The Chattaway — Restaurant in Saint Petersburg

I have a new favorite restaurant (well, tied for favorite) in my sweet, beautiful city of St. Petersburg, Florida! I can't believe I've lived here for 25 years and never experienced The Chattaway until today! I've been intrigued, I've wanted to, it just never happened. But after today, it will happen many, many, many more times, I hope. I LOVE THIS PLACE! It is a combination of so many individual elements that I love: it's relaxed and casual, it has outdoor and indoor dining space, it is very historic--all I've been hearing for 25 years is, you've got to eat at The Chattaway, I can't believe you've never gone to Chattaway's, the burgers are the best in town at The Chattaway--it's CHARMING and whimsical (bathtubs as planters outside, for example), it is like a British tea room inside and just such a relaxed Florida feel outside, the service is lovely and the food is GREAT!!! They even have gluten-free buns--didn't see that one coming!

I was with a big group of about 30 people for a meeting, so we took over the entire inside space and the poor waiter had such a challenge, as he had to somehow take everyone's orders very quietly as the meeting was going on, but he did it. I HAD to get the burger I'd heard so much about, and it was good, with very fresh adornments like purple onion, tomato, etc. Had the gluten-free bun (you had me at THAT), and what was truly wonderful were the sweet potato fries--sublime. I think I undid the gluten-free thing with those, as I think they were lightly floured or something but I'm choosing not to think about that, as whatever they did to them, they were fabulous.

The whole experience was just so, at once, very relaxed and casual, yet also somehow you have the feel that you are in a very special place. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE everything about it and I won't be waiting 25 more years to go back as, like I said at the beginning, this is my new favorite restaurant...

Be sure to head there March 17 fir Corn beef and cabbage!! I am updating my review. This place is still wonderful. The staff are great and the food choices are plenty broad to meet most moderate appetites. Went for light snack and tea recently. Had corn fritters dipped in ranch OR honey. And btw, the tea was marvelous. Served with lemonade honey. My friend devoured a cup of the Lobster bisque. Old review follows: I am completely biased in giving this review. This place is a Unique Gem, a landmark in the corner of Old Southeast St Petersburg. It has been here for 6 or more Decades! The current owner is a most charming and cordial English woman of 88 years! She has been managing and greeting guests for the last 40 years! She hosts High Tea for those interested in the afternoon! She'll likely stop by your table to see if you are enjoying your meal and just to add to your welcome. There is always a musician or two playing on the little stage providing singing with guitar or keyboard to add to the experience. (I love that this provides additional employment even through Covid to musicians in the area) Food is simple but dependably good from fish and chips to blackened chicken Ceaser salad, to a hot roast beef sandwich. The Chatterburger and mini burger are always good. Vegetarians can find meatless options too. Their Lobster chowder is to die for! For a few bucks, you can even switch it for your fries. Although their sweet potato fries are also terrific. Beverages of beers and wine spritzers as well as ice teas, sodas etc. Oh, and if your dog is well behaved, it may join you at your socially distanced table. I sometimes just want to head there for their devils food chocolate layer cake. It is sinfully delicious. Lunch Special Sloppy Joe's are really good!! We just went there (again) today for the special! 9/2024 Had a craving and they filled it. They make an excellent Pholly...

Chattaway Restaurant provided an exquisite afternoon tea experience that surpassed all expectations. From the moment I walked in, the charming server, Amanda, set the tone with her kindness and efficiency. Her friendly and outgoing nature made the entire experience delightful, and she went above and beyond by offering tea to my husband when he arrived to pick me up. The tea room itself was a visual treat, adorned with British royalty memorabilia that created an atmosphere of elegance. I found myself captivated by the surroundings, with beautiful tea cups and saucers perfectly arranged on the tables. The tea selection was exceptional, served with all the accompaniments one could desire - milk, sugar cubes, lemon, and honey. The quality of the tea was so impressive that my mother, intrigued by the taste, inquired about the blend to recreate it at home. The sandwich selection was a highlight, offering a variety of choices. The shrimp salad sandwich stood out as a personal favorite, leaving me yearning for more. The cucumber sandwiches and roast beef sandwiches were equally delightful, and the ability to choose three from the array allowed for a personalized touch. As the afternoon unfolded, the culinary journey continued with delicious scones, amazing crumpets, tasty macaroons, and a divine red velvet cupcake. However, the showstopper of the day was the key lime pie served in a tea cup - an absolute masterpiece that left an indelible mark on my taste buds. In comparison to other high tea experiences, including a recent visit to the Vinoy Hotel, Chattaway Restaurant not only met but exceeded expectations. The attention to detail, the quality of the offerings, and the overall ambiance made this afternoon tea a truly memorable experience. I am left with a sense of satisfaction and a desire to revisit Chattaway Restaurant for another extraordinary...