105 N Bayshore Drive
Safety Harbor, FL 34695
*Disclaimer: We were not paid for this review. All opinions are our own and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
The Fountain Grille Restaurant is located inside Safety Harbor Resort and Spa in Tarpon Springs which is said to be the place where the legendary Fountain of Youth was found. In addition to enjoying the healing mineral waters found in the hotel's spa and enjoying massage packages, you can enjoy breakfast or dinner at the resort's on-site restaurant.
The Fountain Grille offers a refreshing setting for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Whether you are an out of town guest enjoying a rejuvenating weekend getaway or a local enjoying a relaxing staycation, The Fountain Grille is the perfect choice for a fuel up. I have enjoyed both the breakfast buffet and lunch service here. The food is surprisingly good for a resort and a convenient choice for anyone staying here or just enjoying the spa facilities for the day.
Breakfast at The Fountain Grille includes your choice of an entrée or a full breakfast buffet (weekends). The buffet is a great option as it offers a little bit of everything: fresh fruit, cereals, orange juice, breakfast meats, biscuits, scrambled eggs, breakfast potatoes, and made-to-order omelettes. Everything is delicious: the food is fresh and the buffet line was very clean and nicely organized.
If you prefer a single entree, I recommend the Omelet Creation, which includes your choice of 3 ingredients (amongst a selection of meats, cheeses, and veggies) and a side of breakfast potatoes.
The resort uses their mineral water in all drinks offered at the restaurant. Water from the “Espiritu Santo Springs" (discovered in 1539 by Hernando Desoto) is said to have special healing powers. You have your choice amongst coffee, tea, espresso, lattes, and cappuccinos. Fruit drinks are also available.
Lunch includes a selection of appetizers, soups and salads, sandwiches, and special dishes (Wild Salmon, Jumbo Shrimp Scampi, and Grecian Grouper to name a few). There are a few vegan and vegetarian items (Mediterranean Tapas Plate, Veggie Stir Fry) on the menu for those following a special diet. Mike and I enjoyed both the Tapas plate and the Shrimp Scampi. The Tapas plate consisted of a mix of pita bread, tzatziki, hummus, feta cheese blocks, and fresh veggies.
The restaurant is able to prepare specialty dishes for those on a gluten-free diet. I recommend inquiring about special diets in advance. If visiting on short notice, just inform your waiter and they should be able to accommodate your preferences.
The dinner menu includes an assortment of appetizers (Spanakopita, Safety Harbor Crab Cakes, a Mediterranean Hummus Plate), soups and salads, pasta dishes, and entrees (Chicken Piccata, Grouper Piccata).
If you happen to be visiting the region over the holidays, they do offer a spectacular Thanksgiving and Christmas buffet. Although pricey, the decadent selection and beautiful resort setting easily justify the upcharge.
Service is typically professional, prompt, and accommodating. On our first visit, our waitress had no problem asking the chef to make a few small substitutions and cook our breakfast potatoes with oil as opposed to butter. Fortunately, we longer have any dietary restrictions, so we usually opt for the buffet for the best value.
The dining room is classy, elegant, and clean. The vibe is inviting, and relaxing. Sit by the window for nice views of the fountain or enjoy a seat on the outdoor patio on cool days for a really relaxing experience.
The Fountain Grille is a great choice, both for guests staying at the hotel, relaxing at the spa, and those just out exploring Tarpon Springs for the day. Enjoy a filling breakfast or light lunch, then enjoy a day of restorative spa treatments. You deserve a day of relaxation: start the day out right with a great breakfast in a peaceful setting.
