By Kelly Rouse
The average person has around 10,000 taste buds that are constantly being replaced, with a lifespan of about 10 days. There’s been an explosion of flavor in St. Pete and it seems that every day a new restaurant is announcing an opening. We are fortunate to attract top culinary talent here in the Sunshine City and those seeking a memorable meal will have their taste buds not only tempted, but also delighted, by these new and exciting establishments.
OLIVIA
Olivia’s St. Pete location opened earlier this year and has quickly become a buzzed about dining experience. The trattoria serves modern Italian fare crafted by chef Chris Ponte and is the sequel to the original Olivia on Swann Ave. in Tampa (both are named after Chef Ponte’s youngest daughter). The original has earned a superb reputation since debuting over five years ago and the St. Pete location, which is located in the heart of downtown, is following in its footsteps. Olivia has a sleek and stylish feel, with an open layout that features indoor and outside seating. As you enter, you can view inside the working dough room, where you can glimpse pasta dough and fresh mozzarella being made. Is your mouth watering yet? The cocktails are very creative and the extensive, first-class wine list can be found on your table via tablet (with by-the-glass options on the menu). The service is top-notch, and the food is fabulous. The delectable appetizer meatballs, wagyu beef, and the stacked garlic bread are all must-try. They offer a terrific selection of salads and pizzas (my favorite was the sausage and pesto), as well as an exquisite assortment of pastas (the agnolotti with short rib and bone marrow-truffle sauce was a standout and be sure to ask about the off-menu lasagna that is amazing.) There are many fantastic entrees to choose from as well, including buttery scallops with crispy prosciutto and tender filet mignon with grilled artichoke. Be sure to save room for an in-house made tiramisu, which is divine. Brunch is being offered as of late April as well. Olivia’s is a hot reservation, so grab a table now!
Mon.-Thurs. 5-9pm | Fri. 5-10pm | Sat. 4-10pm
Sun. 4-9pm | Brunch Sat.Sun. 10am-3pm
www.oliviafl.com
PULPO KITCHEN + LOUNGE
Located in the Grand Central District, Pulpo Kitchen + Lounge is a vibrant addition to the St. Pete dining scene. The restaurant’s chic interior features royal blue booths, herringbone wood floors and brass accents, creating an inviting atmosphere. Their menu showcases Latin and Peruvian-inspired dishes, emphasizing tapas (small plates) for sharing. Some of the best include: Pulpo a la Gallega (charred octopus with herbs), the crispy pork belly, ropa vieja (shredded slow baked brisket), addictive papas bravas (crispy potatoes) and some of the best ceviche I’ve ever had! For large plates, the paella of seafood (with scallops, calamari, house smoked mussels and chorizo) is packed with flavor. And don’t forget to try the delicious, sweet plantains. The cocktail menu is innovative and the house sangria is recommended. They offer live music on Friday nights on the patio, which adds nicely to the ambiance. Sharing tapas with friends and family always makes for an entertaining outing. Pulpo’s is open for lunch and dinner.
Mon.-Thurs. and Sun. 11:30am-3pm; 5-10pm
Fri.-Sat. 11:30am-3pm; 5pm-1am
PERRY’S PORCH
Newly perched at the entrance to the St. Pete Pier and adjacent to the St. Pete Museum of History, Perry’s Porch is a coastal themed eatery named after J. Perry Snell, a prominent and visionary developer in the early days of the city. The restaurant pays homage to his architectural influence and style that is woven into the fabric of St. Pete. The lovely wraparound porch patio overlooks the peaceful waters of Tampa Bay, offering stunning views of both the water and the surrounding parks. Perry’s Porch has a refined, yet relaxed, vibe and the service is professional while personable. The menu celebrates fresh, locally sourced ingredients and features many outstanding dishes. Highlights include: the sweet corn and crab arancini, baked oysters, snapper with romesco sauce, and the pork chop with a cauliflower puree and bean succotash and caramelized peach miso butter. Complementing the cuisine is a thoughtfully curated wine list, along with craft cocktails and beer. Perry’s Porch is ideal for any occasion where you want to enjoy exceptional food in a beautiful setting.
Mon.-Sat. 7-11am Coffee
Mon.-Sat. 11am-4pm Lunch
Mon.-Sat. 4-10pm Dinner
Sun. 7-11am Coffee; 11am-4pm Lunch; 4-9pm Dinner
www.perrysporch.com
MALIO’S BEACH HOUSE
Malio’s Beach House in St. Pete Beach is the swanky new offshoot of the iconic Tampa restaurant of the same name, also owned by husband and wife team Derek and Jen Iavarone. The beach location retains the flair and sophistication of the original and features an identical upscale steakhouse menu. Seafood lovers will find plenty to savor here, from the lobster escargot to the jumbo lump crab cakes, as well as the fresh Scottish salmon and Chilean sea bass. But the real star here is, of course, the steak and chops. I opted for an 8oz prime main filet, which was cooked to perfection. Be sure to request the Potatoes Malio, which is smoked gouda and cold water lobster in truffled mashed potatoes – scrumptious! Malio’s is an excellent high-end enrichment to the beachside. Their popularity makes it hard to secure a reservation, but you can walk in and sit at the elegant bar. At this time, they are only open for dinner; however, this summer, they hope to add brunch.
Wed.-Thurs. 4pm-11pm | Fri.-Sat. 4pm-12am | Sun. 4pm-10pm
www.maliosbeachhouse.com