Parasol, Acropolis, Cala, Mercado, Fabrica: Restaurant News

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — Here's the latest restaurant and bar news in St. Petersburg area:

Parasol Opens at Vinoy Resort

Parasol, a full-service Latin American restaurant overlooking the Vinoy Resort and Golf Club, Autograph Collection pool, opened Wednesday. The outdoor eatery was part of the resort’s comprehensive renovation.

The restaurant “combines an energetic, island-like atmosphere with a menu starring fresh seafood, bright flavors and spices, and tropical craft cocktails,” according to a news release from the Vinoy.

Menu items include dishes infused with Latin American flair, “including lighter dishes ideal for poolside dining, like refreshing salads, bowls and ‘botanas,’ Mexican small plates, such as lobster quesadillas and grouper ceviche with leche de tigre, a citrusy Peruvian marinade,” Vinoy said. “The al fresco restaurant also offers larger plates including creative Latin-inspired burgers, Cubano sandwiches and cochinita pibil tacos, which are made with a traditional Yucatan-style barbecued pork. Side dishes are reminiscent of Mexican street food, from elotes and yucca fries to black beans and rice, while Latin American delicacies like tres leches, coconut flan and abuelita chocolate cake are the focus of the dessert menu.”

Vanessa Williams, the resort’s general manager, said, “Parasol brings The Vinoy’s poolscape to life with its energizing atmosphere along St. Petersburg’s dynamic waterfront. As the resort’s thoughtful renovations continue, Parasol elevates The Vinoy as an inviting and stylish social hub, welcoming both resort guests and the local community.”

Parasol, offering views of Tampa Bay, is open daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Cala Opens at St. Pete Distillery

A new restaurant, Cala Italian Kitchen, has opened at St. Petersburg Distillery at 800 31st Street S., according to I Love the Burg. It’s part of a new shipping container village on the distillery’s property.

The restaurant is open Thursday through Sunday evening and features homemade pasta and a large brick oven to bake pizza, bread and other items.

Red Mesa Group To Open 2nd Mercado Restaurant In Pasadena

Red Mesa Group, a family-owned collection of concepts bringing regional Mexican to St. Petersburg for nearly 30 years, will expand to Pasadena with a second Mercado location in 2024.

Its plans beyond that include continued expansion of the Mercado concept across other neighborhoods in Pinellas County.

The Pasadena restaurant will be located at 6001 Central Ave. and will offer 250 seats and 80 parking spaces along with a 20-person freestanding full liquor bar, an addition driven by the group’s cocktail-forward vision for the Mercado brand.

Tampa Bay Pizzeria Named Among Best in U.S. by Italian Magazine

An Italian magazine named Fabrica wood fired pizzeria, which has locations in St. Pete and Tampa, one of the best pizzerias in the United States, according to I Love the Burg.

“The pizza is thin with a slightly crunchy crust and the consistently fresh ingredients complete it perfectly. A note of merit goes to the swift and professional waitstaff, always very accommodating. The takeaway service is also very efficient. The pizza with chorizo is definitely a must-try,” the listing for Fabrica reads.

Acropolis Greek Taverna Closes on Central, New Location in Works

The Acropolis Greek Taverna at 515 Central Ave. abruptly closed after 12 years in business “due to unforeseen circumstances,” the restaurant wrote in a Facebook post.

Its owners teased a possible new location.

“We don't say goodbye, we say see you later! Hopefully very soon,” they wrote. “We will keep you updated about our new location, remodeling and any news! Thank you for being with us for so many years.”