By Kelly Rouse
Happy New Year! Last month I said I wouldn’t hold you to your resolutions, but it’s a new year and it’s always a good time to try new things – and that includes visiting one or more of these fabulous new restaurants here in St. Pete!
JUNO & THE PEACOCK
Juno & The Peacock inhabits the former 400 Beach space and is the latest venture from the creators of Allelo. This New American Coastal Cuisine style eatery is inspired by Aesop’s Fable and reflects the vibrant spirit of the Sunshine City. Under the gifted guidance of Chef Drew Dimitrovski, Juno & The Peacock offers a unique and special dining occasion. The ambiance is warm and welcoming, and the atmosphere is quite sophisticated. The service is also exceptional. Menu highlights: seared scallops with polenta cake, the creole Caesar salad with bavette steak, the all-crab Maryland crab cake, the crispy brussel sprouts, and the shellfish bucatini with a lobster bisque sauce. Save room for dessert because the key lime tart is divine!
Make sure to also pay a visit to the gorgeous Pluma Lounge, their stylish and exotic Latin themed bar where their expert mixologists craft exquisite drinks that will tantalize your taste buds. Pluma also has an appetizer menu featuring bites such as short rib mole tacos and dulce (desserts) like café con tres leches- Ecuadorian chocolate ganache with coffee gelato. Juno & The Peacock’s outdoor seating with patio heaters is delightful this time of year. So, start the year off with an exciting and delicious experience!
Mon.-Fri. lunch 11am-3:30pm, Mon-Fri. dinner 3:30pm-10pm
Sat.-Sun. brunch 11am-3:30pm, Sat.-Sun. dinner 3:30pm-10pm
junoandthepeacock.com
CYBEL
Cybel is a new French Moroccan Fusion restaurant located in the Kenwood neighborhood and the culinary creation of Chef Touf and his family, born from a childhood spent in Morocco and years of experience in the restaurant and catering industry. Chef Touf decided to share his passion for unique flavors with the world, blending the rich culinary traditions of France and Morocco to create an unforgettable dining experience. He describes their cuisine as “an artistry of flavors meets the simplicity of comfort food.” On the dinner menu is a variety of sharable items, tasty salads, and tempting entrees like kabobs, tagines, shawarma and the very popular French taco, as well as an enticing selection of pitas and sides. Cybel does not serve alcohol, but encourages guests to bring their own. Their desserts are made in house and the selection varies. Cybel is also featuring brunch on weekends in collaboration with Brewed Awakenings. Additionally, they offer catering services for your next dinner party. This neighborhood eatery already has a regular crowd, so be sure to make reservations and enjoy your culinary adventure!
Mon.-Sat. 11am-11pm, Closed Sun.
cybelfusion.com
LAJAWAB INDIAN
“Lajawab” means “unmatched” or “incomparable” and it’s an apt name for this fantastic new Indian restaurant in St. Pete. The chef-owned establishment, helmed by brothers Somi and Abhi, is dedicated to preserving traditional cooking methods. “We adhere to traditional cooking methods and recipes passed down through generations, ensuring that each bite is a true representation of Indian cuisine,” the chefs emphasize. Chef Somi brings his extensive skill in creating exquisite dishes that celebrate the rich flavors and diverse traditions of Indian cuisine. Chef Abhi, who has gained his excellence by working with renowned chefs and founding his catering line, Carter4U, for more than a decade, complements the team with his culinary expertise. Since opening in June 2024, Lajawab Indian Cuisine has garnered excellent reviews. The menu features both meat and vegetarian options. Patrons rave about the vegetarian Daal, coconut mushroom curry, tandoori wings, and mango whip dessert as must-try dishes. The Chicken Karahi and Eggplant Curry (Bharwa Baingan) have also received high praise from diners. Some dishes are rather spicy, but your helpful server can guide you through the menu. For an authentic Indian dining experience with warm hospitality, check out Lajawab – it won’t disappoint!
Mon.-Sun. 11:30am-2:30pm and 4:30pm-10pm
lajawabcuisine.com
THE NEON LUNCHBOX
For something fun and definitely different, grab some friends and ride a wave of nostalgia at The Neon Lunchbox. The ’80s and ’90s-inspired restaurant, cocktail bar and music venue, opened in the former Hideaway Cafe space on Central. The retro-themed establishment is the brainchild of James “Ozzy” Castetter and Chelsey Andrews, the same owners and operators of the recently shuttered Half Baked Potato. Andrews describes the decor is a mashup of her, and Castetter’s, childhood movies, TV shows and cultural icons. The indoor murals were painted by local artist Ben Milman (and yes, “The Lost Boys” are prominently featured), and many of the nostalgic items on the walls were used by the owners, employees, friends or regular customers as kids. The menu is New Orleans inspired, including a must-have muffaletta and, of course, a “Karate Kid” sandwich of chopped Italian cold cuts. “The Fat Bastard,” a pulled BBQ brisket, is highly recommended. They have plenty of plant-based options as well. The cocktail menu is full of amusing flashbacks, such as “The Carrie Bradshaw,” “The Yoda,” “The Godfather,” and “The Titanic” (and they have several mocktails, too). The Neon Lunchbox has a full calendar of events weekly: themed trivia Bingo on Wednesday nights, Open Mic on Thursdays, Ladies Night on Fridays, and live music on Saturday nights, in addition to NFL game specials. And rumor has it, if you come dressed as a menu item, you get that item for free – now that’s a New Year’s challenge!
Tues.-Thurs. 11am-10pm, Fri.-Sat. 11am-12am, Sun. 11am-8pm,
Closed Mondays
theneonlunchboxstpete.com