Top Dishes to Try at the Best Restaurants in Downtown St Petersburg FL
For those of you searching for the top dishes to try at the best restaurants in downtown St. Petersburg FL, ISU specializes in a dining experience that fuses flavors from Portugal, Spain, and influences from around the world.
With its fresh menu and creative dishes, ISU fuses traditional and modern cooking methods to offer a culinary experience that is authentically Peruvian, Japanese, and international. Whether you are a seafood junkie, sushi fanatic, or just love a mouthwatering slab of beef, the menu is geared to please everyone.
Key Takeaways
ISU is among the top picks for the best restaurants in downtown St. Petersburg FL.
Offers a wide selection of seafood, sushi, and Peruvian-inspired dishes.
Signature dishes like Yuca a la Huancaína, Jalea Mixta, and Wagyu Ribeye are crowd favorites.
Perfect for both casual meals and special occasions.
Fresh, locally sourced ingredients highlight the quality and authenticity of each dish.
Appetizers That Start Your Meal Right
Yuca a la Huancaína
The yuca a la Huancaína is another straightforward but irresistible appetizer of crispy golden yuca fries accompanied by rich, mildly spicy Huancaína sauce. And the dish comes with salsa criolla, so it’s a bright and flavorful start to your meal.
Causa Limeña
For a slightly more involved starter, opt for the Causa Limeña. This seasoned layered dish of mashed potatoes, lime, ají amarillo, and shredded chicken exhibits the depths of Peruvian cuisine. Every bite is citrusy, zesty, and well-balanced.
Choros a la Chalaca
Seafood aficionados can try the Choros a la Chalaca, marinated mussels with lime, red onion, tomato, and choclo. It’s a light, tart choice that provides an indication of the culinary greatness you can anticipate from the remainder of your meal.
Seafood and Ceviche Selections
ISU has established the concept of "Japanese Seafood Dinning" serving you with creative use of fresh seafood directly from the ocean.
Jalea Mixta
Jalea Mixta features calamari, shrimp, fish, and shellfish with salsa criolla and fried yuca. It’s crunchy, tangy, and a perfect introduction to the restaurant’s seafood specialties. It’s crunchy, tangy, and the ideal gateway to the restaurant’s seafood specialties.
Ceviche Clásico
A Ceviche Clásico, a classic that doesn’t need to be fiddled with, consists of fresh fish cured in lime made simply with onions and cilantro. Accompanied by salsa criolla, cancha, and choclo, it is a real taste of Peru.
Gulf Snapper Kinilaw
For those interested in something more fusion, the Gulf Snapper brings coconut kinilaw with Thai chili. The creamy coconut and spicy chili complement each other perfectly, creating an appetizer experience that leaves you wanting more.
Sushi and Crudo Delights
ISU also excels in sushi and crudo offerings, perfect for those seeking refined flavors with a contemporary twist.
Bluefin Tuna
A simple yet elegant dish, Bluefin Tuna is served with truffle-aged shoyu, enhancing the natural flavor of the fish.
Hamachi Crudo
With melon agua chili and pickled shallot, Hamachi Crudo offers a bright, refreshing flavor profile that balances sweet and tangy notes.
King Salmon
Topped with Szechuan cream, chives, avocado, and fermented chili, King Salmon combines rich textures with complex flavors.
Wagyu Gyozas
For a warm appetizer or side, Wagyu Gyozas come with sweet plantain, corn silk, and jus. They’re a comforting yet elevated choice for any meal.
Hearty Main Courses
And then for those looking for something a bit more substantial, ISU’s selection of mains has been carefully chosen to provide flavour and fullness.
Wagyu Ribeye
The pickled chili escabeche wonderfully complements this 14-oz ribeye marinated with aji panca-koji. It’s tender, juicy, and full of flavor, making it a standout dish at ISU. It’s so tender and juicy, and full of flavor – it’s why ISU is one of the best restaurants in downtown St. Petersburg, FL has to offer!
Black Cod
With rocoto miso and salsa criolla, the black cod is a light and highly satisfying dish that demonstrates the restaurant’s dedication to quality and purposeful preparation.
Oxtail Onigiri
This unique dish features crispy yuzu chili over soft rice and braised oxtail, which is a delightful mix of Japanese and Peruvian flavors in every bite.
Why ISU Stands Out
With its modern take on casual dining and attention to detail, ISU is the best in dining downtown. Excellent food, made using fresh ingredients, nuanced with the right flavors, and good presentation.
The culinary talent, as well as passion behind an unforgettable dining experience, is reflected in every dish from appetizers to dessert. It’s no wonder that ISU is highly recommended by both food critics and local diners, and is considered one of the best restaurants in downtown St. Petersburg, FL.
Reservations, or the best food on the menu, are available on ISU. Enjoy the flavors and pairings that make ISU a destination in our dynamic dining city. By combining seafood and sushi with Peruvian influences under one roof, ISU has established itself as one of the best restaurants in downtown St. Petersburg, FL. Reserve your table at ISU today or book a private event!
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of food does ISU offer?
ISU features a blend of Peruvian, Japanese, and international-specialized dishes such as seafood, sushi, and hearty mains.
Are there vegetarian options available?
Yes, ISU does offer vegetarian dishes such as Arroz Chaufa Vegetarian and fresh salads.
Can I make reservations online?
Yes, you can make reservations and read the full menu at ISU’s website.
Does ISU offer seafood specials?
Absolutely. Signature sea selections include Jalea Mixta, Ceviche Clásico, and Gulf Snapper Kinilaw.
Is ISU fine for special events?
Yes, it’s perfect for special occasions and offers a fine dining experience.