News Summary
Forbici Modern Italian will open at Sundial by the end of 2024, transforming the space previously occupied by Sea Salt. The new restaurant will feature a market area, a lively bar, and a menu highlighting Italian cuisine, including Roman-style pizzas and traditional desserts. With an investment of $5 million, it aims to enhance downtown St. Petersburg’s culinary scene, fostering a vibrant atmosphere with live music and a diverse dining experience for locals and visitors alike.
St. Petersburg, FL – Forbici Modern Italian, a new dining experience, is set to open by the end of 2024 in downtown St. Petersburg, taking over the 12,000-square-foot space previously occupied by Sea Salt at Sundial. The famed Tampa Bay restaurateur Jeff Gigante announced the transformation of the second-floor location at 183 2nd Avenue North following the closure of Sea Salt on December 31.
The new restaurant, which will accommodate 350 guests, is part of Next Level Brands, a restaurant group co-founded by Gigante alongside Andrew Wright and Joseph Guggino. Its design is inspired by the original Forbici location in Hyde Park, South Tampa, but will incorporate a more upscale ambiance tailored for the diverse downtown clientele.
A Unique Dining and Market Concept
One of the standout features will be a market situated at the entrance, offering an array of specialty wines, Italian seasonings, pasta, sauces, and other pantry essentials for Italian cuisine lovers. The restaurant aims to create a vibrant atmosphere, with interiors highlighted by a dimly lit setting featuring a palette of red, green, orange, and gray colors. Seating options will include a mix of tables and booths for a comfortable dining experience.
Bar and Entertainment Offerings
Forbici will boast a centerpiece bar designed with warm copper tones, serving both classic and inventive specialty cocktails. There will also be TV screens available for patrons to catch sporting events. An outdoor patio will provide an additional area for dining and will feature a separate bar. The venue is planned to host daily live music performances on both indoor and outdoor stages, adding to the lively atmosphere.
Diverse Menu Features
The menu will cater to a variety of dining preferences, emphasizing lunch, brunch, and dinner offerings. Guests can expect Roman-style pizzas, appetizers like calamari and meatballs, and a selection of pasta dishes such as bolognese and tortellini. Dessert selections will highlight traditional Italian treats like tiramisu, lemon olive oil cake, and gelato, promising a culinary journey through Italy.
Operational Details
The original Forbici location operates with varying hours from 11 a.m. to midnight throughout the week, offering a Happy Hour from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Specialty cocktails to look forward to include creative mixes such as the Italian Stallion and The Dark Side.
Renovation and Investment Plans
Renovations for the new Forbici location are projected to cost around $5 million, with a focus on enhancing the existing decor while preserving the notable 20-foot wine tower that previously occupied the space. Initial plans had indicated a move to a smaller ground-floor location, but those were changed following a legal dispute regarding that site.
Impact on Downtown St. Petersburg
Gigante is committed to revitalizing the culinary landscape of downtown St. Petersburg through Forbici, creating a bustling venue where locals and visitors can enjoy not only gourmet Italian dishes but also a lively social atmosphere. Other new tenants joining Sundial alongside Forbici include Incanto Moda Italiana and Serotonin Centers, signaling a broader positive shift in the area.
Next Level Brands is known for its innovative restaurant concepts, which also include Boulon Brasserie and Union New American, further emphasizing its role in shaping the dining options within the Tampa Bay area.
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HERE Resources
Forbici Modern Italian Set to Open in St. Petersburg
Additional Resources
- St. Pete Rising: Forbici Modern Italian Coming to Sundial
- Wikipedia: Downtown St. Petersburg, Florida
- St. Pete Catalyst: Forbici’s St. Pete Expansion
- Google Search: Forbici Modern Italian
- I Love the Burg: Forbici Italian at Sundial St. Pete
- Google News: Forbici Modern Italian
- ABC Action News: Forbici Modern Italian
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Italian Cuisine
- Patch: Forbici Opening Second Location at Sundial
- Google Scholar: Forbici Modern Italian
