CARROLLWOOD. Its interior a juxtaposition of lights and darks, accented with sleek metallic tones, Bonefish combats the backwoods stigma of seafood restaurants with its hip environs. Its strong popularity also gives credence to a tasty menu. Fish (you choose from several varieties) is cooked over a wood-fired grill; the smoky flavor is accented with mango-, garlic-, teriyaki and butter-tinged sauces. Mussels, rock shrimp, calamari and lobster also make appearances, and pastas, chicken, steaks, and pork round out the options. Waits can be common, so plan accordingly.

ROCKY POINT. Freshly-caught seafood and panoramic views attract diners to this popular waterside restaurant. The cuisine, which features coconut shrimp, crab legs and skewers of seafood, takes inspiration from coastal ingredients. The bouillabaisse benefits from them too, and constantly garners rave reviews. If seafood doesn't appeal to you, The Castaway is also renowned for its steaks and light, homemade pastas. No matter your selection, plan to dine on the outdoor deck. Swept by ocean breezes, it's the best way to enjoy the beautiful setting and spectacular sunsets.

WESTCHASE. West Park Village hides one spectacular secret: A stylish seafood restaurant that infuses its creative takes with flavorful Latin and Caribbean influences. Island music is carried by cool breezes throughout the space, which has the look and feel of a tropical resort dining room. As to the fare, start off with calamari, which is marinated in Red Stripe then spiced and fried. From there, it doesn't matter if you go for Caribbean-style shrimp scampi, whole yellow tail snapper, or even something terrene like Cuban-style baby back ribs ­ at Catch Twenty Three, the only bad decision you can make is not trying anything.

PALMA CEIA. Since 1935, this family-run restaurant has satisfied hungry, local appetites. Its location beside Hillsborough Bay affords incredible views of the surrounding landscape. The food, especially the seafood, is the freshest possible, and everything is prepared to order on the premises. Grouper, the house specialty, is available seven different ways; you'll also find seafood pasta dishes, steaks, chicken, shrimp and salmon. Crab cakes, conch chowder and escargot lead the list of appetizers, and adventurous diners find it hard to resist the alligator. Key lime pie is a dessert classic, and a kids menu will take care of the little ones.

CHANNELSIDE. Trendy and upscale, this Channelsider has emerged as a popular place for young professionals to gather for drinks and food at the close of the day. Indeed, the lounge area is a relaxing locale for cocktails thanks to the 600-gallon saltwater aquarium and warm, earthy color scheme. As to the food, some grilled specialties deliciously combine the best of land and sea ­ New York strip with giant stuffed shrimp, filet medallions with lump crab cake, for example ­ while others, like rack of lamb or seared grouper Oscar, more clearly cater to one palate or another. If a more romantic scene is needed, ask for a table on the outdoor terrace, which affords enchanting perspectives of Garrison Inlet.