Adventures of Gus and Kim: Dunedin, Florida and Olde Bay Cafe

If you've ever been to Dunedin, Florida then you know that it is just the cutest, quaintest little town. If you haven't been there then you need to add it to your "let's go" list. We visited Dunedin for the first time back in December of 2017. At that time we were just passing through so we only made a couple of stops: Dunedin Brewery and Soggy Bottom Brewery. I've been fascinated with the town ever since. Part of that fascination is due to the strong Scottish influence in the town - and I love my Scottish heritage!

We were in the area again last month and decided to go to Dunedin for lunch. Gus and I love finding new places to eat - especially if it's on or near the water. We prefer independently-owned places where the locals hang out, so this trip we decided on  Olde Bay Cafe.



Olde Bay Cafe sits on the Dunedin Marina which is next to Edgewater Park. Perfect for watching boats, birds, and people. After a short wait, we were lucky enough to get a table with a view across St. Joseph Sound to Caladesi Island.


The building itself is mostly made up of the Dunedin Fish Market - the cafe is pretty small. But don't be fooled. What it lacks in size, it makes up for in charm and delicious food.


None of their food is fried. Yep, you heard me. Nothing is fried! They sear it on a cast iron skillet then finish cooking it in the oven. They have soups, salads, several shareable appetizers, sandwiches, wraps, tacos and more.


Fish tacos are one of my favorite things. As a matter of fact, I ate fish tacos for almost every meal during this trip! So you know I ordered the cod tacos with Olde Bay Cafe slaw, Key lime vinaigrette, and avocado, with a side of potato salad.


Soooo good! I loved the slaw and Key lime vinaigrette on the fish, and the potato salad was some of the best I've tasted.

Gus ordered the pan-seared grouper with a side salad and kettle chips. He finished it in record time and declared it delicious.

I did go inside to use the restroom and I noticed that there was a small bar and seating around the perimeter of the deck, but I didn't really notice if there were tables inside as well.


After lunch, Gus and I walked along the marina...


and over to Edgewater Park. There is a nice shady grassy area with walkways and a gazebo, as well as public restrooms. We noticed that there were several older (I'm assuming retired) couples who had brought chairs to the park and were sitting under the trees reading and looking out at the boats and water. #goals


And this is all within easy walking distance of downtown Dunedin where you'll find shops, restaurants, and more...

Fun facts about Dunedin:

• Dunedin is pronounced DONE-EE-DIN
• Dunedin has eight craft breweries within a one mile radius. 
• Dunedin Stadium is where the Toronto Blue Jays hold their spring training.
• Dunedin is home to Honeymoon Island, the #1 state park in Florida.
• The Pinellas Trail (a 34 mile paved trail for walking, jogging, skating, and biking that runs from St. Pete to Tarpon Springs) runs right through downtown Dunedin.
• The Dunedin Highland Games & Festival is held every spring - 2019 marks 53 years!

So next time you're in Tampa or St. Pete, take a side trip to Dunedin. Have lunch at the Olde Bay Cafe, sit a spell in one of the many parks or take a walk on the Pinellas Trail. And don't forget to have a beer at one of the many breweries. You'll be glad you did!

Olde Bay Cafe
51 Main Sreet
Dunedin, Florida  34698
(727) 733-2542

Hours: Daily 10a-10p