Only 12% of U.S. restaurants close on New Year’s Eve. Sea Salt St Pete was one of them, ending its run at Sundial, 183 2nd Avenue North. It was a quiet end for a place many thought was among the best in St Pete.
The spot was known for its upscale dining and stunning views. It was a favorite for special occasions, just steps from the waterfront.
After the last service, the space was taken over by Forbici Modern Italian. This change brings a new chapter to downtown. Fans of Sea Salt St Pete will remember its glass walls, raw bar, and views.
Now, everyone is waiting for Forbici’s updates on Instagram. They want to see how the new team will transform the space. This change invites St. Pete diners to explore new dining experiences in the city.
What Sea Salt’s Closure Means for Downtown St. Petersburg Dining
Sea Salt St Pete closed its doors at Sundial’s second floor. This spot is at 183 2nd Avenue North, a busy area. The closure changes downtown but keeps dining options alive.
Locals loved Sea Salt for its upscale dining and seafood. Now, they look forward to new experiences.
Context around the Sundial location and its role in St. Pete’s upscale dining experience
The Sundial spot made Sea Salt a must-visit. It combined lively plaza vibes with fine dining. People from all walks came here for a special night out.
Now, the second floor is open for something new. A big, lively spot can keep the area bustling. It will attract people looking for a great dining experience.
Impact on fine dining St. Petersburg and seafood cuisine seekers
Sea Salt fans will explore other seafood spots. They’ll check out Beach Drive and Central Avenue. This change will make them try new things.
Reservations might go to steakhouses or coastal places. Happy hour crowds will look for new places to enjoy raw bars and drinks. The demand for good dining is there, but where to go will change.
How the closure reshapes the best restaurant in St Pete conversation
Sea Salt’s closure opens up the “best restaurant” debate. Chefs and restaurateurs are vying for special occasion bookings. They want to fill the gap left by Sea Salt.
A big restaurant with a social bar could attract groups and late-night diners. As new places open, the top spots will change. They’ll need to offer great scenes, service, and lasting appeal.
Timeline: From Sea Salt’s New Year’s Eve Closure to What’s Coming Next
Downtown diners saw a quick change at Sundial. Fans of Sea Salt St Pete were eager to see what’s next. Curious locals were excited to see the space transform into a new gourmet restaurant in Florida.
Sea Salt’s final day of service on December 31
New Year’s Eve marked the end for Sea Salt St Pete at 183 2nd Avenue North. The last reservations closed the book on the sea salt st. petersburg menu. As midnight struck, dinner service came to an end.
The decision to repurpose the second-floor space at 183 2nd Avenue North
After the holiday, plans changed. The new team decided to take over Sea Salt St Pete’s spot. This move keeps a gourmet restaurant Florida presence visible above the courtyard, maintaining the Sundial view.
Projected opening by year’s end for the replacement concept
Renderings suggest doors opening before the year ends. Updates are shared on Instagram, where fans of st petersburg sea salt follow the transformation. The goal is to keep the excitement alive for a new, standout spot.
Forbici Modern Italian to Replace Sea Salt at Sundial
After Sea Salt St Pete’s last service, Sundial’s second floor welcomes a new chapter. Forbici Modern Italian brings a vibe that fits downtown perfectly. It keeps the search for St Pete’s best restaurant exciting.
Expect a smooth handoff that honors the space while raising the bar.
Overview of the Move into the 12,000-Square-Foot Space
Forbici Modern Italian will occupy about 12,000 square feet on Sundial’s second floor. It will have around 350 seats, perfect for groups, dates, and pre-show diners. The team aims to meet weekend demand without losing that neighborhood charm.
The opening is set for before the year ends, aligning with holiday crowds and downtown events. This timing will help Forbici Modern Italian make its mark in St Pete’s dining scene.
About the Team Behind the Concept
Next Level Brands, founded by Jeff Gigante, Andrew Wright, and Joseph Guggino, runs the restaurant. Their blend of restaurant know-how, real estate savvy, and operational excellence shapes each launch. In St. Petersburg, Next Level Brands expands its presence with a format known from Tampa.
With seasoned leadership, Forbici Modern Italian is ready to scale, maintain quality, and support downtown’s dining evolution.
Mirroring Hyde Park with a Refined Twist
The St. Pete location mirrors the South Tampa flagship in Hyde Park but adds a touch of elegance. Guests will find familiar hospitality in a setting that feels new yet familiar. The goal is to create a welcoming space that honors the brand while catering to local tastes.
This approach ensures the brand’s essence while introducing a fresh option for those seeking the best restaurant in St Pete.
| Aspect | St. Pete at Sundial | Hyde Park Flagship | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Square Footage | Approx. 12,000 sq. ft. | Large, multi-room footprint | Supports high-volume nights and group dining |
| Seating | About 350 seats | Comparable capacity | Reduces wait times during peak hours |
| Design | Refined, upscale twist | Modern Italian comfort | Balances polish with approachability |
| Brand Steward | Next Level Brands | Next Level Brands | Consistency across locations |
| Neighborhood Link | Downtown St. Petersburg | Hyde Park in South Tampa | Proven appeal spanning both sides of the bay |
Follow Forbici on social to catch build-out progress, menu teases, and opening-day updates as the team brings Hyde Park polish across the bay.
Design and Ambiance: From Sea Salt’s Aesthetic to Forbici’s Elevated Look
The old Sea Salt St Pete is now home to Forbici. It offers an upscale dining experience while keeping the spirit of st petersburg sea salt alive. This place is a gem in the gourmet restaurant Florida scene.
Dimly lit color palette of red, green, orange, and gray
The new look features a dimly lit space with red, green, orange, and gray. This warm color scheme makes the room cozy yet lively. It’s perfect for a weekend vibe.
Wine-wrapped lounge, expansive windows, and cozy booth-and-table mix
The lounge is lined with wine bottles, showing off the city’s love for depth. Big windows connect the room to Sundial’s lively atmosphere. The mix of booths and tables offers both comfort and conversation, just like Sea Salt St Pete.
Warm copper centerpiece bar with TVs and patio bar outside
The heart of the place is a copper bar, perfect for negronis and spritzes. TVs are above for game nights. There’s also a patio bar for outdoor fun. It’s an upscale dining experience with a casual touch.
Private dining room and daily live music indoors and outdoors
There’s a private room for special dinners and chef events. Live music plays inside and outside every day. It adds a lively beat to the evening, keeping the spirit of st petersburg sea salt alive.
Menu Preview: What Diners Can Expect at the New Forbici
Forbici offers a menu for every day and special occasions. It’s inspired by South Tampa but also caters to local tastes. Sea Salt St Pete fans will find familiar touches in the menu.
Lunch, brunch, and dinner service modeled after South Tampa
The menu is designed for quick lunches, relaxed brunches, and full dinners. The kitchen focuses on quick prep and precise timing. It’s similar to the Hyde Park flagship. The menu will also reflect local tastes and the beloved Sea Salt St. Petersburg menu.
Roman-style pizza program: 72-hour fermented dough, teglia and tonda options
The pizza program uses modern Roman techniques. The dough ferments for 72 hours, gaining flavor. It’s then baked hot for a light, crisp crust. You can choose between square teglia or round tonda pizzas.
Signature toppings: house-made mozzarella, wild mushrooms, prosciutto, premium pepperoni
The menu features clean and bold toppings. You’ll find house-made mozzarella, wild mushrooms, prosciutto, and premium pepperoni. There are also richer options like buffalo chicken and ricotta. These pair well with wine and match the gourmet sea salt st pete vibe.
Antipasti and mains: calamari, meatballs, mussels, bolognese, rigatoni, tortellini
Antipasti include crispy calamari, beef-and-pork meatballs, and mussels in tomato and white wine. The mains feature slow-cooked bolognese, rigatoni, and tortellini. It’s perfect for a night out after exploring the sea salt st. petersburg menu.
| Course | Standout Item | Key Details | Best Pairing | Why It Works for St. Pete |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brunch | Roman Egg Pie (tonda) | 72-hour crust, soft eggs, pecorino | Prosecco or cold brew | Light, coastal-friendly bite for seafood cuisine fans easing into the day |
| Lunch | Calamari | Lemon, herbs, quick fry | Pinot Grigio | Bright flavors resonate with Sea Salt St Pete regulars |
| Dinner | Teglia Prosciutto | House mozzarella, prosciutto, arugula | Nebbiolo | Balances richness with a crisp crust and market-fresh greens |
| Antipasti | Mussels | Tomato and white wine broth | Vermentino | Sea-forward profile nods to seafood cuisine traditions downtown |
| Pasta | Bolognese | Slow-cooked ragu, al dente rigatoni | Chianti Classico | Comfort classic for diners who followed the sea salt st. petersburg menu |
| Dessert | Lemon Olive Oil Cake | Citrus zest, tender crumb | Espresso | Bright finish that fits the Gulf mood and pairs with gourmet sea salt st pete tastes |
Tip: Follow social updates for previews, from fresh pies to antipasti, and ideas for cooking with sea salt inspired by the kitchen’s pantry style.
Happy Hour, Cocktails, and the Social Scene
Forbici has taken over the old Sea Salt St Pete spot. Now, it’s a lively sports bar with an upscale dining experience. Fans of the old happy hour will find a new vibe and a lively bar scene.
Daily Happy Hour from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. (based on Tampa flagship)
The South Tampa model is followed here. A daily happy hour from 3–6 p.m. is perfect for after-work drinks and dinner prep. The St. Pete team aims to bring the same energy, making it a great spot for socializing.
Signature drinks like the Italian Stallion and The Dark Side
Signature drinks are a must. The Italian Stallion mixes Buffalo Trace Bourbon with limoncello and lemon. The Dark Side is richer, with Diplomatico Reserva Rum and hazelnut.
These drinks keep the St. Pete dining scene exciting. They honor the old happy hour crowd while introducing new flavors.
Sports-friendly bar experience with TVs and a lively patio
A copper bar is the centerpiece, showing Tampa Bay games on TVs. A patio bar adds to the excitement. It’s a place where fun and upscale dining meet.
Inside the Market: Italian Pantry Staples at the Entrance
Guests enter a compact market that sets the tone for the meal. It offers trusted Italian pantry goods and unique finds that celebrate Sea Salt St Pete. This creates a refined atmosphere before anyone sits down.
The market offers a mix of convenience and craftsmanship. It caters to the local love for gourmet dining that extends beyond the table. Guests can quickly pick up a bottle, sauce, and spice to take home.
Specialty wines, Italian seasonings, pasta, sauces, and pantry goods
Look for Barolo and Chianti Classico alongside bronze-cut pasta and San Marzano tomato sauces. Aged balsamic, peperoncino, fennel pollen, and truffle salt are also available. These items are perfect for quick weeknight meals.
The selection is carefully curated and updated seasonally. This keeps the offerings fresh while staying true to Italian classics.
Take-home options for cooking with sea salt and seasonings
Home cooks will find sea salt seasoning that pairs well with citrus, herbs, and roasted garlic. There are also locally sourced sea salt blends and natural products for steaks, seafood, and vegetables.
Sea Salt St Pete fans can recreate restaurant dishes at home. Finishing plates with a bright flake and adding heat or umami from the spice rack is key.
How the market adds a gourmet restaurant Florida touch
This market extends the dining experience beyond the meal. It’s part of a growing trend in Florida that combines dining with shopping. This supports cooking at home.
The market offers a seamless experience. Enjoy a dish, then buy the sauce, pasta, and sea salt seasoning to recreate it. With natural and locally sourced sea salt products, the experience is both practical and luxurious.
Sundial’s Next Chapter: New Tenants and a Revitalized Mix
Sea Salt St Pete closed, but Sundial is now a lively spot all day. Forbici’s big space and live music keep things buzzing. The plaza now offers dining, shopping, and wellness, making it a great place to visit.
This mix is a smart move for downtown St Pete. It keeps the area lively, not just at dinner time. Travelers looking for the best restaurant in St Pete or a gourmet experience will find it here.
Incanto Moda Italiana joins the roster
Incanto Moda Italiana brings a unique boutique vibe. It’s a great place to visit before a show or meal. Its focus on fashion adds to Sundial’s upscale feel, perfect for those who love top sea salt brands.
Prenuvo and Serotonin Centers expand non-restaurant offerings
Prenuvo offers advanced imaging, and Serotonin Centers provides wellness services. These additions make the plaza a hub for more than just dining. They support lunch and early evening crowds, making Sundial a vibrant spot.
Why a diversified tenant mix boosts downtown traffic
A mix of tenants keeps the plaza busy all day. This rhythm keeps patios lively and supports local businesses. It’s a win-win for everyone, from shoppers to diners.
| Tenant | Category | Primary Draw | Peak Times | Downtown Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forbici | Dining | Live music, large seating, Roman-style pizza | Lunch, happy hour, dinner | Activates plaza energy and complements shoppers from Incanto |
| Incanto Moda Italiana | Retail | Italian women’s fashion and accessories | Late morning to early evening | Drives cross-traffic to eateries debated as the best restaurant in St Pete |
| Prenuvo | Wellness | Advanced diagnostic imaging | Morning and afternoon | Extends daytime visits that feed nearby cafes and markets with top sea salt brands |
| Serotonin Centers | Wellness | Anti-aging, recovery, and performance | Afternoon to early evening | Bridges pre-dinner traffic once anchored by Sea Salt St Pete and other gourmet restaurant Florida spots |
What Locals Should Know About Photos, Menus, and Memories
Sea Salt St Pete left a lasting impression with its flavors and images. Many locals want an easy way to relive those moments. This guide shows where to find sea salt st. petersburg photos, menu archives, and updates on Forbici.
Finding Sea Salt St. Petersburg photos and menu archives for nostalgia
Locals can check local news galleries and social media for photos from Sea Salt St. Petersburg. Food columns and neighborhood weeklies often have snapshots and reviews of the menu.
For home cooks, comparing listed salts and raw bar notes with today’s market picks is helpful. Some fans even buy sea salt online to get that briny edge they loved at the bar.
Tracking the new menu replacements via Forbici updates
Forbici brings Roman-style pizza, antipasti, and pastas, a change from Sea Salt St Pete. Diners can look for menu previews and specials that hint at seafood, even as the focus shifts to Italian comfort.
Keep an eye on dough methods, toppings, and antipasti like calamari or mussels. These details suggest how the sea salt st. petersburg menu legacy might be reimagined.
Following Forbici on Facebook and Instagram for opening details
Fans can follow Forbici on Facebook and Instagram for updates. They share construction progress, soft-opening windows, and live music notes, plus Happy Hour times inspired by Tampa.
That feed is also where early photo drops and walk-through videos appear. It’s easy to compare new dishes with favorites from the best sea salt in St Pete experience.
Where happy hour hunters and seafood cuisine fans can pivot next
Happy hour regulars can look for value between 3 and 6 p.m. once doors open. Then, they can explore nearby bars along 2nd Avenue. Seafood seekers can try Forbici’s antipasti for a light fix while exploring coastal spots around Beach Drive.
For pantry upgrades, locals often buy sea salt online to enhance pizza, pasta, and grilled fish at home. A smart sprinkle can revive those flavors tied to Sea Salt St Pete.
| What Locals Want | Where to Look | What to Expect | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nostalgic sea salt st. petersburg photos | Local media archives, social galleries | Event nights, raw bar shots, dining room scenes | Search by year and “Sundial” for deeper results |
| Past sea salt st. petersburg menu details | Old reviews, foodie newsletters | Oysters, crudo, salt flights, wine pairings | Save PDFs to compare with new dishes |
| Forbici launch updates | Official Facebook and Instagram | Opening date, live music schedule, specials | Turn on alerts for real-time posts |
| Happy hour value | Forbici bar and nearby patios | Afternoon deals inspired by the Tampa playbook | Arrive early for bar seating |
| At-home flavor boosts | Reputable shops to buy sea salt online | Finishing flakes for pizza, pasta, and fish | Use sparingly to mimic the best sea salt in St Pete style |
Conclusion
Sea Salt St Pete at Sundial closed its doors on New Year’s Eve. This marked the end of a remarkable chapter for the restaurant. Forbici Modern Italian will now occupy the 12,000-square-foot space at 183 2nd Avenue North.
This change brings modern Italian flair, live music, and a design-forward room to downtown. The room will feature a warm copper bar. This update was reported in this closure update.
Forbici will offer a menu inspired by Hyde Park. They will serve 72-hour Roman-style pizza and crisp antipasti. Comforting pastas and a market at the entrance will also be available.
The opening timeline and menu details will be shared on social media. This will keep diners informed as the second-floor room transforms. The experience will include a patio bar, TVs, and daily music.
The legacy of Sea Salt St Pete will live on. Forbici is ready to start a new chapter for Florida diners. The city’s dining scene will continue to thrive.
Sea Salt St Pete may be gone, but the future looks bright. The new restaurant is set to bring vibrant and social experiences to the city.
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