Elliott Aster at The Vinoy in downtown St. Petersburg (501 5th Ave NE) will officially open on May 20, and reservations are available now on OpenTable.
The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club, a beloved icon in downtown St. Petersburg, has announced the grand opening date for its highly anticipated new restaurant, Elliott Aster. In partnership with James Beard Award nominee Chef Lee Wolen and the acclaimed Boka Restaurant Group, Elliott Aster will debut on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, with reservations now available on OpenTable. Chef Wolen—known for his work with Chicago hotspots like Michelin-starred Boka, Alla Vita, GG’s Chicken Shop, and Zarella—brings his celebrated culinary vision to the Sunshine City for the first time.
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Elliott Aster promises to be a standout addition to St. Pete’s flourishing food scene, offering elevated, ingredient-driven dishes in a chic dining room and a lively waterfront patio perfect for sipping cocktails at golden hour. Named after Florida’s native lavender wildflower, the restaurant is rooted in a philosophy of thoughtful hospitality and elegant simplicity. From aperitivos to entrées, Elliott Aster blends chef-driven flair with a relaxed, coastal vibe—an exciting new chapter in The Vinoy’s storied legacy.
“The team and I have been working closely to create a menu we’re really proud of—something beautiful, memorable, and full of dishes we’re excited to cook,” said Chef Lee Wolen. “St. Pete and The Vinoy are such special places, and I’m thrilled to be here and to share Elliott Aster with this community.”
Elliott Aster will be the hottest new restaurant in St. Pete
Chef Lee Wolen’s menu at Elliott Aster is designed to impress with bold flavors and top-quality ingredients, all prepared with precision. The seasonal menu offers something for everyone, from comforting pastas like beef cheek tortelli and ricotta gnocchi to show-stopping entrées such as Mediterranean sea bream, grilled rack of lamb, and a lacquered brick chicken. Steak lovers will find plenty to savor, including options from the wood-burning grill like a 45-day dry-aged prime bone-in ribeye and a massive 48 oz bistecca Fiorentina made for sharing.
Every meal at Elliott Aster begins at the stunning antipasti bar. Guests can watch chefs slice Italian meats to order and prepare beautiful platters featuring spreads like roasted eggplant, red pepper conserva, whipped ricotta, and artichoke dip. Other starters include crispy focaccia topped with Pecorino, Taleggio, and wildflower honey; tender roasted octopus; and fresh, flavorful salads like Italian chopped, baby gem Caesar, and endive and beets.
To end the evening on a sweet note, the dessert menu offers indulgent treats like salted caramel and coffee budino and a classic tiramisu, along with rotating housemade gelatos and sorbettos.
“Elliott Aster will bring an exciting new dining experience to St. Petersburg. Our dining room and menu are elegant yet approachable—sophisticated yet deeply rooted in hospitality,” said Vanessa Williams, general manager of The Vinoy Resort & Golf Club. “We are thrilled to open our doors and invite both locals and our guests to experience it.”
The meaning behind the new culinary hub’s name
Elliott Aster’s drink menu is crafted to match the restaurant’s elevated, ingredient-focused cuisine. The wine list leans heavily into Italian and French bottles, with additional selections from Spain and the U.S. Guests can expect everything from crisp Alpine whites and soulful reds from Burgundy and Piedmont to celebratory Champagnes. The cocktail program is equally impressive, offering creative takes on classics and seasonal signature drinks. Standouts include the “Hotline,” made with Calabrian chili and olive brine for a spicy-savory punch, and the “Seafoam Sparkle,” a refreshing mix of vodka, strawberry, and cucumber soda.
Inside, Elliott Aster’s design is as polished as its menu. Created by the renowned Rockwell Group, the interiors pay homage to The Vinoy’s Mediterranean Revival style while adding a modern touch. Guests are welcomed by a dramatic fluted glass chandelier above the bar, which is surrounded by deep green velvet seating and Pearl Jade quartzite tables. Historic architectural elements like original columns and frescos have been carefully preserved and highlighted, blending old and new in a visually stunning space. A floor-to-ceiling window in the dining room offers sweeping views of the marina, while rich materials—like textured suede walls, patterned wood flooring, and gold marble—create a warm, luxurious atmosphere that feels perfect for both special occasions and relaxed evenings.
Follow the restaurant on Instagram for updates.
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