Exploring the Culinary Delights of The Rusty Pelican

The Rusty Pelican recently re-opened after going thru extensive repairs after the hurricane that hit the Gulf Coast in late Summer 2024. Rusty Pelican is celebrated for upscale‑casual seafood and steak dining in a scenic, bayside setting. If you're planning a visit, a special occasion, or just curious about leaves-from-the-bay dining, Rusty Pelican offers a memorable mix of cuisine, ambiance, and service.

Atmosphere – 10/10

The view is the star here. Floor-to-ceiling windows and a waterfront patio give you front-row seats to a Tampa Bay sunset that feels practically cinematic. The interior strikes a balance between upscale and coastal casual—perfect for date nights, celebrations, or just unwinding with cocktails. There’s a relaxed elegance to the place without being stuffy.

Service – 10/10

From valet to table, the service was friendly, efficient, and knowledgeable. Our server made excellent suggestions without being pushy and had a great sense of timing—never rushed us, even when the place got busy. She made out dining experience that much more memorable.

Value – 8/10

It’s not a cheap night out—but you’re paying for quality, ambiance, and a killer view. Brunch prices are more moderate, and happy hour is definitely worth trying if you're budget-conscious.

Food - 15/10!!!

Everything brought to the table was perfectly seasoned and exceptional. We started with a sweet cornbread that almost tastes like cake.

Next was the Rusty Pelican Board for Two. It is a crispy whole local snapper, lobster and shrimp risotto, and New York Strip 12oz.

The Steak Progressive

Four Cuts of Premium Steak plated with Himalayan Pink Salt, Roasted Cippolini Onion, Red Wine Shallot, Crushed Pink Peppercorn.

The sides chosen were:

• 50/50 Mashed - Yukon Gold Potatoes, Butter, Cream, Chives, Potato "hay"

• Truffle Creamed Corn- Sweet Yellow Corn, Black Truffle Shavings

• Rusty Fries - French Fries w/ Parmesan, Rosemary, Parsley

My son actually chose the Crab Stuffed Grouper. It has lump crab and shrimp, Basil Garlic Beburre Blanc, on Herbed Risotto.

This Crab cake has lump crab and shrimp, grilled sweet corn, diced mixed peppers, chipotle and ginger aioli, and fresh chives. I can honestly say I have never tasted a crab cake as flavorful as this one.

We finished with dessert! Molten lava cake, a caramel de leche lava cake, and a banana bread pudding.

It is very rare that you can go to a restaurant and every single thing you eat is incredible, however, this is what we experienced at The Rusty Pelican. If you are ever in the area do yourself a favor and stop by!