A new open-air poolside restaurant, with unrivaled views, Parasol is coming to The Vinoy Resort and Golf Club, Autograph Collection. Featuring a menu packed with Latin cuisine favorites, it’s expected to debut this summer at 501 5th Avenue Northeast in downtown St. Pete, according to Vanessa Williams, general manager of the iconic downtown St. Pete property.

“We should have it wrapped up and ready to go by the end of May,” Williams told St. Pete Rising. “The focus, as well, will be on the curated beverage program that we have there. I think that’s going to be a big piece of it.”

Parasol will be open to the public, she adds, like Paul’s Landing, another restaurant and bar located near the resort’s pool deck, between the two hotel towers.

“With Parasol,” Williams said, “we're wanting to have somewhat of a different dining experience. Paul’s is our anchor in the building. We serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner there. It's fantastic — St. Pete comfort food in a great environment. But I think the twist of having Latin-inspired cuisine gives us a different edge. We want guests and the community to be able to enjoy two different dining experiences.”

Williams describes the Parasol dining experience as “casual” — guests who’d rather lounge by the pool instead of going into the restaurant will be able to order food directly from servers and have it brought to them. “It will be an all-encompassing experience,” she said.

Parasol’s menu will include sandwiches such as Cubano Ybor Style, Queso Blanco Bacon Burger, and Impossible Chimichurri Burger. One side dish is included — diners can choose from Mexican Street Corn, Black Beans and Rice, Yucca Fries, and more.

Shareable plates and appetizers include Grouper Ceviche, Tuna Tostada, and Lobster Quesadilla. A variety of bowls are also available. 

The dessert menu features Coconut Flan, Abuelita Chocolate Cake, Tres Leches, and three varieties of sorbet.

Entrée prices range from $22 to $28.

In addition to Parasol, The Vinoy recently opened Lottie, an elegant French patisserie, that invites guests to indulge in scrumptious sweet treats, house-made pastries, and expertly crafted coffee drinks and beverages.

More changes are on the way. Another one of the Vinoy’s existing eateries, Marchand’s Bar & Grill, will be renovated and expanded. No completion date has been given but Williams said work should be finished in early next year.

“Giving Marchand’s its time in the sun is relevant and appropriate. That really will be the final piece,” she said, referring to the extensive renovations that have been going on throughout the Vinoy over the past few years.

New and renovated restaurants aren’t the only highlights of the Vinoy’s efforts to innovate.

Williams said the resort will expand its offering of guided history tours and have them culminate with a high-tea service on the property’s Mezzanine that overlooks St. Pete’s North Yacht Basin.

“The original historian is going to be working with five docents who are going to be doing the tours,” William said, “but the tours are going to be a lot smaller and they’re going to be expertly curated. The high tea will be served on the resort’s original china and silverware, from the very beginning 100 years ago.”

Tours will be offered Thursday through Sunday beginning in mid-May, Williams added.

For more information and updates, follow the Vinoy on Instagram at @vinoyresort.