Charcuterie, wine by the glass and beer/wine bottles to enjoy at home, the downtown St. Pete and beaches beckon you to share small plates, sip good wine and spring into lighter fare and sensational spirits from California to Italy, Argentina to Australia. Here are some of our faves.
Annata Restaurant & Wine Bar: Something for every palate, amazing happy hour, live early evening jazz and attentive service. Don’t miss the shrimp chorizo, duck prosciutto, roasted herb almonds, smoked house ricotta, truffle ham and charred octopus.
Bella Vino Wine & Cheese Market: The tony Belleair crowd quaffs prosecco, craft brews and boutique wines with artisan meats and cheeses (pick two, add cornichons, date walnut crackers or dozens of other delicacies) or enjoy light fare such as smoked fish, Tuscan bean dip, caviar or artisan grilled cheese sandwiches.
Brooklyn South: Indulge your Zabar-fandom here with gourmet meats, cheese, knishes and succulent sandwiches (rosemary chicken, ham). The Olde Brooklyn Sodas substitute for wine here until you get home with your cheeses and some bottles from nearby Hawthorne Bottle Shop or Winesmith.
Flute & Dram: Elegant décor, sophisticated charcuterie and caviar menu served with mother of pearl spoons. Craft cocktails, sensational Scotch and whiskey menu plus craft brews pair well with duck foie gras, shrimp cocktail or the cheese plate, chef’s choice.
Hawthorne Bottle Shop: Kooky theme nights and events, an alfresco patio and living room that doubles as a wine/craft beer shop, the bar scene is lively and convivial, the salami sensational and ever-changing list challenges you to pick a favorite.
Intermezzo: A pop-up oyster bar at night, a new menu, the Basil Gin Rickey or Aperol Spritz, wine, beer and café with Monday night bocce leagues make this hip coffee/cocktail bar the “it” spot.
Locale Market: Sundial’s two-story market and restaurant is a dining mecca, from the charcuterie and wine by the glass to the homemade pasta dishes, salad bar and ready-to-go entrees.
Lolita’s Wine Market: Scratch kitchen, unique jars filled with burrata and veggies, iconic dried fruit (chorizo dates) and nuts and charcuterie boards fit for Zeus. Buy a bottle of wine to go or drink there, or order craft beers and wines, bubbly by the glass in this nostalgic hideaway, set with rocking chairs out front. Don’t miss the Sunday brunch.
Mazzaro’s Italian Market: Nibble wine, cheese, meats, olives, Italian pastries and more here, or take it home, this legendary market/restaurant bustles both for the Saturday wine tastings and the homemade pasta and Nonna-made entrees.
Sea Salt: Wine by the glass, oysters, truffled devil eggs with pecan dusted goat cheese & grape truffles, baked goat cheese or fried mozzarella, tomato jam, basil at the bar for happy hour is a popular gathering spot for the hoi-polloi…and that’s just the bar menu in this exquisite restaurant and enophile fave!
Sola Bistro & Wine Bar: With Jazz Wednesday, starters such as pate, figs & chorizo or beef carpaccio and delicious wines by the glass, this St. Pete Beach class act is where you’ll find us.
The Vineyard: Gulfport’s newest wine bar and charcuterie spot debuts to wow reviews, a perfect respite on 1st Friday and 3rd Saturday artwalk.
Wine Knot: Redington’s Gypsy Soul has two amazing new neighbors: Il Cibo for street Italian food and Wine Knot, a unique blend of charcuterie, coastal décor boutique, wine store and wine/beer by the glass in a glamorous space with a huge TV screen and a few high tops plus communal table.
Wine Madonna: With 40 wines on tap, tastings, flights served with tapas, fruit and cheese selections, this haven shares a courtyard with The Ale & The Witch, so there’s plenty of live music and cocktails next door. http://www.winemadonna.com/
Article by Nanette Wiser