News Summary
St. Petersburg food lovers can look forward to the grand opening of Plate Sushi Grill and Lounge on May 1. Renowned restaurateur Sean Thongsiri is set to unveil an innovative tapas bar experience, with unique dining features such as an 18-seat cooking table and an affordable omakase menu. Located at 1601 Central Ave., this new culinary venture aims to delight diners with high-quality ingredients and a vibrant atmosphere, promising to be a standout addition to the local restaurant scene.
Exciting News for St. Petersburg Foodies!
St. Petersburg, Florida is buzzing with excitement as renowned restaurateur Sean Thongsiri gets ready to open his latest culinary creation, Plate Sushi Grill and Lounge, on May 1. This new hotspot promises to be more than just a dining experience; it’s shaping up to be a culinary adventure!
What’s Cooking at Plate?
Located at 1601 Central Ave., and nestled on the first floor of the stylish Arte apartment building, Plate will boast an impressive 4,000 square feet of deliciousness. A highlight of the restaurant will be its innovative tapas bar concept. Patrons can expect a fusion of flavors, offering a little something for everyone.
Thongsiri isn’t a stranger to success in the restaurant arena. This marks his third restaurant launch in just five months! After the triumphant debut of The Crane back in January and a sister location in Tampa set to unveil on April 15, it’s clear that Thongsiri has the Midas touch when it comes to dining experiences.
A Culinary Affair Like No Other
One standout feature of Plate is bound to turn heads—a lavish 18-seat table equipped with a custom cooking unit that’s worth an eye-popping $70,000. Imagine enjoying fresh sushi and teppanyaki, prepared right at your table! It’s an intimate, interactive dining experience that’s perfect for food lovers looking to indulge in something special.
For those who enjoy sampling multiple dishes, the omakase—a Japanese tasting menu curated by the chef himself—will be offered at less than $20. Talk about an affordable way to take your taste buds on a journey!
Shaping Up with Quality Ingredients
With nearly 30 years of experience and a portfolio showcasing over 40 restaurant openings, including favorites like Mangosteen and Glass Noodle, Thongsiri knows how to craft a menu that resonates. Plate’s menu will feature an array of delectable options including small plates, rice and noodle bowls, dumplings, empanadas, salads, and sushi galore! And it’s all about quality here. Forget your basic teriyaki chicken; we’re talking seriously good ingredients prepared to perfection!
Beverage options won’t disappoint either, with a selection of creative craft cocktails waiting to be mixed at the restaurant’s large bar. Whether you want a refreshing drink to accompany your meal or a nightcap to unwind, there will be plenty to sip on.
Designed for Delight
The interior of Plate will separate it from its Carrollwood sibling, offering a unique and inviting atmosphere while still maintaining the same delicious menu. For those looking to visit the Carrollwood location, it can be found at 13134 North Dale Mabry Highway, the former home of Marlow’s Tavern. Each location is designed to provide a distinct vibe, ensuring that every visit feels fresh and exciting.
From Dishwashing to Dining Mastermind
Thongsiri’s journey in the restaurant business began in the most humble of ways—starting out as a dishwasher and eventually working his way up through various roles. This extensive background has given him the insight and passion needed to whip up menus that bring joy to diners. His commitment to quality and creative dining experiences suggests that he isn’t planning on slowing down anytime soon—he’s constantly on the lookout for new concepts to bring to the table!
Get Ready for the Grand Opening!
With the grand opening of Plate Sushi Grill and Lounge just around the corner, St. Petersburg food enthusiasts can expect a delightful addition to their dining scene. With Thongsiri at the helm, this establishment is destined to be a new favorite spot, combining high-quality ingredients, innovative dining concepts, and an inviting atmosphere. Mark your calendars for May 1—your taste buds will thank you!
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Additional Resources
- St. Pete Rising: Plate Sushi Grill and Lounge
- I Love the Burg: Plate Sushi Grill and Lounge
- Patch: Sunshine City Tavern & Plate Updates
- 987 The Shark: Sean Thongsiri’s New Sushi Spots
- Google Search: St. Petersburg restaurant openings
Author: STAFF HERE TAMPA WRITER
The TAMPA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETampa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tampa, Hillsborough County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Gasparilla Pirate Festival, Florida State Fair, and Tampa Riverfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Tampa Bay Chamber of Commerce and United Way Suncoast, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and technology that power the local economy such as BayCare Health System, Grow Financial Federal Credit Union, and KnowBe4. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HERESTPetersburg.com, and HERETallahassee.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
