HOURS OF OPERATION
BRUNCH
Saturday – Sunday 10:00am – 2:00pm
REGULAR MENU
Monday – Thursday 3:00pm -10:00pm
Friday – Noon – 10:00pm
Saturday – Sunday 2:00pm – 10:00pm
Takeout Orders Available
The essence of TJ’s Italian Café as the ultimate dining destination on Indian Rocks Beach —Since 1989
The sun dips below the horizon, painting the Gulf of America in fiery hues of orange and pink, but on the barrier island of Indian Rocks Beach, Florida, the real heat is just igniting. Since 1989, TJ’s Italian Café has reigned supreme as the who’s-who spot, a culinary crown jewel where locals strut and visitors clamor to be seen. Step through the doors, and you’re not just dining—you’re stepping into a legacy, a sizzling saga of flavor, flair, and Frank Sinatra’s timeless croon wafting through the air.
At the helm is Executive Chef Thomas J. Smith, a maestro with a spatula, commanding a brigade of nearly a dozen chefs who dance around the kitchen like it’s a Broadway stage. Flames leap from sauté pans, the air thick with the perfume of garlic, fresh basil, and simmering San Marzano tomatoes. Every dish—every single one—is crafted from scratch, a labor of love using the finest ingredients money can buy. Picture this: tender osso buco braised to melt-in-your-mouth perfection, hand-rolled meatballs served with pasta al dentei that’s light as a cloud, and seafood risotto so decadent it could make a grown man weep. Then, just when you think you’ve peaked, the oven doors swing open, revealing golden, bubbling masterpieces baked to a crisp, irresistible finish.
The atmosphere? Electric. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over crisp white tablecloths, while the clink of top-shelf cocktail glasses—think perfectly muddled Manhattans and velvety martinis—mingles with the buzz of the crowd. The wine list reads like a love letter to Tuscany and Bordeaux, each bottle begging to be uncorked. And the music? Oh, it’s pure Sinatra—smooth, sultry, and dripping with that Rat Pack swagger, transporting you to an era where dining was an event, not just a meal.
The dessert tray rolls out like a grand finale: towering tiramisu dusted with cocoa, molten chocolate lava cakes that ooze with every bite, and cannoli so crisp and creamy you’ll swear they were kissed by an Italian nonna. You sip your espresso, lean back in your chair, and realize—this isn’t just dinner. This is the ultimate dining experience, a bold, unapologetic celebration of life’s finest pleasures.
Everyone’s here. The mayor’s holding court at a corner table, locals swap stories over plates of veal scaloppine, and sunburned visitors from London or New York crane their necks to catch a glimpse of the action. You want to be here. No—you need to be here. To miss TJ’s is to miss the beating heart of Indian Rocks Beach, the place where the food dazzles, the vibe electrifies, and the night feels infinite. Since ’89, TJ’s Italian Café hasn’t just been a restaurant—it’s been the destination, the ultimate stage where every bite, every sip, every moment screams, “This is living.” And trust me, you’ll be back. Everyone always is.
OUR CUSTOMER TESTIMONIALS
The service was attentive and the food absolutely delicious
"We finally tried TJ's even though we usually pass it by every year. I am I ever glad we stopped in. The place is small but intimate and offers both inside and outside dining areas. The service was attentive and the food absolutely delicious. I really loved the huge Meatballs and the pasta was perfectly cooked. We will certainly add this lovely place to our favourites list for future trips to Florida."
Great menu advice
"Erica was full of great menu advice. We ate beer batter onion rings stuffed folded pizza and an awesome steak and cheese sandwich. We’ve lived in the area for 20 years and this was our first visit that’s unfortunate!! We will be back for dinner soon!!"
We definitely going back
"Kept passing by "saying need to stop at TJ Italian restaurant," well we did and definitely going back, when you do ask for Sheri, she was absolutely great server and person. We ordered the "Main lobster ravioli & Sorrentino," just yummy, the salad dressing was made from scratch, warm bread, all of the food was cooked perfectly. Now I'm hungry. A must stop, relax and enjoy."
This is our go-to spot!
Second time visiting this fantastic restaurant and it was just as good as I remembered. We stumbled upon it by accident(what a great "accident ") last year.Oh my goodness,the works pizza is fantastic. My friend had the philly steak,oh my! Probably the best Caesar salad I have ever had,and oh let's not forget the appetizer,Onion Rings,very close if not the best I've ever had. Sherry our waitress was great! Great personality. From the moment you walk in till you leave they make you feel appreciated as a customer. This is our go-to spot for vacay!
John
My wife and I own a condo in Indian Rocks Beach and we travel here every year. A "must stop" is TJ's. We typically stop twice here during our week because it is so good. There are many great resturants in the beach area but this is our favorite. Everything we've ever tried is very good and we've never been disappointed. We live in the Chicago area and our pizza up here is great, but TJ's is the best we've found in FL. Highly recommended.
“Great Food, Excellent Service!!”
We stumbled on this place by sheer accident!! The ambiance is wonderful and the food was even better! They have a great selection but their fresh fish was amazing!!!!!! I had the blackened Grouper Sandwich and my husband had the Grouper Rolando which was stuffed with shrimp and crab. Out Daughter fancied their cheese pizza which did not disappoint. Tony our server was nice and accommodating and even with our group of 8 he was attentive we have discovered a gem in Indian Rocks Beach!!
Always Great!
This is our favorite go-to restaurant when we get to FL for April & we’re never disappointed, whether it’s simply spaghetti & meatballs, pizza, veal Parmesan or anything on their menu. Service friendly & attentive & Tony was particularly accommodating & pleasant this evening. Do make a reservation in season - outside dining & sunset most enjoyable.
Glenn
First time at TJ's tonight. Food is extraordinarily tasteful and delivered with friendly and competent service. (Ashley, Server). We've already made a reservation for another dinner with a special friend. Very satisfied. Thank you for great food and atmosphere.
Gary
Outstanding service, atmosphere, and prices. Oh yes, the food!! Spaghetti and (massive) Meat Balls with Italian bread was the best I have ever had. I can't wait to be back in Clearwater so I can return to TJ's.
Vicki
Delicious food, early bird dinner specials (before 6 pm). Best calamari I've ever eaten. Great atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating. Highly recommended!
Travis
This place .... simply amazing. Delicious . We had a waitress it was her second night , and she was soooo nice and very attentive. It was such an intimate setting with great food and good wine . My fiancé had a steak and lobster dish , it looked beautiful . fillet under a grilled onion then a tomato and to top it off a piece of lobster . And I had the eggplant app as a dinner and a side salad. All of it was sooo good
Melissa
Probably the best fried calamari we've had so far, not a bit chewy! The mussels fra diavolo were amazing and cooked perfectly! The meatballs as topping on pizza were selfish! We stumbled upon this for dinner for our fam of 4, and I would definitely recommend! The service was perfect as well!
Michelle
Amazing food & true Italian cuisine! Im now hooked since introduced to this place. Either casual hangout at the bar or upscale in dining room. Your choice but feels like home either way. Guaranteed you won't be disappointed!
TJS ITALIAN CAFE,
RESTAURANT & COCKTAIL BAR
A Bridge Away from clearwater Beach &
a swim from St.Pete
Conveniently located just steps from our beaches on Gulf Boulevard in Indian Rocks Beach, Tj’s Italian Cafe Restaurant & Cocktail Bar is ideal for lunch, dinner and sunset cocktails.
Situated between Belleair Beach and Indian Shores, TJ’s features a lush patio and private dining rooms, a casual alternative and perfect for after a day at the beach or before a night out on the town.
Enjoy a dose of relaxation with spectacular sunset views and the cool ocean breeze.