Stephanie J.
Yelp
Ever since I moved to St. Pete in 2020, Trophy Fish has been like a long-unrequited crush, always on my mind but just out of reach--until today, when I finally stepped through that nautical wooden gate and immersed myself Into this tropical paradise.
Veiled from street view by lush walls of Sea Grape trees (at least I think they are Sea Grapes) in the heart of the Grand Central District, entering Trophy Fish made me feel like I'd tumbled into a coastal Wonderland making the return of Al fresco dining with a cool, easy breeze and crushed oyster shells crunching underfoot an even greater delight,
The dog-friendly setup radiates a relaxed, "bait shop chic" allure that melds casual counter ordering with seamless efficiency, that suits the relaxed dining experience while keeping things moving and giving you a chance to check out the fresh fish of the day, which was likely caught that very morning just a few miles from the venue.
The menu didn't disappoint either. We kicked things off with hush puppies and a pineapple sauce--decent, but a bit heavy for my taste. The amberjack nuggets, though, were a revelation: flaky, lightly breaded, and downright tasty, while the amberjack sandwich paired perfectly with the irresistible truffle fries. But the true star was the key lime pie--hands down the best I've ever tasted - no cap - striking a perfect balance of tart and sweet with a graham cracker crust that was nothing short of sublime.
The full bar, featuring creative "boat drinks" like the Pistachio Mai Tai, added a playful touch, making us feel like we were sipping cocktails on a dock at sunset. Trophy Fish is a charming, inviting spot that whisks you away to a coastal paradise right in the heart of the city and is absolutely worthy of a visit for a local dining experience.