Here’s every concept coming to the new five-story Central Park Food Hall in downtown St. Pete

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Central Park, a new five-story food hall, will debut at 551 Central Avenue later this year | St Pete Rising

Whether you're craving a Wagyu steak, lobster pasta, or a refreshing cocktail, you’ll find it all at the upcoming five-story Central Park Food Hall in downtown St. Pete.

Hi Hospitality Group recently unveiled all 13 concepts coming to the expansive food hall, which broke ground in November 2021 at 551 Central Avenue—the former site of the longtime downtown breakfast staple, Dome Grill.

Hi Hospitality Group operates a collection of restaurants along Florida’s Gulf Coast, including Speaks Clam Bar, an American-Italian, speakeasy-inspired restaurant with locations in Lakewood Ranch and Sarasota; Kojo, a pan-Asian restaurant and bar in Sarasota; and Palm Avenue Deli, a New York-style delicatessen in Sarasota.

All three concepts will have a presence inside the new St. Pete food hall, which is expected to open later this year.

“People have high expectations for Central Park St. Pete,” said Natalia Levey, founder of Hi Hospitality Group, in a conversation with St. Pete Rising. “We are committed to bringing the same level of quality to Central Park as we have to our other restaurants.”

Hi Hospitality Group is collaborating with St. Pete-based architecture firm Behar + Peteranecz Architecture, general contractor Barr & Barr, and Pennsylvania-based BLOK Design Group on the project. SSA has also been retained as a consultant.

Additionally, prolific St. Pete artist Ales “BASK” Hostomsky has been commissioned to paint murals inside the expansive food hall.

The new five-story, 27,700-square-foot building has a lot to offer, so let’s explore it one floor at a time.

The Basement

Hidden in the basement, The Winfield will be an intimate, high-end cocktail bar offering upscale spirits from around the world. Beverage Director Silvia Fridegotto promises an extraordinary cocktail experience by blending mixology artistry with cutting-edge molecular techniques.

The Ground Floor

The ground floor will feature seven fast-casual food concepts and a full-service bar.

Instead of a traditional food hall where each market stall has its own ordering line, the venue will feature technology allowing guests to order from any restaurant at their table.

“Instead of long lines, people can come together, eat together, and stay together,” Levey said.

Also on the ground floor will be a freestanding self-serve beer wall.

Kojo Wok will provide fast-casual versions of Kojo’s most popular dishes. Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese fried rice and noodle dishes will be wok-cooked with a mix of sauces and served in portable bowls.

Palm Avenue Deli, a New York-style delicatessen, will put a twist on nostalgic deli classics and family recipes. A fast-casual extension of its Sarasota location, the deli will serve bagel sandwiches, salads, matzo ball soup, and hearty dishes like corned beef hash and eggs.

Speaks Pasta, an offshoot of Speaks Clam Bar in Sarasota, will specialize in fresh, made-to-order pasta such as ravioli, tortellini, and house-made spaghetti with meatballs. A window into the pasta room will allow guests to watch the pasta-making process.

Inspired by both the classic flavors and techniques of Rome and New York City’s pizzerias, Park Pie Pizza will serve thin-crust, 10-inch personal pizzas made from high-quality, artisanal ingredients, including imported Italian cheeses. The menu will also feature classic pasta dishes and Caesar salad.

Strawberry Fields will cater to health-conscious diners with a menu featuring açaí bowls, smoothies, wraps, and low-sugar baked goods. It will also double as a coffee shop, open all day on the food hall level.

Constellation Burger will combine elements of fire (classic burger), air (chicken sandwich), water (seafood sandwich), and earth (falafel burger) to create sandwiches and burgers “that taste like the stars are aligned.” The patties will be a blend of brisket, chuck, and short rib, while the menu will also include crispy fried chicken and an exceptional vegetarian burger, all served on homemade buns.

Inspired by Mexican, Tex-Mex, and California cuisines, Don Ricardo’s Taqueria will feature tacos and other authentic classic dishes.

The Mezzanine

The mezzanine level will feature additional seating and the option to reserve a table with waitstaff service.

Also on the mezzanine will be The Meadows, specializing in sweet treats, high-quality gelato, and espresso drinks; and Worth, a whimsical lifestyle boutique curated by Levey’s daughter that will explore themes of personal values and named in tribute to the Woolworth’s five-and-dime store that once thrived in the building.

The Fourth Floor

The Asian-inspired Kojo will occupy the fourth floor of Central Park's rooftop. Its Sarasota location has gained popularity for flavors from China, Japan, Taiwan, and Korea. The menu will include familiar favorites such as gyoza and sushi, along with chef-driven dishes and a carefully curated steak program featuring both local and international cuts. A sushi bar will also be available.

Bar Hana, a tiki-style rooftop bar connected to Kojo, will offer tropical cocktails such as a mai tai, piña colada, and strawberry daiquiri, along with beer, wine, and select dishes from Kojo's menu, plus exclusive bar-only items.

The Fifth Floor

Night Owl will be an exclusive, members-only rooftop venue featuring an intimate dining room and rooftop terrace, described as “a place to relax, entertain, or close deals.”