Must Wine Loft is one of the best new restaurants in St. Petersburg. The hub for artisanal cheese and meticulously selected bottles of wine made its debut with takeout only during this pandemic. The owners successfully converted a former laundromat into the exquisite wine loft just outside the Historic Old Northeast neighborhood.

Now, Must Wine Loft is opening to customers in totally romantic fashion. The restaurant is now open for dine-in with one table for two available. There’s a max stay of 60 minutes per reservation. Two tables spaced 6 feet apart are available on the sidewalk outside the restaurant.

READ: New speakeasy adds mural from Chad Mize in the Grand Central District

A passion project from a group of locals 

It’s a passion project from sommelier Jessica Arkwirght, and chef Raymond Cotteret. They’re joined by co-founder Alex Paunic, who shares their love of wine, cheese, and the conversations the two spark.

The pair met while working at Locale back in 2014. Arkwright was the Beverage Director at the time and Cotteret was the Cheesemonger. Over the years Arkwright and Cotteret have hosted wine and cheese classes. They take away the stress of shopping for the right bottle and the proper cheese to enjoy it with.

Must Wine Loft will continue its safe curbside pick-ups and offer free Delivery (min $30 purchase) to 33701 & 33704 residents on the weekends.

READ: Restaurants now open for dine-in, takeout, and delivery in St. Petersburg

Chef prepared meals to-go

The owners have teamed up with Foodie Labs to bring chef-prepared fresh meals that are ready to Heat and Serve at home safely. Must Wine already offers un-packable cheese boards, and picnic baskets with wine bottles to-go.

Menu items include the OK Computer panini, made with tuscan ham, comte cheese and dijon mustard, pressed warm on sourdough, and the How to Disappear Completely panini, made with smoked Duck breast, truffle mousse, the Blue Jay cheese, fig spread, pressed on baguette & then stuffed w/ fresh cilantro, jalapeno and basil.

NOTE: All paninis can be made on gluten-free bread.

READ: Doc Ford’s prepares for summer opening at St. Pete Pier

Exquisite salads and picnic baskets