Buying a home in St. Petersburg means making an investment in location. Sure, the city has beautiful views of Tampa Bay and sprawling parks along the waterfront. A morning run in the Sunshine City will take you past the beautifully restored Renaissance Vinoy, tons of boats and yachts waiting for their next adventure, and Beach Drive. Yet, it’s the plethora of new restaurants popping up on some of St. Petersburg’s most prime real estate, that won’t just grab your attention, but promises a new and vibrant edge to a rapidly growing downtown.
Earlier this month, Stillwaters Tavern opened its doors offering what the owner’s call “the most creative food being served in Tampa Bay.” Located in the heart of Beach Drive, Stillwaters Tavern has beautiful waterfront views with an ambiance and menu that meshes the old with the new. You’ll immediately notice the modern yet comfortable furnishings that complement the menu and the spirits. More than 20 beers, wine, and even a few cocktails are all served on tap. The vision of Executive Chef Jeffrey Jew and Director of Operations Lee Karlins, was to create a venue where you could enjoy the warmth and friendliness of a traditional tavern with tried and true American dishes while offering a spin using unique old world flavors. Macaroni and cheese gets a creole spin at Stillwaters and the clam chowder is offered with house-made saltines.
Off the water and up St. Petersburg’s Central Avenue sits The Mill. Walk in the doors and you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to an actual mill. With fresh cocktails and a charcuterie board that offers foie gras your taste buds will be in for a treat. The Mill is open for lunch and dinner. The Mill is the first project for the newly formed D&G restaurant group. It’s located at the bottom of the Progress Plaza building, 200 Central Avenue.
Imagine. Create. Inspire. That’s the theme behind St. Petersburg’s newest Asian fusion restaurant, Souzou. Guests are greeted by several long high-top tables in front of a large bar in the center of the space. It’s a trendy spot for happy hour or dinner. Walls of wine bottles divide the bar from more personal booths and tables for guests looking for an intimate dining experience. The menu has several options from hot to cold, sushi to rice and noodles. The presentation is beautiful and delicious. You’ll also want to make sure to work your way down the extensive cocktail list. You’ll find Souzou at 435 5th Ave North.
Urban Comfort promises to give you a dining experience that will take you back to your roots. In his latest concept, Urban Brew and Barbeque owner, Andy Salyards, decided to take simple food and make it extraordinary. The restaurant aims to create a connection between its menu and foods you remember eating as a child. Take the fried chicken, for example. It’s prepared with herb and buttermilk brine while the fried green tomatoes get a sweet and smoky sauce. Urban Comfort is located at 2601 Central Avenue.
An Orlando favorite has a new home in St. Petersburg. Pom Pom’s Teahouse & Sandwicheria offers gourmet sandwiches, salads, and desserts with an authentic Thai twist. The restaurant serves breakfast lunch and dinner. While dining on one of the many pressed sandwiches or perhaps a crunchy salad, you’ll notice the homage to local artists all over the walls. The folks at Pom Pom’s celebrate the arts in St. Petersburg by turning the restaurant into an art gallery. Pom Pom’s is located at 2950 Central Avenue.
These are just a few of the numerous new restaurants popping up in downtown St. Petersburg. The area is quickly becoming a foodie destination. Whatever you’re craving for dinner, chances are you’ll find it and more! The challenge is finding enough time to try all of the restaurants and pick your favorites!
Leave a Reply