without being full - nearly until dinnertime. I eat here 5 days a week before work, usually arriving between 5:45 - 6am. Granted, I go at this time to move at my own pace and "wake up" slowly, so to speak. I have my coffee, read a book for a while then place my order around 6:45. I'll eat & keep reading til about 7:30, wrap up & pay, then head to work. At these hours I know the server's names and they know mine! Most of the time I walk in and my coffee & stuff is ready to go at my regular booth if Judy sees my truck pull in.

I listen to a handful of other regulars ask for half potatoes and such just because it's so much food on the plate. Regardless, it is always delicious. Prices are good as well - especially comparable to other local restaurants which don't give the same portions and/or don't have the same items. (Kielbasa for example - few have it and Kristina's is quite good! I get it 4 out of 5 days.)

Yeah, I spend about 12 bucks per visit with the tip because I tip extra for sitting there so long but no matter how long I'm there they never stop ensuring I'm still perfectly taken care of. Best proverbial bang for the buck in St Pete IMO - highly recommended.

Just don't sit in my...