Fetishes Dining & Wine Bar

My wife and I discovered this place quite by accident last evening. We wanted to eat out in a quietly romantic atmosphere where we could spend time enjoying each other’s company without being over attended to during the course of dinner and wine. This fine dining restaurant was perfect. Bruce, the owner is actively engaged in making his guests welcome and you just know that you are about to engage In a dining experience. We took some of his suggestions by starting out with a crab cake which we shared…“to die for” is the appropriate description. Paired with a Pinot Gris from Willamette Valley, the crab cake was the perfect appetizer. On to the main course of Chateaubriand for two flamed at our table side with vegetables and creamy mashed potatoes, this delectable combination of quality and presentation just made my top five restaurant experiences nationwide. Yes, that’s right, this place is on one of my all time best ever list for places to truly enjoy a dining experience with great food, service and atmosphere.

Amazing place, beyond expectations, the food is divine, service is amazing. I can’t imagine this place better any better then it was.

I’m only giving 2 stars because a restaurant with these prices and the experience being offered should be able to nail service, but that wasn’t the case. The female server we had was terribly rude and seemed to be in the wrong line of work. The male server (who was also the chef at each table) picked up most of her slack. I could tell he had a real interest in making sure customers were happy, but he just couldn’t keep up. The salmon was awful too, so steer clear of it!

Not very often I give five stars. Came across this place due to other Unilocal reviews. Small business with the owners personal touches. Nice table side preparations of salads, steaks, and desserts. Table side Caesar salad was one of the best I have had. Surf and turf was wonderful. Crab cakes were probably in my top 3 best. Melt in your mouth filet. Plan on spending some extra time when dining here. (Due to extra time needed for table side preparations). Highly recommend.

We had a work party of 20. The owner took us in with no reservation despite the disruption. The food was spectacular. I watched the Caesar being prepared and it was amazing. I could tell what followed the salad was going to be great and it was! I have friends that live 30 minutes north. I’m treating them to this place next time I’m in town. If you love great food and people who love what they do… give this place a shot. You will not be disappointed. The owner knows wine too. We had nice wines at an affordable price. Where can you get table side service anymore??? Just a treat!

Lovely experience, great service, relaxing, loved it, and I’ve never given 5 stars for any restaurant! If you want great seafood, tender meat, dishes found no where else, go there for a wonderful experience.

I will give it 5 stars for the food but the service was very slow. it was only one person and I ordered 2 appetizers and dessert and the server charged me 17% gratuity. which is $ 10
just awful

Fetishes is a wonderful dining experience. The cordial demeanor of the owner, staff service, wine list and, of course, the food are all wonderful and excellent.
We have dined at Fetishes several times over the years, and have never been disappointed. The menu is traditional, and all the better because of it. Table side service can rarely be found today, and it is both entertainment and an experience. Wine is decanted when ordered, and served as requested. One of the best features of the service is its pace. No rush to push you through your meal.
The food and its preparation are excellent. Over time we have ordered virtually everything on the menu, always prepared exactly as requested. If you are looking for «fine dining» rather than the over-​commercialized experiences of some of St. Pete’s «legendary» venues, get a reservation at Fetishes.

Classic offerings prepared in a traditional way with excellent service. Food is fresh and flavorful. The table side Caesar was worth the up charge. One of the best Caesars I’ve had! The house salad dressing was also amazing! The escargot was prepared a bit differently than normal, with almond pesto, and was a bit sweet for our taste. But the snails were tender and tasty. The fish special was a whitefish stuffed with crabmeat– YUM! The Dover sole was also perfect. Cherries Jubilee for desert to round of the experience. The only thing that could have been better with that would be more ice cream– the ratio was a little off with more sauce than ice cream. The coffee was also flavorful, and as mentioned, great service!

Phenomenal food, phenomenal service. The owner shares the responsibility of waiting on guests. They are extremely knowledgeable about the food and the wines. Crab cakes are the best I have had. The redfish and lobster delicious. The deserts home made and delicious.

If you are anywhere near St. Petes you must come to Fetishes! I came here with high expectations and they more than exceeded them. You must have the Caesar Salad made fresh at the table. I have never cared one way or the other about salad, but I was completely wrong! Caesar Salad as it should be! The crab cakes were phenomenal and the Cherries Jubilee, also made fresh at the table were incredible.

Loved it. Great wine list, best Crab Cake I’ve ever had and table side Bananas Foster! Really was a great night with great service. I tend to the proprietor restaurants as opposed to chains and I have found this one to the best on the West Coast of Florida.
If you’re in St Pete Beach, it’s a must try.

I was taken back by the exterior, it was not very well lit and a little hard to find. But oha my, let me tell you, an amazing hidden gem! The ambiance is cozy, personal, and romantic. They offer table side cooking on certain dishes and dessert! The food was simply absolutely amazing! Lamb chops, true crab cakes (not stuffing), filet, scallops, and more. We had quite a few items and everything deserved 5 stars!

First time in the new location here on Gulf Boulevard and it’s even better than I remember. The table side service was wonderfully delicious and a great floor show which was unexpected on a Wednesday on the beach. Looking forward to bringing friends and family back soon. Bruce is a congenial host the music was upbeat but mellow enough to carry on conversations but we found ourselves singing along occasionally. The Chateaubriand for two is perfectly prepared the plates and the presentation was so beautiful it was almost a shame to have to disturb it, one of the best meals in a long time.

I love this intimate, soft lit restaurant. It’s a very small restaurant (11 tables) with a wine bar, as well as a private room for a party of ten. We found Fetishes 9 years ago and it is a must-​go-​to dining experience every time we’re in St Pete Beach. We were married at the Don Cesar, but have celebrated our 1^st, 5^th and now 10^th anniversaries at this wonderful restaurant. The owner Bruce pays attention to detail and incorporates table-​side food preparation such as Caesar salad, Dover sole, chateaubriand and flambé desserts. Old school… you don’t get that kind of service any more. As a sidenote, it is pricey but you get what you pay for here and the owner is very hands on and cares for every guest. My husband and I had a bottle of Craggy Range Sauvignon Blanc and shared the Coquilles St Jacques Gratinee, which was two large scallops baked with tomatoes, mushrooms, garlic and wine topped with breadcrumbs and parmesan. The scallops were delicious. We were give two crusty warm rolls, too. Next Bruce prepared the Caesar salad at our table. The lettuce was crisp and the dressing expertly made was perfect with a hint of anchovy and the goodness of parmesan, lemon and Dijon. My husband had the special red snapper with grilled shrimp served with thin grilled asparagus spears and cheesy rice. I opted for the Maryland style crab cakes served with crisp snap peas and cheesy rice. My husband and I shared our entrees since both were yummy. The snapper was moist and flaky and the shrimp large and grilled perfectly. However, the crab cakes were outstanding. Two large cakes that were full of large pieces of crab and fell apart because of the sparing use of a binder like bread. Every bite was delicious! We ended our meal with the bananas foster flambé dessert. Bruce again expertly prepared this dish and it was warm, gooey and decadent. My husband had a port flight, too. The overall experience was just what I’ve come to know about Fetishes… expertly prepared food, attention to detail, great service, owner’s touch for every guest and a romantic, intimate setting. I still love Fetishes. It never disappoints.

Decades ago in a town called Des Plaines, IL there was a restaurant named Seven Continents. Here I was introduced to what we call «fine dining» with a real Maitre d”, waiters in tuxedos, and fancy plate settings. We had table side service where I discovered Caesar Salad and Steak Diane, what we often refer to as Continental Cuisine.
Unfortunately, Continental Cuisine as we know it has become a lost art and as we travel my wife and I are always seeking out niche restaurants that might actually still feature some of these dishes. Fortunately for us on a recent trip to Tampa, we found Fetishes.
Not a big place, but easy to find (see photos). Classic menu featuring a «best of» the classic dishes, many of which are prepared table side.
We started with a Maryland Crab Cake. Often crab cakes are stuffed with crab and fillers. Not here. The best crab cake we’re had anywhere.
Next came house salad which is included with your entrée. Mixed greens topped with a blend of mustards to create a truly unique and tasty dressing.
Main entrée Steak Diane. Prepared table side, it ranks as one of the best of the best. Fresh vegetables and Duchess Potatoes piped into a puff pastry shell finished the plate.
For desert we shared the Bananas Foster. Bruce, the owner, has a twist to the traditional recipe you would otherwise find and it really works. To learn what that is, you will have to go and try it yourself.
If we didn’t live 3,000 miles away we would surely be regulars.

You wouldn’t expect much from this restaurant by looking at the outside of it. It’s a very plain looking building. But inside, it is elegant and intimate. There are not very many tables at all, and only about 3 staff people working the restaurant (although I’m sure there must have been a cook or two in the back). Service was a little slow, but they were working hard — and they were busy, so I can’t fault them. They offer a lot of table-​side services, such as homemade Cesar salad (even dressing is made right there in front of you) — steaks, fish, and dessert… The food was very good. It is a very unique restaurant where you get very personal service. The prices are worth the food for tastiness, presentation, and uniqueness. I would definitely come back here again.

Old school menu, tableside service /​classic! Party of four started w crab cakes, escargot and coquilled St Jacques and wonderful sliced baguettes.
Followed w tableside caesar salad — superb presentation and taste, the chilled fork was nice touch. Entrees included creole redfish, lamb chops and tableside steak diane. Everyone enjoyed their selected dishes and lots of sharing occurred.
Ended with housemade Belgian chocolate chip ice cream along with tableside cherries jubliee and bananas foster. Various coffees and teas.
This is a refreshing experience compared to the frantic lunches and dinners we often do these days. Will be back again, hopefully soon.

I’m sorry to report dinner here last week was not good.
Yes, owner was very solicitous at beginning of the meal and encouraged ordering. But he was not around after food was served or to check with me after I left much on my plate.
He hyped the escargot which were not special. Stuck in a piece of bread and baked. Stuffed fish was way over cooked and horribly dry. Lime parfait dessert was tasteless so I stopped after two bites. They added a tip to the bill.
I felt I overpaid. It’s old-​fashioned and in my view overpriced for the quality of the food, cooking and technique. Nothing original, fresh or particularly interesting.
Next night I went to Castile Restaurant. The chef there knows what he’s doing. THAT was fine dining. Sorry not Fetishes.
(And *what* is with that name? Sounds more like the name for a strip club than a dinner restaurant.)

It had been some time since we’ve come here. Their new location is a beautifully decorated, relaxing, and romantic venue. We were greeted by Bruce (owner) and instantly felt comfortable with his amiable personality.
As always, we were hungry. For starters, I ordered the duck liver pâté’, my partner ordered the coquilles St. Jacques and we split the appetizer size of their crab cakes. My pâté’ was served with some fruit chutney and blueberries. It was delicious. The crab cake was huge and awesome (we’ve had them before and they should not be missed). The star of the show was the coquilles… OMG. The scallops were perfectly cooked and quite decadent. We wished that there were more bread served so we could sop up every last drop.
Next up was their table-​side Caesar salad. Bruce did a marvelous job with the ingredients, from garlic cloves soaked in olive oil to freshly made croutons. It is certainly worth the up charge for this meal accompaniment.
On the drive over, we had already decided what we were going to order for entrees. However, once Bruce said that they had red snapper as a special, our decisions changed. The special was a sauted red snapper filet with lump crab meat in a pesto cream sauce (see pic). Wow! The sauce was not too heavy so that we could taste the delicately sweet snapper and the thumb-​size lump crab meat. Again, it would have been nice to have some bread to utterly and literally clean our plates.
We finished our meal with the orange chocolate chip cake for 2. It was a nice muffin sized morsel. We will definitely be back soon to sample the rest of the menu. We had an overall wonderful experience!