Big news this week for Safety Harbor’s The Tides Market, which on Tuesday was named one of the country’s 50 best restaurants by the New York Times.
The prestigious accolade came as a shock to owners Jon and Mary Kate Walker, who opened their charming seafood market and restaurant in 2021 on a busy stretch of Main Street in downtown Safety Harbor.
I can’t print verbatim what Mary Kate’s response was when I texted her Tuesday morning with the news, but suffice to say, it came as a very welcome surprise.
When reached by phone that day, Jon Walker said he was “completely awestruck.”
“It’s incredible,” he said. “There’s still a seat at the table for straightforward, honest, approachable food.”
What’s more, the restaurant was the only Tampa Bay spot to make the cut and one of only two restaurants in Florida to appear on the list. Pretty cool stuff.
I have to interject here and point out that the New York Times hasn’t always gotten it right.
Imagine my jaw dropping when in 2023 the list included Tampa’s Salt Shack on the Bay. Salt Shack might have plenty to love in the way of waterside vibes and atmosphere, but one of the best restaurants in the country? I’m sorry, but no.
This year, though, I’m all on board. In the years since The Tides opened, the owners have expanded and evolved the concept into what is now a full-fledged seafood dining destination. The restaurant has landed in the top 10 of our Top Restaurants lists the last two years as well as snagged a coveted “recommended” designation from the Michelin Guide. It’s not hard to see why: The food is fresh, the quality is high and the technique is sound.
Walker told me that having a more casual restaurant like theirs included on such an esteemed list was thrilling.
“We’re not doing composed, fine dining,” he said. “It’s kind of nice that you can make a really good sandwich and get recognized for that, too.”
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