Most expensive bay area restaurants

The Tampa Bay Business Journal comes out with its list of the most expensive restaurants in the area. See if you agree and I'll tell you my thoughts below. All the average prices are for dinner for two.

1. Armani's, average dinner for 2 $200, entrees $29-$42
2. Oystercatchers, average dinner for 2 $200, entrees $24-$39
3. Maritana Grille, average $195, entrees $34
4. Six Tables (Tampa), average $180 (fixed price)
5. Boizao, average $150, entrees $41.90
6. Vernona, Sarasota, average $150, entrees $36
7. Charley's Steakhouse, average $150, entrees $35
8. Chateau France, average $150, entrees $30
9. Ruth's Chris, average $150, entrees $18.95-$49.95
10. Euphemia Haye, Longboat Key, average $140, entrees $23-$48.50
11. Marina Jack's, Sarasota, average $130, entrees $18.95-$45
12. Beach Bistro, Holmes Beach, average $125, entrees $39-$68
13. The Colony Dining Room, Longboat Key, average $125, entrees $17-$45
14. Il Terrazzo, average $125, entrees $17-$45
15. Mise en Place, average $110, entrees $24-$33
16. Morel, Sarasota, average $110, entrees $16-$32
17. Cafe Ponte, average $100, entrees $25-$33
18. Michael's on East, Sarasota, average $100, entrees $20-$45
19. Fly Bar and Restaurant, average $100, entrees $14-$16
20. Cafe L'Europe, Sarasota, average $100, entrees $29
21. Roy's, average $100, entrees $26
22. Donatello, average $100, entrees $25.95
23. Bern's, average $100, entrees $20.91-$69.68
24. Caffe Paradiso, average $100, entrees $15
25. Marchand's, average $95, entrees $18-$36

Alright, an idiosyncratic list, and I'm not totally sure about the prices--Roy's seems low to me, as does Michael's--but it definitely makes me think about what places are overpriced and what places constitute a bargain. The Colony? Not a bargain. Armani's, I'd pay that. Mise en Place and Cafe Ponte seem like bargains, especially when compared to ho-hum Il Terrazzo or Boizao, or egregiously overpriced Chateau France. Now I think I'm going to wrack my brain for the pricey ones that are missing from the list. Stay tuned.

Comments

[Steaklover]

What about Shula's in Tampa. MUCH pricier than Berns!!!!!!!!!!!!

[cheese]

Melting Pot?? Now that's some expensive cheese

[Hank]

This list is clear evidence that the cost of a meal is not an indicator of value.

You mention Boizao,,, who eats at Boizao? It is a poor imitation of Fogo de Chão.

I eat at Oystercatchers 4-5 times a year. I love the outside atmosphere, food is acceptable. Even with a bottle of wine and tip I cannot remember spending $200.

[tim]

How about one of Stuart Sternberg's $12 hotdogs at The Trop?

[Sir Poopypants]

Boston Market, and Subway are way over priced for what you get.

[Rick]

What about that Wienerschnitzel place on Waters....now that's expensive!

Mcdonalds is crazy expensive since they dropped most items off the dollar menu. Those double cheesers were the best bargain in town at 99 cents

[Rob]

What about Timpano's??

[Eileen]

They totally missed Capital Grill! The steaks are $40+ ala carte!

[Old Chef Dude]

These are straight average dinner prices. Including wine ?

[Hank]

OCD,

These numbers have to be check avg.'s for two people. Inclusive.

[Old Chef Dude]

10-4 Thanks just spaced out a tad!

[Carnivore]

Yea, Verona at the Ritz Sarasota.That place can set you back a couple bucks real quick like. Sunday brunch alone was 70.00 +++ per head.

[Timmy D]

Basta's In St Petersburg should be on this list with an average for 2 at about $200.00, but well worth it for special occasions. Best food in town for my money. Some others that were left off of the list in St Pete - Parkshore Grill (overpriced), Fresco's (decent) and Cafe Alma. I heard Cafe Alma has new ownership this year and is getting better again.

[Jimbo]

List not very accurate. The Palm should be in the top half dozen. I see it nowhere. Also, it's not possible to spend a buck and a half at Marina Jack's unless you stagger out the door and walk off the pier.

And I agree totally with the posters who said there is not necessarily a price-quality correlation. Very specious article by TBJ.

[Old Chef Dude]

Yo! Timmy D. Bastas? check your mail they advertise discount stuff all the time.And for good reason.