Island Way Grill is one of the nicest restaurants in Clearwater Beach. It's a beautiful restaurant that looks more like it belongs in Los Angeles than in Clearwater. Partially owned by famous football player Mike Allstot, the atmosphere is modern and funky although it can be very loud. Even with a reservation, you will likely be given a beeper and wait for a table on a busy night.

The food is gourmet with sushi selections and fresh seafood. Consistently delicious and fun, the Island Way Grill is a local favorite. This restaurant is a good choice for large events. But, make sure you speak to management if you are planning a significant gathering. Because the Island Way Grill is so popular, if you do not make arrangements ahead of time and stress the significance of your event, you run the risk of getting lost in the crowd.

Recently, the Island Way Grill has added a sunset cruise that can accommodate small weddings. The restaurant also now offers pick up service for large parties if you are staying on Clearwater Beach. It is a bit too far to walk but less than a 5 minute drive from Pier 60.

A huge success since it opened in May 2001, Island Way Grill's regular menu is a blend of Continental and Pacific Rim cuisines with a Pan-Asian flair. However, for two reasons, the best time to dine here is on Sunday - the extensive buffet is self-service, meaning you don't need to deal much with what I'm told is frequently arrogant and usually maddeningly slow service, and for a price lower than that of many of the dinner entrees, you can indulge in a wonderful feast with live entertainment.

The main dining room is both elegant and casually comfortable, with towering ceilings, lots of glass and wood, and large windows for viewing passing boats on Mandalay Bay (a dock is available for those arriving by water). A deck provides a beautiful setting for alfresco dining, although eating outdoors is highly impractical in the hot and humid weather that generally prevails from May through October.

The brunch, priced at $19.95 for adults (who receive a Mimosa or glass of champagne) and $8.95 for children (who often can out eat their parents), includes a wide assortment of typical breakfast items - Eggs Benedict, Belgian Waffles, French Toast, fruit-filled blintzes, donuts, muffins, and a variety of breads. An omelet station prepares them to order, and serves them with sausage, bacon, and wok-fried potatoes. Seafood selections include smoked salmon, sushi rolls, easy-peel shrimp, Cajun crawfish, and half-shell oysters. Those looking for heartier fare will find carved ham and roast beef, assorted hot and cold entrees, international cheese platters (including baked brie), fresh pate, fresh garden and prepared salads, and seasonal fresh fruits.

Those with a sweet tooth will delight in the dessert table, laden with cakes, pies, and pastries, specialties such as Cherries Jubilee and Bananas Foster, and create-it-yourself ice cream sundaes. Bottomless cups of coffee or cappuccino help wash it all down.

"Best bar food and raw, very raw, bar (beware the river crabs)." With crowds packing in no matter how much it expands, you may be at the bar. Enjoy sushi, clams, oysters or the whole menu. You can live on appetizers alone, the best soft shell crab in town and sharp tataki of filet mignon. This beach queen knows all the tricks from early bird buses to truffle oil. The seafood's so fresh you might see the boat, and the crabs crawling in the Fear Factor bowl are still alive. *One of Chris Sherman's best restaurants of 2004 and 2005.

20 Island Way
Clearwater Beach, FL 33767
(727) 461-6617
Cuisine: American, Continental, Seafood, Steaks, Sushi
Price: $25 to Over $60