Maritana Grille

Janet was a perfect orchestrator of our anniversary dinner! The food was perfection, absolutely the best in Tampa bay.

We usually choose Maritana Grille when we have a special occasion to celebrate. Our most recent visit was for our anniversary and, as always, the service, food, and atmosphere were just right. Our server, Jeff, was top notch as he is professional, knowledgeable, and pleasant — we would like to be in his area for our next visit. Our dinners were delicious. Maritana’s dining area is gorgeous, and it’s always a pleasure to dine at this restaurant.

Being told your food is local?
In February, Maritana listed Jim Wood’s Palmetto Creek pork on the menu. Wood said that he had not sold to the Don CeSar since the departure of previous chef Gavin Pera.
Chef Jose Cuarta took over about seven months ago and inherited a menu with a section titled Small Farms.
The menu listed Hammock Hollow squash with heirloom tomato and olives. Hammock Hollow, a certified organic farm in Island Grove, Fla., has sold lettuces and tomatoes to fancy hotels such as the Willard in Washington, D.C., for more than 30 years.
Hammock Hollow owner Charlie Andrews hasn’t had squash for months, he said, and is definitely not selling it to Maritana Grille.
Asked about the provenance of the unspecified «small farms» venison, Cuarta said he buys it from Jackman Ranch in Clewiston. Jackman’s Mark Hoegh said that, while he does sell the Don CeSar wagyu filet mignon, he does not sell them venison, because he does not produce venison.
And the section’s «Long Island duck»? It’s actually from Joe Jurgielewicz & Son, a duck farm in Pennsylvania. This matters. Long Island is an area long noted for producing some of the finest Pekin ducks in the world.

Not quite 5 for me as expected for fine dining. The ambiance, drinks: wine lost and hospitality was exceptional and would bring me back. The hotel is beautiful.
The food, however did not keep up with the rest of the experience. The menu was very limited. I ordered and only lobster main dish available. My husband ordered he squash and gnocchi dish. Both arrived with all the described ingredients chopped up and amalgamated in a sauce that overpowered each ingredient. The food was plated in one big bowl. Nothing special. At a fine dining restaurant of this caliber, I enjoy savoring each component separately, even if hey were simply prepared, rather than a mixture of fine ingredients. The flavor was lost.

Service was excellent. Food was extremely expensive for what was served. I’ve been to many many restaurants in the biggest cities in the US… This one fails to deliver. Crab claws… All claw no crab, oysters… Itty bitty. Drinks and dessert excellent. Atmosphere especially for St. Pete Beach vey nice. 5 people and 18% gratuity automatically added by Lowes Hotel. Bad for waiter, what’s the incentive for good service? Bill was $ 497 for 5 of us.

Classy service. Great bread. Weird raw yahoo appetizer. Grouper entrée with jasmine rice was to die for. Hubz enjoyed delicious scallops. Chocolate spheres dessert were out of this world. $ 240 – 250 for 3 of us to have dinner including wonderful bottle or wine

We live close to the Don & have eaten here quite a few times over the years. The other night was the best experience. We had a lobster pasta that was the best lobster dish I’ve had in Tampa Bay. We also had a rack of lamb that was cooked to perfection. The lamb dish included a side of mushrooms that brought me back to Craft in NYC. The bartender is an absolute gem.

My wife and I have been to several gourmet restaurants since we have been together. Whenever we go on a trip I plan one special dinner for us to enjoy and this time I chose The Maritana Grille.
The atmosphere was nice, and we sat right next to the aquarium, but the lighting was very poor. This may not seem like a big deal to many people but when eating off the tasting menu and receiving nicely put together dishes, I like to see them! My wife had very nice lighting while I was basically in the dark. See the pictures. Disappointing.
The food was good quality overall and had nice flavors but my wife and I concluded that if we had one bite of each dish we would have left happier, albeit quite hungry. The dishes were unique and grabbed your attention, but just for one or two bites. I did not experience this in the past when dining at other gourmet seafood restaurants. Strange.
The service was nice and our waitress was very friendly and did a great job of explaining the dishes.
If we return to St. Pete Beach in the future, we will most likely skip this and go to one of the other restaurants we went to that had more enjoyable food and cost much less.

We appreciate great food. And when you’re staying on the Gulf Coast, seafood is top of the list. We stayed at the Loews Don CaSer and heard people raving about Maritana. Now, normally, I’d be skeptical about a hotel restaurant. But Maritana is flat out legit.
The wahoo app and zucchini soup were ridiculous. Just outstanding. Same with the grouper.
Also tried the scallops and lobster entrees. Very good but tough to match the others.
Service was fantastic, as you’d expect for a restaurant of this rating and price point. Our waiter — Jeff — is also the sommelier. Pleasant and knowledgeable about the compete menu. He set a great tenor for this meal.
Highly recommend Maritana.

— Short Synopsis —
This is a nice place to splurge for a special occasion! There is a classy, upscale ambiance to it along with beautiful plating.
— Detailed Review —
For parking, there is complimentary valet if you dine at Maritana Grille. Getting to the valet was a tad tricky as you have to take a side street and then cross the bridge to get to the main entrance on the 2^nd floor.
I came here with my significant other to celebrate our two years. As you walk into the Don Cesar and Maritana Grille, you are greeted by a beautiful hallway, chandeliers, fish tanks and an overall beautiful ambiance.
As per the recommendation of our waiter, we ordered the Gulf of Mexico Wahoo as an appetizer. The toro (tuna) was not the best toro I have had, but it was good. I enjoyed avocado and citrus soy sauce along with the crab and vegetables; however, I would probably not order this dish again. The bread was a different story.
I really enjoyed the bread! We got two orders and were asked if we wanted more. We decided to save some stomach space for dessert and reluctantly said no to more bread. The bread selection was fresh, warm, and delicious. Our favorites were the slightly sweet small, round dinner rolls, but I enjoyed them all. The crushed olives and salted butter provided nice spreads for the bread. The bread was presented nicely and differently both times we got bread.
I ordered the Cobia and my significant other ordered the tasting menu with the Kombu Cured Tuna, Roasted Zucchini Soup, and the Chilean Sea Bass. We shared all the dishes.
The Kombu cured tuna came with apricots, wontons, and veggies. I enjoyed this more than the Gulf of Mexico Wahoo. The flavors were stronger. The apricots provided a nice crunchy texture contrast to the tuna, but the taste, which was good, was a tad strong and almost overpowered the tuna. Regardless, a good dish.
I really enjoyed the roasted zucchini soup with the poached egg, hazelnuts, and mushrooms. The soup had nice earthy tones of flavor to it. It was not as visually appealing as some of the other dishes, but I loved the earthy and nutty flavors in it.
For the cobia, it came with gnocchi dumplings, crab, broccolini, and fennel. It was cooked in saffron fumet (stock), and olive oil. I liked the broccolini, cobia, and crab! The fish was also cooked to have a nice sear on it that I liked. This dish was not as rich as I thought it would be; but still a decent dish that was presented nicely.
My favorite dish of the night was the Chilean Sea Bass with coconut barley, citrus soy, snap peas, and some pomegranate seeds. The flavor combination was excellent. There was texture contrast and the fish was cooked nicely with a crisp edge. None of the ingredients were overpowering.
For dessert, we ordered the croissant bread pudding and the Reveal. The bread pudding was tasty, but nothing too special. Instead, I would go with just the reveal next time!
The reveal dessert was cool to see! The warm/​hot caramel would melt the chocolate egg exterior in a cool fashion! This «reveals» the interior cake, nuts, and almond ice cream. I think the caramel made it a tad too sweet for me, but a great dish other than that! I loved the nuts they provided in the dish. It helped emphasized the nutty tones of the dish along with providing that nice texture contrast.
All the dishes were presented and plated in a beautiful fashion.
I recommend coming here to splurge for a special occasion!

The restaurant and hotel are truly beautiful, and from the moment you sit down you realize the service is going to be exemplary. The cocktails were impressive and unique, and I highly recommend the 1928 for something off the beaten path. I also liked the table side shaking of any martini offered.
The menu is small but comprehensive. For appetizers we tried the tuna (five stars all the way), the pork belly which was unique and tasty but a bit overdone, and the oysters which to me were overly salty (youngest said, «should they taste like the ocean?). Both youngest and husband had the filet which was tender, beautifully presented, and cooked to the appropriate temperature but lacking in flavor/​seasoning. I had the papadeaux off menu special, and I would not recommend it unless you ordered the filet and needed the extra salt for flavoring. My oldest ordered the lobster, and it was quite delicious.
This was one of those places that is beautiful, full of promise, but came up short on delivery. It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t spectacular or even good unless compared to the lackluster choices within a five mile radius. The wine list is impressive and reasonable.
Were I to do it over, I’d eat somewhere on the beach and have desert here. The desert is five stars. In particular, I loved the chocolate egg that melted away to reveal a delicious peanut butter ice cream presented on a chocolate, peanut base. Delicious! Come for desert and the beautiful atmosphere after fish and chips on the beach.

Some of the worst food that I have eaten on St. Pete.
Really tasteless food.
My fish was so overcooked that I had to use a knife to cut it. I kept cutting thinking that I would find something moist and never did. So dry, it had to have cooked 10 minutes too long.
Crab cake appetizer was okay. But I have so many better up and down the beach.
Go to someplace fun while you’re here. Don’t waste one of your precious meals here on this place.
To boot, sick the rest of the night and still in the morning.

I came here for a nice dinner during my recent vaca to St Pete and it was a fantastic experience. The atmosphere is great and it was entertaining watching the giant eel in the aquarium during dinner. We started with the wahoo which was super fresh and came with a delicious avocado sauce. I had the pappardelle with lobster for my main and it was unreal. My bf had the gnocchi with cobia and that was also fantastic. We had to finish with the chocolate egg dessert which was filled with chocolate and peanut butter– so, so good. definitely worth the price for a nice dinner out!

The Maritana is a very special restaurant for me and my husband. After a beach wedding ceremony, we enjoyed our wedding dinner here. Ten years later, we’re back to celebrate our anniversary. This is the perfect spot for a special occasion. It’s pricey but well worth the cost. The wine list is extensive and there are signature cocktails as well. Tim, our server, was very friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. He made great suggestions and he was spot on. We were given a variety of breads with two different soft butters when we were seated. We also given an amuse-​bouche of rare tuna over carrot purée sprinkled with nuts. My husband chose the wahoo appetizer which was rare thin slices of fish with avocado purée and kimchi vegetables. So fresh and flavorful. I had the artisan cheese plate with four cheeses, marcona almonds, pineapple jam and toasts. I loved the variety of cheeses and the presentation. Actually, everything we ate was visual appealing. My husband had the black bass with white asparagus, pea purée and a sherry reduction. So good. I ordered the diver scallops with serrano jamon, cauliflower purée and a sherry reduction. This was perfection! For dessert, Tim convinced us to try the chocolate-​peanut butter reveal. OMG! This was an egg of rich chocolate which hot chocolate was poured onto which opened like a flower to reveal a peanut butter chiffon cake. Decadent, rich and oh so delicious! I highly recommend this restaurant whether you stay at the Don Cesar or visiting St Pete Beach… gourmet food and wonderful service.

Located ground floor of the famous Don Cesar Resort, this is considered to be the best seafood restaurant in all of St Petersburg. They have a huge selection of fish you won’t find elsewhere: cobia, black bass, pompano, swordfish, hammock, Chilean sea bass, and snapper. They also have duck, filet Mignon, diver scallops, and lamb. Our server informed us that there were 4 fresh catch fish modifications to the menu which were a bit hard to keep track of. Why not just print another menu? For the appetizer, the server surprised us with a small portion of amuse bousche which was lamb. We also had the seafood sampler and the tuna tartar which were both excellent. For the entrée, I got the pompano which was in place of the black bass which came with English peas, asparagus, Sherry, Bacon, and Mushrooms for $ 32 because I liked the sides it came with the most. The fish was great but I wasn’t a huge fan of the mushrooms they used. The mushrooms were a bit thick and chewy and detracted from the amazing fish. My relative got the lobster pasta for $ 38 and said all she could taste were the same huge chewy mushrooms so I really can’t recommend that. My other relatives loved their Chilean sea bass, cobia, lamb, and filet mignon dishes. For desert, you have to get the reveal! It’s a huge chocolate egg that they pour a glaze over to reveal a hidden inside treat! Service was fast and great! Loved the huge aquariums that filled the back wall with some exotic fish. They had a morray eel, lion fish, and a unicorn fish. Décor was modern and chic and the edge of the bar had a topless mermaid that was tastefully done. Parking at the hotel is $ 25 per day but you can get it validated for free parking by your server. Will come back again!

Sometimes restaurants talk the talk but they fail to walk the walk. Fortunately Maritana doesn’t fall into that group because it delivers on both accounts.
Yes this restaurant has a reputation for being one of the fancier restaurants on Saint Pete Beach (actually of all of the Tampa Bay region) and yes it sits on the main floor of the famous Don CeSar Hotel, but after one particular dining experience the overall consensus of everyone in my group was that its food/​service lives up to its reputation.
First off our waiter was superb. He was professional, witty, personable and never snooty. With five celebratory people in our group (it was somebody’s birthday) he took a slight razzing from us with flying colors. He explained every dish in detail and never made us feel rushed throughout the night.
Secondly every dish we ordered was terrific. Yes portions weren’t overly large but every dish was presented like a work of art and packed with lots of flavor. Speaking of portions the plates were so oversized I’ve got to imagine the majority of the kitchen staff’s time was spent simply washing dishes.
Seafood is their specialty but I’d like to talk about dessert. You’re doing yourself a disservice if you pass up dessert. Actually if you want to experience Maritana without the high prices I recommend sitting at the bar and ordering a drink/​dessert. You won’t need a reservation and if you like it you can always return another evening for a full meal. When you do order dessert get the «reveal». Trust me get the «reveal».

A fabulous epicurean experience every time I eat here. Tonight was no different. If you come here I recommend the Chef’s tasting menu. It is pricey but every course is packed with flavor and visually stunning. Supported by a great wait staff, each course is explained in detail. Local top quality ingredients are use to make wonderful works of art.
Tonight’s tasting consisted of 3 courses. Every dinner starts off with an amuse bouche (amusement for your mouth). A small tasting to get your dinner started. There is just enough to make you want more.
My first course was an appetizer of marlin tartare that was tender and delicious. Seasoned with a light vinaigrette and baby greens. While most tasting menus leave you hungry, the ones I have experienced here will fill you up.
Second course was a grilled scallop with an oxtail ragu and wrapped in a ravioli pasta. Finished with a reduction of Demi glaze and truffle oil.
Main course was a perfectly cooked piece of sea bass on a bed of artisan yellow grits with grilled veggies. The sea bass is always deliciously cooked with a crispy brown crust and tender and white throughout.
My college aged daughters ordered lobster pasta. It is heavy on mushrooms so ask the chef to remove them if you don’t like. They bend over backwards to make you happy. If you get lucky enough to be sat in Jeff D. s section you will be well taken care of.

Oh my word this was a wonderful, wonderful experience. Janet was our server and she was fantastic from start to finish. Janet even held our table during the course of our dinner so we could slip out onto the beach for fabulous pictures of the sunset!
The Foie Gras Duo appetizer was phenomenal! Warm Foie Gras on top of bread pudding with fig and chilled Foie Gras on top of Brioche w/​gelatin cubes of Sauternes & Blueberry-​Amazing! That was some of THE BEST Foie Gras I’ve ever had.
Entrees included Sea Scallops wrapped in paper thin prosciutto, served with Chanterelle Mushrooms and drizzled table side with a beef stock & sherry reduction. Perfectly pan-​seared Cobia fish with Blue Crab, Gnocchi, and Broccoli Rabe in a garlic & fennel buttery broth. Both dishes were just incredible.
Instead of wine we continued our bar experience and had fabulous cocktails, including the «Midnight in Paris» which is only one of my favorite movies!
I would literally fly down here just for a night at the Don Cesar & dinner at this restaurant. Living near a foodie city like Philadelphia I’ve experienced some really great dishes and service. The Maritana Grille, however, shoots to the top of my list!

Decided to have our anniversary dinner here based on the great reviews given by Unilocalers.
You guys were right on point. This was a fantastic dinner.
The service was 5 stars. Our waiter was professional, helpful and not over bearing.
The food unbelievable. We sat down at 7pm And left At 10 pm. We were not rushed but encouraged to enjoy our meal and evening.
What a great dining experience.
If you have the opportunity go. You will have an enjoyable and delightful dining experience.

Perhaps I was biased going in. I really didn’t think this particular area offered this kind of dining. I knew we were going to a restaurant located inside the Loew’s. However, a lot of hotels (upscale or not) never follow through with providing equally amazing restaurants on property. That was certainly not a problem here!
Valet parking was easy and quick for both arrival and departure. The restaurant is immediately to your left, the second you walk in. I started to worry when no one showed up at the host stand for several minutes. Once the host came back though, it was smooth sailing from then on out. He took our wine before we even sat. He asked how we wanted it handled: chilled, decanted, etc. Coming from South Florida, a $ 20 corkage fee seemed like a steal.
We sat right away and took a good look around. It was Friday night and the place was alive. The décor is understated and elegant. Our waiter came by immediately. He brought menus and took our water preference order. The wine was at our table decanting within minutes of that. Ahhhhhh perfection. The use a very cool aerator funnel on their decanters I had never seen before. It evenly distributed the wine into the decanter without making too much of a splash and therefore, preserved the quality of the wine.
The first thing we ordered was the ARTISAN CHEESE COLLECTION. The cheeses were presented with a preserved walnut, a butter soaked baguette and serrano ham. They were all delicious but the one injected with black truffle was perhaps the best cheese I have EVER had. Trust me when I say, I am a huge cheese aficionado. My girlfriend and I were just floored. Of course, now that I talked about it, I am craving it again.
Our second appetizer was the CHILLED SEAFOOD BAR. This was a combination of gulf shrimp, clams, oysters, caviar, tuna tartare and ceviche. The tuna tartare was my least favorite of them all. Overall, this was beautifully plated and very good.
Not to be overshadowed by the outstanding appetizers, the bread selection was wonderful. I especially love the salted cumin butter they serve as an option. For my entrée, I chose the LOBSTER PAPPARDELLE PASTA. This dish has asparagus, spinach, heirloom tomatoes and white truffles. What’s not to love? It was all that… and so much more. My girlfriend ordered the sea scallops which come with brussels sprouts, pancetta, hazelnuts all in a brown butter vinaigrette.
When the bottle of wine that we brought ran out, panic ensued. Ha! Just kidding. We did want a bit more so we requested the wine list. All of the options on the menu were actually great and they had most of my favorites (rare). We did not want to spend too much money on a second bottle at that point though. The waiter suggested several well priced ones from the menu and to my surprise, (because I am a PITA wine snob) it was actually VERY good.
For dessert, we ordered the CHOCOLATE FLEUR DE SEL. This was composed of chocolate ganache and salted caramel ice cream. How can you go wrong with that?
We dined for 4 ½ hours. Our waiter was beyond patient and attentive. We never felt rushed and thoroughly enjoyed taking our time with each course. My girlfriend and I may or may not have finished off that second aforementioned bottle. I won’t tell. What I WILL say is that we loved Maritana Grille. It’s too far from house but if I am ever in the area, I will be back for sure. In fact, I am looking forward to it.