St. Pete is getting a new wine bar from the owners of Neighborhood Wine Shop.
Bryce Kennedy and Sydney Knowlton announced Nightwatch Wine Bar today, a neighborhood wine bar planned for 2817 Central Ave. The space is on the same block as Neighborhood Wine Shop, next to Cheeky’s Fish and Raw Bar, which opened last May.
The announcement comes just days after Neighborhood Wine Shop celebrated its first anniversary on Friday, May 22.
The new concept gives Kennedy and Knowlton a separate space for the bar side of the business. Both previously worked at CellarMasters and were sad to see it close, but they knew they wanted a split concept of their own, with Neighborhood Wine Shop continuing as the retail shop and Nightwatch giving them more room to build a dedicated by-the-glass program.
Knowlton told St. Pete Wine Scene that the earliest Nightwatch would open is by the end of the year.
In an Instagram post, Kennedy described Nightwatch as a bar focused mostly on wine, with cold beer, a few low-ABV and no-ABV cocktails, small bites, late hours and an outdoor patio. The post also pointed to a casual neighborhood setup, with room for guests to have a drink, grab something small to eat, talk with friends or keep to themselves.
The timing could also create a natural handoff for local wine drinkers. Smallbar is expected to close as its team prepares to open Spitz Wine Bar, and Nightwatch gives St. Pete another wine-focused concept to watch as the scene continues to shift.
New wine concepts are preparing to open across St. Pete in 2026, expanding the city’s wine footprint in both scale and style. Here’s what’s coming.
Table of Contents
Dolcetto
Location: 6800 Gulfport Blvd S, Suite 113 Target Opening: Spring 2026
A new wine bar and retail hybrid is coming to the Pasadena area from industry veterans Michael De Salvia and Peter Celli.
Dolcetto will combine a full wine bar with an expansive bottle selection. Guests can expect a rotating by-the-glass program, light bites, and a broad retail inventory.
The project follows a transitional year for Mike, who had initially been involved in plans to take over Pasadena Liquors & Fine Wines before ultimately pursuing a new concept and location.
The selected space, formerly Books at Park Place, sits within the South Pasadena Shopping Center, which experienced closures following Hurricanes Helene and Milton in late 2024. The interior is being rebuilt from the ground up, with a full build-out planned ahead of opening.
With Pasadena Liquors’ large wine room no longer operating, Dolcetto restores a significant wine presence to the Pasadena area.
Mike describes Dolcetto in simple terms: upscale and professional, yet welcoming to both casual drinkers and serious enthusiasts.
Read more on Mike and his experience in the wine industry here.
Volta Wine + Market
Location: 400 Central Ave, Suite 136 (across from Il Ritorno) Target Opening: Spring 2026
Volta Wine + Market is officially entering build-out mode at 400 Central, at the base of the city’s tallest residential tower and directly across from Il Ritorno.
Zach Pace and partner Rachelle Tomushev confirmed that keys are expected shortly, with construction beginning in what is currently an open shell space. Walls will soon go up as the project shifts from planning to physical build-out.
Renderings are in progress as the team finalizes interior details and operational systems ahead of opening this spring.
For a deeper look at the vision behind Volta Wine + Market, read the full feature here.
Spitz Wine Bar
Location: 2520 Central Ave Target Opening: Early 2026
The team behind Bandit Coffee Co. is continuing work on Spitz Wine Bar, a wine-focused restaurant and bar planned for Central Avenue.
Located at 2520 Central Ave, directly across from Savoir on Central, Spitz further builds out Grand Central District’s emerging wine presence.
The concept has been previewed through “Small Bar,” a compact pop-up inside Bandit that showcases the team’s natural-leaning wine focus and rotating, chef-driven plates.
When Spitz opens, Chef Michael Roberts, formerly of Wild Child and Taco Wizard, is expected to lead the kitchen, with a menu centered on globally influenced small plates, oysters, crudos, and seafood-forward dishes designed to complement a low-intervention wine list.
Recent build-out updates show custom woodwork and finish materials being installed as the space takes shape. An official opening date has not yet been finalized.
Velvet Coupe
Location: 25 Dr. M.L.K. Jr St S Target Opening: Spring 2026
Velvet Coupe will bring a sparkling-focused, low-intervention wine lounge to the MLK corridor.
Owner Dina Branham, formerly of Wine House Social in Delray Beach, is building the concept around sustainably farmed, biodynamic, and minimal-intervention wines. Sparkling will be a specialty, alongside a mix of European selections and other bottles that align with her production standards.
The roughly 30-seat space is being designed as a dark, lounge-driven setting with a central bar, low tables, and intimate seating designed for evening gatherings. Unlike her previous concept, Velvet Coupe is structured primarily as an in-house bar experience rather than a retail shop.
In addition to wine, the program will include small plates, organic tap beer, and a limited selection of wine-based cocktails.
The Electric Boogaloo
Location: Directly across from Mullet’s, on the South Side Target Opening: Approximately 8 weeks From the team behind Mullet’s Fish Camp
A close-up from the dessert wall inside The Electric Boogaloo, currently in progress.
The team behind Mullet’s Fish Camp is opening a wine and dessert bar across the street.
Co-owners Brian Rose, known locally from Mid Peninsula Seafood Market & Restaurant, and Nick Brown are expanding into a new concept called The Electric Boogaloo, a nod to the 80s film Breakin’ 2: Electric Boogaloo.
The space will operate as a wine bar, dessert counter, and retail market under one roof. Brian described it as a passion project built around the wines he personally gravitates toward: smaller producers, diverse regions, natural selections, and likely a noticeable Piedmont presence.
Ice cream and dessert will share space with the wine program, creating opportunities for pairings and crossover ideas like wine floats and adult-style root beer concepts.
On the South Side, where wine-focused options remain limited compared to other parts of St. Pete, the addition fills a clear neighborhood gap.
More details as these projects move closer to opening.
St. Petersburg’s wine scene has expanded well beyond a handful of bars. This is a living list of every wine bar in St. Petersburg, Florida, covering wine-first concepts where wine is central to the experience.
2025 marked a turning point for St. Petersburg’s wine culture. Across the year, new wine bars opened, familiar names returned to their roots, and hybrid concepts reshaped how and where people drink wine in the city. From women-owned projects to education-driven spaces and neighborhood-first bars, the year reflected a clear focus on craft, community, and longevity.
Here’s how it unfolded.
March
Adult Therapy at Glass of Life
Adult Therapy opened in March inside Glass of Life’s stained-glass studio in the Historic Uptown neighborhood, across from Round Lake Park. Curated by sommelier Jessica Arkwright, the women-owned wine retail concept pairs grower-producer wines with picnic provisions and Sip & Solder stained-glass workshops. The wine program focuses on terroir-driven bottles made with minimal intervention, no additives, and restrained sulfur use. 25% of profits are donated to local animal rescues and nonprofits offering adult art therapy services.
May
Neighborhood Wine Shop
Neighborhood Wine Shop opened May 24 in the Grand Central District, quickly establishing itself as one of the city’s most structured retail programs. One of the few local shops offering online ordering and shipping, Neighborhood also launched a tiered wine club built around monthly themes. Co-owners Sydney Knowlton and Bryce Kennedy bring complementary strengths to the shop. Kennedy also shares regular context on new arrivals through the Neighborhood Wine Shop newsletter.
Also in May: the St. Pete Wine Scene website launched, followed by social media going live in June.
July
Christiane’s Wine Bar
Christiane’s Wine Bar opened in July in the former MUST Wine Loft space. Owner Christiane Hall brings more than 35 years of hospitality experience, including ownership of Sip on St. Pete Beach and five years managing Michelin-praised Il Ritorno. The wine program reflects her global certifications, while the space balances wine education with comfort-driven food, self-serve tasting machines, and take-home options.
Lolita’s Wine Market Returns Home
Lolita’s Wine Market reopened July 17 at its original Grand Central location after two years next to the Morean Center for Clay. Co-owners Kelly Rodriguez-Luereano and Chef Alex Rodriguez made the move to reclaim the intimate tasting-bar experience that defined Lolita’s early years. The return of the white rocking chairs, community tables, and first-come, first-served format signaled a shift away from full-service dining and back toward wine-led connection.
August
Savoir on Central
Savoir on Central officially celebrated its grand opening on August 15. Co-owned by Sharon Mahoney and Christina Noordstar, Savoir centers wine education through guided tastings, sommelier-led classes, and curated wine club offerings. The space is best known for its weekly Wednesday wine tastings and has also become a popular venue for private events. Read more about Christina and Sharon here.
September
The Wine Cave & The Dutchman
Opening September 2 in downtown St. Pete, The Wine Cave and The Dutchman introduced a wine-focused bar led by owner Harmen Rost van Tonningen. After more than 30 years in the hospitality industry, van Tonningen opened the space as a personal next chapter, bringing a background that spans country clubs, private dining, and sommelier certification through the Court of Master Sommeliers and the Society of Wine Educators.
October
86 Wine Bar
86 Wine Bar opened October 10 on MLK North, bringing natural wine, small plates, and a vinyl-driven ambiance to a residential stretch of the city. Built by hospitality veterans Kendra Hardesty and Shane Richard Schuch, the bar focuses on low-intervention wines from small producers, paired with limited, rotating menus and a listening-room approach to music. The space reflects Japandi minimalism and a clear neighborhood focus. Read more about 86 Wine Bar here.
Ruya
Ruya opened October 11 in the Grand Central District as a Moroccan-inspired café and wine lounge founded by Sarah Aitcadi. Coffee and mint tea anchor the mornings, while Mediterranean wines, spritzes, and evening events define the later hours. The wine list leans toward Spain and Italy, with Mediterranean selections on the way, and the space regularly hosts yoga, sound baths, and food pop-ups from Drift Kitchen. Ruya reflects the continued rise of hybrid concepts where wine exists alongside wellness, hospitality, and all-day community use. Read more about Ruya here.
November
Bin6South Reopens
Bin6South reopened November 21, just in time for its two-year anniversary, under new leadership with Wine Director Nanci Rosen and Executive Chef Joe Nelson. The reopening brought a renewed focus on fine wine, tasting nights, and technique-driven cuisine, along with expanded patio seating and early-bird common-table reservations. Read more about Bin6South here.
Looking Back
CellarMasters
CellarMasters closed in October after five years, marking the end of one of St. Pete’s earliest natural wine bars and bottle shops. Opened in 2020 by Ryan Rugg and Kory Lynn, the hybrid retail-and-lounge space helped introduce many locals to natural and low-intervention wines at a time when few bars in the city were focused on that style. While hurricanes, increased competition, and declining sales ultimately led to the closure, CellarMasters’ influence remains visible in the natural wine programs and casual, community-driven spaces that followed. Read more about CellarMaster’s closure here.
Before Central Avenue was lined with wine bars, tasting rooms, and bottle shops, two women opened the very first one—in a downtown most people were afraid to visit.
What began as an idea sparked in Europe became A Taste for Wine, the bar that introduced St. Pete to wine by the glass in 1995.
“I would find myself in these bars in France and Holland that had wine by the glass,” Rochelle said. “And I was like, wow, that is really cool. We didn’t have anything like that in the States.”
When she returned home, she wanted to bring that experience to St. Petersburg. She teamed up with her friend Erin Shim, whose IT background and MBA balanced Rochelle’s hospitality instincts. “She had an MBA. I just drank well,” Rochelle laughed. “Your IT is going to come in handy, girl.”
Together, they built the business plan that would become A Taste for Wine, the first true wine bar in St. Pete.
Rochelle and Erin inside A Taste for Wine during its early years on Central Avenue. (Erin Shim)
Finding a Home on Central Avenue
Finding a location wasn’t simple. Landlords thought the concept was too risky. Prices were unrealistic. Prospective spaces fell through. But one afternoon, everything changed.
“We looked up and saw the wrought-iron balcony,” Rochelle said. “We went, huh. Let’s check it out.”
The address was 241 Central Ave, the upstairs space that now houses Sauvignon Wine Locker. In 1995, it was a worn-out office with fluorescent lighting and old carpet—but the balcony felt full of potential. Their soon-to-be landlord believed in them and gave them what Rochelle calls “a running start.” With that support, and no outside loans, the foundation was set.
The balcony at A Taste for Wine once ran through what is now St. Pete Tattoo Company. (Erin Shim)
Building a Wine Bar From Scratch
The space needed everything. They tore out walls themselves, hauled sinks out of an old dinner theater, bought mismatched furniture at auctions, and improvised wherever possible.
“I had a picture of Erin and I taking the first whack at the wall,” Rochelle said. “We were covered in dust and dirt.”
Permitting was just as chaotic. The city required a minimum number of seats that far exceeded what the space could reasonably hold. “We bought plastic chairs just to satisfy the city,” Rochelle said. “It was ridiculous. We were this big and they wanted how many people to squish in here?”
One city staff member eventually toured the space and went to bat for them. “That really helped,” Rochelle said. “Suddenly things opened up.”
What Downtown Looked Like in 1995
Opening a business downtown back then was a gamble.
“Downtown was scary,” Rochelle said. “People didn’t want to go. The benches were used by the homeless, the development was tied up, and no new businesses were opening.”
Central Avenue was dotted with gaps, boarded buildings, and only a handful of restaurants. But the businesses that were there welcomed the wine bar.
“They didn’t look at us as competition,” Rochelle said. “They looked at us as another reason for people to come into the area.”
Creating St. Pete’s First Wine Culture
A Taste for Wine brought an entirely new model to St. Petersburg—one focused on curiosity, accessibility, and warmth at a time when wine still felt intimidating.
Some of the innovations they introduced long before they became common:
Half pours
Clear, approachable tasting notes
Boutique wineries producing 2,000 cases or less
Small grower Champagne decades before it became trendy
Microbrews “because Erin liked beer”
“People loved that we remembered them,” Rochelle said. “‘Hey, glad you’re back—I know you liked this white wine, here’s another I think you might like.’”
Much of what they introduced, small producers, micro-curated by-the-glass lists, and approachable education, now forms the backbone of the modern wine bars that fill St. Pete today.
A Balcony Full of Stories
The wrought-iron balcony wasn’t just the bar’s signature feature, it became a stage for moments that shaped the bar’s legacy.
Rochelle and Erin on the wrought-iron balcony that became one of A Taste for Wine’s most memorable features. (Erin Shim)
Some stories, though, captured the spirit of the place. One night, a young man handed Rochelle an engagement ring and asked her to hide it until his girlfriend arrived. She ushered the woman outside with champagne as he waited on one knee.
“There are stories I could tell you that shouldn’t shared here,” Rochelle laughed. “People did some wild things on that balcony.”
“We could see it through the window when he proposed,” she said. “She said yes.”
There were mystery theater nights, washboard bands, powerful cheese tastings, and the early, unpredictable First Fridays that nearly paid the rent each month.
“It never felt like work,” Erin said. “We brought people together. Those are some of my best memories.”
Nearly 20 Years on Central Avenue
For nearly two decades, A Taste for Wine helped shape the foundation of what would become a thriving wine scene.
Erin eventually moved out of Florida around year twelve but remained central to the business—managing IT, paperwork, taxes, and printing—while Rochelle ran day-to-day operations. In the later years, Renee joined the team and became an important part of the bar’s rhythm.
When the founders sold the business, it eventually evolved into what is now SauvignonWine Locker, a modern wine bar operating in the same second-story footprint they once built from scratch.
The interior of A Taste for Wine in the early years—inside the second-story space at 241 Central Ave. (Erin Shim)A modern interpretation of the stone wall inside Sauvignon Wine Locker today, with an updated look in the same upstairs space A Taste for Wine once called home.
“I’m proud of what they’ve done,” Rochelle said. “They took it to new heights. When I walked in the first time, I had chill bumps on my arms. It felt like home.”
A Legacy That Lives On
Today, Rochelle works part-time at Savoir on Central, contributing her decades of experience to one of St. Pete’s most respected wine education hubs. Her presence there quietly links the city’s wine past to its wine present, which is another example of how far the scene has come.
Rochelle at Savoir in 2025, where she continues to share her experience with St. Pete’s wine community. (Maggie Stevens)
Erin lives out of state but carries the memories closely. “It feels like it was a wonderful chapter,” she said. “I’m proud of it. I don’t have anything bad to say about A Taste for Wine.”
What They Started
St. Petersburg now has 20 wine bars and counting—an astonishing number for a city its size. Rochelle and Erin don’t take credit for the boom, but their influence is undeniable.
“We were fortunate to be at the time we were,” Rochelle said. “St. Pete supported us. That’s what made it work.”
Looking back, the legacy of A Taste for Wine isn’t just about being first. It’s about two women who saw what St. Petersburg could become, and built something nearly twenty years ahead of its time.
At Kosen, Tampa’s Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant, wine and cuisine came together for the Unfiltered Dinner Series, a collaboration between Sommelier Zachery Groseclose and Chef Alex Chamberlain, featuring Oregon’s acclaimed 00 Wines.
“We developed this series to highlight exceptional producers making exceptional wines from exceptional terroirs,” said Groseclose, introducing the dinner. “From Chef Alex’s side, it’s about techniques that augment our Japanese ingredients.”
Chef Alex Chamberlain detailing the butter-poached flounder with buttermilk beurre blanc and caviar, paired with the 2023 Kathryn Hermann Cuvée and 2023 Richard Hermann Cuvée Chardonnays.
Founded by Chris and Kathryn Hermann in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, 00 Wines has earned a reputation for its precision-driven Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, crafted through methods inspired by Burgundy. The Hermanns are known for their “black Chardonnay” technique, embracing controlled oxidation to create wines defined by texture, tension, and minerality.
Founders Chris and Kathryn Hermann of 00 Wines.
Kosen’s culinary philosophy made it a natural host for the dinner. The restaurant’s focus on sustainability, fermentation, and minimal waste mirrors 00 Wines’ detailed, site-specific approach to viticulture. Under Executive Chef Andrew Huang, Kosen practices zero-waste methods through an in-house fermentation program that turns unused ingredients into syrups, vinegars, and misos. Chef de Cuisine Alex Chamberlain, trained in classical French and Nordic kitchens, carries that ethos into dishes that emphasize balance, and seasonal produce.
Squab pithivier paired with the 2023 Shea Vineyard and 2023 Star Vineyard Pinot Noirs from 00 Wines’ Singularity Series.
The five-course tasting menu featured wines from the Family, Assemblage, and Singularity series, each reflecting a different facet of Oregon terroir. Groseclose described the 2022 VGW Chardonnay as “full of green apples and lemony citrus, with just a touch of hazelnut and briny minerality—powerful and compact.” It was paired with a tarte flambée layered with celeriac and truffle. He noted the 2022 VGR Pinot Noir for its dark berry fruit, violet, and spice with a hint of saline minerality, poured alongside foie gras mousse with pink peppercorn brioche and fine herbs.
It is encouraging to see restaurants like Kosen creating space for producers of this caliber and building more opportunities for serious wine conversations in Tampa Bay.
Opening date: Friday, November 21, 2025 Reservations:OpenTable or call 727-498-6735
A New Chapter for Bin6South
After a brief hiatus, Bin6South will reopen Friday, November 21 under new leadership with Wine Director Nanci Rosen and Executive Chef Joe Nelson, and a renewed focus on fine wine, technique-driven cuisine, and polished service.
The team calls it an “elevated experience,” blending Bin6South’s reputation for discovery-driven wine lists with a menu that’s both refined and adventurous.
What’s New
Guests will notice a few thoughtful changes when doors open again:
Early-bird common table: Available 4 – 6 PM by reservation, ideal for a more social, small-plate setting.
Outdoor expansion: Four new tables under retractable awnings expand the patio, first-come, first-served.
Tasting nights: On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, Bin6South will host themed tastings of wines from around the world for a small fee (waived with discounted bottle purchases), paired with a concise menu of small bites.
From Thursday through Saturday, the restaurant returns to full dinner service featuring wine, sake, and beer, with rotating dishes that highlight new culinary techniques and seasonal ingredients.
Menu Highlights
Bin6South’s on-site garden supplies fresh herbs and edible plants used in the kitchen.
Chef Nelson’s fall menu reads like a study in contrast and texture—rustic ingredients meeting modern precision. A few standouts include:
Elk Yukhoe with Korean pear and cured duck yolk
Papardelle Rippiene, a filled pasta layered with ricotta, maitake powder, and black garlic cream
Blue Crab with fermented guacamole and black quinoa-masa chips
Octopus with garlic toum, duck-fat potatoes, and lemon-mint vinaigrette Desserts range from Death by Chocolate to Gunkan Roll with fruit caviar and mint foam.
Holiday Tradition Returns
Bin6South’s beloved Feast of the Seven Fishes returns on Christmas Eve 2025, an eight-course seafood and wine pairing dinner that sells out early each year. Seatings at 5:30 and 8:00 PM | $200 per person (tip not included). Reserve via bren@bin6south.com.
Final Sip
The reopening of Bin6South feels like a restoration of balance in St. Pete’s fine-wine scene. With Nanci Rosen guiding the wine program and Joe Nelson in the kitchen, the restaurant’s next chapter marks a confident return, led by a team with a clear vision for what fine wine and dining can be in St. Pete.
A new chapter for local readers begins this Saturday, November 8, when The Book Lounge officially opens its doors at 2210 Central Avenue from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The first 100 customers will receive tote bags filled with “bookish goodies,” marking the debut of a family-owned bookstore that’s already making waves in St. Pete’s creative community.
Founded by Natalya Calleja and her daughter Pamela, a University of South Florida St. Petersburg student, The Book Lounge was born out of a shared love of reading that spans generations. In a recent interview with The Crow’s Nest, Calleja said she wanted her team to reflect the diversity and creative spirit of St. Pete, so that “our people, our community, and our customers see themselves in our staff.”
Inside, visitors will find a curated selection of fiction titles only, along with affordable wine, coffee, sweets, and a lounge-style setup designed for students and locals to relax, read, or play board games. Community game nights will be held every Thursday, and Calleja plans to host author signings, trivia nights, silent reading sessions, and craft-based workshops like book-nook building and bookmark making.
It is also a space built on legacy. Pamela first began selling “blind date with a book” bundles at local markets, wrapped novels paired with small treats that helped fund the family’s dream of opening a permanent shop. Calleja told The Crow’s Nest that the store is meant to be a haven for connection and empathy, echoing the comfort of the game nights and stories shared in her own home.
Photo by Pour & Decor.
Later this month, The Book Lounge will team up with Pour & Decor for its first signature event, Wine a Little, Read a Lot: Book Fair for Grown-Ups, on November 20 from 6 to 9 p.m at Pour & Decor. Guests can expect wine, local vendors, and a nostalgic twist on the school-day book fair with a distinctly St. Pete flair.
St. Petersburg’s pioneering natural wine bar and bottle shop, CellarMasters, has officially closed. The news marks the end of a five-year run that helped shape the city’s modern natural and low-intervention wine scene.
CellarMasters’ infamous Champagne bathtub.
Owner Ryan Rugg confirmed the closure to the Tampa Bay Times, saying, “the business is done.” The team also shared the update on Instagram, writing:
“Sorry folks, due to less than financially viable pass-thru and patronage… we out. Thanks for the party times, truly. But also think about your commitments to others in the future, because it means the world to them and their employees… 5/20/2020 – 10/15/2025. Really sorry I failed you all… won’t happen again – Ryan.”
Opened in 2020 by Rugg and Kory Lynn, CellarMasters quickly became a gathering place for wine lovers who appreciated its unfiltered energy and approachable style. The concept combined retail and lounge spaces.
The shop was among the first in St. Pete to focus entirely on natural and minimal-intervention wines. Its influence can still be felt across the city’s newer bars and hybrid shops that followed.
CellarMasters was known for their wide selections of wines by the glass.
Rugg told the Times that hurricanes, new competition, and declining sales contributed to the decision to close. Even with those challenges, he reflected on what the team accomplished:
“We captivated a younger clientele at a time that was important, and hopefully that lives on.”
For many in St. Pete’s wine community, it will. CellarMasters was more than a place to drink wine. It helped define how the city approaches wine culture today.
From Beach Drive to Bay Street, Ceviche Tapas Bar & Restaurant is preparing to bring its award-winning Spanish wine program and tapas culture across the bay. The new restaurant, set to open at International Plaza and Bay Street in summer 2026, will blend the lively spirit of its St. Pete location with a refreshed, modern space designed for sharing plates, stories, and sangria.
“Each of our restaurants proudly hold a Wine Spectator Award, and that commitment to excellence remains steadfast,” said Lee Karlins, President of Caledon Concepts. “At our newest, higher-volume location, we continue to elevate the standard of wine service through the integration of technology and thoughtful precision. From meticulously selected stemware to flawlessly accurate digital wine lists, every detail reflects our dedication to providing an unparalleled guest experience.”
The new space will feature a large open bar, modern design, and spacious patio seating meant to encourage connection. “Enjoying wine is, by nature, a social experience,” Karlins said. “Our open design fosters the lively interaction and convivial atmosphere that define the best Spanish tapas traditions.”
While the menu will stay true to Ceviche’s classic approach, Executive Chef Horacio Salgado shared that guests can expect a few fresh additions. “We might offer some larger portion tapas and a small lunch menu with new Spanish-inspired sandwiches, or bocadillos, along with variations of a Spanish taco, empanada, and possibly a pulpo tostada,” he said.
Salgado added that tapas dining itself embodies the restaurant’s spirit: “Traditionally, small plates originated as a practical way to keep flies out of drinks, with bartenders covering glasses with a tapa, or lid. Those who topped their lids with the most enticing bite quickly became the most popular establishments. We strive to capture that same spirit of creativity, warmth, and joy in every guest experience.”
A look inside Ceviche St. Pete, where Spanish wines and tapas meet the energy of Beach Drive.
Ceviche’s Beach Drive location in Downtown St. Pete will continue operations as usual. The Tampa Bay expansion marks a new chapter for the beloved Spanish brand, one rooted in the same commitment to community, cuisine, and wine that earned it Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence.
Stay updated on Ceviche’s opening and more local restaurant news at This Week in Wine.
