a rendering of the interior of cafe riviera, opening soon on st. pete beach | cafe riviera

A new restaurant is bringing the feel of a French seaside café to Pass-a-Grille.

Cafe Riviera, a French bistro and bakery, is preparing to open at 116 8th Avenue, just steps from the beach and next to Grace, a popular modern American restaurant.

The concept takes over the former Paradise To Go space, which previously operated as a takeout-only spot.

Owner Veronica Alfonzo is reworking the small footprint into a full-service restaurant with indoor seating and an open kitchen.

“It’s going to be a full-service restaurant with seating and an open kitchen where you can see your meals being prepared,” Alfonzo said in a conversation with St. Pete Rising. “Before, it was just takeout. We want to create more of an experience.”

The café will have approximately 20 seats, with Alfonzo also exploring the possibility of adding outdoor seating in the future, pending city approval.

Alfonzo brings several years of experience in French cuisine, having worked in the restaurant industry for about seven years, including at a well-known French restaurant on Anna Maria Island.

“Now is the time for me to go by myself,” she said. “I have a lot of knowledge about the French style and service, and I think it’s a concept people will really enjoy.”

She will oversee daily operations, while her sister, Rosa, will handle administrative and back-office responsibilities.

Cafe Riviera’s menu leans heavily into French-inspired breakfast and lunch offerings, with a focus on crepes, pastries, and café-style fare.

Crepes are expected to be a star of the menu, with both sweet and savory options and a build-your-own format.

“Our strong point is going to be the crepe preparation,” Alfonzo said. “People will be able to see it being made and choose their own toppings.”

the upcoming cafe will serve traditional french crepes, pastries, sandwiches, and more | cafe riviera

Sweet crepes include options like Nutella with strawberries and banana, Kinder Bueno with dulce de leche, and a Dubai chocolate crepe.

Savory selections range from a Riviera Salmon Crepe with smoked salmon, goat cheese, walnuts, honey, and arugula to a St. Tropez Crepe with vegetables, mozzarella, and pesto.

The menu also features breakfast items such as a smoked salmon bagel with tzatziki and pickled onions, and a croissant breakfast sandwich with eggs, Swiss cheese, and bacon.

Guests can also expect eggs Benedict, French quiches, sandwiches on baguettes and croissants, and a lineup of paninis.

Additional offerings include salads, grain bowls, and flammekueche, a traditional French flatbread similar to a thin-crust pizza, topped with ingredients like sour cream, caramelized onions, bacon, mushrooms, and pesto.

A bakery program will round out the menu, with croissants, pastries, and other baked goods.

“We are going to focus on really good quality ingredients,” Alfonzo said. “That’s very important for us.”

As for drinks, Cafe Riviera will serve espresso-based drinks, alongside organic teas sourced from a Sarasota-based company. Alfonzo is in discussions with a local coffee roaster as well.

The restaurant also plans to pursue a beer and wine license, which would allow for a small selection of French and domestic offerings.

Alfonzo said she may introduce live music and small events depending on licensing.

Hours are expected to run daily from around 7:30 a.m. to late afternoon, with adjustments possible based on demand.

Cafe Riviera is expected to open in early May, pending final approvals.

“We are working fast to open as soon as possible,” Alfonzo said.

Be sure to follow them on Facebook to stay up to date on a grand opening announcement and the latest offerings.