One of St. Pete’s newest spots is giving new meaning to Hidden Gem status. Exquisite Bistro, located at 397 5th Street South, is a true gem tucked away in the middle of downtown, just off the beaten Central Avenue path.
The elegant, French-inspired wine bar and restaurant quietly opened in November of last year, and in the months since, it has earned a devoted following and some of the best ratings anywhere in St. Pete. With 4.9 out of 5 stars on Google, our interest was immediately piqued, and we discovered there is much more inside Exquisite Bistro than you might expect at first glance.
No corkage fees at this upscale wine bar
For starters, Exquisite Bistro is one of the most affordable wine bars in the area, and it’s the only one we know of that doesn’t charge a corking fee if you pick out a bottle and open it on the spot. Their range of Old and New World wines has something for everyone, with specialty bottles you won’t find anywhere else. And perhaps just as importantly, there are plenty of great eats to pair with the wine (or with one of their rotating craft beer selections).
In fact, the food menu is what surprised us the most. The square footage may be small, but Exquisite Bistro is packed full of big flavors. The customizable charcuterie boards are fantastic, and truly an elevated option. However, the menu goes far deeper than just the tasty meats and cheeses.
On the lighter side, you can go for a Caprese salad, bruschetta toast, baked brie with honey, or even a delightful smoked salmon plate. If you’re feeling a bit more peckish, you’ll want to check out the jumbo chicken wings, the house-seasoned meatballs, or the magnificent chorizo-stuffed baked tomato – baked tomato with bread crumbs, chorizo, sour cream, and a hint of lemon. Sign us up.
Even the thin, fresh-baked flatbreads go above and beyond what’s expected. Keep it light with the Classic Margherita (fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil with a drizzle of olive oil) or go all out and try the Fiery Buffalo Ranch flatbread – a zesty buffalo base topped with crispy breaded chicken, melted mozzarella and provolone, and a creamy ranch drizzle.
Everyday Happy Hour and weekend brunch
We always love a good deal (especially these days), and Exquisite Bistro’s daily happy hour is the excuse we need to get out of the house after work and treat ourselves to something nice. Weekdays and weekends alike, guests can enjoy $2 off all by-the-glass wines and draft beers from 4-6 pm.
On the weekends, don’t skip brunch. Exquisite Bistro’s brunch menu just launched, and it looks like a stunner. Every Saturday and Sunday from 11 am – 3 pm, the bistro showcases French-inspired eats made to-order. From chicken and waffles, breakfast sandwiches and locally-roasted Kahwa Coffee to breakfast flatbreads, lox bagels and brunch wines, it’s a can’t-miss way to start your day.
Meanwhile, we highly recommend trying out Exquisite Bistro’s wine tastings. The guided experiences take guests on a journey through regions across the globe, with as many as six different hand-selected wines, complete with charcuterie pairings.
These tastings fill up quickly, so make sure you’re following Exquisite Bistro on Instagram to see the latest. Learn more about the hidden gem wine bar and restaurant at exquisitebistro.com.
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