Apollo Beach may be small, but its dining scene packs a punch. From waterside seafood grills to family-run pizzerias, here are 8 top-rated locally owned restaurants, chosen for their excellent food, friendly service and atmosphere (per recent local reviews).
1. Circles Waterfront Restaurant
1212 Apollo Beach Blvd, Apollo Beach, FL 33572
circleswaterfront.com
Circles is a modern, airy American eatery focused on fresh seafood and steaks, with indoor and outdoor seating right on the marina . It’s famous for its scenic water views and live music – in fact, visitors call it “an absolute must-visit for the whole family“. Diners rave that the food is “excellent” (we tried the mahi mahi) and highlight the friendly service . The combination of waterfront ambiance and high-quality cuisine makes Circles a local favorite (Google reviews consistently praise its views and steaks, with many 5★ comments).
2. Alpha Pizza, Pasta & Prime
1312 Apollo Beach Blvd, Apollo Beach, FL 33572
alphapizza.com
Alpha Pizza is a beloved long-time local pizzeria with Greek and Italian flair. This family-run spot (serving the area for over 30 years) specializes in hearty pies, pasta and classic Greek dishes – even their salad is “huge” and fresh. The menu is unpretentious and crowd-pleasing (“mostly Greek & Italian favorites”), and they often feature live music and special theme nights. Its neighborhood atmosphere and large portions earn steady praise in reviews, making it a go-to for pizza and pasta lovers in Apollo Beach.
3. Apollo’s Bistro
6520 Richies Way, Apollo Beach, FL 33572
www.apollosbistro.com
Apollo’s Bistro is a locally owned American bistro in a quiet corner of town. Patrons say it’s “more than just a burger joint” offering a variety of well-prepared dishes (burgers, risotto, seafood specials) in a calm, professional setting. Reviewers highlight its “exceptional food and service” – one recent Google review gushes about the “great food, great service, and excellent cocktails” at this spot . The owners’ family run, neighborhood vibe comes through in the welcoming atmosphere, making it a popular pick for casual
dinners or even small events.
4. Salty Shamrock Irish Pub
6186 N U.S. Hwy 41, Apollo Beach, FL 33572
saltyshamrock.net
Salty Shamrock brings Irish-American pub fare to Apollo Beach. It serves up Irish comfort food (think Guinness-battered fish & chips, corned beef sandwiches and hearty burgers) alongside live music and sports on TV. The setting is festive and family-friendly – locals enjoy pints of Guinness on the patio while kids eat fries. Reviews repeatedly mention the food’s quality (“best fish and chips around”) and the friendly staff: one happy customer wrote, “the food is great and the owners and staff are so sweet” . With its
lively atmosphere and pub classics, Salty Shamrock is a favorite for both families and night-outers.
5. Latitude’s Apollo
131 Harbor Village Ln, Apollo Beach, FL 33572
latitudesapollo.com
Latitude’s Apollo is a relaxed bar & grill at the Apollo Beach. Its menu spans steaks, seafood and New-American comfort food, with plenty of burgers, salads and sandwiches to choose from. This super casual spot even welcomes dogs at the outdoor tables (it’s noted as pet-friendly ). Regulars love the laid-back, sports-bar vibe: TVs, draft beers, and weekly specials. With a 4.0/5 TripAdvisor rating (about 192 reviewers) and consistent 4★–5★ Google scores, Latitude’s is known for friendly bartenders and a menu that keeps locals coming back (reviews praise its varied menu of nachos, flat breads, rice bowls and more ).
6. Apollo Beach Diner
6048 N U.S. Hwy 41, Apollo Beach, FL 33572
apollobeachdiner.com
Apollo Beach Diner is the classic American breakfast-and-lunch joint of the neighborhood. It “captures the essence of American comfort food” with its extensive menu of pancakes, omelettes, burgers and sandwiches. The atmosphere is clean, homey and very family-friendly – one Google review says “the service is great and the food is delicious” after their Sunday breakfast with family . Indeed, reviewers consistently note the quick, attentive service: “meals come out quickly… all the food was cooked as
requested… prices are reasonable”. With its pleasant staff and filling portions (and about a 4.5★ average rating on review sites), the diner is a beloved local spot for hearty, no-frills meals.
7. The Vineyards Trattoria and Pizzeria
250 Apollo Beach Blvd, Apollo Beach, FL 33572
thevineyardstrattoria.com
The Vineyards is a cozy, white-tablecloth Italian restaurant and pizzeria. It’s acclaimed for its authentic Italian cuisine and friendly service – Nextdoor users note it’s “highly recommended for its excellent Italian food, reasonable prices, and top-notch service”. The menu includes classics like seafood pasta, veal and wood-fired pizzas; specialties like surf-&-turf and salmon get special mention. The ambiance is “nice and classy”, making it popular for date nights or small celebrations. Overall, most reviewers are very pleased – one says almost everyone leaves smiling – so it’s a must-try if you crave Italian in Apollo Beach
8. Mi Viejo Latin Cafe & Catering
6002 US-41, Apollo Beach, FL 33572
miviejolatincafe.com
Mi Viejo Latin Cafe is a hidden gem serving Cuban, Puerto Rican and Latin-American comfort food. The menu features made-to-order favorites like Cuban sandwiches, empanadas and mofongo, all prepared “with care to give you that homemade feel”. Diners appreciate the authentic, old-country flavors – for example, the ropa vieja and lechón are highlights – and the friendly, family-run service. Although smaller than the sit-down restaurants above, Mi Viejo has earned a loyal following for its fresh ingredients and generous portions. Its consistently high reviews praise the genuine taste and welcoming vibe that transport you straight to Latin America .
Conclusion
Whether you’re craving fresh seafood with waterfront views, handcrafted burgers, or a cozy local brunch spot, Apollo Beach is serving up more than sunshine — it’s dishing out flavor, charm, and unforgettable experiences. These locally owned gems go beyond great food — they reflect the heart of the community with warm service, family-friendly vibes, and a genuine love for their craft.
So next time you’re planning a weekend outing, a casual date night, or just want to support small businesses, let your appetite lead the way. From beach side bites to fun atmospheres, Apollo Beach is ready to welcome you with a full plate.
Stay hungry, stay curious — and don’t forget to tell them GrowHillsborough sent you!
